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Press Release: Commercialisation Of 5G Redefines Connectivity In Malaysia

09 Jan 2020
COMMERCIALISATION OF 5G REDEFINES CONNECTIVITY IN MALAYSIA  
  • Malaysia has identified 100 5G use cases with an initial total investment of RM143 million  
  • The implementation of 5G would contribute up to RM12.7 billion to the nation’s economy between 2021 and 2025 and would create more than 39,000 new job opportunities  
CYBERJAYA, 9 January 2020 --- The commercialisation of the fifth generation (5G) technology by the third quarter of 2020 would redefine connectivity in the country, thus elevating Malaysia as one of the pioneer in the ASEAN region to implement 5G.  

5G is not only to enhance speed and connectivity, but it is also an economic imperative that holistically influences the quality of life, businesses including small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as the government. 
The Malaysian Institute of Economic Research (MIER) in its latest report on the economic impact of 5G implementation in Malaysia predicted that the implementation of 5G would contribute up to RM12.7 billion between 2021 and 2025 to the nation’s economy. This would also create more than 39,000 new job opportunities during the period.  

To encourage the development of the 5G ecosystem, grants with an initial allocation of RM50 million was set aside to stimulate the adoption of 5G use cases by industry and the public sector across verticals such as automotive, manufacturing, public safety, education, agriculture, tourism, entertainment and media. 

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) along with other stakeholders and companies - Celcom Axiata Berhad, Digi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd, Edotco Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Maxis Broadband Sdn Bhd, Telekom Malaysia Berhad, U Mobile Sdn Bhd, Petroliam Nasional Berhad and YTL Communications Sdn Bhd – are currently running 5G demonstration projects in six (6) states involving an initial investment of RM143 million.  

A total of 100 use cases have been identified under nine (9) verticals namely agriculture, education, entertainment/media, digital healthcare, manufacturing and processing, oil and gas, smart city, smart transportation and tourism.  

To highlight, Malaysia’s preparation for the implementation of 5G began when the National 5G Task Force comprised of 114 members from service providers, academicians, ministries and agencies was set up in November 2018. The Task Force, which was mandated to propose 5G implementation strategies for the country, has  finalised their recommendations and the Final Report will be submitted to the Minister of Communications and Multimedia, YB Gobind Singh Deo during the 5G Malaysia International Conference at Langkawi on 20 January 2020. 

MCMC ramped up its efforts to educate the people about 5G through the 5G Malaysia Showcase, which was held from 18 until 21 April 2019. The showcase that took place at the Kompleks Perbadanan Putrajaya offered the public an opportunity to see and experience the benefits of the technology. The four-day event attracted almost 10,000 visitors.  

From 1 July until 30 August 2019, MCMC announced a call for collaboration to interested registered Network Facility Provider (NFP) and Network Service Provider (NSP) licensees to submit their proposals for the 5G Demonstration Projects. It aims to develop, test and deploy 5G use cases in harnessing the growth of the 5G ecosystem in Malaysia. 

On 31 December 2019, MCMC has also announced the Final Report on the allocation of spectrum bands for mobile broadband services in Malaysia in relation to 700 MHz, 2300 MHz and 2600 MHz spectrum bands. According to the report, MCMC has identified the 700 MHz, 3.5 GHz and 26/28 GHz as the pioneer spectrum bands for the rollout of 5G in Malaysia.   

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is scheduled to officiate the 5G Malaysia Demonstration Projects in Langkawi, Kedah on 19 January 2020, followed by a visit to selected use case sites the next day, which covers the 5G Command Centre (5GCC) in Kuah, Sultanah Maliha Hospital and Langkawi International Airport (LIA) to oversee the latest development of the projects.  

In conjunction with the ceremony, MCMC will also organise the 5G Malaysia International Conference on 20 January 2020, featuring speakers and panellists from Malaysia and around the world to further discuss the development and prospects of 5G implementation. Among the topics that will be a highlight at the conference, include experience sharing and 5G implementation from across the world.  

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