Salutations:

1. Yang Berhormat Tuan Loh Sze Yee Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Pelancongan, Industri, Pelaburan Dan Pembangunan Koridor Negeri Perak & ADUN Jalong

2. Yang Berhormat Howard Lee Chuan How Ahli Parlimen Ipoh Timur

. Yang Berhormat Ong Seng Guan ADUN Pokok Assam

4. Yang Berbahagia Datuk Ts. Fadzli Abdul Wahit Ketua Transformasi Digital, MDEC

Esteemed guests,

Members of the media,

Ladies and gentlemen.

Salam Perpaduan, Salam Malaysia MADANI, and a very good afternoon to everyone.

INTRODUCTION

1. It’s an honour to be here at Jelajah Malaysia Digital @ Perak. This event marks a significant milestone as we showcase how digitalisation is reshaping our tourism industry and I am pleased to share the initiatives spearheaded by the Ministry of Digital to foster innovation, growth, and enhance resilience in this critical sector.

2. Our mission at the Ministry of Digital is to position Malaysia as a leading Digital Nation. We are committed to cultivating a robust digital ecosystem that generates opportunities, bolsters economic growth, and improves the quality of life for all Malaysians.

3. To achieve this, our focus is on five key areas: better digital services to make government processes more efficient and accessible; expanding infrastructure to enable everyone, regardless of location, to participate in the digital economy; empowering talent by developing a future-ready workforce; strengthening digital trust through transparent data regulation; and upholding good governance to establish a robust and sustainable digital framework.

THE EVOLVING LANDSCAPE OF TOURISM

Ladies and gentlemen,

4. Tourism is one of Malaysia’s most important industries, playing a significant role in our economy while sharing our rich and unique culture with the world. However, like all other sectors, tourism is constantly evolving. Today’s travelers want more than just general sightseeing; they seek unique experiences, personalisation, and seamless interactions powered by technology.

5. A recent study by MDEC and Frost & Sullivan revealed that ICT spending in tourism is growing by 4% annually and will reach USD197.9 billion by 2026, with Malaysia’s own online travel market is projected to hit USD8 billion next year.

6. In China, 80% of travelers are willing to spend more on travel experiences enhanced by technology. This tells us that digitalisation is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.

7. However, a 2023 report by Google, Temasek, and Bain & Company highlighted a slowdown in investment in online travel since 2019 – hence the importance of initiatives like the Digital Tourism Innovation Lab (DTIL).

DIGITAL TOURISM INNOVATION LAB (DTIL)

8. The Digital Tourism Innovation Lab (DTIL) is a flagship initiative by MDEC designed to help startups create tech solutions for the tourism industry.

9. By bringing together startups, industry players, and government agencies, DTIL fosters innovation to meet the growing demands of travelers and modern businesses. A collaboration between my Ministry with MOTAC and Tourism Malaysia, DTIL has already delivered significant results.

10. For instance, a startup named Reyhut secured RM290,000 in funding and is on track to earn RM2 million by 2025. Another participant, SECOMS has achieved a 30% increase in profits, while BossRec has managed to secure RM100,000 in funding from Cradle. Multiple partnerships between startups and established industry players have also been formed, driving new opportunities for innovation.

11. Beyond business growth, DTIL leverages advanced technology including AI, blockchain, and generative AI to address challenges in tourism and create memorable, seamless experiences for travelers.

MALAYSIA’S DIGITAL NOMAD PROGRAMME: DE RANTAU

Ladies and gentlemen,

12. Another transformative initiative is DE Rantau, Malaysia’s digital nomad programme. Launched in 2022, it positions Malaysia as a top choice for remote workers in Southeast Asia.

13. As of December 2024, over 2,344 passes have been approved, with almost 53% of the recipients currently residing in Malaysia. On another note, Kuala Lumpur’s jump from 84th to 22nd place in Remote’s Best Destinations for Remote Work list is a testament to 5 our growing appeal.

14. DE Rantau is not just about attracting individuals. It is about creating a community of professionals who contribute to our economy. A recent survey revealed that 40% of digital nomads here are with their families, spending not only on living expenses but also on education, tourism, and local services.

15. To make DE Rantau more inclusive, we have expanded the eligibility for the Nomad Pass. It is now open to professionals outside the IT sector, such as business managers, accountants, and public relations experts, with an annual income requirement of USD 60,000.

16. Success stories include a nomad from Pakistan who has established a company here and gained Malaysia Digital (MD) status. Several digital content creators have also made Malaysia their home, promoting our vibrant culture globally.

17. These stories prove that DE Rantau is more than a visa; it serves as a gateway for global talent to experience, contribute to, and thrive within Malaysia’s digital ecosystem.

SHAPING THE FUTURE OF DIGITAL TOURISM

18. As we gear up for Visit Malaysia Year 2026, our goal is to welcome 35.6 million visitors and generate RM147.1 billion in revenue.

19. Moving forward, four key trends will shape the future of tourism. These include the use of AR and VR for destination promotion; ensuring seamless digital experiences for both travelers and businesses; integrating online and on-site elements to offer immersive travel experiences; and digitalising cultural and historical assets to preserve Malaysia’s rich heritage for future generations.

20. These trends highlight how digital tools can enhance Malaysia’s tourism offerings while preserving our rich heritage for future generations.

CONCLUSION

Ladies and gentlemen,

21. Through initiatives like DTIL and DE Rantau, we are building the foundation to make Malaysia a leader in digital tourism while creating opportunities for Malaysians across sectors.

22. Malaysia is stepping confidently into the digital era. We are blending tradition with innovation to showcase our amazing attractions, vibrant culture, tantalising cuisines, and warm hospitality to the world.

23. Through innovation, collaboration, and determination, we will transform Malaysia into a global leader in digital tourism and a hub for digital innovation. Thank you for being part of this shared mission to make Malaysia a top destination for travelers worldwide.

24. Once again, my gratitude to the Perak State Government for partnering with the Ministry of Digital to make this a memorable and successful event. Thank you.

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