DPA and PIKOM, The National Tech Association of Malaysia, convened policymakers, industry representatives and startup leaders for a dialogue on strengthening Malaysia’s startup ecosystem in an evolving digital regulatory environment.

The discussion was grounded in the Oxford Economics study, Digital Regulations and the Startup Ecosystem in Malaysia, and explored how Malaysia can strengthen digital trust while preserving the conditions startups need to innovate and grow.

Participants discussed the practical impact of digital regulation on startups, including the balance between compliance, innovation and growth. A central message emerged from the conversation: the way forward is not less regulation, but better-designed regulation that protects users while remaining proportionate, predictable and responsive to the realities of startups and SMEs.