KUALA LUMPUR – The government is in the midst of preparing better policies and laws related to data and cybersecurity to make Malaysia Asia’s digital hub, said Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
In line with that, he said efforts such as making amendments to the Personal Data Protection Act 2010 and scrutinising the omnibus bill are being done to make the country’s digital policies more comprehensive.
He said that these steps are necessary because Malaysia has become a preferred location for foreign investors in the digital sector.
Fahmi added that Malaysia’s 27th spot in the 2023 World Competitiveness Ranking shows that the country has gained attention from foreign companies and industry players for investment.
“Many investors see Malaysia as a safe destination, and they have confidence in the country’s policies...this allows us to become a regional digital hub in the Asian region.
“Malaysia can be the digital gateway to this region...if our tourism sector has the slogan ‘Malaysia Truly Asia’, maybe we can highlight a slogan like ‘Digital Malaysia: Malaysia Through To Asia’...to promote the country as a digital gateway to Asia,” he told reporters after opening Malaysia Digital Association Conference 2023 here today.
Furthermore, Fahmi said Malaysia needs to collaborate with other countries in the Southeast Asian region to develop data-sharing protocols that encompass aspects of data sovereignty and portability.
He said the move would complement the country’s and region’s digital economy system, making it possible for Malaysia to reach a digital golden decade and become Asia’s “Digital Tiger”.
The two-day Malaysia Digital Association Conference 2023 brings together local digital companies and industry players to explore the sector’s future in the face of global challenges and needs.
Also present at the opening ceremony were Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation chief executive officer Mahadhir Aziz and Malaysia Digital Association president Eileen Ooi. – Bernama, June 22, 2023
