Dr. Helmy Haja Mydin has been appointed as a Board Member of the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), effective 1 June 2025.

A respiratory physician with over 16 years of experience, Dr. Helmy brings expertise in clinical medicine, policymaking, and advocacy. His involvement across government, academia, civil society, and the corporate sector gives him a unique perspective on the healthcare and digital ecosystems. He has played a pivotal role in shaping Malaysia’s medical landscape, particularly in developing inclusive, resilient, and people-focused health policies.

His influence on national health policy also extends through his various roles with the Ministry of Health. During his tenure as Special Advisor to the Minister of Health, he played a key role in the passage of the Health White Paper and the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health 2023 Bill, both major milestones in Malaysia’s public health reform. He currently serves as a Director of the Medical Device Authority.

Extending his work at the nexus of health and technology, Dr. Helmy co-founded the Social and Economic Research Initiative (SERI), where he is currently Chairman. There, he led policy and regulatory discussions, driving the think-tank’s evolution into a respected voice on digital and societal issues. His leadership resulted in widely-referenced policy papers and public engagement on topics such as digital inequality, cybersecurity, blockchain, and AI.

Clinically, Dr.Helmy serves as Head of the Lung Centre and Consultant Respiratory Physician at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur. His contributions in the medical field have earned him a Fellowship from the Royal College of Physicians (UK) in 2019. He was named one of 20 global recipients of the InterAcademy Partnership award for leadership in science and health policy. He has also held academic roles, including as Associate Professor at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, and has been a prominent speaker on health and digital issues at platforms such as the International Social Wellbeing Conference (ISWC) by the EPF.

He holds an MBBS from Newcastle University and a CCT in General and Respiratory Medicine from the Royal College of Physicians, United Kingdom. Most recently, he earned a Certificate in Financial Accounting from Harvard University.

Dr. Helmy’s appointment to the MDEC Board underscores his commitment to bridging healthcare and digital innovation, advancing Malaysia’s digital economy through inclusive, future-ready leadership.