Mdec strengthen ties with Jetro through Malaysian-Japan Digital Exchange pitch 

• Acts as a platform for tech companies, industry leaders to tackle digital challenges
• 18 partners from M'sia, Japan tech firms presented proposals to challenge owners

Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and Japan External Trade Organisation (Jetro) have collaborated to support tech companies from both nations in identifying and solving challenges in the digital space through the inauguration of the Malaysian-Japan Digital Exchange Pitch (MJDEP) programme.

In a statement, the agency explained that the MJDEP programme serves as a platform for tech companies and industry leaders from Malaysia and Japan to address their pressing challenges in the digital realm. These challenges encompass areas such as smart cities, sustainability, and Industry 4.0.

The challenge owners, who are subject matter experts from various corporate industries, will support these tech companies by providing solutions or statements, thereby fostering proactive collaboration between both countries, it said. 

According to MDEC, approximately 18 community partners from Malaysia and Japan participated in the programme and selected tech companies had the opportunity to present their proposals to the challenge owners. Malaysia’s challenge owners included Sime Darby Mobility, and Cyberview, while Japan was represented by Ajinomoto, Ebara, and JR-East. 

By bringing together tech companies and corporations from both countries, MJDEP also stands as a catalyst for bilateral trade and technology exchange, MDEC stated. 

They also emphasised that the programme is fully supported by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI); Malaysian Ministry of Communications and Digital (KKD), and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA).

Notable attendees at the programme included Yoshikawa Tetsushi, deputy director general for Trade Policy, METI; Faizal Yusof, senior director for Industry Development Division, MITI; Ma. Sivanesan, deputy secretary-general, KKD; Gopi Ganesalingam, senior vice president / head of Digital Export, MDEC; Najihah Abas, executive director of Investment, MIDA; along with government representatives, tech industry players, and regional investors.

Meanwhile, MDEC is hosting the Malaysia Digital Expo 2023 (MDX 2023) until 8 Nov, a six-week-long event celebrating Malaysia’s digital economy and featuring international and local speakers and panelists, participating in events across Malaysia.