1.

0 INTRODUCTION
Covid-19 has left a trail of havoc in its wake. The pandemic has changed our way of life, as
well as business practises and consumer habits. The world is beginning to emerge from the
worst of the pandemic, optimistically. If the last few months have been preoccupied by a
desperate attempt to contain the virus, the next few months provide a chance to rebuild and
transform civilizations for the better. As appealing as it may be to return to a time before
Covid-19, the world before has its own set of issues, including income inequality and a
widening digital divide. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to identify more long-term
solutions to future pandemics, as well as to reinforce Southeast Asia's social and economic
models [ CITATION Mid20 \l 2057 ].
Innovation is no longer a choice; it is a requirement. In reality, Malaysian businesses have
realised that their ability to innovate is critical to their performance and their resilience during
the crisis. Since COVID-19, 65 percent of Malaysian businesses have considered innovation
to be easier, compared to only 24 percent prior to COVID-19. Organizations were pushed to
innovate during the pandemic, and they discovered that it is not as difficult as they had
anticipated. With this newfound confidence, Malaysian businesses have been swiftly
adopting an innovation culture in order to ensure business continuity and future relevance
(Microsoft, 2020).
Covid-19 may provide the motivation that governments need to truly promote innovation.
Many sectors that have resisted going digital for a long time are now forced to do so in order
to survive. Governments and corporations are increasingly willing to try new things and
embrace technology to address problems. Now is the time to capitalise on this momentum.
Many of the current digitisation attempts address obvious issues like the usage of e-payment
systems and the establishment of an online presence in place of physical stores. However,
digitization must be much more widespread. From back-end business process automation to
employing data insights to better product propositions, businesses must rethink their core
business models [ CITATION Mid20 \l 2057 ] . 77 % business decision-makers feel that
innovation is now a "must" for them to respond quickly to market challenges and
opportunities as the country adapts and creates business resilience in the face of uncertainty
[ CITATION Mic201 \l 2057 ].

Sectors that have been most affected by Covid-19 will be the most ready for radical
innovation in the future. Greater automation and the usage of robotics in the medical field are
both possible in the future. In circumstances where the patient must practise physical
distancing or is unable to attend a healthcare facility in person, digital alternatives such as
telemedicine will be useful. Covid-19 has highlighted how gig work is critical. Many
governments in Southeast Asia consider online delivery to be a critical service. People who
are unable to commute rely on delivery services to meet their daily necessities during
lockdowns. We've seen new approaches like contactless deliveries as a result of the increased
focus on health and safety. We also noticed a change in social behaviour, with customers
across the region increasing tipping and tip amount to indicate their appreciation for gig work
[ CITATION Mid20 \l 2057 ].
The Covid-19 virus outbreak has also resulted in a significant shift in the realm of education.
Online learning opens up new solutions in the education world through the innovation of
technology. The availability of remote learning provides a community-wide option for
reducing the impact of outbreaks. This option shifts the focus of physical education to online
and virtual learning. Students and teachers can attain learning goals without having to attend
class by using online meeting applications. People's wants and interests can be met with a
variety of applications.
2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW

Accelerated Innovation in Times of

COVID-19: The Journey for Malaysia
COVID-19 has unknowingly propelled Malaysia's innovation engine ahead in every stratum
and pocket of society. Innovation is frequently not a top concern for most firms. While the
outbreak has brought to light a number of development gaps, it has also shown hidden
capabilities and a natural ability to learn and adapt concepts to meet local requirements.
2.1 Digitalisation: Embracing Digitalisation Nationwide
Malaysia has accelerated its digital adoption over the years, ranking in the top 20 countries in
terms of digital skills (WEF, 2019), with digital-related activities accounting for 19% of GDP
in 2019. (DOSM, 2020). The increased momentum of digitalisation witnessed in 2020,
despite the COVID-19 epidemic, has bolstered the economy, with Malaysia ranked as the
fourth largest e-commerce market in Southeast Asia (SEA). To future-proof their businesses,
more individuals and businesses are turning to digital solutions. In comparison to the
previous year, the number of merchants who signed up for e-commerce and QR payments
had more than doubled.
Chart 1: Rising Use of Digital Solutions in Malaysia

Source: Bank Negara Malaysia

As stated in the 'My Digital' Digital Economy Blueprint announced in February 2021, the
government and private sector will continue to enhance efforts to catalyse statewide digital
transformation and strengthen the country's competitive position regionally. As Malaysia
transitions to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the Blueprint includes various measures to
drive Malaysia towards becoming a digitally driven high-income nation, accelerate the roll-
out of key ecosystem enablers, digitalize existing industries, and develop new digital
industries as future growth drivers of the economy (4IR). The latter comprises industries
based on cutting-edge technologies, biotechnology answers to expanding healthcare
requirements, and economic greening to better manage climate change risks.

The 'MyDigital' plan's execution is critical to the successful deployment and implementation
of digital enablers. Digital connectivity, such as a nationwide fibre network and 5G, as
outlined in the National Digital Network (Jalinan Digital Negara or JENDELA), digital
government initiatives, such as a national digital ID database system, and a strong data
governance framework supported by the implementation of a national cybersecurity policy
are among them. 5G connectivity ensures data acceleration, with more volume, higher speed,
low latency, and high reliability required to satisfy the demands of modern living, with an
initial rollout scheduled by the end of 2021. The National Digital ID (NDI) database, set to
launch in 2025, would hasten the uptake of digital signatures and electronic identification for
safe authentication and seamless delivery of government services.
Existing industries must be digitalized in order for Malaysia to maintain its competitive
advantage, particularly in key sectors. The PENJANA Micro and Small-and-Medium-Sized-
Enterprises (MSMEs) E-commerce Campaign, which began in June 2020, has successfully
onboarded 45,000 MSMEs.
Figure 1: Accelerating Malaysia's Digital Transformation

Source: Bank Negara Malaysia

Over 200,000 MSMEs have benefited from the platforms and assistance in adopting
digitalization solutions. Meanwhile, as of October 20207, the Shop for Malaysia Online
programme has produced about RM900 million in sales and benefited 213,000 local retailers
across the country. Businesses can also apply for the SME Business Digitalisation Grant and
the SME Automation and Digitalisation Facility to boost their digital accessibility to
customers. Bank Negara Malaysia will take the lead to promote cashlessness and boost easy
and secure digital transactions under the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint (MyDigital)
[ CITATION The21 \l 2057 ]. Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has said in one conference meeting that
empathizes the significance of taking a whole-of-nation approach to expedite the
digitalisation and technology exploration agenda as it contained in the Malaysian Digital
Economy Blueprint and the 4IR policy.
More people are shopping for goods and services online in Malaysia, where most people have
been confined to their houses for over a year due to extended Movement Control Orders
(MCOs). More than one in three Malaysians used digital services for the first time during this
period, according to the e-Conomy South-East Asia 2020 Malaysia report by Google,
Temasek, and Bain & Co. It is unsurprising that, in the face of limited mobility, the Internet
has emerged as a key enabler of productivity and remote work, as well as entertainment and
basic necessities like groceries and deliveries. As a result of the rise in online engagement,
there has also been a rise in digital payments [ CITATION the21 \l 2057 ]
According to the Standard Chartered Global "Cashless and Careful" poll, Malaysians'
preference for paying online increased from 30% pre-pandemic to 51% post-pandemic, with
64 percent of respondents internationally expecting their nations to go completely cashless in
the next ten years. This shift in customer behaviour isn't just a warning to firms that haven't
yet adopted digital solutions that they need to do so, but it also signals that failure to do so
could result in a loss of revenue. According to Mastercard, three-quarters of Asian Pacific
buyers (74%) would buy from small and medium businesses (SMEs) more regularly if more
payment methods were accessible. Consumers and organisations are looking to contactless
digital payments as an additional benefit to safeguard customers and employees in the "new
normal" of social alienation and demands for more hygienic practises. Digital payments also
give SMEs better, more up-to-date financial visibility, as each transaction is automatically
recorded and stored. These records, which have accumulated through time, can help firms
forecast outgoings and earnings, as well as improve their financial health. Payment is just one
area where digital solutions are proving to be quite beneficial. During the epidemic, many
SMEs have found that moving to the cloud has been critical in negotiating numerous
MCOs[ CITATION the21 \l 2057 ]

The digital economy is a result of the 4IR, which has seen widespread adoption of digital
technologies. According to the World Economic Forum, 4IR entails a merger of technologies
that blurs the barriers between the physical, digital, and biological domains14, as seen in
Figure, resulting in significant economic shifts, similar to past industrial revolutions. The
present rate of breakthroughs is unprecedented in history. Furthermore, it affects practically
every industry on the planet, transforming production, management, and government. The
digital economy will be considerably advanced by 4IR's quick adoption of digital technology
and data integration.
Figure 3: Domains of 4IR technologies

Source: "MyDIGITAL" Digital Economy Blueprint, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation and Bank
Negara Malaysia

Digital technologies, according to the 4IR, catalyse the digital economy as well as other
economic sectors, such as the green and circular economies. The digital realm will eventually
blend with both the physical and biological domains as digital technology grows more
prevalent. Advanced materials, for example, make use of cutting-edge technology while also
including sensors. The large amount of biological data available in data banks aids gene
sequencing. As shown in Figure 3, digitalisation, which began with the Third Industrial
Revolution, offers a variety of growth potential.

Figure 2: Evolution of industries

The Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint, which will benefit society, business, and
government, was established to increase the country's readiness to embrace the digital
economy. Several departments and agencies have increased their attempts to include
digitization into their plans. To stay up with the rate of change, the country needs to do more,
particularly in terms of technical improvements, labour market requirements, business model
changes, and changing public expectations. The Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint plots
the evolution of the digital economy's contribution to the Malaysian economy and establishes
the groundwork for widespread digitalization. Malaysia's ambition of being a regional leader
in the digital economy, as well as inclusive, responsible, and sustainable socioeconomic
development, are outlined in the Blueprint.
Other basic components of the digital economy, as well as increasing the economy using
digital technology, are given equal weight in the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint. A
digital government15, digital talents that are fit for purpose, a digitally inclusive society, and
a safe and secure digital environment are among them. The Malaysian government's attempts
to expand its digital economy will be continued by the Blueprint.

2.2 Health Innovation

2.2.1 Innovation of Personal Protective Equipment
The World Health Organization has warned that the new coronavirus and other infectious
diseases are putting lives at risk due to serious and growing disruptions in the global supply
of personal protective equipment (PPE) - driven by surging demand, panic buying, hoarding,
and abuse. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is used by healthcare workers to prevent
themselves and their patients from being infected and infecting others [ CITATION Fad20 \l 2057
]. Due to a lack of equipment such as gloves, medical masks, respirators, goggles, face
shields, gowns, and aprons, doctors, nurses, and other frontline personnel are critically ill-
equipped to care for COVID-19 patients.
"The risk to healthcare professionals around the world is substantial without safe supply
networks. Industry and governments must move fast to increase supply, relax export
restrictions, and put in place measures to prevent speculation and stockpiling. "We won't be
able to halt COVID-19 until we first protect health professionals," stated WHO Director-
General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is one idea that
has "gone viral" (ironically) in Malaysia amid this crisis (PPE). Due of a severe lack of face
shields and masks, front-line workers have resorted to utilising rubbish bags, cling wrap, and
plastic files to shield themselves. While inspiring, these grassroots inventions reveal a bleak
reality on the ground. The failure to prioritise the protection of front-line workers was an
omission that raised flags about looming vulnerabilities that could damage the country's
recovery efforts [ CITATION Yin20 \l 2057 ]
 Front liners innovating to protect themselves on duty. Photo credit: The Rakyat Post

The public is also affected by a lack of personal protective equipment (PPE), with face masks
and face shields either out of supply or marketed at exorbitant prices. People from all walks
of life are coming up with inventive ways to adapt to temporary measures. Plastic bottles, for
example, are being reused for added protection.

A flood of grassroots innovations from all walks of life. Photo credit: Facebook user @Tommy le Baker

Stretching grassroots innovation to a larger scale, the possibilities for repurposing our
factories and manufacturing lines to satisfy the growing need for personal protective
equipment. For a long time, our manufacturing industry has been pondering the use of
automation and digital innovation to supplement manual labour. The expense of change
has long been viewed as prohibitive by industries. This pandemic, on the other hand,
provides a compelling and urgent case for reform. UNDP is going further in discussions
with the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) to investigate factory
repurposing as a solution for current and future crises, drawing on experiences from
China and the Philippines [ CITATION Yin20 \l 2057 ]. Small and medium businesses are
blazing trails with new solutions, despite the fact that they are fighting to stay afloat due
to the enforcement of the Movement Control Order (MCO). Front-line face shields are
designed and manufactured by Biji-Biji Initiative, a social company that promotes
sustainable living and the circular economy [ CITATION Yin20 \l 2057 ].
Open source face shield designs by Biji-Biji Initiative in collaboration with Me.reka, Taylor's
University and Impact Malaysia. Photo credit: Facebook @Biji-biji Initiative
Without any government organisation, various interest groups provide their abilities in the
best way they know how. A Facebook group called "3D Printing Malaysia Community for
COVID" attracted over 4,800 members from the 3D printing community, who self-funded
face shield supplies for front line workers. Medical robes for healthcare workers were sewn
by a group of local fashion designers. Prior to the outbreak, Malaysian prison inmates and
civil society recipients who learned sewing skills through livelihood programmes are paying
it forward to front-line responders with 'home'-sewn masks [ CITATION Yin20 \l 2057 ].

2.2.2 QR Code
Before the outbreak, most of us had never heard of QR Code, despite the fact that it was
invented about two decades ago. Its application has always been restricted to specialised
locations such as museums and restaurants, where patrons scan the code to learn more about
what is being displayed or offered. With the widespread use of Covid-19, this "nearly
forgotten" invention has become one of the most widely utilised technologies this year
[ CITATION zwa20 \l 2057 ].

The QR Code has become the preferred solution due to people's aversion to touching
nearly anything and the requirement to "check in" while entering any premises. It has become
increasingly significant to us all as a result of the high smartphone penetration rate and
availability of associated QR Code apps. QR Codes are widely used in contactless delivery,
pickup, and, most crucially, contactless payments, in addition to being a "registration"
process before entering any location. Scanning the MySejahtera QR code has become nearly
a habit for Malaysians, despite the fact that it is required by law. In reality, before we are let
in, we sometimes check a few more codes provided by shops [ CITATION zwa20 \l 2057 ].
The government has also used QR Code technology to collect data and conduct contact
tracing for Covid-19. For example, the MySejahtera app has logged 1.7 billion cumulative
check-ins to registered establishments by QR Code scan, with an average of 15 million
check-ins every day. This is a technology that will undoubtedly be with us for a long time
[ CITATION zwa20 \l 2057 ].
2.2.3 Temperature sensors
Aside from QR codes, we have witnessed a rise in the use of high-tech temperature sensors
across the board. Our body temperature is now routinely measured before we are allowed to
enter, and it is a legal requirement. Temperature sensors have improved from simple digital
thermometers used at the start of the epidemic to ones that can scan and identify individual
body temperature with simply a stroll around the scanner's perimeter or a glimpse at a screen.
Private hospitals, as well as certain malls and offices, have them.
The global temperature sensor market is expected to increase at a compound yearly growth
rate of 4.8 percent from US$6.3 billion in 2020 to US$8.8 billion by 2027, according to
business-to-business research firm MarketsandMarkets. Increased usage of temperature
sensors in modern and portable healthcare equipment is driving the expansion of the
temperature sensor business. Temperature sensors are also in high demand in the automotive
industry. Another factor is the growing popularity of home and building automation systems.
2.3 Food Delivery Services
Southeast Asia has a big food delivery market. While the food industry is a trillion-dollar
industry, the delivery market is only a minor part of it (Kandasivam, 2017). This provided a
significant chance for future expansion. The food delivery company is expected to rise to
USD 956 million in yearly revenue by 2022, making it one of the fastest growing sectors in
the food market (EC Insider, 2018). In Malaysia's food and beverage industry, a new wave is
forming online food delivery (OFD). Online meal ordering is the new eating out, and it's not
only for take-out and eating out. There are various food delivery firms in Malaysia, with
many of them offering online food delivery services. Food Panda is one of the companies,
and it was the first delivery company to start aggressively in Malaysia [ CITATION Lau19 \l 2057
].

Over the last year, the Covid-19 virus has caused worldwide disruption, forcing
governments to close their borders and paralyse their economies. Despite the trouble caused
by the pandemic, the disruption has helped a number of technologies and businesses. Food
delivery services albeit the pandemic can be seen to have a rise in demand from customers.
The Malaysian internet meal delivery business is predicted to grow over US$319.1 million by
2026, according to Acumen Research and Consulting. Food delivery services are reported to
be driven by changing lifestyles and the appeal of internet food ordering, in addition to the
pandemic aspect. Malaysia has been experiencing "a tough period riddled with uncertainty
during the year 2020," said Sean Goh, managing director of Grab Malaysia. Local businesses,
on the other hand, have definitely profited from the transition online, he continued. "There
are numerous examples of traditional firms benefiting from digital transformation. Our goal
as a platform is to ensure that we present businesses with a new way to generate revenue
[ CITATION zwa20 \l 2057 ]

"We will continue to come up with ideas and improvements that benefit everyone in the
ecosystem — merchants-partners, delivery riders, and customers," he added.
According to Zhao and Bacao (2020), during the pandemic of COVID-19, the consumers
prefer online food ordering and delivery services not only due to the convenience of the
services but also due to the customers’ perceptions towards the technological compatibility,
the performance of the applications offered as well as the social implications on users. They
also stated that consumers perceived technological compatibility as an important role in
formulating the technical and mental expectations of users when the function of the
technology is relevant to a particular situation, which is comprehensively based on the needs
and requirements of the user.

2.4 Online meeting platform

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the lives of people all across the
world, particularly in the realm of education. The availability of remote learning provides a
community-wide option for reducing the impact of outbreaks. This option shifts the focus of
physical education to online and virtual learning. The utilisation of online meeting
applications gives many benefits for students and teachers in terms of achieving learning
goals when not in class (Hendri et al., 2020).
Through technological progress, online learning opens up new possibilities in the field of
education. Supporting devices, such as software and hardware, are required for online
learning. In the application of online learning, Oranburg (2020) identifies two tools that allow
teachers and students to be connected. Computers in CPUs, laptops, webcams, microphones,
and internet networks are all part of the hardware. In addition to the software, teachers and
students must have specialised knowledge in order to use online learning assistance tools
such as teleconferences or video call apps like WhatsApp, Zoom, and others. Video
conferencing is a technology that allows people in various parts of the world to hold
important meetings without having to travel or meet in the same place. When learning is done
directly, this technology feels comfortable and practical (live). It can surely save time without
having to deal with travel obstacles, allowing them to finish their work while remaining safe
in their homes - even if there is a plague (Hendri et al., 2020). Teachers and students should
take advantage of the chance to use technology to improve learning quality. Studies have
found that digital technology fosters the development of human cognition and digital
competence (Kassymova et al., 2019a, 2019b; Kassymova et al., 2020). Teachers and
students must adapt to the future ways and processes of life skills education by leveraging
technology to help education; they must also develop their teaching competencies
(Kassymova, 2018; Aksarina et al., 2019; Triyono et al., 2020).
As schools and universities closed due to the epidemic, students, professors, and lecturers
were forced to adapt to online learning and teaching for the first time here in Malaysia.
Despite the numerous challenges, the teaching and learning process was maintained through
the use of technology such as Google Classroom, Zoom, and WhatsApp. Many teachers went
above and beyond by starting YouTube channels to share their knowledge with everyone who
wanted to learn, not just their own students [ CITATION zwa20 \l 2057 ]. Celcom, Digi, Maxis,
UMobile, and Telekom Malaysia are all doing their part by giving affordable Internet
packages to B40 households and exam candidates. According to a Bernama report, the
Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission would launch a special data
package for Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) and Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM)
candidates in the first quarter of next year until the exams complete in April. Telco centres
like Celcom, Digi, Maxis, TM, and YTL will also keep their free online classes going
[ CITATION zwa20 \l 2057 ].
3.0 Discussion
COVID-19 has established a rich breeding ground for creative solutions and approaches
while also having a huge influence on health and livelihoods around the world (OECD
Observatory of Public Sector Innovation, n.d.). Due to the sheer pandemics evolving and
changing nature, decisions about innovative efforts, as well as the overall response, must be
made in the face of uncertainty and, at times, conflicting evidence.
Health-related innovations are just the most apparent kind of innovation, and they are
typically easier to describe and quantify in financial terms. There have been numerous
inventions to deal with the pandemic's indirect or secondary effects. These include a wide
range of public policy measures taken to assist hard-hit businesses and vulnerable
households; grassroots innovations led by citizens and communities to provide mutual aid
and strengthen social solidarity; and organisational innovations implemented across the
public, private, and not-for-profit sectors to maintain and sustain critical operations in the
face of national and global lockdowns [ CITATION OEC20 \l 2057 ]. Just take a look at QR code
before the pandemic, most of us had never heard of QR Code, despite the fact that it was
invented about two decades ago. Its application has always been restricted to specialised
locations such as museums and restaurants, where patrons scan the code to learn more about
what is being displayed or offered. With the widespread use of Covid-19, this "nearly
forgotten" invention has become one of the most widely used technologies in 2020 [ CITATION
zwa20 \l 2057 ]. Not only that, aside from QR codes, we have witnessed a rise in the use of
high-tech temperature sensors across the board. Our body temperature is now routinely
measured before we are allowed to enter, and it is a legal requirement [ CITATION zwa20 \l 2057
].

Not only that, Covid-19 may provide the motivation that governments require to truly
drive innovation in digitalisation. Many industries that have resisted going digital for a long
time are now forced to do so in order to survive. Governments and corporations are
increasingly willing to try new things and embrace technology to address problems. Now is
the time to build on this momentum. Many of the current digitisation attempts address
obvious issues like the usage of e-payment systems and the establishment of an online
presence in place of physical businesses. However, digitization must be much more
widespread. From back-end business process automation to employing data insights to better
product propositions, businesses must rethink their core business models [ CITATION Lim20 \l
2057 ].

Non-essential businesses were required to close temporarily, and mass movements were
restricted across the country due to MCO. 70 percent of SMEs experienced a 50% decline in
business within a week. Compare these numbers to those found in the digital realm during the
same time period: online non-food shopping grew by 53%, online grocery shopping grew by
144%, and online food delivery grew by 61%. Food delivery platforms Grab Food and
Foodpanda saw a 30 percent rise in orders on the first day of the MCO alone. The Malaysia
Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) forecasted a 20% increase in e-commerce in 2020 as
a result of these factors [ CITATION Amo20 \l 2057 ].
 Governments and tech corporations both play a significant part in this. It is critical to
open organisations up to the full potential of digital transformation, in addition to
encouraging them to take the first step in their digital transformation journey. Malaysia's
government, through Pelan Jana Semula Ekonomi Negara (PENJANA), is doing just that,
with initiatives like Shop Malaysia Online and a cashless adoption push. Grab is proud to be
a part of these activities as a local tech enabler and proponent of the digital economy. Grab
hopes to continue to use technological solutions to help Malaysians, SMEs, and conventional
enterprises embrace the digital economy [ CITATION Lim20 \l 2057 ].
Now is the time for governments to make a strong push in this regard, whether it's
guiding businesses toward greater digital adoption or creating a supportive tech environment
that helps businesses digitalize in the long run. Sectors that have been most affected by
Covid-19 will be the readiest for radical innovation in the future. Greater automation and the
usage of robotics in the medical field are both possible in the future. In circumstances where
the patient must practise physical distancing or is unable to attend a healthcare facility in
person, digital alternatives such as telemedicine will be useful.

4.0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The impacts of the Covid-19 epidemic, which promotes minimising interactions and physical
distance, were extraordinary in 2020. However, technological advancements were
phenomenal at the same period. Traditional industries are being disrupted at an ever-
increasing rate as a result of the exponential rise of technology. Furthermore, the epidemic
has effectively accelerated these changes. Never before have we had the chance to completely
rewrite industries, rethink the problems they address, and reimagine their solutions. There is a
pressing need to develop resilient local industries so that businesses may endure whatever
happens and continue to contribute to national growth. Malaysia must increase its capacity
for innovation in order to remain competitive in a world on the verge of super connectivity.
Deep technologies, like as semiconductors and sensors, have brought digitalisation to our
doorstep, allowing information to be delivered at light speed. Automation has increased as a
result of digitalisation, particularly in jobs that take a long time, have high risks, and are
complicated. The pursuit of a strong growth trajectory by a country can be based on a number
of economic models. Countries may, for example, pursue a high-tech, finance-hub, or
resource-based model, with varied degrees of success. As Malaysia's aspirations are high-
tech, it must choose to invest in high-tech, high-value, technology-based, and inclusive
economic activities that, in turn, contribute to rapid development through a strong science
and technology basis, as South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan have done. The resulting ecosystem
includes government and private sector involvement in talent development, stimulating R&D
and start-up investments, dynamic marketing and commercialization, and strong governance.
Covid-19 has brought the entire world to a halt. Governments all across the world have
placed limits on migration, barring non-residents from entering and even preventing citizens
from travelling abroad. In the face of supply chain disruptions, the World Commerce
Organization (WTO) predicts a drop in global trade of between 13% and 32% by 2020. While
it is understandable that governments have turned inwards to contain the pandemic, it is
critical to guarantee that this is only a temporary response. The solution to Covid-19 is for
countries to retain strong collaboration rather than shutting themselves off from the rest of the
world. People and economies have remained connected despite border restrictions thanks to
openness to foreign investment, cross-border data flows, and digitisation. Governments and
IT businesses must continue to discover methods to improve cross-border digitalisation
efforts as countries prepare to reopen [ CITATION Lim20 \l 2057 ]
To handle future uncertainty, adopting a digital-first approach is vital. The road ahead will
not be simple, and there will be dangers, but we must persevere. Many challenges can't be
solved without collaborations thus we will need to formalise closer collaboration between the
public and private sectors. It is critical to reconsider how governments and businesses might
collaborate more effectively to prepare for the next pandemic. Platform firms like Grab
provide the technology, agility, and extensive network that governments need to maintain a
strong digital culture. As we try to rebuild post-Covid-19, the new normal will need to focus
on practical public-private collaborations to serve the wider community [ CITATION Lim20 \l
2057 ].

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