Draft:Digital landscape of Myanmar

• Comment: Wikipedia is not a place for blatant advertising. Greenman (talk) 09:32, 5 April 2025 (UTC)

• Comment: In accordance with Wikipedia's Conflict of interest policy, I disclose that I have a conflict of interest regarding the subject of this article. Primeperfectcreativedragon (talk) 08:04, 4 April 2025 (UTC)

---

Myanmar's digital landscape has undergone significant transformation in recent years, driven by increased internet penetration, the proliferation of mobile technology, and a burgeoning e-commerce sector. As of 2025, internet penetration in Myanmar is estimated to reach 51.96%, with approximately 4.8 million households having access to the internet. This expansion has facilitated the rapid growth of the digital economy, with e-commerce revenue projected to reach USD 3.78 billion in 2025. Social media platforms have also seen substantial user engagement; for instance, Facebook maintains a significant presence with 18.5 million users as of December 2024 . Despite these advancements, challenges such as digital literacy, infrastructure development, and regulatory frameworks continue to influence the trajectory of Myanmar's digital evolution.

The proliferation of mobile devices has played a pivotal role in this digital evolution, facilitating greater access to online platforms and services. Concurrently, the e-commerce sector has experienced substantial growth, driven by the rising demand for digital services and the expansion of online marketplaces.

Myanmar's digital landscape offers insights into the country's economic development, as the digital economy becomes an increasingly significant contributor to GDP. It also sheds light on societal shifts, including changes in communication patterns, consumer behavior, and access to information. Comprehending the digital environment is essential for addressing challenges such as digital literacy, cybersecurity, and the regulatory framework governing digital activities.

Overview of Myanmar’s digital evolution

Myanmar's digital landscape has undergone significant transformation over the past decade, marked by rapid advancements in internet accessibility, mobile technology adoption, and the expansion of digital services. As of January 2025, the country recorded approximately 33.4 million internet users, representing an internet penetration rate of 61.1%. This surge in connectivity has been accompanied by a notable increase in social media engagement, with around 19.6 million active social media user identities, accounting for 35.9% of the total population.

The proliferation of mobile devices has played a pivotal role in this digital evolution, facilitating greater access to online platforms and services. Concurrently, the e-commerce sector has experienced substantial growth, driven by the rising demand for digital services and the expansion of online marketplaces.

Digital economy and e-commerce growth

Myanmar's digital economy has experienced notable growth, particularly in e-commerce and digital payment systems, supported by government initiatives and the emergence of key industry players.​

E-commerce platforms

The e-commerce sector in Myanmar has expanded significantly, driven by increased internet penetration and mobile device usage. In 2025, the market is projected to generate approximately USD 1.49 billion in revenue, reflecting a 9.3% increase from the previous year. This growth is attributed to the rising number of online consumers and the proliferation of local e-commerce platforms catering to various product categories.

Myanmar Digital Landscape Start in 2018

​Scoutgies Marketing Group Company Limited is a prominent provider of digital marketing, branding, IT solutions, and business development services, headquartered in Myanmar. Established on June 18, 2018, the company has rapidly expanded its operations internationally, establishing branch offices across Asia and Europe.

History

Founded in 2018 under the Myanmar Companies Act of 2017 with DICA registration, Scoutgies Marketing Group began as a digital marketing service provider. Through an accelerated growth strategy, it diversified into fields such as creative solutions, web development, software development, and digital solutions.

Industry Impact

Scoutgies Marketing Group's innovative and data-driven approaches have significantly influenced the digital marketing sector, contributing to the overall growth of Myanmar's digital economy. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, data-driven insights, and creative storytelling, the company empowers brands to build awareness, engage audiences, and drive sustainable business growth.

Recognition

The company has been consistently recognized for its contributions to the industry. According to LinkedIn, Scoutgies Marketing Group is consistently ranked among the most awarded agency networks in Myanmar

Community Engagement

Beyond its business operations, Scoutgies Marketing Group is committed to social responsibility. For instance, in response to a devastating earthquake in Myanmar, the company contributed essential supplies, including clean drinking water, warm blankets, and food packs, to affected families.

Through its comprehensive services, global reach, and commitment to innovation, Scoutgies Marketing Group continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the digital marketing landscape in Myanmar and beyond.

Digital payment systems

The adoption of digital payment systems has accelerated, facilitating the transition from cash-based transactions to electronic payments. The total transaction value in Myanmar's digital payments market is projected to reach USD 6.15 billion in 2025. Mobile Point of Sale (POS) payments constitute a significant portion of this market, indicating a shift towards mobile-based financial solutions. Companies like Wave Money have played a pivotal role in this transformation by providing mobile financial services to underserved populations.

Social media and digital communication

Myanmar's social media landscape has evolved significantly, becoming a central component of daily communication, activism, and marketing strategies. As of January 2025, Facebook remains the dominant social media platform in Myanmar, with approximately 20.36 million users, accounting for 35.5% of the population. TikTok has also seen substantial growth, with over 16 million users, a significant portion of whom are aged between 18 and 34 years. Other platforms, like YouTube and Telegram, have gained traction, diversifying the digital communication channels available to Myanmar's populace.

Social media in communication and activism

Social media platforms have played a pivotal role in Myanmar's socio-political landscape, serving as tools for both communication and activism. Following the military coup in 2021, platforms like Facebook became arenas for both resistance movements and governmental surveillance. Activists utilized Facebook to mobilize support and disseminate information, while the military exploited the platform for propaganda and monitoring dissent. Additionally, the government's enactment of cybersecurity laws in 2025, imposing broad censorship and targeting communication methods like VPNs, has further complicated the digital rights situation.

Trends in digital marketing and influencer culture

The digital marketing landscape in Myanmar has adapted to the shifting social media preferences of its users. With the rise of platforms like TikTok, marketers are focusing on creating engaging short-form video content to capture audience attention. Influencer marketing has also gained prominence, with brands collaborating with both macro and micro-influencers to enhance reach and authenticity. There is an increased emphasis on long-term partnerships with influencers to build sustained brand narratives. Furthermore, the utilization of diverse video content and live streaming has become integral to real-time audience engagement.

Technological innovation and startups

Myanmar's technological landscape in 2025 is marked by significant advancements in emerging technologies, a burgeoning startup ecosystem, and proactive government initiatives aimed at fostering innovation.

Emerging technologies

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become increasingly integrated into Myanmar's tech industry, with applications spanning various sectors. For instance, in response to the recent earthquake in Mandalay, relief organizations employed AI alongside satellite imagery to assess building damage swiftly and accurately. Microsoft's AI for Good Lab collaborated with Planet Labs to develop a customized AI model tailored to Mandalay's specific conditions, facilitating efficient aid distribution.

Blockchain technology is also gaining traction, particularly in enhancing digital security and transparency. Companies are exploring the integration of blockchain to elevate telecom services, aiming to improve efficiency and customer experience.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is emerging as a transformative force in Myanmar's business landscape. The convergence of IoT with AI and blockchain is poised to revolutionize various industries by enabling real-time data collection, analysis, and secure transactions, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and decision-making processes.

Growth of local tech startups and the entrepreneurial ecosystem

Myanmar's startup ecosystem is experiencing robust growth, with over 1,130 startups operating across the country. Collectively, these startups have secured approximately $2.79 billion in venture capital and private equity funding. Notably, 22 companies have reached Series A funding or beyond, and one has achieved Series C funding.

Prominent startups are making significant strides in transforming connectivity within Myanmar. The tech innovation landscape is projected to boost the nation's GDP by 18% and create approximately 100,000 jobs.

Myanmar's technological innovation and startup ecosystem in 2025 are characterized by the integration of emerging technologies, a dynamic entrepreneurial landscape, and supportive government policies, collectively driving the nation's digital transformation and economic development.

Expected future developments

The integration of advanced technologies such as deep learning and machine learning is anticipated to revolutionize Myanmar's tech industry. These technologies are expected to enhance operational efficiency, foster innovation, and contribute to economic growth.

The Myanmar Digital Economy Roadmap 2030, slated for finalization in 2025, aims to digitalize multiple sectors including administration, infrastructure, trade, education, fintech, telecommunications, and social services. This initiative is expected to accelerate the adoption of digital technologies nationwide.