Malaysian Budget 2016 Commentaries

Here are some commentaries pertaining to the Malaysian Budget 2016 from stewards of ICT industry in Malaysia.

The budget is aimed at helping the rakyat - this is the time where innovation should be focused on helping the people.

I would agree that now is the time to do something for the rakyat, don't always think about money.




1.) K Raman, Managing Director of Microsoft Malaysia

1.1) For Education

"Microsoft believes in the positive impact technology has on inclusive education, and will continue to support the Malaysian Government with initiatives such as #WeSpeakCode and Imagine Cup, towards building a high income, knowledge-based economy. We will continue to drive human capital development with the Ministry of Education, whom we have had a strong and solid partnership with for over a decade.”
K Raman, M.D, Microsoft Malaysia

1.2) For SMEs

“Microsoft Malaysia understands the importance of SMEs, and the transformational power they have within the industry. As SMEs are expected to contribute 41% of the nations’ GDP by 2020, we are committed to ensuring that their transformation is complete via initiatives like the Cloud Solution Providers (CSP)3 Program"

1.3) For a better Internet

"As a technology enabler, we see the importance of a more connected, digital nation, rooted in openness and collaboration, and fueled by inclusion, innovation and growth."

2.) Cheah Kok Hoong, Group Chief Executive Officer, Hitachi Sunway Information Systems

2.1) For a better Internet

"We hope will encourage more enterprises to move into Cloud services"

Cheah Kok Hoong, Group CEO, Hitachi Sunway IS

2.2) For Enterprise IT

"However, all in all Budget 2016 still falls short in addressing the challenges faced by the enterprise ICT industry. The reality is the current economic landscape has set off a series of chain reactions which is seriously affecting spending decisions. In this sense, we were hopeful that immediate measures such tax allowances, zero-rated GST and even re-investment allowance incentives for companies with export capabilities would be introduced. These would not only encourage continuous investment in technology and increase productivity, it would also provide the opportunity for businesses to compete meaningfully in the domestic as well as international market."

Lim Chee Meng, Deputy Chairman, MyIX

3.) Lim Chee Meng, Deputy Chairman, Malaysia Internet Exchange (MyIX)

3.1) For a better Internet

Besides increasing internet exposure, the allocation will play a part in boosting the e-commerce sector. More SMEs in the rural areas will be able to benefit from going online.

MyIX will continue to work with MCMC and explore ways to facilitate the execution of their plans especially in areas where MyIX operates regional nodes, which include Penang, Johor Bahru, Kuantan, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu.

4.) Paul Choy, Country Sales Manager of Allied Telesis Malaysia Sdn Bhd

4.1) For a better Internet

“It’s good to see the Government’s commitment in increasing the Internet speed from 5 Mbps to 20Mbps with an allocation of RM1.2 billion. High Internet access speed is essential to enhance the connectivity infrastructure in Malaysia and will help spur the country towards building Smart Cities. Add to that the announcement to develop the Cyber City Centre in Cyberjaya with an allocation RM11 billion over a period of 5 years is certainly a step in the right direction.

Paul Choy, Country Sales Manager, Allied Telesis Malaysia


“Our country will be at the start of a revolution if Smart Cities emerge. Cities that enable people to communicate at fast speeds on wireless and wire line networks are well positioned to attract the best and brightest business investments. The Internet of Things (IoT) and Smart Cities are synonymous, and represent key aspects of any city revitalization process.”

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