THE Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) has outlined a bold vision to close the digital divide and strengthen Penang’s status as the Silicon Valley of the East.
During a courtesy call on Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, MDEC chief executive officer Anuar Fariz Fadzil highlighted the importance of collaboration between Federal agencies, local stakeholders, and private enterprises to propel the state’s digital economy forward.
“Our focus is to close the digital divide. We want to see how we, as a Federal agency, can work together with all relevant parties.
“With over 450 multinational corporations (MNCs) and 6,500 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Penang Free Trade Zone (FTZ), there is immense potential for partnerships, particularly in talent building and digitalisation,” Anuar said.
Anuar praised ongoing efforts in Penang, highlighting collaborations with Digital Penang and InvestPenang, as well as key initiatives such as the Penang Silicon Design @5km+ initiative, and the proposed Penang Bay digital and creative district initiative.
He expressed MDEC’s readiness to provide support.
“Whatever you need, we are happy to support. We are happy to see how we can assist in building stronger ecosystems and creating high-value jobs,” he said at Chow’s office in Komtar today.
Also present were MDEC northern region office lead Azizul Abdul Latif, MDEC CEO office chief of staff Yvonne Yong Chuan Yin, and MDEC digital export senior manager Jesse Chooi Tze Kheong.
Anuar acknowledged the critical need for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to secure funding for digital investment.
“Of the 6,500 SMEs we know of in Penang, many are eager to invest in digital tools and technology but require access to funding to do so effectively,” he explained.
Anuar also reiterated MDEC’s commitment to ensuring Penang’s future as a global digital hub.
“We want to make Penang, the Silicon Valley of the East, even stronger. If your team can connect with our northern region office, we can align efforts and create impactful results,” he said.
Chow welcomed MDEC’s commitment to revitalising Penang as the Silicon Valley of the East, while highlighting challenges and opportunities in the state’s economic transformation.
“The profile of Penang has changed with automation and digitalisation. By now, we do not see as many bas kilang (factory buses) moving around as in the 90s.
“Maybe operators are still needed, but not as prevalent as before,” he remarked, underscoring how technological advancements have reshaped Penang’s industrial landscape.
The Chief Minister also addressed a common perception that Penang is self-sufficient, calling for a shift in mindset among Federal stakeholders.
“In meetings, I have heard it said that Penang is ‘ok’, that we are sufficient.
“While the general picture may seem true, in terms of resources, we do not have as many as people think to implement many things.
“With Federal agencies’ assistance in running their programmes here, we are more than happy to host – ultimately, it is for the people,” he said, adding that state and Federal agencies have been working more closely since 2022.
Touching on Penang’s success in exports, Chow emphasised the need to support local businesses, particularly the SMEs.
“We always consider SMEs. The bigger companies can usually take care of themselves, but our (state) economy is still dominated by foreign MNCs.
“We need to see more large local companies emerge. With digitalisation, this can be achieved,” he said.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Alissala Thian