It’s that time of year again where you dust off your old Jalur Gemilang, to hang it proudly on your roof or stuck to your car.
Merdeka isn’t just a time of celebration; it’s also a time of reflection. For the tech industry, the past 60 years has seen much innovation and advancement whether in a technical or infrastructure standpoint. To celebrate the 60 years of independence, we look back at the progress of technology in the country, and the companies that made it possible.
Over the past six decades, Malaysia enjoyed recognition for being a progressive country, in part due to its quick adoption to the latest technology. Malaysia is one of the most connected nation; most of the population owning at least one mobile device, with data coverage in nearly every part of the country.
Strategically situated, Malaysia has been a popular choice for tech companies to expand their footprint in the South East Asian region. From international conglomerates such as Dell, Acer, Microsoft, as well as home grown giants such as TM, Maxis, Cyberview; we see these companies growing from strength to strength.
Through aggressive efforts by agencies such as MDEC, MCMC, MaGIC and Cradle, the government has been ardent in nudging the nation to embrace the digital industrial age. Initiatives such as Transformasi Nasional 2050 scheme is technology driven; working closely with tech big names as well as entrepreneurs and startups, the government is set to shape the digital landscape and transformation of Malaysia.
Especially with the recent surge in entrepreneurial efforts by the private sector, the country has seen multitudes of potential – not just in terms of business operations, but also in terms of talents and investments. The continued support from the government to push forward with new innovations and developing young minds, has brought much progress for welcoming a digital age.
For this Merdeka, we want to look at some companies that have contributed to this transformation. We will be focusing on Lenovo bringing back the Moto brand, reviving an old sleepy name. Amaryllo might be a newcomer to the Malaysian market, but has been garnering a steady fanbase thanks to its innovative approach and attention to details.
Not forgetting homegrown Shopee, combining the best of technology to provide convenience for shopping services; as well as OnePlus, who was once an underdog, turned a renowned and respectable brand.
Through discovering the brand story of these companies, we hope to pay tribute to the many companies that decided to set foot and grow their business, contributing to the transformation of Malaysia.
