A Word from the CEO

Committed to Position Malaysia as a Globally Competitive Digital Nation.



It is hard to believe that we are already entering Q2 of 2022. At MDEC, we kicked off the year with a resounding blast, from the Malaysia Digital Economy Week of Expo 2020 Dubai to the announcement of the Malaysia Digital initiative. We will be riding this momentum well into the year. Watch this space – more will come! 


April marks the beginning of Ramadan and Malaysia’s transition to the endemic phase for COVID-19. Your safety and health should always be a top priority – I wish everyone a safe Ramadan. Let courage and kindness help you overcome the adversities of life and build meaningful relationships.


This issue of CONNECTING is about connections beyond borders. This includes our cover story on digital nomads and workers who generate income without a fixed location. Digital nomads are the future of remote work and can significantly impact a nation’s economy.


MDEC and the Malaysian government are set to make Malaysia the digital nomad hub of Southeast Asia through DE Rantau, a catalytic programme under the Malaysia Digital initiative. With DE Rantau, we will not only boost Malaysia’s tourism industry post-COVID-19 but also promote digital professional mobility across the region. 


This issue also delves into the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement, a free trade agreement to enhance cooperation between nations within Asia-Pacific. The RCEP will be a tremendous boon to the digital economy, boosting eCommerce and enhancing cooperation among all parties. 


One of the most significant opportunities the digital economy has opened for Malaysia is the Islamic Digital Economy. Malaysia has led the way in Islamic economy and finance for the eighth consecutive year according to the Global Islamic Economy Indicator (GIEI) – a ranking we intend to keep.


We will be exploring the breadth of Malaysia’s Islamic Digital Economy offerings and other digital economy sectors highlighted in this issue. So, come and expand your horizons with us. Happy reading, and Salam Ramadan Al-Mubarak!


Mahadhir Aziz
Chief Executive Officer, MDEC