Digital transformation in operations, marketing, and customer engagement is essential – Forvis Mazars’ William How

He explored strategies on driving innovation and long-term value in Malaysia’s tech landscape.

Malaysia’s digital transformation is accelerating, driven by innovation, investments, and government support. Businesses must go beyond adoption, ensuring long-term value and competitiveness in the region’s evolving tech landscape.

William How, Group innovation Lead at Forvis Mazars in Malaysia, offered valuable insights, bringing extensive experience in cloud accounting and ERP systems across complex financial ecosystems. He enhances financial system efficiency, collaborates with stakeholders to implement tailored solutions, and drives sustainable business success through seamless technology integration.

Previously, he held a senior finance role at PwC, leading cloud-based accounting and ERP solutions and data migration. He began his career at Ernst & Young, auditing clients across various sectors and gaining expertise in forensic auditing to strengthen financial management and mitigate risks.

As a judge at the Malaysia Technology Excellence Awards 2025, William How discussed Malaysia’s rapid digital growth, the need for stronger R&D, and the importance of sustainable, high-impact innovation.

How would you assess the current state of technological innovation amongst businesses in Malaysia?

The technological innovation landscape in Malaysia is showing strong progress, with substantial investments and government initiatives driving the country toward becoming a regional tech hub. Major global tech companies, such as Microsoft and Oracle, are investing in the nation's digital infrastructure, notably through data centre developments in Johor and plans for a Microsoft cloud region. These investments are set to generate significant economic benefits, including job creation and the growth of cloud and AI capabilities in Southeast Asia.

The government is also supporting this transformation through initiatives like the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint (MyDIGITAL) and SME digitalisation grants, aiming to enhance Malaysia's position in the global tech industry. However, challenges remain, particularly amongst SMEs, which face barriers to adopting digital technologies due to financial constraints and a lack of technical expertise. This digital divide highlights the need for continued support, including upskilling programmes and financial assistance to help SMEs fully leverage the potential of the digital economy.

Additionally, there is room for improvement in research and development (R&D), as many companies, both multinational and domestic, focus on low-value-added processes. Strengthening R&D efforts and fostering innovation will be essential for Malaysia to build local expertise and drive long-term technological growth.

Overall, Malaysia is on a promising path toward technological advancement, with ample opportunities for businesses, particularly SMEs, to capitalise on digital transformation, supported by ongoing government initiatives and strategic infrastructure development.

What strategies can businesses use to ensure technology adoption delivers long-term value beyond initial implementation?

To ensure that technology adoption delivers long-term value in Malaysia, businesses should focus on several key strategies tailored to the local market. First, aligning technology with business goals is essential, especially as Malaysia continues to push digital transformation through initiatives like Industry 4.0. Companies should ensure technology investments improve productivity, scalability, and innovation in core industries such as manufacturing and services. Continuous employee training is critical to developing a skilled workforce capable of adapting to emerging technologies like AI and IoT, which are central to Malaysia’s growth in the digital economy.

Regular monitoring and evaluation of technology performance are necessary to address issues early and adapt to shifting market conditions and regulations, such as the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA). Businesses should foster a culture of innovation, encouraging employees to integrate new technologies and improve processes, which aligns with Malaysia's push for greater R&D and innovation.

Scalability and flexibility in technology solutions are key, especially as businesses look to expand in the region. Cloud-based and adaptable solutions can support growth whilst staying relevant to the evolving market. Establishing long-term partnerships with technology vendors ensures businesses have access to continuous updates and tailored solutions that meet their needs.

Data-driven decision-making, supported by Malaysia's growing digital infrastructure, enables businesses to make informed decisions and optimise operations. Lastly, adopting an agile approach to technology allows businesses to continuously improve and adjust to changes in a fast-paced tech environment. By focussing on these strategies, Malaysian businesses can ensure technology adoption drives long-term success and growth.

In your view, how can businesses improve their approach to digital upskilling and workforce readiness amidst the rapid advancement of technology?

To improve digital upskilling and workforce readiness in response to rapid technological advancements, businesses should adopt the following strategies:

First, companies should establish a clear digital upskilling strategy that aligns with their digital transformation goals. This involves identifying future skill requirements and developing targeted training programmes to address these needs across the organisation.

Personalised learning paths are also crucial. Training should be tailored to employees' specific roles and career paths, enabling them to learn at their own pace and focus on the most relevant skills for their responsibilities.

A culture of continuous learning is essential. Businesses can promote this by offering incentives, recognition, and career growth opportunities for employees who invest in their own upskilling, reinforcing the idea that learning is an ongoing process.

Integrating technology into daily operations is another key strategy. By embedding digital tools and technologies into workflows, employees gain hands-on experience, improving their skill development and comfort with technology in real-time contexts.

Collaborating with educational institutions and industry experts ensures employees have access to the latest knowledge and certifications. These partnerships help businesses stay ahead of emerging trends and technology, ensuring their workforce remains competitive.

Utilising digital learning platforms offers flexible, accessible training, allowing employees to learn at their own pace and from anywhere. This scalability ensures upskilling efforts are efficient and reach a broader workforce.

Encouraging cross-departmental knowledge sharing fosters collaboration, allowing employees to exchange digital tools and practices. This improves digital competency across the organisation.

Finally, regularly measuring the effectiveness of upskilling programmes is essential. By tracking metrics such as performance improvements and employee satisfaction, businesses can refine their programmes to meet organisational and employee needs.

By implementing these strategies, businesses can build a workforce that is adaptable, skilled, and prepared to thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

With your extensive experience, in what ways can Malaysian businesses better leverage technology to stay competitive regionally and globally?

To remain competitive regionally and globally, Malaysian businesses must strategically leverage technology by embracing digital transformation in key areas such as operations, marketing, and customer engagement. Technologies like cloud computing, AI, and IoT can streamline processes, improve productivity, and enhance customer experiences, which are essential for competing in both local and international markets. Data analytics also plays a crucial role, enabling businesses to make data-driven decisions, optimise operations, and personalise products and services to better meet the needs of customers.

As e-commerce continues to grow in Malaysia and across Southeast Asia, strengthening digital platforms will allow businesses to reach broader markets and expand their customer base beyond traditional boundaries. Malaysian companies should also invest in research and development (R&D) to foster innovation and create new products or services that cater to evolving global demands, in line with initiatives like Malaysia’s Digital Economy Blueprint (MyDIGITAL).

Given the increasing reliance on digital platforms, cybersecurity is another priority. By adopting robust cybersecurity measures, businesses can safeguard sensitive data and build trust with both local and international clients. Forming strategic partnerships with local and global tech providers, as well as collaborating with startups and research institutions, can provide access to new technologies and expertise, further enhancing innovation.

Lastly, continuous employee upskilling is vital in keeping the workforce adept at using emerging technologies. By investing in training programmes, Malaysian businesses can ensure that employees are well-equipped to adapt to new digital tools, improving efficiency and enabling businesses to remain agile and responsive to market changes. This holistic approach will help Malaysian businesses thrive in a competitive global landscape.

Looking ahead, in what ways do you think Malaysia’s technology ecosystem will evolve in the coming years?

Looking ahead, Malaysia’s technology ecosystem is poised for significant growth and evolution, driven by both government initiatives and global technological trends. The country’s push for a digital economy, as outlined in the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint (MyDIGITAL), will accelerate the adoption of technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, the Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain. These technologies are expected to be integrated across various industries, from manufacturing and agriculture to healthcare and finance, driving innovation and improving efficiency.

The adoption of Industry 5.0 will play a key role, particularly in the manufacturing sector, with more businesses embracing automation, robotics, and smart factories to enhance productivity and competitiveness. As Malaysia becomes a regional hub for digital innovation, we can expect increased collaboration between startups, established businesses, and tech giants, fostering a vibrant ecosystem for tech development and innovation.

The rise of e-commerce and digital platforms will continue to expand, especially with Malaysia’s growing internet penetration and digital-savvy population. This will open up new opportunities for businesses to tap into regional and global markets. Additionally, fintech will continue to grow, with Malaysia becoming a leader in digital banking, payments, and financial inclusion, supported by initiatives like Bank Negara Malaysia’s Financial Sector Blueprint.

Cybersecurity will also be a critical area of focus, as the country seeks to protect its growing digital infrastructure. The development of secure digital frameworks and cyber resilience will be crucial to maintaining trust and ensuring the protection of sensitive data.

In the coming years, Malaysia’s technology ecosystem will likely see more public-private partnerships, increased funding for tech startups, and a stronger focus on research and development to further strengthen the country's digital capabilities. With a clear emphasis on sustainability, smart cities, and green technologies, Malaysia is positioning itself to evolve as a leader in both digital innovation and sustainable tech solutions in the ASEAN region.

As a judge for the Malaysia Technology Excellence Awards 2025, what key qualities and innovations will you be looking for in the nominees?

As a judge for the Malaysia Technology Excellence Awards 2025, I will be looking for nominees that truly exemplify innovation, growth, and positive impact across various sectors. I’ll be inspired by groundbreaking technologies that challenge traditional methods and open up new possibilities, offering transformative solutions that have the potential to revolutionise industries. The best innovations will not only address immediate challenges but also show scalability and long-term growth potential, allowing businesses to adapt and thrive in an ever-evolving environment. I’ll place strong emphasis on technologies that deliver transformational business impact—enhancing efficiency, boosting productivity, and improving customer experiences, whilst also driving meaningful progress within their industries.

Sustainability will be a significant focus, and I’ll highly value solutions that contribute to a greener future, whether through energy efficiency, reducing waste, or promoting eco-friendly practices in line with Malaysia’s sustainability goals. I will also look for innovations that are human-centred, ensuring that they make life easier, more accessible, and more enjoyable for users, whilst addressing real-world pain points in intuitive and seamless ways.

Security and data privacy will be essential criteria; I’ll be particularly impressed by technologies that prioritise user trust, ensuring robust protection and transparency. I’ll also celebrate innovations that promote collaboration and contribute to building stronger, more inclusive ecosystems, bringing together businesses, communities, and sectors to solve shared challenges. Finally, I will be inspired by visionary leaders who not only create exceptional technology but also have a bold, forward-thinking vision that is shaping the future and driving positive change.

As Neil Armstrong famously said, "That is one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." The technologies and innovations we celebrate today represent those small steps towards a brighter future—each one a powerful catalyst for progress. Whilst we’ve taken the first step, there is a long journey ahead, one full of potential to shape a better, more sustainable world for Malaysia and beyond.