Salutations

1. Mr Suresh Sidhu Chief Executive Officer, EdgePoint Infrastructure Sdn Bhd

2. Mr Mohamed Adlan Ahmad Tajudin Director & Group Chief Executive Officer, EDOTCO Group

3. Mr Yin Wenkai Vice President, China Tower Corporation Limited

The Organiser, TowerXchange,

Distinguished guests,

Members of the Media,

Ladies and gentlemen.

Salam Perpaduan, Salam Malaysia MADANI, and a very good morning.

1. Thank you for having me here today. It is nice to see familiar faces, having worked closely with some of you during my time as the Communications and Multimedia Minister previously.

2. I’ve been told that this event has attracted the participation of representatives from various sectors across Asia. From mobile network operators to original equipment manufacturers, law firms as well as regulators, this event is a great platform for industry players to be updated on the latest developments in Asia’s telecommunications tower industry.

Ladies and gentlemen,

3. It is undeniable – the mobile phone is the most powerful tool of this era. We are able to do a huge variety of tasks with just that one small handheld device. However, our smartphones would not be able to do anything without connectivity. It not only allows us to interact with the world, but also ensures that traffic systems are in check; financial institutions run smoothly; and even allows surgeries to be carried out remotely. In fact, advanced and stable connectivity that is well spread across all localities is a crucial component in establishing digital cities and nations.

4. First Generation (1G) technology was introduced in the ’80s. Every decade since, we have witnessed the steady progress of wireless connection, providing greater connectivity across communities and improving the operations of industries. Today, we are in the thick of 3 not just 5G technology, but discussions have started about what comes next.

5. As we live in an increasingly digitally-connected world, we have placed so much trust in wireless connectivity and the systems related to it. We trust that our wireless CCTVs will work around the clock, helping to keep our assets safe. We trust that the navigation application on our mobile phone is accurate at all times, allowing us to plan our journey. And we trust that every online transaction we make is done in real-time, safely and securely.

Ladies and gentlemen,

6. Ensuring that users have trust in these systems is important. As we cater to data-hungry consumers, there is also a need to build digital resilience and data governance. The benefits of technology and digitalisation brings with it increasing cyber and data security challenges and the industry also has the responsibility to safeguard stakeholder interests and protect critical assets, networks and processes.

7. The MADANI Government’s commitment to not only advancing digitalisation in the country but also in protecting data and digital assets. These are among the core responsibilities of the Ministry of Digital, which was set up 11 months ago.

8. With cyber resilience being a key focus area, we have been reinforcing our infrastructure, and putting in place comprehensive regulatory guidelines and enforcement measures to ensure digital 4 safety and privacy – by amending the Personal Data Protection Act 2010 as well as introducing a new legislation this year, the Cyber Security Act 2024. We will also be tabling the Data Sharing Bill in Parliament next week.

Ladies and gentlemen,

9. Digital trust is key not only in Malaysia but also across the world, as Internet penetration continues to rise rapidly globally. According to the World Economic Forum, Southeast Asia is the fastest growing internet market in the world. With 125,000 new users coming online every day, this region’s digital economy is projected to grow significantly to an estimated USD 2 trillion by 2030.

10. We have also seen the expansion of 4G and 5G networks while cheaper data plans have been launched by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to tap into growing demand. When I was the Communications and Multimedia Minister 6 years ago, I invited the telcos to consider halving their prices and double the speed of their internet services. Obviously, there was some unhappiness at that time but it was done, and ultimately, together we are the direct beneficiaries and winners of that initiative.

11. As populations grow and mature, consumption of data will continue to rise rapidly, and Malaysia has been preparing and positioning ourselves for this growth with investments in future ready, innovative digital infrastructure and connectivity solutions.

12. Malaysia’s 5G network has achieved 82% coverage of populated areas (CoPA) as at September this year. However, adoption remains fairly nascent at 39%. To fully harness the power of 5G, we are working on ensuring every Malaysian, no matter where they are, has access to reliable internet connectivity.

13. For this purpose, we look to the industry to find new ways to scale quickly and efficiently. With the second 5G network to be rolled out soon, we anticipate higher data transfer rates due to low latency, and with that, more integrated solutions for enterprise, industrial, commercial and consumer purposes.

14. And there is so much more we can do to capitalise on the potential of technology to transform how we live, work and play. As government, we will see more applications of 5G in smart and digital cities to facilitate improved urban and rural infrastructure management and services; public security; climate monitoring for crisis mitigation; and renewable energy management.

15. As we move across to industries, use cases in essential areas like healthcare include enabling doctors and patients to stay connected like never before. This includes 24/7 monitoring of patients’ records for more accurate analysis and prognosis. In agriculture, many farms are already implementing IoT solutions to monitor the health of livestock and the state of crops. With more accurate data, farmers can be more efficient with feeding regimes, nutrition, the use of antibiotics or pesticides, improving food safety and supply issues, and more importantly, keep industries thriving.

16. We have witnessed several successful utilisation of 5G technology in use cases in Malaysia. Local company, Emoovit, is currently trialling 5G-enabled autonomous buses in Putrajaya, offering free rides to members of the public. These buses are equipped with high-definition cameras, real-time Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technology for passenger safety, and free WiFi. I boarded one of these buses in May and had a comfortable, safe and seamless experience. I encourage all of you to try it.

17. In Kuching, a hydrogen-powered trackless ‘smart tram’ has begun on-road testing. National oil & gas company Petronas has also adopted private 5G networks at its LNG Complex in Bintulu and Regasification Terminal Sungai Udang (RGTSU) in Melaka.

18. As we speak, hyperconnectivity has transformed the way we interact with devices; hyperscale data centres are coming online; people are experimenting with generative AI to automate content creation; businesses are shifting their data storage and software applications to the cloud to improve accessibility; digital finance is becoming more mainstream; retail and e-Commerce omnichannel shopping are more seamless than ever.... The list goes on and on.

19. As the next chapter begins, it is incumbent upon us to ensure equity and inclusivity in ensuring that the rakyat, especially those in rural and underserved areas, will also have access to technology and online services. The task of bridging the digital divide in Malaysia is one that requires concerted effort, innovation, and collaboration across all levels of society.

20. I am pleased to say that the telco industry has been rising to the challenge by expanding their network infrastructure, making digital services more affordable; promoting digital literacy; and partnering with the government and civil society to ensure that no one is left behind. Ladies and gentlemen,

21. Public-private partnerships have played a critical role in advancing the national digitalisation journey. With these partnerships, we have effectively pooled resources and expertise, allowing us to effectively mobilise infrastructure deployments and innovate.

22. The public sector can provide policy frameworks, regulatory oversight, and funding. The private sector can bring in the innovation, technological capabilities, and operational efficiencies needed to roll out infrastructure quickly and effectively.

23. Together, we can ensure that Malaysia’s connectivity network is not only extensive but also future-ready. Such partnerships play a big role in transforming Malaysia into a leading digital economy.

24. Events such as this ToweXchange Meet Up are important for us to share insights, leverage on shared experiences, and find solutions that will bring positive developments and benefits to the people, communities, industries, and national economies.

25. I wish to thank the organiser once again for this important event, and I hope you will all leave this event with meaningful exchanges and productive discussions. Thank you very much.

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