MDEC spearheads Johor's bid to become Asia's tech powerhouse, says digital transformation chief
ISKANDAR PUTERI, June 18 — The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) plays a leading role in realising Johor's aspiration to become Asia's digital hub through various strategic initiatives and inter-agency collaborations.
MDEC chief of digital transformation, Datuk Fadzli Abdul Wahit, said the agency is directly involved in facilitating digital investments and expanding market access through close cooperation with several agencies, such as Invest Johor and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA).
'We play a role in coordinating all types of approvals, liaising with all government agencies, and providing comprehensive support in terms of investment facilitation and market access,' he told Bernama after serving as a panellist at the Nikkei Forum Medini 2025 here today.
He said in terms of talent and skill development, MDEC collaborates with the Johor Talent Development Council (JTDC), as well as universities and industries, to improve workforce employability in the digital economy sector. According to him, the collaboration aims to upskill the local workforce in high-tech fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, blockchain technology, and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0).
'MDEC also works with various parties in developing digital infrastructure and regulatory aspects to ensure the state's digital ecosystem grows holistically and sustainably,' he added.
Among the initiatives provided are innovation grants, tax incentives, and smart fund facilities specifically for Johor-based companies under the Malaysia Digital framework.
For the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector, Fadzli said MDEC will offer innovation grants and ecosystem matchmaking programmes to enable local industry players to develop talent and technology capable of penetrating export markets.
He also highlighted that Johor is now in a prime position to become a regional digital hub due to its strategic location near Singapore and stands to gain greatly from bilateral cooperation through the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). 'To become a leader at the Asean level, we must develop suitable talent, infrastructure, and funding. Johor is in the best position because it can complement Singapore's strengths, and vice versa,' he said. — Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malay Mail
an hour ago
- Malay Mail
Hajiji touts investment surge, stronger federal ties as proof of Sabah Maju Jaya plan's success
KOTA KINABALU, June 21 — The State Government remains steadfast in its commitment to driving inclusive and holistic development under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) roadmap, aimed at ensuring sustainable progress and the wellbeing of the people. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor said the SMJ initiative has yielded significant impact since its introduction, particularly in economic recovery, investment growth, agriculture, human capital development and social welfare. 'Alhamdulillah, we are witnessing a surge in investment activity and an increase in state revenue over the past few years. This is a testament to the effectiveness of the government's strategic approach,' he said. Hajiji said this in his speech during the 74th official birthday celebration of the Head of State, Tun (Dr) Musa Aman, held at Istana Seri Kinabalu on Saturday. He emphasised that agriculture remains a key focus area for the State Government, as it plays a crucial role in strengthening food security in Sabah. Among the notable initiatives, he said, is the establishment of the Sabah Paddy and Rice Board (LPBS) and the launch of the Paddy Crop Takaful Scheme (STTP), which aims to raise the state's rice self-sufficiency level from the current 24 per cent in 2025 to 60 per cent by 2030. 'This is a strategic move to enhance Sabah's self-reliance in food production while reducing dependency on imports,' he stressed. In line with developing future-ready talent, Hajiji said human capital development, particularly among youth, remains high on the government's agenda through various empowerment programmes involving skills training, education, entrepreneurship, leadership and sports. The State Government, he added, has also approved the establishment of the Sabah State TVET Council as a coordinating and monitoring platform for technical and vocational education and training in line with industry demands. 'We want to ensure that Sabah's youth are equipped with relevant knowledge and skills to meaningfully contribute to the development of the state and the nation,' he said. On federal-state ties, Hajiji reiterated that the close cooperation and good relations with the Federal Government will continue to be upheld to ensure Sabah is not left behind in the national development agenda. He expressed appreciation for the Federal Government's various forms of assistance and initiatives, especially in areas such as infrastructure, health, education and security. Hajiji also thanked the Prime Minister for his firm stance in safeguarding Sabah's rights and sovereignty, including the recent success in fending off foreign claims against the state at the international level. 'Malaysia's success in defending Sabah from external claims affirms the state's sovereign status under the Malaysian Federation and provides reassurance and confidence to the people of Sabah,' he said. Hajiji also conveyed his heartfelt birthday wishes to Tun Musa in conjunction with his 74th official birthday and prayed for continued good health and blessings for him and Toh Puan. 'The State Government and the people of Sabah extend our deepest appreciation for Your Excellency's leadership and enduring service. May Allah SWT bless Tun with longevity and continued protection,' he said. The ceremony was attended by top state leaders, recipients of state honours and awards, heads of departments and invited dignitaries. — The Borneo Post
Malay Mail
an hour ago
- Malay Mail
Analysts: Cautious week ahead for ringgit as markets eye Trump's war call
KUALA LUMPUR, June 21 — The ringgit is expected to stay defensive within a tight range next week, as traders and investors will continue to observe the military conflict in the Middle East, said an analyst. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said that the Israel-Iran war continues to take centre stage as the United States is still weighing its options to participate in the conflict. 'White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt indicated that President Donald Trump will make his decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks. The US Dollar Index (DXY) fell 0.22 per cent to 98.691 points. 'Apart from that, Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) inflation data for May 2025 will also be released next week. On that note, ringgit could stay within a range of RM4.24 to RM4.25 next week,' he told Bernama. For the week just ended, the ringgit gave up its earlier gains at the beginning of the week as escalating geopolitical concerns spurred demand for the safe-haven US dollar. However, the market showed a slight sign of recovery at the end of the week, as some investors took the opportunity to return to emerging currencies due to the latest White House announcement regarding the ongoing Iran-Israel war. The ringgit ended the week easier against the greenback, closing at 4.2505/2565 on Friday from 4.2435/2480 a week earlier. The local note traded mostly higher against a basket of major currencies. The ringgit rose vis-à-vis the Japanese yen to 2.9245/9289 from 2.9448/9482 at Friday's close, went up against the British pound to 5.7356/7437 from 5.7482/7543 previously, but depreciated versus the euro to 4.9000/9069 from 4.8906/8958 at the end of last week. The ringgit traded mostly higher against Asean currencies. The local note declined against the Singapore dollar to 3.3088/3140 on Friday from 3.3077/3118 in the previous week, advanced versus the Indonesian rupiah to 259.2/259.7 from 260.2/260.6 previously, and strengthened versus the Thai baht to 12.9727/9969 from 13.0807/1018 last week. Meanwhile, the ringgit also rose against the Philippine peso at 7.43/7.45 compared to 7.55/7.56 previously. — Bernama
Malay Mail
an hour ago
- Malay Mail
Stagflation fears, US data to shape Bursa sentiment next week, say analysts
KUALA LUMPUR, June 21 — Bursa Malaysia is expected to remain cautious next week, tracking Wall Street's performance as markets digest signals from the United States (US) Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), said an analyst. UOB Kay Hian Wealth Advisors Sdn Bhd's head of investment research Mohd Sedek Jantan noted that the US Federal Reserve's (Fed) projections, characterised by slower growth, elevated inflation, and a higher unemployment trajectory for 2025–2027—suggest a stagflationary undertone, which could weigh on risk sentiment. 'Growth-sensitive sectors may face headwinds as the policy outlook remains uncertain. The split in the FOMC's dot plot, with members divided between no interest rates cuts and two cuts by year-end, implies limited near-term easing and reduces the likelihood of a July cut,' he told Bernama. Mohd Sedek also pointed out that the benchmark index is hovering near the psychological threshold of 1,500 points, adding that a breach of this level could trigger opportunistic buying by institutional investors, especially as the index nears its immediate support at 1,490 points. 'While the FOMC's guidance has introduced caution, markets may find support at lower levels, where valuations become more compelling. Geopolitical-driven volatility is often short-lived, and we expect a moderation in risk sentiment as these concerns subside,' he said. Meanwhile, Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd equity research vice-president Thong Pak Leng market focus next week will shift to several key economic indicators, including the US quarterly gross domestic product and jobless claims. 'The FBM KLCI is currently priced at about 12 times the calendar year 2025 price-to-earnings ratio, notably below its long-term average of over 16 times, indicating potential for further appreciation. 'The subdued valuation may attract bargain hunters. For the week ahead, we expect the index to trade within the 1,500–1,530 points range,' Thong added. For the week just ended, Bursa Malaysia was mostly subdued as investors stayed on the sidelines due to ongoing concerns over the Middle East conflict and the anticipated implementation of reciprocal tariffs by US President Donald Trump. On a Friday-to-Friday basis, the barometer index dropped 15.37 points to 1,502.74 from 1,518.11 a week earlier. The FBM Emas Index fell 141.109 points to 11,228.99, the FBMT 100 Index was down 128.59 points to 11,015.45, and the FBM Emas Shariah Index declined 128.19 points to 11,201.34. The FBM 70 Index decreased 250.96 points to 16,117.75 and the FBM ACE Index shrank 86.34 points to 4,400.85. Across sectors, the Industrial Products and Services Index eased by 4.08 points to 147.27 and the Energy Index was 5.05 points lower at 735.71. The Plantation Index slid 0.40 of-a-point to 7,220.52, the Healthcare Index dipped 85.83 points to 1,691.89, and the Financial Services Index tumbled 179.87 points to 17,468.38. Turnover dropped to 13.72 billion units worth RM10.84 billion from 13.89 billion units valued at RM10.61 billion in the preceding week. The Main Market volume fell to 6.29 billion units valued at RM9.63 billion against 6.42 billion units worth RM9.47 billion previously. Warrants turnover expanded to 6.16 billion units worth RM845.61 million versus 5.97 billion units valued at RM687.92 million a week ago. The ACE Market volume slipped to 1.25 billion units valued at RM361.21 million compared with 1.50 billion units worth RM458.75 million in the preceding week. — Bernama
