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Internet Alliance Malaysia (IA) was established 13 years ago and Lee Cheung Loong became the first IA President. His jolly personality will leave a warmth feeling in one’s heart. A visionary entrepreneur with heart of steel who now became one of the most prominent figures in tech industry. In this episode, we will uncover the beginning of IP ServerOne and Lee Cheung Loong's vision for Malaysia.
A man with high adaptability of new environment, a great dedicator towards creating better tech ecosystem and building channel network in Malaysia during pandemic, has won us admiration from all sides. In this episode, Rockies Ma, Country Managing Director and CEO of H3C Malaysia sharing with us his journey in sharing China’s new technology to Malaysia and his believe by creating a strong tech ecosystem will transcend us to a better future.
In this episode, Wilson Lam will share with us how he started his interest in technology at the age of 14.
From developing the business from scratch to compromising reality during his toughest time and discovered that the only option he has is to soldier on and to stay persistent.
Vlan Asia is now one of the leading technology concierge in town. In a competitive market, Lance Cheang understood that it's not just about the product itself, but also the connection forged with customers.
In this episode, we will share his incredible voyage of self-transformation as he champions the exceptional customer experiences around the globe.
Join us for our member's event - Neo Business Connect 2026
Event Details:
Event Details:
🗓️ Date: Wednesday, 13 May 2026
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Venue: Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club (KLGCC)
💡Why join?
This is a great opportunity to connect and network with over 150 attendees from local and Japanese companies, government agencies, and enterprises.
🎟️ Secure your complimentary seat here: https://www.desknets.my/event2026
We look forward to seeing you there!
Microsoft 365 Copilot Business brings enterprise-grade AI into the tools your clients already use, now at SMB-friendly pricing.
Not ready to decide? Get the full picture first.
If you’re still exploring the changes or want a clearer view of how the new M365 Business + Copilot bundles fit into your 2026 plans, this session will walk you through everything you need to know.
Live Webinar - Unlock the 2026 SMB Opportunity: New M365 Business + Copilot Promo Explained
Event Details:
Date: 21 January 2026,
Time: 1:00 – 2:00pm AEST/GMT +10
Register at: https://attend.pax8.com/event/apac-webinar-Copilot-SMB-Jan-2026/summary
Digitalisation Effort
We shall help the local tech companies to scale up quickly and be able to compete with the multinational in terms of remuneration and career advancement. IA constantly organize activities to help local tech entrepreneurs to scale up, but we would welcome government assistance in term of funding and sharing of resources.
Grants are great provided they are distributed efficiently and fairly. The last 5k digitalisation grant was quite poorly managed by BSN, resulting in many Smes frustrated with the speed of disbursement and in some instances, failure to disburse. The SME Corp grant was also backlogged for months and months without status for many applicants. But we do welcome the additional funds to help Smes digitalise. Focus should be placed on clear qualifying criterias and clear disbursement procedures.
Online Fraud/Scams
We also welcome the focus on cybersecurity as we do see an increase in hacks and scams. there can be clear processes and channel for individuals or organisations to report cybersecurity events. Regulations for a minimum cybersecurity standard should be explored for listcos, government agencies and organisations who hold massive amounts of sensitive personal data to ensure accountability upon any cybersecurity breaches.
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Investment for Digital Based Companies
Govt proposes to expand scope of tax incentives for individual investors in start-up companies via equity crowdfunding
Khazanah to invest RM1 billion under Dana Impak in 2023; RM230 million for investments in locally owned, high tech companies
RM100 million allocation to Domestic Investment Strategic Fund (DISF) to support the development of domestic tech-based companies
As a non-profit association for digital service providers, we welcome more funding opportunities to accelerate the growth of our members who are primarily at the scale-up stage. Within our members, we could strive to become another unicorns in Malaysia.
Cybersecurity
RM73 million to improve Malaysia's cybersecurity by strengthening monitoring, detection and reporting of threats, as well as building cyber forensic system capabilities
National Scam Response Center (NSRC) to be established with the collaboration between PDRM, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and National Financial Crime Centre (NFCC), and partnership with financial institutions to take action against online criminals.
Despite the limited funding for cybersecurity, it is indeed encouraging to see the government to put focus into curbing the rapidly growth of scams and cyber-attack. Internet Alliance (IA) Malaysia is keen to collaborate with Cybersecurity Malaysia and other enforcing agencies to bring further awareness among private and public service sectors in cybersecurity.
Tax Deductions
Govt will extend tax deduction of up to RM1.5 million for listing expenses involving ACE and LEAP markets until assessment year 2025.
Govt will also expand tax deductions for companies to include the listing cost of tech-based companies on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia.
Internet Alliance (IA) Malaysia will encourage our members to take advantage of the tax incentive to go for the listing of the capital markets, as part of our entrepreneur scale up program.
Digital Connectivity
RM700 million allocation for National Digital Network (JENDELA) in 2023, to implement digital connectivity in 47 industrial areas and nearly 3,700 schools
Digital Nasional Bhd to expand 5G network nationwide to cover 70% of highly populated areas, infrastructure expenditure allocation
Internet Alliance (IA) Malaysia hopes that this allocation could spur further growth in smart manufacturing and digital content in education, through better connectivity. Our members could in return provide the smart solutions to accelerate the digital transformation of these important sectors of the Malaysian digital economy.
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In September 2021, IA has proactively come forward to seek clarification in consultative spirit with MCMC’s Licensing Team to seek further clarity for the benefits of IA members and the industry. Through our meetings, MCMC licensing team has reverted with a clearer intended licensing framework which is outlined below:
1. For datacenter operated by Network Service Provider (NSP), network services in the DC is provided by the NSP, these network services are required to contribute to the USP Fund as prescribed under the Return of Net Revenue.
2. For datacenter space provider, as long as there is a licensed network service provider to provide the network services in their DC, the DC space provider does not need a license to operate colocation business.
3. Based on the proposed regulatory revision, Cloud service provider need an ASP class license to operate. Cloud service is considered a regulated service but have zero weightage in the calculation of RONR, hence is exempted from USP fund contribution.
4. For web hosting provider, whether their service is considered Client-Server Service (a non-USP-designated service) or Cloud service (a USP-designated service) is subjected to further regulatory definition. IA can provide proposal for service definition on webhosting vs. Cloud service.
5. For datacenter operator or hyper scaler DC operator, as long as they do not deploy NFP/NSP network services, they are not required to apply for NSP individual license.
IA wishes to express appreciation to MCMC who has taken feedback from the IA members and the industry on this matter. Nonetheless, IA continues to express deep concern on the earlier proposed framework that might adversely impact the growth objective of MyDigital’s vision and recent 12MP growth vision for Data Center and Cloud Service Provider. IA wishes to keep close communication and consultative spirit with MCMC in representing the voice of IA members.
We look forward for Malaysia to become the competitive destination in attracting both foreign and local investments, and ability to succeed in transforming into Digital Economy.