Kuala Lumpur, 21 March 2025 – The Asia Foundation’s Go Digital ASEAN initiative has concluded its second phase, equipping 215,892 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Southeast Asia with essential digital skills to scale their business. In Malaysia, more than 11,400 individuals and small businesses received free digital training, with 77% reporting positive revenue growth
Endorsed by the ASEAN Coordinating Committee on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, and with the support of the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development (MECD) as the local representative, Go Digital ASEAN is implemented by The Asia Foundation with funding from Google.org, Google’s philanthropic arm
Malaysia is one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing digital economies, driven by its tech-savvy, mobile-first population and expanding consumer market. The Malaysian government has played a key role in this transformation through its national programs which aim to accelerate digital adoption across the government, economy, and society by enhancing digital infrastructure, strengthening cybersecurity, and fostering consumer trust. The Go Digital ASEAN program is aligned with the country’s National Entrepreneurship Policy in accelerating digital adoption and enhancing the entrepreneurial skills and capabilities of MSMEs
Go Digital ASEAN is not just about developing digital skills. It’s about ensuring that every business owner, no matter where they are in ASEAN, has the tools to thrive in today’s economy—whether it be in safeguarding their business from online threats or utilizing digital tools to connect with customers and grow their business,” said Hannah Najar, regional program manager for Go Digital ASEAN.
Google.org APAC is proud to support the impactful work of The Asia Foundation and its partners in the Go Digital ASEAN program, and to witness the transformative impact it is having by empowering MSMEs with essential digital skills to thrive in the region’s digital economy,” said Marija Ralic, head of Google.org APAC.
Tailored to support MSMEs at different stages of their digital journey, Go Digital ASEAN implemented three specialized training segments:
- Go Digital: Equipping underserved business owners in Laos, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam with basic digital skills to transition their business online.
- Grow Digital: Providing businesses in Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam with advanced digital skills, including e-commerce, cybersecurity, and AI adoption, to scale their business.
- Explore Digital: Connecting businesses across ASEAN through a regional webinar speaker series, fostering peer learning and cross-border collaboration.
Working with local governments and training partners, the program has benefited MSMEs from various sectors and industries, contributing to their communities and local economies
Dr. Chan Pick Kuen, founder of Nature Pick Sdn Bhd., joined the Go Digital ASEAN program to gain business and marketing skills to expand her mushroom business online. “The training empowered me to go beyond mushroom production and build a strong digital presence for my business. With the digital strategies I learned, we saw a 40% increase in revenue, expanded to seven unique flavours, and even secured a spot in a pre-accelerator program. Now, we’re setting our sights on Australia and Singapore. I’m glad to have collaborated with Go Digital ASEAN, which has opened new doors for business owners like me,” said Dr. Chan.
Another successful trainee is SY Phang, a 71-year-old lifelong learner and advocate for women’s empowerment. She co-founded Flexi Associates in 2001 to help mothers on career breaks and retirees find flexible work opportunities. Recognizing the digital gap among women re-entering the workforce, she focused on equipping them with essential career skills like writing and telemarketing. Through Go Digital ASEAN‘s training, SY Phang started designing Flexi Associates’ training materials on Canva and used ChatGPT for customized social media posts to promote the business online. The knowledge and skills she gained helped her upskill and become more confident in growing the business online while connecting with a network of like-minded women in Malaysia.
Key findings from Go Digital ASEAN in Malaysia
- Boosting Digital Confidence: 98 percent of participants said they felt more digitally savvy and confident in using digital tools for their business.
- Driving Digital Skills Growth: 96 percent of participants said their digital skills improved, inspiring them to continue learning about digital technology.
- Scaling Businesses: 96 percent of participants said they felt better equipped to grow their business both online and offline, with 63 percent utilizing social media to reach and engage with new customers, with 59 percent improving their engagement rates.
Go Digital ASEAN has continued to build a strong foundation for MSMEs to thrive in the digital economy, equipping them with essential skills and confidence to adapt to emerging technologies. As the program evolves, it will continue to work with partners to meet the growing skilling demands of MSMEs, including in AI, online safety, and other practical digital capabilities, further empowering local communities and driving sustainable growth across the region.
