Maxis continues strong digital transformation drive with first-of-its-kind Digital Readiness Index tool 

• An online, interactive self-assessment tool with potential to generate actionable insights on the state of digitalisation for businesses, industries and Government

• In conjunction with the launch, Maxis and MEDAC to collaborate on initiatives leveraging the DRI to spur digital transformation in the country

• Maxis committed to bringing together the best technologies to enable people, businesses and nation to Always be Ahead in a changing world

Continuing to help businesses accelerate digital transformation in the country, Maxis has officially launched the Digital Readiness Index (DRI), the first-of-its-kind online, interactive self-assessment tool that helps companies of all sizes across industries assess their level of digital readiness. 

Speaking remotely at the virtual launch was YB Dato Sri Dr. Haji Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, Minster of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (MEDAC), as well as Paul McManus, Maxis’ Chief Enterprise Business Officer.

“As the global community faces the challenges of the pandemic, the SME sector continues to play a vital role as a buffer for Malaysia’s economy, which is why we remain committed to helping them through our digitalisation initiatives. For SMEs and entrepreneurs to grow in the domestic market and even expand into international markets, digital readiness will be imperative. Going digital is not an option but a necessity for survival. We therefore welcome the DRI initiative, which is in line with the Ministry’s vision to foster a holistic and conducive ecosystem of entrepreneurship in the country,” said YB Dato Sri Dr. Haji Wan Junaidi.

“From our studies and continuous engagement with SMEs over the years, it’s clear that this segment needs strong support to adapt to a rapidly changing landscape and to accelerate digitalisation. The DRI has the potential to generate actionable insights on the state of digital transformation of businesses and industries in the nation, including for Government particularly as a consideration for policy implementation and best practices for digital adoption. This is line with our commitment to enable businesses and the nation to Always be Ahead in a changing world,” said Paul McManus.

In conjunction with the launch, Maxis and MEDAC will be collaborating on several initiatives through the Ministry’s agencies – National Entrepreneurship Institute (INSKEN), TEKUN Nasional and Co-operative Institute of Malaysia (IKKM). These include incorporating the DRI into INSKEN’s ongoing targeted modules and trainings, exploring collaboration on Maxis’ Digital Entrepreneurship Workshop, and digital solutions for the Micro and SME segments. Maxis will also be sharing yearly updates of digital readiness in the country with the agencies through insights generated from the DRI to help them measure digital adoption rates in the country.

How the Digital Readiness Index works
To get started, participants can take the DRI survey, which analyses three key pillars in business: Customer Satisfaction, Employee Productivity and Operational Efficiency. A formula determines the score for each pillar that tabulates a total score to gauge digital readiness – ranging from ‘Ready’, ‘Nearly Ready’, ‘Not Ready’ and ‘At Risk’. Along with comprehensive and personalised insights into their business, the final report provides competitor analysis, industry benchmarking as well as recommendations on the most suitable digital solutions for their needs. Companies can also opt to follow up with guidance from dedicated Maxis consultants. 

Maxis collaborated with Vodafone on the DRI to tap into their experience with launching a similar Index in Europe that empowered small businesses to kickstart their digitalisation journey.

Early Insights
Initial results from the DRI tool among 2,000 SMEs across the retail, manufacturing, transportation, hotel, restaurant and cafe (HoReCa), oil and gas, Government and GLC, and professional services industries, revealed interesting insights:

• 58% of Malaysian SMEs are categorised as ‘Not Ready’ in reaching its full potential in embracing digital technologies to a greater extent to reap the benefits in efficiency, productivity, customer experience and employee satisfaction.
• The use of digital tools for customer engagement is still at a basic level with 61% using email and 40% using social media as main communication channels to customers.
• Companies are most digitalised in the Efficiency pillar and least digitalised in the Customer Engagement pillar.
• Only 26% of SMEs in the transportation, manufacturing, trade, and oil and gas sector track their company's vehicles digitally.

Helping Organisations Accelerate Digital Adoption
Earlier, Maxis launched its Retransformation campaign as a commitment to partner corporations on their large-scale digital transformation journeys. The call for corporations to re-evaluate their DX approach was reinforced by an IDC InfoBrief commissioned by Maxis, titled Digital Transformation in Malaysia 2020. As a Technology Solutions Provider identified by MDEC, Maxis has also been helping SMEs maximise their digital aspirations with its widest range of connectivity and digital solutions through the SME Digitalisation Grant, including digital marketing, electronic Point-of Sale, remote working and eCommerce solutions. SMEs will benefit from a single Maxis touchpoint for a complete digital onboarding experience available across one of the widest retail networks nationwide.

For more information and to take the DRI survey, please visit https://business.maxis.com.my/digital-index/