The Selangor Information Technology & Digital Economy Corporation (Sidec) marked a significant achievement with the 8th Selangor Smart City & Digital Economy Convention (SDEC), attracting over 15,000 attendees and generating potential transaction value up to RM80 million. This four-day event facilitated 54 business matches, offering a platform for networking, engaging keynote presentations, and dialogue sessions and pitching sessions from 20 startup companies. These activities nurtured a rich exchange of ideas and insights, contributing to the evolving sectors of sustainability, digital innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Reflecting on the resounding success of the event, Yong Kai Ping remarked “Our success at this event is a testament to SDEC’s role as a trailblazer in spearheading digital transformation. It reflects our unwavering commitment to revolutionising the industry, driving innovation that not only meets but exceeds the evolving needs of businesses in the digital age. SDEC is not just keeping pace; we’re leading the charge towards a future where technology seamlessly integrates with logistics and entrepreneurship, creating a landscape of limitless possibilities.”
The organisation also solidified its commitment to fostering innovation among local businesses, startups, and technology entrepreneurs by signing five Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs). These MOUs and Partnership Agreement Exchanges are:
- Partnership Agreement between Sidec and Yinson
- Partnership Agreement between Sidec and Taipei Computer Association
- Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Selangor Digital School and the Malaysian Inbound Chinese Association (MICA)
- Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Selangor Digital School and the Internet Alliance
- Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Mydin and Wavpay
During the event, there was a launch of the new data portal, the Selangor Government Data Exchange (SelGDX), the Demand-Responsive Transit (DRT) Selangor Mobility Zone and Logo.
Sidec has marked the conclusion of 2023 with an outstanding array of achievements, solidifying its position as a driving force in the region’s digital landscape, playing a pivotal role in reshaping the digital landscape, fostering innovation, and contributing to the economic development of the region.
The success of the SDEC 2023 and Sidec’s landmark achievements this year were made possible with significant contributions from our esteemed strategic partners. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Affin Bank Berhad, Lazada Malaysia, Pos Malaysia, Razer Merchant Services, Fusionex Group, Mystatr, Yinson, Easystore, LOCUS-T, Wilstech, Wavpay, NCT Group and Autocount for their unwavering support and collaboration.
Building on the momentum of previous years, Sidec continued to be a catalyst for positive change within Selangor’s Information Technology and Digital Economy sphere. A key highlight of 2023 was Sidec’s instrumental role in fostering collaboration between public and private sectors, facilitating an environment conducive to innovation and growth. This includes the completion of its twin accelerator programmes, the Selangor E-Commerce Xccelerator (ECX) 2023 and the 6th edition of the Selangor Accelerator Programme (SAP).
10 startups under the SAP 2023 and 5 e-commerce merchants under ECX 2023 were crowned as winners, solidifying their status as trailblazers in the region’s burgeoning technology and entrepreneurship scene. As champions, the winners received cash prizes and international business trips designed to spur innovation, expansion and networking opportunities.
The winners will also be induced to the CXO Club, an exclusive enclave of premier businesses, another one of Sidec’s key introductions this year. The Club is an exclusive organisation for C-level executives aiming to connect its members with key stakeholders within Sidec and the digital landscape, to share knowledge and experiences and to learn about the latest trends and developments in the business world.
“The CXO Club was borne out of our mission to provide our accelerator programme graduates with an avenue that would assist them in reaching their milestones in garnering users, revenue, and funding, under the guidance of seasoned industry veterans known as the “Supercoach”. These coaches will guide the next generation of businesses through every business cycle. , with the possibility of even achieving significant liquidity events such as Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) or Mergers and Acquisitions (M&As). We hope to continuously play a role in uplifting and transforming the SMEs and Startup founders of the state and nation into serial entrepreneurs or even venture capitalists,” said Yong Kai Ping, CEO of Sidec.
In the coming year, Sidec anticipates building upon its successes, embracing emerging technologies, and contributing to the sustained growth of the region’s digital sectors.