Bringing More Value to Co-working Spaces

Co-working spaces provide startup founders with access to flexible working environments and creative communities to develop groundbreaking tech innovations

Co-working spaces offer the same amenities as a traditional office and more. However, flexibility is a significant differentiator since you don’t need to sign a long-term lease in a co-working space.

Many co-working spaces have created add-ons to their primary offering to make the deal more tempting. For example, some organise community events, while others develop knowledge-building sessions and strike strategic partnerships to benefit their members.

And for co-working spaces in Malaysia, operators can also enhance their offerings through a programme launched by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) – the Malaysia Digital Hub (MDH) initiative.

MDH is a certification awarded by the Malaysian government to co-working spaces that meet the criteria designed to benefit the tech community to grow and expand their businesses.

While co-working spaces are usually the focus of this programme, the MDH initiative is open to any organisation that provides physical amenities such as office space with internet connectivity and community-focused elements such as access to funding opportunities and tech partners.

The MDH Robust Community

• 9 co-working space operators.

• 20 certified co-working space locations in Malaysia.

• Supporting more than 400 startups.

• Catalysing the growth of 300 technology-driven startups.

With all these components easily accessible to startups, MDH has become the hotbed for tech innovation and a launchpad for many budding local startups.

The MDH initiative is expanding its reach nationwide, reaching out to more co-working spaces in Sabah, Sarawak, Johor, Malacca, Penang and Perak.

MDEC has also formed partnerships with various organisations to be part of its MDH community and provide exclusive offerings to assist startups in their growth journey.

Requirements for Co-working Spaces to be Certified as MDH:

• Equipped with high-speed broadband.

• Fostering a community of startups in their space.

• Connected to key tech anchor partners in the internet economy that has a regional/global presence.

• Partnering with talent builders and has a coaching/ mentoring network.

• Providing funding facilitation opportunities to startups.

• Having modern and accessible amenities for startups to meet and network.

MDH as a Space Supporting the Development of Tech Innovation

• MDEC ensures essential support is within the reach of startups based at MDH co-working spaces to continuously enhance and speed up their development.

• Access to tech partners, talent builders, funding partners and investors is provided to the tech startups through various growth programmes and initiatives.

• The MDH initiative also encourages startups from foreign countries to position themselves in the Malaysian market via the Malaysia Tech Entrepreneur Pass (MTEP) programme.

• The combination of MDH and MTEP programmes propel tech startups to succeed globally, with Malaysia as its operational base location.

• The MDH Community welcomes local startups and foreign SMEs to integrate into Malaysia’s digital ecosystem and be equipped with relevant support and business boost.