A new joint initiative has been announced by Alibaba Cloud and the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC).

The project aims to accelerate digital adoption among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia through its specific design

Launched on 8 December 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, the SME Digitalisation Program addresses a critical national priority. The programme focuses on enabling businesses to utilise artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing technologies.

Alibaba Cloud and MDEC developed the programme to support MDEC’s Business Digitalisation Initiative (BDI).

It addresses national priorities outlined in the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), recognising the central role of MSMEs in achieving the country’s 2030 GDP growth targets.

The initiative operates on four key pillars: Awareness, Upskilling, Adoption, and Innovation.

Anuar Fariz Fadzil, Chief Executive Officer of MDEC, stated that the partnership supports the nation’s goal of becoming an “AI-nation by 2030”.

“The ability to adopt advanced digital tools, particularly AI and cloud technologies, is critical to strengthening our competitive edge,” Anuar said. “Through this strategic public-private collaboration with Alibaba Cloud, we aim to bridge the digital divide and uplift our SMEs”.

Feifei Li, President of International Business at Alibaba Cloud Intelligence Group, noted that the programme ensures a “broad segment of Malaysia’s business ecosystem can harness the transformative potential of AI and cloud technologies”.

Li added that the goal is to help businesses innovate and scale within the digital economy.

To achieve these objectives, the partners will roll out a series of initiatives including educational campaigns, interactive workshops, and webinars.

The programme will also provide “ready-to-use solution kits” designed to support SMEs at various stages of their business development.

Featured image by Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) via Facebook.