Malaysia's Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo says partnerships with British companies can expand the country's push from 'Made in Malaysia, Made for Malaysians' to 'Made in Malaysia, Made for ASEAN' as Southeast Asia's digital economy is set to surpass $300 billion in gross merchandise value this year.
Speaking at the British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards held last night in Subang Jaya, Selangor, Gobind said Malaysia is strategically positioned at the heart of Southeast Asia, a market of close to 700 million people—a mostly young and digitally-savvy population.
He added that Malaysia served as a digitally advanced, stable, and culturally diverse bridgehead, offering unparalleled access to this vast consumer base.
"Malaysia’s progress has been monumental. Our digital economy is on track to contribute 25.5% to our national GDP by the end of this year. This success is underpinned by a vibrant ecosystem of local and international champions," said Gobind.
"Many companies have been awarded the prestigious Malaysia Digital (MD) status. These companies leverage government incentives and privileges to focus on high-value digital services like artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and the Internet of Things.
"These are the partners that UK expertise needs. The partnership is also a solid step for us to be in the thick of the AI reality. No more merely talking about AI. It is about adopting and adapting AI in every way possible.
"Such partnerships can then extend beyond ASEAN. Our government is pushing for 'Made in Malaysia and Made for Malaysians'. With your partnership, we can extend it to 'Made in Malaysia, Made for ASEAN'. Let us be the bridge as you expand your presence in this digitally-thriving region."
Earlier in his speech, Gobind highlighted the latest e-Conomy SEA 2025 report, from Google, Temasek and Bain & Company, which predicts the region’s digital economy will surpass USD300 billion in gross merchandise value this year.
"This is 1.5 times the inaugural forecast reported a decade ago. This is not surprising. It is a reflection of this region’s strength and capabilities.
"As the World Economic Forum rightfully highlighted, this monumental achievement is not a finish line. It is the closing chapter that immediately launches the region’s next and greatest shift: the AI reality."
In September, the UK’s Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State and Minister for Digital Economy, Liz Lloyd, said that the UK is exploring digital trade ties with Malaysia.
“We will continue to work closely to advance digital trade through our digital innovation programme. We have made progress bilaterally with ASEAN's members through our Digital Economy Agreement with Singapore and are exploring a potential digital trade agreement with Malaysia,” she was quoted as saying.
Lloyd added this would build a “seamless” digital economy across the region and facilitate exports.