Global Success Review Magazine | July 31, 2025
In a significant step toward global digital inclusion, the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, and Rwanda have joined forces to bolster artificial intelligence (AI) adoption across the Global South. The tripartite partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marks a strategic expansion of the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) AI Fellowship Program.
This initiative, initially launched by the UAE and Rwanda at the 2024 World Economic Forum in Davos, will now include Malaysia, bringing a new dimension to international AI collaboration. The Fellowship aims to bridge the gap between AI thought leaders, policymakers, and innovators, with a focus on ethical governance, talent exchange, and scalable frameworks for responsible AI development.
The MoU signing ceremony was witnessed by His Excellency Omar Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, and His Excellency Gobind Singh Deo, Malaysia’s Minister of Digital.
“Malaysia is proud to join this visionary collaboration to accelerate digital transformation with AI at its core. By sharing talent and expertise, we aim to foster inclusive and sustainable innovation,” said Minister Gobind Singh Deo.
The expanded alliance between C4IR UAE, C4IR Rwanda, and Malaysia Centre4IR is designed to build regional AI ecosystems that are both inclusive and forward-looking. The program will support joint research, cross-border training, and capacity-building initiatives tailored to the needs of emerging economies.
Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), emphasized the value of cross-border alliances:
“This partnership is a key enabler for the Global South to realize the transformative potential of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.”
Crystal Rugege, Managing Director of the Rwanda Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, highlighted the significance of the expanded fellowship in supporting Rwanda’s AI ecosystem.
“Through initiatives like the AI Innovation Lab and Global AI Summit on Africa, we’re fostering research, governance, and applied AI that benefit the continent and beyond,” she stated.
Aytug Goksu of the World Economic Forum added:
“This MoU reflects a united global vision to harness AI responsibly and inclusively, connecting practitioners and leaders from around the world.”
Established in 2019 in partnership with the World Economic Forum, UAE’s C4IR has become a catalyst for global cooperation in emerging technologies. Over the years, it has spearheaded several impactful initiatives that emphasize responsible tech integration.
The C4IR global network is a multistakeholder platform connecting public and private sectors to shape the ethical use of exponential technologies. With Malaysia’s entry, the alliance reinforces its commitment to equitable digital transformation, an essential step toward a more inclusive and AI-powered global economy.
