Background

The history of the establishment of the K-Economy Division (BKE), previously known as the K-Economy Section (SKE), is the result of the restructuring process of the Assessment Unit, Macroeconomic Section, Economic Planning Unit, Prime Minister's Department (EPU, JPM) in 2007. Initially, BKE functioned to implement/create a conducive socio-economic development ecosystem based on knowledge and utilising Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Later, the role of BKE was expanded with the addition of policy functions related to the transformation of public service delivery following the preparation of the Mid-Term Review of the Ninth Malaysia Plan (KSP RMK9) in 2008. In line with the changing megatrends and globalization, the role of BKE as a group of strategic planners for the knowledge-based economy is increasingly expanding as a catalyst for changes in the country's digitalisation policy and the digital economy in line with the explosion of the 4.0 Industrial Revolution (4IR). BKE will remain intact and adaptive in steering knowledge-based economic innovation, especially to the national digitalisation agenda towards the transformation of the public service landscape and a sustainable national digital economy..

Objectives

The K-Economy Division (BKE) is responsible as the strategic planning division regarding the digitalisation agenda and public service delivery at the national level to achieve the following objectives:

• Implement comprehensive socio-economic development planning towards sustainable and inclusive growth;
• Optimising the use of financial resources through effective distribution of development allocations;
• Implement outcome-based monitoring and evaluation of development policies, programs, and projects; and
• Facilitate dealings with stakeholders.

Main Functions

• Strategic Planning for Knowledge-Based/Digital Socio-Economic Development :
  • Formulate socio-economic development policies related to the digitalisation agenda and public service delivery at the national level.
  • Conduct knowledge-based/digital research.
  • Play a role as a strategic planner and advisor to the Government on knowledge-based socio-economic affairs and digitalisation.
  • Conduct impact studies related to knowledge and digital empowerment as well as specific issues that can be used to support the country's socio-economic growth.
  • Provide comments/feedback/input for the Cabinet Meeting, National Economic Action Council, MED4IR (Government Cluster and Economic Cluster) concerning the digitalisation agenda and public service delivery at the national level.
  • Provide comments/feedback/input concerning economic reports from international bodies such as the Asian Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC), Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), World Bank, United Nations and International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the digitalisation agenda and delivery of public services at the national level.
  • Strengthening inclusive development plans, including strengthening the poverty eradication agenda through the implementation of the IPR-BMT for the state of Melaka.
• Distribution of Allocation Resources
  • Plan and evaluate the distribution of ceiling allocations and costs as well as monitor the implementation and expenditure of development projects related to the digitalisation agenda and public service delivery at the national level.
  • Conducting an assessment of development projects related to the digitalisation agenda and public service delivery at the national level that cost more than RM50 million in the Value Management Laboratory (VM Lab).
• Implementation, Coordination and Monitoring of Socio-Economic Development Policies
  • Monitor the progress of national-level ICT development and digitalisation programs, initiatives and projects, especially under the Ministry of Communications, the Ministry of Digital and the Public Service Department.
  • Assess, coordinate and monitor inclusive development, including strengthening the agenda for eradicating extreme poverty at the state level.
• Facilitate Stakeholder Engagement
  • Become a focal point to coordinate and facilitate matters related to the digital economy and digitalisation of public services at the national level.
  • Plan and implement knowledge-based and digital strategic planning capacity development courses for all ministry staff annually.