Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has emphasized the importance of nurturing local talent in blockchain technology to ensure Malaysians benefit from increasing investments in the sector. During a recent meeting with representatives from Klickl, a company specializing in finance and digital asset solutions, Anwar discussed Malaysia’s potential in blockchain adoption. He highlighted the need for improved regulatory frameworks, referencing global best practices to refine Malaysia’s blockchain policies. Addressing the Blockchain Talent Gap Malaysia has already begun integrating blockchain into various sectors, including tracking its food supply chain and exploring its application in energy and agriculture projects. However, a significant challenge remains—finding skilled talent to drive these initiatives forward. To address the skills gap, Malaysia has launched a new short-term visa program to attract international blockchain professionals. The initiative, introduced during Malaysia Tech Week, aims to bring in skilled freelancers to support blockchain projects in the country. “We will be kicking it off starting with blockchain jobs. The number of visas to be issued depends on the projects that will be run by blockchain companies in Malaysia,” said Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) Growth Ecosystem Development Vice-President Norhizam Abdul Kadir. A Step Towards Blockchain Leadership in Southeast Asia The program is a collaboration between Singapore-based NEM Foundation and Estonia-based job platform Jobbatical. While the NEM Foundation will define the skill sets required, Jobbatical will help source talent from global markets. Industry experts, including SG Education Group Founder and Chairman Seri Ganesh Palaniapan, have acknowledged Malaysia’s lag in developing blockchain talent compared to neighboring countries like Singapore and Indonesia. To bridge the gap, the visa program is expected to not only attract skilled professionals but also help train local talent in blockchain technology. Similar initiatives exist across Southeast Asia, including Thailand’s SMART visa and Hong Kong’s Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS). However, Malaysia’s blockchain-specific visa gives the country a unique edge in accelerating digital transformation. By fostering blockchain expertise, Malaysia aims to enhance transparency and efficiency in industries such as finance, government services, and the halal industry. With technology playing an increasingly vital role in economic development, strategic investments in blockchain talent and regulatory improvements will position Malaysia as a regional leader in digital innovation.