Malaysia’s economic health is expected to recover gradually as the nation shifts to phase two of the National Recovery Plan (NRP) in July and August and phase three in September and October, with more sectors to be allowed to resume operations.
The economy is expected to be continuously supported by the manufacturing industry, specifically the export-driven sectors, given the sustained external demand. Additionally, most of its key sub-sectors (electrical and electronics, rubber gloves) are allowed to operate, albeit at a reduced capacity.
The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), Malaysia’s lead agency in digital transformation, is optimistic about the digital economy’s prospects following the announcement of the National Recovery Plan by the nation’s Prime Minister.
MDEC is fully focused on accelerating the digital transformation of the nation and strengthening its programmes across the board which will play a crucial role in its exit strategy from the Covid-19 crisis. Digital adoption will better equip society and businesses to navigate the new norm, enabling sustainability and growth in the long run. Now, more than ever, digitalisation will be both necessary and crucial.
In order to achieve this, MDEC will focus on four key thrust areas; New skills, Adoption, Disruptors and Investments. This forms the basis of MDEC’s N.A.D.I. Digital campaign, in line with its bid to realise Malaysia 5.0, enabling a nation that is deeply integrated with technology, providing equitable digital opportunities to the people and businesses.
MDEC recently rolled out the MyDigitalWorkForce Work In Tech (MYWiT) initiative, a training and hiring incentive programme aimed at boosting the digital business services sector as well as developing quality tech talents in Malaysia. RM100 million worth in training and salary incentives are being offered to sustain and boost Malaysia’s capabilities and capacities.
To further boost the growth of the country’s eCommerce market in ASEAN, the National Council of Digital Economy and 4IR (MED4IR) chaired by the Prime Minister recently endorsed the National eCommerce Strategic Roadmap (NESR) 2.0 following the achievements of NESR 1.0.
MDEC is entrusted to lead the Project Management Office of the NESR 2.0 Taskforce with the mandate to oversee the successful implementation of NESR 2.0. Gross merchandise value (GMV) is expected to rise to US$30 billion in value by 2025.
The 2021 edition of the Malaysia Tech Month is also scheduled to be kicked off in August; a month-long curation of the very best in digital and technology keynotes, workshops and discussion panels to chart our digital economy forward. This platform will enable Malaysia to showcase to the world its world-class innovations and potential.
Malaysia remains one of the top investment destinations in the region, receiving foreign direct investments (FDI) worth RM81.9 billion in high-quality investments involving technology, innovation, green technology and financial technology sectors.
This development enabled more employment opportunities for the local skilled workforce, in line with Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 (SPV 2030) as outlined by the government.
MDEC is also collaborating with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) to facilitate investment efforts related to the digital sector through the establishment of the Digital Investment Office (DIO), a fully digital collaborative platform to coordinate and facilitate all digital investments.
The objective of this endeavour is not only to create awareness of digital investments in the country but to also strengthen the coordination among all Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) in promoting and attracting new investments in this fast-evolving segment.
