As we usher into the new year, we sought insights from prominent figures across the Southeast Asian tech landscape. These leaders reflected on their triumphs in 2025, sharing valuable perspectives on their achievements and the challenges they overcame.
They also unveiled their ambitious aspirations, meticulously outlined their strategic plans for 2026, and offered insightful predictions on the trajectory of the tech industry in the new year.
We talked to Ng Kwang Ming, Chief Executive Officer at Digital Penang, to learn more about the agency’s achievements in 2025 and its plans and aspirations for 2026.
Digital Penang is a government-linked company owned by the State of Penang in Malaysia, which began operations in April 2020 to accelerate efforts to capture opportunities in the digital economy and promote a digitally engaged society.
To bring to life the Penang2030 vision of a family-focused, green and Smart State, the journey of transformation will focus on driving digital adoption amongst the community, more data-driven governance, a diverse talent pool for entrepreneurship and investment, and a resilient digital infrastructure to sustain a liveable environment.
How would you describe your company’s journey in 2025?
2025 was a year of strengthened momentum for Digital Penang as we focused on ecosystem activation, founder enablement, and strategic collaborations across industries and borders. A defining milestone was the launch of the Digital Economy Master Plan (DEMP) 2025–2030, providing a structured roadmap across Digital Government, Economy, Society, and Foundation. Through curated programmes like the Hardtech and Deeptech Commercialisation Accelerator, which saw 80 percent of participants successfully commercialise their prototypes, and the Market Access Program to Shenzhen and Hong Kong, we supported startups in accessing new markets and growth opportunities. Our commitment to inclusivity was reflected in the DahDigital Programme, reaching over 3,300 participants, and our support for MSME digitalisation, helping over 3,300 businesses adopt e-invoicing, cybersecurity, and ESG practices. These achievements, recognised by StartupBlink as the ‘Fastest Growing Ecosystem in Malaysia’ and the Startup Ecosystem Rising Star Award 2025, reflect the growing maturity and resilience of Penang’s digital ecosystem.
What is Digital Penang’s focus in 2026?
As we move into 2026, our priority is clear: accelerate startup scalability, strengthen industry-digital integration, and expand cross-border collaborations within ASEAN and beyond. Building on the foundation of the DEMP 2025-2030, we aim to enhance founder readiness through structured programs, talent development initiatives, and stronger corporate linkages. We will continue to drive the commercialisation of high-growth sectors, particularly in AI, hardtech, climate tech, and deeptech, while ensuring MSMEs remain competitive through advanced digital adoption. Our focus will also extend to expanding digital literacy into semi-urban areas to ensure equitable access across the state. While the global funding landscape remains selective, we are optimistic about the opportunities to position Penang as a competitive regional digital hub. 2026 will be about building sustainable pathways for innovation and securing Penang’s leadership in the next decade of digital growth.