Request for Proposal (RFP): Procurement of a Research Partner to Support Malaysia Centre4IR’s Integrated 4IR Baseline Study & Agile Regulation Study
Procurement Notice
Request for Proposal (RFP): Procurement of a Research Partner to Support Malaysia Centre4IR’s Integrated 4IR Baseline Study & Agile Regulation Study
Introduction:
MyDIGITAL Corporation is seeking proposals from experienced and qualified research partners for a 12-month period to support Malaysia Centre4IR in the delivery of an Integrated 4IR Baseline Study and Agile Regulation Study in May 2027. This engagement will consist of two 6-month phases, with the 4IR Baseline Study and the Agile Regulation Study being conducted in parallel. Preliminary reports for both studies will be presented at the end of Phase 1. Subject to approval of the preliminary reports, Phase 2 will involve analysis and validation of additional focus areas.
The Baseline Study will establish a national benchmark on 4IR adoption and ecosystem readiness, enabling the Government to track progress against MD2030 targets. In parallel, the Agile Regulation Study will assess the readiness of Malaysia’s regulatory frameworks to support emerging technologies and propose forward-looking, outcome-based approaches to governance.
Together, these studies will provide an evidence-based foundation to inform policy design, strengthen inter-ministerial coordination, and support Malaysia’s transition towards an innovation-driven and digitally enabled economy.
Summary Scope of Work:
The research partner is required to conduct a baseline study, which involves performing desktop/secondary research and analysis to prepare a comprehensive report assessing the adoption, maturity, and deployment levels of key 4IR technologies, including:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- Robotics and Automation
- Blockchain (Distributed Ledger Technology)
- Cloud Computing and Big Data Analytics
- Advanced Materials and Technologies
- Quantum Technologies
- Robotics and Automation
The baseline study will also cover sector-specific assessments to evaluate 4IR adoption and impact, with initial focus on:
- Phase 1: Healthcare, Agriculture, Transportation, Manufacturing
- Phase 2: To be decided
Note:
- Technology focus areas and sectoral coverage are illustrative and non-exhaustive.
- Forum bolded technologies are technology areas which should be the key focus of the study.
Meanwhile, the research partner will also develop a complementary study focusing on agile regulation to support 4IR technology adoption.
Key components include:
- Assessment of current regulatory frameworks, including data protection, sandbox mechanisms, and IP regimes
- Identification of regulatory gaps and constraints that hinder innovation and experimentation
- Development of an outcome-based regulatory framework to ensure technology neutrality and adaptability
- Design of experimental regulatory tools, including sandboxes and innovation hubs
- Proposals for risk-based and data-driven supervision models
- Recommendations for collaborative governance approaches, including industry co-regulation and cross-border alignment
Eligibility Criteria (Qualified research partners should have):
- Experience in technology policy, AI governance, digital transformation or related fields.
- Relevant experience in conducting baseline studies at the Malaysian or ASEAN level.
- Strong understanding of the 4IR ecosystem, including policy, regulatory and governance aspects in the Malaysian context.
- Demonstrated ability to engage with high-level stakeholders across governments, private sector and academia.
- Excellent research, analysis and report-writing skills.
Proposal Submission:
- Interested organisations are invited to fill out the registration form at link [Registration Form] and submit the Non-Disclosure Agreement to the Procurement Secretariat at admin@mydigital.gov.my with email subject: NDA 4IR Baseline Study <Company Name>
- Please note that only research partners who successfully register their interest and submit a signed NDA by the deadline will be eligible to proceed with the proposal submission.
Deadlines:
- Registration of interest and submission of the NDA is by 12.00 noon on Monday, 18 May 2026.
- Upon receipt and verification of the signed NDA, we will send the Terms of Reference document to the registered email. The Proposal must be submitted by 12.00 noon on Friday, 22 May 2026.
Terms and Conditions:
MyDIGITAL Corporation reserves the right to reject any or all registrations or proposals and to negotiate with any service provider.