KUALA LUMPUR: Global multinational technology corporation IBM Malaysia Sdn Bhd has praised the Madani Economy: Empowering the People framework, especially emphasising innovation and inclusivity.
Managing director Catherine Lian said the emphasis on innovation and inclusivity in the Madani Economy framework reflects a strategic vision that aligns with advanced and resilient economies, positioning Malaysia at the forefront of technological advancement and creating opportunities for all sectors of society.
"These two critical elements, technological innovation and superior productivity, fundamentally define economic resilience and advancement.
"Advanced and resilient economies stand out by adopting innovative technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and high-productivity firms across numerous sectors.
"The Madani Economy framework aligns with this vision, serving as a pathway towards greater national competitiveness for Malaysia," she said in a statement today.
Catherine also cited a recent IBM CEO Study highlighting that most ASEAN chief executive officers (CEOs), including those in Malaysia, prioritise technology modernisation and productivity enhancement.
A staggering 75 per cent of CEOs globally believe that the most advanced generative AI will inevitably lead to a competitive edge.
"Businesses need access to a full technology stack that enables them to train, tune and deploy AI models, all in one place and across any cloud environment to realise successful AI adoption," she said.
Catherine also said it remains critical for Malaysia to continue its focus on accelerating the growth of homegrown small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through automation and digitalisation.
"Ultimately, SMEs are the backbone of the Malaysian economy, accounting for more than 97 per cent of total businesses in Malaysia," she said, citing statistics by SME Corporation Malaysia.
"Madani is relevant here, as SMEs need to engage with technology partners who can give them access to the relevant technologies. This way, they can address all these requirements through robust processes and management tools and practices," she said.
Additionally, Catherine pointed out the importance of lifelong education and skills development, something IBM promotes through its SkillsBuild initiative.
"With a focus on digitalisation, talent development, SME growth, and a pragmatic plan for climate change, the Madani Economy framework sets the foundation to enhance Malaysia's economic competitiveness," concluded Catherine.