1. YBrs. Tuan Fabian Bigar
Secretary General, Ministry of Digital
2. YB Tuan Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh
Chairman, MDEC
3. Mr. Ong Chin Seong
Chairman, PIKOM
4. Mr. Alex Liew
Organising Chair, PIKOM Digital Excellence Award
5. YBhg. Datuk Abu Huraira Abu Yazid
Chairman, HRD Corporation
6. YBhg. Tan Sri Dato' Soh Thian Lai
President of Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM)
7. Mr. Oliver Wee
President of Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM)
Distinguished Guests
Esteemed Members of PIKOM
Ladies and Gentlemen
Good evening and Salam Malaysia Madani.
1. It is an honour to be here tonight, celebrating the PIKOM Digital Excellence Awards 2024 with all of you.
2. This prestigious event highlights the groundbreaking innovations, exceptional leadership, and impactful contributions that are shaping Malaysia's digital technology ecosystem.
3. PIKOM has always been at the forefront championing and celebrating our digital pioneers. The association represents the country’s technology industry with over 1,000 active members, commanding 80% of the total tech business in Malaysia. Tonight is a testament to the strength and vitality of this community.
4. In today’s rapidly evolving global landscape, the digital technology sector is not merely a component of our economy. It plays a vital role in our nation’s progress. This is evident as the digital economy contributed 23% to our GDP in 2023, and it is projected to reach 25.5% by 2025.
5. The series of billion-dollar investments committed by tech giants and global companies in recent months are a much-needed boost for our country and a sign of confidence in our nation’s direction and policies. The digital economy is the driving force behind our aspirations to become a high-income digital nation – underpinning industries, transforming businesses, and ultimately enhancing the quality of life for all Malaysians.
Ladies and gentlemen,
6. The Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint serves as our strategic roadmap in this journey. It outlines our ambition to transform Malaysia into a regional leader in the digital economy.
7. This target is one that we are confident in achieving with the collective effort of the public and private sectors as well as the foreign and domestic investments secured in recent times.
8. I accompanied our Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim to New Delhi last month where we strengthened our working commitment with the Indian government on many fronts. The main highlight was an exchange of MoU between Malaysia and India that will see the
establishment of the Malaysia-India Digital Council. Through this Council, there will be sharing of technical expertise and experience in digital public infrastructure as well as e-governance solutions, and to explore business-to-business partnerships among industry players.
9. We will also see collaborations involving startups and small- and medium- enterprises (SMEs), including investment commitments in both countries. I view this as a positive step not only for the nation’s digital economy but it complements Malaysia’s ambition to be part of BRICS.
10. There was also an exchange of MoU between the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM). This will see seven global Indian companies training and hiring at least 5,000 Malaysians in specific areas, including in Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), cyber security, and software development. The training and hiring scheme will span over the next three years. NASSCOM represents the voice of India’s US$254 billion technology industry, and has a diverse and influential community of over 3,000 member companies – ranging from startups to multinational corporations. This strategic collaboration will help speed up our digital transformation journey.
11. As such, I was glad to witness the MoU exchange between Mr Ong and NASSCOM chairman Rajesh Nambiar representing their respective organisations in New Delhi on August 21, 2024. I have been told that the key areas of focus of the PIKOM-NASSCOM tie-up include facilitating mutual exchange of information, organising and supporting more collaborative efforts, fostering network opportunities, and facilitating access into Malaysian and Indian markets. I am certain this initiative will also assist PIKOM in its efforts to identify the needs of its members through its seven chapters which include cyber security, e-Commerce, and women in tech.
12. I have been made to understand that PIKOM had a follow-up session with NASSCOM on August 29, 2024, and that both parties had identified immediate steps to take in moving forward. I was also told that a Special Interest Group will be set up, and that the first networking event will be held later this month. In addition to that, there’s also a planned Indian Pavilion at the PIKOM Leadership Summit in November, and that a delegation from PIKOM will attend NASSCOM’s Technology and Leadership Forum in February 2025.
13. I must commend PIKOM and NASSCOM for their commitment in getting the ball rolling. This is exactly what needs to be done. It is not only about exchanging MoUs, but ensuring there is follow through, and that the progress is communicated so that stakeholders fully understand and appreciate the impact of such collaborations.
14. PIKOM and MDEC – via MDEC’s Gateway, Amplify, Invest & Nurture (GAIN) programme – will explore trade and bilateral activities between Malaysia and India. ‘GAIN’ is an MDEC initiative that drives market access programmes for Malaysian tech companies via B2B
matching and networking activities with global tech ecosystem players, ie. trade associations, corporates, thought-leadership platforms, conferences, governments, and so on.
15. Since 2017, ‘GAIN’ has accessed the markets of over 26 nations. It has seen the involvement of over 150 Malaysian tech companies and organised over 1,000 one-to-one business meetings. Thanks to the direct facilitation under ‘GAIN’, we have seen revenues of RM31.9 billion (from 2017 till to date) and exports worth RM11.2 billion.
16. PIKOM and MDEC will now embark on a business mission to India in the second week of November 2024 to promote Malaysia-India partnerships across digital ecosystem players and stakeholders. I have been informed that these efforts are expected to generate a digital export value of RM300 million over the next two years, with
20 Malaysian tech companies to land in India. I wish PIKOM and MDEC all the best.
17. I urge Malaysian companies here tonight to join this tech business mission, do reach out to PIKOM and MDEC to align your business strategies and together, create new business allies in India.
Why are such initiatives important?
18. Inking partnerships will deepen both nations’ commitment, and that of their industries, fostering market access to Malaysia and India. Public and private partnerships are equally important to develop any ecosystem, including digital. The Government must pay close attention to the realities faced by the industry players in order to come up with policies that will benefit stakeholders, and help the digital economy to flourish. Such partnerships will also drive innovation and growth in the region, as Malaysia assumes the ASEAN chair in 2025. It is through such initiatives that we will see the development of world class infrastructure, the strengthening of our digital resilience, and the development of local talents. These are the three main pillars of the Ministry of Digital.
19. By fostering strategic partnerships and embedding the principles of multiculturalism and inclusivity in every initiative, the MADANI government aims to create a robust digital economy that benefits all Malaysians. Our efforts are particularly focused on elevating Malaysia’s position on the global stage, as we navigate a rapidly changing technological landscape and the complexities of an emerging international order. We must always stay ahead in this competitive digital race.
20. No one should be left behind. Amid the challenges posed by rapid technological advancements, shifting consumer behaviours, and intense global competition, this Government is actively working to empower startups and SMEs.
21. SMEs are the backbone of our nation’s economy. By providing the necessary support and resources, we aim to create an environment where innovation thrives, positioning Malaysia as a leader in the global digital arena and ensuring shared prosperity for all.
Ladies and gentlemen,
22. To the participants here tonight — whether you are a nominee, a winner, or a supporter of this vibrant community — I extend my heartfelt congratulations.
23. The innovations and solutions we celebrate tonight are the building blocks of a future where Malaysia stands tall as a leader in the digital age. Your hard work, creativity, and dedication are the reasons we are able to celebrate this evening. Your achievements inspire us all and set the standard for others to follow.
24. However, let us remember that excellence is not only about winning awards. It is about making a lasting impact. It is about inspiring others, challenging the status quo, and driving Malaysia forward on the global stage.
25. As we celebrate the outstanding achievements of tonight’s winners, let us also look ahead to the innovations and breakthroughs yet to come. The journey before us is filled with opportunities, and I am confident that together, we will continue to shape a digital Malaysia that is inclusive, dynamic, and resilient.
26. With that, it is my great pleasure to officially declare the PIKOM Digital Excellence Awards 2024 open. May this night be filled with inspiration, celebration, and the spirit of innovation.
Thank you, and enjoy the evening.
