Penang: The Digital Ministry is formulating various strategic initiatives to drive the use of digital technology among micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), in line with the country's digital transformation plan. Minister Gobind Singh Deo emphasized that these initiatives aim to address the digital usage gap among small and medium businesses, ensuring their relevance in today's technology-driven economy.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Minister Gobind highlighted the significant role of the MSME sector, which contributes 97 percent of the total number of businesses in the country and supports the growth of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). He stressed the importance of technology in empowering businesses and questioned whether businesses are effectively utilizing it. "Many people possess knowledge of technology but still fail to apply it," he noted, emphasizing the need for businesses to adapt digital technology into their operations.
The dialogue session, organized in collaboration with Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), aimed to identify main challenges and gather direct feedback from industry players. MDEC's Chief Executive Officer Anuar Fariz Fadzil and Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo also attended the session. Gobind announced that MDEC had opened an office in Penang to serve as a main hub supporting small and medium businesses, providing guidance and technical support.
Gobind also noted that MDEC acts as a mediator to resolve issues such as talent shortages and other challenges faced by businesses. Additionally, MDEC provides insights into how technology can empower and strengthen business operations. Gobind has requested a report to be submitted in the first quarter of this year with recommendations for further strengthening digital transformation for MSMEs. He stressed the need to review existing policies to accommodate new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and Gen AI, ensuring that these technologies benefit traders. "That is why we started this dialogue process," he concluded.