MDEC 20th Anniversary Celebration

Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh dan salam 1Malaysia.

My name is Sidek Hassan and I pledge my support for My Digital Maker. Dream IT. Make IT.

2. As you all know, I joined MDEC exactly 3 months ago today, on 1 May. And what a great 92 days!

3. However, my working relationship with this great organisation started much much earlier than being appointed Chairman. I always admire people with tenacity and vigour. But the tenacity and vigour of MDEC as an organisation more than just a group of people, in building our country’s ICT industry is something I am extremely proud of.

4. Over the last 20 years, we have achieved so much in taking Malaysia to the forefront of digital technology. From the obvious technological advancements that transformed our daily lives; to the small things we take for granted. Such as biometric identification in our MyKAD.

5. The Multimedia Development Corporation or MDC as it was well known back then, was established in 1996 with staff of less than 20, located at the Getah Asli Building in KL.

6. I recall when I first came here some 18 years ago on 17 November 1998 as the liaison officer to US Vice President Al Gore for the 10th APEC Meeting, Cyberjaya was quite barren and dusty. Only a few notable companies were here such as NTT MSC, BT Multimedia, Sun Microsystems. Fast forward to present day, much has been achieved in this wonderful city and there are hundreds of multi-national companies who proudly call Cyberjaya home, thanks to our strong teamwork in attracting investments from all over the world.

7. As we move forward, it is important that we remember our roots. And our raison d’etre. MDEC was formed to advise the Government on legislation, policies and standards for ICT operations; as well as to oversee the development of the Multimedia Super Corridor. It is to attract participation from global ICT companies to invest in and develop cutting edge digital and creative solutions in Malaysia. This is our responsibility. Our amanah.

8. When we were given the Digital Malaysia mandate by the Prime Minister, our responsibilities became significantly more important as we were entrusted to drive the transition towards a developed digital economy by 2020. When it was launched in 2012, the message was clear: we are to drive the digital transformation of  Malaysia. Therefore, it is MDEC’s duty to see it through, even beyond 2020. The name change earlier this year coincides with our 20th anniversary and our renewed focus towards digital economy.

Colleagues,

9. Our country witnessed growth of many industries thanks to MDEC’s contributions in the past 20 years. IT-based industries such as the shared services outsourcing, games, animation and software or app development flourished into billion dollar industries. We helped raised our economy to greater heights with more job opportunities for Malaysians.

10. I note from close range in the last 3 months that as an organisation, we are energetic, strong and united in our efforts to achieve our common goal. However, to attain our aspiration for greatness, we must collectively strive to become a high performing organisation. An organisation that will be benchmarked by the Best. Beyond Malaysia and beyond the public sector. Let us remind our self always that we do what we do, not just because it’s a job, but because we want a better future for our Organisation, Community, and the future generations of our Country. I strongly believe that each one of us in this Organisation can make a difference.

11. It is my fervent hope that we continue this passion to create a better Malaysia for all. It’s not going to be an easy journey, but I have faith that we have what it takes. Being in an ever evolving industry, there will be a lot of disruptors and it is extremely important for us to be ahead of the curve. We must leverage and remain relevant vis-à-vis the disruptors. In fact we should be the disruptors! We must continuously challenge the status quo for the greater good of MDEC. And for greater good of our country. That is why it is important that we continuously transform ourselves through our ‘High Performance Culture’ that shall lead us to greater heights.

12. Happy 20th Year of Anniversary everybody. We’ve gone through 20 years of excellence and wonderful journey. Together, we can take it to 40. And beyond.

Thank you and assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.