Trade, Tech, and the Trump Factor: What Malaysia Gave Up, and Gained

Alexander Wong, Co-Founder, SoyaCincau

30-Oct-25 11:00

Trade, Tech, and the Trump Factor: What Malaysia Gave Up, and Gained

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Malaysia’s new trade deal with the United States has been hailed as an economic win, but it also comes with digital strings attached. Under the agreement, US tech giants are exempted from Malaysia’s digital services tax and contributions to the Universal Service Provision Fund, while Washington gains a consultative role over "trusted" 5G and 6G suppliers.

Alexander Wong, Co-Founder of SoyaCincau, joins us to explore what these clauses mean for Malaysia’s digital sovereignty, local startups, and the future of our tech ecosystem.

Produced by: Richard Bradbury

Presented by: Richard Bradbury

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Categories: technology, economy

Tags: US trade agreement, Malaysia Digital Services Tax, Universal Service Provision Fund, tech giants, tech ecosystem,

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