00:04Here I want to commend the government of Malaysia for the impressive headway that it has made on the digital
00:09government agenda.
00:12The government has invested substantially in digital infrastructure, shared platforms such as MyGovCloud and interoperable data systems, creating a strong
00:22foundation for digital transformation.
00:24The establishment of the Ministry of Digital was another important milestone, providing a clear focal point to lead and coordinate
00:33Malaysia's digital transformation.
00:35While the new GovTech Malaysia unit will help accelerate implementation and deliver whole-of-government digital solutions.
00:43This strong institutional foundation has been complemented by several important national initiatives, including the MyDigital ID, the National Cloud Computing
00:54Policy, the new Malaysia Digital 2030 Action Plan, as well as the establishment of the National AI Office.
01:02Together, these demonstrate Malaysia's sustained commitment to building a modern, digitally-enabled public sector and strengthening its digital economy.
01:15Yet, as global experience shows, digital investments alone are not enough.
01:21Technology must be matched by what we call in this report, their analog complements, which include robust institutions, effective coordination
01:30mechanisms, transparent-based policies and practices, a digitally-capable public service.
01:38These elements will allow the promise of GovTech risk being diluted, especially as citizens' expectations continue to rise.
01:48At this point, I want to recognize, thanks here at KSN, as we were greatly encouraged by the Public Service
01:53Reform Agenda, ARPA, that you have championed.
01:58The focus on governance, human capital, and service delivery speaks to those analog complements.
02:05Malaysia's recent rise to 15th place in the world competitiveness ranking.
02:1015th place, its best performance in a decade, driven notably by an 11-place leap in government efficiency, shows these
02:24reforms are already bearing fruit.
02:26Building on this momentum, the GovTech report shares the very same goal as ARPA, a more efficient, capable, and citizen
02:35-centered public service.
02:37It shows how GovTech can be harnessed to further accelerate progress on this agenda.
02:42It brings a rich set of international benchmarks, data analytics, and statistics to better situate Malaysia's public sector digital transformation
02:52in global context,
02:54and highlights both strengths and areas for improvement.
02:58A central feature of the analysis is what I tell Dr. Fillion is the now famous Malaysian GovTech Skills Survey,
03:07which we co-designed and implemented with the Public Service Department.
03:11The survey, the first of its kind in Malaysia, represents a major step towards understanding the digital capabilities of the
03:20Public Service.
03:21With over 16,000 responses from civil servants across 28 federal ministries, departments, and agencies,
03:32it is one of the most comprehensive data sets of its kind, not just in Malaysia, but globally.
03:39I want to sincerely thank the government of Malaysia and every single civil servant that took the time to participate
03:47in that survey,
03:49and giving us invaluable insights that anchor the report.
03:54The GovTech survey provides unprecedented evidence based on how Malaysia's public servants use digital tools,
04:01what enables innovation, where barriers remain, and how government can best support the next phase of reform.
04:10Perhaps most importantly, the survey reminds us that digital transformation is ultimately about the people.
04:16It highlights the importance of leadership, digital capability, organizational culture, and collaboration alongside technology.
04:25Looking ahead, the task for Malaysia is clear, to ensure that GovTech investments translate into real improvements in government efficiency,
04:35citizens' trust, and societal inclusion.
04:38For us, it means four Ps.
04:42Platforms, policies, people, participation.
04:46So if you have the platforms that are integrated, interoperable, and introduced duplication,
04:51the policies that ensure accountability and translate technology into credible reforms,
04:58people with the digital skills to drive and sustain that transformation and participation,
05:03where the citizens, businesses, and agencies are engaged through feedback, co-design,
05:10and making services more trusted and inclusive.
05:14Those four pillars, and we think Malaysia can ensure GovTech becomes not just a tool for efficiency,
05:21but a catalyst for sustainable growth and shared prosperity.
05:27Today's event marks the launch of the report, but as I was sharing earlier,
05:30we see it as the beginning of our new chapter, rather than the conclusion of the collaboration.
05:36Implementation is where transformation truly happens.
05:41We at the World Bank remain completely committed to supporting Malaysia as it advances this agenda.
05:47Whether it is sharing international experience, providing analytical support,
05:52facilitating knowledge exchange, working alongside the government to turn recommendations into action,
05:58we really value our relationship with the government to Malaysia,
06:01and we like and appreciate the confidence that we have earned.
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