MDA doubles down on AI as new council takes office

 FMT joins MDA council for the first time, with COO Jenn Ngan representing the company.

Malaysian Digital Association president Nicholas Sagau (in red) with members of MDA’s 2026-2028 council after the association’s annual meeting on Wednesday. FMT Media’s chief operating officer Jenn Ngan (fourth from right) is among those elected to the council. (MDA pic)

PETALING JAYA:

The Malaysian Digital Association has reaffirmed that artificial intelligence is a key priority for the digital industry after unveiling its newly elected council for the 2026-2028 term, with REV Media Group chief operating officer Nicholas Sagau Tony Ngimat retaining the presidency for a second consecutive term.

The new council also marks FMT Media’s first representation in the association’s leadership, with chief operating officer Jenn Ngan elected as a council member.

Nicholas, who was returned unopposed at the association’s general meeting on July 22, said the new term would focus on bringing the digital community closer together as AI, emerging technologies and the creator economy continue to reshape the industry.

“Our focus is on bringing the digital community closer together, strengthening connections and creating shared opportunities for growth,” he said in a statement.

MDA said its priorities over the next two years would centre on research and measurement, AI and emerging technologies, the creator economy, and digital talent development through greater industry collaboration.

It said the association aims to help businesses better understand the impact of AI and new creator-led business models by facilitating knowledge sharing, capability building and industry-wide collaboration.

Newly elected vice-president Sue-Anne Lim said MDA would continue strengthening its role as the industry’s collective voice as digital technologies evolve.

“MDA has spent 17 years building a close-knit digital community and an ecosystem that now carries real economic weight for the country,” she said.

“I hope to help sharpen the industry’s collective voice, so that when we speak on what matters for Malaysia as a digital nation, we are heard. Technology will keep moving, and MDA will keep evolving with it,” she said.

The other newly-elected officials are Nik Justin Nik Ariffin as secretary and Natalie Fong as treasurer.

The wider council brings together representatives from Malaysia’s digital ecosystem, including Adzymic, Astro Media Solutions, FMT Media, Google Malaysia, HEPMIL Malaysia, iMedia Asia, Influasia, Vivaki Malaysia and WPP Media Malaysia.

MDA said it will continue flagship initiatives such as the d Awards, d Conference, d Young Achievers Programme, Digital Wednesday and Teh Tarik with C-Suite, while introducing new platforms to address emerging industry needs.

The association also plans to deepen engagement with government agencies, industry partners, educational institutions and other stakeholders to advance discussions on AI, changing media consumption, digital measurement, talent development and evolving business models.

Through these initiatives, MDA aims to build a more connected, collaborative and sustainable digital industry while strengthening Malaysia’s position in the regional digital economy. - FMT