PUTRAJAYA, Nov 29 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced the allowance for Digital Economy Centre (PEDi) managers will be increased to RM2,500 from RM2,000 beginning January next year.
Opening the PEDi Madani Conference 2023 today, he said the allowance for PEDi assistant managers would also be raised by RM500 to RM2,000 from January onwards.
Anwar said digital transformation is one of the pillars of the Madani Economy strategy, and those directly involved in PEDi with full dedication had successfully managed PEDi to benefit local communities.
“PEDi is a key strategy; we must ensure it becomes more fruitful. The PEDi family will grow bigger. We started with RM25 million, and if necessary, I will try to increase the allocation,” he said.
Budget 2024 has allocated RM25 million to empower PEDi’s role in building local communities.
Anwar urged PEDi to introduce new technologies and applications for young people to use.
He also asked telecommunication companies to focus on new fields of specialisation that align with current industry needs to support the agenda of community development and ensure digital transformation facilities can be enjoyed at all levels.
Several foreign industrialists had told the Prime Minister that Malaysian workers needed upskilling, although their work discipline was satisfactory.
“I spoke to them frankly, tell me what you require, what needs to be done further. All said, our manpower, professionalism, work discipline, and ethics are satisfactory, but they need additional skills. This is our challenge.
“(As such), existing telecommunication companies should look into these areas (new fields) to help coordinate the aspect of ‘expertise’ and ‘specialisation’ that is required. This is our target,” Anwar added.
At the ceremony, he presented several awards, including the Best PEDi Manager for Central Region to Siti Zaleha Ali from PEDi Felda Mempaga 3, Pahang and Best PEDi Manager for Sabah Region to Azlee Okie from PEDi Taman Seri Rugading, Sabah.
— Bernama
