KUALA LUMPUR, 29 September 2026 – Malaysia needs to move beyond adopting digital technology towards developing homegrown solutions that can create greater economic value and compete in international markets, said Datuk Fadzli Abdul Wahit from Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC).
He said the next phase of the country’s digital economy transformation should focus on developing Malaysian innovations, creating new business opportunities and strengthening the country’s position in the global digital economy.
“This means moving beyond simply using technology, towards creating our own solutions, building greater value and strengthening Malaysia’s position in the digital economy,” he said while delivering keynote address at the 2nd International Conference on Global Business & Digital Economy (ICGLOBDE 2026).
The conference was officiated by Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic and International Affairs, Prof. Dato’ Dr. Fariza Md Sham.
Datuk Fazli added that universities had an important role in translating research into commercial solutions, new businesses and technologies that addressed real-world challenges.
“We need to look not only at how much research we produce, but how much of it can lead to commercial solutions, new businesses and technologies that solve real problems,” he said.
“Closer collaboration between universities, industry and government was necessary to bridge the gap between research and commercial application.
“With government providing the right support, stronger collaboration between academia and industry can help turn research into solutions with real economic value,” he said.
Datuk Fadzli also highlighted the need to develop a workforce capable of adapting to technological changes, adding that AI literacy would become increasingly important across professions.
“Understanding AI can no longer be limited to technology teams. Accountants, economists, researchers, lawyers, business leaders and policymakers will increasingly need to understand how AI and data affect their work,” he said.
The conference brought together academics, researchers and industry representatives to discuss opportunities and challenges in global business and the digital economy.
