KUALA LUMPUR, June 22 — The government is in the midst of preparing better policies and laws related to data and cyber security to make Malaysia the digital hub of Asia, said the Minister of Communications and Digital Fahmi Fadzil.
In line with that, he said efforts, such as making amendments to the Personal Data Protection Act 2010 and scrutinising the Omnibus Bill, are being carried out to make the country’s digital policies more comprehensive.
These steps are necessary as Malaysia has become a preferred location for foreign investors in the digital sector, and its position in 27th place in the 2023 World Competitiveness Ranking (WCR) shows the country has gained attention from foreign companies and industry players for investment.
“Many investors see Malaysia as a safe destination, and they have confidence in the country’s policies…this allows us to become a regional digital hub in the Asian region.
“Malaysia can be the digital gateway to this region…If our tourism sector has the slogan Malaysia Truly Asia, maybe we can highlight a slogan like Digital Malaysia: Malaysia Through To Asia…to promote the country as a digital gateway to Asia,” Fahmi told reporters after opening Malaysia Digital Association Conference 2023 earlier today.
Furthermore, Malaysia needs to collaborate with other countries in the Southeast Asian region to develop data-sharing protocols that encompass aspects of data sovereignty and portability.
The move will complement the country’s and region’s digital economy system, hence making it possible for Malaysia to reach a digital golden decade and become the Digital Tiger of Asia.
The two-day Malaysia Digital Association Conference 2023, brings together local digital companies and industry players to explore the direction of the sector in the face of global challenges and needs.
Also present at the opening ceremony were Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) chief executive officer Mahadhir Aziz, and Malaysia Digital Association (MDA) president Eileen Ooi.
— Bernama
