Malaysia is stepping up efforts to become a regional AI hub by creating fresh opportunities for collaboration with global technology companies as governments and businesses increase investments in advanced digital technologies. The country's AI strategy, backed by national initiatives and continued investment in digital infrastructure.
Malaysia is positioning itself as a key destination for AI development in Southeast Asia. The push also comes as Gulf nations expand investments in sovereign AI, intelligent manufacturing and industrial technologies. It opens the door for partnerships across research, automation and critical infrastructure.
Against this backdrop, Robo.ai Inc. has appointed Jasem Ibrahim Mansour Al-Mansory as the chief executive officer of its proposed subsidiary, Alif Holding, and the headquarters will be in Abu Dhabi. The appointment follows the earlier selection of the group's chairman and completes the leadership team that will guide the company's expansion in AI and industrial technology. Alif Holding plans to concentrate on sectors that rely heavily on advanced technology.
These include energy, oil and gas, ports, public safety, utilities, mining, transportation, smart cities and critical infrastructure. The company's sectoral focus closely matches Malaysia's AI adoption plans. The government is encouraging wider use of AI across manufacturing in many sectors while attracting high-value technology investment.
As chief executive officer, Al-Mansory will oversee the group's daily operations and execution strategy. "My immediate priorities are to build a management team rooted in the UAE, establish sound operating and governance systems, and translate the group's technology and manufacturing capabilities into deliverable outcomes, based in the UAE, serving the GCC and reaching global markets," said Al-Mansory. He added that building the group requires leadership with strong governance and the ability to execute its plans effectively.
The company said both its chairman and chief executive officer are senior UAE nationals. The leadership structure is intended to anchor decision-making and operations in the UAE while supporting national talent development and strengthening the country's industrial capabilities. The expansion also shows growing cooperation between Southeast Asia and the Gulf as both regions increase investments in AI-driven industries and digital transformation.
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