LONDON: Malaysia's participation in London Tech Week (LTW) will further strengthen the country's position in digital technology, especially as a hub for data processing and services.
Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil said LTW, a platform to showcase the latest digital initiatives, could help foster international partnerships in driving innovation and bridging the digital divide.
"I am excited to participate in LTW. One of the hot topics of discussion is the workforce.
"The United Kingdom's (UK) shortfall in information technology workers has reached 2.5 million. If the UK is facing this problem, what more we in Malaysia," he told Bernama after attending the LTW opening ceremony here yesterday.
He said Malaysia, which is strategically positioned for the digital economy with access to Asean's 600-million population and regional gross domestic product of US$3.0 trillion, needs to overcome this issue swiftly.
During LTW, which brings together the world's digital industry players, the minister will participate in several round table sessions with corporate figures and executives and deliver a keynote speech, in addition to participating as a forum panellist.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and London Mayor Sadiq Khan opened the event at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre today. More than 30,000 visitors and digital industry players, including startups and investors, are expected to attend the June 12-16 event.
Fahmi is leading Malaysia's delegation to LTW, which is supported by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC).
At least 10 European companies are expected to announce their decisions to invest in Malaysia during LTW. -- Bernama