To ensure a robust and sustainable ICT ecosystem, there is a need to rationalise the institutional arrangement and accelerate development of talent, infrastructure, innovation and commercialisation capacity. The ICT Roadmap identifies strategic action plans for creating a conducive Knowledge-based ecosystem required for the TFAs (Technology Focus Areas - see Strategy 1) by integrating the proposed technologies into the key sectors of the economy and nurturing global winners.

Institutional Coordination

• Formation of a Pro-tem Committee to manage the National Strategic ICT Roadmap until an integrated ICT governing authority is established
• Development and execution of the ICT Implementation Plan
• Monitor and update recommended signposts
• Participation in international bodies and/or events dictating standards in relation to the TFAs

Action Plans for Institutional Coordination

 Talent Pool and Capability Development

• Create a “triple helix cluster” around the TFAs
• Establish Academy for coordinated development of the TFA among key stakeholders
• Re-skill / Training of existing talents
• Import Knowledge Workers to increase talent pool and support immediate development of the TFAs

Action Plans for Talent Pool and Capability Development

Infrastructure Development 

• Align and support the MyICMS 886 and the National Broadband Plan
• Establish a central 3 TFAs Knowledge Repository Shared Facility
• Educate public on Intellectual Property (IP) and copyright values

Action Plans for Infrastructure Developement 

Commerciaisation and Growth Acceleration

• Communicate and educate industry on the National Strategic ICT Roadmap
• Package R&D and commercialisation incentives of the TFAs
• Facilitate global market penetration for Malaysian companies and match IP with Venture Capitals (VC) and global markets
• Realign existing business incubations around the TFAs

Action Plans for Commercialisation and Growth Acceleration

Rationalising the institutional arrangement will enhance coordination and policy planning for Malaysia’s ICT sector while accelerating the development of Knowledge-based Economy infrastructure will optimise the ICT network, build the breadth and depth of knowledge workers as well as accelerate commercialisation and growth for global market penetration. A dynamic Knowledge-based Economy infrastructure will strengthen the overall capacity (institutional, talent, infrastructure and commercialisation) to support the 3 TFAs as well as to prepare for market re-construction in the face of globalisation.

It is important to note however, that these industry clusters have to be nurtured within an environment that provides world class infrastructure in an ecosystem that promotes knowledge collaboration such as the Multimedia Super Corridor. The maturity of MSC Malaysia and the timely nationwide expansion will serve as an effective platform for the recommended TFAs to fl ourish. The synergy between the MSC Malaysia initiative and the proposed TFAs as per the National Strategic ICT Roadmap can be seen complementing across the seven Flagship Applications, MSC Malaysia ICT Clusters as well as the MSC Malaysia Cybercities and Cybercentres.

However, the success and sustainability of the TFAs will require the full participation of the private sector. Whilst the Malaysian Government continues to play a major role in creating the right ecosystem by formulating economic diversifi cation policies, promoting new sources of growth and creating a conducive environment for both domestic and foreign investors as propagated by the ITIC recommendation in the National Strategic ICT Roadmap, the private sector will continue to be a key driver in the expansion of the TFAs clusters through private funding initiatives and ingenious entrepreneurship skills.

Ultimately, the 3 TFAs would not only provide new employment opportunities and raise productivity; it will also initiate social change by transforming work practices, attitudes and life style. These TFAs will be important "trail-blazers" for transforming Malaysia into a knowledge-based society.

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