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Policy and Strategy Recommendation to Enhance Digital Inclusion

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Policy and Strategy Recommendation to Enhance Digital Inclusion

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Bank Simpanan Nasional. (n.d.). MSME Digital Grant MADANI. Retrieved December 21, 2024, from https://www.bsn.com.my/page/MSMEMadani

JENDELA. (n.d.). National digital network (JENDELA). Retrieved from https://myjendela.my/en-GB/

Ministry of Communications and Digital Malaysia. (n.d.). PerantiSiswa Keluarga Malaysia distributed starting June. Retrieved December 21, 2024, from https://www.komunikasi.gov.my/en/public/news/21803-perantisiswa-keluarga-malaysia-diagih-mulai-jun

MyDIGITAL. (n.d.). MyDIGITAL: Malaysia digital economy blueprint. Retrieved from https://www.mydigital.gov.my/

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Digital Literacy Programs

Digital skills of Malaysian’s citizens can enhance through this program. The government could work with the private sector to introduce the implement programs such as Digital Community Centers and digital skills training programs to provide the citizens with the necessary knowledge and skills that need to fully participate in the digital world.

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1. Infrastructure Gap
Malaysia faces a persistent infrastructure gap, especially in rural and remote areas. Programs like MyDIGITAL and JENDELA aim to improve connectivity but have not fully closed the digital divide. Many rural communities still lack reliable internet, limiting access to education, commerce, and communication. Without robust infrastructure, these areas remain excluded from the digital transformation.

2. Digital Literacy Gap
A lack of digital literacy hinders inclusion for vulnerable groups like older adults, rural populations, and those with less education. Many struggle to use digital tools effectively, missing out on government services, e-commerce, and online learning. The absence of tailored training programs worsens the issue, leaving many unprepared for the digital age.

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1. Government-Led Initiatives
Initiatives like the Universal Service Provision (USP) and community training programs address access and skills gaps. They focus on building infrastructure in rural areas and equipping underserved communities with digital skills, reducing disparities and fostering inclusion.

2. Public-Private Partnerships
Public-private partnerships combine government and private sector efforts to make technology more affordable and accessible. These collaborations lower costs for devices and services and fund infrastructure projects, ensuring rural areas are part of the digital transformation.

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Digital inclusion refers to the set of efforts and policies designed to ensure that everyone regardless of socioeconomic status, geographic location, physical or cognitive ability, has access to and use of digital technologies equitably and effectively. It not only solves the problem of providing internet connectivity, but also the provision of affordable and appropriate devices like computers and smartphones and also the provision of digital literacy resources that enable individuals to navigate and utilize technology confidently and safely, thereby bridging the digital divide.

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Strategy and Policy Analysis in the context of digital inclusion helps assess the initiatives like MYDigital, JENDELA, USP Program and Digital Literacy and B40 Support in bridging the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to technology in Malaysia.

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1. Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint (MyDIGITAL)

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1. Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint (MyDIGITAL)

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Objective: Launched in 2021, MyDIGITAL aims to guide Malaysia’s digital transformation to establish the country as a leading digital economy by 2030.

Strategies:

Expand broadband infrastructure to achieve 100% 4G coverage in populated areas by 2025.

Develop digital literacy programs targeting students, workers, and vulnerable groups.

Promote affordable internet access through public-private partnerships.

Foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the digital economy to create 500,000 jobs by 2030.

Supporting small businesses to adopt digital solutions to enhance productivity.

Policy Analysis:

Infrastructure Improvement: Enhancing digital access through the development of fixed broadband, mobile communication networks, and cloud-based systems.

Digital Skills: Programs aimed at providing essential digital skills to people of all ages, including students, employees, and senior citizens.

Inclusivity: Strategies to promote fair access to technology, focusing on underrepresented groups like rural populations, women, and individuals with disabilities.

Growth of the Digital Sector: Encouraging innovation, online commerce, and digital entrepreneurship to enhance involvement in the global economy.

Significant Achievements: Generating 500,000 jobs in the digital economy and achieving complete 4G coverage in all populated regions by 2025.

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2. JENDELA (National Digital Network Initiative)

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2. JENDELA (National Digital Network Initiative)

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Objective: JENDELA is Malaysia’s comprehensive plan to enhance nationwide broadband connectivity and prepare for 5G implementation.

Policy analysis:

Rural Connectivity Initiative: Aims to reduce the gap between urban and rural areas by significantly expanding access to high-speed internet.

Infrastructure Upgrades: Upgrading infrastructure by transitioning from 3G to 4G technology and modernizing network equipment.

Speed Enhancement: Boosting mobile broadband speeds to a minimum of 35 Mbps.

Impact: Better internet access for schools, homes, and businesses in underprivileged rural areas. Enabling students to gain benefit from online education resources and empowering businesses to adopt digital solutions.

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3. Universal Service Provision (USP) Program

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3. Universal Service Provision (USP) Program

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Objective: Managed by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), the USP program addresses connectivity issues in underserved areas.

Policy Analysis:

Community Digital Hubs: Nationwide, over 1,000 centers offer free or affordable internet access and digital literacy training.

Infrastructure Subsidies: Providing financial support to telecommunications companies for constructing and maintaining networks in remote regions.

Expanding Mobile Coverage: Utilizing towers and satellite systems to provide mobile broadband access in regions where traditional infrastructure is not viable.

Target Groups: B40 households, rural schools, and indigenous communities.

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4. Digital Literacy and B40 Support Initiatives

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4. Digital Literacy and B40 Support Initiatives

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Overview: Programs tailored to enhance digital skills and accessibility for Malaysia’s Bottom 40% (B40) income group, which includes low-income households.

Policy Analysis:

Affordable Devices and Connectivity: Subsidized smartphones, laptops, and data plans under programs like "Peranti Siswa" for students.

Community Skills Workshops: Community internet centers host workshops to teach basic digital skills, including how to use e-wallets, access online marketplaces, and navigate remote work platforms.

Support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs): "Go Digital Malaysia" as one of the initiatives offering grants and training for MSMEs to adopt e-commerce and digital marketing tools.

Outcome: Low-income households now have greater access to digital resources, allowing to benefit from online education, healthcare services, and economic opportunities.

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Digital Literacy and Workforce Development

This initiative provides workshops, seminars and online modules covering a wide range of topics such as basic digital skills, online safety, e-commerce and digital entrepreneurship. This initiative targets a variety of groups including students, senior citizens, micro-entrepreneurs and citizens from vulnerable communities.

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Therefore, the specific challenges and opportunities of MYDigital, JENDELA, USP Program and Digital Literacy and B40 Support

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1. Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint (MyDIGITAL)

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1. Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint (MyDIGITAL)

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Challenges:

The goal of Malaysia's Digital Economy Blueprint, or MyDIGITAL, is to increase digital involvement and connection. But it has several obstacles:

Infrastructure Gaps: Achieving universal 4G coverage is a priority. Extending coverage to remote and rural areas remains a significant challenge. Geographical constraints and logistical difficulties hinder connectivity in these regions.

Digital Literacy Disparities: Malaysia’s population includes diverse groups with varying digital literacy levels. Older generations and rural communities often lack access to proper training. This limits their ability to participate in the digital economy.

Economic Barriers: Low-income households face economic challenges that prevent digital inclusion. Many cannot afford essential devices or internet services. This excludes them from opportunities within the digital economy.

Opportunities:

Despite these obstacles, MyDIGITAL offers encouraging prospects:

Job Creation: The program aims to generate 500,000 positions in the digital economy by 2030. This fosters workforce development and creates new employment opportunities. It also promotes economic growth.

Public-Private Partnerships: Government and business sector cooperation can spur advancement. In underserved areas, these collaborations can enhance infrastructure and offer reasonably priced internet access.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Digital tool adoption by startups and small businesses promotes innovation. This strategy strengthens the economy's resilience and diversifies it.

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Digital Government Services

Malaysia can promote e-government services such as education, healthcare or public services to improve convenience and accessibility for citizens. Furthermore, this digital government service should adhering the universal design principles to ensure all users include the rural place able to access this digital government services.

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Economic Planning Unit. (2021). Malaysia digital economy blueprint (MyDIGITAL). Retrieved from https://www.ekonomi.gov.my/sites/default/files/2021-02/malaysia-digital-economy-blueprint.pdf

Geneva Internet Platform. (n.d.). Malaysia digital economy blueprint. Retrieved from https://dig.watch/resource/malaysia-digital-economy-blueprint

Malaysian Investment Development Authority. (2021). Blueprint to help Malaysia achieve digital economy aspirations. Retrieved from https://www.mida.gov.my/mida-news/blueprint-to-help-malaysia-achieve-digital-economy-aspirations/

Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation. (n.d.). MyDIGITAL initiative. Retrieved from https://www.mydigital.gov.my

TM ONE. (n.d.). TM steps up role in accelerating MyDIGITAL and Malaysia\u2019s digital economy blueprint. Retrieved from https://www.tmone.com.my/press-release/tm-steps-up-role-in-accelerating-mydigital-malaysias-digital-economy-blueprint/

U.S. Department of Commerce. (2021). Malaysia digital economy. Retrieved from https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/malaysia-digital-economy

Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation. (2021). MyDIGITAL progress report 2021: Building a dynamic digital economy by 2030. Retrieved from https://www.mydigital.gov.my/mydigital-progress-report-2021-building-a-dynamic-digital-economy-by-2030/

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Therefore, the specific policy and strategy been recommended to enhance digital literacy is Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint (MyDIGITAL).

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Kaur Gs, J., Saadiah, H., & Karim, A. (2024). Journal of Information and Knowledge

Management Inclusive Digital World: Examining Access, Affordability and Ability

in Malaysian Underserved Community. Journal of Information and Knowledge

Management, 14(2). https://ijikm.uitm.edu.my/pdf/v14n2/2_14205.pdf

ECONOMIC PLANNING UNIT, PRIME MINISTER’S DEPARTMENT, Yassin, M., Mohamed, M., & Lebai Hussen, S. A. (n.d.). MALAYSIA DIGITAL ECONOMY BLUEPRINT. In ECONOMIC PLANNING UNIT, PRIME MINISTER’S DEPARTMENT. https://www.ekonomi.gov.my/sites/default/files/2021-02/malaysia-digital-economy-blueprint.pdf

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For example, affordable internet access enables students to participate in online learning, enables patients to use telehealth services, and supports job seekers in accessing employment opportunities. Apart from individual benefits, digital inclusion can enhance the strengths of entire communities by boosting economic growth, enhancing communication and supporting social cohesion. These efforts underscore the importance of creating an equitable society in which technology is not a privilege but an essential tool for personal growth and social advancement in the digital age.

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International Telecommunication Union. (2020). Digital inclusion for all: Bridging the digital divide. Retrieved from https://www.itu.int

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Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint (MyDIGITAL)

Malaysia has the opportunity to become a high-income, technologically advanced and regional leader in the digital economy with MyDigital.

The goal of MyDIGITAL is to enable citizens to adopt digitalization to increase their standard of living and quality of life.

The vision of Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint is to attain inclusive, responsible and sustainable socioeconomic development and become a regional leader in the digital economy.

1.Citizens

Citizens will benefit from improved digital literacy, more high-paying jobs, improved social well-being and environmental sustainability.

For targets:

500,000 new jobs are being created.

100% of household internet access.

Online learning is available to all students.

2.Government and Private Sector

The integrated end-to-end online government services that digital-enabled government offers will be more transparent,effective and efficient.

Collaboration between government and private sector driven the infrastructure development. The government plays a crucial role to enabling Malaysia's transformation by setting the direction and facilitating the initiatives to encourage businesses and society to embrace digital technology. The private sector is encouraged to take advantage of the ecosystem, digital marketplaces and platforms.

For targets:

100% of civil servants are digitally literate.

80% of government services are provided online.

3. Business

Businesses including micro, small and medium-sided enterprises (MSMEs) which form the foundation of Malaysia's economy will have the opportunities to build and expand locally, regionally and even internationally through digital revenue streams.

Furthermore, it also has greater potential to integrate between economic sectors and is more cost-efficient through digital revenue streams.

For targets:

30% will be increased in productivity in all sectors by 2030.

22.6% of Malaysia's GDP comes from digital economy.

875,000 micro, small and medium enterprises(MSMEs) used eCommerce.

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2. JENDELA (National Digital Network Initiative)

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2. JENDELA (National Digital Network Initiative)

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Challenges:

JENDELA is Malaysia’s national digital network initiative dedicated to enhancing internet access. However, its implementation faces significant challenges:

Rural Connectivity Issues: JENDELA aims to achieve over 96% rural coverage. Achieving this goal often faces delays. Financial constraints and technical difficulties are common obstacles.

Variability in service quality: Ensuring consistent internet quality is another issue. Less developed areas often experience slower speeds and unreliable connections.

Opportunities:

JENDELA’s efforts also open doors for growth and development:

Enhanced Educational Access: Improved internet connectivity makes online education more accessible. Students in rural areas benefit the most, overcoming previous barriers to learning.

Economic Growth for Local Businesses: Better internet access enables businesses in underserved areas to adopt digital solutions. This improves their competitiveness and expands their market reach.

5G Implementation Readiness: JENDELA sets the stage for 5G network deployment. This positions Malaysia as a leader in advanced digital services. It also attracts foreign investment and drives innovation.

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3. Universal Service Provision (USP) Program

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3. Universal Service Provision (USP) Program

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Challenges:

The USP program aims to bridge digital divides by establishing community internet centers. However, its success depends on overcoming certain obstacles:

Sustainability of Community Centers: Maintaining these centers over the long term is difficult. Many rely on external funding, which may not be consistently available.

Awareness and Accessibility: A significant portion of the population remains unaware of available resources. Others face physical or logistical barriers to accessing these centers.

Opportunities:

The USP program’s initiatives have the potential to transform communities:

Digital Literacy Training: Community internet centers can serve as training hubs. They can enhance digital skills among underserved populations, empowering them to engage in the digital economy.

Targeted Support for Vulnerable Groups: Special focus on B40 households and indigenous communities can help reduce inequalities. Targeted initiatives can ensure that these groups are not left behind.

Infrastructure Development Incentives: Government subsidies can encourage private investment in remote areas. This approach can lead to improved connectivity and broader access.

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4. Digital Literacy and B40 Support Initiatives

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4. Digital Literacy and B40 Support Initiatives

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Challenges:

Efforts to improve digital literacy and support low-income groups encounter specific issues:

Device Affordability: Many low-income families cannot afford essential digital tools like smartphones and laptops, which are necessary for engaging in online education, e-commerce, and accessing government services. This creates a barrier to digital participation and limits opportunities for these families in the digital economy.

Training Program Reach: Many training programs fail to reach all target demographics. Older adults and individuals with limited mobility often miss out on digital skills training due to a lack of tailored programs or accessibility. As a result, these groups remain excluded from gaining the skills needed to access digital opportunities.

Opportunities:

Targeted programs and initiatives can address these gaps effectively:

Subsidized Technology Programs: Initiatives such as "Peranti Siswa" make devices more accessible to students. These efforts can significantly enhance digital engagement.

Community Engagement in Training: Workshops and training sessions at local community centers can empower residents. These programs build essential digital skills and foster participation in the digital economy.

Support for MSMEs: Small businesses can benefit from programs designed to help them transition to e-commerce. This support can stimulate local economic growth and encourage innovation

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In summary, Malaysia has made significant progress on the path to digital inclusion. Initiatives such as MyDIGITAL, JENDELA, the USP program annd digital literacy and B40 support initiatives demonstrate a commitment to expanding connectivity, improving digital literacy and bridging the digital divide. While challenges such as infrastructure gaps, economic barriers and digital literacy gaps remain and opportunities such as the government’s focus on public-private partnerships that Malaysia can unlock the potential of the digital economy, create jobs, increase economic productivity and improve living standards for all citizens. For the specific recommendation policy, MyDIGITAL aims to create a digitally skilled workforce, increase business competitiveness and improve access to digital government services. By effectively addressing these challenges and leveraging these opportunities, Malaysia can successfully realize its vision of becoming a leading digital economy that provides equitable technology access and benefits to all citizens.