Qualampur: The Business Digitalization Initiative (BDI) portal is now “live”, allowing users to detect a list of potential partners who offer support, including access to micro-fining features.
“MDEC (Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation) officially launched the platform on 15 April, and it is in the process of accepting applications,” Digital Minister Gobind Singh DO told reporters at the Empowerer Digital 2025 program today.
He said that his ministry would provide quarterly updates on BDI’s progress, which is RM1.5 billion funds to accelerate digital changes between nationwide micro, small and medium enterprises.
“We will report how many applications have been received and how many approved, and for those, we will check the reasons and find out how we can help those applicants. Even if they are not successful in the beginning, we aim to guide them through implementing them again or improving their submissions.”
Gobind underlined the three major goals behind the initiative.
“First of all, we want to ensure that everyone understands the ability and power of digital technology. Second, we want to encourage them to use existing platforms to strengthen their businesses. And third, we want to ensure that the government and private sector initiatives can fully adapt to empowering entrepreneurs,” he said.
Gobind said that Malaysia already has a infrastructure, and has a large number of entrepreneurs who are ready to use it.
“So now the question is how we highlight a movement, a real change, so that more people run their businesses using digital tools? That is what really matters.
“Although he admitted that the infection would take time, he is confident that a change is going on and more businesses will be successful by embracing digital technology.
“Each business faces different challenges. But I believe digitization is something that can support all businesses, regardless of their unique needs.”
Last month, the government launched BDI to accelerate digital changes among nationwide MSMEs.
MDEC, under the Ministry of Digital, reflects the initiative and establishes it through strategic public-private partnership. This includes cooperation with financial institutions, digital banks, peer-to-lending platforms and local service providers, which aim to promote MSME output and cost-effectiveness.
Gobind said that the initiative initiated last month is part of efforts to strengthen all current initiatives. “Many people have expressed concern that when they know about some government incentives, they are uncertain how to use available money and assistance.”
Gobind said, “What it sees today, even the methods of payment have changed, as are now digital, using the QR code and similar tools.”
“This indicates that many people are ready to move their ways to run their business.
“When they are given the correct explanation and correct support, they understand how digitization can really help them – especially when they are aware of the existing funding options – and the result changes their mindset that the business can be done. And that is what we want to get.”
