KUALA LUMPUR – Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are expected to play a crucial role in promoting digital economy in ASEAN member countries through strengthening the application of high technology and creating an innovative and favourable environment for businesses’ development, according to CEO of Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) Anuar Fariz Fadzil.

Anuar noted that artificial intelligence (AI) will become a crucial catalyst for growth across sectors such as 5G infrastructure development, transportation, and education in ASEAN member states and in Malaysia in particular.

It is poised to be a “game-changer” for Malaysia and the AEAN region, he said.

AI will play a central role in reshaping industries, enhancing operational efficiency and driving productivity, and it also holds the potential to fast-track digital transformation across ASEAN, he added.

Malaysia should place emphasis on local small- and- medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), he said, describing SMEs as “the cornerstone of the national economy” and must be enabled to take advantage of the latest technologies, such as AI, to remain competitive and boost productivity.

MDEC aims to empower SMEs by giving them access to digital tools and platforms that allow them to scale effectively, he stated.

To further enhance Malaysia’s role as a regional digital leader, Anuar stressed that foreign direct investments in technology and innovation sectors will be critical.

By creating a favourable business environment and promoting Malaysia’s position as a tech hub, Malaysia can attract international investors looking to tap into Southeast Asia’s booming digital economy, he said. — VNA/VNS