About MSC Malaysia Status
MSC Malaysia status was a designation awarded by the Malaysian government — administered by the Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC, now MDEC) — to companies engaged in the creation, use, or supply of multimedia products and services. Companies awarded MSC Malaysia status gained access to the incentives and protections set out in the Bill of Guarantees, including pioneer status tax exemptions, freedom to employ knowledge workers globally, and unrestricted ownership of their companies.
The programme was one of the most comprehensive technology company incentive schemes in Asia — designed to attract both multinational corporations establishing regional operations and local Malaysian technology companies developing world-class products and services. At its peak, over 3,000 companies held MSC Malaysia status, employing more than 140,000 knowledge workers.
Now Malaysia Digital (MD) Status
MSC Malaysia status has been transitioned to Malaysia Digital (MD) status under MDEC — removing the geographic corridor restriction and modernising the incentive framework. Existing MSC Malaysia status companies were invited to migrate to MD status. For current applications and the full list of MD-status companies, visit MDEC.
Eligible Sectors
MSC Malaysia status was available to companies operating across a range of technology and digital economy sectors. The programme was intentionally broad — covering both pure technology companies and businesses using technology to deliver services in other industries.
Software Development
Companies developing software products, applications, platforms, and enterprise systems for domestic and international markets.
Internet & E-Commerce
Online businesses, e-commerce platforms, digital marketplaces, and internet-based service providers.
e-Government Solutions
Companies developing technology solutions for government digitalisation — supporting the e-Government flagship application.
Telehealth & HealthTech
Digital health companies supporting telemedicine, electronic medical records, health information systems, and the Telehealth flagship.
Education Technology
E-learning platforms, educational software, and digital content developers supporting the Smart School flagship application.
Creative Multimedia & Content
Animation studios, game developers, digital film producers, and interactive media companies under the CMC framework.
R&D and Innovation
Technology research and development companies, university spinouts, and innovation-focused businesses in the R&D Cluster flagship.
Shared Services & BPO
Global business services, knowledge process outsourcing, and shared services centres under the Borderless Marketing flagship.
Cybersecurity
Information security companies, managed security service providers, and cybersecurity product developers.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for MSC Malaysia status, a company was required to meet the following criteria as assessed by MDeC:
Be a provider of multimedia products or services — either creating, using, or supplying multimedia products and services as a core business activity
Employ a substantial number of knowledge workers — demonstrating that the company's workforce was primarily engaged in knowledge-intensive activities
Have a credible business plan demonstrating the technology or multimedia nature of the business and its commercial viability
Be willing to locate operations within a designated MSC Malaysia Cybercity or Cybercentre (for the original corridor-based programme)
Comply with the conditions of the MSC Malaysia status award including reporting requirements and continued operation within the approved activities
Bill of Guarantees Incentives
MSC Malaysia status companies were entitled to the protections and incentives set out in the MSC Malaysia Bill of Guarantees — ten commitments by the Malaysian government to creating a world-class environment for technology companies.
Pioneer Status Tax Exemption
Full income tax exemption for up to 10 years — or Investment Tax Allowance of 100% for 5 years — on qualifying activities.
Unrestricted Employment
Freedom to source knowledge workers globally without restriction on nationality — enabling companies to build world-class teams.
Freedom of Ownership
100% foreign ownership permitted for MSC-status companies — removing the equity restrictions that applied to non-MSC companies.
No Duties on Multimedia Equipment
Exemption from import duties on multimedia equipment used directly in MSC-approved activities.
IP Protection
Strong intellectual property protection framework backed by MSC Malaysia cyber laws — including copyright, trade marks, and digital signature legislation.
No Internet Censorship
The landmark commitment enshrined in Section 3(3) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 — a free and open internet guaranteed by statute.
Applying for Malaysia Digital Status
MSC Malaysia status has been replaced by Malaysia Digital (MD) status — administered by MDEC under the Ministry of Digital Malaysia. The MD status framework removes the geographic corridor restriction of the original MSC programme, allowing companies anywhere in Malaysia to apply.
Applications for Malaysia Digital status are submitted through the MDEC portal. For eligibility criteria, the current list of promoted activities, and the application process, visit mdec.my. For investment-related enquiries, the Malaysia Digital Investment Office (MDIO) operated through MIDA provides a single window for digital investment applications.
Historical Company Records
This portal does not maintain a live database of MSC Malaysia status companies. The authoritative current directory of Malaysia Digital (MD) status companies is maintained by MDEC at mdec.my. For historical research on MSC Malaysia status companies, academic and government publications from the relevant period are the primary sources.