The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) will be in Johor again this week to drive digital growth initiatives aimed at enhancing the state’s productivity and competitiveness.
This mission follows on from the highly successful trip of a fortnight ago, where MDEC CEO Anuar Fariz Fadzil and his delegation engaged with Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi and other state leaders to explore collaborative opportunities in digital infrastructure, AI ecosystems and SME digitalisation.
Anuar highlighted Johor’s potential as a regional hub for data centres, fintech and digital content, citing its strategic location and progressive policies.
He added that strong state leadership continues to enhance Johor’s potential in these areas, making it an even more attractive destination for investment and innovation.
“Johor’s proximity to Singapore through the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ) provides a unique advantage, offering seamless cross-border trade, investment opportunities, and shared digital initiatives,” he said.
The Johor-Singapore SEZ is envisioned as a catalyst for economic integration, fostering greater cooperation in technology, finance, and innovation. MDEC’s focus on this zone aligns with its mission to attract marquee AI companies and global tech investments to Malaysia. The SEZ also offers unparalleled access to skilled talent, cutting-edge infrastructure and a vibrant digital ecosystem.
MDEC’s continued presence in Johor underscores its commitment to fostering state-level digital ecosystems that contribute to Malaysia’s broader digital economy objectives. The upcoming visit will focus on translating previous discussions into concrete actions, including establishing joint digital projects, enhancing digital upskilling programmes and facilitating cross-border collaborations within the SEZ framework.
“Our mission is to accelerate digital adoption, foster innovation and create high-value job opportunities by nurturing local talent and promoting SME digitalisation,” said Anuar.
With Malaysia attracting multiple billions in data centre investments and aiming for the digital economy to contribute 25.5% to GDP by year-end, MDEC’s efforts in Johor represent a critical step towards achieving these national targets.
The agency also plans to support Malaysian tech companies in expanding their footprint in foreign markets through the SEZ’s strategic advantages.
MDEC’s strategy aligns with the Digital Economy Blueprint and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030, focusing on enhancing digital infrastructure, driving technology adoption, and building a digitally skilled workforce ready for future challenges. The Johor-Singapore SEZ stands as a testament to Malaysia’s ambition to become a leading digital hub in the region.
“MDEC’s state-level strategy prioritises digital infrastructure enhancement, AI ecosystem development and SME digitalisation, with customised approaches tailored to each state’s unique strengths and needs. By working closely with state governments, MDEC ensures that digital growth initiatives align with local economic priorities and foster long-term development,” said Anuar.
In addition to Johor, other Malaysian states including Penang, Sarawak and Selangor are also focus areas of MDEC’s efforts, each being positioned as hubs for specific digital industries. They include semiconductor design in Penang and renewable energy and AI-driven solutions in other states. This multi-state strategy reflects MDEC’s broader vision of building a resilient and competitive digital economy across Malaysia.
Source: https://www.businesstoday.com.my/2025/02/16/mdec-in-johor-again-this-week-in-efforts-to-elevate-state-competitiveness/