IT Companies in Malaysia
Malaysia was generally known as a country focused on plantation, for the most part. Palm oil and rubber were the country’s major exports and the nation was highly dependent on these commodities. But in 1991 the former Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad initiated Wawasan 2020 during the tabling of the Sixth Malaysia Plan and that’s when things started to change.
One of the pillars of the new plan’s initiative was to transform Malaysia into a high tech, computer based, information technology literate country and industry. And in February of 1996 the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) was established. This has ignited the rapid growth of IT companies in Malaysia.
Multimedia Super Corridor ( MSC )
In the early years of its inception, MSC has led to many advancement such as Cyberjaya, research and development of high speed internet infrastructure and the Multimedia University which provides a steady supply of well-trained IT professionals for the country’s booming IT industry. Special incentives such as tax cuts and continuous support is also given by the government to IT companies in Malaysia.
These extra privileges plus the lure of highly competitive labor costs are the few reasons why big tech conglomerates such as IBM, Texas Instruments, Intel and Xerox are investing heavily in the country. They have opened up factories and R&D facilities providing tens of thousands of employment opportunities for the people.
Local IT Companies
Local based IT companies have been very competitive as well. Big players like Telekom Malaysia and Astro are spearheading the advancement in their respective markets. The growth in the retail side of the industry has also made a significant rise especially in the past few decades. We can see computer shops and even IT specific malls open up everywhere across the country.
The advancement in high speed data connectivity both wired and wireless and the user friendliness of emerging technologies have jump started the adoption and growth of the industry exponentially. This has greatly contributed to the success of a huge number of IT companies in both Malaysia and foreign companies in the industry.
Online Stores & Services
Now, consumers can easily get any brands of IT products that they want here without having to buy them from overseas stores or websites. High end computers such as Apples iMac and MacBook Pro, HP’s Spectre range of high end laptops, Samsung’s super-fast Solid State Drives and state of the art consumer software such as Adobe Premier and Final Cut Pro X are locally available for Malaysians to buy, off the shelf!
Other than retail, there a huge number of companies that are providing IT services too. From as simple as basic computer training for kids to IT-based accounting to 3D animation and even complex network security solutions for major businesses, Malaysia is rife with choices. A healthy mix of international and local companies, both Malaysian based, have created a dynamic environment that is good for the industry, and this diversification and competitiveness has allowed for faster growth and more development which will be beneficial for the country and the general consumer over the next few years.
