Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) hosted the Digital Tourism Innovation Lab (DTIL) Demo Day Cohort 2, marking the second phase of an initiative designed to foster tourism tech innovation across Malaysia.
Established to revolutionise the tourism industry, DTIL is a collaboration between MDEC and 1337 Ventures. It aims to cultivate tourism tech companies, support innovative tourism offerings, meet the industry’s digitalization demands, and create a vibrant tourism tech community in Malaysia.
DTIL provides access to a wealth of resources, including mentorship, funding opportunities, state-of-the-art facilities, and a collaborative environment with like-minded innovators and industry experts. This initiative drives impactful innovation, contributing to the digital transformation of Malaysia’s tourism industry and making a tangible impact on local communities.
Yang Berusaha Encik Ma Sivanesan, deputy secretary general for digital development at the Ministry of Digital, expressed strong enthusiasm for the innovative tourism technologies showcased by Cohort 2 participants. He highlighted the crucial role of digital innovation in transforming Malaysia’s tourism sector and praised the companies for their efforts in developing and applying advanced technologies in the industry.
As a vital pillar of Malaysia’s service sector, the tourism industry has significant potential to boost the nation’s GDP. With increasing digital adoption, the sector is poised for transformative growth. MDEC’s DTIL initiative highlights the urgent need to digitalize the tourism industry, especially with Visit Malaysia Year 2026 approaching.
By fostering innovation, creating new experiences, and empowering local communities, DTIL is set to revolutionise Malaysia’s tourism industry. The journey continues with Cohort 3, and the call is out for all innovators and partners to join this exciting venture.
The third cohort aims to attract innovative minds and foster partnerships to drive the next wave of tourism tech innovation, leveraging advancements in AI, blockchain, advanced 5G connectivity, and other technologies. DTIL encourages start-ups, investors, and industry players to participate in this initiative.
Ts. Mahadhir Aziz, chief executive officer of MDEC, said, “We are on the verge of a digital revolution in tourism. The innovations showcased today not only enhance the tourist experience in Malaysia but also pave the way for sustainable growth and community empowerment. With Visit Malaysia Year 2026 approaching, it is imperative that we accelerate our digitalization efforts to ensure we offer world-class experiences to our visitors.”
