Malaysia’s tech rise hits barriers

Check out our top articles for the week. [Read from your browser]( Top Stories of the Week Welcome to Tech in Asia's free Sunday newsletter! Get full access to our subscribers-only premium content and other insightful analysis on the big and messy topics of Asia’s tech and startup community by [registering here](. Hello {NAME} Do you love being a Debbie Downer? I don’t. But it seems that when covering Malaysia, you either become one or you ignore the bad - and perhaps real - news and default to being a hype man chugging on Kool-Aid and snacking on toxic positivity. Ever since Malaysia’s semiconductor industry caught the attention of the media, particularly the international press, there has been a steady flow of positive coverage in that field. Everyone - including funny accounts on LinkedIn and YouTube - hopped on the bandwagon and took up the same script: that Malaysia has quietly been building its semiconductor capacity for years; that the country, under a new and stable government, is now eager to turn its fortunes around; and that challenges such as brain drain and talent shortage remain. If you’ve been keeping an eye on Malaysia, these things are probably not new to you. The country has not been quietly building its semiconductor industry, which has, in fact, been around for years now. It’s just that one bothered, or at least people weren’t incentivized to take notice. Malaysia may have a stable government, but recent events, which I cover in the column, point to a mismatch between ambition and policy. As for the issue of brain drain, this will remain until something is done to ensure that Malaysia is not only a talent hub but also an equitable space where affirmative action policies are in place in the interest of the majority. Don’t get me wrong; Malaysia has what it takes to be a tech hub. No one is against that. And no, I’m not going to regale you with the country’s “good food.” Malaysia has everything in place, from basic public infrastructure to a talented workforce. Heck, it is not even hit by major natural disasters such as earthquakes, which are a [problem]( in major tech hubs like Taiwan. But it has its own set of problems that needs to be addressed. Certain attitudes and approaches in government and government-linked companies need rethinking. And here’s a tip for you: The next time someone boasts about Malaysia, especially a foreign investor or VC, ask them: “Have you personally invested in a Malaysian company?” If the answer you get is anything other than a hard yes, that person isn’t serious. Or, they are probably aiming at Malaysian government money. -- [Emmanuel Samarathisa]( journalist at Tech in Asia  --------------------------------------------------------------- TOP STORIES THIS WEEK 1️. [Malaysia gets in its own way on path to tech success]( Avoidable mistakes could cost Malaysia its reputation as an up-and-coming tech hub. 2. [Tech-enabled coffee chains percolate across Southeast Asia]( Homegrown coffee startups in Southeast Asia are clashing with foreign giants in a fierce fight for dominance in the US$3.4 billion market. 3. [MoneyHero’s $8m gambit: bold move or blunder?]( MoneyHero and MoneySmart, which the former was looking to acquire, had various informal conversations over the past two years. 4. [Bootstrapped ID firm makes millions defying edtech slump]( Surabaya-based Sevima offers cloud-based solutions tailored for universities, especially those in the middle and lower tiers. 5. [SEA founders warm up to venture debt as tech winter lingers]( Venture debt is gathering steam as founders and VCs face valuation mismatch, but experts caution about the potential risks. 6. [The Malaysian media tycoon-digibank pioneer on GX Bank’s board]( Tong Kooi Ong returns to familiar territory after letting go of his crown jewel in 2001. 7. [Beyond Grab, GoTo: Southeast Asia’s top ride-hailing competitors]( Both established names and new players are looking into M&As, partnerships, and AI integrations to boost market share. 8. [VC funds tracker: Venture lender Genesis scores $125m and more]( Fundraising is difficult. To make things easier, we have compiled a list of the most recent VC funds for our subscribers. 9. [Preference shares in your startup’s funding deal? Be careful]( Preference shares can accrue interest or grant extra board seats, among other things, both potentially harmful to startups. 10. [Malaysia’s EV race electrifies as local brands undercut on price]( Still, "range anxiety," affordability, and limited charging infrastructure are major hurdles to wider adoption. ---------------------------------------------------------------  EXPERIENCE #TIACONFERENCEJKT LIKE A PRO  Maximize your time and network with the best Ever felt overwhelmed at a conference? Too much to see, too little time? At TIA Conference Jakarta, we've got you covered. Our Pro Pass gives you exclusive access to networking events, catered meals, and on-demand sessions, ensuring you make the most of your time. Focus on building relationships and leave the logistics to us. 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