Digital transformation: Pakistan, Malaysia underscore growing significance

ISLAMABAD: YB Tuan Gobind Singh Deo, Malaysia’s Minister for Digital, met with Jam Kamal Khan, Minister for Commerce, on the sidelines of the Pakistan-Malaysia Business and Investment Conference held on October 6 in Kuala Lumpur.

During the meeting, both ministers underscored the growing significance of digital transformation in enhancing trade, investment, and technological collaboration between Pakistan and Malaysia. They exchanged views on expanding e-commerce platforms, facilitating cross-border digital services, strengthening cybersecurity cooperation, and promoting joint ventures in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and 5G infrastructure.

According to an official statement, the ministers expressed satisfaction over the successful and productive meeting held between Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

They also voiced optimism that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during the visit—between the Pakistan Software Houses Association for IT and ITeS (P@SHA) and the National Tech Association of Malaysia (PIKOM)—would significantly strengthen digital linkages and foster closer cooperation in the IT sector.

Later, both ministers jointly inaugurated the TechConnect Conference and delivered keynote addresses to participants representing leading and emerging tech companies from both countries. The event featured prominent organizations such as MDEC, Cyberview, the Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association, PIKOM, and representatives from major global firms like AWS and Oracle.

During the conference, delegates engaged in presentations, discussions, and networking sessions aimed at exploring innovative digital solutions, promoting collaboration, and identifying new business opportunities in the IT and digital sectors.

Separately, Jam Kamal Khan also met with YB Liew Chin Tong, Malaysian Deputy Minister for Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), to discuss ways to enhance bilateral economic and trade cooperation.

The meeting, held on the sidelines of the conference, focused on deepening economic ties and exploring opportunities for collaboration in key sectors, including information technology, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, automotive, aviation, agro-food, and the Halal trade.

The two leaders witnessed the signing of ten B2B MoUs between Pakistani and Malaysian companies in sectors such as agro-food, gelatine, and seafood exports.

They reflected positively on the fruitful discussions held between Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, emphasising a shared vision for strengthened cooperation across strategic sectors.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding economic ties, with a focus on manufacturing, technology, and green energy. Discussions also included potential ventures to enhance Pakistan’s export capabilities and attract Malaysian investments in key industries.

The meeting further underscored the importance of accelerating the implementation and renewal of the Malaysia–Pakistan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (MPCEPA).

Minister Jam Kamal Khan was accompanying Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his state visit to Malaysia from October 5–7, 2025.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025