Putrajaya moots council to spur digital economy
The prime minister says the council will drive growth and present massive opportunities under the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
PUTRAJAYA: The government is proposing a council to focus on creating digital economy income opportunities for the people, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said.
The proposed National Digital Inclusion Council will comprise 11 ministries, including the economic affairs, finance and transport ministries, as well as Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC).
Mahathir, who will chair the council, said it will spur digital economy growth which will present massive opportunities under the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
“It will be presented to the Cabinet for approval,” he said after chairing the 30th Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) Malaysia Implementation Council meeting here today.
Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Entrepreneur Development Minister Redzuan Yusof and Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo.
Earlier, Mahathir said the meeting deliberated and decided on measures to establish digital technology, which is the core engine of the 12th Malaysia Plan and key enabler for the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030.
He said the MSC has created 183,000 high-value jobs and 3,000 companies, with a total revenue of almost RM500 billion.
Mahathir said he was also proud that local tech champions are now recognised as global players, with three companies listed in Forbes Asia’s 200 Best Under A Billion 2019.
The country’s developers of digital creative content, he said, are also significant players in the world of animation and games.
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“There is definitely merit in attracting and adopting emerging technologies, developing tech talent and facilitating digital inclusion to ensure shared prosperity,” he said.