Manager of AI Policy and Governance - NAIO

MyDIGITAL Corporation, incorporated in September 2021, operates under the Ministry of Digital, leading national-level change management and driving the implementation of initiatives outlined in the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint and the National 4IR Policy.
For more information, visit MyDIGITAL Corporation: mydigital.gov.my

To leverage the transformative potential of AI, the National AI Office (NAIO) will be established by the Ministry of Digital as the central authority to advance Malaysia’s artificial intelligence (AI) agenda, positioning the country as a key influencer in ASEAN’s digital landscape. During its developmental stage, the NAIO will be incubated within MyDIGITAL Corporation.

The National AI Office will play a pivotal role in shaping AI-related policies, promoting cutting-edge research, and ensuring the ethical development and deployment of AI technologies. With a strong emphasis on fostering cross-sector collaboration, the office will drive AI innovation for the benefit of the rakyat, government, and industries.

By spearheading innovative initiatives, the NAIO aims to place Malaysia at the forefront of AI adoption in Southeast Asia, reinforcing its leadership in advancing AI for national and regional progress.

As we embark on this transformative journey, the National AI Office is seeking talented individuals passionate about AI and digital innovation. We welcome experts, researchers, and visionaries who are ready to shape the future of AI in Malaysia.

Position Overview

The Manager of AI Policy and Governance is responsible for driving the development and implementation of AI policy and ethical governance frameworks, in alignment with Malaysia’s national AI strategy under the AI Policy Lab Division. The Manager will work closely with the Director of AI Policy Lab and cross-functional teams in shaping policy initiatives, leading AI advocacy efforts, facilitating legal expertise, and ensuring that AI research, development, and deployment are conducted within established governance standards.

Key Accountabilities

Strategic Leadership & Policy Development

Collaborate with the Director of the AI Policy Lab to:

Ideate, develop, and refine AI policy and ethical governance frameworks, ensuring that they meet the Ministry of Digital and national objectives as well as international standards.

Lead the development and implementation of governance approaches, policies, procedures, and guidelines related to AI research, standards, and deployment.

Provide strategic guidance on AI policy issues in alignment with Malaysia's national AI agenda, promoting ethical AI use across sectors.

Stakeholder Engagement

Collaborate with the Director of the AI Policy Lab to:

Build and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, businesses, academic institutions, industries, and civil society organizations.

Facilitate dialogue and collaboration with stakeholders to ensure alignment between AI initiatives and their strategic objectives.

Act on behalf of NAIO and the Ministry of Digital as the primary point of contact for stakeholders, ensuring that their needs are reflected in projects and policy initiatives.

Policy and Compliance

Collaborate with the Director of the AI Policy Lab to:

Oversee the development and enforcement of governance policies related to AI, including regulatory compliance, data protection, intellectual property rights, and privacy laws.

Facilitate legal advice and expertise on regulatory compliance, intellectual property, data protection, and privacy concerns related to AI technologies.

Ensure that AI research and deployment activities comply with legal and ethical standards, including the preparation of position papers on AI-related legal and regulatory matters.

Project & Program Management

Collaborate with the Director of the AI Policy Lab to:

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to assess emerging AI technologies, ensuring their viability and compliance with national policy.

Thought Leadership & Advocacy

Collaborate with the Director of the AI Policy Lab to:

Promote thought leadership by conducting research, producing reports, and organizing events, discussions, and forums on AI.

Advocate for the adoption of key AI areas by preparing strategic position papers and offering recommendations to the Executive Committee (EXCO) and other stakeholders.

Guide AI advocacy efforts to ensure that Malaysia remains at the forefront of AI development globally.

Global Collaboration

Collaborate with the Director of the AI Policy Lab to:

Establish and maintain partnerships with international AI offices and organizations to share best practices and contribute to global AI governance initiatives.

Represent Malaysia in global AI forums and contribute to international discussions on AI policy and regulation.

Resource Management

Collaborate with the Director of the AI Policy Lab to:

Manage the AI Policy Lab’s budget, human resources, and operational resources effectively, ensuring sustainability and growth.

Recruit, develop, and lead a high-performing team to support the strategic objectives of the National AI Office.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field; a Master's degree is preferred.
• Have work experience across multiple fields including Consulting, Law, Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a related field
• Possess advanced knowledge of AI landscape, including legal and ethical considerations.
• Extensive experience in senior-level roles in change management, transformation, or strategic leadership, ideally in a large organization.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking abilities.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Certification in change management is a significant advantage.