Penang has unveiled its Digital Economy Master Plan (DEMP) 2025-2030, setting its sights on raising the state’s GDP from RM116 billion in 2023 to RM156 billion by 2030 and positioning itself as a leading regional technology hub.
State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the DEMP is a comprehensive blueprint to transform Penang into a connected, competitive and inclusive digital state.
“The six-year strategy targets to increase the digital economy’s share of GDP to 35%, secure RM20 billion in digital investments such as integrated circuit design and attract RM130 billion in advanced semiconductor manufacturing,” he said.
Beyond investment, Zairil shared that the plan includes socio-economic goals such as raising median household income by 17% to RM7,700, creating 50,000 digital jobs and upskilling 30% of the workforce.
“Environmental targets include cutting energy intensity by 25% and increasing renewable energy usage to 10%.
“This is not just a document; it’s a call to action. We aim to transform public service delivery, empower digitally-ready businesses and make Penang a testbed for frontier technologies,” Zairil said.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the DEMP reflects Penang’s alignment with the national shift towards an inclusive, high-tech and ageing-resilient economy.
“Initiatives will ensure mature workers and senior citizens have access to age-friendly digital tools and training programmes,” Chow added.
He emphasised that the DEMP, anchored on four strategic pillars — Digital Government, Digital Economy, Digital Society and Digital Foundation — and supported by 16 initiatives, builds on the momentum of the previous Digital Transformation Master Plan 1.0, which successfully delivered or advanced more than 60% of its targeted initiatives.
“With the digital economy contributing half of our GDP through the services sector, it is not just an opportunity; it is the backbone of Penang’s future growth,” Chow said.
