Latest news with #MalaysiaDigitalOpenDay
The Star
08-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
‘Prepare ecosystem for future technology'
Gobind (left) meeting industry stakeholders at the Malaysia Digital Open Day by MDEC at Bangunan UAB, George Town. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star Digital Minister says Penang's readiness for AI growth will attract investors PENANG, which is known as a leader in the semiconductor sector, should also become a regional hub for next-generation technology, says Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo. He said the country needed to consider how it could further develop the ecosystem. 'When we talk about attracting investments to Malaysia, particularly to Penang, many potential investors will evaluate the strength and quality of the existing ecosystem. 'Investors will assess the existing infrastructure and the government's readiness to support the adoption of new technologies. 'When we talk about developments like AI (artificial intelligence), we need proper mechanisms to ensure that data can be shared effectively, enabling the successful implementation of AI and related fields. 'Therefore, it is crucial for the government to take action in establishing the necessary frameworks,' he told a press conference at the Malaysia Digital Open Day in George Town. He said the newly enacted Data Sharing Act 2025, which took effect on April 28, facilitated enhanced sharing of data among ministries and their agencies. This, he said, was one of the key steps towards the vision of making Penang the regional hub for future technology. Gobind was confident that if the state government could create the ecosystem, more investors would pick Penang as their investment destination. He pointed out that the ministry opened a Penang branch of Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), so that it could have more discussions with industry stakeholders based in the state. 'Many new technologies will emerge and we must focus on how to prepare Penang to ensure that when these technologies arrive and become available, our ecosystem is ready to support and leverage them. 'This readiness will allow us to strengthen Penang's position as a leading semiconductor hub and a thriving start-up ecosystem in the region.' On the enactment of the Data Sharing Act at the state level, Gobind said Penang was very receptive to the proposal to put into place data-sharing laws aimed at creating a larger ecosystem among federal, state and local agencies. He had met Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow who was very supportive of the Federal Government's efforts. 'We want to digitalise the government administration as fast as possible,' said Gobind. He hopes that all states will be receptive to the enactment of Data Sharing Act and that the legislation can be implemented by year-end. On the growing issues of online scams and digital fraud, Gobind said the authorities such as the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and police had many initiatives and public awareness campaigns, including dedicated hotlines for public complaints and streamlined processes for enforcement. He said existing legislation to address digital threats was sufficient and the government was doing all it could to curb crime. 'Government agencies, including MCMC, law enforcement and other regulatory bodies, are equipped to investigate and respond to cyberthreats effectively,' he said.
Malay Mail
29-04-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Digital minister: Malaysia draws RM16.2b digital investments by mid-April, data centres and AI drive boom
GEORGE TOWN, April 29 — Malaysia has recorded total investments of RM16.2 billion from digital companies between January and mid-April this year. Digital minister Gobind Singh Deo today said the investments are expected to create some 6,500 jobs over the next five years. He said Malaysia has a total 3,891 active Malaysia Digital (MD) companies with 254 in the northern region. 'Data centres and cloud investments lead the way contributing RM9.9 billion or more than 60 per cent of the total,' he said in his speech at the Malaysia Digital Open Day at UAB Building here. He said artificial intelligence (AI) companies also make up the largest share of new MD-status companies at 27 per cent, followed by data centres (23 per cent) and global business services (11.5 per cent). Gobind said investor confidence in Malaysia has remained strong with the top five sources of foreign direct investments coming from Netherlands, Singapore, Hong Kong, India and the United Kingdom. To date, he said Penang has attracted RM1.23 billion in MD-approved investments with 266 jobs expected to be created. 'While 93 per cent of these investments are driven by data centre and cloud, more than 60 per cent of job opportunities are in high-value sectors such as IC (integrated circuit) design and embedded software,' he said. 'Malaysia's commitment to stable governance, investor-friendly policies and digital innovation is what continues to earn the trust of global investors,' he added. He said Malaysia's digital economy agenda is focused on building a vibrant ecosystem that enables businesses to thrive, empowers communities through technology and ensures that the benefits of digitalisation are felt across all layers of society. He added that Malaysia will be hosting the Malaysia AI Summit 2025 that will bring together policymakers, researchers and global tech leaders to shape the future of AI in Southeast Asia. Malaysia will also host the Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur 2025 that will showcase innovative urban solutions as well as foster collaboration among Asean countries, he said. 'With this series of international and regional events, Malaysia is poised to become the regional tech hub for digital innovation, supporting digital transformation and driving sustainable urban development,' he said. He said the establishment of a regional office in Penang to serve Penang, Kedah, Perak and Perlis will link local stakeholders to national programmes, talent development efforts and digital ecosystem support.
