Malaysia's digital shift will deliver real benefits to rakyat, says Gobind

Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo affirms Malaysia's digital push will deliver tangible economic benefits to everyday citizens through expanded digital literacy, workforce reskilling, and nationwide technological infrastructure.

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s digital goals are on track to make up some 30 per cent of its economy, with the government insisting that the ambitious technological push will deliver tangible everyday benefits to its citizens.

Speaking at the launch of the Petaling Jaya Startup Festival this morning, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo, outlined how the nation’s technological drive has transformed daily life.

“We are certainly on track to see the digital economy contribute 30 per cent to Malaysia’s GDP,” Gobind said.

“But what does this truly mean to the rakyat (people)? It means new economic opportunities. It means efficient operating mechanisms. It also means an increase in productivity.”

He highlighted one of the country’s most widespread digital payment methods: the QR code.

“These days, the makcik (auntie) selling nasi lemak by the roadside has a QR code ready,” he said.

“This cashless transaction means money goes straight into your bank account. There is no need for makcik to bank in her earnings at the end of the week. The QR code provides a hassle-free and safe route, and she doesn’t lose out on her daily interest.

“If you often travel abroad, you would agree that Malaysians are extremely digitally savvy compared to many developed nations.”

Gobind noted that while these may seem like simplistic ways to view digital technology, such conveniences rely on a complex back end requiring robust infrastructure, top talent, and a secure environment.

“We need highly skilled talent to power the nation,” he added. “We need doctors, lawyers, engineers. And we also need cybersecurity experts, AI platform engineers, and data analysts.

“To achieve this, the Digital Ministry is focusing on developing digital talent and fostering a digital society. This forms a core part of the Malaysia Digital 2030 (MD2030) Action Plan.”

Key targets under the MD2030 framework include achieving an 80 per cent digital literacy rate among the population, reskilling 700,000 workers, and offering alternative learning pathways alongside a National Learning Platform and Digital Skills Wallet to enable an agile workforce transition.

“We also want to ensure digital progress is translated equitably to rural areas, underserved communities, and underrepresented groups,” Gobind said.

“This includes producing 5,000 rural digital entrepreneurs.”

The initiative comes as Malaysia emerges as Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing data centre hub, with the southern state of Johor expected to account for 60 per cent of the country’s total capacity by 2030.

Gobind added that events like the Petaling Jaya Startup Festival allow citizens to understand and appreciate the government’s vision to play a proactive role in the digital landscape.

“Our message is simple: We want to create a productive and prosperous nation. However, this can only be achieved through your active participation in our digital initiatives,” he said.

Among those present at the launch of the festival were Senator Tiew Way Keng; Selangor executive councillor for Investment, Trade and Mobility, Ng Sze Han; and Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation chairman, Ganesh Kumar Bangah.

The eighth edition of the festival features more than 100 booths showcasing digital e-commerce, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and space technology. The event also hosts a career fair organised by the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) and a STEM fair for children.

More than 2,000 visitors are expected to attend the two-day event at the Petaling Jaya City Council Civic Hall (Dewan Sivik MBPJ).