Budget 2013
The real message behind the Angel Tax Incentive
There is a hidden message behind the official roll-out of the Angel Tax Incentive: The Malaysian Government is withdrawing, and the private sector has to be step in to fund the tech ecosystem, writes Karamjit Singh.
5,000+ opt for smartphone rebate; RM500 price cap removed (Updated)
Nearly 5,500 people from ages 21 to 30 had registered for the Youth Communications Package (YCP) which offers an RM200 (US$65) rebate for the purchase of smartphones, as at 7pm on Jan 1, the first day of the offer, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said in a statement. Meanwhile, the Cabinet has agreed to remove the RM500 price cap, The Malaysian Insider reported.
Angels with pitchforks, VCs who don't venture
The technopreneurial ecosystem in Malaysia is allowing the angels and VCs to dictate terms. DNA’s A. Asohan says it’s time to fight back.
Week in Review: Stupid gets stupider?
It looked to have been a slow news week as we wind down for the year, but then the stuff hit the fan, writes Karamjit Singh.
Smartphone rebate intended for lower-income group: MCMC
In the wake of criticism over the RM200 rebate for youths to purchase smartphones, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said the incentive was really meant for those who otherwise could not afford it.
The smartphone rebate just got stupider
Details of the smartphone rebate announced in Budget 2013 have just been revealed, which have got A. Asohan slapping his forehead in frustration.
Industry generally upbeat about Budget 2013
While Malaysia’s latest transformation program, the Digital Transformation Program or just Digital Malaysia, got no mention at all in Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s Budget 2013 speech, there were some initiatives that benefitted the information and communications technology (ICT) industry, often indirectly. Here, industry players weigh in.
Malaysia’s Budget lauded amid caution on implementation
Despite the country’s Budget 2013 meeting with general approval from industry players, one observer remained skeptical as to whether some of the measures proposed are necessary or indeed effective.
Point: Budget 2013 -- time to get on with IT!
Don’t for a moment be lured into thinking that Budget 2013 offered very little for the ICT industry, argues DNA founder Karamjit Singh as DNA presents a Face-Off over the Sept 28 announcement.
Counterpoint: Budget 2013 treats ICT industry as a step-child
The Budget 2013 proposed by Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak has no mention at all of his most recent ‘transformation program,’ Digital Malaysia – which is a hint of how highly the current administration views ICT, argues DNA executive editor A. Asohan.
