Dan Lain-Lain
Dan Lain-Lain (Malay for “and others”) is a weekly column by Tech in Asia journalist Emmanuel Samarathisa that dissects the goings-on in the Malaysia tech scene but with a heavy mix of current affairs, policy, and politics.
The column name is inspired by the catchall term by the Malaysian government for citizens who do not fit the country’s three major ethnic groups: Malay, Chinese and Indian.
Breaking down tech and startup perks in Malaysia’s Budget 2025
Government funds and companies will be the lynchpin in the country’s ambition to cultivate more startups.
Emmanuel Samarathisa · · 5 min read
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.
Emmanuel Samarathisa · · 5 min read
Malaysia’s fintech and VC sectors are heating up
Fintech and semiconductor-related industries are expected to fuel growth in Malaysia’s tech startup ecosystem in the coming months.
Emmanuel Samarathisa · · 5 min readMalaysia’s new tech hub plan rehashes old ideas. Here’s what it needs to do instead
A realistic assessment is in order if Malaysia were to be a choice destination for top VCs and unicorns.
Emmanuel Samarathisa · · 7 min readMalaysia unveils VC roadmap, but where is it going?
State-owned Mavcap has proposed “interventions” to drive the country’s startup scene forward, but the execution is not entirely in the agency’s hands.
Emmanuel Samarathisa · · 4 min readTech policy changes loom as Malaysia reshuffles Cabinet
The country’s EV push may be put on the back burner following PM Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership review.
Emmanuel Samarathisa · · 6 min readTech trends to watch in Malaysia for 2024
Five developments to watch out for as Malaysia vies to become a tech hub in Southeast Asia.
Emmanuel Samarathisa · · 7 min readIs Malaysia’s tech policy on autopilot?
The country risks losing out as Prime Minister Anwar plays the populist fiddle.
Emmanuel Samarathisa · · 5 min readMalaysia’s 2024 tech budget: back to square one
Affirmative action policies rear their ugly heads to win over the country’s largest voting base.
Emmanuel Samarathisa · · 9 min readMalaysia budget: Expect more goodies for tech and startups
Greater allocation for startups may be on the horizon.
Emmanuel Samarathisa · · 6 min read