Digital Malaysia 2018
It was a morning of invigorating presentations brimming with fresh possibilities as participants of the Digital Malaysia 2018 session explored digital business ideas and opportunities with three stellar speakers at Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation’s (MDEC) Bunga Raya auditorium at Cyberjaya on August 9.
The talk was organised by the Swiss Malaysian Business Association (SMBA) in collaboration with CCI France Malaysia (Malaysian French Chamber of Commerce & Industry Bhd) and the Malaysian Norwegian Business Council (MNBC). It was hosted by MDEC.
Malaysia as gateway to digital Asia
Following brief greetings by SMBA chairman Christian Meyer, MNBC chairman Thomas Sjøberg, and Thina Krishnan who represented CCIFM, the first speaker, vice president of investment and industry development at MDEC Mr. Hew Wee Choong gave a detail-packed presentation on why Malaysia is the gateway for international firms considering to embark on digital business investments in ASEAN and Asia. He also highlighted the key areas of opportunities in the digital economy – big data analytics (BDA) and artificial intelligence, cloud and digital operations, internet of things, fintech and cybersecurity. Mr. Hew also shared on the role of MDEC in connecting and supporting companies throughout the process of entering and setting up business in Malaysia. Besides that, participants also learned updates about how multinationals in Malaysia are collaborating with various local institutions to nurture digital talents in Malaysia and the region.
A case study of creativity and growth
Next, iflix head of Asia Mr. Jonas Engwall engaged the participants about its subscription video on demand (VOD)’s company growth thus far while having their global headquarters situated in Malaysia. Since their inception in 2015, they have expanded to 30 countries with 300 staff members present in Malaysia and 800 people globally. Mr. Engwall gave insights into how iflix is staying competitive and growing the market through producing localised creative content. Malaysia’s having “decently affordable talent who have an understanding of the international market” is one of the factors that have driven their success in penetrating the regional market apart from the country’s ideal location as a hub along with MDEC’s support.
Navigating the digital economy in China and Asia
“The role of big data is helping people find transparency and empowering people,” said chairman of iCar Asia Mr. Georg Chmiel. iCar Asia is also currently headquartered in Malaysia. Participants learned about how the used car market business in Asia is expanding thanks to its online business. Data collected can also be leveraged to understand consumption patterns. As the current chairman of China’s largest international property portal Juwai.com coupled with his track record in iProperty and Mitula, Mr. Chmiel’s sharing not only gave participants the latest insights into the technologically advancing aspects of the China property and car markets in Asia, but he also shared how online business integrates with fundamental business transactions. “We have many online listings, but they are pushed through the funnel for face to face closures,” he said, among many salient points he had shared about navigating the digital frontier in Asia through understanding local frameworks and having strategic partnerships.
The session ended with a Q&A and presentation of tokens of appreciation for all speakers, a photo session followed by light refreshment and coffee for participants to network and catch up with one another.
Donwload the presentation below:
Presentation by MDEC
Presentation by Iflix
Presentation by Georg Chmiel
