MDEC Announces RM2.9 Million in Strategic Grants to Advance AI, Industrial Digitalisation
Building on Malaysia's Momentum as an Emerging Hub of Technology and Innovation Here in the Region

The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) is introducing two new grants in Malaysia totalling RM2.9 million. These grants are aimed at accelerating digital transformation in two of Malaysia’s most strategic sectors—Artificial Intelligence (AI) and manufacturing.
Eligibility for these grants is exclusively extended to companies possessing Malaysia Digital (MD) or MSC Malaysia status, or to those with a pending MD status application at the time of applying for the grant.
The two new grants—the Malaysia Digital Acceleration Grant – Artificial Intelligence (MDAG-AI) and SmartMFG+ Incentive Programme—have been designed to support high-potential local companies by promoting innovation, developing export-ready digital solutions, and creating high-skilled employment opportunities.
MDEC Chief Executive Officer Anuar Fariz Fadzil described the grants as both timely and strategic, giving a significant boost to Malaysia’s digital transformation agenda.
“MDAG-AI establishes a foundational framework for Malaysia to emerge as a pre-eminent hub for AI innovation, while SmartMFG+ lays the groundwork for widespread digitalisation across the manufacturing industry. Collectively, these initiatives serve as a dual engine to advance our digital ambitions,” said Anuar.
Malaysia, of course, has been among Southeast Asia’s leaders in innovation, with global tech giants like AWS and Microsoft all investing in the country. It is also fast becoming an AI and data centre hub in the region as it continues to digitally transform and incorporate the latest technologies in various sectors.
These two new MDEC grants will continue and build on this momentum to position Malaysia as the region’s most advanced country in terms of technology.