Enterprise Architecture Challenges in Malaysia’s Public Sector Digital Transformation: Uncovering competency gaps

Authors

  • Mohamad Esmawaty Faculty of Information Systems and Technology, University Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
  • Nurhizam Safie Faculty of Information Systems and Technology, University Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
  • Mohd Yusof Darus Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Science, Universiti Teknology MARA, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
  • Azlin Ramli Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Science, Universiti Teknology MARA, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia

Keywords:

Enterprise architect, enterprise architecture, competence, digital transformation, Malaysian public sector

Abstract

This study examines the competency-related challenges that enterprise architects face when implementing digital transformation initiatives in the Malaysian public sector. Using Actor-Network Theory (ANT) as a socio-technical lens, it explores interactions between human and non-human actors influencing enterprise architecture (EA) practices. In-depth semi-structured interview with seven enterprise architects from various public sectors, supported by policy document analysis. Thematic analysis using ATLAS. ti identified three key competency challenges: navigating technological change, building and sustaining collaborative networks, and developing and adapting EA competencies. The findings highlight critical technical and collaborative competency gaps that hinder effective EA implementation in public sector digital transformation.

References

Ahlemann, F., Legner, C., & Lux, J. (2021). A resource-based perspective of value generation through enterprise architecture management. Information & Management, 58(1), 103266. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.im.2020.103266

Anthony Jnr, B., Abbas Petersen, S., Helfert, M., & Guo, H. (2021). Digital transformation with enterprise architecture for smarter cities: a qualitative research approach. Digital Policy, Regulation and Governance, 23(4), 355-376. https://doi.org/10.1108/DPRG-04-2020-0044

Azhar, N. A. Z. M., & Shakil, N. S. M. (2021). The Intervention of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Malaysia's Digital Economy. Global Business & Management Research, 13(4).

Bakar, N. A. A., Azhar, B. H., Hussien, S. S., Ahmad, N. A., & Sallehudin, H. (2023). Using enterprise architecture to manage income tax compliance rate issues in Malaysia. In AIP Conference Proceedings,

Brunetti, F., Matt, D. T., Bonfanti, A., De Longhi, A., Pedrini, G., & Orzes, G. (2020). Digital transformation challenges: strategies emerging from a multi-stakeholder approach. The TQM Journal, 32(4), 697-724. https://doi.org/ https://doi.org/10.1108/TQM-12-2019-0309

Callon, M. (1981). Unscrewing the big Leviathan: How actors macro-structure reality and how sociologists help them do so. Advances in Social Theory and Methodology/Routledge.

Callon, M. (1984). Some elements of a sociology of translation: domestication of the scallops and the fishermen of St Brieuc Bay. The sociological review, 32(1_suppl), 196-233.

Corbos, R. A., Bunea, O. I., & Moncea, M. I. (2023). Best Practises And Lessons Learned From Digital Transformation Processes In Public Administrations Of Six European Countries. International Management Conference,

Edrak, B., Nor, Z. M., & Shaik, A. R. (2022). The Readiness of Malaysia Digital Economy: A Study of Three Government Policies from 1991 to 2020. International Journal of Economics and Finance, 14(12), 1-84. https://doi.org/http://doi.org/10.5539/ijef.v14n12p84

Gellweiler, C. (2020). Types of IT architects: A content analysis on tasks and skills. Journal of Theoretical and Applied Electronic Commerce Research, 15(2), 15-37. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0718-18762020000200103

Gong, Y. W., & Janssen, M. (2021). Roles and Capabilities of Enterprise Architecture in Big Data Analytics Technology Adoption and Implementation. Journal of Theoretical and Applied Electronic Commerce Research, 16(1), 37-51. https://doi.org/http://doi.org/10.4067/s0718-18762021000100104

Grave, F., Van de Wetering, R., & Kusters, R. (2023). Enterprise architecture artifacts’ role in improved organizational performance. International Symposium on Business Modeling and Software Design,

Hanseth, O., Aanestad, M., & Berg, M. (2004). Guest editors’ introduction: Actor‐network theory and information systems. What's so special? Information Technology & People, 17(2), 116-123. https://doi.org/http://doi.org/10.1108/09593840410542466

Hardi, K. V., & Legowo, N. (2023). Enterprise Architecture: Enabling Digital Transformation for Operational Business Process during COVID-19. HighTech and Innovation Journal, 4(1), 1–18. https://doi.org/http://doi.org/10.28991/HIJ-2023-04-01-01

Joel, O. S., Oyewole, A. T., Odunaiya, O. G., & Soyombo, O. T. (2024). The impact of digital transformation on business development strategies: Trends, challenges, and opportunities analysed. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 21(3), 617-624. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2024.21.3.0706

Kahlke, R. M. (2014). Generic qualitative approaches: Pitfalls and benefits of methodological mixology. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 13(1), 37–52. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1177/160940691401300119

Marth, D., Ploder, C., & Dilger, T. (2020). The upcoming role of the enterprise architect—From overseeing visualization and documentation to becoming the enabler for change and innovation. Economic and Financial Challenges for Balkan and Eastern European Countries: Proceedings of the 10th International Conference on the Economies of the Balkan and Eastern European Countries in the Changing World (EBEEC) in Warsaw, Poland 2018,

Othman, M. M., Ahmad, N. A., Bunjari, H., & Ramli, S. (2021). Exploring Enterprise Architecture Adoption in Public Sector Organization: A Case Study of Accountant General's Department of Malaysia. In 2020 6th IEEE Congress on Information Science and Technology (CiSt),

Patton, M. Q. (2014). Qualitative research & evaluation methods: Integrating theory and practice. Sage publications.

Treasury, S. G. o. t. (2024). Budget 2025 Speech. Retrieved from https://belanjawan.mof.gov.my/en/speech

Published

2026-01-27

How to Cite

Esmawaty, M., Safie, N., Darus, M. Y., & Ramli, A. (2026). Enterprise Architecture Challenges in Malaysia’s Public Sector Digital Transformation: Uncovering competency gaps . Environment-Behaviour Proceedings Journal, 10(SI40). Retrieved from https://ebpj.e-iph.co.uk/index.php/EBProceedings/article/view/7712