GLOBAL tech giants, speakers, industry visionaries, government officials, captains of industry, innovators, entrepreneurs, academicians and media from over 60 countries converged at the World Congress on Innovation and Technology (WCIT) 2022, here in Penang.
The three-day congress commenced with the participation of over 4,000 registered participants. The congress also featured more than 500 technology brands, occupying an exhibition space exceeding 6,500sq m.
Pikom chairman and organizing chairman of WCIT 2022 Dr Sean Seah said the highly complex congress served as a testament to the dynamic nature of WCIT, with multiple global stakeholders coming together to make this edition a resounding success.
“Malaysia being the host of WCIT 2022 is both timely and opportune as the country undergoes economic recovery, and pushes boundaries towards aggressive digitalisation.
“We are proud to welcome the world to experience and enjoy Malaysian hospitality through technology, innovation, and beautiful culture,” he said in his speech.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said WCIT 2022 created a platform that was paramount in addressing the current agendas that were pertinent to the industry players, while aptly setting the tone for all visitors to exchange ideas and connect.
“Dubbed as the Silicon Valley of the East and the economic powerhouse of Malaysia, Penang constantly serve as a partner of choice for global top-notch technology companies.
“Proudly, Penang is also known as an entrepreneurial state that provides a conducive environment for homegrown technology companies to scale and prosper, gaining recognition in the international arena.
“Despite being the second smallest state in Malaysia, Penang commanded over 5% of the global semiconductor sales and made up close to 60% of the country’s E&E exports.
“On the investment front, the manufacturing and service industries collectively garnered a record high of RM84 billion in 2021.
“With Penang’s leading position in advanced manufacturing coupled with our strong engineering talent pool, I am confident that Penang could play a prominent role in the national digitalisation agenda,” Chow said in his speech before the launching of WCIT 2022 at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre today.
Chow said the digital economy in Malaysia is expected to contribute 23% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and create over 500,000 jobs by 2025.
“I am pleased to note that Penang’s proposition in the global value chain is no longer restricted to back-end activities, but we are becoming an emerging regional hub for Integrated Circuit (IC) design, Internet of Things (IoT) solutions and R&D activities.
“Penang has been clocking in strategic investments from the digital economy industries over the past years. The most recent investments include Lattice Semiconductor, Luxoft, and UST.
“We acknowledge that incorporating tripartite Public-Private and People partnership is crucial in paving the way to becoming a high-income economic state, and creating quality jobs.
“On this note, I wish to assure all investors that the state government, through InvestPenang, Penang Development Corporation and other relevant state machinery, is committed to providing unwavering support to the investors,” Chow added.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the WCIT 2022 could boost Malaysia as one of the most competitive digital countries.
“At the same time, it strives to ensure that Malaysia does not fall behind in the technology and innovation ecosystem,” he said.
Ismail Sabri said Malaysia has played an important role as a digital investment hub in Asean.
“Since the MSC Malaysia initiative was introduced in 1996, the Government has successfully attracted digital investment worth RM384 billion.
“It simultaneously created more than 180,000 highly-skilled job opportunities, generating income amounting to RM588 billion.
“After 26 years, MSC Malaysia was given a new lease of life through rebranding as Malaysia Digital (or MD).
“Although the MD initiative was launched in July, it has managed to achieve the value of Foreign Direct Digital Investment of RM42 billion, in just two months.
“This value is generated through the investment of 28 foreign companies consisting of companies in the Data Center, IT Service Provider, Creative Content Technology, and Global Business Services (GBS) sectors,” he added.
The official declaration of the opening of WCIT 2022 was made by Penang Governor Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak.
During the opening performance, WCIT 2022 delegates were entertained by the traditional Chinese drum show.
There was also a launch gambit by Ahmad Fuzi, Ismail Sabri and Chow to mark the opening of WCIT 2022.
Among those present were Communications and Multimedia Malaysia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa, Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan, Science, Technology & Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba, other relevant ministers, state executive council members, elected representatives, and World Innovation, Technology and Services Alliance (Witsa) chairman Yannis Sirros.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis