Malaysia has potential as digital hub leader in Southeast Asia

KUALA LUMPUR, March 21 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has the potential to become the leading digital hub of choice in Southeast Asia for foreign technology-based companies in the future.

The Minister of Communications and Digital, Fahmi Fadzil said Malaysia has previously been a preferred destination for data processing providers because it has a strong communication and cyber security infrastructure as well as digitally literate citizens.

"...and when I found out that the consumer technology company based in Shezhen, China, FreeYond chose Malaysia as the first country in Southeast Asia to market its product, it was a positive sign for us.

"It will not only have an impact in terms of investment, but this will make Malaysia a hub for many other technology-based products to come to Malaysia," he said at a press conference here today after the official launch of FreeYond's phones and smartwatches. 

In the event, FreeYond launched two new smartphones – M5 and F9, two smart watches – Watch S1 and F1, and a set of True Wireless Stereo (TWS) headphones – Pods 1.

Meanwhile, Fahmi said the economic relationship between Malaysia and China in particular has a positive impact when more job opportunities can be created, especially in the fields of innovation, technology and skills.

He also said that the relationship between the two countries is expected to be further strengthened through Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's visit to the country soon.

In other developments, Fahmi reiterated his previous statement that the problem of Internet access in Malaysia will be resolved by June and the ministry through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) together with telecommunication companies is working to overcome the matter.

-- BERNAMA