Local technology players, industry associations and tech agencies in general applaud the various allocations set aside towards making Malaysia a stronger player and contender in the technology arena, both locally and abroad.
“Funding for upskilling via HRDF and encouraging STEM education is most welcome. Pikom also applauds the various entrepreneurship programmes introduced, including for micro digital enterprises and coach and grow programmes that will be the catalyst for further growth in the start-up scene,” he said. Surina said a new programme, called 100 Go Digital, has been launched to enable traditional Malaysian businesses to embrace digitalisation. This will enable local businesses to fully leverage on digital transformation to address their common pain points.She said that under the budget allocation, MDEC will also continue to manage and improve its Digital Transformation Acceleration Programme .
She said the allocation represents another wonderful opportunity for all Malaysians and talented content creators from around the world to continue to build on that success. Additionally, the government’s vigorous rollout of the National Fiberisation and Connectivity Plan , which is key for 5G, will indirectly benefit online shoppers.
Among the key thrust areas in the 2020 Budget is to fortify the digital economy with efforts to improve the physical and digital infrastructure that powers up the IR4.0 revolution.“We welcome the measures for high speed and quality digital connectivity nationwide, and efforts towards more pioneer digital projects that would allow Malaysian businesses to ride the global 5G wave.
Cisco Malaysia’s managing director Albert Chai said Budget 2020 exemplifies the government’s continued resolve to build the necessary foundation for Malaysians to capture the full potential of the IR4.0. Meanwhile, NetApp’s country manager of Malaysia, Brunei and the Philippines, Azrin Abd Shukor, said that NetApp is pleased by the government’s ongoing commitment towards boosting Malaysia’s growth in a new economy and digital era.
“The allocation of RM21.6 billion towards the NFCP and the 5G Ecosystem Development Grant worth RM50 million will significantly enhance Malaysia’s economic competitiveness by bridging the digital gap, as well as improving the adoption of IR4.0-related technologies that will further ramp up the productivity of Malaysian businesses.