Barcelona: Strengthening Partnership for Smart City Development
Malaysia-EU Collaboration
BARCELONA: Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo engaged with representatives from the European Union (EU) to share initiatives concerning Malaysia’s journey to develop digital and smart cities that enhance people’s lives. The C-level Roundtable Breakfast at the Smart City World Expo Congress here today strengthened the partnership between Malaysia and the EU on smart city development.
Malaysia’s Digital Journey
The minister highlighted Malaysia’s achievements and missions, particularly in the areas of digital innovation and digital city development. He emphasized that through various government initiatives, the target to achieve a 25.5 per cent digital economy contribution to Malaysia’s gross domestic product (GDP) is achievable.
Growing the Digital Sector
Gobind pointed out that Malaysia’s commitment to growing the digital sector offers vast opportunities for businesses to grow exponentially in Malaysia. Malaysia, standing at the forefront of digital transformation within ASEAN and a key investment destination in Southeast Asia, also offers fertile ground for investment and growth.
Welcoming EU Collaboration
Therefore, I welcome EU digital city businesses to collaborate with agencies under the Digital Ministry, said Gobind when introducing the Malaysia Economy Digital Corporation to the roundtable’s participants.
Reforms and Policies
Gobind also highlighted Malaysia’s reforms and policies to drive innovation, development, and growth at the roundtable. We now have the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030), which builds into what we already have. In the energy sector, we have the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR). That is how we are going to push ahead the economy, he said.
Investment-Friendly Environment
Gobind added that the government is actively creating an investment-friendly environment to facilitate investor expansion via, among others, 5G connectivity infrastructure led by Digital Nasional Bhd.
EU Representatives
European Parliament member Marcos Ros Sempere and Spanish Chamber of Commerce chairman Jordi Pol Ramon were among the EU representatives at the breakfast roundtable. Local EU businesses present included Fundacion Metropoli, IDOM, Indra (MINSATI), June Ventures, Presight AI, Mingothings International, and SKG Tecnologia, among others.
Conclusion
The roundtable discussion has strengthened the partnership between Malaysia and the EU on smart city development, providing a platform for both parties to share knowledge, best practices, and experiences in the field of digital and smart cities. The collaboration is expected to drive innovation, development, and growth, ultimately enhancing people’s lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the target for digital economy contribution to Malaysia’s GDP?
A: The target is 25.5 per cent.
Q: What are the key sectors for investment in Malaysia?
A: The key sectors include digital, energy, and infrastructure.
Q: What is the role of the Digital Ministry in driving innovation and growth?
A: The Digital Ministry is responsible for driving innovation, development, and growth through various government initiatives and policies.
Q: What is the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030)?
A: NIMP 2030 is a plan to build upon existing initiatives and drive growth and development in various sectors, including digital and energy.