With digital transformation and tech innovation’s increasingly prominent role in the larger economy, the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) is going to kick-off the month-long Malaysia Tech Month 2020 (MTM 2020).
The MTM 2020 is a purpose-built initiative that showcases Malaysia’s robust and versatile digital and technology ecosystem as well as the success of its innovative companies. Capitalising on demands and opportunities in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), MTM 2020 — MDEC’s capstone event — aims to reinforce Malaysia’s position as a first-mover for the digital economy and Heart of Digital ASEAN.
Based on the latest statistics from the Department of Statistics (DOSM), in 2019, Malaysia’s digital economy has contributed 19.1% to the national economy, up from 18.7% in 2018. As is, the digital economy is expected to further increase its contribution by 20% this year with the e-commerce sector expecting to exceed RM110 billion in revenue in that same period. This is equivalent to 40% of the nation’s digital economy.
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With 4IR powered technologies and innovations like artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and the Internet of Things (IoT), proliferating and catalysing shifts in consumption, daily activities and lifestyles and workspace operations, there is a heightened need to ensure that all segments of society can effectively participate and reap the benefits of digitalisation.
“Malaysia is well on its way to integrate digital technologies and solutions into all levels of government and the economy. MDEC believes these digital inititaives must be for the benefit of the many, and by doing so, we can firmly establish Malaysia as the ‘Heart of Digital ASEAN’,” said Surina Shukri, CEO of MDEC.
“MTM 2020 will demonstrate our strategic interventions as the ‘winning-formula’ that will set the course forward for Malaysia, leading the country closer to becoming an exemplary, digitally-powered nation that will thrive in the 4IR and deliver shared prosperity for all,” Surina added.
Let’s walk you through the Malaysia Tech Month 2020
Commencing 10 November 2020, the exciting curation of world-class speakers and programmes aims to attract start-ups; entrepreneurs; corporate organisations; government stakeholders; small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs); and both local and foreign tech sector leadership.
The goal of MTM 2020 is to connect the brightest minds in both digital and tech sectors and facilitate high-value networking opportunities for all participants. Enabling the exchange of conceptual ideas and cutting-edge solutions from the region’s fast-growing digital economy, it aims to drive MDEC’s aspirations in establishing Malaysia as the Heart of Digital ASEAN and further reinforce Malaysia’s ambitions to become a powerhouse for the digital economy.
The MTM 2020 will also act as the overarching umbrella platform for all digital and tech industry events in November. This includes marque events that MDEC is organising and other tie-in programmes from ecosystem partners. The end-goal for MTM 2020 is to fortify the rising confidence in Malaysia as a compelling digital and tech investment hub for the region.
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The main highlight of MTM 2020 is the Opening Conference that kicks off on 10-11 November, featuring keynote speakers Randi Zuckerberg, former Head of Marketing, Zuckerberg Media; Alexander Stubb, former Finland Prime Minister and Vice President of European Investment Bank; and Harry D. Moseley, Global CIO of ZOOM. Many of Malaysia’s tech ecosystem leaders will also be taking the virtual stage during this two-day event, including Patrick Grove, Co-Founder and Group CEO of Catcha Group; Stephanie Sitt, Co-Founder and CEO of Inmagine; Kamarul Muhamed, Founder and CEO of Aerodyne Group; Joel Tay, Soft Space CEO.
Other international level programmes include Digital Investment Summit, MyDroneTech Festival, TechFest LIVE! Road to WCIT Malaysia and DataKITA.Pulse conference.
Building a legacy for Malaysia
As the year-ending capstone event, MTM 2020 will further reinforce MDEC’s efforts to drive forward its three core pillars — expand digitally-skilled talent and improve their readiness, drive digitally-powered businesses en-route to being global tech champions, and facilitate digital sector investments.
“The digital transformation of a nation could be previously described as a journey, requiring specific initiatives to reach key demographics and meet those unique needs. The global pandemic has upended that notion, requiring an immediate shift in mindsets, agile pivots and precision interventions. Expectations are high for the digital economy to contribute significantly to the nation’s GSP into 2021 and beyond. MDEC, via important programmes like MTM 2020, will continue to reinvent our digital economy and lead it towards our vision of Malaysia 5.0,” Surina explained.
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MDEC is a government agency under the purview of the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia Malaysia entrusted to lead Malaysia’s digital economy forward. Incorporated in 1996 to oversee the development of the MSC Malaysia initiative, MDEC’s primary mandate today is to accelerate the growth of digitally-skilled Malaysians, digitally-powered businesses and digital investments in Malaysia.
MDEC is focused on creating inclusive, high-quality growth through the nationwide digitalisation initiatives that are in line with the Government’s Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 and firmly establishing Malaysia as the Heart of Digital ASEAN.
Where to find them
For more information on MTM 2020, you may visit the official page here. You may also register for their virtual events here.
To find out more about MDEC’s Digital Economy initiatives, you may visit their official site here. You may also follow them on Facebook and Twitter.
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This article is produced by the e27 team, sponsored by MDEC
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