Bridging the Digital Divide: Innovation Policy and Implementation in Malaysia

Abstract

Digital innovation is now the primary economic driver. In the era of Industrial Revolution 4.0 and the Internet of Things (IoT), digital skills are becoming increasingly important. A paradigm shift from manufacturing to the digital economy brings opportunities and challenges to Malaysia. To prepare society and the workforce for this shift, Malaysia must put in place appropriate policies to enhance productivity and economic growth. However, if the digital divide remains widespread in the country, all of these digital development agendas will be viewed as mere rhetorical statements. In the face of such challenges, the government has already committed significant effort to promoting digital skills through a number of initiatives. However, it appears that the pace of the effort is still slow. Hence, the purpose of this concept paper is to examine the efforts and implementation of digital development in Malaysia as well as the digital divide that exists within the country. In light of the discussion generated by this concept paper, it is recommended that additional research be conducted into the most effective means of closing the digital divide in the country