Inaugural Malaysia Tech Week set to rock ecosystem
By Karamjit Singh June 14, 2019
- Driven by tech ecosystem players to showcase technology & innovation
- Platform to connect regulators, investors, corporates, ecosystem builders, scale-up companies
The inaugural Malaysia Tech Week (MTW) from June 17 to June 23, has received outstanding support from Malaysia’s tech ecosystem which has rose to the occasion to ensure the inaugural national technology and innovation showcase and networking event sets a high bar for next year’s event.
Filled with various events, with Bank Negara Malaysia also adding to the occasion with its Malaysia Fintech Week, the official launch on Tuesday the 18th is followed by a conference as well.
The best part about the MTW is that it is driven by the industry itself, notes Norhizam Kadir, Vice President, Growth Ecosystem Development at Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC). “We are happy to support the MTW as it is being pushed by industry for industry. All the initiatives over the coming week are driven by industry players, with 12 sponsors and multiple partners hosting their own activities.”
While the various events cover the breadth of the digital economy, there is a focus on AI, Blockchain, Drone Economy, higher value eCommerce, the Islamic Digital Economy and financial inclusion.
Noting that many ecosystem activities are driven by government agencies, the inaugural MTW is beautiful as it is industry leading the way, “so that MTW is not owned by MDEC or any government agency but rather by everybody,” Norhizam emphases.
As a key supporting partner of the Knowledge Group Sdn Bhd, the event organisers coordinating all activities for MTW, Norhizam says MDEC feels that Malaysia needs to have a platform that can connect regulators, investors, corporates, ecosystem builders and scale-up companies to congregate and network. It believes that MTW can play that role and in the process help further drive penetration of the Digital Economy.
Norhizam points out that, certain gaps notwithstanding, MDEC has largely been able to push the national digital economy agenda forward, with its current 18.3% GDP contribution being one clear yardstick of progress.
And with industry now stepping up with MTW as the platform, MDEC is hoping the event can be scaled further with MDEC “definitely supportive of MTW”.
He points out that is was intentional that Bank Negara Malaysia is having its Malaysia Fintech Week at the same time. “We have been doing cross promotions with cross access as well with ticket holders for MTW able to access Malaysia Fintech Week and vice versa,” says Norhizam. The idea is to generate momentum around technology and innovation and to attract global interest to Malaysia and what is going on here.
“We have always believed that to attract foreign companies to come to Malaysia, they need to understand the local ecosystem. And now we have the local ecosystem driving MTW with us. We believe it will benefit both locals and attract foreign companies to see what Malaysia has to offer.”
The early signs are promising with about 25% of tickets sold, bought by non-Malaysians. It is a great start to the MTW and adds to the diversity of the event. Make sure you are part of it! The full week of activities can be accessed here.
