- MDEC leads online growth in Riyadh
- Malaysian Professional Council – Riyadh launched to improve relations
The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation ( MDEC ) successfully spearheaded Malaysia’s presence at LEAP 2025, a global technology conference held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from Feb 9 to 12. This proposal reinforced Malaysia’s part in Saudi Arabia’s modern transition and opened new avenues for cross-border partnerships and digital business investments.
Over the course of four days, the Malay group, comprising technology firms and business leaders, engaged in extensive firm matching sessions, discussions, and studied relationship opportunities within Saudi Arabia’s expanding technology ecosystem. With a focus on AI, big data analytics ( BDA ), smart cities, fintech, cybersecurity, and semiconductor solutions, Malaysian companies garnered significant interest from Saudi industry leaders keen to explore collaborative opportunities.
The Indonesian group consisted of:
- Vulsan X
- Pimato Group
- Consurv Technic
- TellUS Report
- Airupthere Technologies
- GITP Asia
Each brought cutting-edge options, contributing to meaningful discussions on the future of AI, automation, and online network within Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 model.
A spotlight of the vision was a networking breakfast held. Jointly organized by MDEC and the newly minted Malaysian Professional Council – Riyadh ( MPCR ), the event provided an invaluable platform for fostering relationships between Malaysian and Saudi tech leaders. The breakfast facilitated discussions on investment opportunities, business development methods, and joint ventures aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties in the modern economy.
Strengthening diplomatic technical assistance
The invitation-only meal, attended by Indonesian executives and Royal organization leaders, underscored Malaysia’s devotion to deepening its modern footprint in the Middle East. Indonesian visitors included:
- Ahmad Zakri, Chief Executive Officer, Edgenta Arabia Limited
- Ahmad Fazril Fauzi, Chief Financial Officer, UEM Edgenta Bhd
- Eddie Razak, TellUS Report
- Raffles Chan, Founder, GITP Asia
- Haekal Talib, An-Nahdah Capital Partners
The night served as an opening for MPCR, an program designed to integrate and support Indonesian professionals in Saudi Arabia. With MPCR acting as a bridge for knowledge exchange and business development, the council hopes to play a pivotal role in facilitating cross-border trade and investment in the digital and tech sectors.
Local partnerships and market accessibility
Haekal, who has successfully established partnerships with two Saudi nationals, highlighting the ease of collaboration and the favorable environment for foreign businesses looking to enter the market.
” The Saudi business landscape is incredibly welcoming to foreign partners where Saudi funding is aplenty, especially those bringing innovative ideas and solutions. Within a short period, I was able to connect with two Saudi partners who share my vision for growth and expansion. The regulatory framework and government initiatives make it easier than ever to establish partnerships and go to market with the right ideas”, said Haekal.
He emphasized that Saudi Arabia’s push for digital transformation aligns well with Malaysia’s expertise, and the synergies between the two Muslim nations provide a solid foundation for future collaborations. ” It’s an exciting time for businesses looking to enter this market. The demand for technology-driven solutions is immense, and Malaysia is well-positioned to contribute”.
MoU to enhance Malaysia-Kingdom of Saudi Arabia tech collaboration
MDEC and the Federation of Saudi Chambers ( FSC ) signed an MoU with MDEC represented by Nizam Rosli, Global Alliance, Digital Exports, with Abdulghani Al Rumaih, Chairman, Saudi Regional Council for South East Asia, representing FSC. The MoU is seen as a commitment to foster business expansion, digital trade and investment between tech companies in both nations.
The MoU paves the way for structured business matching, networking, ecosystem development, and joint promotional efforts to accelerate digital growth across both nations.
Nizam outlined the key expectations and objectives. ” MDEC and the Federation of Saudi Chambers of Commerce ( FSCC ) will undertake a range of collaborative activities with the goal of uplifting trade and investment opportunities for tech companies in both markets. This includes fostering innovation pipelines through public and private ecosystem builders, providing platforms for knowledge exchange, and facilitating participation in business events such as networking sessions, dialogues, conferences, exhibitions, and workshops”.
Immersing in the MENA tech ecosystem
Beyond formal business engagements, the Malaysian delegation actively participated in LEAP Nights, exclusive networking receptions that connected global tech leaders with Saudi stakeholders. Notably, attendees experienced the vibrant energy of Riyadh’s evolving tech landscape at events hosted by 500 MENA, KAUST Innovation, and Endeavor Saudi Arabia, further strengthening ties with regional venture capitalists, ecosystem builders, and tech innovators during Riyadh’s cold winter nights.
With the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to grow into a global tech player, Malaysia’s proactive engagement at LEAP 2025 underscores its readiness to contribute to and benefit from the region’s digital transformation. The collaborations forged during this mission mark the beginning of an exciting chapter for Malaysia’s digital economy expansion in the Middle East.
As MDEC and Malaysian tech companies continue their efforts in Saudi Arabia, the prospects of enhanced digital trade, investment, and knowledge exchange signal a promising future for both nations in the global digital economy.
Malaysia-Saudi trade overview
In 2023, total trade between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia was valued at approximately US$ 11.54 billion ( RM51.27 billion ). Key sectors contributing include:
- Oil &, Gas: Saudi Arabia exported US$ 7.24 billion worth of crude petroleum and US$ 1.22 billion in refined petroleum to Malaysia.
- Plastics and Chemicals: Ethylene polymers and other chemical products accounted for US$ 252 million.
- Agriculture: Malaysia exported US$ 494 million worth of palm oil to Saudi Arabia.
- Digital and Electronics: Electrical and electronic products were key contributors to Malaysia’s exports.
- Hospitality and Services: Tourism, particularly related to Hajj and Umrah, plays a role in bilateral trade, though specific service trade figures are limited.
]RM1 = US$ 0.225 ]
Muhammad Adrian Wong is a Contributing Editor to Digital News Asia. He attended LEAP 2025 on his own diem.