SINCE Anuar Fariz Fadzil assumed the role of Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) CEO 14 months ago, Malaysia’s digital economy has not only gained fresh momentum and clearer direction but is on track to contribute 25.5% of GDP (gross domestic trade) this calendar year.
This progress is reflected in stronger investment flows, faster SME digitalisation and Malaysia’s rising visibility in regional conversations on AI (artificial intelligence) and digital trade, according to industry leaders.
Microsoft ASEAN regional director (legal and government affairs) Dr Jasmine Begum said the positive shift is noticeable not only across the local tech ecosystem but also in regional and international circles.
“Over the past year we’ve seen renewed clarity, rigour and urgency from MDEC which is largely due to Anuar’s focus on outcomes and measurable impact,” observed Jasmine. “He has been consistent in aligning industry, government and global partners towards growth.”
Added Jasmine: “Malaysia now has a clearer and more disciplined narrative around AI readiness and digital trade. When an agency like MDEC can rally the ecosystem around common goals, investors pay attention.”
In Jasmine’s view, Malaysia currently not only has clearer narrative but also bolder ambition that is increasingly recognised across the region.
“Malaysia is stepping forward with intent. The National AI Action Plan is fashioned after the US’ own AI Action Plan and that alignment shows how serious the country is about responsible, secure and scalable AI adoption,” she pointed out.
“It gives industry a clear sense of direction and re-assurance that Malaysia is building its AI future on globally recognised frameworks.”
Empowerment par excellence
Microsoft has pledged US$2.2 bil for cloud and AI infrastructure as well as skilling programmes in Malaysia over the next four years, thus marking the tech giant’s single largest investment in the country.
The commitment includes training more than 800,000 Malaysians in AI, cybersecurity and digital skills through initiatives such as Microsoft Skills for Jobs and partnerships with government agencies and universities.
Meanwhile, PIKOM (National Tech Association of Malaysia) chairman Adjunct Prof Alex Liew expressed belief the broader digital ecosystem has benefited enormously from MDEC’s collaborative approach.
“Malaysia’s digital progress depends on strong public-private partnership, and the engagement between MDEC and PIKOM reflects this in a meaningful way,” enthused Liew.
“What industry is seeing is a more connected and more responsive ecosystem where businesses can co-create solutions with government. This alignment accelerates innovation and helps Malaysia stay competitive.”
PIKOM is widely regarded as ‘the voice of the Malaysian tech industry’.
More broadly, MDEC’s international engagement efforts have also opened new export markets for Malaysian tech companies with programmes such as DEX Connex generating opportunities throughout Southeast Asia and other regional markets for local companies.
Towards this end, Anuar has often credited Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo for setting a clear national direction for digital and AI development.
To him, the ministry’s consistency and focus on measurable outcomes have enabled agencies such as MDEC to move with greater speed while at the same time, empowering the MDEC leadership to instil a strong high-performance culture within the organisation.
“Malaysia would not be achieving this momentum without Minister Gobind’s leadership and his insistence on clarity, speed and real results,” commended Anuar recently at an industry event.
With Malaysia about to conclude a highly successful ASEAN chairmanship in 2025, other industry leaders have similarly concluded that MDEC’s strategic direction under Anuar will continue to play a decisive role in shaping the region’s digital and technology landscape. – Nov 27, 2025
