On Tuesday, Airbnb and the Malaysia Digital Financial system Company (MDEC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collectively discover and market greater than 600 Airbnb properties appropriate for digital nomads. The settlement, introduced at MDEC Bangsar South, goals to make Malaysia a most well-liked vacation spot for digital nomads in Southeast Asia..
“This collaboration exemplifies our unwavering dedication to driving digital transformation and enriching the digital economic system. By Airbnb’s international platform, providing numerous lodging choices to swimsuit digital nomads’ preferences, we’re poised to unlock boundless alternatives for distant staff and propel Malaysia as a number one hub for the area” stated, MDEC chief govt officer Mahadhir Aziz.
The MOU enhances MDEC’s DE Rantau program, which goals to market Malaysia as a Southeast Asian hub for digital nomads whereas selling digital utilization, skilled mobility and tourism throughout the nation. Underneath the initiative, nomadic passes are issued to overseas or native contributors, permitting them to journey and work remotely in MDEC’s nomadic facilities all through Malaysia.
The Airbnb properties which are appropriate for digital nomads shall be present in fashionable vacationer locations together with Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Penang, and Langkawi.
The evolution of distant work, fueled by the pandemic, has spawned a brand new model of journey, based on Steven Liew, director of public coverage at Airbnb Asia Pacific.
“MDEC’s DE Rantau initiative will assist encourage higher digital adoption {and professional} mobility whereas driving tourism restoration in the long run. We’ll proceed working hand in hand with the federal government to make sure that vacationers proceed to get pleasure from quite a lot of distinctive stays at completely different value factors — be it for a digital nomad touring solo for a month, or a household having fun with a weekend getaway,” stated Liew.
He stated that hosts who wish to develop into MDEC-certified should provide facilities corresponding to high-speed Web, designated workstations, and kitchen and laundry areas which are appropriate for prolonged stays. Mahadhir defined that along with facilities, a vibrant setting is vital for digital nomads.
In response to Mahadhir, MDEC at the moment has about 1,400 nomad-ready hubs and expects to have 2,000 hubs by the top of the yr.
