As the Internet progressed to the digital landscape that we see today , so did the advancements in other technologies , such as the transition of the bulky Nokia 3310 phones to the handheld touchscreen devices that humanity uses daily .

In a way , these quality-of-life improvements to people ’ s daily lives allow us to live enriching and fulfilling lives , many of which were unavailable in the early 21st century . With technological advancements over the years , one could search for information with just a Google search .

That being said , humanity has proven time and again to be tenacious in progressing further than ever before . The recent Smart Nation Expo 2023 is proof of this as organisations , stakeholders , traders and buyers , both local and foreign , flock to the event to generate new businesses , build partnerships , network and experience how these new technologies will impact the world .

The Smart Nation Expo 2023 was held in conjunction with the EVM ( Electrified Vehicles Mobility ) Asia 2023 .

“ The Smart Nation Expo 2023 and the EVM Asia 2023 recorded 584 exhibiting companies from 23 countries , making this the biggest expo on 5G , smart cities , IR ( Industrial Revolution ) 4.0 , and e-mobility technologies in this region ,” expressed AMB Tarsus Events Group Chairman , Tan Sri Dr Mohd Nasir Mohd Ashraf , during the event .

“ These summits will provide industry leaders platforms to exchange ideas , network and share experiences . The summits will also provide many thought-provoking discussions and network opportunities .”

THE DIGITAL ECONOMY

Besides the networking opportunities and thought-provoking discussions , the Smart Nation Expo 2023 also marked the expansion of Malaysia ’ s digital economy .

“ As we see today , the digital economy is one of the fastest growing and largest contributors to our GDP ,” said Deputy Minister of Science , Technology and Innovation , Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup , during the expo .

“ It currently contributes 22.6 per cent to Malaysia ’ s GDP and is expected to rise to 25.5 per cent by 2025 .

“ Our government has introduced the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint and the 4th Industrial Master Plan to support our digital transformation agenda to create high-paying jobs and more business opportunities for Malaysians with our 5G network rollout on track to achieve its target of 80 per cent network coverage in populated areas by year ’ s end .”

Arthur also added that all sectors of the economy , including agriculture , manufacturing , financial services , building

Arthur Joseph Kurup

Mohd Nasir Mohd Ashraf

and construction , healthcare , transport , security , education and government services , will be able to accelerate the digital transformation programmes .

Arthur had also expressed his optimism about the expo . He said : “ This is an essential platform for introducing new digital technologies and solutions such as artificial intelligence , Web 4 .). In addition , this event , simultaneously with EVM Asia Expo , will focus on EVs ( electric vehicles ) and their ecosystem .

“ This will foster new partnerships and hopefully generate more regional investments .”

WEB 4.0 AND THE METAVERSE

Another significant element that the expo presented is the introduction of Web 4.0 and the metaverse .

By definition , Web 4.0 , also known as the “ Intelligent Web ”, will supersede the current Web as the next evolutionary stage in the development of the Internet . Web 4.0 is characterised by revising how people interact with the Internet . Contemporary web characteristics defined by static web pages will shift to more dynamic and interactive web applications .

Vyacheslav Manilov

In other words , Web 4.0 shares similarities with the metaverse whereby people , through virtual reality kits , can interact with the Internet , the Web , and other users for a more immersive experience .

Deputy Minister of the Government of Moscow , Vyacheslav Manilov , expressed his excitement about the prospects of Web 4.0 and the metaverse .

“ The most exciting thing that happened in the last century was the internet , or Web 1.0 ,” he said . “ It was a simple , read-only web where companies can publish customer catalogues and buy products .

“ Today , we are talking about Web 4.0 . The technology that will drive it will be artificial intelligence , human intelligence presented by software code and network of sensors that will allow us to monitor and even control the environment .”

He also expressed his excitement at the prospect of the metaverse , whereby people could enjoy another level of immersion in experiencing what we would see in the movies .

“ I like that I can present and promote Web 4.0 in Malaysia , and I would like to develop Web 4.0 and Malaysia Madani together .” – @ Green

Our government has introduced the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint and the 4th Industrial Master Plan to support our digital transformation agenda to create highpaying jobs and more business opportunities for Malaysians with our 5G network rollout on track to achieve its target of 80 per cent network coverage in populated areas by year ’ s end .”

– Arthur Joseph Kurup