Placed at the centre of the ASEAN region, Malaysia is recognised as an ideal country for digital investment. Reports from The World Bank Group suggest that the digital economy will contribute 20 percent towards the country’s GDP by 2020. Digitalisation will, therefore, continue to penetrate every aspect of day-to-day life, which includes the automotive industry. The trend has already started to revolutionise the auto market, shaping dynamic growth and development opportunities for many local companies.
New zones shape the future of the regional automotive industry

To showcase the latest digital automotive trends, the fair will introduce the new IoT zone to delve deeper into the potential benefits of the IoT (Internet of Things) technology and its application throughout the global industry.

The influence of the IoT has created fresh demand across the entire value chain. Research suggests one connected car can generate higher revenue over its entire lifecycle than ten non-connected cars . The country is making significant progress towards completing autonomous vehicle research and development by 2025 , showing that the local industry will remain strong with the prospective demand for automated cars. Therefore, upstream and downstream sectors of the industry are now facing both new opportunities, as well as some challenges to maintain competitiveness and meet the changing needs of the market.

As such, the area will feature both hardware and software developers emphasising the combined power of digitalisation, connectivity and advanced software capabilities in the automotive industry. They will share their latest technological breakthroughs such as advanced GPS, telematics, road safety, software for fleet management and cloud-based technology. Exhibitors include the likes of eBay, FleetSol, Inter Enterprise Solutions, PNMB and more.

Elsewhere, the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), the country’s lead agency for driving the local digital economy and empowering businesses in the ever-evolving market has invited many of its members to the show. Mr Gopi Ganesalingam, Vice President of Enterprise Development, commented: "Nurturing innovation in key industries is an important aspect of Malaysia's digital nation efforts. We look forward to working with this digitalisation effort in the automotive sector, and we encourage local businesses to take advantage of this opportunity to collaborate, and broaden their network, skills and knowledge."

Other supporters bringing their members to the fair include the Selangor and Federal Territory Engineering and Motor Parts Traders’ Association (EMPTA). In addition to promoting the fair to over 900 manufacture, import and export, distribution, wholesale members and more, they will also be hosting a booth at this year’s show.