KUCHING, SARAWAK, 9 July 2025 — The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) today launched its MD Business Digitalisation Initiative (BDI) in Sarawak, marking its first rollout in East Malaysia. This strategic effort aims to accelerate inclusive digital growth by equipping micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with innovative tools to boost productivity, streamline operations, and future-proof their businesses.

The event was officiated by YB Dato Sri Haji Julaihi bin Haji Narawi, Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak.

Introduced under the MADANI Government, BDI reflects a ‘whole-of-nation’ digital transformation approach to empower businesses across all states, including Sarawak, with the necessary tools, expertise and support to succeed in the fast growing national digital economy. The initiative is delivered in collaboration with the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) and the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, Industrial Terminal and Entrepreneur Development (MINTRED) Sarawak.

Deputy Minister of Digital, YB Datuk Wilson Ugak Anak Kumbong, highlighted the significance of this effort.

“The Ministry of Digital remains committed to supporting every corner of the nation in this digital journey. Sarawak’s MSMEs play a crucial role in driving regional economic growth. By embracing digitalisation and e-Invoicing, they are positioning themselves for greater efficiency, transparency, and global competitiveness. This initiative is a testament to our shared vision of building an inclusive and future-ready digital economy,” he said.

“Sarawak’s leadership in renewable energy, combined with its digital ambition, creates a unique platform for innovation,” added Wilson. “We are committed to working hand-in-hand with the state to realise this vision and as a long-term partner.”

“With Sarawak’s Digital Economy Blueprint 2030 in full motion, the collaboration between the ministry – including its agencies like MDEC – and the state is expected to intensify in the weeks and months ahead for the greater good of the state, its MSME community and the people of Sarawak.”

Meanwhile, MDEC Chief Executive Officer, Anuar Fariz Fadzil emphasised the importance of strong federal-state collaboration in supporting local businesses.

“Sarawak is a vital part of Malaysia’s digital future, and we are committed to the pursuit of state-level transformation, fostering local innovation and create long-term, sustainable economic opportunities,” said Anuar.

“Through close collaboration with the visionary state government, the ministry and MDEC will continue our efforts to empower local MSMEs. This initiative is about building a future-ready business ecosystem, ensuring that no MSME is left behind in the digital economy.”

The launch featured exhibitions, digital advisory sessions, and showcases from MDEC-accredited Digitalisation Partners to help MSMEs adopt solutions aligned with their needs.

Through the initiative, Sarawakian businesses are now able to gain access to digital advisory services, live product demonstrations from 404 accredited partners, together with tailored solutions based on their operational challenges. The programme also includes the Digital Maturity Assessment (DMA), a structured tool that helps MSMEs assess their current digital readiness and identify the next steps for growth.

A major highlight of the launch in Sarawak is the promotion of the National e-Invoicing Initiative, a nationwide effort led by the Ministry of Digital and implemented by MDEC. This initiative aims to modernise and standardise how businesses issue, manage, and exchange invoices digitally and in real time using the Peppol framework, enabling seamless interoperability between systems.

To ease the adoption of e-Invoicing among MSMEs, the Ministry has introduced a suite of Freemium and Affordable Solutions provided by MDEC-accredited service providers including Malaysia Digital (MD) status companies such as Xero and Big Ledger Sdn Bhd.  These solutions are compliant with both Peppol and LHDNM tax requirements, offering MSMEs a smooth and cost-effective path to digital compliance.

This latest effort reflects MDEC’s commitment to building inclusive, localised, and practical digitalisation frameworks that benefit local businesses across all states – including Sarawak – and ensuring Malaysia’s digital economy remains robust, resilient, and accessible to all.

For more information, visit MDEC’s website https://mdec.my/bdi

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Issued by:

Corporate Communications Division

Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC)