Kuala lumpur: The role of the Chief Digital Officer (CDO) in every ministry and agency is a strategic component in accelerating public sector digitalisation, in line with the government's aspiration to deliver integrated, responsive, and people-centric services. National Digital Department (JDN) director-general Nik Zalbiha Nik Mat stated that the CDO's role has evolved into a leadership position ensuring digital technologies align with public services and government policies.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Nik Zalbiha emphasized that digital transformation is fundamental in strengthening the government's capacity to respond effectively to emerging challenges and opportunities in the digital economy. CDOs are increasingly pivotal in optimizing digital technologies, driving organizational transformation, enhancing operational efficiency, and creating new value in government services and products.
Nik Zalbiha explained that the appointment of CDOs does not involve creating new positions but assigns these responsibilities to existing senior officers, like the Secretary-General or Deputy Secretary-General. "We are not creating a new position. It is an added role for existing officers," she said.
She noted the importance of a whole-of-government approach to ensure comprehensive implementation of the nation's digitalisation agenda, overcoming challenges like policy coordination, information system integration, and organizational readiness. Proactive steps by JDN include knowledge-sharing initiatives, strengthening digital governance, and developing CDO competencies.
Regarding CDO CONVEX 2025, Nik Zalbiha highlighted the conference as a platform for sharing digital initiatives across government, private, and academic sectors. It aims to inspire participants with best practices and innovations for planning their organizations' digital directions.
Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, in his opening speech, emphasized the critical responsibility of CDOs as agents of change. He stated that visionary and strategic CDOs are essential for leading the digital transformation of the public sector, making services more efficient, responsive, and driven by data and technology. He noted that the Fourth Industrial Revolution, powered by AI, big data, IoT, and automation, requires the public sector to be agile and competitive to meet rising public expectations.