THE Technology Depository Agency (TDA), an agency under the Ministry of Finance Malaysia (MOF), has backed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s call for Malaysia to build internal capabilities while reduce reliance on foreign technology,
Specifically in areas such as cloud computing and cybersecurity, the call is not only timely but critical to safeguard national interests and strengthen resilience.
“The PM’s message underscores the urgency for Malaysia to achieve technological sovereignty,” TDA’s CEO Dr Sharoul Jambari pointed out.
“TDA fully supports this vision which aligns with our mandate and must be adopted across all agencies and sectors.”
At the heart of this effort is the Industrial Collaboration Programme (ICP), a strategic initiative spearheaded by TDA to foster partnerships between industry and academia.
“Through ICP, we drive technological advancement and enhance industrial capabilities via collaborative projects in research, technology transfer, training and commercialisation,” shared Sharoul.
“This ensures that knowledge and skills remain embedded within Malaysia as we build a stronger ecosystem of local companies, innovators and talent.”
As it is, the forthcoming Government Procurement Act which will soon be tabled in Parliament is expected to further strengthen the implementation of ICP and Performance-Based Contracting (PBC).
“With stronger enforcement in place, these programmes can deliver even greater value in governance, technology development, and industrial growth,” enthused Sharoul.
Towards this end TDA will continue to focus on three priorities, namely:
- Nationwide ICP Implementation across agencies to prioritise locally developed technologies and services.
- Stronger Compliance and Oversight to ensure procurement policies are followed with accountability.
- Capacity Building and Incentives to support procurement officials and local industry players in meeting ICP requirements.
“These efforts will lead to greater national autonomy in technology and innovation, higher procurement integrity and efficiency and tangible support for the PM’s development agenda,” stressed Sharoul.
“Malaysia cannot only discuss capability building; we must act decisively. With ICP as the enabler, PBC as a proven mechanism and stronger procurement enforcement as the driver, TDA is committed to making Malaysia a leader in home-grown innovation and industrial strength.” – Aug 26, 2025
