Commenting on Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd. Najib Tun Razak’s unveiling of the 2016 National Budget, themed “Prospering the Rakyat”, Microsoft Malaysia welcomed the Government’s view that this year’s budget – which is the first under the 11th Malaysia plan – is one that provides something for everybody.
“The 2016 National Budget is another step forward in paving the way for Malaysia to become a knowledge-based, high-income nation by 2020. We remain committed in supporting the Government when it comes to empowering every person and every organization in Malaysia to achieve more. In line with the Budget, we are focusing on continuously providing inclusive education, enabling businesses, as well as empowering people to do more,” said K Raman, Managing Director of Microsoft Malaysia.
Accelerating Transformation towards Inclusive Education and Empowering Human Capital
With the Malaysia Education Blueprint in its third year of implementation, the Government continues to emphasize the importance of empowering human capital by strengthening the quality of education in the country. This is underscored with the Government’s investment of RM41.3 billion for this sector, making this the largest allocation for the 2016 National Budget. This will see initiatives such as reinforcing the importance of higher education, empowering youth, community and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), as well as empowering human capital through a quality workforce.
Microsoft Malaysia lauds the Government’s continued commitment to education within the country. Raman elaborates, “Education is the foundation of any nation. Shaping the minds of our future generation with a sound education system is vital, as the future well-being of a country lies with the younger generation. Microsoft believes in the positive impact technology has on inclusive education, and will continue to support the Malaysian Government with initiatives such as #WeSpeakCode and Imagine Cup, towards building a high income, knowledge-based economy. We will continue to drive human capital development with the Ministry of Education, whom we have had a strong and solid partnership with for over a decade.”
Enabling Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) through Innovative Partnerships
With 97.3% of businesses made up of SMEs, contributing to 33.1% of the nation’s GDP and 57.5% of employment in Malaysia, it is clear that SMEs play an essential role in building the economy. Microsoft Malaysia lauds the government’s aim to commercialize Malaysian SMEs, with initiatives such as investing RM35 million in the Malaysian Global Innovation and Creativity Centre (MaGIC) to establish itself as a leading regional entrepreneurship and innovation hub. In addition, RM30 million is allocated for creating and strengthening young entrepreneurs’ programs.
“Microsoft Malaysia understands the importance of SMEs, and the transformational power they have within the industry. As SMEs are expected to contribute 41% of the nations’ GDP by 2020, we are committed to ensuring that their transformation is complete via initiatives like the Cloud Solution Providers (CSP) Program . We feel that the allocation is an opportunity for SMEs to move their businesses forward using innovative and advance solutions, and in the process, improving competitiveness within the industry,” said Raman.
Empowering a Digital Lifestyle through a Digital Nation
Microsoft Malaysia welcomed the Government’s continual commitment to ensuring Internet access equality for all, through a RM1.2 billion allocation to increase Internet speeds in rural areas from 5Mbps to 20Mbps. “Microsoft Malaysia supports the Government’s allocation to bridge the digital divide within the nation, as Malaysia strives toward being a developed nation. As a technology enabler, we see the importance of a more connected, digital nation, rooted in openness and collaboration, and fueled by inclusion, innovation and growth. We will continue to partner with the Malaysian Government to be the conduit of opportunity for a digital nation,” said Raman.
Prospering the Rakyat
Microsoft Malaysia supports the initiatives under Budget 2016, which is geared towards providing inclusive education for all, enabling businesses in Malaysia and empowering people to do more.
“Microsoft has worked closely with the Malaysian government for over 20 years and will continue to do so as a trusted advisor and partner towards the promise of ensuring the Rakyat’s prosperity,” concluded Raman.