Exploring AI Readiness in Putrajaya’s Public Sector Agency

Abstract

An abstract Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly recognized as a transformative force in the public sector, enhancing service delivery, policy-making, and digital transformation. In Malaysia, initiatives such as the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint (MyDIGITAL) and the National Artificial Intelligence Roadmap (2021–2025) highlight the government’s commitment to advancing AI integration. Yet, public sector agencies face persistent challenges in achieving readiness, including gaps in infrastructure, human capital, and policy execution. This study explores the challenges and enablers of AI readiness in public sector agencies in Putrajaya, Malaysia. Guided by the Technology–Organization–Environment (TOE) framework a qualitative single case study was conducted involving five key informants through semi-structured interviews. Findings reveal nine key themes. Challenges relate to human capital and competency gaps, organizational and policy barriers, and technological constraints. Enablers include capability development, strategic alignment, and technological readiness. The study concludes that AI readiness depends on the interplay of infrastructure, policy, leadership, and human factors. It contributes to HRD by offering insights for upskilling civil servants and fostering an innovation-oriented culture, while informing theory and policy on embedding sustainable AI strategies in the public sector.