Partnering with Johor Special Water (JSW), AirTrunk is building a recycled water supply system for its JHB1 and JHB2 data centre campuses in Johor. The project involves re-purposing unused wastewater and is the largest of its kind in Malaysia to date. It aims to reduce reliance on potable water by providing an alternative source for operational needs.

The initiative includes investments in treatment and supply infrastructure for locally-produced recycled water. Once operational, the system will support cooling and other non-potable uses at AirTrunk’s facilities, helping to contribute to more sustainable water management in the region. The company responds to calls by both the federal and state governments to look into alternative water sources in the face of growing demand.

The recycled water initiative complements broader environmental features at AirTrunk’s Johor facilities, including the liquid cooling system installed at JHB1 in 2024. The design supports energy-efficient operations and is in line with efforts to optimise the use of natural resources.

AirTrunk’s second Johor data centre, JHB2, is currently under development in Iskandar Puteri. The facility will be scalable to over 270MW, increasing the company’s total investment in Malaysia to RM9.7 billion (approximately US$2.2 billion). JHB2 is located in a major availability zone and will be built with a target power usage effectiveness (PUE) of 1.25. Customers will also have access to multiple renewable energy options.

The company’s existing JHB1 also includes onsite solar installations and a virtual power purchase agreement (vPPA) for 30MW of renewable energy under Malaysia’s Corporate Green Power Programme.

To support future energy needs at JHB2, AirTrunk is working with national utility Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) through the Green Lane Pathway for Data Centres initiative. The collaboration is expected to fast-track high-voltage electricity supply and includes a plan for AirTrunk to allocate land for TNB to build a new substation.

Chief Minister of Johor YAB Dato’ Onn Hafiz Ghazi welcomed the partnership with JSW, noting both its environmental and economic contributions. “The initiative addresses environmental concerns and also brings significant economic benefits to the state. It is a testament to the positive impact that public-private partnerships can have on our community,” he said.

JSW is a wholly owned entity under Permodalan Darul Ta’zim (PDT). A spokesperson said, “Collaborating with AirTrunk on this recycled water initiative is a significant milestone for JSW. It reflects our shared vision for sustainable water solutions and demonstrates how innovative thinking can lead to tangible benefits for both industry and the community. At the same time, we highly appreciate IWK’s role in providing treated effluent sources, which has been instrumental in completing this collaboration.”

AirTrunk currently operates 12 data centres in the Asia Pacific region, in Australia, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, and Malaysia. Its hyperscale platform now offers nearly 1.8GW of total capacity. In 2023, Blackstone and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board acquired the company in what became the largest-ever deal to date in the sector, valued at US$16.1 billion.

(Image source: “Data Center” by Bob Mical is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.)

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• Strava closes the account of a runner who posted their activity in North Korea.
• Running in virtualised North Korea enough to earn enforced account closure.
• Strict T&Cs enforced beyond the letter of the law.

Users of the popular fitness-tracking app, Strava, need to be careful of where they exercise, and even where they pretend to exercise.

According to DC Rainmaker, a site that catalogues the owner’s runs, bike rides, and swims, one fitness fanatic has fallen foul of Strava’s Terms & Conditions. A keen ultra-marathon runner and YouTube channel owner had their Strava account locked by the company after posting details of a run she went on while visiting North Korea.

The individual affected lives outside North Korea, but is studying the country as part of her PhD thesis. During a recent visit to the country, she went for a run, and uploaded the activity once back in a country where there is access to the public internet, something that’s off-limits to the native North Korean populace.

After uploading the workout, she received a message from Strava stating her account had been terminated for violating the app’s T&Cs. According to a statement sent to DC Rainmaker from Strava, “In accordance with mandatory US sanctions and export controls, which prohibit the offering of online services to North Korea, Strava does not allow users to post activities occurring [in North Korea].”

In a later statement, the company added, “Strava’s controls are based on feedback from the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, and we take a broad, zero-tolerance approach.”

The steps taken by Strava are a stricter interpretation of the US Department of the Treasury’s rules than those of other technology companies: Google’s YouTube and various social media feeds show thousands of clips, images, and comments made in and concerned with North Korea.

The rigidity of Strava’s policies (and the automated nature of its algorithmic source-checking) is exemplified by another incident, in which a Strava user went running on a treadmill but merely used North Korea as a virtual environment. They too received a ban from the platform – one that was overturned quickly after the individual’s objection.

The code of conduct that users seem to be in violation of are the parts of US rules around the prevention of exports to North Korea. In the ultra-marathoner’s case, that’s a draconian interpretation of the use of a service not remotely associated with trade with the pariah state.

It’s worth noting that the run was recorded via a Garmin (not Strava) smartwatch. Although smartwatches are officially not allowed inside North Korea, the authorities there are known to turn a blind eye to their use – it is allegedly the presence of geo-location data gathering that is frowned on – and similarly-equipped smartphones are permitted in the country when in the possession of visitors.

Tourism in North Korea is strictly controlled and visitors are carefully shepherded during their state-sanctioned stays. Presumably, going out on a run while enjoying the local scenery is something that’s approved of by the country’s authorities, but termed unacceptable behaviour by the US-based Strava.

Strava has had its fair share of controversy in the past, having given away the location of secret US Army bases and let users see the routes taken by Israeli military personnel when out running. Its erring on the side of caution in the form of rigorous implementation of self-penned Terms & Conditions is, therefore, perhaps understandable, especially in the current political climate in the US, where big tech companies have been quick to side with the ruling executive‘s ideology.

(Image source: “running” by renoleon is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.)

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Malaysia’s 5G Advanced rollout has moved forward, as Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) and Ericsson announce a new partnership.

The collaboration was announced during Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025, and aims to implement 5G Advanced technologies across industrial zones and introduce what the companies describe as the “world’s first 5G-powered mobile workspace solution.” The partnership centres on two initiatives: a 5G Advanced deployment to enhance industrial connectivity across Malaysia, and a 5G-powered mobile workspace solution that is designed to replace traditional wi-fi in enterprise environments.

Positioning Malaysia as a 5G global frontrunner

Datuk Azman Ismail, CEO of DNB, highlighted the significance of this collaboration. “By combining DNB’s expertise in 5G deployment with Ericsson’s global leadership in connectivity, we are strengthening Malaysia’s position as a digital economy leader, powering innovation across key sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture,” he said.

The partnership’s core focus areas include:

1. Accelerating enterprise digitalisation: Expanding 5G connectivity in strategic industrial zones and collaborating with mobile network operators to deliver connectivity services.
2. Driving IoT and wearables innovation: Using Reduced Capability (RedCap) technologies to enable connectivity for industrial automation and smart devices.
3. Co-creating future-ready solutions: Using DNB’s 5G Advanced network as an platform to develop applications with solution providers, developers, and academic institutions.
4. Advancing sustainability: Integrating AI-powered energy optimisation tools to maximise efficiency and reduce environmental impact, in support of Malaysia’s journey net-zero emission goals.
5. Strengthening network security: Implementing security measures to help safeguard Malaysia’s digital infrastructure against cyber threats.
6. Expanding global API ecosystem: Integrating with a worldwide Application Programming Interface network.

DNB implements a 5G-based office network solution

In a separate announcement during MWC 2025, DNB said it has begun deploying Ericsson’s Enterprise Virtual Cellular Network (EVCN) at its Kuala Lumpur headquarters. The companies claim this is the first instance of a complete “5G-first” office environment, replacing existing wi-fi with cellular technology. Instead of using standard wi-fi infrastructure, DNB’s headquarters now connects devices through 5G cellular networks. The system integrates with Microsoft Intune and Entra ID to manage the 5G-enabled client hardware throughout the organisation.

The change brings several advantages over traditional enterprise networking solutions:

• Security and control: 5G infrastructure eliminates extant and future wi-fi vulnerabilities, and gives administrators greater control over devices’ connections.
• Operational efficiency and cost savings: Simplified network management and large-scale device setup reduce the need for legacy infrastructure, cutting costs.
• Mobility and user experience: Employees get consistent experiences on their 5G-enabled devices, in the office or working remotely.

“By integrating Ericsson’s Enterprise Virtual Cellular Network with DNB’s nationwide 5G infrastructure, we are empowering organisations to move beyond traditional IT models and embrace a new era of cloud-native, secure, and scalable solutions,” David Hagerbro, Head of Ericsson Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh said.

Implications of Malaysia’s 5G Advanced rollout

Malaysia’s implementation of 5G-A systems represents an early test case worth monitoring. While DNB and Ericsson have outlined ambitious plans, the accurate measure of success will be in practical adoption rates, measurable efficiency improvements, and the results of cost-benefit analysis by early adopters.

Key questions remain about how widely these solutions will be adopted beyond initial deployments:

• Will the promised security benefits outweigh the costs of transitioning from established WiFi infrastructure?
• Can the system scale effectively in different enterprises with varying technical requirements?
• Will the everyday experience of workers and businesses show meaningful improvements over current connectivity solutions?

The coming months will likely reveal whether Malaysia’s approach to 5G Advanced implementation offers a viable model for other countries or whether adjustments will be needed as real-world applications expose unforeseen challenges. Technology observers across Southeast Asia will be watching to see if the technology delivers on its potential.

The post Malaysia’s 5G Advanced rollout: From industry to office appeared first on TechWire Asia.

“We’re not goldfish. We have attention when we want to have attention.” With this declaration at DMWF Asia, Sukanya (Su) Das Gupta, Blis APAC’s senior insights manager, addressed conventional marketing wisdom.

As brands try to capture ever-diminishing attention spans, Das Gupta offered a refreshing counter-narrative: marketers are drowning in data while missing the human stories behind consumer behaviour analysis.

In her day one session titled, “From instant hits to lasting habits: Crafting sustainable brand presence in APAC,” Das Gupta challenged marketers to move beyond quick wins and focus on building genuine connections that endure.

Humanising data: beyond numbers and statistics

Das Gupta challenged the reductive view of data science, emphasising that effective marketing requires seeing beyond raw numbers to understand human emotions and decision-making patterns. “Data isn’t just numbers,” Das Gupta said. “It’s been so reductive because everybody likes ‘data science’ and ‘data analysis.’ It’s human emotions, and it’s not rational because externalities push people to make these decisions.”

Her team’s consumer behaviour analysis for a QSR brand in Malaysia revealed three important facts that transformed their approach:

1. Decisions happen outside the store: Das Gupta’s team discovered that purchasing decisions weren’t primarily made at the point of sale as commonly assumed. “The decisions were happening outside of the store. They were happening in neutral spaces of community,” she explained. The insight prompted the brand to shift its messaging strategy to target consumers during everyday interactions with peers and family rather than focusing exclusively on in-store promotions.
2. Consideration trumps transaction: The data revealed that the psychological journey leading to the purchase was far more influential than the purchase moment itself. “The moments of consideration mattered so much more than moments of transaction,” Das Gupta said. Consumers’ consideration of a purchase was much more important than the moment they were buying.” Even for impulse-driven QSR products like pizza or burgers, consumers were making evaluations well before entering stores, and that suggested brands need to invest in nurturing consideration rather than merely optimising transactions.
3. Context drives behaviour: The most surprising finding was how the brand’s contextual positioning directly influenced consumer response. “When the brand shifted its context slightly, then behaviour started to shift. It was really about how the brand reacted to everything versus how audiences reacted,” Das Gupta said. By reframing its messaging to acknowledge consumer hesitations rather than simply pushing products, the QSR brand saw dramatic improvements in engagement.

The brand saw a dramatic turnaround, shifting from short-term firefighting to consistent, long-term engagement. “Instead of having a campaign once every quarter, we said, let’s try to keep it monthly. Let’s make it more realistic. It’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon,” she noted.

The marathon mentality represented a fundamental shift in campaign philosophy. Das Gupta explained that their initial burst campaign had produced an unsustainable 73% increase in exposure. Rather than celebrating this artificial spike, her team recognised the danger of such volatile results and recalibrated toward steady, incremental growth.

“We steadied it,” she said, describing how the team replaced infrequent high-intensity campaigns with consistent monthly touchpoints. The approach proved more sustainable and gradually built consumer trust through reliable, predictable brand interactions. It allowed attention, awareness, and consideration to build over time rather than attempting to force immediate results.

The APAC challenge: Why Western formulas fail

Das Gupta highlighted Western brands’ common mistakes when entering APAC markets, noting the region’s extreme fragmentation and cultural diversity. “When Western brands come in, they believe what’s worked in the US and the UK works beautifully in APAC. And I don’t think they could be more mistaken. You can’t take something that works elsewhere and fit it in APAC. It’s really that simple.”

She cited a cautionary example of an FMCG brand that tried to use a swimsuit-themed advertisement created for US and European markets in Bangladesh, resulting in cultural backlash. While localisation is widely recognised as essential, Das Gupta acknowledged the challenges: “It becomes a matter of cost and time investment. It’s always easier to try your luck.” She stressed that successful brands invest in understanding local nuances: “You have to understand, this is all behavioural economics. People are not rational beings. So you need to understand what triggers their irrationality.”

Subtle impressions win in a noisy digital world

Das Gupta also made a counterintuitive argument for subtlety over attention-grabbing tactics in today’s digital environment. “Look at brands everywhere in any Asian market. You see a giant billboard. You drive 200 metres; you see the same giant billboard with the same creative, same influencer, same tagline, same font, and same background. Are you registering the brand, or have you just ignored it?” she asked.

She advocated for “small, subtle touches” that embed brands in consumer memory, citing Netflix’s distinctive sound for example: “[The] Netflix jingle became a Netflix jingle because it was only there before a Netflix movie started playing. It was not because every brand was blasting it.” The approach requires patience from stakeholders expecting immediate ROI. “Yes, ROI takes time, but so does anything good,” Das Gupta noted. “Try to lean into patience and consistency. It will never not play.”

Content strategy: relevance over length

Regarding shrinking attention spans, Das Gupta rejected simplistic formulas about content length. “I think it’s very reductive to say that people have less attention. We’re not goldfish. We have attention when we want to have attention,” she stated. Success depends on relevance and storytelling, not arbitrary time limits. “Your story can be five seconds long, it can be 30 seconds long, it can be 15 hours. You convey your message in the story you want to tell and be relevant.”

She referenced PETRONAS’s festive season campaigns in Malaysia and Nike’s inspirational ads as examples of longer content that still captures the audience’s attention because of compelling storytelling. For brands seeking to navigate APAC’s complex markets, Das Gupta’s insights offer a roadmap: humanise your data, respect cultural contexts, maintain subtle consistency, and tell stories that resonate. Simply put, when marketing is approached as behavioural economics rather than just promotion, the results speak for themselves.

The post Micro-moments to macro-meaning: Blis on humanising APAC data appeared first on TechWire Asia.

As AI reshapes the marketing landscape, this year’s forum places a special emphasis on AI integration and automation, featuring an impressive lineup of speakers from global brands including The Coca-Cola Company, Unilever, PepsiCo and TikTok.

The two-day conference will run parallel tracks exploring more than 10 crucial themes, from AI-driven marketing strategies to customer experience optimisation. Dr. Luke Soon from PwC Singapore will present insights on ‘Humanising the future of marketing through AI and Automation’ as part of the conference’s focus on emerging technologies.

Several high-impact panel discussions will address the industry’s most pressing challenges. A notable session, ‘From Productivity to Creativity – How to utilise AI in your Marketing Strategy’, brings together experts from Google, PwC Singapore and First Page Digital to explore practical applications of AI in marketing operations.

Key highlights

• Data & AI innovation: Multiple sessions will explore how brands can harness AI for agile marketing insights, with Intel’s Sahaj Khunteta sharing strategies for driving marketing agility through AI-powered analytics.
• Customer experience focus: The conference features dedicated tracks on personalisation and customer-centric strategies, including a panel on ‘Shaping your digital strategy with Personalised Experiences’ featuring representatives from RBL Bank, Pearson and AEON.
• Social media evolution: Alexander Lim from TikTok will present on ‘Leveraging Gen AI to Create for Commerce’, while other sessions explore emerging social media trends and creator economy strategies.
• E-commerce & omnichannel: Industry leaders from ZALORA Group and MoneyHero will share insights on adapting to changing consumer behaviours in the digital commerce landscape.

The event has attracted top-tier sponsors, with HubSpot serving as the Track Sponsor, while Semrush Enterprise and Brandwatch join as Gold Sponsors. This strong industry backing underscores DMWF’s position as a premier gathering for marketing professionals in the Asia-Pacific region.

HubSpot’s Kat Warboys will be presenting a session on ‘From Hype to Reality: AI’s Evolution from Buzzword to Growth Essential’, highlighting how marketing technology continues to reshape industry practices.

For marketing professionals looking to stay ahead of industry trends and connect with leading innovators, DMWF Asia 2025 promises to be an unmissable event. The conference will feature networking opportunities with in excess of 300 senior-level marketers and more than 50 expert speakers across various sectors.

Those interested in attending or learning more about speaking opportunities can contact the organisers at hello@digitalmarketingwf.com. The full agenda and registration details are available on the DMWF Asia website.

Readers can get 25% off their tickets by using the code TECHWIRE at checkout.

As the marketing landscape continues to transform, DMWF Asia 2025 stands as a beacon for professionals seeking to navigate the intersection of technology, creativity and customer engagement in the digital age.

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Alibaba Cloud is expanding its footprint in Thailand, launching its second data centre to meet the country’s growing demand for cloud services and support the region’s push toward digital transformation.

The new facility will strengthen Alibaba Cloud’s local capacity, enhancing disaster recovery capabilities and improving performance for businesses adopting cloud and AI technologies – especially those exploring generative AI applications.

“Our latest data centre strengthens our commitment to providing reliable, secure, and high-performance cloud services tailored to the needs of local businesses,” said Sean Yuan, Vice President of International Business at Alibaba Cloud Intelligence.

“With enhanced local infrastructure, we aim to empower enterprises to use the full potential of cloud technology, especially in generative AI applications.”

Expanding presence in Southeast Asia

The opening of the second Thai data centre brings Alibaba Cloud’s global infrastructure to 86 availability zones across 28 regions, further cementing its position as one of the leading cloud provider in Southeast Asia.

The first Thai data centre opened in 2022, and this latest expansion reflects growing demand from businesses in sectors like fintech, retail, and public services.

Alibaba Cloud isn’t alone in ramping up its investment in Thailand. Tencent operates two availability zones in Bangkok, while Amazon Web Services (AWS) launched its first Thailand region in January 2024. Meanwhile, Microsoft and Google are also building data centres, with Microsoft unveiling plans in May 2024 and Google following in September.

Tailored solutions for Thai businesses

With two local data centres, Alibaba Cloud is expanding its range of services to support businesses navigating digital transformation.

The company offers elastic computing, storage, databases, security, networks, AI-powered tools, and data analytics platforms, designed to help businesses tackle industry-specific challenges.

One such option is AnalyticDB’s cloud-native vector engine, which enables Thai fintech and retail businesses to build retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) applications.

The AI solutions assist businesses creating dedicated knowledge bases, managing structured and unstructured data, and developing chatbots and personalised customer experiences.

Alibaba Cloud has also introduced the Container Compute Service (ACS), which uses Kubernetes for workload management.

Building local partnerships and nurturing talent

Alibaba Cloud is actively collaborating with Thai companies and partners to advance digital transformation. The company has partnered with 70 local firms, including Cloud HM, Kaopanwa, Softdebut, Thai Data Cloud, and True IDC, to deliver cloud services and drive cloud adoption across industries.

Thai businesses like True Digital Group – part of True Corporation – are already using Alibaba Cloud’s database and container technologies to enhance the scalability of its energy platform.

Meanwhile, software company Codium has teamed with Alibaba Cloud to offer digital workplace solutions, strengthening the country’s cloud ecosystem. Alibaba Cloud collaborates with universities, including Chulalongkorn University, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Prince of Songkla University, and Bangkok University, offering cloud computing and AI training.

In late 2023, Alibaba Cloud launched its first global skills centre at Chulalongkorn University, providing free courses, boot camps, and AI competitions to help students and professionals build their careers.

A secure and resilient cloud platform

The company holds over 140 security and compliance certifications globally to enhance cyber protection and resilience. With two data centres now in place, businesses in Thailand can use Alibaba Cloud’s scalable platform for workloads that comply with local regulations.

Alibaba Cloud’s expansion in Thailand is part of a broader growth strategy. The company has announced plans to expand in Mexico, the Philippines, and South Korea.

Thailand is emerging as a hub for cloud infrastructure in Southeast Asia. Alibaba’s investment reflects its confidence in the region, and by expanding its presence, the company is offering businesses some of the tools they need to innovate and scale.

Want to learn more about cybersecurity and the cloud from industry leaders? Check out Cyber Security & Cloud Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London.

Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here.

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The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has approved a digital banking licence for YTL Digital Bank Berhad, a joint venture between YTL Digital Capital Sdn Bhd and Sea Limited. The bank, known as Ryt Bank, has been cleared to begin operations on December 20, 2024. To ensure a smooth transition, it will be introduced to the public in phases.

Melvin Ooi, CEO of Ryt Bank, acknowledged the regulatory approval, calling it a step forward for Malaysia’s digital banking industry. He said that the bank will use AI to create a more accessible and inclusive banking experience. “By harnessing the power of AI to provide an unparalleled customer experience, we aim to deliver financial services that are meaningful and inclusive while helping customers achieve their financial goals,” he said.

The use of AI and machine learning (ML) in financial services is not new, and Ryt Bank wants to harness the technology to simplify processes. AI/ML techniques can help financial service providers (FSPs) make better decisions, manage risks more effectively, and improve efficiency while reducing costs. The capabilities align with Ryt Bank’s commitment to enhancing accessibility and the user experience.

Malaysia is witnessing a growing adoption of AI/ML in its financial sector. A 2021 survey conducted by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) on AI/ML adoption among 25 financial service providers – including banks, insurers, and payment operators – revealed that many FSPs are actively using these technologies. The survey highlighted common applications like customer analytics, digital onboarding, and e-KYC processes. Some institutions have also incorporated AI/ML into credit underwriting, enabling more precise risk assessments and expanding access to underbanked customers.

The survey found strong support for AI/ML adoption at the senior management and board levels of these organisations. About half of the respondents viewed AI/ML as a ‘game changer’, with many exploring opportunities beyond existing use cases and current projects. That context sets the stage for Ryt Bank’s efforts to integrate advanced AI/ML tools into its operations.

Ryt Bank emphasises its Malaysian roots and seeks to simplify banking for its customers with an AI-powered platform. Its tools are designed to streamline processes like onboarding and transactions, offering a more personalised experience by analysing customer behaviour to better understand their needs.

At the core of Ryt Bank’s services is Ryt AI, an AI-based assistant intended to make financial management more straightforward. It claims to provide tailored financial advice, help customers develop savings strategies, and offer 24/7 support. One key feature of Ryt AI is its ability to complete fund transfers with a single text input, designed to save time and accommodate users with diverse needs and languages.

Security is another key focus for Ryt Bank. The bank employs encryption, biometric face verification, and real-time fraud monitoring to help safeguard its customers. Deposits are insured by PIDM up to RM250,000 per depositor, and the bank’s no-hidden-fee policy aims to show a commitment to transparency.

The initiative hopes to address the gap in financial access in Malaysia. Around 15% of the population remains under-served by the sector. Ryt Bank plans to provide services tailored to this group, contributing to the country’s broader financial inclusion efforts.

The collaboration between YTL and Sea brings together the strengths of two established organisations. YTL brings decades of experience in infrastructure and development, while Sea contributes expertise through enterprises like Shopee and SeaMoney. Together, they aim to create a banking experience that is suited to Malaysia. Ryt Bank is expected to launch its services to the public in the coming months, introducing a new player to Malaysia’s digital banking sector at a time when financial accessibility and innovation are growing priorities.

Want to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out AI & Big Data Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo.

Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here.

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Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) has welcomed Malaysia’s National Budget 2025, themed “Madani Economy: Negara Makmur, Rakyat Sejahtera,” describing it as a budget that solidifies the foundation for the nation’s digital future. With the country preparing to lead ASEAN in 2025, the timing of these initiatives couldn’t be better, said MDEC CEO Anuar Fariz Fadzil.

According to Anuar, the new budget provides the necessary support to accelerate Malaysia’s digitalisation journey, particularly through initiatives to adopt AI and foster inclusive growth in a variety of industries. “Malaysia is ready for the future,” he said, highlighting how the budget places the country as a collaborator in key areas such as AI, digital economy, and innovation, which are especially important as Malaysia prepares for its ASEAN leadership role.

For the country’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the budget includes incentives to adopt digital tools, which are likely to improve productivity and operational efficiency. The initiatives align with Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo’s vision that Malaysia’s digital economy could soon make up 25.5% of the GDP, perhaps even reaching this milestone by 2024.

This year’s significant achievement was garnering US$16.9 billion in investments from global tech companies such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, Google, and Oracle, thanks to collaborative efforts by government agencies, including MDEC. According to Anuar, these investments highlight Malaysia’s value as a regional hub for cloud infrastructure and a rising force in the digital economy.

AI and digital initiatives take centre stage

The government has earmarked RM10 million for the National AI Office and RM50 million for AI in education. The allocations reflect Malaysia’s commitment to advancing AI while fostering a skilled talent pool. Anuar cited Malaysia’s recent establishment of the ASEAN AI Safe Network as a proactive step toward ethical AI development, and MDEC’s support for these initiatives will guarantee that AI technologies are implemented responsibly.

Malaysia’s Digital ID project is also set to play a role. Digital ID intends to enhance trust in digital transactions and reduce online fraud by introducing a secure, standardised mechanism for online identity verification, contributing to Malaysia’s broader digital transformation.

Supporting startups and innovation

Malaysia’s startup ecosystem is expected to profit considerably from the RM1 billion National Fund-of-Funds and RM1 billion Pioneer Fund, both managed by KWAP. MDEC also welcomed additional support for Cradle Fund to help local startups grow globally, alongside a matching grant to encourage collaboration between startups and government-linked companies (GLCs) through venture capital.

Programs like MDEC’s Founders Centre of Excellence (FOX) continue to be vital for emerging startups, providing mentorship and critical resources. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has cited Vitrox Bhd as a success story – founded by two Universiti Sains Malaysia engineers, Vitrox has grown into an international player in the electronics sector.

Through collaborations with entrepreneurs and local communities, MDEC aims to ensure that Malaysia’s digital economy not only grows but also creates opportunities for all, reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a digital leader in the ASEAN region.

Fiscal sustainability concerns

Malaysia’s fiscal sustainability has come under scrutiny as the National Budget 2025 approaches an all-time high of RM421 billion. The budget’s extensive expenditure plan includes significant subsidy cutbacks and an expanded tax base, but analysts are apprehensive.

While targeted subsidies are intended to help lower-income groups, there is a fear that the policies may put a strain on vulnerable households already dealing with growing living costs.

Extending the Sales and Services Tax (SST) to cover more goods and services could encounter resistance from businesses and customers due to increased prices, especially during a period of economic uncertainty.

Challenges in scaling AI education and skills

The government’s commitment to AI education and skill development is a positive step toward digital transformation, but progress towards these goals efficiently presents problems.

Experts note that rapidly scaling up AI-focused educational resources will be important in meeting demand for digital skills, yet the process could face hurdles. Bureaucratic delays and implementation bottlenecks may also slow progress.

Additionally, with AI evolving so quickly, Malaysia will need to update its curricula and training programs continuously, an effort that requires both agility and substantial resources.

Balancing growth with socioeconomic impact

While Malaysia’s investments in digital infrastructure and AI hold promise for economic growth, some experts warn of potential socio-economic risks. Without careful implementation, the initiatives could unintentionally deepen socio-economic divides.

If the change toward targeted subsidies is not managed successfully, it may have an unintended impact on low-income households. While the rise in the minimum wage is a positive move, it may put financial strain on smaller firms already struggling with operational costs.  

The goal will be to find a balance that supports digital growth without overburdening the most vulnerable.

Want to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders? Check out AI & Big Data Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. The comprehensive event is co-located with other leading events including Intelligent Automation Conference, BlockX, Digital Transformation Week, and Cyber Security & Cloud Expo.

Explore other upcoming enterprise technology events and webinars powered by TechForge here.

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The India semiconductor industry is poised to experience substantial growth, but only if the country expands its chip manufacturing capabilities. At a preview event for the inaugural SEMICON India 2024, SEMI CEO Ajit Manocha will advocate the necessity for 10 to 20 new semiconductor fabs in India over the next decade to address the increasing demand.

India’s first-ever SEMICON conference will occur in the Delhi-NCR region from September 11 to 13, 2024, marking a significant milestone for the nation’s growing semiconductor industry. The event will feature over 250 semiconductor companies across more than 650 booths. It is being organised by SEMI, a US-based association promoting the chip industry, in partnership with various stakeholders, including the country’s Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology.

Manocha’s call for expansion coincides with increased interest in India’s semiconductor potential. Recent developments underscore this trend such as Micron Technology’s proposed US$825 million investment in a semiconductor assembly and testing facility in Gujarat, and the Tata Group’s authorised projects for fab factories in Dholera and Assam.

The SEMI CEO lauded the Indian government’s supportive policies, stating that present geopolitical and investment climates favour India’s semiconductor goals. He cited the establishment of Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) and Assembly, Testing, Marking, and Packaging (ATMP) facilities in India as positive indicators of progress.

Even industry projections are optimistic, with estimates suggesting India’s semiconductor market could surpass US$100 billion by 2030, potentially creating over 600,000 jobs. This growth aligns with global trends, as a McKinsey & Company report predicts the worldwide semiconductor market will reach US$1 trillion in the same timeframe.

Manocha also believes India’s vast talent pool is critical for the sector’s development. Tapping into such resources could help address the global semiconductor talent shortage and attract more investment in the country.

Inevitably, the road to a self-reliant semiconductor industry is challenging. As per  Business Standard’s report, Kristy Hsu, director of the Taiwan ASEAN Studies Center, outlined vital factors influencing investment decisions in the local Indian chip sector. These include local customer support, infrastructure quality, supply chain robustness, government policies and talent availability.

Speaking at a separate event, the Ashwamedh Elara India Dialogue 2024 in Mumbai, Hsu stressed the importance of diversifying partnerships beyond single collaborations like Tata’s with Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC). She emphasised the need for India to cultivate relationships with a broader range of suppliers and partners in the semiconductor ecosystem.

On the obstacles India faces with its semiconductor goals, Hsu said that besides an underdeveloped local supply chain, there’s the challenge of recruiting talent who have been trained abroad and frequently opt to remain overseas. This could result in a greater dependency on imports, which would increase costs and complicate logistics.

Then, there is also the price sensitivity of Indian companies, which may affect their willingness to procure domestically-produced chips, presenting an additional challenge for local support.

Despite these challenges, the Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, expects the first chips developed in India to be produced by 2025. Moreover, the government is actively seeking talent development through university partnerships. It has made agreements with international entities in the United States, Japan and the European Union to bring more innovation to India.

According to the Economic Times, Vaishnaw also stated that 13 companies are now involved in chip design operations in the country. As India establishes itself as a significant player in the global semiconductor landscape, the success of India’s initiatives will depend on addressing the existing challenges while capitalising on the country’s inherent strengths. 

The upcoming SEMICON India 2024 event is expected to serve as an important platform for industry leaders to discuss strategies to overcome obstacles and leverage opportunities in India’s nascent semiconductor sector.

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