Senior Manager, State Office (Southern Office)

Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC); Johor Bahru; On-site; MYR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading digital economy organization is seeking a candidate to lead the development and execution of ecosystem strategies in the Southern Region. This role involves overseeing digital initiatives, fostering partnerships, and ensuring project alignment with corporate strategy. Candidates should have extensive experience in digital economy development and possess strong skills in stakeholder management and strategic planning. This position is essential for enhancing the competitiveness of the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years experience in digital economy development or strategic partnerships.
• Proven leadership in industry growth and managing strategic projects.
• Strong understanding of Malaysia’s digital and industrial landscape.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic initiatives for the digital ecosystem in the Southern Region.
• Serve as MDEC’s representative for JS-SEZ digital initiatives.
• Oversee day-to-day operations and monitor key performance indicators.

Skills

Stakeholder negotiation

Strategic planning

Problem-solving

Leadership

Education

Master/Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, Technology, Public Policy

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Job description

Job Purpose

This role leads the development and execution of ecosystem strategies for the Southern Region with a special focus on the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). The position drives high‑impact initiatives that accelerate digital industry growth and strengthen state‑level competitiveness.

The role is responsible for shaping the strategic direction of the regional digital economy, deepening multinational and local partnerships, and ensuring alignment between national and state priorities. Strong understanding of public‑private sector dynamics is required to navigate emerging opportunities, coordinate ecosystem actors, and deliver measurable impact to the region.

Duties And Responsibilities

Strategic Planning and Ecosystem Development:

• Lead strategic initiatives that strengthen the digital ecosystem in the Southern Region including:
• JS‑SEZ digital economy initiatives;
• Next‑Generation Technology adoption and innovation including leading initiatives within the region such as AI Growth Zone; and
• Other aspects essential to the development of the digital ecosystem.
• Identify ecosystem gaps and opportunities for catalytic interventions such as tech clusters, testbeds, incentive packages, and industry‑academic collaboration.
• Drive ecosystem maturation by coordinating enablers for talent, funding, infrastructure, and cross‑border partnerships.
• Ensure the effective implementation of strategic projects in the identified areas aligned to the region’s strategic plans and/or strengths.
• Ensure that all initiatives are aligned with corporate strategy, deliver measurable impact, and support long‑term sustainability.
• Develop and maintain project frameworks, governance models, KPIs, and reporting mechanisms to ensure transparency and accountability.

Stakeholder Management And Communication

• Serve as MDEC’s lead representative for JS‑SEZ digital initiatives and engagements with government agencies, investment authorities, multinational corporations, tech companies, and industry associations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with cross‑border stakeholders (e.g. Singapore agencies, private sector partners, global firms) to support investment facilitation and ecosystem development.
• Engage with state government, local councils, academia, and regulators to coordinate JS‑SEZ and other state initiatives.
• Develop communication plan for Southern Region.

Leadership, Data And Operational Management

• Provide leadership and guidance to the regional state office team in relation to business planning and KPI setting to achieve the goals of the unit.
• Oversee day‑to‑day operations of the unit, ensuring smooth delivery of JS‑SEZ initiatives and ecosystem programmes.
• Monitor key performance indicators, including ecosystem maturity indicators, and JS‑SEZ project milestones.
• Identify and integrate relevant datasets to improve state digital economy dashboards, investment intelligence, and regional ecosystem analytics.
• Drive operational excellence by improving workflows, mitigating risks, and ensuring high‑quality execution across all projects and programmes.

Qualifications

• Master/Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, Technology, Public Policy, or related areas.
• Minimum 10 years experience in digital economy development, investment facilitation, ecosystem building, or strategic partnerships.
• Proven leadership in driving industry or ecosystem growth, managing strategic projects, and securing high‑value partnerships or investments.
• Strong understanding of Malaysia’s digital and industrial landscape including cross‑border dynamics under JS‑SEZ.
• Exceptional communication, stakeholder negotiation, and strategic planning skills.
• Self‑driven, analytical, and able to thrive in complex multi‑stakeholder environments.

Competency Required

• Engage and build relationship with state leadership and senior stakeholders.
• Leadership with strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Problem‑solving and analytical skills.
• Thought leadership - remain at the forefront of technological advancements and digital innovation
• Confidence with commercial and nation‑building mindset - ability to represent MDEC in the region and build strong partnerships.
• Project management - leads projects, plans, guides teams, works fast.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).