IRM, Penang leaders discuss AI governance and risk skills in Malaysia

The Institute of Risk Management met Penang Deputy Chief Minister II YB Jagdeep Singh Deo in London on July 24 to discuss AI governance, resilience and skills development tied to Malaysia’s technology ambitions. IRM also agreed to visit Penang for the AI Horizon event in October as it expands its regional presence in Kuala Lumpur.

Why it matters: - Malaysia is pushing to expand its role in AI, advanced manufacturing and semiconductor innovation. - The meeting focused on the governance and risk skills needed to make that growth more responsible and resilient. - Penang’s technology ecosystem stands to benefit from stronger professional capability in AI risk management and enterprise risk management.

What happened: - The Institute of Risk Management met YB Jagdeep Singh Deo, Penang Deputy Chief Minister II, in London on July 24, 2026. - The meeting brought together IRM Chair Stephen Sidebottom, Chief Executive Dr Ian Livsey and Commercial Director Sarah Atkins. - Discussions centered on how professional risk management can support Malaysia’s innovation agenda. - IRM agreed to visit Penang and take part in the AI Horizon event in October.

The details: - Jagdeep Singh Deo’s portfolio includes Human Capital, Science, Technology and Innovation. - The conversation covered AI governance, operational resilience and trusted governance as AI becomes more embedded across business and industry. - IRM and Penang leaders explored collaboration between government, academia and industry. - The goal is to develop future-ready capability through internationally recognised education and professional certification in AI Risk Management, Operational Risk and Enterprise Risk Management. - IRM said its visit to Penang will support discussions on responsible AI adoption, governance and professional capability. - The Institute recently established IRM Asia Sdn Bhd in Kuala Lumpur as its regional hub for ASEAN. - The Kuala Lumpur hub supports partnerships, professional education and HRD Corp-funded training across Malaysia. - IRM said its wider work across Asia reflects a long-term commitment to governments, industry and academia through education, professional standards and thought leadership. - The Institute said that work is intended to help build the skills, governance and risk capability needed for responsible AI adoption and sustainable economic growth. - IRM said Malaysia’s investment in technology, digital infrastructure and skills development is creating opportunities across the region. - IRM said effective governance and risk management will be essential as organisations adopt AI and other emerging technologies. - The Institute’s LinkedIn page was listed in the release.

Between the lines: - The meeting shows how AI policy discussions are increasingly tied to workforce training and formal risk frameworks. - Penang’s semiconductor profile makes it a natural place for conversations about operational resilience and AI governance. - IRM is positioning itself as a regional partner for capability-building, not just a training provider.

What's next: - IRM will travel to Penang for the AI Horizon event in October. - The visit is expected to advance talks on responsible AI adoption, governance and professional certification. - IRM’s Kuala Lumpur hub will continue supporting ASEAN partnerships and training in Malaysia.

The bottom line: - The London meeting linked Malaysia’s AI ambitions with the practical need for risk governance, professional standards and talent development.