According to Fahmi Fadzil, the Digital Economy Centre (PEDi) was initially created to provide Internet access to rural areas, now serves as a driving force for the digital economy to improve the socio-economic status of local communities.
While speaking at the PEDi Madani conference on Nov 29, the Communications and Digital Minister stated that the centre now provides training programs in ICT, digital entrepreneurship, and e-learning, which are especially beneficial for those involved in micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMSEs), youths, and students.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) conducted a study to assess the impact of PEDi as a center to drive local community’s socio-economic status and enhance human capital development.
Fahmi Fadzil highlighted that the results show an active usage rate of 94 percent, indicating user loyalty towards PEDi. Moreover, 89 percent of the respondents provided positive feedback on the services and programs offered by PEDi. The net promoter score also revealed that 70 percent of respondents would encourage others to visit the centre.
MCMC has collaborated with strategic partners, digital collaborators, private sector organizations, and non-governmental bodies to plan and implement various training programs. For example, the Small Entrepreneur Digitisation Empowerment Programme (PUPUK) has empowered grassroots communities to be involved in the digital economy.
Furthermore, MCMC, Shopee, and PEDi staff members have successfully conducted digitization efforts involving 7,000 entrepreneurs this year through an e-commerce platform, with a sales value totaling RM15.7 million.
Since 2021, the initiative has garnered RM55.4 million in sales value.
In addition, the center is supported by service providers such as Telekom Malaysia, CelcomDigi, Maxis, and Redtone, which provide e-learning programs for less privileged students, improving their studies.
During the event, Fahmi presented the Best PEDi Entrepreneur Award to six recipients, including Mohamad Bahar Nordin from Pekan Ijok PEDI, Haleda Aqila Nasis from Sungai Pinggan PEDi in Pontian, Johor and special recognition to the PEDi in Song, Sarawak.- Bernama
