Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) Chief Executive Officer Anuar Fariz Fadzil will conclude his tenure on 2 October 2026 after completing his two-year contract with the organisation.
MDEC announced on 29 September that Anuar had informed the Board that he would not seek a renewal of his contract as he prepares to pursue new opportunities outside MDEC.
MDEC Chairman Ganesh Kumar Bangah said the Board respected Anuar’s decision and credited his tenure with strengthening the organisation’s focus on execution, accountability and measurable outcomes.
“Having worked closely with Anuar, I have personally valued his judgement, candour as well as his commitment to MDEC and fellow colleagues,” said Ganesh.
He added that Anuar had spearheaded MDEC’s drive towards AI Nation 2030, while placing greater emphasis on investments that create jobs, strengthen Malaysian companies and expand opportunities for local talent.
RM180 Billion in Digital Investments Secured
From 2025 to August 2026, MDEC secured close to RM180 billion in digital investments from more than 1,000 Malaysia Digital (MD) status companies.
According to MDEC, these investments are expected to generate more than 42,000 high-value jobs for Malaysians. Bernama reported the same figures following the announcement of Anuar’s departure.
MDEC said the investment outcomes reflect the continued development of Malaysia’s digital economy towards higher-value, AI-led growth.
The agency has increasingly positioned Malaysia not only as a consumer of technology, but also as a creator of technology and home-grown digital innovation.
Sharpening MDEC’s Focus on Digital Economy Outcomes
Beyond investment figures, MDEC said Anuar strengthened the organisation’s focus on execution, accountability and measurable economic outcomes.
Its performance under his leadership was anchored around areas including jobs, exports, revenue and investment, with MDEC repositioned as a specialist digital implementation agency.
The organisation said this approach was intended to support Malaysia’s transition towards becoming an inclusive, trusted and globally competitive AI Nation by 2030.
MDEC has previously described its role in the AI transition as translating Malaysia’s national digital agenda into execution by bringing together industry, talent, infrastructure and innovation.
Preparing for Malaysia Digital 2030
During his tenure, Anuar also prepared MDEC for responsibilities under the Malaysia Digital 2030 (MD2030) action plan, which covers the country’s digital development from 2026 to 2030.
Key areas include AI adoption, high-value digital investments, industry transformation, talent development and the growth of “Made by Malaysia” technologies.
MDEC has said the MD2030 agenda represents a shift towards strengthening home-grown digital innovation and moving Malaysia from being primarily a technology consumer towards becoming a producer of digital solutions.
The agency’s current programmes span digital investment, AI adoption, talent development and digital business growth, reflecting its wider role in Malaysia’s digital economy.
“One of the Greatest Privileges” of His Professional Life
Reflecting on his departure, Anuar said leading MDEC had been one of the greatest privileges of his professional life.
“When I accepted the responsibility of leading MDEC, I did so with a simple belief that we could once again lead from the front and play a defining role in Malaysia’s next digital chapter,” he said.
He said he wanted MDEC to be judged not simply by the number of activities it announced, but by the results delivered for the country, industry and Malaysians.
“Everything we have achieved belongs to the extraordinary people of MDEC and to our partners across the technology ecosystem who believed in our mission,” he added.
MDEC Prepares for Its Next Chapter
Anuar said that after considerable reflection, he had concluded that completing his current contract was the right time to pursue opportunities outside MDEC.
“This has not been an easy decision precisely because MDEC, our people and our mission have come to mean so much to me,” he said.
He added that he was leaving with pride in what had been accomplished during his tenure and confidence in MDEC’s future.
“While I may be leaving this role, my belief in MDEC and in Malaysia’s digital future remains as strong as ever,” he said.
Ganesh said the foundations established during Anuar’s tenure would continue to shape MDEC’s work beyond his departure, describing the organisation as stronger, more focused and better prepared for its next chapter.
With Malaysia continuing to develop its digital economy and AI ecosystem, MDEC’s next phase will build on an agenda centred on digital investment, AI adoption, talent development, industry transformation and the growth of Malaysian technology companies.
