Month: February 2020

MDEC

MDEC SUMBANG KEPAKARAN JADIKAN KUALA LUMPUR PELOPOR PEMBANGUNAN BANDAR GENERASI BAHARU

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Skrol ke bawah untuk versi Bahasa Inggeris / Scroll down for English version

Kerjasama Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) bersama Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF) bakal meletakkan Kuala Lumpur sebagai tanda aras pelopor bagi teknologi pembangunan bandar generasi baharu dan pengurusan mobiliti bandar di rantau ini.

Kerjasama untuk program City Architecture for Tommorrow Challenge (CATCH) itu antara lain bertujuan untuk meningkatkan kecekapan aspek perancangan bandar serta memacu ke arah teknologi mobility masa depan yang lebih lestari.

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif MDEC, Surina Shukri, berkata CATCH merupakan pertandingan pertama di rantau ini yang dijangka menarik penyertaan idea inovatif melibatkan peserta-peserta peringkat global.

Katanya, CATCH akan berusaha mewujudkan teknologi dan penyelesaian mobiliti di Kuala Lumpur dengan penglibatan peringkat global dalam tempoh lapan bulan.

“Peserta yang terdiri daripada entiti syarikat startup, ahli akademik, firma kaji selidik, badan koporat, dan orang ramai boleh menyumbang idea untuk membangunkan konsep.

“Peserta dapat mencadangkan penyelesaian yang dinamik dan pintar berasaskan data dalam merencana infrastruktur bandar masa depan” katanya ketika pelancaran majlis berkenaan baru – baru ini.

Yang turut hadir Presiden Sekretariat, Toyota Mobility Foundation, Shin Aoyama.

Sementara itu, Shin berkata, TMF menyediakan geran sehingga RM6.21 juta bagi setiap peringkat pertandingan ini. 

“ Peserta juga akan mendapat khidmat mentor, nasihat pakar dan program inkubasi,” katanya.

Katanya, CATCH akan menyediakan data kepada peserta untuk memperkasa usaha membangunkan penyelesaian yang akan dipilih. Data ini adalah selaras dengan Akta Perlindungan Data Peribadi.

Antara rakan usahasama data terdiri daripada sektor awam dan swasta yang memiliki data berkaitan pergerakan pengguna pengangkutan seperti Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL), Polis DiRaja Malaysia (PDRM), Agensi Pengangkutan Awam Darat, Grab, MapIT MSC, Mass Rapid Transit Corporation dan Prasarana Malaysia.

Beliau menambah, kerjasama berkenaan penting kerana TMF ditubuhkan untuk mengatasi isu-isu berkaitan mobiliti di seluruh dunia. “Ia akan  menggunakan pendekatan yang dipacu oleh kemapanan, inovasi dan kerjasama,” kataya.

Pada masa sama, beliau turut menghargai komitmen kerajaan yang membantu perlaksanaan CATCH untuk menggalakkan pembangunan penyelesaian berasaskan data.

MDEC CONTRIBUTES EXPERTISE TO POSITION KL AS PIONEER IN NEW GEN URBAN DEVELOPMENT

The collaboration of the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) with the Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF) will position Kuala Lumpur as the pioneer-benchmark for new generation urban technology and urban mobility management in the region.

Primarily, the collaboration for the City Architecture for Tomorrow Challenge (CATCH) program aims to enhance the efficiency aspects of urban planning and gear towards a more sustainable mobility technology. 

MDEC Chief Executive Officer, Surina Shukri, said CATCH is the first competition in the region which is expected to attract the participation of innovative ideas involving global participants.

He said CATCH would work to create technology and mobility solutions in Kuala Lumpur with global involvement, within eight months.

“Participants from startup entities, academics, survey firms, corporate bodies, and the public can contribute ideas to develop the concept.

“Participants can propose dynamic and smart data-based solutions in planning future urban infrastructure” he said during the recent launch of the event.

Also present was President of the Secretariat, Toyota Mobility Foundation, Shin Aoyama.

Meanwhile, Shin said TMF provided grants of up to RM6.21 million for each stage of the competition.

“Participants will also receive mentor services, expert advice and incubation programs,” he said.

He said CATCH would provide data to participants to encourage them to develop selected solutions. This data is in accordance with the Personal Data Protection Act.

Among the data partners are the public and private sectors who have data relating to the movement of transport users such as Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), Land Public Transport Agency, Grab, MapIT MSC, Mass Rapid Transit Corporation and Infrastructure Malaysia .

He added that cooperation was important as TMF was set up to address issues related to mobility around the world. “It will adopt an approach driven by sustainability, innovation and cooperation,” he said.

At the same time, he also appreciated the government’s commitment to assisting the implementation of CATCH, to promote the development of data-based solutions.

MDEC

KERAJAAN BANTU PENDIGITALAN PKS TEMPATAN, SAHUT CABARAN RENTAS SEMPADAN

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Skrol ke bawah untuk versi Bahasa Inggeris / Scroll down for English version

Tulang belakang ekonomi negara iaitu sektor Perusahaan Kecil dan Sederhana (PKS) akan terus diberi fokus istimewa oleh kerajaan.

Terbaharu, satu inisiatif pendigitalan PKS melibatkan kerjasama Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) dengan Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) dan SME Bank telah mula dilaksanakan.

Sektor PKS sangat penting kepada ekonomi negara berdasarkan pertumbuhan nilai eksport kepada RM171.9 bilion pada 2018 berbanding RM166.2 bilion pada tahun sebelumnya seperti diumumkan Jabatan Perangkaan Malaysia.

MDEC telah mengambil langkah untuk membantu PKS tempatan muncul juara dalam bidang ekonomi pada peringkat global menerusi penawaran produk, perkhidmatan, kepakaran dan teknologi Malaysia yang bertaraf dunia.

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif MDEC, Surina Shukri berkata,  “MDEC membantu PKS berpandukan tiga teras utama iaitu memacu penerapan penggunaan teknologi digital di kalangan rakyat; pembangunan bakat dan kemahiran digital yang mampu memenuhi kehendak industri; dan menggalakan perniagaan digital serta pelaburan digital”.

Teknologi digital dapat dimanfaatkan oleh perniagaan untuk meningkatkan operasi, pengeluaran dan daya saing terutama bagi PKS.

Menurut Surina, “Pendigitalan perniagaan menjadi keperluan penting pada masa kini kerana ia boleh meningkatkan produktiviti. Melalui pendigitalan, penggunaan sumber akan menjadi lebih cekap serta  akses kepada maklumat dan capaian pasaran adalah lebih mudah dan meluas.”

“Pada masa sama, peningkatan produktiviti melalui teknologi digital sangat penting kepada PKS untuk terus berkembang. Namun demikian, penggunaan teknologi dan aplikasi dalam talian masih oleh PKS masih kurang walaupun mempunyai sambungan internet dan akses  jalurlebar. Faktor ini sekaligus menyebabkan PKS mempunyai capaian yang terhad kepada bakal pelanggan dan keadaan ini harus diubah memandangkan kita kini berada dalam era Revolusi Perindustrian 4.0 dan IoT. Sehubungan itu, usahawan PKS tidak boleh ketinggalan dalam aspek ini,” katanya.

MDEC sebenarnya bukan baru setahun jagung membantu usahawan PKS kerana sebelum ini pelbagai inisiatif telah dilaksanakan dalam mendigitalkan usahawan berkenaan.

Pada Oktober tahun lepas, MDEC telah bekerjsama dengan pihak Kerajaan negeri Kedah  menerusi program ‘100 Go Digital’ di Langkawi yang menyasarkan pemilik perniagaan kecil di pulau pelancongan berkenaan untuk menggunakan aplikasi teknologi digital dalam perniagaan masing-masing. 

Empat bulan berlalu, kumpulan usahawan berkenaan mula berubah apabila terdapat di kalangan mereka telah menggunakan aplikasi pembayaran tanpa tunai iaitu e-dompet. 

Perkembangan ini akan memudahkan pelanggan mereka terutamanya pelancong asing. Selain itu, pemilik perniagaan PKS di sana juga mula meneroka platform digital bagi meluaskan lagi promosi perniagaan seperti dilakukan Mega Water Sports yang mendapati 80 tempahan dibuat secara dalam talian selain 100 peratus kaedah pembayaran digital.

Melalui program e-Usahawan juga, para usahawan telah mendapat manfaat daripada inisiatif MDEC ini. 

Bermula daripada penjual kacang, pengusaha kek lapis Sarawak mahupun perniagaan kraf tangan kecil-kecilan yang diusahakan usahawan Orang Asli di Rembau, Negeri Sembilan turut menerima ‘sentuhan’ MDEC bagi merevolusikan perniagaan mereka. Apa yang membanggakan, usahawan Orang Asli berkenaan yang pada mulanya hanya menjual cenderahati kini melebarkan perniagaannya apabila membuka chalet berhampiran bengkelnya yang kini telah mendapat mula dikunjungi pelancong dari Mexico, Jerman, Korea Selatan dan Australia. 

Berdasarkan maklum balas, pengusaha Kek Lapis Siti Payung yang merupakan “alumni digital adoption” MDEC, kini telah memasuki pasaran Singapura, Brunei dan kini dalam proses mendapatkan lesen untuk mengedarkan produk mereka ke China.

Kerajaan mempelawa syarikat – syarikat PKS yang berteraskan teknologi memohon untuk menjadi Technology Solution Provider (TSP) di bawah inisiatif pendigitalan PKS. Dengan Geran Padanan Digital PKS, kerajaan berharap untuk memantapkan penggunaan aplikasi digital dalam operasi perniagaan PKS tempatan.

Untuk maklumat lanjut mengenai Geran Padanan Digital PKS, layari laman web MDEC.

GOVERNMENT ASSISTS THE DIGITISATION OF SME LANDSCAPE, ACKNOWLEDING CROSS-BORDER CHALLENGES

The backbone of the country’s economy, the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) sector, continues to be given special focus by the government.

The SME sector is crucial to the country’s economy, based on the export value growth of RM171.9 billion in 2018 compared to RM166.2 billion the previous year as announced by the Department of Statistics, Malaysia.

MDEC has taken steps to help local SMEs make a mark in the global economy by offering world-class Malaysian products, services, expertise and technology.

MDEC’s Chief Executive Officer Surina Shukri said, “MDEC is helping SMEs with the three main objectives of driving the adoption of digital technology among the people; developing talent and digital skills to meet the needs of the industry; and promoting digital business and digital investment. ”

Digital technology can be leveraged by businesses to improve operations, production and competitiveness, especially for SMEs.

According to Surina, “Business digitisation is an important necessity today as it can increase productivity. Through digitisation, resource utilisation becomes more efficient, and information- as well as market-access are easier and broader. ”

 “At the same time, increasing productivity through digital technology is critical for SMEs to continue to grow. However, the use of technology and online applications by SMEs is still low despite available internet connection and broadband access. These factors at the same time cause SMEs to have limited access to potential customers. This has to change as we are now in the era of the Industrial Revolution 4.0 and IoT. In this regard, SME entrepreneurs should not miss out,” she stresses.

MDEC is not new to developing or implementing initiatives to digitise SME entrepreneurs. 

In October last year, MDEC partnered with the Kedah state government through the ‘100 Go Digital‘ programme in Langkawi which targeted small business owners on the island  known for its tourism-focus, to use digital technology applications in their businesses.

Four months later, the local entrepreneurs began using cashless payment applications, i.e. e-wallets. Programmes such as these simplify transactions for customers, especially the foreign tourist customer base. In addition, SME business owners there have started exploring digital platforms to expand their business promotions. Such example is Mega Water Sports in Langkawi. Within months of joining the 100 Go Digital programme, they managed to grow 80% of their customers acquisition from online business.

Separately, the eUsahawan programme by MDEC has also benefited entrepreneurs. As an example, a group of entrepreneurs from Negeri Sembilan has experienced its digitisation advantage. Via the eUsahawan programme, the ‘Orang Asli’ community from Rembau, Negeri Sembilan was able to revolutionise their business. Starting from a small business selling souvenirs, they have now started a chalet business with multitude visitors from Mexico, Germany, South Korea and Australia.

Recently, the Malaysian Government opened an invitation to technology-based SME companies to become Technology Solution Providers (TSP) under its SME digitisation initiative. A collaboration between Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN), Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), and SME Bank has recently been put into effect to support business digitalisation for SMEs. Through the SME Business Digitalisation grant , the government hopes to enhance the use of digital applications in local SME business operations.

For more information on SME Business Digitalisation grant , visit the MDEC website.

MDEC Staff Shares

Cerita saya tentang E-Wallet. Apa cerita anda?

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Hampir 10 tahun ‘meninggalkan’ Kuala Lumpur kerana bertugas dan menetap di Machang Bubok, Bukit Mertajam, yang merupakan sebuah pekan kecil di utara tanah air, penulis kembali ke ibu kota untuk memulakan tugas baharu di sebuah agensi kerajaan di Cyberjaya.

Secara kebetulan, agensi ini terkait rapat dengan usaha mendigitalkan ekonomi Malaysia. Sejujurnya, penulis tidak ‘menyedari’ kewujudan agensi ini walaupun ditubuhkan oleh kerajaan pada 1996 namun kini ia menjadi tempat mencari rezeki.

Namun begitu, tidak ada yang perlu dimalukan kerana sememangnya kita tidak tahu semua perkara dalam dunia. Maka, ungkapan setiap hari merupakan proses pembelajaran terpakai dalam konteks ini. Maafkan saya jika ada yang tidak bersetuju.

Sepanjang ‘berumah’ di utara, boleh dikatakan amat jarang untuk penulis berkunjung ke ibu negara, hanya beberapa kali sahaja jika ada urusan penting.

Mungkin selesa dengan kehidupan serba sederhana dan tenang di sana, termasuk urusan harian yang dilangsungkan secara konvensional. Sudah pasti, sebuah warung yang menyajikan kopi kampung terbaik dan pelbagai kuih – muih sentiasa diingati. Penulis kadang – kala membayar mengunakan syiling sahaja kerana harganya yang sangat murah. Tidak ada istilah e- Wallet di situ.

Namun demikian, penulis sedar sejak beberapa tahun lalu sudah muncul istilah ‘cashless’ berdasarkan pembacaan.

Penulis tahu di China, rakyatnya menggunakan e-wallet untuk urusan harian termasuk membeli kopi di Starbuck.

Ketika di utara, penulis hanya menggunakan kad pra bayar touch and go, itu pun kerana pada 2015, terdapat satu polisi bahawa tiada lagi pembayaran secara tunai di plaza tol. Penjelasan yang diberikan oleh pihak konsesi dan kerajaan ketika itu ialah kerana mahu mengurangkan kesesakan di akibat transaksi tunai.

Masih ingat lagi, usai pengumuman berkenaan, media sosial ‘meletup’ dengan pelbagai reaksi, ada yang menyokong namun ramai juga yang tidak bersetuju kerana alasan keputusan itu tidak peka kepada pengguna yang tidak mempunyai kemampuan membeli kad pra bayar.

Wujud juga kekeliruan maklumat bahawa pemilik kad pra bayar harus memasukkan jumlah RM50 setiap kali tambah nilai. Nah, sumpah seranah memenuhi dinding media sosial.

Berbalik kepada cerita e-Wallet, pada bulan pertama bertugas di tempat baharu, penulis diarahkan menghadiri seminar Hari Terbuka E-Dagang Malaysia yang dianjurkan di bangunan indah serba moden reka bentuknya yang dimiliki Kementerian Perdagangan Antarabangsa dan Industri (MITI).

Penulis masih belum memiliki kad touch and go yang baharu kerana kad lama hilang. Akibatnya, penulis tidak dapat memarkir kenderaan di kawasan yang disediakan kerana hanya pengguna yang memiliki kad touch and go sahaja boleh memasuki ruang berkenaan.

Terpaksalah mengundur kenderaan dan dihon oleh pemandu di belakang. Penulis terpaksa meletakkan kenderaan di bahu jalan luar bangunan itu sambil berdoa tidak disaman.

Ketika waktu makan tengah hari, pengunjung berpusu – pusu menyerbu beberapa food truck yang disediakan. Penulis juga mahu ikut serta kemeriahan itu namun kecewa apabila melihat peniaga meletakkan papan tanda pembayaran e-Wallet seperti kod bar, Alipay dan sebagainya.

Sedikit hampa, penulis mengatur langkah mencari kantin di bangunan berkenaan dan berharap pengendalinya masih menerima bayaran tunai. Akhirnya, makanlah nasi campur berlauk ikan goreng kerana hasrat hendak membeli burger kambing yang dijual pengusaha food Food Truck tidak kesampaian kerana ketiadaan e-Wallet serta aplikasi pembayaran yang boleh dimuat turun menerusi telefon pintar. Ya, saya masih old school, retro, klasik atau tradisional.

Bulan berikutnya, penulis bertugas di Bangsar untuk satu program pada hari Jumaat. Pada waktu solat Jumaat, penulis singgah di sebuah masjid. Apa yang menariknya, tidak kelihatan tabung untuk jemaah menghulurkan sumbangan seperti kebiasaan sebaliknya pengurusan masjid memaparkan bar kod untuk pengunjung yang berhasrat memberi derma. Penulis kagum dengan evolusi e-Wallet yang semakin meluas penggunaannya.

Akhirnya, penulis mula membeli kad touch and go baharu untuk memudahkan urusan harian.

Melalui beberapa bacaan, penulis mendapati menjelang 2022, hanya 17 peratus pembayaran global dibuat secara tunai manakala penggunaan dompet digital dan mudah alih akan terus meningkat mencecah 28 peratus daripada semua urus niaga jualan.

Menurut www.paymentscardsandmobile.com, sehingga Februari tahun lepas, China merupakan negara yang mempunyai pengguna mobile e-Wallet tertinggi di dunia dengan mencapai 26 peratus diikuti India dan UAE sebanyak 6 peratus.

Sedikit mengecewakan apabila portal berkenaan mendapati kadar penggunaan mobile e-Wallet di Malaysia hanya satu peratus sahaja namun ini tidak bermaksud negara kita ketinggalan. Jangan jadikan kes penulis sebagai contoh!

Menyedari kepentingan masyarakat tanpa tunai yang terkait rapat dengan ekonomi digital, kerajaan mula melaksanakan beberapa langkah terutamanya Inisiatif e-Tunai Rakyat yang diumumkan dalam pembentangan Belanjawan 2020.

Menerusi program ini, rakyat Malaysia yang memenuhi kriteria di bawah boleh mendapatkan RM30 secara satu kali dengan Boost membabitkan peruntukan RM450 juta bagi menggalakkan budaya digital dan peralihan kepada masyarakat tanpa tunai.

Bagi memastikan inisiatif terbabit mempercepatkan proses digitalisasi, wang RM30 itu perlu dibelanjakan penerima hingga 14 Mac 2020, manakala baki yang tidak dibelanjakan akan luput selepas tarikh berkenaan.

Selain itu, rakyat perlu menuntut wang berkenaan selewat-lewatnya pada 9 Mac depan melalui pengendali e-dompet terpilih.

Kerajaan turut menggalakkan semua peniaga supaya berdaftar dengan satu atau semua pengendali e-dompet supaya mereka mendapat manfaat daripada inisiatif ini.

Difahamkan, hingga kini, lebih lapan juta peniaga menyediakan perkhidmatan pembayaran melalui e-dompet berkenaan.

Semoga langkah ini akan merancakkan lagi budaya masyarakat tanpa tunai di negara kita dan penulis bersedia untuk bergerak ke arah e-Wallet sepenuhnya. Anda bagaimana?

#LetsBuildTogether #BinaBersama #DigitalMalaysians

Artikel oleh Mohd Firdaus Ismail

From the Desk of Hew Wee Choong

The Digital Silk Road Series: How Chinese Companies are Leveraging on ASEAN Opportunities

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Pt 2: Malaysia: Leading the Regional’s Digital Economy

*In case you missed Part 1, you can read it HERE.

Continuing from the first in this two-part series, it’s time to learn and understand why Malaysia is a sought-after location for tech and digital investments.

Right now, it’s well-known that Malaysia is rapidly being recognised as an ASEAN testbed, a highly digital society fueled by many races and nationalities, with a well-developed and varied infrastructure.

New avenues of industry areas are being developed under Malaysia’s Digital Economy plan – focusing on Big Data Analytics (BDA), eCommerce, and the Internet of Things (IoT). It is this combination that will deliver the most impactful benefits to the new economy. Driven by consultative collaboration with industry, Malaysia is working towards a conducive framework to spur healthy, open AI innovation.

Providing a digital hard and soft infrastructure, comprising high speed internet, world class physical infrastructure, business friendly policies, innovative talent ecosystems remain priorities for Malaysia, as evidenced by the Malaysian Cabinet’s approval of the National Fiberisation and Connectivity Plan (NFCP) recently.

With the growth on different fronts of our digital economy ecosystem, you can see how strongly Malaysia is transitioning along the road of transformation. The marriage of IoT, Big Data Analytics is feeding Artificial Intelligence, which many see as the defining force of the 4th Industrial Revolution (also known as IR 4.0.).

These are stepping-stones to even greater things. As a trading nation, Malaysia is now moving up the value chain and trading in ideas, innovation and new technologies in a spirit of collaboration.

The Digital Silk Road is bringing new waves of tech opportunities to ASEAN – expansion of Chinese tech companies into this region, particularly in e-Commerce, smart cities and Industry 4.0, automation and AI.

Growing Wave of Investment

I see the increasing tide of collaboration between Chinese and Malaysian enterprises as the latest testament to the growing strength of Malaysia’s Digital Economy ecosystem, which prioritises greater growth, innovation and shared prosperity.

Let me share just a few more recent examples:

  • China’s Alibaba set up its first overseas electronic World Trade Platform (eWTP) hub in Malaysia linked to the Digital Free Trade Zone (DFTZ) initiative to accelerate eCommerce opportunities and growth
  • Closely linked to above is Malaysia Week – a successful collaboration between China and Malaysia to drive eCommerce opportunities for SMEs – will return for a second time following last year’s successful inaugural edition
  • Malaysia’s first AI park resulted from a collaboration between Malaysia’s G3 Global, China Harbour Engineering Company and China-based Sense Time Group, and is touted to be the most valuable AI startup, to set up Malaysia’s first AI park, which is expected to see more than USD1 billion in investments over the next 5 years
  • Malaysia is the first country outside China selected by Tencent to launch its digital payment/ewallet solution – WeChat Pay
  • Huawei Technologies has a regional presence from its Malaysia headquarters and continues to work closely with Malaysia to grow the country’s digital ecosystem
  • Beyondsoft officially launching its first office in Malaysia to help local talent and businesses build a healthy ecosystem, which includes a KL innovation hub for retail solutions
  • Just recently, an agreement was signed with National Development Reform Commission – International Cooperation Centre (NDRC- ICC) – enabling us to work closely to facilitate China’s digital tech companies entry into Malaysia

The Next Step

Let me return to discussing the ASEAN opportunity. The region’s combination of strong and vibrant economy, youthful demographics, rapid urbanization and ongoing economic integration makes it a very attractive market for business expansion. And let’s not forget the other factors: the region’s combined GDP of USD$2.5 trillion; 628 million people (~10% of world population), with about 40% of citizens under 30 and are digital natives; and a literacy rate 94%

Malaysia is strategically located in the heart of ASEAN, with a population of 31 million, 68% internet users, 65% smartphone users; 82% broadband penetration, 31% of internet users use mobile to purchase. From Greater KL, major cities in the region can be reached within 8 hours by flights.

In addition to Malaysia being the best springboard to ASEAN, I believe other factors such as being a hub for Asian languages, a rich culturally diverse workforce, which is buoyed by highly skilled and growing talent pipeline, strengthened by business-friendly government policies.

Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) is a government agency entrusted to lead Malaysia’s digital economy and drive shared prosperity for all. As a one stop centre, we at MDEC are well versed in facilitating and easing the entry of companies into Malaysia. These programmes include our Digital Hubs strategy, talent development pipeline, and the Malaysia Tech Entrepreneur Programme, which are focused on helping companies make the right decisions, ensure high speed growth, connecting companies with the local business ecosystem and to provide fast insights into the market landscape.

Furthermore, MDEC is also an investment promotion specialist for the digital economy and is able to help investors connect the dots in the ecosystem.

These ingredients will help to encourage knowledge sharing, which is vital to successfully fuel rapid growth for our mutual prosperity. Recently, the Maritime Silk Road Legend Concert celebrated the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and the People’s Republic of China. Indeed, Malaysia was the first country in the region to establish diplomatic ties with China when the second Prime Minister, Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, visited the Republic in 1974.

Today, the Digital Silk Road is connecting every country and all people: and Malaysia’s role, both hub and gateway to Asean, has become even more significant. New horizons are opening up for companies from China, and indeed for all of us!

MDEC

MDEC AND STARTUP GENOME WORK TO BOOST STARTUP ECOSYSTEM

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A partnership was announced between startup research and advisory firm Startup Genome, and the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation to boost the growth of the country’s startup ecosystem, starting with Kuala Lumpur. 

The partnership helps both parties obtain insights for policy efforts. Startup Genome performs its startup ecosystem assessment to identify policies and initiatives, starting in Kuala Lumpur. They will engage the country’s startup founders along with investors, policy leaders, and other key stakeholders for inputs.

JF Gauthier, Founder, and CEO of Startup Genome said, “We look forward to working closely with the startup community to bring the benefits of the Fourth Industrial Revolution to the Malaysian startup economy. Malaysia certainly has the potential to be a regional and world leader in multiple startup sub-sectors.”

MDEC

MALAYSIAN AUTHORITIES AND WEF TO WORK ON DRONE DELIVERY POLICY FRAMEWORK

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The benefits associated with drones are numerous; construction assessment, farming, health care, commerce, security and recreational purposes. Drones can even help check on road conditions during harsh weather, monitoring oil refineries, power grids and critical infrastructure. 

Nonetheless, the associated threats have also come into view. The possibilities in cyber of physical attacks on critical infrastructure and large outdoor events or gatherings also cause concern. In addition, intellectual property theft, tracking, spying and a long list of threats hover overhead.

It therefore must come as a relief that The World Economic Forum (WEF) and Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) announced a collaboration to co-design and steer policy principles as well as regulatory frameworks, to augment benefits to society while mitigating risks from Drone Technology. MDEC will work with the World Economic Forum’s Aerospace and Drones portfolio to embark on, and enable, the objectives of this collaboration.

Timothy Reuter, Head of Aerospace and Drones at the World Economic Forum said, “Countries that don’t move fast enough to responsibly enable emerging technologies will find themselves at a disadvantage economically. We are excited to partner with MDEC and other key stakeholders in Malaysia to co-design and pilot policy principles associated with drones”.

Meanwhile, Surina Shukri, Chief Executive Officer of MDEC emphasised, “The focus of MDEC’s engagement with the World Economic Forum will be working with Malaysian authorities to develop a policy framework that allows for drone delivery and a potential launch of the first drone delivery service in Southeast Asia.” 

She went on to say, “The goal is to create a regulation that can serve as a model for the region and beyond. This partnership firmly establishes Malaysia as the Heart of Digital ASEAN.”

MDEC

WORLD-CLASS TECH EDUCATION TO CLOSE LOOMING SKILLS GAP

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Skrol ke bawah untuk versi Bahasa Melayu / Scroll down for Malay version

Ninety (90)% of future jobs will require some level of digital literacy. A talent pipeline of tech workers in the digital economy is now possible, thanks to a collaboration last month between MDEC and General Assembly (GA). The collaboration creates an avenue for Malaysians to upskill and reskill job seekers, future-proofing our digital and tech professionals to become the very best within the global digital industry.

“Upskilling and reskilling are significant in helping to strengthen the quality of our digital workforce. It is the most important part of our digital talent development strategy,” iterated Surina Shukri, CEO of MDEC during the formal announcement of the collaboration between MDEC and General Assembly last month.

GA will offer critical and in-demand upskilling content as well as processes that match current and next-gen digital capabilities. The tech educator promises to introduce radical reskilling for those who will assume previously non-existent digital roles while creating a new talent pipeline that operates like an on-demand service.

The company was seen as a suitable partner given a history of transforming thousands of careers with full-time immersive programmes since 2011, as well as its tech curricula-focus on skills that today’s companies need; software engineering, data science, and user experience design. Going beyond just intensive training, graduates are armed with tools for landing a new role.

GA is one of MDEC’s many industry partners with whom it is working closely to facilitate the continued advancement of digital skills transformation. The establishment of global training companies in Malaysia like GA, reinforces the fact that Malaysia has a lot of potential in pushing the envelope further for digital talent development.

#LetsBuildTogether #DigitalMalaysiaForward

PENDIDIKAN TEKNOLOGI BERKELAS DUNIA UNTUK RAPATKAN JURANG KEMAHIRAN DIGITAL

Sebanyak 90 peratus peluang pekerjaan pada masa hadapan menuntut literasi kemahiran digital.  

Menyedari kepentingan meningkatkan kemahiran pekerja sedia ada, MDEC bekerjasama dengan syarikat perunding dari Amerika Syarikat, General Assembly (GA) untuk membantu menggalakkan pembangunan bakat digital di Malaysia.

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif MDEC, Surina Shukri berkata, MDEC juga sedang berganding dengan rakan industri bagi memudahkan perkembangan berterusan dalam transformasi kemahiran digital.

“Kumpulan bakat yang celik digital akan membantu melonjakkan syarikat-syarikat Malaysia ke peringkat serantau dan global,” katanya.

Menerusi kerjasama itu, GA akan menyediakan latihan yang disesuaikan untuk pembelajaran sepanjang hayat dalam ekonomi digital yang berkembang pesat hari ini .

Ini merangkumi penawaran kandungan dan proses peningkatan kemahiran yang kritikal dan diperlukan yang sepadan keupayaan digital semasa dan generasi akan datang; memperkenalkan kemahiran semula yang radikal bagi mereka yang perlu mengambil peranan digital yang baharu termasuk mewujudkan saluran bakat baharu yang beroperasi seperti perkhidmatan.

#BinaBersama #MemacuEkonomiDigitalMalaysia

MDEC

A GREAT START TO 2020 – AND THERE’S MORE TO COME!

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Skrol ke bawah untuk versi Bahasa Melayu / Scroll down for Malay version

It is often the case that Malaysia is compared with other countries in terms of catching up with the advent of Industry 4.0. As would be expected, a question which arises is how Malaysia compares to other countries in transforming to meet digital transformation.

To this, Surina Shukri, CEO of MDEC has once responded “We can be in the business of comparing, but we want to be in the business of doing” – and rightfully so. The year has hardly begun, but MDEC’s list of collaborations and partnerships has already started to grow.

January 2020 seems to have begun well, with the collaborations below setting the digital economy stage:

  • A collaboration between The World Economic Forum (WEF) and MDEC on drones, to co-design and pilot policy principles & regulatory frameworks
  • Startup Genome and the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) announced a partnership, in late January 2020, to supercharge the growth of Malaysia’s startup ecosystem, starting with Greater Kuala Lumpur. As part of this partnership, Startup Genome will perform its startup ecosystem assessment to identify policies and initiatives that will help achieve the potential of Malaysia’s vibrant startups and the wider innovation ecosystem. The research and advisory firm will be engaging the country’s startup founders along with investors, policy leaders, and other key stakeholders for input. 
  • A collaboration between DIGI Telecommunications Sdn Bhd (Digi) and Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) announced on Nov 18, that ensured more entrepreneurs, startups and developers obtain access to perform trials on next-generation 5G technology at Malaysia’s first 5G OpenLab in Cyberjaya.

As the months ensue, keep your eye out on more initiatives and events coming your way.

#LetsBuildTogether #DigitalMalaysiaForward

PERMULAAN CEMERLANG 2020 DAN PELBAGAI INISIATIF UNTUK MEMAJUKAN EKONOMI DIGITAL

Malaysia sebenarnya telah memulakan langkah menghadapi Revolusi 4.0 di sebalik persoalan tentang keupayaan negara mendigitalkan ekonominya. 

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), Surina Shukri berkata, sikap membandingkan ‘cara’ Malaysia memacukan ekonomi digitalnya dengan negara lain merupakan perkara biasa namun apa yang lebih penting ialah negara tidak ketinggalan malahan sebenarnya berada pada landasan tepat untuk melonjakkan pertumbuhan ekonomi digital.

Tegasnya, MDEC bersama beberapa rakan strategiknya telah berjaya melaksanakan pelbagai inisiatif sehingga Malaysia muncul sebagai negara yang ‘terkedepan’ apabila soal ekonomi digital dibangkitkan. 

“ Di sebalik ramalan bahawa ekonomi global pada tahun ini akan berdepan suasana tidak menentu, ekonomi digital Malaysia sebenarnya diurus dengan sistematik dan berkembang pesat, dipacu pelbagai sektor.

“ Lebih signifikan, ekonomi digital telah memberi sumbangan besar kepada Keluaran Dalam Negara Kasar (KDNK) negara,” katanya.

Bagi tahun 2020 beberapa kerjasama telah dimeterai dalam usaha melonjakkan potensi ekonomi digital. Antaranya termasuk

  • Sejarah baharu dicipta apabila World Economic Forum (WEF) dan MDEC mengumumkan kerjasama untuk merangka dasar polisi dan kerja pengawalseliaan penggunaan teknologi drone di rantau ini.
  • MDEC dan Startup Genome pada bulan lepas mengumumkan kerjasama untuk menyelia pertumbuhan syarikat baharu bermula di Greater Kuala Lumpur.
  • Kerjasama MDEC dengan Digi Telekomunikasi Sdn. Bhd. pada November tahun lepas bagi memastikan lebih banyak usahawan dan syarikat baharu serta syarikat pemaju mempunyai akses untuk mencuba teknologi 5G di OpenLab pertama di Cyberjaya.
MDEC

DUNIA DIGITAL BALIK PULAU

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Skrol ke bawah untuk versi Bahasa Inggeris / Scroll down for English version

Apabila disebut Balik Pulau, di Pulau Pinang, apa yang terlintas di fikiran ialah keindahan kampung-kampung Melayu yang masih bertahan di sebalik arus pembangunan di negeri berkenaan.

Majoriti penduduk di situ masih terlibat dalam kegiatan pertanian seperti menguruskan ladang durian serta terlibat dengan aktiviti menangkap ikan. Namun ada juga yang bekerja dalam sektor awam di samping menguruskan perniagaan sendiri.

Jika anda mencari tempat untuk menenangkan diri dan mahu lari dari kesesakan Bandaraya Georgetown, maka Balik Pulau adalah pilihan tepat kerana terdapat pelbagai makanan enak seperti laksa , ikan bakar dan durian Balik Pulau yang cukup terkenal kerana kualitinya.

Biarpun  ‘terpisah’ dengan dunia luar kerana laluan untuk sampai ke Balik Pulau yang terletak di Daerah Barat Daya itu cukup mencabar kerana anda perlu melalui laluan berbukit dan gaung sekiranya dari Air Itam atau Bayan Lepas.

Sekiranya menggunakan laluan dari Batu Feringghi menerusi Teluk Bahang pula, pengunjung tetap perlu menempuhi laluan gaung walaupun sebenarnya ia terletak kurang 50 kilometer daripada pusat bandar.

Di sebalik kekurangan itu, Balik Pulau sebenarnya tidaklah jauh ketinggalan dalam aspek digital berbanding kawasan lain di seluruh negara.

Ini kerana sejak tahun lepas, Kerajaan Negeri Pulau Pinang melalui Majlis Bandaraya Pulau Pinang (MBPP) telah melancarkan program MakerSpace @ Balik Pulau.

Datuk Bandar MBPP,  Datuk Ar. Yew Tung Seang berkata, MakerSpace @ Balik Pulau merupakan salah satu inisiatif untuk melahirkan modal insan terutamanya golongan muda kawasan itu yang berkualiti dan mengaplikasikan ciri-ciri sains, teknologi, kejuruteraan, seni dan matematik selaras dengan perkembangan Revolusi Industri 4.0.

Katanya, pihaknya bekerjasama dengan sektor awam termasuk Politeknik Balik Pulau (PBP), Penang Science Cluster dan Jabatan Pendidikan untuk menyediakan model Sains, Teknologi, Kejuruteraan, Seni dan Matematik kepada lebih 2,000 pelajar daripada 31 sekolah di daerah berkenaan.

Semalam, Menteri Komunikasi dan Multimedia, Gobind Singh Deo yang melawat MakerSpace @ Balik Pulau turut teruja dengan langkah yang diambil kerajaan negeri untuk membudayakan aplikasi digital dan sains kepada golongan muda.

Gobind berkata, beliau akan meneliti dengan lebih terperinci modul-modul serta mekanisme yang boleh dilakukan menerusi program itu dan bersedia untuk diperluaskan kepada semua golongan masyarakat.

Katanya, inisiatif mendigitalkan masyarakat dan ekonomi diterajui oleh Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) di bawah kementeriannya.

“ Ini penting bagi membolehkan golongan sasar melihat teknologi sebagai sesuatu yang boleh membantu mereka di dalam bidang yang ingin mereka ceburi untuk menjayakan masa depan,” katanya.

Menurut beilau, program sedemikian juga perlu dikembangkan di seluruh negara.

Dalam pada itu, Ketua Jabatan PBP, Wan Nur Wahidah Hashim berkata, antara yang diajar kepada pelajar sekolah termasuklah kursus Scratch yang merupakan satu perisian pengaturcaraan interaktif.

Katanya, melalui modul itu, murid-murid yang menyertai kelas MakerSpace @ Balik Pulau boleh belajar untuk menghasilkan cerita interaktif, mencipta animasi, membuat permainan video dan pelbagai penyelesaian masalah.

“ Selain itu, kita turut memberi bimbingan kepada guru di sekolah kawasan sekitar membabitkan modul coding. Murid yang datang boleh belajar belajar coding dengan lebih mendalam walaupun sebenarnya ia telah diajar dalam subjek Teknologi Maklumat dan Komunikasi di sekolah mereka,” katanya.

#BinaBersama #mydigitalmaker

A DIGITAL UPGRADE FOR BALIK PULAU

In spite of being categorised a sleepy hollow by city dwellers, Balik Pulau seems to have made proud strides in its digital quest, compared to similarly remote areas around Malaysia. This is probably owed to the MakerSpace @ Balik Pulau, launched by the Kerajaan Negeri Pulau Pinang through Majlis Bandaraya Pulau Pinang (MBPP).

The mayor, Datuk Ar. Yew Tung Seang said, MakerSpace @ Balik Pulau is an initiative to raise the quality of human capital among the youth of the area, in the areas of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics – in line with digital developments in the country towards IR4.0.

The mayor’s office, working with the public sector, including Politeknik Balik Pulau (PBP), Penang Science Cluster and the Education Department have begun preparing facilities in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics to more than 2,000 students from 31 schools in the district.

Recently, the Minister of Communications and Multimedia, Gobind Singh Deo who visited MakerSpace @ Balik Pulau, was impressed with the steps taken by the state government, to enable youths to familiarise themselves with science and digital applications.

Gobind stated that he would examine the modules and mechanisms in greater detail, preparing to roll out the programme to society at large. He shared that initiatives to digitalise the community and economy are spearheaded by MDEC, under his ministry.

He was quoted stating that, “This is important to enable target groups to see technology as something that helps them in whatever field they wish to pursue in the future”. According to the minister, such programmes should be rolled out across Malaysia.

Meanwhile, Head of PBP, Wan Nur Wahidah Hashim said that the Scratch (interactive programming software) course was among the courses taught. She went on to say that students who joined the MakerSpace @ Balik Pulau classes are able to learn to create interactive stories, create animation, make video games and more.

“Besides that we also guide teachers in schools in the area, in relation to coding modules. Students who attend classes can learn coding in more depth although it has been taught in IT and Communications, within their schools.”, she said.

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