- Both parties will advance digital inclusion for Malaysia’s 2030 goals
- Will explore future cooperation in ethical AI to enhance digital inclusion & advance Malaysia’s digital agenda
In a significant step towards ensuring that all Malaysians can fully participate in the nation’s digital transformation, MyDigital Corporation and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have entered into a formal partnership to advance the country’s digital inclusivity agenda through the development of Digital Inclusivity Index Malaysia initiative or Indeks Keterangkuman Digital Malaysia (DIM).
In a statement, MyDigital noted that the collaboration was formalised during a Courtesy Call and Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony. The event was attended by Adrian Marcellus, CEO of MyDigital Corporation, and Edward Vrkić, resident representative of UNDP Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam, alongside representatives from both organisations.
The event underscored the shared commitment of both parties to bridge the digital divide and promote equitable access to digital opportunities in Malaysia. By leveraging data-driven insights and international best practices, the partnership aims to ensure that digital transformation becomes a catalyst for inclusive, sustainable, and people-centred development— a cornerstone of Malaysia’s vision to become a leading digital nation by 2030.
According to MyDigital Corporation, the MoU marks a major milestone in Malaysia’s journey towards a digital economy that benefits all citizens. Through this partnership, both parties will jointly strengthen the DIIM framework, ensuring that it serves as a comprehensive, evidence-based tool to measure and address the nation’s digital divide.
The DIIM initiative is one of MyDigital’s flagship efforts to monitor and promote equitable access to digital opportunities across all segments of society. It aims to measure not only connectivity and access but also affordability, digital skills, talent, policies, and adoption across government, business, and communities — all key components of meaningful and sustainable digital inclusion.
“At the heart of this mission is a deep belief that digital transformation must be inclusive. Progress is meaningful only if it reaches every Malaysian — from urban centres to rural villages, from large enterprises to small entrepreneurs, from students to seniors. The DIIM is designed to measure the true state of digital inclusion in the country,” said Marcellus.
“Through this collaboration with UNDP, we hope to leverage international expertise and global best practices to strengthen DIIM and explore other potential collaborations. This partnership reflects our shared conviction that inclusive digital transformation is essential for a sustainable, future-ready Malaysia,” he added.
“Today’s gathering is more than a ceremonial occasion; it reflects our shared conviction that inclusive digital transformation is essential for a sustainable, future-ready Malaysia. Through the signing of this Memorandum of Understanding, we hope to deepen our collaboration with UNDP — combining MyDigital Corporation’s national mandate and local insights with UNDP’s global knowledge and policy expertise,” he said.
Agreeing with Marcellus on the need for digital inclusion, Vrkić said, “It is not only essential in itself but also a pathway to something much greater — improving the lives of all Malaysians. By identifying digital gaps and working together to close them, we can meaningfully enhance people’s well-being. I dare say that if we get this right — and I believe we will — this partnership will stand as a model of effective collaboration.”
“UNDP is very proud to work alongside the Government of Malaysia. Within the UNDP system, Malaysia is often regarded as a jewel in the crown, reflecting a strong partnership that has spanned more than 60 years. Malaysia has consistently been at the forefront of community development, industrialisation, social policy, and climate action,” he added.
During the signing ceremony, both organisations explored potential areas for future cooperation. These discussions touched on the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence — particularly the importance of ethical AI — and how the intersection of AI and digital inclusivity can further advance Malaysia’s digital agenda while improving the lives and well-being of its people.
The partnership also reinforces MyDigital Corporation’s role as the lead agency in driving and monitoring Malaysia’s national digital economy initiatives under the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint and the National 4IR Policy, both of which emphasise inclusive and sustainable digital growth.
