KUALA LUMPUR: A trade mission focusing on digital technology has successfully brought together more than 50 leading Australian tech companies and key Malaysian stakeholders in a two-day immersive program as part of Australia Southeast Business Exchange (SEABX) program.
“The Digital Gateway to Southeast Asia” mission is designed to foster dynamic business exchanges and showcase innovative technologies, and was co-led by Daniel Boyer, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) and Tony Lombardo, Australia’s Business Champion for Malaysia.
The trade mission highlighted two-way trade and investment opportunities for joint development in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Digital Health between Australia and Malaysia, and was held in partnership with the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and the National Tech Association of Malaysia (PIKOM).
Mr Boyer said the mission was a crucial opportunity for businesses and tech leaders to share knowledge and explore opportunities to collaborate on innovations for developing robust solutions in the digital economy
“The opportunity to connect with Malaysian businesses and explore mutual growth opportunities has been tremendous. The conversations and partnerships initiated here will contribute to building stronger digital ecosystems for both nations over the coming months and years,” he said.
YB Tuan Gobind Singh Deo, Minister of Digital Malaysia, attended the event as the Guest of Honour, highlighting Malaysia’s commitment to digital transformation.
“With Malaysia gearing up to be the digital hub in Southeast Asia, Malaysia’s business-friendly policies and the strengthening digital economy make it an attractive market for Australian tech innovators. It is good to see Malaysian companies fostering collaboration with Australian tech pioneers, accelerating the digital transformation that Malaysia is pushing for,” he stated in his opening address.
Malaysia’s digital economy has grown significantly in recent years, presenting immense growth opportunities. The country’s AI market is projected to grow from AUD 1.2 billion to AUD 5.5
billion by 2030, with a 28.5% CAGR. The digital health sector is also expanding rapidly at a CAGR of 8.3% from 2023 to 2028, while the cybersecurity market is expected to reach AUD 1.1 billion by 2029.
There are more than 30 Australian tech companies who have established presence in Malaysia, have gained MalaysiaDigital status from Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) solidifying their commitment to this market with a similar view of Malaysia’s potential. This exemplifies that Australia’s cutting-edge technological expertise is well-positioned to support the rapid growth, offering advanced solutions that complement Malaysia’s digital ambitions.
Key Highlights:
● Business Matching and Showcases: Australian companies showcased cutting-edge technological innovations across AI, cybersecurity, and IoT. The business matching sessions provided a unique opportunity for Malaysian firms to connect with Australian tech providers, exploring collaborations for mutual benefit.
● Panel Discussions: Featured experts from CyberSecurity Malaysia, Invest Selangor, and Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), offering insights into Malaysia’s regulatory landscape and highlighting opportunities in cybersecurity and digital infrastructure.
● Healthcare Innovation Exchange: Partnering with Malaysia’s Ministry of Health and the Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia (APHM), discussions examined how digital health solutions are reshaping Malaysia’s healthcare ecosystem, offering partnership opportunities for Australian companies.
● Women in Technology Forum: Inspiring female leaders shared their success stories, underscoring the importance of diversity in tech and driving conversations around creating a more inclusive tech ecosystem.
Throughout the program, the mission has successfully sparked co-selling opportunities and co-marketing strategies, providing Australian companies market access to the Malaysian market, which is also positioned as the digital gateway to Southeast Asia. These partnerships are expected to yield mutual benefits such as enhanced product offerings, cost efficiencies, and access to new customers and markets, accelerating digital growth in Malaysia.
HE Danielle Heinecke, Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia said, “Australia and Malaysia are longstanding partners in trade, yet opportunities remain to increase our two-way trade and investments, including in the growing tech and digital sectors. 2025 will be a landmark year for the Australia-Malaysia bilateral relationship, as we celebrate the 70th anniversary of Australia’s diplomatic presence in Malaysia and support Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship. This trade mission has set the stage for Australia to deepen our engagement and collaboration with Malaysia, and together shape a region that is open, stable and prosperous.”
As the mission came to a fruitful end, Melanie Harris, Trade and Investment Commissioner to Malaysia and Brunei of Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) concluded, “There is great synergy between the digital industries of Malaysia and Australia. We look forward to forge lasting connections, explore new opportunities and write the next chapter in the Australia-Malaysia’s story.
