THE government's initiative to enhance the socio-economic status of local communities by providing digital skills training to all, regardless of their social status or geographical location, is a commendable and inclusive step.
Implemented through digital economy centres (PEDi), this effort not only facilitates local communities in participating and seizing opportunities in the digital economy, but also opens avenues for them to enhance their income sources.
Additionally, this contributes to increasing competitiveness, thereby positively impacting the country's economic growth.
PEDi is a government initiative spearheaded by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
It aims to provide collective Internet access to the underserved areas while providing training programmes to enhance information technology skills and interest among local communities.
There are 911 PEDi nationwide while an additional 186 are being planned.
The Communications and Digital Ministry, through MCMC, aims to establish a PEDi in each state assembly constituency.
Each PEDi is equipped with Internet access, ICT and entrepreneurial training programmes to support and enhance the socio-economic well-being of the local community with the aim to develop human capital, especially for micro and small businesses entering the digital economy through existing digital platforms.
Since its inception in 2007, PEDi has undergone various transformations, evolving from Community Broadband Centres to 1Malaysia Internet Centers and later to Community Internet Centre and now, PEDi. All these iterations have played a significant role in the lives of local communities.
The impact of PEDi in improving the quality of life for local communities is evident, with 1.3 million individuals between the ages of 22 and 59 being the most frequent users of its services.
Training participation by the local community has reached 3.3 million, covering various training categories, such as Digital Entrepreneurship, ICT and Digital Literacy, Advocacy and Community Engagement, e-Learning, and STEM/Internet of Things (IoT).
After 16 years of operation, a new direction for PEDi will be announced at the PEDi Madani Conference scheduled to take place at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) on Nov 29.
Themed "Pemangkin Ekonomi Digital," the conference will celebrate PEDi managers nationwide and recognise entrepreneurs who have succeeded through training at PEDi facilities.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will officiate at the conference.
This update aligns with the recent announcement in the 2024 Budget, allocating RM25 million to strengthen its role in every state assembly constituency, supporting small entrepreneurs in marketing and selling products online.
PEDi will now transform into catalysts for digital economic development, enabling local entrepreneurs to generate substantial income through various high-quality products and comprehensive marketing, without the need to go to urban areas.
The government remains committed to enhancing services offered by the 911 PEDi centres nationwide. An allocation of RM25 million through MCMC is expected to be spent on these facilities.
Efforts will be complemented by enhancing ICT equipment and software, along with customised applications for the local community.
PEDi also offers the Small Entrepreneur Digital Empowerment Programme (Pupuk), involving collaborations with various government agencies and private companies such as MDEC, MYNIC, SSM, Tekun, Fama, Shopee, AEON, Maxis, and Grab that offer various training programmes for local digital economic development.
Through PEDi, many entrepreneurs have enjoyed improved lives. Stories like Fatin Noor Amera Mohd Fadzil, Sandra Trinata Anak Kolensius Sugeng, and Mohd Rashid Bakar exemplify the success achieved through PEDi's training and support.
Fatin Noor Amera is a 26-year-old entrepreneur from Kg. Sg. Masin, Selangor, who deals in food and resale items such as hand socks and other necessities.
The training and guidance she received at PEDi has enabled her to achieve significantly higher income than before.
For Sandra Trinata, 35, from Bau, Sarawak, the impact of PEDi on her business is highly significant. She learnt how to promote her craft products online through Facebook and saw a substantial increase in her income.
She also received the Sarawak Government Excellence Award for her creation, 'The Glow Tree of Life.' Her success also gained attention on the Facebook page MenarikDiBau, where she was invited as a guest to share about her business.
For Mohd Rashid, 57, from Kota Kuala Muda, Kedah, age was not a barrier for him to venture into entrepreneurship. He attended an entrepreneurship course at PEDi Kota Kuala Muda, where he learned how to use social media.
Rashid now owns a shop called Bengkel Bahulu Kg. Sungai Deraka, and his monthly income has multiplied significantly due to his use of social media.
These success stories underscore the government's commitment to enhancing the standard of living for Malaysians and promoting a digital lifestyle among the population, thereby aligning with its aspirations aspirations to strengthen the country's digital economy.