KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 29 — The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and Airbnb have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on MDEC’s inaugural DE Rantau initiative.
MDEC chief executive officer Mahadhir Aziz said the collaboration will strengthen the agency’s DE Rantau initiative and exemplify an unwavering commitment to driving digital transformation and enriching the digital economy.
“Through Airbnb’s global platform, where we offer diverse accommodation options to suit digital nomads’ preferences, we are poised to unlock boundless opportunities for remote workers and propel Malaysia to become a leading hub in the region.
“Currently, we have more than 1,400 digital nomad-friendly DE Rantau Hub listings on all platforms and we are aiming for 2,000 by the end of this year,” he said at the signing ceremony at MDEC’s office here today.
Mahadhir also said the digital nomad trend is likely to stay for years to come, despite the obstacles and challenges one may encounter as one.
Airbnb Asia Pacific public policy director Steven Liew said the rise of remote work presents economies with immense new potential and contributes to inclusive travel that empowers more local destinations and communities.
“MDEC’s DE Rantau initiative will help encourage greater digital adoption and professional mobility while driving tourism recovery in the long term.
“We will continue working hand in hand with the government to ensure travellers enjoy a variety of unique stays at different price points, be it a digital nomad travelling solo for a month or a family enjoying a weekend getaway,” he said.
Through the partnership, Airbnb and MDEC will identify and promote around 600 digital nomad-friendly DE Rantau listings on Airbnb, with more to be certified by MDEC in the coming months.
The MDEC-certified listings, located in key tourism hotspots such as Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Penang, and Langkawi, will provide travellers with dedicated workspaces, WiFi, kitchen, and laundry facilities ideal for stays lasting a month or more.
To encourage more digital nomad travellers to visit Malaysia, Airbnb has launched a page featuring MDEC-certified, remote work-friendly DE Rantau listings.
— Bernama
