Chinese tech giant Huawei celebrated 15 years of operations in Malaysia on Wednesday. That came as the country’s prime minister witnessed the launch of a new innovation centre.
 
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak was impressed by what he saw as he toured Huawei’s new Customer Solution Innovation Experience Center.
 
The center showcases Huawei’s latest innovations in the areas of virtual reality, smart homes and safe cities. The center is about more than just selling products, though. It also is a platform for its partners to develop and validate new products and solutions.

Huawei also co-hosted a digital economy forum to marks its years in Malaysia.
 
“We also need to have partnerships with local players, with local talent," said Ryan Ding Yun, president, Products and Solutions, Huawei Technologies.

"So we build up this CSIC platform we hope we could work together with our industry partners to continue to contribute to Malaysia, to contribute to empower the digital economy for the next decade.”
 
Malaysia launched the Multimedia Super Corridor in the 1990s, aiming to turn the country into an IT hub. Malaysia has had a few successful I-T startups and has attracted numerous multinational tech companies. But it hasn’t become the hotbed of innovation it hoped for.

Malayasia’s biggest success has been in attracting call centres and other outsourcing work. Huawei has also established a regional customer care centre here.

In addition, it has established a regional data-hosting centre and opened its first overseas training facility. The company seems to be just the kind of tech investor Malaysia is keen to welcome.

“We have much to learn from the advances that China has made in growing and developing its own internet technology space. I encourage collaborations and cooperation for the mutual benefit of Malaysia and China…the potential is limitless,” Malaysian PM Najib Razak said.
 
Malaysia hopes the digital economy forum will help attract more Chinese I-T companies to invest…and follow Huwei’s lead -- and help Malaysia climb the technology ladder.