November-December. 2025 |

EVENT

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Malaysia aims to increase the digital economy ' s contribution to 30 per cent by 2030 Talent, BPO, and sustainability emerged as core priorities for digital growth IABS 2025 spotlighted collaboration between government and industry as key to the nation ' s digital transformation

BY ZAFIRAH ZAFRUDDIN

Held on Oct 9, 2025, at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre( KLCC), the IABS was hosted by the Internet Alliance of Malaysia( IA), a not-for-profit association representing the nation ' s principal internet service and middleware infrastructure providers.

The event reflected IA ' s mission to grow the local digital ecosystem, cultivate talent, and foster collaboration across government and private sectors. Industry partners supporting the event include VLAN Asia, Dell

The event reflected IA ' s mission to grow the local digital ecosystem, cultivate talent, and foster collaboration across government and private sectors.

SUSTAINABILITY CHAMPIONS: Panellists share insights on aligning sustainability with innovation at the Internet Alliance Business Summit 2025.

Technologies, SNS Network, Exabytes, FIUU, Microsoft, pax8, and Xilnex Holdings Sdn. Bhd.

With the theme ' Technology for Nation Building ', IABS 2025 served as a collaborative platform for government representatives and private-sector leaders to exchange ideas on advancing Malaysia ' s digital transformation.

In his keynote address, the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation( MDEC) Vice President of Corporate Services, Azlan Sharom, underscored the expanding role of the digital economy.

He noted that it now accounts for 25.5 per cent of the nation ' s gross domestic product( GDP). The government targets a 30 per cent contribution by 2030. This necessitates the complete integration of technology across the government, businesses, and daily life.

For Malaysia ' s digital future, Azlan outlined five key priorities: talent development, breaking the middle-income trap, leveraging business process outsourcing( BPO) as a growth catalyst, promoting sustainability, and driving globalisation. These priorities, he explained, are reinforced by digital exports, digital investments, and corporate innovation.

BPO has emerged as a catalyst for Malaysia ' s next phase of digital growth. The sector has evolved from traditional services such as call centres and data entry to providing higher-value services, encompassing artificial intelligence( AI), data analytics, and innovation outsourcing.

The BPO sector, when strategically positioned, has the potential to do more than generate jobs and attract investment. It could position Malaysia as a trusted global hub for digital services, a prospect that should inspire optimism about the country ' s digital future.

SUSTAINABLE INDUSTRY

One of the key highlights of IABS 2025 was the panel session on ' Sustainability in the Malaysian Tech Industry’. The session, moderated by StratX Advisory ESG & Strategy Advisor Yvonne Au Yong, provided insights into aligning technological innovation with sustainable development in Malaysia.

Among the distinguished panellists was Malaysia Association of Sustainable Supply Chain & Innovation( MASSCI) Founding President Professor Datin Lorela Chia, who called for real action over rhetoric. Corporate resilience and sustainability, she asserted, are built through the operational integration of ESG principles.

Similarly, ESG Association of Malaysia President Adjunct Practice Prof Cheah Kok Hoong urged businesses to harness technology not just for efficiency, but for transformative impact. Business leaders need to take the initiative to embed sustainability into their core business strategy.

However, technology sustainability goes beyond green initiatives. It also encompasses safeguarding established systems. SNS Network Enterprise Business Director Simon Wong stressed the importance of strengthening cybersecurity measures to reduce risks and ensure business continuity.

IA President Dr Sunny Ooi asserted that the success of Malaysia ' s digital transformation hinges on the collective strength of its ecosystem. The event ' s outcomes, he added, will be instrumental in driving the nation ' s journey toward its vision of becoming an AI Nation by 2030. Through platforms like the IABS, IA will continue to serve as the vital link between national policy and industry execution. @ ND

Azlan Sharom Sunny Ooi