Malaysia, a country in Southeast Asia with a thriving technology industry and a rapidly expanding digital economy, is facing both opportunities and competition in the field of 5G technology. As Malaysia aims to fully utilize the potential of 5G, it must navigate through a complex landscape of technological advancements, regulatory hurdles and economic advantages.
Malaysia has been slower than other countries in implementing 5G technology due to delays in contracting with licensees. This has limited progress in laying 5G base stations. While 5G coverage has improved in urban areas, expanding into rural areas is more challenging.
Regardless of being delayed, by 2025, Malaysia aims to have an 18% share of 5G mobile connections and a smartphone penetration rate of 89.48%. The country's adoption of technology promotes the growth of tech startups and addresses various challenges. Deploying 5G will make startups more affordable, accessible and secure, fostering their success.
Malaysia as a Prominent Player
Collaboration among different stakeholders is crucial for boosting ecosystems and promoting innovation. Malaysia has shown a willingness to embrace new technologies, with high adoption rates for digital payment services and cloud technology. The shortage of skilled digital tech talent is attributed to the lack of adequate 5G infrastructure. However, with the implementation of 5G, Malaysia can stay competitive regionally and globally.
Furthermore, collaboration between the government and top telcos will aid in establishing and maintaining 5G. This new technology has the potential to greatly impact the daily lives and business operations of Malaysians by providing faster browsing speeds and device connections, allowing companies to innovate in various industries.
The Malaysian government's 5G Implementation Task Force, led by the Secretary-General of the Treasury and the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Communications and Digital, has achieved significant milestones in cutting-edge technology. This includes reaching agreements on equity participation in Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) and establishing a crucial 5G access agreement with DNB.
Leading telecommunications companies are now finalizing their shareholding in DNB, which will allow them to actively contribute to the development of the 5G network. The goal is to achieve 80% coverage in densely populated areas by the end of 2023. This effort will pave the way for a dynamic dual-network model starting in January 2024. To ensure smooth execution, the companies involved are committed to implementing effective governance measures.
The collaboration between telco companies, the commitment to shareholder approval, and the dedication to technological transformation lay the foundation for a digitally empowered Malaysia. This positions Malaysia as a prominent player in the global tech landscape.
Successful Implementation of 5G
The advancements in Malaysia's 5G technology greatly enhance citizens' experiences by improving connectivity, expanding access to services and enabling technological empowerment. With broader coverage and high-speed internet, citizens can access innovative services, remote healthcare and seamless entertainment. 5G also improves government interactions, fosters economic growth and promotes digital inclusion. This transformative shift empowers citizens, accelerates progress and strengthens the nation's technological landscape.
The successful implementation of 5G technology requires cooperation between the public and private sectors. It is important for industry players to work together with the government to create a regulatory framework that encourages investment and innovation.
In Malaysia, the adoption of 5G presents a mix of opportunities, challenges and competition. The country is on the verge of a digital revolution that has the potential to transform industries, improve lives and establish its position on the global stage. By effectively navigating issues such as spectrum allocation, regulatory frameworks and collaborations between the public and private sectors, Malaysia can fully leverage the power of 5G.
