PIKOM Paves the Way for Malaysia’s Tech Dominance in 2025 and Beyond

As Malaysia’s technology sector gains increasing international recognition, PIKOM, the National Tech Association of Malaysia, remains steadfast in its mission to elevate the nation’s position on the global stage. Building on the exceptional successes of 2024, PIKOM is setting ambitious goals for 2025, focused on enhancing global engagement, nurturing local talent, and further positioning Malaysia as a leader in innovation and digital transformation.

2024 was a year of remarkable achievements for Malaysia’s tech sector, as the nation’s talent and businesses secured top honors at several prestigious international awards and competitions. The WITSA Excellence Awards in Armenia saw Malaysian organizations receiving major accolades. SIDEC (Selangor Information Technology & Digital Economy Corporation) won the Digital Opportunity/Inclusion Award for its impactful SME digitalisation programs, while Telekom Research & Development Sdn Bhd’s Mobile Intelligent Network Diagnostic System (MINDS) received the Digital Transformation of the Year award.

The inaugural WITSA World Cup, a global startup pitching competition, saw two Malaysian startups—PANDAI EDUCATION and ENTOMAL BIOTECH—taking the top two spots. This victory further solidified Malaysia’s growing reputation as a hub for high-impact, innovative startups capable of competing with global players in sectors like education technology and biotech.

In addition, at the ASOCIO Digital Summit in Tokyo, Malaysia was honored for its outstanding contributions to digital government, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. Award winners such as the Ministry of Digital, Heitech Padu Berhad, and NACSA demonstrated Malaysia’s strength in leveraging technology to drive public and private sector growth.

Another highlight of 2024 was the success of Malaysian students at the APICTA Awards in Brunei, which showcased the rising talent across the nation’s educational institutions. Malaysian startups such as myQuickHR and Meraque Services also took home top honors in categories ranging from Artificial Intelligence to Agriculture and Sustainability. At the same time, school projects like “Read Right” from Wesley Methodist School Penang and “SmartCycle BioFuel” from Foon Yew High School earned accolades for their innovative applications of technology.

These successes underline the depth of Malaysia’s innovation ecosystem, where young talent and seasoned professionals alike are contributing to technological advancements in diverse fields, from AI and cybersecurity to sustainable agriculture and digital marketing.

PIKOM’s achievements in 2024 set the stage for an even more impactful year in 2025. The association is committed to expanding Malaysia’s global presence by promoting international participation and strengthening collaborations with key global players. The focus will be on ensuring that Malaysia’s tech companies, entrepreneurs, and startups not only gain recognition but also access to global markets, partnerships, and funding opportunities.

“Malaysia has shown that it is capable of leading in key tech areas like AI, digital transformation, and cybersecurity,” said Alex Liew, Chairman of PIKOM. “Our goal for 2025 is to continue building on these successes and positioning Malaysia as a go-to destination for innovation and tech talent on the global stage.”

PIKOM will work closely with the government, industry stakeholders, and international organizations to facilitate Malaysia’s involvement in global tech events and competitions. These platforms provide invaluable exposure, mentorship, and opportunities to scale up in international markets. For PIKOM, the goal is not just to celebrate success but to create pathways for Malaysia’s tech companies to grow and compete globally.

A significant part of PIKOM’s strategy for 2025 will be to support local startups and small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in their journey to become global players. PIKOM recognizes that Malaysia’s innovation potential lies not only in large corporations but also in the growing number of startups that are developing cutting-edge solutions. PIKOM’s focus will be on helping these businesses access the right resources, whether that be through venture capital, strategic partnerships, or mentorship from industry leaders.

“Startups and SMEs are the lifeblood of Malaysia’s digital economy, and we are committed to creating an ecosystem where they can thrive,” said Liew. “In 2025, we will be focusing on making sure that Malaysian companies—no matter their size—have the tools they need to scale internationally.”

To facilitate this growth, PIKOM will focus on providing access to international markets and global investor networks. By building stronger ties with venture capitalists, multinational corporations, and technology hubs around the world, Malaysia’s tech entrepreneurs will have greater opportunities to scale and succeed on the world stage.

In addition to supporting established companies and startups, PIKOM is placing a strong emphasis on nurturing Malaysia’s future tech leaders. By continuing to promote tech education and innovation at the school and university levels, PIKOM is ensuring that the next generation of Malaysian innovators is equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead in a digital-first world.

The success of student projects at the APICTA Awards and other international events has proven that Malaysia’s young talent is ready to take on global challenges. PIKOM plans to ramp up initiatives aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among young Malaysians, providing them with the resources, mentorship, and platforms they need to turn their ideas into scalable ventures.

“Encouraging young people to engage with technology and innovation is crucial for Malaysia’s long-term success,” said Liew. “We need to ensure that the next generation has the support they need to become leaders in the global tech ecosystem.”

As PIKOM pushes forward into 2025, it calls on Malaysian innovators, entrepreneurs, and professionals to seize the opportunities that lie ahead. Whether by participating in global competitions, engaging in cross-border collaborations, or leveraging international platforms, Malaysia’s tech community has a unique opportunity to make its mark on the world stage.

“2025 will be a year of great opportunity for Malaysia’s tech ecosystem,” said Liew. “We invite all Malaysian innovators to join us in driving the nation forward as a leader in technology and digital transformation. Together, we can achieve even greater success and showcase the world-class talent Malaysia has to offer.”

As Malaysia prepares for an exciting year ahead, the foundation for success has already been laid. With PIKOM leading the charge, the nation’s tech ecosystem is poised to grow and thrive on the global stage. Through continued innovation, collaboration, and a focus on nurturing talent, Malaysia is set to take its place among the world’s most influential technology hubs.