Malaysia Launches Second Location For DE Rantau In Langkawi

The Minister of Communications and Multimedia, YB Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima TPr Annuar Haji Musa recently rolled out the subsequent launch of the DE Rantau programme in Langkawi, Kedah. This initiative offers digital nomads more destination options to travel while working in Malaysia. It will also contribute to the income of local communities and accelerate the growth of the nation’s digital economy.

(From L-R) YBhg Datuk Zainudin Bin Aman, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Education and Innovation Sabah; YBrs. Ts. Mahadhir Aziz, CEO of Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC); YBrs. Tuan Nasaruddin Bin Abdul Muttalib, CEO of Langkawi Development Authority (LADA); YB Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima TPr Annuar Bin Haji Musa, Minister of Communications and Multimedia of Malaysia; YB Datuk Seri Md Alwi Che Ahmad, Chairman of Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC); YBrs Ma. Sivanesan Marimuthu, Deputy Secretary General, Ministry of Communications and Multimedia of Malaysia; and YBrs Tuan Saw Chee Koon, Deputy Director of Expatriate Services at the Immigration Department of Malaysia, posing together for a picture with all the ecosystem partners after the launch of DE Rantau at Langkawi, Kedah

As one of the Malaysia Digital Catalytic Programmes (PEMANGKIN), DE Rantau was first launched in Penang on 13 September 2022 to establish Malaysia as the preferred digital nomad hub to promote digital professional mobility and tourism across the nation.

(From L-R) YB Datuk Seri Md Alwi Che Ahmad, Chairman of Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC); YB Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima TPr Annuar Bin Haji Musa, Minister of Communications and Multimedia of Malaysia; and YBrs. Ts. Mahadhir Aziz, CEO of Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), attending to a press conference at Langkawi Country Lodge after the launch of DE Rantau in Langkawi, Kedah

According to YB Tan Sri Annuar, aligned with the recovery of the tourism sector, Langkawi is the perfect destination to launch the second DE Rantau’s location for foreign and local digital nomads. Through this, they will be able to explore and enjoy the island’s offerings of lush nature and history filled with legendary stories.

(From L-R) YBhg Datuk Zainudin Bin Aman, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Education and Innovation Sabah; YBrs. Ts. Mahadhir Aziz, CEO of Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC); YBrs. Tuan Nasaruddin Bin Abdul Muttalib, CEO of Langkawi Development Authority (LADA); YB Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima TPr Annuar Bin Haji Musa, Minister of Communications and Multimedia of Malaysia; YB Datuk Seri Md Alwi Che Ahmad, Chairman of Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC); YBrs Ma. Sivanesan Marimuthu, Deputy Secretary General, Ministry of Communications and Multimedia of Malaysia; and YBrs Tuan Saw Chee Koon, Deputy Director of Expatriate Services at the Immigration Department of Malaysia, officially launching DE Rantau at Langkawi, Kedah

"The Malaysian Government is excited to promote Langkawi as a destination hub for foreign digital nomads to travel while working on the island via DE Rantau. We are confident that the presence of digital nomads on this island known for its duty-free status will support the economic recovery of local businesses. The programme is expected to inject a total of RM4.8 billion into the local economy by the year 2025,” he said.

The Ministry of Communications and Multimedia Malaysia (K-KOMM) through Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) will create a vibrant ecosystem that can support the digital nomad lifestyle to be able to regain the balance in working and living.

Since commencing applications for DE Rantau Nomad Passes on 1 October, MDEC has received over 2,000 applications from digital nomads. The Professional Visit Pass is intended to facilitate digital nomads who are eligible to reside and work in Malaysia for a period of 12 months with their spouses and children.

YB Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima TPr Annuar Bin Haji Musa, Minister of Communications and Multimedia of Malaysia delivering his speech at the launch of DE Rantau in Langkawi, Kedah

Additionally, MDEC has approved 113 applications from entrepreneurs and local business owners who registered their accommodations to become a certified DE Rantau Hub.

Ts. Mahadhir Aziz, Chief Executive Officer of MDEC said, "Based on the initial response we have received, this clearly indicates Malaysia's strong appeal as a preferred hub for digital nomads. MDEC will continue to work closely with all stakeholders including ecosystem partners to ensure the success of the DE Rantau initiative.”

(From L-R) YBhg Datuk Zainudin Bin Aman, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Education and Innovation Sabah; YBrs. Ts. Mahadhir Aziz, CEO of Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC); Ms Amanda Chee, Deputy Director of Payment Networks Malaysia Sdn Bhd (PayNet); YB Datuk Seri Md Alwi Che Ahmad, Chairman of Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC); YB Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima TPr Annuar Bin Haji Musa, Minister of Communications and Multimedia of Malaysia; Alif Aiman, Executive Officer of Telaga Group; YBrs. Tuan Nasaruddin Bin Abdul Muttalib, CEO of Langkawi Development Authority (LADA); YBrs Ma. Sivanesan Marimuthu, Deputy Secretary General, Ministry of Communications and Multimedia of Malaysia; and Affif Aiman, Executive Director of Tapawfood and Co-Owner of Telaga Terrace Resort, posing for a picture together during a tour to Telaga Terrace Resort, one of DE Rantau Hub in Langkawi, Kedah

It has also received growing support from local companies and industry players wanting to join and participate in the programme, playing their part in the digital nomad ecosystem.

(From L-R) Norhayati Abdullah (Mama Yati), Co-owner of Langkawi Country Lodge; Zabel Iqbal, CEO of Tapawfood; YB Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima TPr Annuar Bin Haji Musa, Minister of Communications and Multimedia of Malaysia; YBrs. Tuan Nasaruddin Bin Abdul Muttalib, CEO of Langkawi Development Authority (LADA); Tikshiro Mastazi (Papa Mas) ,Co-owner of Langkawi Country Lodge; Affif Aiman, Executive Director of Tapawfood and Co-Owner of Telaga Terrace Resort; and Danial Syahiran Ho, a representative of Tapawfood, posing for a picture at Langkawi Country Lodge, one of the DE Rantau Hub in Langkawi, Kedah

This positive reception indicates the confidence of digital nomads in Malaysia as a hub of choice based on its variety of facilities, services, and amenities as it supports their nomadic lifestyle needs. Industry players participating in DE Rantau will also benefit from this reception.

Designed to support the creation of a vibrant ecosystem and facilitate the stay of digital nomads in Malaysia, K-KOMM through MDEC has launched a mobile app called DE Rantau Platform. The app will offer users access to its fully fledged ecosystem which includes accommodation hubs, local services ranging from travel, tourism, transport, e-commerce, e-payments, and others.

YB Datuk Seri Md Alwi Che Ahmad, Chairman of Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) delivering his welcome remarks at the launch of DE Rantau in Langkawi, Kedah

“Langkawi has everything, and in a well-balanced amount which makes it both exciting and peaceful. Some of my best work was done while in Langkawi. This island is a great place to call home and to feel inspired by,” said Hans Baetsen, a Dutch digital professional currently working remotely for a multinational digital content and e-learning company.

YBrs. Tuan Nasaruddin Bin Abdul Muttalib, CEO of Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) giving his speech at the launch of DE Rantau in Langkawi, Kedah

MDEC will oversee the development of digital nomad hubs and local ecosystems to support digital nomads.

Under the Malaysia Digital (MD) initiative, DE Rantau is one of the first two PEMANGKIN planned for 2022. It is designed to create substantial economic spill-over through equitable access to digital tools, knowledge, and income opportunities.