Johor: The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) plays a leading role in realising Johor’s aspiration to become Asia’s digital hub through various strategic initiatives and inter-agency collaborations. MDEC chief of digital transformation, Datuk Fadzli Abdul Wahit, stated that the agency is directly involved in facilitating digital investments and expanding market access through close cooperation with several agencies, such as Invest Johor and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fadzli mentioned that MDEC plays a role in coordinating all types of approvals, liaising with government agencies, and providing comprehensive support in investment facilitation and market access. He made these remarks after participating as a panellist at the Nikkei Forum Medini 2025. In terms of talent and skill development, MDEC collaborates with the Johor Talent Development Council (JTDC), universities, and industries to improve workforce employability in the digital economy sector.
The collaboration aims to upskill the local workforce in high-tech fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, blockchain technology, and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0). MDEC is also engaged with various parties in developing digital infrastructure and regulatory aspects to ensure the state’s digital ecosystem grows holistically and sustainably.
Initiatives provided include innovation grants, tax incentives, and smart fund facilities specifically for Johor-based companies under the Malaysia Digital framework. For the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector, MDEC plans to offer innovation grants and ecosystem matchmaking programmes to enable local industry players to develop talent and technology capable of penetrating export markets.
Fadzli also highlighted Johor’s strategic location near Singapore, which positions it well to become a regional digital hub. The state stands to gain significantly from bilateral cooperation through the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). He emphasized the need for suitable talent, infrastructure, and funding for Johor to become a leader at the ASEAN level, complementing Singapore’s strengths.