PUTRAJAYA: The Digital Ministry will prioritise supporting the digital economy and enhancing talent in the digital sector in the upcoming 2025 Budget, says Minister Gobind Singh Deo.

He said that while technology had the potential to aid businesses, particularly SMEs and MSMEs, merely having digital infrastructure was insufficient if not effectively utilised.

"The main challenge is finding ways to use incentives to encourage more SMEs and MSMEs to adopt available digital technologies.

"We need to determine how best to support them through these incentives to enhance their business capabilities," he told reporters after the ministry's 2025 Budget engagement session with stakeholders today.

Gobind said that discussions would be held with the Finance Ministry and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to focus on the types of incentives - whether tax-related or other forms - that could be introduced.

He also stressed on the importance of addressing talent needs in the digital industry.

"We need to identify which digital jobs will see increased demand in the next five years and ensure we have the talent to meet those needs," he said.

Today's engagement session featured a diverse group of industry representatives and stakeholders, including the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers, the National Tech Association of Malaysia, and several higher education institutions.

Gobind said that the suggestions from these stakeholders would be reviewed by the ministry before a session with the Finance Ministry on Aug 23.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/08/1091074/digital-ministry-prioritise-digital-economy-and-talent-2025-budget