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Computing and the InternetThe government wants to position Malaysia as a regional and even a global hub for information and communications technology (ICT) and multimedia. ICT is considered to be crucial to achieve a competitive knowledge-based economy. The further development of the Multimedia Super Corridor will play an essential role in the fostering of local capabilities. But ICT usage remains relatively low by international comparison, with 4 million personal computers estimated to have been installed by 2003. The number of Internet subscribers increased from 1.7 million in 2000 to 3.2 million by September 2003. The government estimated in 2003 that there were 8.2 million Internet users, which would give a penetration rate of 32 percent, compared with 40-50 percent in Singapore, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. Malaysia has six Internet service providers, but the government keeps a wary eye on the Internet, fearing uncensored criticism. The government has set a target of 50 percent broadband penetration by 2007[1]. Source: Country background information, UNESCO and World Bank; ICT infrastructure and access, ITU and UNESCO; Computers and the Internet, ITU and WITSA; ICT expenditures, WITSA; ICT business & government environment, World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Report 2002-2003 and Global Information Technology Report 2002-2003 (ratings) and Netcraft (secure servers). See Definitions and Sources for more complete information.
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Computing & Internet Diffusion Telecom Regulation & Liberalization
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