KUALA TERENGGANU, 26 August 2024: The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) proudly introduces the DE Rantau@Terengganu, the latest destination for digital nomads seeking tranquillity and cultural richness in Malaysia. Nestled on the eastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Terengganu offers a unique blend of serene beaches, rich cultural heritage, and natural beauty, making it the perfect escape for digital nomads seeking to rejuvenate.
The launch at Kampung Budaya Terengganu was officiated by YB Datuk Razali Idris, the Terengganu State Executive Council for Tourism, Culture, and Environment, representing YAB Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, alongside the Secretary General of the Ministry of Digital, YBhg. Tuan Fabian Bigar and YB Tuan Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh, Chairman of MDEC. Terengganu joins five other DE Rantau locations launched in 2022: Penang, Langkawi, Melaka, Kuala Lumpur, and Perak.
The DE Rantau programme aims to position Malaysia as Southeast Asia's preferred digital nomad destination whilst driving digital adoption and tourism nationwide. Since its introduction in 2022, the DE Rantau Nomad Pass, an immigration facility created specifically for foreign digital nomads, has also been improved. It is now accessible to non-tech professionals, enabling a broader range of global talents to experience working remotely from Malaysia.
Additionally, the requirement for submitting a Bank Guarantee for citizens of China and Bangladesh has been replaced with the option of either a security bond or a personal bond. This adjustment reflects MDEC's commitment to making Malaysia more accessible and welcoming to global digital nomads. The DE Rantau Nomad Pass has received over 3,500 applications, with 1,741 applications approved.
The programme also offers a vibrant ecosystem with 2,183 DE Rantau Hubs, which are accommodations certified by MDEC for their strategic and safe locations, high-speed broadband connectivity, and work-friendly amenities. Furthermore, MDEC has partnered with 16 DE Rantau Ecosystem Partners in various sectors such as transport, tourism, cashless services, healthcare, insurance, and co-working spaces.
The DE Rantau@Terengganu launch was made special with a Familiarisation Trip (Fam Trip) organised by the Terengganu State Tourism Department and MDEC. Over three days and two nights, forty local and foreign digital nomads and their family members will be taken to several major tourist spots, including the Terengganu Drawbridge, the Terengganu River Cruise, Kapas Island, the Crystal Mosque, Payang Market, and other significant attractions in Kuala Terengganu.
MDEC remains committed to creating destinations where digital nomads can thrive, recharge, and find new inspirations while living in Malaysia. The growing DE Rantau digital nomad community, actively participating in events and programmes organised by MDEC and its ecosystem partners, underscores DE Rantau’s effectiveness and Malaysia's appeal as a digital nomad destination.
For more information and to apply for the DE Rantau Nomad Pass, please visit www.mdec.my/derantau.
-END-
Issued by:
Corporate Communications Division
Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC)
