DE Rantau Sarawak Launched to Attract Global Digital Nomads, Strengthening Malaysia’s Position as a Digital Hub

MDEC, in partnership with the Sarawak government, has launched DE Rantau Sarawak, a digital residency program aimed at attracting digital freelancers and remote workers to Malaysia. This initiative is part of the broader DE Rantau programme, which has positioned Malaysia as a preferred destination for global digital nomads.


16 October 2024 – The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), in collaboration with the Sarawak government through the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), has officially launched the DE Rantau Sarawak during the opening ceremony of the International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS) 2024. The launch, announced by YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, Premier of Sarawak, marks a significant milestone in positioning Sarawak as a global digital hub. The event was also graced by YBrs Tuan Ma. Sivanesan A/L Marimuthu, Deputy Secretary-General (Digital Development) of the Ministry of Digital, and YBrs Anuar Fariz Fadzil, CEO of MDEC.

The DE Rantau Sarawak forms a part of the Sarawak Digital Residency Programme (SDRP), inspired by Estonia’s successful E-Residency model. The SDRP aims to attract digital professionals to live and work in Sarawak, with the DE Rantau Sarawak providing a Professional Visit Pass (PVP) that enables digital freelancers and remote workers to stay in both Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia for up to 12 months, with an option for renewal. Applications for the DE Rantau Sarawak will open in Q1 2025.

This initiative is part of Malaysia’s broader DE Rantau programme, launched in 2022, which aims to establish the country as Southeast Asia’s premier destination for digital nomads. DE Rantau has already received 4,059 applications for the Digital Nomad Pass, with 1,988 approved. The top five nationalities applying include individuals from Russia, Pakistan, the UK, Japan, and the USA, with 40% of the pass holders residing in Malaysia with their families.

The DE Rantau programme also includes a strong support system, with 2,076 certified DE Rantau Hubs offering high-speed internet and work-friendly environments across Malaysia. MDEC has partnered with 15 ecosystem partners from sectors such as tourism, healthcare, transport, and co-working spaces to ensure a seamless experience for digital nomads.

The DE Rantau community continues to grow, with active participation in events and programs organized by MDEC and its partners, further demonstrating Malaysia’s appeal as a top destination for remote professionals.

Author: Terry KS

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