Funding Injection For MDEC Helps Promote Creativity, Innovation

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 22 (Bernama)-- A funding proposal for US$38.7 million (RM162 million) for Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) to conduct, among others, the e-commerce ecosystem and Digital Maker Movement is expected to enhance collaboration, innovation and creativity of the future generation. In a statement, Autodesk, the provider of 3D design, engineering and entertainment software, lauded the announcement made in the 2017 Budget. "The new wave of makers and small and medium businesses are no doubt going to be the future inventors and creators of Malaysia," it said. Software security firm Symantec said it was encouraging to see an on-going emphasis to improve Malaysia’s quality and coverage of broadband nationwide, but Malaysians needed to educate themselves about security risks and best online practices. Sanjay Rohatgi, Symantec Senior Vice-President, Asia Pacific and Japan, said the US$238.94 million (RM1 billion) proposed allocation to bring up the Internet speed to 20 mbps would definitely contribute to enhancing Malaysians’ involvement in the digital economy. (US$1 = RM4.18) "As more Malaysians embrace the digital economy via government initiatives such as eRezeki, eUsahawan and eCommerce, there need to be an increased awareness on cybersecurity. "The Symantec’s Internet Security Threat Report 21 shows that cyber attackers are not slowing down. Malaysia ranks 47th globally in terms of ransomware attacks, with 5,069 attacks in 2015 alone," he said in a statement. He said hence, to improve Malaysia’s digital threat landscape, Symantec had worked regularly with governments and law enforcement partners globally to protect the world’s information. CA Technologies, a leading provider of information technology management software and solutions, believes that the targeted business and digital incentives under the 2017 Budget would further boost the engines of economic growth for Malaysia. "We are impressed with the digital and innovation-related incentives announced in Budget 2017. "Businesses today after all are using software to innovate, differentiate their services and respond to customers’ needs in a high-demand and fast-paced environment with greater agility and efficiency," it said in a statement. -- BERNAMA