Malaysia sets up digital inclusion council to help more earn from digital economy

The Malaysian government has set up the National Digital Inclusion Council to create more income opportunities in the digital economy. According to Bernama, the council is headed by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.

The council will comprise representatives from the following ministries: economic affairs; finance; communications and multimedia; women, family and community development; rural development; housing and local government; agriculture and agro-based industry; tourism, arts and culture; transport; entrepreneur development; youth and sports; human resources; and federal territories ministry.

The news was announced by PM Mahathir after the 30th Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) Malaysia Implementation Council meeting at Perdana Putra. He added that the government will be focusing on getting the execution right and achieve results “in the nearest time possible”. Meanwhile, he encouraged ministries and agencies to collaborate and work together benefit Malaysians and earn their trust.

The new initiative is in line with the government’s vision of shared prosperity, uplifting social and economic quality of life for Malaysians through the use of technology. Meanwhile, PM Mahathir noted that the MSC has also created 183,000 high-value jobs at almost 3,000 companies with total revenue of almost RM500 billion since its establishment in 1996.

Highlighting the importance of adopting emerging technologies, developing tech talent and facilitating digital inclusion, he said there has also been more local tech companies being recognised globally.