In this rapidly accelerating era of digitalisation, digital transformation serves as a key pillar in ensuring the government remains relevant, efficient, and competitive. Correspondingly, public sector organisational leadership plays a significant role in the success of the nation’s digital transformation.

Background

Digital leadership in the public sector has started as early as the year 2000, when Chief Information Officers (CIOs) were appointed in line with the Directive Letter on the Appointment of Public Sector CIOs issued by the Chief Secretary to the Government (Surat Arahan Penamaan CIO Sektor Awam oleh Ketua Setiausaha Negara) on 22 March 2000. At the time, the role of the CIO was to determine strategies to achieve the vision and objectives of ICT development and implementation within their respective agencies.

In 2022, in alignment with the digital transformation outlined in the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint (MDEB), all agency CIOs were transformed into Chief Digital Officers (CDOs) to expand and strengthen the existing CIO role. The appointment of CDOs across the public sector acts as a catalyst for change, driving a strategic and effective approach to improving the quality of service delivery to the public through digitalisation.

Continuous efforts are being carried out to ensure CDOs can execute their responsibilities effectively. In May 2025, the Public Sector Chief Digital Officer (CDO) Guidelines document was published as a reference for public sector CDOs to empower their duties and roles in driving and realising the nation's digitalisation agenda.

Roles of the Public Sector CDO

1. Lead digitalisation initiatives to deliver services that are secure, efficient, smart, trusted, and tailored to meet public needs and user experience.