By Danial Dzulkifly
SHAH ALAM, March 7 — A total of 75 projects related to the digital economy sector, with a total investment value of RM5.4 billion, were approved in Selangor from January to September of last year.
State executive councillor for investment, trade and mobility Ng Sze Han said that the figure represents 22 per cent of the overall investment in the state’s services sector for the same period.
“Out of this total, RM3.27 billion stemmed from local investments, whereas RM2.15 billion were foreign investments, creating a total of 4,940 potential job opportunities.
“Based on current trends, investment in this industry exhibits promising growth, with a 5 per cent increase in the first quarter of 2023, escalating to 15 per cent in the second quarter, and a 39 per cent surge in the third quarter of 2023.
“This positive trajectory shows the significance of the digital economy sector, which will ensure a sustainable economic development in Selangor,” he told the Selangor State Legislative Assembly, here today, in response to a question by Bukit Lanjan state assemblyman Pua Pei Ling on the amount of investment received for the digital economy in the state last year.
Ng said that the state has placed a strong focus on the growth of the digital sector within its policy under the First Selangor Plan (RS-1).
Some of the initiatives include the setting up of specific state agencies, such as the Smart Selangor Delivery (SSDU) and Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation (Sidec), to plan and implement digital initiatives in Selangor.
He also stated that the state is working towards addressing the challenges faced by the digital industry, such as the shortage of skilled workforce, and the adoption of digital economy improvements towards digital infrastructure, which includes providing quality and accessible internet connectivity in Selangor.
