Latest news with #MDBusinessDigitalisationInitiative
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
MDEC launches MD Business Digitalisation Initiative in Sarawak
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) on Wednesday launched its MD Business Digitalisation Initiative (BDI) in Sarawak – marking its first rollout in East Malaysia – to accelerate inclusive digital growth by equipping micro, small, and medium enterprises with innovative tools to boost productivity, streamline operations, and future-proof their businesses. The event in Kuching was officiated by Sarawak Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi. The initiative is delivered in collaboration with Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) and the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, Industrial Terminal and Entrepreneur Development (Nintred) Sarawak. Deputy Digital Minister Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong said, 'The Ministry of Digital remains committed to supporting every corner of the nation in this digital journey. Sarawak's MSMEs play a crucial role in driving regional economic growth. By embracing digitalisation and e-Invoicing, they are positioning themselves for greater efficiency, transparency, and global competitiveness. This initiative is a testament to our shared vision of building an inclusive and future-ready digital economy.' He added that Sarawak's leadership in renewable energy, combined with its digital ambition, creates a unique platform for innovation and. furthermore, they are committed to working hand-in-hand with the state to realise this vision and as a long-term partner. 'With Sarawak's Digital Economy Blueprint 2030 in full motion, the collaboration between the ministry – including its agencies like MDEC – and the state is expected to intensify in the weeks and months ahead for the greater good of the state, its MSME community and the people of Sarawak,' Ugak said. Meanwhile, MDEC CEO Anuar Fariz Fadzil said Sarawak is a vital part of Malaysia's digital future, and they are committed to the pursuitof state-level transformation, fostering local innovation and create long-term, sustainable economic opportunities. 'Through close collaboration with the visionary state government, the ministry and MDEC will continue our efforts to empower local MSMEs. This initiative is about building a future-ready business ecosystem, ensuring that no MSME is left behind in the digital economy,' he added. Through the initiative, Sarawak businesses are now able to gain access to digital advisory services, live product demonstrations from 404 accredited partners, together with tailored solutions based on their operational challenges. To ease the adoption of e-Invoicing among MSMEs, the ministry has introduced a suite of freemium and affordable solutions provided by MDEC-accredited service providers including Malaysia Digital status companies such as Xero and Big Ledger Sdn Bhd. These solutions are compliant with both Peppol and Inland Revenue Board tax requirements, offering MSMEs a smooth and cost-effective path to digital compliance.
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
First East Malaysia rollout of MDEC's BDI to accelerate MSME digital growth
Julaihi (centre) performs a gimmick to launch the MD BDI. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad KUCHING (July 9): The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) today launched its MD Business Digitalisation Initiative (BDI) in Sarawak, marking its first rollout of the initiative in East Malaysia. This strategic move aims to accelerate inclusive digital growth by equipping micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with innovative tools to boost productivity, streamline operations, and future-proof their businesses. The event was officiated by State Minister for Utility and Telecommunication, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi. Introduced under the Madani Government, the BDI adopts a whole-of-nation approach to empower businesses across all states, including Sarawak, with the tools, expertise, and support needed to succeed in the fast-growing digital economy. The initiative is delivered in collaboration with the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) and the State Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment. Deputy Minister of Digital, Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong, in his address, underscored the significance of the initiative in boosting Sarawak's economic resilience. 'The Ministry of Digital remains committed to supporting every corner of the nation in this digital journey. Sarawak's MSMEs play a vital role in driving regional economic growth. 'By embracing digitalisation and e-invoicing, they are positioning themselves for greater efficiency, transparency, and global competitiveness,' he said. Wilson added that Sarawak's strength in renewable energy, coupled with its digital ambition, creates a unique platform for innovation. 'We are proud to work hand-in-hand with the state government to realise this vision as long-term partners.' He also noted that with Sarawak's Digital Economy Blueprint 2030 in full swing, collaboration between the ministry, MDEC, and the state is expected to intensify in the coming months, for the benefit of MSMEs and the people of Sarawak. MDEC Chief Executive Officer Anuar Fariz Fadzil highlighted the importance of federal-state cooperation to support local business growth. 'Sarawak is a vital part of Malaysia's digital future, and we are committed to supporting state-level transformation, fostering innovation, and creating long-term economic opportunities,' he said. 'This initiative is about building a future-ready business ecosystem and ensuring no MSME is left behind in the digital economy.' The launch featured exhibitions, digital advisory sessions, and showcases from MDEC-accredited Digitalisation Partners to help MSMEs adopt solutions tailored to their needs. Participating businesses gained access to digital advisory services, live product demos, and customised solutions from over 404 accredited partners. A key feature of the initiative is the Digital Maturity Assessment (DMA) – a structured tool to help MSMEs evaluate their current digital capabilities and chart the next steps for transformation. The event also spotlighted the National e-Invoicing Initiative, led by the Ministry of Digital and implemented by MDEC, to modernise how businesses issue and exchange invoices in real-time via the Peppol framework, enabling seamless interoperability between systems and compliance with LHDN tax regulations. To ease e-invoicing adoption, MDEC introduced a suite of Freemium and Affordable Solutions from accredited providers, including Malaysia Digital (MD) status companies such as Xero and Big Ledger Sdn Bhd. These tools are designed to offer MSMEs a smooth and cost-effective path toward digital compliance. The BDI launch in Sarawak reaffirms MDEC's commitment to building inclusive, sustainable, and practical digital ecosystems that benefit local businesses and ensure Malaysia's digital economy remains robust and accessible to all. For more information, visit MDEC's website Business Digitalisation Initiative julaihi narawi MDEC
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak in talks with MCMC to boost MySRBN using Jendela infrastructure
Julaihi speaking to reporters after officiating the MD Business Digitalisation Initiative (BDI) @ Sarawak at BCCK today. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad KUCHING (July 9): The Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication is in ongoing discussions with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to expand the reach of the Sarawak Rural Broadband Network (MySRBN) service by tapping into the federal-led Jendela tower infrastructure. Its Minister Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said the initiative aims to strengthen internet coverage in rural Sarawak by leveraging both state and federal telecommunication towers. 'In fact, at the moment, MySRBN is using the infrastructure provided by SMART towers. But we have also spoken to MCMC to allow MySRBN to utilise Jendela towers,' he told reporters when met at the MD Business Digitalisation Initiative (BDI) @ Sarawak at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today. He explained that the locations for both SMART and Jendela towers do not overlap, presenting an opportunity to improve coverage by integrating both networks. 'Where there is a SMART tower, we don't place a Jendela tower. So we have different locations. To ensure better coverage, we are proposing that MySRBN not only use towers provided by SMART but also those under Jendela,' he said. Julaihi noted that MCMC has responded positively to the proposal, describing the commission as an equal partner with a shared goal of expanding internet coverage in rural areas. Earlier in his opening remarks, Julaihi reaffirmed the state's commitment to bridging the digital divide between urban and rural areas through investments in digital infrastructure and programmes like MySRBN. 'My ministry is directly involved in providing digital infrastructure that is very much needed, especially in rural areas, as part of our strategy to bring them into the mainstream of development,' he said. He revealed that Sarawak has injected RM2.3 billion to complement federal efforts in improving connectivity, particularly through the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) and Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC). A total of 618 SMART towers are being constructed across the state under the Sarawak Linking Urban, Rural and Nation (Saluran) initiative. 'To date, 603 out of 618 SMART towers have been completed, with 502 already active or 'on air', and 405 activated in stages using Multi Operator Core Network (MOCN) technology,' he said. The MOCN approach, he explained, enables multiple telecommunication providers — including CelcomDigi, Maxis, U Mobile, YTL and TM — to share tower infrastructure, ensuring broader and more flexible network coverage. Julaihi highlighted that MySRBN, introduced in March 2021, uses Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) technology to deliver high-speed internet to previously unconnected rural communities. As of now, 32,000 homes in Sarawak are connected to MySRBN. 'MySRBN stimulates economic growth in rural Sarawak. One of the impacts we've seen is the creation of new opportunities for local entrepreneurs to engage in online business,' he said. He added that efforts are underway to promote the service more widely. 'We are still conducting extensive campaigns to expand MySRBN to all villages and longhouses in rural areas,' he said. Julaihi said a recent MySRBN campaign in Pulau Bruit was well received, indicating strong demand for the service among rural communities. 'I believe rural residents, especially those involved in MSMEs, will be able to participate more actively in the future if such connectivity infrastructure can be implemented more comprehensively,' he said. He reiterated that digital transformation depends not only on awareness but also on the physical infrastructure that enables participation. 'We are targeting around 7,000 towers across Sarawak to ensure full coverage by 2030. Right now, we've reached more than 5,000,' Julaihi said. He affirmed that the state government remains committed to ensuring rural communities are not left behind in Sarawak's digital economy goals, as outlined in the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 and Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030.
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Julaihi: 603 SMART towers completed in Sarawak, 502 now 'on-air'
Julaihi (seated centre) flanked by Ugak (right) and Wan Murdani in a group photo with participants during the launch of the MD Business Digitalisation Initiative (BDI) @ Sarawak today. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad KUCHING (July 9): A total of 603 out of 618 Sarawak Multimedia Authority Rural Telecommunication (SMART) telecommunication towers have been completed across Sarawak, with 502 of them already activated or 'on-air', and 405 progressively equipped with advanced Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) technology. In disclosing this, Utility and Telecommunication Minister Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said digital transformation requires a strong infrastructure foundation. 'Therefore, the Sarawak Government launched the Sarawak Linking Urban, Rural and Nation (Saluran) programme, which targets the construction of 600 4G telecommunication towers in rural and remote areas of Sarawak under the SMART project, managed by Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC). 'As of today, 603 out of 618 SMART towers have been completed, with 502 already activated or 'on-air', and 405 progressively equipped with advanced Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) technology. 'This MOCN technology allows major telecommunications companies such as CelcomDigi, Maxis, U Mobile, YTL, and TM to provide their network services, enabling rural and remote communities to enjoy comprehensive coverage regardless of their chosen provider,' Julaihi said in his opening remarks at the MD Business Digitalisation Initiative (BDI) @ Sarawak held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today. He added that the introduction of the SMART towers was further strengthened by the rollout of the Sarawak Rural Broadband Network (MySRBN), launched in March 2021. 'MySRBN leverages Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) technology to deliver high-speed internet to rural communities that previously had no connectivity. 'To date, around 32,000 homes across Sarawak have been connected to MySRBN, and this number is expected to continue rising;' he said. Julaihi emphasised that MySRBN has stimulated economic growth by opening up new opportunities for rural entrepreneurs to engage in online business. He also stressed that successful digitalisation efforts must go beyond infrastructure and funding. 'Real digitalisation happens when communities possess strong digital literacy and the confidence to use technology in their daily lives,' he said. The BDI @ Sarawak event, jointly organised by Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak (MINTRED), and SDEC, serves as a strategic platform to promote digitalisation, especially among micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Julaihi commended MDEC, MINTRED, SDEC, and all partners involved in the initiative, expressing hope that the programme would serve as a catalyst for further digital transformation across Sarawak. He underscored the importance of grassroots-level engagement and capacity building, pointing to training programmes conducted by SDEC based on community needs. 'Today's initiative is the beginning of a larger movement — one to ensure that every MSME in Sarawak is given equal opportunity to thrive in a fast-paced digital economy. 'Our goal is to create an inclusive, sustainable and competitive digital landscape — not just for today, but for future generations,' he added. Also present were Deputy Digital Minister Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong and Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) head of digital adoption Wan Murdani Wan Mohamad.
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Julaihi: Sarawak in talks with MCMC to boost MySRBN using Jendela infrastructure
Julaihi speaking to reporters after officiating the MD Business Digitalisation Initiative (BDI) @ Sarawak at BCCK today. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad KUCHING (July 9): The Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication is in ongoing discussions with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to expand the reach of the Sarawak Rural Broadband Network (MySRBN) service by tapping into the federal-led Jendela tower infrastructure. Its Minister Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi said the initiative aims to strengthen internet coverage in rural Sarawak by leveraging both state and federal telecommunication towers. 'In fact, at the moment, MySRBN is using the infrastructure provided by SMART towers. But we have also spoken to MCMC to allow MySRBN to utilise Jendela towers,' he told reporters when met at the MD Business Digitalisation Initiative (BDI) @ Sarawak at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today. He explained that the locations for both SMART and Jendela towers do not overlap, presenting an opportunity to improve coverage by integrating both networks. 'Where there is a SMART tower, we don't place a Jendela tower. So we have different locations. To ensure better coverage, we are proposing that MySRBN not only use towers provided by SMART but also those under Jendela,' he said. Julaihi noted that MCMC has responded positively to the proposal, describing the commission as an equal partner with a shared goal of expanding internet coverage in rural areas. Earlier in his opening remarks, Julaihi reaffirmed the state's commitment to bridging the digital divide between urban and rural areas through investments in digital infrastructure and programmes like MySRBN. 'My ministry is directly involved in providing digital infrastructure that is very much needed, especially in rural areas, as part of our strategy to bring them into the mainstream of development,' he said. He revealed that Sarawak has injected RM2.3 billion to complement federal efforts in improving connectivity, particularly through the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) and Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC). A total of 618 SMART towers are being constructed across the state under the Sarawak Linking Urban, Rural and Nation (Saluran) initiative. 'To date, 603 out of 618 SMART towers have been completed, with 502 already active or 'on air', and 405 activated in stages using Multi Operator Core Network (MOCN) technology,' he said. The MOCN approach, he explained, enables multiple telecommunication providers — including CelcomDigi, Maxis, U Mobile, YTL and TM — to share tower infrastructure, ensuring broader and more flexible network coverage. Julaihi highlighted that MySRBN, introduced in March 2021, uses Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) technology to deliver high-speed internet to previously unconnected rural communities. As of now, 32,000 homes in Sarawak are connected to MySRBN. 'MySRBN stimulates economic growth in rural Sarawak. One of the impacts we've seen is the creation of new opportunities for local entrepreneurs to engage in online business,' he said. He added that efforts are underway to promote the service more widely. 'We are still conducting extensive campaigns to expand MySRBN to all villages and longhouses in rural areas,' he said. Julaihi said a recent MySRBN campaign in Pulau Bruit was well received, indicating strong demand for the service among rural communities. 'I believe rural residents, especially those involved in MSMEs, will be able to participate more actively in the future if such connectivity infrastructure can be implemented more comprehensively,' he said. He reiterated that digital transformation depends not only on awareness but also on the physical infrastructure that enables participation. 'We are targeting around 7,000 towers across Sarawak to ensure full coverage by 2030. Right now, we've reached more than 5,000,' Julaihi said. He affirmed that the state government remains committed to ensuring rural communities are not left behind in Sarawak's digital economy goals, as outlined in the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 and Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030.
