CEAI Global and Madani Research Centre Advance AI-Driven Governance Through AI & Design Thinking (AIDT) Lab @ MRC

Harnessing artificial intelligence to strengthen institutional collaboration, enhance public service delivery and build a more responsive, transparent and people-centred governance ecosystem.

KUALA LUMPUR, 20 August 2025 — The Centre for AI Innovation (CEAI) Global, through the AI & Design Thinking (AIDT) Lab @ MRC at the Madani Research Centre (MRC), is advancing a transformative vision for AI-powered governance through the Whole of Agency (WOA) approach, designed to strengthen institutional coordination, policy intelligence and public service effectiveness.

The initiative was highlighted during a strategic engagement involving Senator YB Dr Zulkifli Hasan, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), who visited the Madani Research Centre for discussions on the potential applications of artificial intelligence across government institutions and religious affairs administration.

During the engagement, Dr Zulkifli expressed appreciation for the AI initiatives being developed through AIDT Lab @ MRC, particularly their potential to improve service quality, institutional productivity and evidence-based policy evaluation.

Transforming Governance Through Connected Intelligence

The Whole of Agency approach represents a shift from fragmented institutional operations towards an integrated, intelligence-driven governance ecosystem.

By connecting information, operational processes and strategic objectives across agencies, AI can support better coordination, faster decision-making and more effective public service delivery.

During the session, several live AI models incorporating Retrieval-Augmented Generation and Large Language Model (RAG-LLM) technologies were demonstrated through AIDT Lab @ MRC.

These technologies illustrate how AI can analyse institutional information, identify emerging trends, generate strategic insights and support policy recommendations aligned with ministerial priorities.

The approach also offers opportunities to strengthen transparency, accountability and performance monitoring across participating institutions.

Faith, Trust and Responsible AI Innovation

A central theme of the initiative is the responsible application of artificial intelligence in religious affairs and community services.

Under the concept “Faith & Trust in the Age of AI”, AIDT Lab @ MRC explores how technology can improve access to reliable Islamic guidance, enhance institutional responsiveness and strengthen public confidence.

Importantly, AI is positioned as a decision-support capability that complements qualified religious authorities, established governance processes and human judgement.

Prof Dr M Nazri Muhd, Chief AI Advisor of the Madani Research Centre (MRC) and Group Executive Chairman of the Centre for AI Innovation (CEAI) Global, emphasised the importance of human-centred transformation.

“Artificial intelligence offers an extraordinary opportunity to reimagine how institutions collaborate, serve communities and fulfil their responsibilities.

The Whole of Agency approach is not simply about connecting technologies. It is about uniting institutions around a common vision, empowering people with better intelligence and transforming information into meaningful public value.

Through AIDT Lab @ MRC, we are demonstrating how artificial intelligence and design thinking can work together to develop practical solutions that strengthen governance, improve institutional effectiveness and deliver meaningful outcomes for communities.

I have always maintained that successful AI transformation is 80 percent about people, their mindset, commitment and willingness to embrace change. Technology provides the capabilities, but people provide the purpose.

Our aspiration is to build institutions that are not only technologically advanced, but also trusted, compassionate, transparent and responsive to the needs of society.”

Building Stronger Institutions Through AI & Design Thinking

The AIDT Lab @ MRC initiative reflects CEAI Global’s commitment to translating emerging AI technologies into practical institutional capabilities through a combination of artificial intelligence, design thinking and collaborative innovation.

The Lab provides a platform for exploring real-world challenges, developing AI-enabled solutions and strengthening organisational capabilities through applied innovation, strategic advisory and leadership development.

The Whole of Agency initiative demonstrates how artificial intelligence can help institutions move beyond isolated digital solutions towards coordinated, intelligence-enabled public administration.

As Malaysia advances its digital transformation agenda, AIDT Lab @ MRC highlights the potential for AI to strengthen institutional effectiveness while preserving the human values, ethical principles and public trust essential to good governance.

The message is clear: The future of governance is not simply about smarter technology, but stronger institutions united by vision, empowered by intelligence and committed to serving people.