Tag: Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Axiata Group Berhad and Sinar Mas have jointly announced the signing of two Letters of Intent (LOIs) to explore and advance a series of strategic collaborations at a ceremony graced by Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim and His Excellency Prabowo Subianto, the President of Indonesia, at the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur.

The first LOI lays a robust foundation for progressing detailed discussions outlining specific projects and initiatives that drive further collaboration around potential synergies in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Southeast Asia. 

Meanwhile, the second LOI reaffirms Axiata’s and Sinar Mas’s various commitments set out in the definitive agreements jointly announced on 11 December 2024 to progress the proposed merger of PT XL Axiata Tbk, PT Smartfren Telecom Tbk, and PT Smart Telcom to form PT XLSmart Telecom Sejahtera Tbk, to known as XLSmart in Indonesia.

Leveraging their respective telecommunications ecosystems, Axiata and Sinar Mas aim to explore opportunities to unlock value for stakeholders in several high-growth areas, including advanced 5G solutions, enterprise services, digital infrastructure, and fintech innovations. Ultimately, these potential advancements stand to support digital transformation initiatives across the region.

Under the scope of the first LOI, Axiata and Sinar Mas will jointly conduct detailed market analyses, evaluate competitive landscapes, and identify unmet demand across priority markets. Both companies will assess core competencies within their respective ecosystems to prioritise opportunities and define optimal operating models to effectively capture market potential. 

The parties also intend to facilitate strategic partnerships to incubate new businesses and solutions, ensuring alignment with national and regional digital economy agendas.

Meanwhile, the merger remains subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals, as well as customary closing conditions. Assuming all approvals and conditions are met, completion is expected in the first half of 2025. All material updates regarding the merger will be communicated through official channels, including exchange announcements, regulatory disclosures, and respective company websites.

Vivek Sood, group chief executive officer at Axiata Group, said, “These Letters of Intent with Sinar Mas represent a pivotal step in advancing regional collaboration to shape Southeast Asia’s next wave of digital transformation and advance services in high-growth areas. By deepening and reaffirming our ongoing partnership with Sinar Mas, we aim to harness the transformative potential of 5G, enterprise solutions, and digital infrastructure to drive sustainable economic growth and bridge the digital divide across Malaysia, Indonesia, and beyond.”

He added, “We deeply appreciate the steadfast support of the governments of Malaysia and Indonesia, whose forward-looking policies on connectivity and digital inclusion have set a strong foundation for such partnerships. By aligning our shared ambitions with national and regional digital economy agendas, we are laying the groundwork for a vibrant and inclusive digital ecosystem that delivers transformative services, empowers businesses, and enriches lives.”

Meanwhile, Franky Oesman Widjaja, chairman of Sinar Mas Telecommunications and Technology, commented: “These two Letters of Intent signed today with Axiata represent an exciting chapter in our shared mission to accelerate Malaysia and Indonesia’s digital transformation. We are confident in our ability to unlock synergies, deliver long-term value for stakeholders, and make a meaningful impact on the region’s digital economy by enhancing connectivity, fostering innovation, and empowering businesses and communities.”

“Sinar Mas is keen to collaborate with Axiata to explore new innovative opportunities while supporting Malaysia and Indonesia’s vision of a thriving and inclusive digital economy. Together, we aim to set a benchmark for regional collaboration, creating a more interconnected and prosperous future.”

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Archetype, a global marketing and communication strategy agency and part of the Next15 network, has announced key leadership appointments to propel its next phase of growth in Malaysia. These appointments underscore Archetype’s continued drive to deliver integrated communications and marketing solutions that seamlessly blend authenticity with emerging technologies.

Salina Salleh has been promoted to deputy managing consultant, while Donovan Chan has been appointed as senior digital director.

In her new position, Salina will concentrate on fostering and implementing a growth-oriented culture at the agency, prioritising client portfolio expansion, skill enhancement, and wellbeing initiatives. Over her 12-year tenure at Archetype, Salina has been instrumental in transforming the agency from a public relations specialist to a trusted partner in strategic communications and integrated marketing consultancy.

Her achievements include spearheading multi-platform campaigns for brands like Disney+ Hotstar, McDonald’s Anugerah Guru Inspirasi 2020, P&G, foodpanda, and executing policy communications for organisations such as Airbnb, TalentCorp, Khazanah Nasional, the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), and the Malaysia Aviation Commission, among others.

Since joining Archetype, Donovan has been key to advancing the agency’s expertise in digital marketing. His efforts have fueled TikTok content growth and follower engagement for OATSIDE, while establishing new collaborations with brands like Mandom and Teafe Gong Cha. By encouraging synergy between communication consultants and creative marketing teams, Donovan aims to elevate Archetype’s data-driven, next-generation digital solutions.

Salina and Donovan’s leadership aligns with the overarching vision of Next15’s Marker Collective, which integrates Archetype, Nectar, and Outcast to combine top-tier consultancy services with advanced technology expertise. This collaborative model is designed to achieve long-term outcomes. 

Recently, the collective launched Delve, an insight engine that improves brand understanding through comprehensive tracking, analysis, and reporting.

TS Lee, managing consultant at Archetype Malaysia, said, “This year marks our 19th year in operation. The landscape is constantly evolving, requiring us to rethink our clients’ needs and the agency’s operating model. These appointments strengthen our cohesive team, enabling us to deliver more meaningful value to our clients, while honing our expertise in human-centric authenticity amid the rapid developments of AI, emerging technologies and the ever-changing communications landscape.”

Speaking on their appointments, Salina said, “At Archetype, we’re not just shaping strategies for our clients, but also cultivating a talent powerhouse that anticipates and meets future demands. I’m ready to put our plans into motion to ensure we remain a collaborative, trusted and future forward partners for our clients.”

Meanwhile, Donovan commented, “AI has undeniably transformed the marketing landscape, often resulting to more automated and less authentic connections. At Archetype, we harness it to amplify creativity and authenticity. By merging AI-driven insights with human-centric strategies, we help brands create meaningful audience engagement. From optimising content across paid, owned, earned and social platforms to empowering social influencers to tell genuine stories, our approach ensures that technology serves creativity, and not the other way around.”

Both leaders will work closely with TS Lee and the local leadership team, including Yeow Mei Ling, APAC deputy regional director, and directors Gaby Linang and Sophia Koay. Over the years, the agency has built a strong reputation for strategic communications and public relations, earning numerous industry accolades along the way.

With its long-rooted history of making a meaningful difference to brands and people, HAVAS has cultivated a culture of agility and perfect synergy within its so-called ‘Havas Villages’ to provide clients with tailor-made solutions supporting their positive transformation. 

At its Malaysian operations, HAVAS has done significant work for its clients, blending creativity, PR, media, events, CX, and social expertise. Clients include 100PLUS, Domino’s Pizza, Sanofi, and several Reckitt brands.

With an agency tracing its roots to the original French agency founded in 1835, how do its Malaysian operations keep up with the ever-changing local landscape? And how does its leadership play a role in maintaining stability in the local advertising industry?

For our latest Agency Leadership Decoded, we spoke with Nizwani Shahar, chief executive officer at HAVAS Malaysia, to understand her leadership style within the agency, what initiatives they are implementing to boost creativity and productivity among their employees, and her advice for industry leaders navigating the ever-changing landscape of marketing and advertising.

Bearing a ‘creativity with purpose’ philosophy

A key aspect of her leadership within the agency is bearing in mind the ‘creativity with purpose’ philosophy. For Nizwani, leadership isn’t just about managing outcomes; it’s also about building a foundation where people feel inspired to do their best work and grow along the way.

“I believe creativity is our superpower, but it thrives best in an environment of trust, inclusivity, and shared vision,” she stated.

She also shares that as a leader, she aims to cultivate a culture where everyone feels empowered to think big, take risks, and collaborate openly. 

“Leadership, to me, also means leading by example—listening actively, being accessible, and adapting to the ever-evolving needs of the team and the industry,” she added.

Initiative with people at the centre of everything

True to HAVAS’ commitment to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace, Nizwani stated that its initiatives are rooted in the mission that people are always at the centre of everything.

A good example of the agency’s local initiative is its free French lessons for all Havas Malaysia employees. For Nizwani, the initiative helps employees learn a new language and better understand HAVAS’ French roots.

“A first of its kind in Malaysia, we pay homage to our French roots by tying up with Alliance Française Kuala Lumpur to provide free French lessons at the agency once a week,” she said.

Another initiative they have is focusing on career growth and mentorship through structured programs where senior team members guide younger talent, fostering a learning culture within the agency.

“This not only helps develop skills but strengthens bonds across the team. By investing in their growth, passions, and well-being, we create a motivated team that produces meaningfully different work for clients,” she explained.

Building a strong team amidst industry evolution

In terms of challenges, Nizwani shared that one of the ongoing challenges has been ensuring they stay relevant in a rapidly evolving industry. From her perspective, the advertising landscape demands that they innovate continuously while staying true to the creative roots that define them.

“To address this, we’ve worked to diversify our capabilities while ensuring all work is anchored in creativity. Whether it’s digital, activation, or brand experiences, our focus remains on producing work that is both impactful and meaningful to audiences,” she stated.

Another challenge for them has been talent retention in a competitive market. To combat this, their strategy has been aimed at creating an environment that people want to be part of a place where they can grow, be recognised, and collaborate with some of the best minds in the business. For Nizwani, building this culture has been instrumental in their success.

With such a strategy in mind, she explains that one of her most significant milestones has been building a team of some of Malaysia’s most talented and creative minds.

“It’s not just their calibre but their humility and collaborative spirit that truly set them apart. This combination has helped us deliver outstanding work for clients and cemented our reputation as an ideas-first agency,” she said.

She also said that they have seen significant growth in client partnerships, with major brands trusting them to help them navigate complex and dynamic markets. 

“This speaks to the strength of our work and the relationships we’ve built. Ultimately, the most impactful milestone has been creating an agency culture rooted in creativity, trust, and humility—a foundation that sets us up for continued success,” she added.

Leadership led by creativity and evolution

When asked about her topmost advice about inspiring future advertising industry leaders, she said leaders should stay anchored to creativity while embracing evolution. While the advertising industry constantly changes, the ability to think creatively and solve problems with purpose will always be at its core.

“Future leaders should also recognise that their greatest asset is their people. Inspire them, empower them, and create a culture where they can thrive,” she said.

She also quipped that leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about asking the right questions, being open to ideas, and building trust. 

“Remember that humility is a strength. Listen, learn, and never stop growing. When leaders lead with humility and purpose, they inspire teams to achieve great things together,” she concluded.

***

Leaders in this field must inspire creativity, foster collaboration, and adapt to emerging trends while maintaining a clear vision for success. By setting the tone for innovation, encouraging diverse perspectives, and staying attuned to market shifts, effective leaders empower their teams to deliver impactful campaigns that resonate with audiences. 

Petaling Jaya, Malaysia – CARSOME and Petronas AutoExpert have formed a strategic partnership to enhance aftersales service offerings for customers across Malaysia. This collaboration highlights both companies’ commitment to building an integrated automotive ecosystem that goes beyond car sales to include comprehensive aftersales support.

The partnership designates PETRONAS AutoExpert as CARSOME’s Official Panel Workshop, with CARSOME providing training, internships, and workforce supply to support the expansion of existing and future service centres. 

Additionally, CARSOME Academy, the Group’s accredited automotive training institution, will collaborate with PETRONAS AutoExpert outlets under Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia (SKM) TVET Apprenticeship Program. Together, they certify technicians in compliance with Malaysian Standards, focusing on upskilling and reskilling the current workforce to drive sustainable growth and meet the evolving needs of the industry.

In the first phase, the partnership will introduce services at 15 PETRONAS AutoExpert locations beginning 13 January 2025, complementing CARSOME’s existing service centers in Ampang and Petaling Jaya. From the launch date onwards, customers will be able to place bookings at these 15 outlets in addition to CARSOME’s centres through CARSOME’s app or website. 

This strategic move not only enhances service accessibility but also enables both companies to explore new market segments and expand their service offerings, further strengthening their market presence in the automotive industry. 

Additionally, CARSOME will establish new inspection points at selected PETRONAS AutoExpert locations in January 2025, allowing customers to conveniently schedule these services through CARSOME’s online platforms when a CARSOME inspection centre is unavailable nearby. PETRONAS AutoExpert Operators would also benefit from this additional service offering, creating a new revenue stream and enhancing their traditional business model.

To mark this partnership, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed recently by Encik Mohd Zameer B Zahur Hussain, chief executive officer at PETRONAS Lubricants Marketing Malaysia Sdn Bhd (PLMM), and Chris Ang, CARSOME Malaysia’s managing director at CARSOME’s PJ Automall. The signing was witnessed by Chong Wen Hong, general manager sales highstreet of PLMM, and Eric Chan, CARSOME Group’s president and chief operating officer. 

Hussain said, “This strategic partnership represents a pivotal milestone for both PETRONAS AutoExpert and CARSOME, which reinforces our commitment to make our customers’ everyday lives simpler and better. This collaboration is more than just a business move – it is a promise to elevate the automotive service experience to new heights. By combining our expertise, we are poised to deliver an unprecedented level of service, convenience, and value-added benefits, ensuring that every customer receives reliable service, genuine care and a peace of mind.”

Meanwhile, Cheng commented, “By providing comprehensive aftersales services and additional inspection points at selected PETRONAS AutoExpert locations, we ensure our customers receive continued support long after the purchase.”

He added, “This partnership offers convenience and peace of mind, as they can access high-quality maintenance services and vehicle inspections nationwide. It underscores our commitment to delivering a seamless, worry-free car ownership experience, making it easier for our customers to keep their vehicles in top condition and enjoy the full benefits of our integrated ecosystem.”

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Dentsu has appointed Uday Desai to drive the evolution of its creative business in his role as managing director of creative at dentsu Malaysia. With over 20 years of experience in shaping brands across APAC, MENA, and India, Uday is an industry veteran with a laser-focus on people-centricity. 

He joins dentsu with extensive client experience across major agency groups, having driven transformation through integrated strategies for global brands across multiple regions and sectors, including automotive.

Speaking on the new role, Desai said, “Two key dentsu principles truly resonate with me: the philosophy of ‘Innovating to Impact’ and our unwavering approach to solving business challenges as One Dentsu. Along with the exceptional talent and cutting-edge tools that we have within our powerhouse, we are an unstoppable force of creativity and innovation. I am thrilled to be part of a team that is not only redefining creativity but also driving meaningful outcomes for our clients and the community.”

Meanwhile, Audrey Chong, CEO at dentsu Malaysia, commented, “Creativity and innovation are cornerstones of our dentsu heritage that is ingrained in how we deliver world-class brand journeys for our clients in Malaysia.”

She added, “As we continue to push the boundaries of excellence as a creative powerhouse, I am excited for Uday to take his extensive experience and passion for innovation, and people-centric leadership in reimagining brand transformations for our clients, as he takes the helm of our creative business.”

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Alex Goh, most recently the chief strategy officer at Naga DDB Tribal, has joined Astro as its head of strategy and product for Astro Media Solutions. In his role, Alex aims to assist brands in gaining a larger market share by leveraging the power of entertainment to break through the noise.

“In the high clutter world we live in today, I am excited by the prospect of leveraging Astro’s rich capabilities to deliver content and entertainment-led integrated brand experiences – across screens (and even screenless environments i.e. radio), via both online and offline channels. And to do so in a way that balances creativity and effectiveness,” Alex said in an exclusive conversation with MARKETECH APAC.

How agency leadership will translate into his new role

Prior to his new role at Astro, Alex held the chief strategy officer position at Naga DDB Tribal for four years, where some of his key responsibilities revolved around driving agency transformation by leading initiatives to enhance data, processes, controls, and talent management while introducing AI-driven strategy development to improve quality and efficiency.

Moreover, his leadership responsibilities encompassed mentoring and coaching a team of strategists, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth. 

He also led the joint-strategic function for The ONE Team, a creative partnership between Naga DDB Tribal and M&C Saatchi following the Celcom and Digi merger.

“My past experiences including my time at Naga DDB Tribal had always revolved around working with brands to define their brand’s story, and then finding the most compelling ways to present that story to the world,” Alex said.

Looking back, Alex stated that one of the things he aims to bring over in his new role is his ability to have a deeper understanding of people to make worthwhile connections through brand storytelling.

“A big part in doing this well is rooting in a deep understanding of people; this helps brands find the right orientation in identifying a story worth telling, to be told in a way that’s worth people’s time and attention. Now, I just have access to interesting touchpoints, content and IPs to do just that. Telling brand stories and creating brand experiences at the intersection of the brand’s best self and people’s needs and interests has always been my professional pursuit,” he explained.

Navigating the future of advertising solutions

For Alex, one of the key challenges in advertising revolves around how agencies and brands are increasingly focused on understanding the gap between reach and impact.

“In the high clutter environment we all live in, beyond just stated reach and impressions, getting attention for brands remains a constant and growing challenge. Without attention, everything else that we talk about and fuss over – from the right targeting to the right message and excellent creatives – becomes academic,” he said.

He also highlighted how multiple studies have shown that there is a significant variation in the levels of attention afforded by different platforms. And in this regard–in what may come as a surprise to many–TV and BVOD consistently lead when it comes to video platforms.

“So in response to shifting media behaviours and to help brands thrive in the attention economy, among others, it requires a total video solution across linear and on-demand environments, across both small and big screens,” he said.

Alex added, “And that’s what Astro’s addressable advertising offers, among others – extending and refining the access of brands to the media environments that are most conducive for audiences to receive a brand’s message and thus most profitable for a brand.”

Speaking on trends that will shape the future of advertising, Alex notes that artificial intelligence will impact marketers to make their lives both easier and harder. But why harder? 

“Because among other things, AI will result in an explosion of content being released. But, there’s literally not enough human attention to go around,”

With that in mind, Alex notes that he sees a resurgence for many marketers to go back to brand fundamentals by embodying the principle ‘right audience, at the right time, with the right message, presented in the right setting.’

“I also observe a return to brand fundamentals too – in this digital age, to balance reach and relevance as marketers find their optimum mix of brand building versus sales activation; not because it’s trendy but because sustainable growth relies on it,” he concluded.

As Astro increasingly seeks impactful ways to connect with audiences in a competitive marketplace, Goh’s leadership will play a pivotal role in shaping advertising solutions that are not only data-driven but also deeply resonant with consumers. 

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – RHB Bank, in collaboration with The SHOUT Group/FCB SHOUT, has released its latest Chinese New Year campaign which is based on the true story of Tan Swee Ban, founder of the Peace & Harmony Home, a not-for-profit nursing centre–and details what is the true measure of wealth.

While starting a nursing home is indeed a noble and remarkable act in itself, what made Tan’s heart-wrenching yet inspiring story spread like wildfire all over social media over the past few months was the sacrifices that he made in order to start and maintain the home. 

Told from the perspective of Tan’s mother, the film explores the conflicted emotions of a parent who had to witness and support her son sacrifice his career, his house, his time and even his health in order to serve those who had nothing to offer him in return. 

Abdul Sani Abdul Murad, chief marketing officer of RHB Group, said, “We often associate a person’s legacy with the material wealth that they leave behind, but Mr. Tan’s remarkable story completely flips this notion. He demonstrated that true wealth is measured by one’s actions, which ultimately become their lasting legacy.”

He added, “As Chinese New Year is a celebration that is closely tied to the concept of prosperity, his story feels especially meaningful. Mr. Tan’s selflessness serves as a timely reminder to value not just what we see, but what we feel in our hearts – because that is the kind of wealth that endures for a lifetime. To me, this is the essence of true progress.”

Meanwhile, Tjer, FCB SHOUT’s Executive Creative Director, commented, “When we discovered Mr. Tan’s story, we were immediately moved by the journey of his greatest supporter – his mother. Supporting her son as he chose to sacrifice almost everything in his life to selflessly serve others would be challenging for any parent. And yet, despite being sent to a nursing home by her own son – a scenario that many parents would consider their greatest nightmare – it actually became her source of pride.”

He added, “This poignant conflict of emotions is what makes the story so powerful, and I’d like to extend a heartfelt appreciation to our production partners at D Moving Pictures and GT Records for capturing it so beautifully.”

Lastly, Ong Shi Ping, co-owner and chief creative officer at FCB SHOUT, said, “This story hits home, especially during a season like this when we’re all so focused on pursuing material wealth. This Chinese New Year, as we celebrate prosperity, let’s take a moment to think about the connections we build and the impact we leave behind. At the end of the day, it’s not about what we have, but what we give – that’s the kind of wealth that truly defines who we are and makes this festive season even more meaningful.”

‘Wealth’ was released on 15 January 2025 and is running across all RHB Bank’s social and digital channels in conjunction with the Chinese New Year festive celebration, which starts on 29 January 2025.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Local bottled water manufacturer Spritzer has appointed Universal McCann as its media agency of record. The mandate officially commences on February this year.

UM’s remit will encompass all media duties including strategy, planning, buying, research, and data and analytics for Spritzer. The news comes following a competitive pitch review which commenced in November 2024.

Sue-Anne Lim, chief executive officer at Universal McCann said, “Spritzer is a trailblazer in the Malaysian bottled water industry, with a strong commitment to innovation, sustainability, and delivering delicious hydration solutions.”

She added, “Likewise, UM has always been at the forefront of where opposites meet – analytics and creativity, data and content, science and art – able to deliver with a full spectrum of services in between. We are excited to marry our expertise to support Spritzer as a brand leader in this market and have great things in mind for this partnership.”

Meanwhile, Shiao Chan, head of marketing at Spritzer, commented, “UM has exceptional creative thinking and innovation at its very heart. They understood the task at hand, and demonstrated a keen understanding of our brand to develop a strong strategy that clearly demonstrates growth and business impact.”

She added, “This left and right brain thinking on how media and creative comes together, hand in glove, is what we were looking for. We look forward to building on this collaboration to help us propel our brand into its next chapter of growth.”

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – KAF Investment Bank, together with Carsome, MoneyMatch, Jirnexu and StoreHub, have announced that they have received official approval from Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) and the Ministry of Finance (MoF) for its operating entity KAF Digital Berhad to commence operations as a digital bank, starting 20 December 2024. 

This approval is granted following a comprehensive and successful operational readiness review recently validated by BNM. 

The operating entity, which is now formally known as KAF Digital Bank, seeks to deliver a robust and resilient banking infrastructure that underpins the trust and expectations from Malaysians. 

Together with the consortium partners, entities which are fully Malaysian Malaysian and comprise well-known household names, KAF Digital Bank aims to serve the people while continuously strive to deliver Shariah compliant innovative banking products and services. 

KAF Digital Bank will soon move forward into an Alpha Testing Phase with a small select user group prior to progressing into a Beta Phase with a wider user group. Upon successful completion of the closed-group testing phases, KAF Digital Bank will be made ready for public sign-ups. 

“We aim to continuously improve our product value propositions and provide our customers with a secure, safe and efficient banking platform, catering to the evolving needs of today’s tech and financially savvy customers,” the bank said in a statement.

Established in 1975, KAF is a well-diversified Malaysian financial services group with deep experience loyally serving customers in both Shariah and conventional fixed income and money markets, investment banking, funds management and unit trusts and trustee services.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), under the purview of the Ministry of Digital, has rolled out an intitiative to accelerate small medium enterprises (SMEs) digital transformation nationwide, starting with the northern state of Penang.

Said initiative is aimed at empowering SMEs with the tools, knowledge and support needed to embrace digitalisation and thrive in the digital economy

The programme was designed to address state industry-specific challenges faced by SMEs in adopting and scaling digital transformation. 

It also aimed to co-develop actionable solutions with stakeholders, to create a supportive ecosystem for digital enterprises to flourish, to facilitate dialogue sessions to share insights and best practices, while also nurturing and enhancing partnerships that accelerate digital adoption and innovation for the greater good of the SME community. 

It includes an engagement programme with Penang-based SME associations in the newly opened Ministry of Digital’s Zon Utara Office in George Town. In his address to the SME community present at the event, MDEC CEO Anuar Fariz Fadzil said that SMEs should view technology as an investment for unlocking growth, enhancing competitiveness and future-proofing their businesses.

“Technology is a necessity in today’s rapidly evolving landscape. By adopting digital tools and innovative solutions, SMEs can significantly improve their efficiency, reach and resilience in the global market – while also realising greater productivity and operational efficiencies,” Fariz said.

He added, “At MDEC, we are dedicated to providing SMEs with practical digital solutions to enhance efficiency and competitiveness. We look forward to welcoming more companies to achieve MD status, fostering greater innovation and creating a clear pathway for driving growth and competitiveness.”

This engagement programme reflects the Ministry’s and MDEC’s commitment to building a thriving digital economy that benefits the entire nation, from businesses to the rakyat. To date, RM30.96 million has been awarded to Malaysia Digital (MD) grant recipients in Penang, with 173 companies in the state already achieving MD status. 

The MD status aims to support businesses involved in digital and technological activities, fostering growth and cultivating a more dynamic and supportive environment for digital enterprises. It offers a variety of benefits to companies with the MD status, including tax incentives, grants and funding, business matching and access to networks. 

To further encourage more companies to embark on the MD status and enjoy its benefits, an initiative will be unveiled by the Ministry in the near future. It aims to help SMEs enhance efficiency and reduce operational costs by up to 20% through customised digital solutions that address their specific business needs and challenges.