UPDATE: In a groundbreaking move, the Government of Malaysia has just announced a partnership with Zetrix AI Berhad to establish global standards for Shariah-compliant artificial intelligence. The agreement was signed on September 13, 2025, in Johor Bahru, and witnessed by Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
This collaboration aims to create a robust framework for Shariah compliance, certification, and governance in AI, marking a significant step in integrating Islamic values into emerging technologies. This initiative responds to an urgent demand for AI systems that reflect Islamic ethics, positioning Malaysia as a leader in this vital sector.
The Malaysian government, through its Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), recognizes the integral role of technology in enhancing compliance and monitoring, especially in the context of the rapidly evolving Islamic economy. Malaysia has consistently ranked first in the Global Islamic Economy Indicator, reflecting its authority in halal certification and Islamic finance.
With the launch of NurAi, the world’s first Shariah-aligned Large Language Model, Malaysia is poised to set international benchmarks for ethical AI. The collaboration with JAKIM, Malaysia’s Department of Islamic Development, will ensure that NurAi adheres to Islamic principles, thus reinforcing its credibility and trustworthiness.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasized the importance of incorporating digitalization and AI into national policies grounded in Islamic values. “We must ensure that our technological advancements align with our ethical and religious principles,” he stated.
Through the Letter of Intent (LOI), Zetrix AI and JAKIM propose to focus on three critical areas:
1. **Shariah Certification and Governance:** Developing ethical guidelines and certification standards for AI systems.
2. **Global Advocacy and Promotion:** Positioning Malaysia as a global center of excellence for Islamic AI, with the Islamic digital economy projected to reach USD 5.74 trillion by 2030.
3. **JAKIM’s Official Channel on NurAi:** Creating a reliable platform for Islamic legal rulings and halal certification, leveraging AI to combat misinformation.
This partnership not only enhances Malaysia’s leadership in halal technology but also emphasizes the need for inclusive, secure, and cost-effective AI solutions. NurAi will support multiple languages, including Bahasa Melayu, English, Indonesian, and Arabic, ensuring accessibility for a diverse user base while maintaining compliance with national data sovereignty and cybersecurity policies.
As this collaboration unfolds, it is expected to have a profound impact on how AI technologies are developed and governed, particularly in Muslim-majority countries. The initiative seeks to bring together over 2 billion Muslims worldwide, ensuring that AI remains a trusted tool that reflects their values and needs.
Zetrix AI Berhad, which has been at the forefront of technological transformation in Malaysia since 2000, is committed to leveraging blockchain and AI to drive public and private sector efficiency. The company’s innovative approach is set to reshape the landscape of digital identity, secure transactions, and automation solutions across ASEAN.
As the world watches this pivotal moment in the intersection of technology and Islamic principles, Malaysia is set to lead the way in defining Shariah-compliant AI standards, ensuring that future advancements resonate with ethical and faith-based foundations.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, and understand the implications of these changes for the global tech landscape.
