MDEC launches DEX CONNEX Philippines 2025 To Strengthen Digital Economy Ties Within ASEAN

The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) has once again launched its bespoke market access programme, DEX CONNEX.  The annual programme begins in the Philippines this year marking the beginning of a two-day initiative to deepen digital economic ties between the Philippines and Malaysia.

The DEX CONNEX Philippines 2025 programme brings together 49 Malaysian tech companies and 43 Filipino partners, creating a dynamic platform for cross-border collaboration, bilateral knowledge exchange, and market expansion. It is part of MDEC’s broader Digital Exports (DEX) Programme, which seeks to accelerate the growth of Malaysian tech companies by facilitating access to high-potential markets and forging strategic partnerships.

A major launch highlight is the exchange of 14 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), including a milestone collaboration between MDEC and DBP Data Centre

Incorporated (DCI). An exchange of an MoU between MDEC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Anuar Fariz Fadzil, and Michielson L. Luakian, President and CEO of Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) Data Centre Incorporated (DCI) was conducted, signalling their joint commitment to bolster digital infrastructure and innovation between both countries.

“Today’s launch marks a new chapter in the growing partnership between Malaysia and the Philippines. Through DEX CONNEX, we aim to catalyse cross-border innovation and unlock new economic opportunities-championing our digital companies and advancing Malaysia’s position as a regional digital powerhouse,” said Anuar.

“Our shared vision with our Filipino counterparts is to nurture inclusive and sustainable digital growth. By deepening relations within ASEAN and leveraging the strength of our tech ecosystem, we are confident in achieving long-term, meaningful impact,” Anuar added.

The Ambassador of Malaysia to the Philippines, Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino highlighted that as the Chairman of ASEAN this year, Malaysia stand ready to steer the region in fostering deeper collaboration in the digital sector particularly through enhancing regional connectivity, promoting digital innovation, and supporting inclusive digital economy initiatives. He added that, “Platforms such as DEX CONNEX are indispensable for fostering exponential growth, empowering Malaysian and Philippine enterprises to forge strategic alliances, collaboratively develop innovative solutions, and achieve greater scale together across our respective borders”.

To further deepen Malaysia’s partnership with the Government of Philippines, MDEC, and DBP Data Centre Incorporated (DCI) exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which lays out a general framework for cross-border collaboration in the ICT sector, focusing on innovative solutions, joint initiatives, knowledge-sharing, and trade promotion between the Philippines and Malaysia.

A total of 14 MoUs were exchanged between Malaysian and Filipino tech companies, including MDEC and DBP-DCI at the programme. Among the key collaborations formalised today are:

These partnerships have resulted in engagements worth over RM150 million, underscoring the programme’s pivotal role in promoting Malaysian technology and innovation on the global stage.

Following successful iterations in the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam in 2024, DEX CONNEX has now connected over 180 companies, unlocking more than US$271.35 million (RM1.196 billion) in potential commercial opportunities across the region.

DEX CONNEX Philippines 2025 is organised in collaboration with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) Data Centre Incorporated (DCI), Embassy of Malaysia in Manila, MATRADE Manila and local industry stakeholders. The programme continues on 24 April with curated business matching sessions.