PETALING JAYA: The Malaysia Digital Chamber of Commerce (MDCC) has briefed Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun on plans to host the 10th Malaysia Digital Economy Forum (MyDEF 10.0) in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah on Aug 11.
The chamber said the forum is proposed as a national platform to accelerate Malaysia’s digital transformation, with Sabah positioned as a key driver for the digital economy in East Malaysia.
The MDCC delegation was led by its emeritus chairman Dr Chris Daniel Wong and organising chairman Alvis Loo, accompanied by Sabah chapter chairman Datuk Seri David Sew and adviser Tony Hsing.
During the courtesy visit on Tuesday (May 5), discussions centred on positioning Sabah as a digital economy hub by leveraging its strategic location and improving infrastructure to attract regional investments and technology partnerships.
Both sides also explored alignment with the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0 agenda, particularly in advancing digitalisation, innovation and inclusive growth.
Other focus areas included developing digital talent and empowering youth through greater participation of local startups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), as well as strengthening the investment and innovation ecosystem by connecting investors, venture capital firms and government agencies.
The forum is expected to cover key themes such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital tourism, SME digitalisation and the blue economy.
Masidi welcomed the initiative and expressed support for efforts to position Sabah as a competitive digital economy hub, stressing the need for strong collaboration between the public and private sectors.
Meanwhile, Loo said MyDEF 10.0 aims to bring together policymakers, industry leaders and innovators to drive tangible outcomes for the digital economy.
The visit marks a step towards closer collaboration between MDCC and the Sabah government ahead of the proposed forum.
