DUBAI – Capacity building and better coordination are needed as the government works to prioritise the adoption of digitalisation in line with the New Industrial Master Plan 2030, says Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
He stated that some of the lessons learned during his official visit to Dubai to attend the Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (Gitex) Global 2023 and Expand North Star (ENS) may be applicable to enhancing the operations of Malaysian ministries and agencies.
“I believe all this will help with the digitalisation process and make a lot of our processes much more efficient, leaner, and faster, ultimately benefitting Malaysia and the rakyat,” he said in a wrap-up interview following his official visit here.
This is especially as the government plans to roll out its central database hub, Padu, and introduce the Omnibus Act, which will be tabled in Parliament next year, he said.
Fahmi also suggested that all ministries have an officer emphasising digitalisation to ensure a seamless process and protocols within the ministries and agencies.
This marked Fahmi’s maiden working visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) since becoming minister in December last year.
He noted that other top Malaysian government officials have also visited the UAE in recent weeks, including Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz.
“I hope this indicates a growing friendship and relationship between our two countries that can only go from strength to strength.
“I see a lot of potential we can develop together, as well as a lot of learnings and experience we can share, for example, between the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and its UAE equivalent, the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA). Some of these working relationships would benefit Malaysia in the long run,” Fahmi said.
Earlier, Fahmi met TDRA Director-General Majed Sultan Al Mesmar to discuss a potential collaboration between the Communications and Digital Ministry and TDRA.
“I have seen many good conversations with over 30 companies during Gitex Global, as well as very important incoming investments. I’m very happy and pleased with the outcome of this visit,” he said.
More than 6,000 companies from 170 countries attended the 43rd edition of Gitex Global, which was held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from October 16 to 20, while ENS was held at the Dubai Harbour from October 15 to 18. – October 19, 2023