3 (genuine) reasons why you should consider joining the Malaysia Digital Association

^{As published in MARKETING WEEKENDER ISSUE 302}

One of the effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is that it has strengthened our need to leverage on our community during tough times. Similar to geographical communities, professional communities also play a key role in establishing a members’ coterie. One such community which is formally known as a representative body, is the Malaysia Digital Association.

Founded in 2009, MDA represents 64 companies comprising digital publishers, platforms, advertising agencies, creative agencies and digital service providers. MDA’s ethos as an association is embedded in its mission, which is to be the leading voice in shaping the growth of Malaysia’s digital economy and empower digital businesses and professions to thrive.

To help you understand the depth of benefits a member experiences, we’ve put together 3 genuinely good and honest reasons why you should consider joining MDA or any other representative bodies.

Consistently upskill yourself and let the association help you narrow down necessary trainings

As the saying goes, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest”. However, the problem for professionals in the industry is that they often do not have the time to sift through multiple training options before choosing the best one out there.

MDA Malaysia Digital Association — *MDA 2021 (YTD)*

Here’s where joining an association such as MDA comes in handy. MDA’s officer bearers and council members regularly recommend available upskilling opportunities and members have exclusive access to their recommendations. Aside from that, the association also organises MDA School, a monthly training programme for its members in the area of digital marketing. The courses are designed for juniors and new joiners in the digital marketing and advertising industry.

Most recently, the MDA School virtual launched a four part series on content marketing. Part 1 of the series, titled ‘What 30,000 Malaysians told us about their content habits’ was held on 8 July. During the 90 minute session, two of MDA’s strategic partners deep dove into Malaysian segments and personas.

MDA also releases a quarterly video series covering the latest debated topics in the digital scene to ensure its members are kept up to speed on important developments and innovation.

Additionally, and perhaps one of the most appealing factors to become a member with MDA is that each year, members are entitled to RM3,500 worth for training, masterclass and webinars powered by MDA partners which include Comscore, SimilarWeb, IAB Tech Lab, Facebook, Google and many more.

Have a voice and actually get heard by decision makers

Having a voice is important but actually getting your voices heard at a level that influences decision makers is no easy feat. One of the most important roles of a representative body is advocacy. More specifically, helping decision makers understand what members do in the workplace and why it’s important.

In this sense, the larger the group, the louder the voice, and the more your contribution will be known on a national level. Currently, MDA’s members represent 64 companies and on average, it organises two to three programs per month. What this means is that, not only is MDA a significant voice but it also is constantly contributing knowledge and activities to the industry, strengthening its position simultaneously.

As a representative body that has a vested interest in the digital growth of the nation, MDA ensures that the voices of its members and the organisations they represent, are equally represented.

The association’s resilience in getting its voice heard is also apparent in its efforts to drive industry conversation with both the government and its agencies, such as The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia (CMCF) and Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC).

Through these efforts, MDA has also successfully collaborated with these agencies to execute several initiatives such as the latest consent code revamp and the formation and implementation of the “Single Television and Video audience measurement (STAM).

Build a strong support network with people who actually know their stuff

When you join an association that is specifically in your field of expertise, the more contacts, resources and access to information you will have. Industry sharing is one of the surest ways for you to find solutions to challenges you’ve been facing in your business or career because odds are, someone in the association has “been there/done that”. Very aware of this, MDA started a monthly networking event called Digital Wednesdays.

Digital Wednesdays is a no-frills networking session where members of MDA get together to discuss a specific topic that has been impacting or will impact the industry collectively. While it sounds formal and scripted, MDA’s Digital Wednesday do in fact have a reputation for being an excellent networking event that opens its doors to all members despite their length of experience in the industry.

While associations traditionally are known as a very face to face affair, MDA has been resilient in running the associations successfully despite the pandemic. MDA’s councils with the assistance of its secretariat office, partners and member’s support, have managed to kick off and navigate their activities virtually.

Happening this week is MDA’s latest Digital Wednesday which will be hosted in a new format. On top of the popular virtual Fireside Chat, MDA is expanding Digital Wednesdays into a half-day event. This is so attendees are able to maximize their time with networking opportunities, interactive quizzes and special presentations.

Click here to RSVP for MDA’s half-day Digital Wednesday happening on 18 August.

Exclusive event: To learn more about becoming a member of MDA and to find out the many more perks members are entitled to, visit malaysiandigitalassociation.org.my/ or contact [email protected] for more information.