Initiative to position Malaysia as Southeast Asia’s digital hub

Malaysia is positioning itself as Southeast Asia's digital hub through its digital agenda program, a move aligned with the nation's transition towards a high-technology economy.

According to Assoc.Prof. Dr. Abdul Hadi Abd Rahman, deputy dean (Research & Innovation) of the Faculty of Information Science & Technology at the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, the digital agenda implementation has received enthusiastic support from major industry players, spurring demand for local talent and accelerating technology skills development.

Success, however, remains dependent on technology awareness and adoption among civil servants, particularly regarding digital systems implementation in the public sector.

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are also expected to benefit significantly from technology-based solutions addressing current operational challenges. This approach not only strengthens the country's innovation ecosystem but enhances competitiveness in a more inclusive and comprehensive manner, he explained.

Regarding Malaysia's ambition to become the region's digital center, Abdul Hadi stated that establishing the Faculty of Artificial Intelligence at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and the post-quantum technology center at the Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) reflects the government's commitment to strengthening the national technology foundation from the ground up.

Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. Wan Zuhainis Saad, Director of the Centre for Academic Development and Leadership Excellence, argued that digital skills development policies should be maintained continuously to adapt to rapid technological advancements like AI. This will provide opportunities for all students, including those in rural areas, to access high-quality technology education.

She recommended further capitalizaton on technology in such areas as green energy and sustainable development, while urging the government to increase investment in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) to equip Malaysian workers with more comprehensive and relevant digital skills.