KUALA LUMPUR: The National ICT Association of Malaysia (Pikom) has recommended that more incentives be introduced in the 2018 Budget to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
In a statement, it said monetary assistance should be offered to students who choose to pursue additional online courses purchasing technology or procuring additional resources.
Companies that provide scholarships for STEM-related courses or training employees in core areas such as data science and cybersecurity should also be entitled to enhanced corporate incentives, Pikom added.
It also recommends that the government accelerate the use of disruptive ICT technologies such as advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, internet of things (IoT) and blockchain among others.
Pikom also suggested that that big ticket IT products such as laptops and smartphones, and a tax relief of RM3,000 to be exercisable annually and to cover personal computers (PC), tablets and smartphones.
It also called for the inclusion of IT products and services into the list of zero-rated goods and services tax (GST) .
Pikom also recommends the reintroduction of the Employees Providend Fund (EPF) PC scheme and the reduction of broadband prices to be on par with other countries.
Keywords: Pikom, Budget 2018, technology, science, STEM, smartphones, technology, blockchain, IoT