KUALA LUMPUR: The Gateway, Amplify, Invest & Nurture (GAIN) programme has achieved RM31.9 billion in revenue since 2017 with exports worth over RM11.2 billion.
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the programme, under the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), has accessed the markets of over 26 nations since 2017.
"It has seen the involvement of over 150 Malaysian tech companies and organised over 1,000 one-to-one business meetings," he said today in his keynote speech at the Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation (Sidec) Twin Accelerator Programme 2024.
Gobind said under the GAIN initiative, MDEC, Sidec and InvestSelangor had collaborated in an event called 'Southeast Asia's Business Boom: Sealing Deals' held in conjunction with London Tech Week in June 2024.
"There, MDEC introduced 10 Malaysian tech companies in the areas of artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and fintech to present elevator pitches to representatives of foreign governments, trade associations and corporations.
"The event served as a great platform for Malaysian companies to amplify their visibility, and to showcase their capabilities," he said.
Commenting on the Twin Accelerator Programme 2024, he said the vision to nurture more than 300 entrepreneurs over the next five years will soon contribute to Selangor's economic growth.
"The success of these startups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) will have a ripple effect across the nation, driving economic growth, enhancing our global standing, and ensuring that Malaysia remains a vibrant hub of innovation and entrepreneurship," he said.
Gobind commended Sidec and the Selangor state government for leading the digital transformation of Selangor as Southeast Asia's digital hub. "Your objectives are based on the three key sectors of the digital economy, namely e-commerce, startup, and SME digitalisation. I hope to see more states organising similar digital initiatives," he added.
The Twin Accelerator Programme comprises the seventh cohort of the Selangor Accelerator Programme (SAP24) and the second cohort of the Selangor E-Commerce Xccelerator (ECX24). A total of 50 startups with a focus on AI, smart mobility, bio-based solutions, and net zero have been shortlisted for the SAP24.
Meanwhile, 50 SMEs, ranging from food and beverage to social impact industries, have been shortlisted for the ECX24.
The SAP24 programme provides startups with mentoring, networking opportunities, workshops, and uplifting them to investment and expansion-ready levels. The ECX24 offers a four-month programme with comprehensive modules covering business workshops and pitching courses focused on key areas such as AI in e-commerce, branding, growth strategies and cross-border expansion.