PUTRAJAYA, Oct 15 — The Malaysian digital economy outperformed expectations and has achieved its 2020 target ahead of time, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said today.
"I am pleased to announce that the digital economy significantly enhanced its contribution to national gross domestic product from 16.38 per cent in 2013 to 17 per cent last year, based on the latest ICT Satellite Account figures released by the Department of Statistics," he said in his opening remarks before the MSC Malaysia Implementation Council meeting.
"Considering that 17 per cent was the 2020 target initially set by Digital Malaysia in 2011, it is evident that our digital economy is heading in the right direction," he said.
The Pekan MP also said national ICT custodian, Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC), was instrumental in implementing the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) Malaysia blueprint.
"Since its inception in 1996, MSC Malaysia has contributed over RM295 billion in revenue to the Malaysian economy, RM283 billion worth of in estimates and more than 147,000 jobs," Najib said.
Najib, who is also finance minister, said the digital economy sector is a growing market "that continues to pervade every aspect of our lives from cradle to the grave" in this era of "hyperconnectivity" which makes it vital to be exploited.
"The nation’s well-being and welfare of the people have always been my foremost concern and priority. It is vital to strike balance between the capital economy and the people's economy.
"I believe Malaysia is well on the way to bridging the amplified and digital spears in pursuit of the goal of being a fully developed economy, driven by a productive and enlightened citizenry and guided by a forward-looking government," he explained.
The MSC is the government's plan on to improve the digital landscape and technology here.
MDeC is the lead agency overseeing Digital Malaysia, a national agenda to further push forward MSC Malaysia in the hopes of being a fully digital nation.
