‘Selangor is not waiting for the future, it is building it’

Malaysia’s Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo today paid tribute to the Selangor government for its proactive role in elevating the digital economy in the state.

Speaking at the launch of the Selangor Twin Accelerator Programme 2025 at Asia Business School in Kuala Lumpur this afternoon, Gobind said he recognised Selangor’s efforts in “consistently pushing the bar”.

“From the Malaysia Semiconductor IC Design Park to initiatives like the Advanced Semiconductor Academy of Malaysia (ASEM), Selangor is not waiting for the future. It’s building it – and bringing everyone along,” said Gobind.

“At the Digital Ministry, our job is to enable, amplify and support. We are working to streamline policies, remove bottlenecks and make sure Malaysia’s innovation ecosystem has what it needs to succeed – from capital and talent to data infrastructure and global access.

“We are also reviewing new incentives and frameworks to support artificial intelligence-driven entrepreneurship, foster open innovation and accelerate technology adoption across all sectors,” he added.

Earlier in his speech, Gobind said the Selangor Twin Accelerator Programme 2025 was an important step forward as Malaysia continues to build a stronger, smarter digital economy.

“This programme, combining the Deep Tech Accelerator (Deep-X) and the Retail Tech Accelerator (Retail-X), reflects what we in the government have long believed – that innovation must be inclusive, and that it must be backed by real support, real access and real opportunities to grow. That’s exactly what SIDEC (Selangor Information Technology & Digital Economy Corporation) is delivering today.”

Retail-X targets retail small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) looking to modernise their operations through technologies such as livestream selling, automation and data analytics.

Deep-X, meanwhile, focuses on developing deep technology-based startups in areas like artificial intelligence, advanced engineering and data science.

“Digitalisation is no longer optional. It’s essential. And with partners like TikTok Shop, Plug & Play APAC, Xendit, Shopline, AEON, Cradle and DHL on board, we’re not just helping SMEs get online – we’re helping them scale, compete and thrive in the digital marketplace.

“On the other side, Deep-X is all about the future – AI, smart mobility, biotech and sustainability. These aren’t just global buzzwords. They are the technologies Malaysia must master to build the industries of tomorrow.

“What’s encouraging is that we’re not just talking – we’re training talent, funding innovation and opening doors to global platforms like Plug and Play in Silicon Valley,” he added.