Digital transformation in the public sector is a complex reform process that depends on many moving parts. They include agencies working together, leadership that provides a unified vision, setting standards and targets for the whole administration, and digital platforms and systems that support policy implementation.
In his speech that was read at the launch of the World Bank’s Malaysia Economic Monitor (October 2025) this morning, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said digital transformation in the public sector is never the responsibility of a single ministry or agency.
“Instead, it requires coordinated action across central ministries, sectoral agencies, and often subnational governments. Yet, fragmentation, siloed systems, and lack of interoperability remain common barriers that can lead to inefficiencies and data silos. Successful transformation demands integrated platforms, shared data standards and cross-agency collaboration,” Gobind said in his speech that was read by the ministry’s secretary-general Fabian Bigar.
“Digital transformation also requires strong institutional leadership through a centralised authority to drive and coordinate the national agenda. The establishment of the Ministry of Digital and its ‘whole-of-government’ mandate places Malaysia alongside 129 other countries that have created such “centres of authority” to ensure policy consistency, strategic direction, and timely implementation of digital initiatives across sectors.
“This is an important milestone which lays the strong foundation for more ambitious reforms ahead,” he added.
He said the World Bank’s Malaysia Economic Monitor provides real value as it will help Malaysia reflect on how far we have come, but more importantly, it sets out concrete steps to ensure that the platforms and policies already in place achieve their full impact.
“It shows us how to move from building digital tools to embedding them in government regulations, policies and practices, moving from investments and policy commitments to real results.”
“The findings are especially valuable in shaping reforms, and I particularly appreciate how the survey’s insights feed directly into the Malaysia Economic Monitor. I am also proud that our ministry achieved one of the highest response rates in the government – 75 per cent, second only to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. This reflects the dedication of my colleagues and their strong commitment to Malaysia’s digital transformation agenda.”
Gobind said the international examples featured in the report remind us that the challenges we face – from improving data access and use to enhancing integration of digital services – are not unique to Malaysia.
“Other countries have faced and overcome them, and their experiences give us models to adapt, and also cautionary lessons on pitfalls and mistakes to avoid. For us at the Digital Ministry, these insights are invaluable in shaping our own national strategy and ‘whole-of-government’ approach to public sector digital transformation.”
According to the report, Malaysia has made significant progress in digitising its operations and services, but noted several gaps such as cross-ministerial engagement, and digital skills that limit the nation’s potential to translate them into productivity gains.
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Dieser Artikel ist neu veröffentlicht von / This article is republished from: Twenty Two 13, 03.10.2025
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