Untapped potential of sustainable digitalisation: Collective effort between Malaysia and China

By Dr. Yong Jing Yi.

Digitalisation is revolutionising global societies and economies at an unprecedented pace, harnessing digital technologies to redefine internal business operations and unlocking fresh avenues for revenue and value creation.

In today's fiercely competitive landscape, embracing digitalisation is not merely an option; it is a necessity. This transformation allows businesses to save time, enhance operational efficiency, curtail unnecessary expenditures, and explore novel avenues for growth. Industry 4.0 applications, coupled with data-driven working methods, serve as instrumental tools for advancing industry productivity and transitioning towards a more intelligent, competitive industrial landscape.

Digital technologies are dramatically reshaping business structures and models in all aspects to meet market change and business requirements. Executives are now open to adopting digitalization in their respective industries, whether it is to keep up with the evolving trends or to effectively address increasing competition. In recent digital-acceleration campaigns, several notable trends have gained prominence:

1) The growing demand for agile supply chains and operations, enabling businesses to quickly adapt to shifting market dynamics and evolving customer needs, ensuring their continued relevance and competitiveness.

2) The emergence of data-driven decision-making, with businesses harnessing extensive data resources to make informed decisions, streamline processes, and deepen their insights into their markets and customer base.

3) Greater personalisation of customer experiences, with companies dedicated to providing tailored, engaging interactions that enhance customer satisfaction and foster brand loyalty.

Digitalization is reshaping various industries, such as:

Financial Services through mobile payments, artificial intelligence aids to customer service, wealth management, fraud detection and blockchain security solutions.

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) allows shifts to cloud solutions for improved security and management.

Health Care through smart hospitals and AI aid in diagnosis and surgery. Blockchain enhances data access and security. Wearable devices and telehealth services revolutionise patient care.

Education as data-driven personalisation, mobile Bluetooth for attendance, and augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) lessons reshape the educational landscape.

Energy as automation, sensors, and mobile capabilities improve efficiency and customer service.

In an increasingly digital world, the call for sustainable and eco-friendly practices within the digital realm has never been more critical. The synergy between technology and sustainability practices offer a promising path to address environmental challenges.

Renewable energy, energy-efficient solutions, smart infrastructure, and data-driven strategies are pivotal in reducing carbon emissions and conserving resources. This fusion reflects our commitment to a greener future, where technology and sustainability harmonise to tackle environmental imperatives and pave the way for a more eco-conscious world.

Amid this backdrop, Malaysia and China as two nations renowned for their strengths in technology and sustainability, have the opportunity to unite in a collaborative endeavour aimed at harnessing the untapped potential of sustainable digitalization. This partnership represents a vital step towards a more environmentally responsible and technologically advanced future.

On one hand, Malaysia, strategically situated in Southeast Asia, has positioned itself as a burgeoning regional hub for digital innovation, promoting sustainable digital trade and collaborations. In February 2021, the government launched the MyDIGITAL initiative as part of the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint (2021-2030), aiming to transform Malaysia into a regional digital leader by 2030. Malaysia has invested heavily in the ICT sector and excelled in software development, artificial intelligence, and e-commerce. In addition, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) supports startups and promotes innovation, particularly in sustainable technology solutions. Further enhancing Malaysia's advantage is its well-educated and tech-savvy workforce, making it an asset to the country. Collaboration with China is expected to enrich local talent and bolster Malaysia's position in dynamic digital technology and sustainability realms.

On the other hand, China is a global tech powerhouse that stands out for its extensive experience in sustainable practices and green technology development. Notably, its advances in renewable energy like solar and wind power promise more sustainable digital energy consumption. China has already surpassed its 50% renewable energy target for 2025, achieving 51% in 2023.

Furthermore, China has been at the forefront of addressing e-waste challenges, pioneering effective e-waste management practices. Collaboration with Malaysia can help transfer this expertise and foster environmentally responsible practices. Lastly, China's dedication to green technology innovation exemplified by its promotion of electric vehicles and advancements in energy-efficient technologies aligns seamlessly with Malaysia's sustainability objectives. This alignment presents valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange and the transfer of innovative solutions, fostering sustainable digitalization in both nations.

Malaysia and China have recognised the advantages of a collaborative approach to sustainable digitalisation, with several ongoing initiatives and partnerships. These include research collaborations dedicated to sustainable technologies, digital waste reduction, and energy- efficient solutions. For instance, MyEG Services Bhd is advancing collaborative research with Universiti Malaya (UM) and the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT) under a Malaysia-China intergovernmental partnership. The research seeks to enhance Malaysia-China trade, boost data interoperability, and advance Malaysia's position in the Web3 era.

Moreover, the knowledge exchange programmes enable professionals and students from both nations to gain valuable insights into sustainable digital practices. In 2019, the Ministry of Human Resources of Malaysia signed a memorandum of understanding with the Chinese government to enhance cooperation in technical and vocational education training (TVET) and technologies related to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0). Lastly, policy collaboration involves developing regulations and policies that foster and support sustainable digital practices, while thoughtfully considering the distinctive strengths and challenges of each country. This cooperative effort between Malaysia and China underscores the importance of international collaboration in forging a greener and more sustainable digital future.

The collaborative effort between Malaysia and China in sustainable digitalization promises a host of significant advantages. Foremost among these is the potential for substantial economic growth, driven by innovation, job creation, and increased foreign investment in sustainable technology ventures. The expansion of the digital sector through eco-conscious practices also translates into job opportunities in technology-related fields, boosting employment and skill development. Finally, by embracing environmentally-friendly technologies and practices, this partnership can play a key role in reducing the carbon footprint associated with digitalisation, ultimately mitigating the environmental impact and fostering a more sustainable digital landscape.

Dr. Yong Jing Yi is a Senior Lecturer at Taylor’s University. The views expressed here are entirely the writer’s own.

The SEARCH Scholar Series is a social responsibility programme jointly organised by the Southeast Asia Research Centre for Humanities (SEARCH) and Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT), in conjunction with the 10-year anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative.