Country Profile: Malaysia
Country Profile: Malaysia
The MSC : Narrowing the digital divide.
Conceptualized and created in 1996, the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) is a national project by the Malaysian government designed to propel Malaysia into a knowledge-based society through the innovative use of information and communications technology (ICT).
As one of the key engines of growth, the MSC will help drive Malaysia to achieve its vision of becoming a fully developed nation by the year 2020.
The Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) aims to achieve its goals by revolutionizing how Malaysians and others in the region conduct business.
Located at the hub of Asia's fastest-growing markets, the central MSC corridor occupies a 15 km by 50 km corridor governed by groundbreaking Cyberlaws, policies and practices that enable operating companies to harness the full potential of ICT and multimedia. Its goal is to provide an ideal multimedia environment that attracts topflight Malaysian and international IT and multimedia companies, or those that have the potential to become world-class over time. The MSC is also a model of how ICT can provide a better quality of life for citizens.
In January 2005, the MSC began its national roll-out by expanding to the newly conferred MSC Cybercity in Bayan Lepas, Penang. This will soon be extended to Kulim High Tech Park in Kedah and other states such as Perak and Melaka. It is envisaged that by the year 2020, every state in Malaysia will have a designated MSC Cybercity forming a network with Cyberjaya in the pilot MSC area as its nucleus.
The MSC has also become the regional launch site for companies developing or using leading multimedia technology, allowing these innovators to harness Malaysia's unique competitive advantages that arise from its multicultural links, committed leadership, and proven track record in developing products and services for the regional and global markets.
MSC milestones
To date, there are more than 1,200 local and foreign companies as well as universities under the banner of the MSC. These establishments have achieved the highly-regarded and sought-after MSC-status certification that provides a number of incentives with the backing of the government. Currently, a number of MSC- status companies have been successfully listed on the Malaysian stock exchange and are exporting their products and services worldwide.
Managing the growth of the MSC is the Multimedia Development Corporation (MDC). MDC attracts foreign investment, nurtures local ICT companies and develops the MSC's infrastructure and cyberlaws. In partnership with other ministries, government agencies and private companies, MDC has created a number of applications such as MyKad, Smart School, Telehealth, e- Government and e-Business.
R&D grant scheme
The MSC R&D Grant Scheme, or MGS, was intended to realize the MSC into becoming the global hub and preferred location for innovative global R&D centers. It is divided into two major programs with one desired goal. The two programs are the Strategic Thrust Areas In Research (STAR), a global program and MSC R&D Grant Schemes(MGS), a domestic program, which are aimed at creating multifarious R&D projects and technoprenuers of diverse industries, develop R&D capabilities of MSC companies and also to produce pools of talented researchers. Through the MGS, MSC anticipates the employment of capable home-grown researchers, the transfer of R&D methodologies and expertise and collaboration between industries and IHLs, which will then lead to further product development, innovation and commercialization.
The MSC next leap
The first seven years of the MSC were focused on developing the foundation for a socio-economic transformation in Malaysia through ICT. The second stage of its development is the "MSC Next Leap" which will place greater emphasis on ICT as an enabler of a better quality of life -- an access for each and every Malaysian to better education, health care and social opportunities without marginalizing anyone.
The MSC Next Leap will cover the period between 2004 and 2010 and aims to promote innovation as a cornerstone of Malaysia's standing in social and economic development and is intended to narrow the digital divide.
With the national roll-out ready to commence, several MSC cybercities and cybercentres will be set up and are expected to stimulate the ICT agenda throughout the country while not excluding any sector of the nation's economy. By 2010, the MSC aims to attract 250 global companies from both local and foreign multinationals.
To enhance the quality of the nation's education system, 10,000 schools will become Smart schools with the roll out of the pilot program. Besides the Smart Schools, all the other MSC flagship applications, which are vehicles designed to overcome the digital divide, will be enhanced, while new flagships will be introduced to amplify national competitiveness and value-added services.
The final milestone of the MSC Next Leap is to ensure that the Malaysian corridor is linked with leading global smart communities for mutually beneficial social and economic gains. Essentially, the Next Leap is expected to provide Malaysians with more innovative ways of coping with the dynamic nature of the modern world.
Driving this bold initiative is the Multimedia Development Corporation (MDC), a high-powered 'one-stop agency', wholly focused on ensuring the success of the MSC and the companies operating in it.
It markets the MSC globally, facilitates investment, formulation of new Cyberlaws and policies, and sets standards for the MSC's information infrastructure and urban developments. Its mission is also to help bridge the digital divide in the country towards achieving the objectives of Malaysia's Vision 2020.