U Mobile, SDEC partner to drive Sarawak’s digital transformation and bridge Malaysia’s digital divide

• Aims to promote 5G adoption and solutions among Sarawak’s SMEs
• Collaboration extends 4G coverage to rural Sarawak via Multi-Operator Core Network

U Mobile, Malaysia’s future second 5G network provider, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation Berhad (SDEC) to support the ambitions of the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030. This blueprint envisions a robust digital economy and an inclusive digital society for the state by 2030. As part of the collaboration, U Mobile will work with SDEC on initiatives to accelerate digital transformation for Sarawak’s SMEs and bridge the digital divide in underserved areas.

The partnership will focus on driving 5G adoption among Sarawak’s SMEs by providing network connectivity, educational programmes, devices, and innovative use-case solutions. These efforts aim to empower local businesses and enhance their competitiveness in the digital economy.

Building on the success of a Small Cell Proof of Concept that provided connectivity to a longhouse in Long Lawen, U Mobile and SDEC will explore similar solutions to extend digital access to rural and underserved communities.

“U Mobile is committed to playing a critical role in Malaysia’s journey towards becoming a digitally enabled, high-income nation. This partnership with SDEC aligns with our mission and helps achieve broader national goals. By collaborating with SDEC, we aim to empower Sarawak’s communities and businesses with 5G technology and digital solutions, ensuring no one is left behind in the journey towards a connected future,” said Alex Tan, U Mobile’s chief sales officer.

“We are proud to support Sarawak’s vision of building an inclusive and green digital economy by 2030,” he added.

Sudarnoto Osman, CEO of SDEC, reaffirmed the organisation’s dedication to facilitating strategic partnerships that contribute to Sarawak’s digital development. “As Malaysia advances digitally, fostering industry collaboration, including exploring 5G use cases with U Mobile, is crucial to ensuring Sarawak remains at the forefront of technological innovation. Our focus remains on empowering Sarawakians with access to cutting-edge digital solutions to drive sustainable growth and innovation,” he said.

In addition to the MoU, U Mobile and SDEC are collaborating on the Sarawak Multimedia Authority Rural Telecommunication 600 project, which uses Multi-Operator Core Network technology to extend 4G coverage to rural communities. This underscores U Mobile’s commitment to enhancing digital connectivity in Sarawak.

The MoU was formalised during the launch of the Sarawak Rural Broadband Network’s (MySRBN) new coverage at Kampung Betanak, Pulau Bruit in the Mukah division, witnessed by Haji Julaihi bin Haji Narawi, Sarawak’s minister for Utility and Telecommunication.