- RM3.8 billion provided by Bank Negara in SME funding loans to support entrepreneurs transitioning to digitalisation and automation.
- RM10 million additional allocation for the National Cyber Security Agency (Nacsa) and a further 100 staff to fulfil the commitment to strengthen the country’s cybersecurity and the enactment of the Cyber Security Act 2024.
- The government will announce the second 5G network as an effort to increase the competitiveness of the ICT field. The government will continue to encourage the use of 5G especially in driving 5G use cases by industry ahead of the 2025 ASEAN-Malaysia Chairmanship.
This commentary is provided by Mr Weng-Yew Wong, Founder and Managing Director of Extreme Broadband and Open DC, and a member of the Board of Management of DE-CIX Malaysia and Singapore. A leader in the internet solutions and data centre industries, Mr Wong holds key roles across these three entities, bringing a wealth of expertise to the digital and data infrastructure sectors.
Following the announcement of the Budget 2025 tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the emphasis on raising the ceiling of the economy is both timely and necessary. The Prime Minister’s vision for driving growth, creativity and competitiveness through digitisation and AI is a progressive step forward. As we embrace these technologies, it is essential to modernise our approach across sectors, particularly within the civil service, to support these advancements. Relying on outdated methods will not lead us to new, innovative policies or economic progress.
The allocation of RM3.8 billion by Bank Negara in SME funding loans marks a significant step in empowering entrepreneurs as they transition to digitalisation and automation. This initiative is not only a financial boost for SMEs but also a strategic move to accelerate Malaysia’s digital economy. By providing accessible funding, Bank Negara is enabling businesses to invest in advanced technologies, streamline operations and enhance productivity. This support is critical in helping SMEs remain competitive in the global market, fostering innovation and ensuring sustainable growth as they embrace the future of digital transformation.
The RM10 million additional allocation for the National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA) and the recruitment of 100 more staff demonstrate a strong commitment to bolstering Malaysia’s cybersecurity infrastructure. This investment is timely, as the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats demand enhanced protection across all sectors. The enactment of the Cyber Security Act 2024 will further solidify the regulatory framework needed to safeguard critical digital assets, ensure data privacy and protect businesses and citizens alike from potential cyber attacks. These efforts not only reinforce national security but also strengthen confidence in Malaysia’s digital economy, making the country more resilient in an increasingly interconnected world. The 10 million is a good start but by no means sufficient in the era of massive investment into the digital infrastructure in Malaysia.
The government’s announcement of a second 5G network aims to enhance the competitiveness of the ICT sector, further strengthening Malaysia’s position as a regional technology hub. By accelerating the rollout of 5G and encouraging its adoption in key industries, the government is laying the groundwork for innovation and digital transformation. This strategic move is timely, as it will drive new 5G use cases across various sectors and prepare the nation to lead technologically during its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025. For DE-CIX, this aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing world-class interconnection platforms, further positioning Malaysia as a digital hub in the region. As DE-CIX continues to expand its presence, this initiative complements our efforts to enhance Malaysia’s digital infrastructure, enabling seamless connectivity and positioning the country at the forefront of regional digital advancements.
This commitment by the government to reforms is crucial and from my perspective as a leader in the internet solutions and data centre industries, investment in digital infrastructure is paramount. This will not only elevate Malaysia’s position in the global digital economy and also attract greater innovation and foster a more competitive business environment. The future of our economy depends on how effectively we implement these changes to drive long-term growth and resilience.
About Extreme Broadband
EBB is a leading Internet Service Provider (ISP) delivering reliable, high-performance network solutions to enterprises, financial services institutions, as well as educational institutions throughout Malaysia. Incorporated in 2005, we specialise in the provision of next-generation connectivity services catering to corporations and enterprises that are shifting towards business digitalization.
Other licences awarded by MCMC include Network Facilities Provider (NFP), Network Service Provider (NSP), Application Service Provider Class, and Nominated Facilities Provider (NomFP).
Learn more about EBB at www.ebb.my and stay updated with the latest news on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.
About DE-CIX Malaysia
DE-CIX is the world’s leading operator of Internet Exchanges. In total, DE-CIX sells its interconnection services in more than 40 metro markets in Europe, North America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, interconnecting over 3000 network operators (carriers), Internet service providers (ISPs), content providers, and enterprise networks from more than 100 countries, offering peering, cloud, and interconnection services.
Currently, DE-CIX Asia covers the markets of Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines and Brunei. The DE-CIX Asia interconnection ecosystem brings low-latency and high-speed connectivity to underserved areas of the region, enabling the exchange of traffic locally.
DE-CIX Malaysia is available in six of the most important data centres of the Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru regions. It also offers direct interconnection with networks at other DE-CIX IXs in the region – in this way offering a seamless connection, top quality interconnection services, and the most cost-effective way to peer across Southeast Asia.
Further information at www.de-cix.net/en/asia
About Open DC
Incorporated in 2017, Open DC Sdn Bhd is a wholly owned subsidiary of EBB (Extreme Broadband) that engages in the provision of data centre and co-location services through its connectivity-rich data centres across the nation.
Open DC is also home to DE-CIX-JBIX Internet Exchange (IX), a partnership synergy between Malaysia’s second IX and the world’s leading IX to accelerate the development of connectivity hubs in Malaysia.
Further information at www.opendc.my