KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 3): The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) has named former TikTok Malaysia’s head of public policy Anuar Fariz Fadzil as its new chief executive officer (CEO).

MDEC chairman Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh made the announcement during the Malaysia Digital Content Festival (MYDCF) Biz Day 2024, here on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Anuar said the digital economy is one of the most fascinating opportunities in Malaysia.

“MDEC is the premier agency to lead the digital economy and I am proud that the government has offered me the opportunity to take on the role,” he said.

Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said Anuar has plenty of work ahead of him after being appointed as MDEC’s new CEO.

“We all wish him well in his tenure as the new CEO of MDEC,” the minister said after launching the MYDCF Biz Day 2024.

Anuar previously served as special officer to Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed during his tenure as minister of international trade and industry, from 2013 to 2017.

He then joined Axiata Group Bhd as head of government stakeholder management and later became special adviser to the CEO for public sector strategy and digital economy at Celcom Axiata Bhd in 2019.

Anuar joined TikTok Malaysia in February this year.

His appointment follows the end of Mahadhir Aziz’s term on Aug 31, 2024.

The MYDCF Biz Day 2024, held from Oct 1-3, brought together key players in animation, digital games, XR, the metaverse and creative technology.

The event attracted over 1,000 participants from Malaysia, South Korea, India, China, Japan, Iran, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, and featured more than 100 speakers from North America, Europe, Australia and the region.

A highlight of MYDCF Biz Day 2024 was the SEA Awards 2024, a prestigious event that recognised the best digital content creators across Southeast Asia.

Uploaded by Magessan Varatharaja