PENANG must diversify its economy and avoid over-reliance on a single trading partner in the face of global trade tensions, particularly with tariffs increasingly being used as geopolitical tools.
Speaking at the Penang Digital Economy Summit 2025 and the official launch of the Penang Digital Economy Master Plan (DEMP) 2025–2030 at G Hotel this morning, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state’s digital economy is a key driver of resilience, contributing significantly to Penang’s services sector.
“Today marks a defining moment in Penang’s journey towards becoming a future-ready digital state – one empowered by innovation, inclusivity, and resilience,” Chow said in his speech.
He noted that the DEMP is fully aligned with the Penang2030 vision of a Family-Focused, Green, and Smart State that Inspires the Nation.
Chow added that the master plan also addresses the 13th Malaysia Plan’s priorities of inclusivity, high technology, and readiness for an ageing population by focusing on the silver economy.
“This plan lays out clear strategies to ensure mature workers and senior citizens are empowered through digital tools, skills development programmes, and accessible, age-friendly services,” he said.
The DEMP builds on the solid foundation established by the Digital Transformation Master Plan (DTMP) 1.0, implemented from 2021 to 2023, which saw more than 60% of its 21 initiatives completed or in progress.
Among its achievements, the #DahDigital initiative improved digital literacy for 18,500 residents, while the Penang Connectivity Masterplan expanded statewide internet access. Digital Penang was also established as a Centre of Excellence for data, innovation, and smart governance.
The summit brought together a wide network of stakeholders, including over 50 corporate entities and government agencies.
Chow called for continued collaboration between federal ministries, national agencies, the private sector, and civil society to turn the DEMP into reality.
“Let us build a Penang that is not only globally competitive but also digitally inclusive, climate-resilient, and future-ready,” he said.
Digital Penang chief executive officer Ng Kwang Ming said the one-day summit featured seven local start-ups alongside telcos, e-commerce companies, and government-linked corporations.
“The partnerships also include community programmes that utilise Nadi Centres under MCMC to provide digital access in rural areas,” he added.
On connectivity, state Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari reported that Penang’s 5G coverage has reached about 92%, while 4G coverage is almost 99.9%.
Also present at the event were Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) chief executive officer Anuar Fariz Fadzil, InvestPenang chief executive officer Datuk Loo Lee Lian, and Cradle Fund Group chief executive officer Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat