The Penang government is intensifying efforts to strengthen its digital economy landscape as a new engine of growth aimed at enhancing the state’s competitiveness in line with the national MyDIGITAL agenda.
Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ramli Ngah Talib said the state, through the implementation of the Digital Economy Master Plan (DEMP) 2025–2030, is targeting the digital economy sector to contribute up to 35% of Penang’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2030.
He said the target could potentially attract RM20 billion in digital investments while creating 50,000 high-skilled job opportunities.
“This development will further strengthen Penang’s position as a leading hub for the digital economy and advanced technology in the region,” he said during the opening ceremony of the First Meeting of the Fourth Session of the 15th Penang State Legislative Assembly on Thursday.
Tun Ramli added that the state’s startup ecosystem has also shown encouraging growth, with funding value reaching RM23 million between 2023 and early 2026.
“As of 2025, a total of 300 startups have been registered, representing about 60% of the target outlined under Vision Penang2030,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of digitalisation among Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), noting that more than 3,300 MSMEs benefited from the state’s digitalisation initiatives in 2025, helping businesses improve operational efficiency and expand technology adoption.
To ensure digital inclusivity, he said the DahDigital programme benefited over 3,300 participants through 140 classes conducted across the state during the same period.
“The initiative is important in enhancing digital literacy among the people while strengthening the foundation for progressive, inclusive and sustainable state development,” he added.
