With political stability, Malaysia is positioning itself as a tech hub, attracting startups and investments.
Kean Wei Kong, a 28-year-old entrepreneur, is part of this wave. He’s working on a dashcam that uses AI to help cars drive themselves. His startup, Kommu, is one of the 4,000 new companies the government hopes will spark a tech boom.
Kean believes the younger generation is ready to innovate. They’re not just trying to survive anymore; they want to create. His dashcam, which costs about $800, is designed for Malaysia’s affordable cars. It’s a bit of a gray area legally, but that’s part of the excitement for startups like his.
The political scene has stabilized with Anwar Ibrahim as the new prime minister. He’s pushing for a tech revolution, aiming to attract foreign investments and create a vibrant startup ecosystem. The government is even offering financial support and incentives to lure in new businesses.
Malaysia has a lot going for it, like ample land and resources for data centers. Plus, with rising costs in neighboring Singapore, it’s becoming an attractive alternative for tech companies. Anwar’s government is determined to make this work, unlike past efforts that fell flat.
The goal is ambitious: 5,000 startups and five unicorns by 2025. While Malaysia has a long way to go, the energy is palpable. Entrepreneurs are feeling hopeful, and many are starting to see real success.
The country is also working to keep its talent from leaving for places like Singapore. With a strong focus on education and support for women in STEM, there’s a push to bring skilled workers back into the fold.
Kean and his friends are just a part of this larger movement. They’re excited about the future and believe that now is the best time to dive into the tech scene. With their dashcam, they’re hoping to catch the attention of local car manufacturers and take their startup to the next level.
