KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 3 (Bernama) -- The digital transformation agenda under the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan (13MP) will be a critical catalyst in securing the nation’s long-term competitiveness, said Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan.
He said harnessing the power of government technology (GovTech) and digital innovation will deliver better public services, boost productivity and build a more inclusive and sustainable economy.
"As we navigate the increasing complexity of today’s economic landscape, it is clear that Malaysia must remain agile in shaping timely, relevant, and coherent policy responses.
"This is essential not only to safeguard macroeconomic stability, but also to strengthen our fiscal resilience, enhance revenue generation and advance structural reforms," he said at the launch of the World Bank's Malaysia Economic Monitor (MEM) report today.
The 31st edition of MEM entitled “From Bytes to Benefits: Digital Transformation as a Catalyst for Public Sector Productivity" highlights the 13MP vision for digital transformation.
According to Amir Hamzah, under the 13MP, digital transformation is not just an economic agenda, but a driver of social progress.
"By expanding access, strengthening digital skills, and harnessing technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), we can reduce inequality, uplift living standards and create opportunities for all Malaysians.
"At the same time, embedding trust and cybersecurity into our digital journey will ensure that these benefits are safeguarded and equitably shared with all Malaysians," he said.
World Bank division director for Brunei, Malaysia, and the Philippines, Zafer Mustafaoglu said the World Bank’s GovTech Maturity Index (GTMI) revealed that Malaysia outperforms both the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and ASEAN peers in several areas.
Achievements such as in cloud platforms, the Government Service Bus (GSB) and adoption of disruptive technologies send a clear signal of Malaysia’s ambition to be at the forefront of digital transformation in the region.
GSB refers to a standards-based integration platform for securely exchanging and automating data between government systems, in the context of GovTech.
"Malaysia is setting an example for the region on how GovTech can drive productivity and build trust between citizens and government.
"The World Bank is committed to supporting Malaysia in its journey to enhance government efficiency, which will enable private sector growth and higher quality jobs for Malaysians," he said.
-- BERNAMA
