Digital Investment Office (DIO)

Malaysia, the Digital Hub of ASEAN
Digital Investment Office (DIO)
Malaysia, the Digital Hub of ASEAN
Digital Investment Office (DIO)
Malaysia, the Digital Hub of ASEAN
Digital Investment Office (DIO)
Malaysia, the Digital Hub of ASEAN
Digital Investment Office (DIO)
Download Digital Investment Guide
Digital Investment Office (DIO)
Download Digital Investment Guide
Digital Investment Office (DIO)
Download Digital Investment Guide
Digital Investment Office (DIO)
Download Digital Investment Guide
Digital Investment Office (DIO)

| NEXT

Malaysia, the Digital Hub of ASEAN
Digital Investment Office (DIO)
Malaysia, the Digital Hub of ASEAN
Digital Investment Office (DIO)
Malaysia, the Digital Hub of ASEAN
Digital Investment Office (DIO)
Malaysia, the Digital Hub of ASEAN
Digital Investment Office (DIO)
Download Digital Investment Guide
Digital Investment Office (DIO)
Download Digital Investment Guide
Digital Investment Office (DIO)
Download Digital Investment Guide
Digital Investment Office (DIO)
Download Digital Investment Guide
Digital Investment Office (DIO)

| NEXT

Why Malaysia?

Business Continuity

Mature, Innovative Digital ecosystem & Infrastructure

Multilingual & Digitally – savvy Talent Pool

Value Driven Cost of Doing Business

Expanding Digital Focus Nationwide

Expanding Digital Focus Nationwide
Business Continuity
Mature, Innovative Digital ecosystem & Infrastructure
Multilingual & Digitally – savvy Talent Pool
Value Driven Cost of Doing Business
Expanding Digital Focus Nationwide
Business Continuity

Introduction to Malaysia Digital

Malaysia Digital (MD) is a national strategic initiative by the government to encourage and attract companies, talents and investment while enabling Malaysian businesses and the Rakyat to play a leading part in the global digital economy.

The Mission

Drive digital adoption among aspiring young entrepreneurs, companies and the rakyat.

Attract high-value digital investments.

Support local tech companies to become “Malaysian champions” and successful international players.

3
Support local tech companies to become “Malaysian champions” and successful international players.
1
Drive digital adoption among aspiring young entrepreneurs, companies and the rakyat.
2
Attract high-value digital investments.
3
Support local tech companies to become “Malaysian champions” and successful international players.
1
Drive digital adoption among aspiring young entrepreneurs, companies and the rakyat.

Grow your business opportunities in Malaysia

Situated in a strategic location within ASEAN, Malaysia is a business hub for Industrial, Supply Chain and Global Business Services activities. A world leader in IT where technology drives value across all industries, Malaysia is uniquely positioned as the scalable location of choice for knowledge and digital businesses.

Malaysia Digital Promoted Sectors

DIO is supporting the development of technologies under Malaysia Digital’s 9 key sectors:

Islamic Digital Economy
Digital Agriculture
Digital Services
Digital Cities
Digital Health
Digital Finance
Digital Trade
Digital Content
Digital Tourism
Islamic Digital Economy
Digital Agriculture

MALAYSIA DIGITAL PROMOTED TECH ENABLERS

Advanced 5G network connectivity and/or telecommunication technology
Artificial Intelligence & Big Data Analytics
Blockchain
Cloud & Data Centre
Cybersecurity
DroneTech
Internet of Things
Robotic, Automation & Extended Reality
Creative Media Technology including extended reality (XR) and/or mixed reality (MR)
Integrated circuit (IC) design and/or embedded software
Advanced 5G network connectivity and/or telecommunication technology
Artificial Intelligence & Big Data Analytics

QUICK FACTS

Islamic Digital Economy
Malaysia ranks 1st in DinarStandard’s Global Islamic Economy Indicator 2023/24
Fintech
Malaysia ranks 1st in DinarStandard’s Global Islamic Fintech (GIFT) Index 2023/24
Digital Global Business Services
3rd best location in Kearney’s Global Services Location Index since 2004
Data centre
Kuala Lumpur and Johor were noted as top markets for tax incentives and water availability in Cushman & Wakefield’s Global Data Center Market Comparison 2024
IoT and AI
Malaysia’s affordable IoT hardware and local capabilities in IoT software to support experimentation and prototyping, with high captive demand in local sectors (e.g., manufacturing, agriculture)
Cybersecurity
Malaysia registered a Role-modelling, Tier 1 score in the Global Cybersecurity Index 2024 by the International Telecommunication Union.
Blockchain
A thriving blockchain ecosystem at Blockchain Village @Medini (BV@M)
Digital Agriculture
Malaysia ranks second in ASEAN on the 2022 Global Food Security Index (GFSI)
Digital Cities
Kuala Lumpur ranks 7th in Asia and 23rd in the world in the Economist Impact’s Digital Cities Index 2022
Islamic Digital Economy
Malaysia ranks 1st in DinarStandard’s Global Islamic Economy Indicator 2023/24
Fintech
Malaysia ranks 1st in DinarStandard’s Global Islamic Fintech (GIFT) Index 2023/24
Digital Global Business Services
3rd best location in Kearney’s Global Services Location Index since 2004
Data centre
Kuala Lumpur and Johor were noted as top markets for tax incentives and water availability in Cushman & Wakefield’s Global Data Center Market Comparison 2024
IoT and AI
Malaysia’s affordable IoT hardware and local capabilities in IoT software to support experimentation and prototyping, with high captive demand in local sectors (e.g., manufacturing, agriculture)
Cybersecurity
Malaysia registered a Role-modelling, Tier 1 score in the Global Cybersecurity Index 2024 by the International Telecommunication Union.

Digital Global Business Services
3rd best location in Kearney’s Global Services Location Index since 2004
Data centre
Kuala Lumpur and Johor were noted as top markets for tax incentives and water availability in Cushman & Wakefield’s Global Data Center Market Comparison 2024
IoT and AI
Malaysia’s affordable IoT hardware and local capabilities in IoT software to support experimentation and prototyping, with high captive demand in local sectors (e.g., manufacturing, agriculture)
Cybersecurity
Malaysia registered a Role-modelling, Tier 1 score in the Global Cybersecurity Index 2024 by the International Telecommunication Union.
Blockchain
A thriving blockchain ecosystem at Blockchain Village @Medini (BV@M)
Digital Agriculture
Malaysia ranks second in ASEAN on the 2022 Global Food Security Index (GFSI)
Digital Cities
Kuala Lumpur ranks 7th in Asia and 23rd in the world in the Economist Impact’s Digital Cities Index 2022
Islamic Digital Economy
Malaysia ranks 1st in DinarStandard’s Global Islamic Economy Indicator 2023/24
Fintech
Malaysia ranks 1st in DinarStandard’s Global Islamic Fintech (GIFT) Index 2023/24
Digital Global Business Services
3rd best location in Kearney’s Global Services Location Index since 2004
Data centre
Kuala Lumpur and Johor were noted as top markets for tax incentives and water availability in Cushman & Wakefield’s Global Data Center Market Comparison 2024
IoT and AI
Malaysia’s affordable IoT hardware and local capabilities in IoT software to support experimentation and prototyping, with high captive demand in local sectors (e.g., manufacturing, agriculture)

Malaysia, the Digital Hub of ASEAN

Harnessing the power of community and technology to deliver a digital future, Malaysia’s flourishing digital economy is one of ASEAN’s bright spots.

At the heart of digital ASEAN, strong connectivity, infrastructure and talent make Malaysia the top choice for the world’s leading industries, companies and start-ups.

Malaysia, A Digital Nation

97.4%
Malaysia’s internet penetration rate of the total population at the start of 2024
6th
Malaysia’s rank in Asia Pacific in the 2024 IMD World Talent Ranking
9th
Malaysia’s rank in the 2024 IMD World Digital Competitiveness Ranking among Asia-Pacific countries
1st
Malaysia’s rank on the National Cyber Security Index among Asia-Pacific countries
3rd
Malaysia's rank globally in the Kearney's Global Services Location Index 2023
2nd
Malaysia's rank globally in the Global Islamic Fintech Index 2024/25
2nd
Malaysia's rank in the Upper Middle-Income category in the WIPO Global Innovation Index 2024
8th
Malaysia's rank in Asia in the Digital Quality of Life Index 2024
2nd
Kuala Lumpur's rank among ASEAN cities in the Best Cities for Expats in 2024 by InterNations
97.4%
Malaysia’s internet penetration rate of the total population at the start of 2024
6th
Malaysia’s rank in Asia Pacific in the 2024 IMD World Talent Ranking

Learn how we are Reinventing Malaysia as a Global & Regional Leader in Digital Tech Industries

Digital Investment Announcements

Oracle: US$6.5 bil investment in Malaysia ‘more than a data centre’
27 November 2024
Oracle Corp recently announced a massive investment plan of over US$6.5 billion to set up its first public cloud region in Malaysia, making it the latest major investment by a global tech giant in the country. It was reported that Oracle’s initiative is poised to be one of the largest - if not the largest - single tech investment to date in Malaysia, surpassing the US$6.2 billion that AWS announced last year.
+ Read More
Why AI is Southeast Asia's new engine for profitable growth
21 November 2024
Southeast Asia's digital economy is experiencing rapid growth and profitability, with AI emerging as a key driver in its continued success. As the 2024 e-Conomy SEA report highlights, Southeast Asia is ideally positioned as a fertile ground for AI development and adoption. Strategic investments in areas like GenAI adoption, talent development and AI infrastructure, as well as a supportive policy environment, are vital.
+ Read More
Global participation in Smart Nation Expo 2024 shows confidence in Malaysia - Gobind
20 November 2024
The participation of various brands and countries at the Smart Nation Expo 2024 reflects their confidence in Malaysia as a major digital investment centre, said Digital Minister YB Gobind Singh Deo. He noted that 21,000 participants participated in the expo which entered its third edition this year, with over 600 exhibiting companies from 23 countries, covering seven pavilions.
+ Read More
Gobind: Malaysia and China forge AI, cloud and digital partnerships for economic growth
10 April 2025
Several Malaysian and Chinese tech firms and academic institutions will collaborate in advancing AI, cloud computing, and next-gen digital infrastructure through knowledge and resource sharing. The partnership was formalised with the exchange of six MoUs, a notable step forward in digital cooperation between key industry players and educational institutions from both countries.
+ Read More
Microsoft's investments to drive US$10.9bil economic impact, create 37,575 jobs in Malaysia
20 March 2025
Microsoft's investments in Malaysia are expected to generate an economic impact of US$10.9 billion over the next four years, creating 37,575 jobs and accelerating the adoption of cloud and AI technologies in the country. The economic boost will come from Microsoft's cloud region, partner ecosystem and cloud-using customers. Of the total jobs created, 5,700 will be skilled IT roles, further strengthening Malaysia's digital workforce.
+ Read More
Malaysia’s Digital Investments Hit Record RM163.6 Billion in 2024
27 February 2025
Digital investments in Malaysia hit a record RM163.6 billion in 2024, compared to RM46.8 billion in 2023, driven by a stable government and pro-business policies reinforcing the country’s reputation as a regional tech hub. Strong infrastructure and strategic public-private partnerships have strengthened investor confidence in Malaysia as a leading digital hub. A supportive regulatory framework and Malaysia’s push into AI and quantum computing further accelerated growth, attracting high-value global investments.
+ Read More
Malaysia records approved investments of RM254.7bil in first 9 months of 2024 - PM
11 December 2024
Malaysia has successfully recorded total approved investments valued at RM254.7 billion from various economic sectors for the first nine months of this year, marking an increase of 10.7% compared with RM230.2 billion for the same period in 2023.
+ Read More
China-based ZTE to invest RM200m in Malaysia for development of innovation centres
10 December 2024
China-based telecoms equipment giant ZTE Corporation is set to invest RM200 million in Malaysia to establish two innovation centres and introduce the latest 5G technology through collaborations with local operators.
+ Read More
AI, digital investments may be next leg of SE Asia’s FDI growth
9 December 2024
Growth of foreign direct investment in Southeast Asia could continue to outpace China during global and regional supply-chain realignment. While flows have remained largely directed into manufacturing, there’s a surge of interest in services and digital industries. Malaysia has staged a strong comeback while Vietnam has fallen victim to a high-base effect.
+ Read More
How Malaysia is setting itself up as an AI hub
9 December 2024
In recent years, Malaysia has emerged as a data centre powerhouse in the Asia-Pacific region, driven by a global surge in demand and an established data centre sector. With favourable conditions such as the availability of land, cheaper electricity, and an advantageous geographical location, the country has attracted numerous firms to establish data centre operations within its borders.
+ Read More
ASEAN has potential in digital economy, manufacturing, and supply chains led by BRICS members
5 December 2024
ASEAN countries have the potential to capitalise on significant opportunities in the digital economy, manufacturing, and supply chains led by BRICS countries, which are dialogue partners of the region, said the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry.
+ Read More
Malaysia's digital economy poised to hit US$31bil in 2024
27 November 2024
Malaysia's digital economy is set to reach US$31 billion in gross merchandise value in 2024, marking a 16% increase from the previous year. This growth is part of the broader positive trend identified in the latest report on e-Conomy Southeast Asia (SEA) 2024 by Google, Temasek, and Bain & Company.
+ Read More
Oracle: US$6.5 bil investment in Malaysia ‘more than a data centre’
27 November 2024
Oracle Corp recently announced a massive investment plan of over US$6.5 billion to set up its first public cloud region in Malaysia, making it the latest major investment by a global tech giant in the country. It was reported that Oracle’s initiative is poised to be one of the largest - if not the largest - single tech investment to date in Malaysia, surpassing the US$6.2 billion that AWS announced last year.
+ Read More
Why AI is Southeast Asia's new engine for profitable growth
21 November 2024
Southeast Asia's digital economy is experiencing rapid growth and profitability, with AI emerging as a key driver in its continued success. As the 2024 e-Conomy SEA report highlights, Southeast Asia is ideally positioned as a fertile ground for AI development and adoption. Strategic investments in areas like GenAI adoption, talent development and AI infrastructure, as well as a supportive policy environment, are vital.
+ Read More
Global participation in Smart Nation Expo 2024 shows confidence in Malaysia - Gobind
20 November 2024
The participation of various brands and countries at the Smart Nation Expo 2024 reflects their confidence in Malaysia as a major digital investment centre, said Digital Minister YB Gobind Singh Deo. He noted that 21,000 participants participated in the expo which entered its third edition this year, with over 600 exhibiting companies from 23 countries, covering seven pavilions.
+ Read More
Gobind: Malaysia and China forge AI, cloud and digital partnerships for economic growth
10 April 2025
Several Malaysian and Chinese tech firms and academic institutions will collaborate in advancing AI, cloud computing, and next-gen digital infrastructure through knowledge and resource sharing. The partnership was formalised with the exchange of six MoUs, a notable step forward in digital cooperation between key industry players and educational institutions from both countries.
+ Read More
Microsoft's investments to drive US$10.9bil economic impact, create 37,575 jobs in Malaysia
20 March 2025
Microsoft's investments in Malaysia are expected to generate an economic impact of US$10.9 billion over the next four years, creating 37,575 jobs and accelerating the adoption of cloud and AI technologies in the country. The economic boost will come from Microsoft's cloud region, partner ecosystem and cloud-using customers. Of the total jobs created, 5,700 will be skilled IT roles, further strengthening Malaysia's digital workforce.
+ Read More
Malaysia’s Digital Investments Hit Record RM163.6 Billion in 2024
27 February 2025
Digital investments in Malaysia hit a record RM163.6 billion in 2024, compared to RM46.8 billion in 2023, driven by a stable government and pro-business policies reinforcing the country’s reputation as a regional tech hub. Strong infrastructure and strategic public-private partnerships have strengthened investor confidence in Malaysia as a leading digital hub. A supportive regulatory framework and Malaysia’s push into AI and quantum computing further accelerated growth, attracting high-value global investments.
+ Read More

Why AI is Southeast Asia's new engine for profitable growth
21 November 2024
Southeast Asia's digital economy is experiencing rapid growth and profitability, with AI emerging as a key driver in its continued success. As the 2024 e-Conomy SEA report highlights, Southeast Asia is ideally positioned as a fertile ground for AI development and adoption. Strategic investments in areas like GenAI adoption, talent development and AI infrastructure, as well as a supportive policy environment, are vital.
+ Read More
Global participation in Smart Nation Expo 2024 shows confidence in Malaysia - Gobind
20 November 2024
The participation of various brands and countries at the Smart Nation Expo 2024 reflects their confidence in Malaysia as a major digital investment centre, said Digital Minister YB Gobind Singh Deo. He noted that 21,000 participants participated in the expo which entered its third edition this year, with over 600 exhibiting companies from 23 countries, covering seven pavilions.
+ Read More
Gobind: Malaysia and China forge AI, cloud and digital partnerships for economic growth
10 April 2025
Several Malaysian and Chinese tech firms and academic institutions will collaborate in advancing AI, cloud computing, and next-gen digital infrastructure through knowledge and resource sharing. The partnership was formalised with the exchange of six MoUs, a notable step forward in digital cooperation between key industry players and educational institutions from both countries.
+ Read More
Microsoft's investments to drive US$10.9bil economic impact, create 37,575 jobs in Malaysia
20 March 2025
Microsoft's investments in Malaysia are expected to generate an economic impact of US$10.9 billion over the next four years, creating 37,575 jobs and accelerating the adoption of cloud and AI technologies in the country. The economic boost will come from Microsoft's cloud region, partner ecosystem and cloud-using customers. Of the total jobs created, 5,700 will be skilled IT roles, further strengthening Malaysia's digital workforce.
+ Read More
Malaysia’s Digital Investments Hit Record RM163.6 Billion in 2024
27 February 2025
Digital investments in Malaysia hit a record RM163.6 billion in 2024, compared to RM46.8 billion in 2023, driven by a stable government and pro-business policies reinforcing the country’s reputation as a regional tech hub. Strong infrastructure and strategic public-private partnerships have strengthened investor confidence in Malaysia as a leading digital hub. A supportive regulatory framework and Malaysia’s push into AI and quantum computing further accelerated growth, attracting high-value global investments.
+ Read More
Malaysia records approved investments of RM254.7bil in first 9 months of 2024 - PM
11 December 2024
Malaysia has successfully recorded total approved investments valued at RM254.7 billion from various economic sectors for the first nine months of this year, marking an increase of 10.7% compared with RM230.2 billion for the same period in 2023.
+ Read More
China-based ZTE to invest RM200m in Malaysia for development of innovation centres
10 December 2024
China-based telecoms equipment giant ZTE Corporation is set to invest RM200 million in Malaysia to establish two innovation centres and introduce the latest 5G technology through collaborations with local operators.
+ Read More
AI, digital investments may be next leg of SE Asia’s FDI growth
9 December 2024
Growth of foreign direct investment in Southeast Asia could continue to outpace China during global and regional supply-chain realignment. While flows have remained largely directed into manufacturing, there’s a surge of interest in services and digital industries. Malaysia has staged a strong comeback while Vietnam has fallen victim to a high-base effect.
+ Read More
How Malaysia is setting itself up as an AI hub
9 December 2024
In recent years, Malaysia has emerged as a data centre powerhouse in the Asia-Pacific region, driven by a global surge in demand and an established data centre sector. With favourable conditions such as the availability of land, cheaper electricity, and an advantageous geographical location, the country has attracted numerous firms to establish data centre operations within its borders.
+ Read More
ASEAN has potential in digital economy, manufacturing, and supply chains led by BRICS members
5 December 2024
ASEAN countries have the potential to capitalise on significant opportunities in the digital economy, manufacturing, and supply chains led by BRICS countries, which are dialogue partners of the region, said the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry.
+ Read More
Malaysia's digital economy poised to hit US$31bil in 2024
27 November 2024
Malaysia's digital economy is set to reach US$31 billion in gross merchandise value in 2024, marking a 16% increase from the previous year. This growth is part of the broader positive trend identified in the latest report on e-Conomy Southeast Asia (SEA) 2024 by Google, Temasek, and Bain & Company.
+ Read More
Oracle: US$6.5 bil investment in Malaysia ‘more than a data centre’
27 November 2024
Oracle Corp recently announced a massive investment plan of over US$6.5 billion to set up its first public cloud region in Malaysia, making it the latest major investment by a global tech giant in the country. It was reported that Oracle’s initiative is poised to be one of the largest - if not the largest - single tech investment to date in Malaysia, surpassing the US$6.2 billion that AWS announced last year.
+ Read More
Why AI is Southeast Asia's new engine for profitable growth
21 November 2024
Southeast Asia's digital economy is experiencing rapid growth and profitability, with AI emerging as a key driver in its continued success. As the 2024 e-Conomy SEA report highlights, Southeast Asia is ideally positioned as a fertile ground for AI development and adoption. Strategic investments in areas like GenAI adoption, talent development and AI infrastructure, as well as a supportive policy environment, are vital.
+ Read More
Global participation in Smart Nation Expo 2024 shows confidence in Malaysia - Gobind
20 November 2024
The participation of various brands and countries at the Smart Nation Expo 2024 reflects their confidence in Malaysia as a major digital investment centre, said Digital Minister YB Gobind Singh Deo. He noted that 21,000 participants participated in the expo which entered its third edition this year, with over 600 exhibiting companies from 23 countries, covering seven pavilions.
+ Read More
Gobind: Malaysia and China forge AI, cloud and digital partnerships for economic growth
10 April 2025
Several Malaysian and Chinese tech firms and academic institutions will collaborate in advancing AI, cloud computing, and next-gen digital infrastructure through knowledge and resource sharing. The partnership was formalised with the exchange of six MoUs, a notable step forward in digital cooperation between key industry players and educational institutions from both countries.
+ Read More
Microsoft's investments to drive US$10.9bil economic impact, create 37,575 jobs in Malaysia
20 March 2025
Microsoft's investments in Malaysia are expected to generate an economic impact of US$10.9 billion over the next four years, creating 37,575 jobs and accelerating the adoption of cloud and AI technologies in the country. The economic boost will come from Microsoft's cloud region, partner ecosystem and cloud-using customers. Of the total jobs created, 5,700 will be skilled IT roles, further strengthening Malaysia's digital workforce.
+ Read More

“A key factor on why Malaysia is a magnet for FinTech is that the country has a set of comprehensive regulatory guidelines that clearly list the requirements for fintech players to operate their businesses.”

Wong Wai Ken

Country Manager, StashAway Malaysia

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Malaysia, the Digital Hub of ASEAN