Malaysia to offer new visa to attract blockchain experts

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Malaysia still may be unsure about its position on cryptocurrencies, but it recognizes the value of the blockchain. The country’s government is going to use the technology to track food supply chains and could move agricultural and energy projects to the blockchain, as well. Now, in order to support blockchain innovation, the government is introducing a new visa program specifically designed to attract technology experts.

According to Techwire Asia, Malaysia announced during Malaysia Tech Week, which was held, June 17-21, that it had created a new short-term visa program for techies, specifically those who can support blockchain projects. The media outlet quotes Norhizam Abdul Kadir, the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation Growth Ecosystem Development VP, as saying, “We will be kicking it (the program) 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.”

The visa program will be introduced with the assistance of the NEM Foundation, a blockchain company out of Singapore, and Estonia-based employment portal Jobbatical. NEM will work on defining the skills that are needed, while Jobbatical will provide the source of talent from overseas markets. The program is similar to those found in other countries, such as the Thai SMART visa in Thailand and the Technology Talent Admission Scheme in Hong Kong.

Malaysia recognizes that the blockchain can be a valuable part of its growth, but also understands that there is a lack of local talent. The founder and chairman of SG Education Group, Seri Ganesh Palaniapan, commented to media outlet Bernama, “In terms of preparing the necessary skilled manpower (for Industry 4.0), Indonesia and Singapore are far ahead (of Malaysia) because they have specific programs for their workers to learn from.”

Part of the responsibilities of the blockchain pool that is brought in will be to train local residents in blockchains. The visa program will help Malaysia improve its overall position in digital transformation and put it in a stronger position to operate in the global space. It will also help it become more transparent and trustworthy in supply chains for many of its trade relationships, such as the exportation of palm oil and the importation of consumables such as fruits and vegetables.