Tag: MDEC

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. 

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) has announced two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Singapore’s Ascent and Indonesia’s Central Capital Ventura (CCV), marking a significant milestone in its efforts to strengthen Malaysia’s digital economy. 

These strategic partnerships bring in capital investment up to US$45m (RM200m) to fuel innovation, accelerate the growth of local startups, and reinforce Malaysia’s role as a premier digital hub within the ASEAN region.

Ascent has pledged to invest in early-stage Malaysian startups across pivotal sectors, including fintech, embedded finance, healthcare, sustainable agriculture, SME support, and next-generation technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics. 

This funding aims to boost financial inclusion, foster digital transformation, and empower high-potential startups to expand regionally. Through this initiative, Malaysia is well-positioned to emerge as a leader in innovation within these fields.

Meanwhile, Central Capital Ventura (CCV), the venture arm of Indonesia’s largest private bank, Bank Central Asia (BCA), is extending its regional ecosystem network to Malaysian startups, enabling collaboration across Southeast Asia. 

This strategic investment aligns with MDEC’s mission to accelerate growth in AI, cybersecurity, blockchain, and digital finance, providing essential support to Malaysian startups in these rapidly evolving sectors.

“Attracting global investments like these reinforces MDEC’s commitment to nurturing talent, driving digital inclusion, and strengthening Malaysia’s role as a regional leader in technological advancements. The strategic MoUs will enhance cross-border innovation, allowing Malaysian companies to leverage the resources and expertise provided by Ascent and CCV to expand their operations and compete globally. These partnerships will drive local innovation, foster talent development, and contribute significantly to Malaysia’s transformation into a dynamic digital-first nation,” MDEC said in a press statement.

They added, “These collaborations will offer Malaysian startups access to international markets, mentorship from industry experts, and potential follow-on investments. MDEC will work closely with Ascent and CCV to ensure the successful execution of these initiatives and to maximise their long-term impact on Malaysia’s digital economy.”

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) has appointed global strategic communications leader, Burson, as its new public relations (PR) agency of record. This strategic appointment follows a competitive pitch process to identify a capable PR agency to work with collaboratively in strengthening MDEC’s communication strategies and stakeholder engagements. 

Burson was selected for its global reach, deep insights, and capability to support MDEC’s mission of accelerating Malaysia’s digital transformation. This partnership aims to strengthen MDEC’s communication efforts and reinforce its leadership in the digital economy. 

The collaboration between MDEC and Burson will also encompass a comprehensive range of services, including strategic media relations both locally and internationally, bespoke content creation, and reputation management. 

Over the course of the next three years, Burson will meticulously craft and execute communication strategies designed to amplify MDEC’s initiatives and engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, ensuring that MDEC’s messages resonate powerfully across all channels.

Justin Then, CEO of Burson Malaysia, said, “This appointment is a testament of the team’s ability to provide the deep actionable insights that MDEC requires from a global agency partner. We’re honoured to be handed this mandate to assist MDEC in advancing the national digital transformation agenda.”

Earlier this year, WPP Group announced the merger of its two largest communications agencies, Hill & Knowlton and BCW, to form Burson. The newly formed Burson, officially launched last month, now boasts over 6,000 employees in 43 markets worldwide. This merger creates an industry-leading, full-service communications agency focused on building and protecting reputation, honouring the legacy of Harold Burson, a pioneer in modern public relations and strategic communications.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), Malaysia’s national agency tasked with leading the country’s digitization, has announced their partnership with Web3 startup Acyxn to spearhead the growth and widespread adoption of creative technologies in Malaysia.

Through this collaboration, Acxyn will be introducing monetization and investment solutions for IPs’ visibility and value, helping MDEC position Malaysia as a gaming hub that attracts international game studios and investors.

Furthemore, Acxyn will also be lending its expertise to MDEC’s metaverse initiative, as well as facilitating the infusion of foreign intellectual properties and foreign investments into Malaysia.

To mark the start of their partnership, Acxyn had been awarded a grant of RM750,000 from MDEC, making the company one of the only Web3 startups accepted into the MDEC program.

Speaking on the partnership, John Schneider, CEO of Acxyn, said, “We’re excited that MDEC shares our vision for a future in which game intellectual properties (IPs) can fully realise their economic potential and establish Malaysia as a hub for innovation and excellence in the game industry.”

Meanwhile, Ts. Mahadhir Aziz, CEO of MDEC, mentioned, “This collaboration serves as a testament to MDEC’s commitment in driving digital transformation and fostering a thriving creative ecosystem.”

“Through the Malaysia Digital (MD) national strategic initiative and PEMANGKIN programmes, we look forward to continuing to support Acxyn’s growth, driving the adoption of creative technologies and propelling Malaysia to the forefront of the Web3 revolution,” he added. 

Cyberjaya, Malaysia – Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC), have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen the alliance between the two government agencies, aimed at further catalysing the growth of technology companies in the country, ensuring maximum reach and impact.

As part of the MoU, MDEC and MTDC will co-develop technology-based entrepreneur development programmes, as well as in the promotion of digital technologies, and their adoption amongst startups, MSMEs, and SMEs. It will also seek to open up more funding facilitation and opportunities for tech companies.

Mahadhir Aziz, MDEC’s CEO, said that leveraging each organisations’ platforms and expertise in support of meeting its objectives will be the key thrust of the collaboration.

“With this MoU, we will be able to ensure further reach, efficiency and impact on our tech ecosystem and increase Malaysia’s competitiveness in the digital economy. The race to produce successful global champions is a shared responsibility and this MoU is evident of Malaysia’s holistic approach. Through this initiative we are able to move as one nation to drive forward the MyDIGITAL core objectives,” added Aziz.

Meanwhile, Norhalim Yunus, MTDC’s CEO, noted that the MoU will be a platform for their partners in MTDC’s Centre of 9 Pillars (Co9P) to collaborate with the companies and partners under MDEC. 

He further shared that MTDC’s Co9P community members will assist the companies in the areas of Industry 4.0 and digitalisation.

“This opportunity to work with the companies under MDEC will be part of expanding our Co9P into other regions in Malaysia and an opportunity to build linkages with its global partners by providing advisory business with MDEC as our strategic partner,” said Yunus.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) has launched anew the ‘#SayaDigital Movement’ in Malaysia, which had been originally introduced to increase digital literacy among the B40 group, youths, senior citizens, and socio-economically vulnerable across 12 locations in the country.

The #SayaDigital campaign was first launched in 2020 as part of MDEC’s efforts to support Malaysians and local businesses to step up digitalization measures that will help to reduce the socio-economic impact of the pandemic. Through the campaign, MDEC introduced several initiatives, such as SME Digital Summit, #YoungCreators Movement, #MYDigitalWorkforce Week, and Gig and Freelance Expo (GFX). 

This year’s ‘#SayaDigital Movement’ focuses on four components, namely, training young people to become ‘Geng #SayaDigital’ volunteers, creating awareness through digital literacy activities, conducting digital readiness assessments, and providing basic digital skills training to the community. 

To kickstart the #SayaDigital this 2021, three pilot programs were held to raise digital literacy awareness involving 301 participants, with the latest being held at Kampung Desa Temuan in Bukit Lanjan last March. A series of interactive workshops were implemented that exposed them to the digital skills needed to face challenges in the new normal.

In addition, there are eight #SayaDigital online programs that have been streamed via Facebook Live. MDEC has also designed 12 adaptation and digital literacy programs with 2,000 participants who are expected to participate in a basic digital literacy training course. They will be working closely with 100 volunteers who are also known as ‘Geng #SayaDigital’ ambassadors. 

Participants will answer the ‘Digital Readiness Assessment’ to measure their level of digital literacy. The test results will then determine the ‘Basic Digital Literacy Learning Module’ that they will be assigned to. The program also includes three main modules – digital communication, internet banking and e-wallet, and digital service applications that are used in other countries.

Tan Sri Dato’ Hj. Muhyiddin bin Hj. Mohd Yassin, the YAB prime minister of Malaysia, said, “MDEC’s move to launch #SayaDigital to enhance digital skills among the B40 group, youths, senior citizens, and socio-economically vulnerable groups is timely as our country strives to achieve its ambition of becoming a major regional digital economy market. This is in line with the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 (SPV 2030), an initiative that will not marginalize any groups of people.”

Meanwhile, YBhg. Datuk Wira Dr Hj. Rais Hussin Mohamed Ariff, the chairman of MDEC, shared that the goals outlined in MyDIGITAL are based on the confidence that they can empower Malaysians to face challenges head-on that the new norm had brought about. 

“After all, the goal is to create a technology-integrated society through Malaysia 5.0. Equipping people with digital capabilities is a key factor for the synergy between digital infrastructure and the digitally skilled workforce that acts as the backbone for a sustainable digital ecosystem in Malaysia. This advantage will, in turn, be the main driver for the growth of the digital economy in the future,” added Dr Rais Hussin.

Surina Shukri, Chief Executive Officer of MDEC, also commented, “Individuals with efficient digital skills such as coding, animation, Big Data analysis, machine learning, and Cloud Computing are greatly needed in driving forward the digital economy during this pandemic. In this regard, MDEC’s #SayaDigital is a timely effort that will get more people to learn digital skills. Initiatives to empower Malaysians are crucial for their digital journey as we move closer to achieve the goal of making Malaysia the Digital Heart of ASEAN.”

Cyberjaya, Malaysia – Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), has appointed former SME Bank Malaysia’s Group Chief Strategy Officer (GCSO) Aiza Azreen as its new chief digital business officer (CDBO), still in line with the agency’sReinvent’ agenda, the mission to strengthen MDEC’s organization to further better its strategies in expanding the nation’s digital economy in the new normal. 

The ‘Reinvent’ agenda seeks to implement a strategic change in the agency’s management, aiming to inculcate a high-performing and high-impact organization. With this mission, the agency can build capabilities internally, identifying the right skills for managerial roles and ensuring that the departments have the best performances.

As the new CDBO, Azreen will be responsible for driving all business development, strategic, and operational aspects of the company. This also includes corporate and business development initiatives, strategic planning, budget development and control, commercial input into national digitalization development, and supporting investor relationships and fundraising.

Azreen will also be a member of the MDEC Operating Council (MOC) and will report directly to CEO Surina Shukri, overseeing and steering the digital adoption ecosystem in e-Commerce, data ecosystem development, and the digital infrastructure departments. She will also lead external innovation opportunities to expand commercial strategies and build corporate business and innovations for e-commerce, in line with MDEC’s focus on digitizing SMEs, MSMEs, and enterprises.

Azreen’s experience spans 20 years. She has worked in Australia and Malaysia across multiple industries in strategy development and execution of large-scale business transformation. She held leadership positions in organizations, such as Pertama Digital Berhad, Axiata Digital Services, and Axiata eCode Sdn Bhd, as well as Bank Rakyat, Sime Darby Group, and Media Prima Berhad and AmBank Berhad where she helped pioneer digital ecosystems. This includes pioneering Malaysia’s cashless ecosystem with Boost eWallet, deploying frontier technologies, innovating operating models, and commercializing businesses through mergers and acquisitions (M&As), venturing, building, and collaborating with strategic partners.

Azreen commented that she had “the good fortune” of having conversations with the leadership team at MDEC on what is required to accelerate Malaysia’s digital economy and on the execution of MDEC’s ‘Reinvent’ as well as the inherent and future challenges in these efforts. 

“At the end of these conversations, taking leave from the private sector to be part of MDEC’s journey was not a difficult decision to make. Today, I join the best-in-class team to contribute not just to MDEC, but to the country as well. With the recent launch of MyDIGITAL initiative and the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint, I am excited with what lies ahead,” said Azreen.

YBhg. Datuk Wira Dr Hj. Rais Hussin Mohamed Ariff, chairman of MDEC, said that with Azreen addition to the team, the organization aims to strengthen its expertise and experience as part of our relentless effort in fulfilling Malaysia 5.0.

“Increasing number of distinguished talents are now gravitating towards MDEC and this augurs well for our stakeholders, adding new perspectives and dimensions in a rapidly-changing landscape during unprecedented times like these. Her appointment will enable us to further expand and solidify our business development initiatives and reach in the digital economy sphere, allowing us to fulfill our goals and Malaysia’s digital vision as espoused in the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint (MyDIGITAL),” said Hussin.

Meanwhile, Shukri said, “The appointment of Aiza will strengthen our line-up as we expand our business capabilities and opportunities, both domestically and globally, in our resolve to create and bolster impactful digital outreach for Malaysia. I’m excited to work with Aiza and I am confident that she will further add value to MDEC as we strive towards driving digital outreach for the society and economy. Aiza’s appointment is a reflection of MDEC’s commitment to create technocrats and a people-first society in the age of 4IR technology, leading to shared prosperity for all.”

Cyberjaya, Malaysia – Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), the country’s government agency for leading the nation’s digital economy, has nabbed the Head of Communications at Microsoft Malaysia, Dashika Gnaneswaran, to lead its newsroom. 

As the new senior manager, Gnaneswaran will bolster the Brand and Strategic Partnerships department, bringing local and international experience through driving strategic communications and building brands by working in areas such as public affairs, social impact projects, and crisis communications as well as social media strategy. She reports directly to Raymond Siva, chief marketing officer and head of the Digital Investments division.

The appointment of Gnaneswaran comes as the agency refreshes its leadership and management structure under its ‘Reinvent’ mission, where it aims to intensify initiatives in growing the nation’s digital economy in the new normal. 

“As part of MDEC’s ‘Reinvent’ – a strategic change management exercise that was recently launched to inculcate a high-performing and high-impact organization, the agency continues to build capabilities internally while identifying the right skills for managerial roles, to ensure optimal performance of our departments,” said Surina Shukri, CEO of MDEC.

“As MDEC enables Malaysia to achieve its vision of a people-first society in the age of 4IR technology, leading to shared prosperity for all or Malaysia 5.0, we ourselves must be equipped with the right talents – globally competitive talents,” added Shukri. 

Under the move, the agency is in the mid of bringing in exceptional talents with both private and public sector experience. In the newly organized structure, Gnaneswaran’s department comes under the Digital Investments division.

At Microsoft, Gnaneswaran led communications efforts and nation-building campaigns. Her work scope included managing corporate strategy, championing brand advocacy and internal advisory, alongside building media relationships and philanthropy plans. Prior to that, she was at Malaysia’s largest financial investment institution, Kenanga Investment Bank, where she was responsible for brand management, marketing, digital communications, and investor relations.

“At MDEC we practice a continuous-learning mindset, enabling us to successfully drive high-impact digital outreach for the society and economy. Dashika brings 16 years of public and private sector experience spanning international and local organizations with her, and I am sure she will be an inspiration to the exceptional talents we currently have. I am excited to have her lead our Newsroom team and reshape the way we approach outreach and engagement with the people and industry,” said Siva.

Meanwhile, on her appointment, Gnaneswaran commented, “It is an honor to be able to serve the nation, under the strong leadership that MDEC has today. I am driven by a passion to help bridge the digital divide through transformative mindsets, innovation and inclusivity. I look forward to leveraging my experience to bring positive impact to those who can benefit with digital enablement and intervention most and I will give my fullest to support and accelerate the high impact work that MDEC does to transform the digital economy.”

MDEC’s mission to lead Malaysia’s digital economy is supported by three strategic priorities, namely, digitally skilled Malaysians, digitally powered businesses, and digital investments; driving the nation to embrace 4IR technologies or the ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’ which is mainly defined as the merge of advances in AI, robotics, IoT, and a whole lot other technologies.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Local startup investment company NEXEA Angels and the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) has renewed their partnership agreement for the entrepreneurs-dedicated platform Entrepreneurs Programme (EP).

EP is a platform that facilitates journey-enriching connections with peers and like-minded individuals to gain fresh perspectives and learn from one another through the sharing of ideas, advice, best practices, and experiences, in an otherwise lonely entrepreneurial journey.

MDEC and NEXEA first entered into an agreement to pilot the Entrepreneurs Programme early of this year and have found it to be a proven success amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

As part of the partnership deal, MDEC will provide program sponsorship for 32 participants and will funnel potential high-growth startup founders from their startup database into the program.

NEXEA’s Managing Director Ben Lim

COVID-19 severely impacted startups as it undercut the mobility of businesses. Startup founders now more than ever require assistance in order to power through these trying economic period. The Entrepreneurs Programme provides a facilitated peer network to guide founders in navigating these stressful times. Our pilot EP proved to be a success with our in-program participants recording positive QOQ numbers for revenue growth as well as headcount, indicating the positive impact EP has on the overall wellbeing of these startups.

Ben Lim, Managing Director, NEXEA

He added, “We are thrilled to have MDEC on board with us again to nurture our local entrepreneurs for growth and ultimately spur the Malaysian entrepreneurial ecosystem. Entrepreneurs from all industries and verticals who have business traction are welcome to participate in our program.”

EP operates on a peer-to-peer mentoring methodology to create sustainable businesses by priming growth-stage technology-driven startups for their next startup stage through interactive action learning, active discussions, and networking with co-founders from different industries to form a support system.

VP of MDEC’s digitally-powered business division Gopi Ganesalingam

NEXEA has been a close strategic partner of MDEC this year. Through our partnership, we have assisted with the development and growth of over 20 startups. During these tough times, MDEC believes that it is even more crucial for us to extend our support to as many startups as possible and provide them with the much-needed investment, mentorship, and training opportunities. With such impressive outcomes from the first batch this year, we look forward to even stronger impact through this renewed partnership.

Gopi Ganesalingam, VP, MDEC’s Digitally-Powered
Business Division

The program’s evergreen syllabus allows for it to run interminably and aims to guide participants all the way to an IPO stage. EP participants convene in groups of 15 once a month for a full-day meeting to collaboratively work through business issues faced by these business leaders, discuss own challenges for practical solutions from the group and reflect on valuable feedback.

EP currently has over 40 startup founders and CEOs participating. Existing participants include Poladrone, KwikCar, LaPasar, Printcious, SoftSolvers Solutions, Lokein, Mobi, Zcova, Running Man among others.

Malaysia – The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), Malaysia’s national agency tasked with leading the country’s digitization, has announced its latest virtual expo titled Go-eCommerce Expo, with the main theme “Unleash the power of live streaming e-commerce”.

MDEC said following the success of its nationwide e-Dagang Expo (eDX) in May 2020, which gathered SMEs to discuss the transition from offline to online selling, the new expo aims to continue the agency’s efforts in educating local businesses on why they should be selling online.

The Go-eCommerce Expo, which will take place from December 8 to 10, aims to promote the adoption of live streaming e-commerce as a new sales channel for Malaysian businesses. Another agenda of the expo is to also encourage live selling by imparting the latest skills, techniques, best practices, and platforms in line with it.

Among the speakers are Nur Azre, community and government relations manager from e-commerce enabler ShopLine; Jerry Hang, founder and CEO of MODEN, the first academy in Malaysia in training professional KOLs and a KOL marketing service for brands; as well as MDEC professionals themselves such as Mohd Fazreen bin Maslan and Mohd Zullutfi Abd Razak who are PeDAS heads, MDEC’s one-stop digital learning centers for MSMEs.

With logistics and payments also among the expos’ focus points, MDEC has gathered speakers from e-commerce fulfillment company TresGo Janio Asia, end-to-end electronic payment MPAY, and Visa among others.

MDEC said the event will be concluded with a LIVE Selling Carnival, featuring PeDAS participants, where viewers can purchase locally made products at deals and discounts.