MSC: Multimedia Super Corridor

REQUIRED SUCCESS FACTORS FOR MSC

For Malaysia's MSC to succeed, some crucial factors have been identified.

The Appendices: "Criterion for Success" contains more detailed information on these factors as articulated by experienced IT leaders who are in the know. In summary, they are:

Valid and pertinent questions that come to mind are:-
Q. Is the Malaysian Government aware of these success criteria?
Q. If so, have they done anything to redress any shortcomings in these areas?

The answer to the former question would certainly have to be in the affirmative. It would seem that the Prime Minister and his advisors have done a lot of research and preparatory ground work in laying the success foundations for this mega-project. To all intents and purposes, it would seem that they have asked themselves the same set of questions that every major newspaper, cynic, and "wanna-be" proponent is asking or has been asking. And it would seem that they have come up with good and maybe even sound and practical solutions to these questions. The proof of this lies in the answers to the following and most oft-asked question ...

WHY COME TO MALAYSIA?
(THE BENEFITS)
In trying to assess the viability of Malaysia and in particular, the success-potential of the MSC, it is important to note that it is not one single feature, benefit, package, or incentive that determines the answer. Rather it is the overall combination of all the factors, taken as a whole , which gives the fairest assessment and yields the most sensible answer.

    1. The Multimedia/IT industry is the designated high priority strategic sector for development under the seventh Malaysia plan.
    2. The MSC presents a unique opportunity to be part of a mega-venture that has not been attempted by any other country in terms of magnitude, impact or project and national commitment. The MSC has already stirred up world-wide interest within and without industry.
    3. The MSC will utilise Malaysia's economic advantages such as low production costs, abundant resources, stable political and socio-economic environment, and existing incentive packages for investment in Multimedia/IT industries. Malaysia has had sustained economic growth of approximately eight percent over the past few years and is predicated to continue at 8% pa over the next 5 years.
    4. The MSC will have the best business environment in Asia for innovation and creativity. Malaysia is an investor's haven where investment opportunities are plentiful and business prospects are bright.
    5. The MSC will provide access to Malaysia's well-developed, world-wide trade links , including access to markets in China, India, the Southern nations, Africa as well as the Commonwealth nations and OIC nations. Malaysia's success in exploiting its unique multicultural society, which comprises of Chinese, Indian and Malay (Indonesian) groups, has the potential to bring it rapid growth over the coming years.
    6. The MSC will have world-class physical and information infrastructure . Malaysia's infrastructure is relatively well-developed among Southeast Asian nations, and ranks second only to Singapore in terms of telecommunications services.
    7. The MSC will be developed on the eco-media city concept that provides clean, healthy living amidst Malaysia's greenery and exotic tropical forest as well as eco-tourism, golfing and sea sport areas. Within the MSC, there will be high quality planned urban developments, excellent education facilities, green environment protected by strict zoning.
    8. Malaysia's willingness to be flexible . At a presentation in Tokyo on the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC), Dr Mahathir Mohamad revealed plans to change the country's existing labour and immigration laws if necessary to provide new investors with the proper incentives to set up businesses in Malaysia. As the PM put it, Malaysia has the "political will and power to rapidly change any existing laws or policies..."
    9. Malaysia's willingness to learn coupled with her awareness and acceptance of that fact. Malaysia is open to dialog and willing to listen to advice. It is one of the main reasons for the formation of the IAP, which includes big names in IT and who will advise Malaysia in structuring the MSC.
    10. Mesdaq -stock exchange - raising fund for MSC. MDC will play a critical role to this MSC guided venture capital fund and entrepreneur centre.
    11. Malaysia's Track Record:
    12. Also of advantage is Malaysia's newness to multimedia - there are no entrenched outdated methodologies to defend.
    13. Last but certainly not least, is the driving force of Malaysia's Prime Minister, Dato' Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad. With the Dr Mahathir Mohamad as its champion, MSC has really moved. Even the Japanese and Americans were astounded when Dr Mahathir answered questions on the MSC recently in Japan and the US. Mahathir's foresight, planning, and efforts thus far have gone to demonstrate the extent of the government's total commitment and backing. This is further exemplified in Malaysia's very clear mission statement - Vision2020. It has the whole of Malaysia moving together towards a national cause.
Below are three grouped and even more compelling reasons for choosing Malaysia:
  1. Bill of Guarantees
  2. 7 Flagship Applications
  3. IAP (International Advisory Panel)