JOHOR BARU – Malaysia Digital Economy Corp (MDEC) has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with its Thai counterpart in an attempt to further strengthen industry collaboration.
Following a press statement by MDEC today, the MoU is set to bring together local tech companies with Thailand’s Digital Economy Promotion Agency (Depa) as well as its investors.
This, MDEC says, would allow the generation of new ideas and the promotion of Malaysian products abroad.
Further, it is understood that Malaysian tech companies would receive assistance from the Malaysian External Trade Development Corp in Thailand to penetrate the market.
MDEC also points out that from 2018 to 2022, local tech companies recorded RM140.81 million in exports to Thailand.
“For now, MDEC has contributed to a series of successes for over 40 Malaysian tech companies and their partners in Thailand as well as creating RM400 million worth of economic opportunities for the local digital economy.
“In line with the Malaysia Digital vision, the focus of cooperation between MDEC and Depa in information sharing would ramp up technology exchange, particularly with regard to robotics, automation, internet of things, drones and much more,” said MDEC chief executive Mahadhir Aziz.
Thailand targets that its digital economy will contribute US$53 billion (RM228.75 billion) to its gross domestic product come 2030, making the country an important trade partner for Malaysia, MDEC said.
So far, Malaysian companies such as Macrokiosk, iPay88, GHL, Carsome, redONE, Aurelia, and Forest Interactive have made their moves into the Thai digital economy, and MDEC says 30 more corporations have their eyes set towards Thailand.
The MoU between MDEC and Depa was made official in the presence of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his Thai counterpart Prayut Chan-o-Cha. – The Vibes, February 9, 2023