First East Malaysia rollout of MDEC's BDI to accelerate MSME digital growth
KUCHING (July 9): The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) today launched its MD Business Digitalisation Initiative (BDI) in Sarawak, marking its first rollout of the initiative in East Malaysia.
This strategic move aims to accelerate inclusive digital growth by equipping micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with innovative tools to boost productivity, streamline operations, and future-proof their businesses.
The event was officiated by State Minister for Utility and Telecommunication, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi.
Introduced under the Madani Government, the BDI adopts a whole-of-nation approach to empower businesses across all states, including Sarawak, with the tools, expertise, and support needed to succeed in the fast-growing digital economy.
The initiative is delivered in collaboration with the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) and the State Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment.
Deputy Minister of Digital, Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong, in his address, underscored the significance of the initiative in boosting Sarawak's economic resilience.
'The Ministry of Digital remains committed to supporting every corner of the nation in this digital journey. Sarawak's MSMEs play a vital role in driving regional economic growth.
'By embracing digitalisation and e-invoicing, they are positioning themselves for greater efficiency, transparency, and global competitiveness,' he said.
Wilson added that Sarawak's strength in renewable energy, coupled with its digital ambition, creates a unique platform for innovation.
'We are proud to work hand-in-hand with the state government to realise this vision as long-term partners.'
He also noted that with Sarawak's Digital Economy Blueprint 2030 in full swing, collaboration between the ministry, MDEC, and the state is expected to intensify in the coming months, for the benefit of MSMEs and the people of Sarawak.
MDEC Chief Executive Officer Anuar Fariz Fadzil highlighted the importance of federal-state cooperation to support local business growth.
'Sarawak is a vital part of Malaysia's digital future, and we are committed to supporting state-level transformation, fostering innovation, and creating long-term economic opportunities,' he said.
'This initiative is about building a future-ready business ecosystem and ensuring no MSME is left behind in the digital economy.'
The launch featured exhibitions, digital advisory sessions, and showcases from MDEC-accredited Digitalisation Partners to help MSMEs adopt solutions tailored to their needs.
Participating businesses gained access to digital advisory services, live product demos, and customised solutions from over 404 accredited partners.
A key feature of the initiative is the Digital Maturity Assessment (DMA) – a structured tool to help MSMEs evaluate their current digital capabilities and chart the next steps for transformation.
The event also spotlighted the National e-Invoicing Initiative, led by the Ministry of Digital and implemented by MDEC, to modernise how businesses issue and exchange invoices in real-time via the Peppol framework, enabling seamless interoperability between systems and compliance with LHDN tax regulations.
To ease e-invoicing adoption, MDEC introduced a suite of Freemium and Affordable Solutions from accredited providers, including Malaysia Digital (MD) status companies such as Xero and Big Ledger Sdn Bhd.
These tools are designed to offer MSMEs a smooth and cost-effective path toward digital compliance.
The BDI launch in Sarawak reaffirms MDEC's commitment to building inclusive, sustainable, and practical digital ecosystems that benefit local businesses and ensure Malaysia's digital economy remains robust and accessible to all.
For more information, visit MDEC's website https://mdec.my/bdi. Business Digitalisation Initiative julaihi narawi MDEC
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