Malaysia’s Digital Ambition: AI at the Heart of Strategic Dialogue Between WEC Delegation and MDEC
As part of its strategic discovery mission to Malaysia, the International Economic Senate – World Economic Council (IWS – WEC) delegation held a focused meeting with the Digital Investment Office of the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC). The session centred on one of the most transformative drivers of today’s economy: artificial intelligence.
Led by Mr Peter Nussbaum, Chairman of the International Economic Senate, and Mr Bernhard Schutte, Ambassador of the World Economic Council to Malaysia and Chapter Director for Southeast Asia, the delegation explored Malaysia’s emerging position as a regional leader in digital innovation. The meeting was supported by TAPiO Management Advisory, represented by Mr Thomas Bernthaler, Managing Partner, and Mr Heng Siang Tan, Chief Operating Officer.
On the Malaysian side, MDEC was represented by Ms Stephanie Wong, Senior Manager of Premier Account Management, and Mr Kamelinder Singh, Head of Foreign Digital Investment, supported by Ms Marina Ndjoze and Mr Aizat Hashim. The discussion provided a comprehensive overview of the country’s digital investment landscape, focusing on the role of artificial intelligence across industries, education, and policy development.
Malaysia’s approach to digital transformation is notable for integrating technology into national strategy. Rather than following global trends, the country is taking deliberate steps to embed artificial intelligence within its institutional frameworks. This was reflected in the dialogue, which addressed AI-driven curriculum development, workforce readiness, and the creation of balanced regulatory policies to guide responsible adoption.
Following the meeting, Mr Bernhard Schutte remarked:
“Malaysia is not simply discussing digital opportunity. Building the infrastructure, governance, and partnerships makes such opportunities real. What stood out during our exchange with MDEC was the country’s readiness to engage in serious, structured conversations about deploying artificial intelligence in practical, ethical and long-term ways.”
This level of institutional engagement is precisely what many German Mittelstand companies are seeking. Known for their precision engineering, deep expertise, and long-term thinking, the Mittelstand is increasingly looking to Asia for strategic expansion. Malaysia’s straightforward regulatory approach, multilingual talent base, and openness to collaboration make it a compelling partner for those seeking stability, innovation, and market access.
For TAPiO, this meeting reaffirmed its role as a trusted bridge between European industry and Southeast Asian opportunity. The firm does not merely arrange meetings. It enables understanding, identifies strategic fit, and supports implementation. With years of experience in cross-border business development, TAPiO provides European investors with a credible and capable partner for entering complex but promising markets.
The potential for impactful collaboration is increasing as Malaysia accelerates its digital economy agenda, including key initiatives in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and smart infrastructure. TAPiO remains committed to guiding companies through this evolving landscape with clarity, integrity and strategic foresight.
