PUTRAJAYA – The Digital Economy Centre (PEDi) Madani Conference in Putrajaya sparked a tech-driven symphony today, including Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s call for telecommunications companies to drive talent development, an announcement of increased allowances for PEDi managers and assistants, and positive survey results indicating the impact of PEDi initiatives, among others.
The event, which took place at Putrajaya International Convention Centre today, also saw the signing of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) to boost the digital economy and collaborative efforts for digital literacy and cybersecurity, marking a comprehensive day dedicated to advancing Malaysia’s digital transformation.
Also present at the event were Deputy Communications and Digital Minister Teo Nie Ching, the ministry’s secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din.
Anwar called on telcos to collaborate on talent development, stressing their pivotal role in Malaysia’s digital transformation. He emphasised the need for a collective commitment and urged a focus on skills improvement to elevate the country’s standing in digital advancement.
Anwar paralleled global corporations, highlighting the demand for specialised expertise, urging the telcos to address this challenge by focusing on fields crucial for new technology. Plans to expand PEDi activities were announced, with RM25 million allocated in Budget 2024.
The Pakatan Harapan chairman also announced increased allowances for PEDi managers and assistants at the conference. Managers will now receive RM2,500, and assistants will get RM2,000, effective January next year.
Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil also shared positive survey results at the conference, indicating 89% positive feedback on PEDi services. The net promoter score revealed that 70% of users would recommend others to visit PEDi centres.
Meanwhile, the MCMC signed MoUs with entities such as the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda), the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), and the Malaysian Pharmacists’ Society (MPS). The MoUs aim to facilitate society’s adaptation to digital methods and increase community participation in the digital economy. The agreements with MMA and MPS are expected to improve digitalisation at clinics and pharmacies, aligning with the Madani Economy and the health white paper.
Felda strategic communications director Mastura Abdul Manap, MMA secretary-general Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo and MPS president Prof Amrahi Buang were also present to represent their various entities. – November 29, 2023
