- Position nation’s technological advancements as a gateway to ASEAN innovation
- Sarawak-Edotco deal to ensure every community can access reliable, fast connectivity
Malaysia returned to Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 in Barcelona with an expanded pavilion showcasing its digital transformation achievements and regional ambitions. As Mats Granryd, GSMA Director General highlighted how connectivity technologies could generate nearly US$11 trillion (RM49.13 trillion) in economic value by 2030, Malaysia was already demonstrating its contributions to this growth.
“The Malaysia Pavilion at MWC 2025 stands as a testament to our commitment, showcasing our nation’s technological advancements and setting a gateway to ASEAN innovation,” declared Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, Secretary General of the Ministry of Communications, during the pavilion’s official opening on March 3.
The collaborative exhibit brings together key stakeholders including the Ministry of Communications, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), and industry leaders such as Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB), CelcomDigi, Maxis, Telekom Malaysia, U Mobile, YTL, Edotco, and Measat.
National digital infrastructure plan exceeds target
A central highlight of Malaysia’s MWC presence is the National Digital Infrastructure Plan (Jendela), which has surpassed its targets. “As of Dec 31, 2024, over 9.03 million premises now have access to high-speed Internet and fibre connectivity, exceeding our initial goal of 9 million by 2025,” noted Mohamad Fauzi.
This achievement has translated into tangible performance metrics, with mobile broadband speeds reaching a median of 105.36 Mbps and internet coverage in populated areas rising to 98.66% in Q4 2024.”
At the same time, the 5G rollout has continued to expand, achieving 82.4% coverage of populated areas with a 56.18% mobile penetration rate, he added.
Industry innovations through collaboration
Mohamad Fauzi emphasised that Malaysia’s approach to digital infrastructure centers on collaborative frameworks between public and private entities.
“Unprecedented in the ASEAN region, the 6-way Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) initiative exemplifies the power of collaboration and shared resources,” he stated, explaining how this model connects mobile network service providers with state governments to optimize connectivity resources.
To formalize this collaborative model, MCMC and participating mobile network operators have developed a Guideline for Network and Infrastructure Sharing. This framework outlines protocols for bilateral and multilateral agreements while incorporating sustainability metrics aligned with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), including energy efficiency and environmental protection measures.
Edotco’s partnership in Sarawak to deliver high speed connectivity to every community
The first day of MWC 2025 also saw the announcement of an agreement between Edotco Malaysia and Kejuruteraan Rasshin Sdn Bhd to accelerate digital infrastructure deployment in Sarawak, witnessed by Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Deputy Premier of Sarawak, and Julaihi Narawi, Sarawak’s Minister of Utility and Telecommunications.
The partnership aims to deliver 4G and 5G-ready infrastructure across Sarawak’s diverse landscape, supporting the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030. Gayan Koralage (pic), Edotco’s Director of Malaysia Business, emphasized that “this partnership is a crucial step towards ensuring that every community in Sarawak, regardless of location, has access to reliable, high-speed connectivity.”
Edotco group, which manages over 58,000 towers across nine countries, will offer customized solutions including low-orbit satellite technology and fixed wireless access to address Sarawak’s unique geographic challenges.
Mohammed Ariffin Adenan, Managing Director of KRSB, noted that the collaboration “aims to improve connectivity and empower local communities and businesses by integrating them into the state’s evolving digital ecosystem.”
From 2018 to Aug 2023 Sarawak has invested US$423 million (RM1.89 billion) to develop its telecommunication infrastructure and digital economy said the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (MIDA) in a Sept 2023 media release that quotes Julaihi.
Malaysia’s pavilion showcases diverse applications of advanced connectivity across healthcare, education, broadcasting, manufacturing, smart cities, and AI. A notable highlight is Malaysia’s first 5G-Advanced live broadcast of Sukan Malaysia (SUKMA) 2024, demonstrating how high-quality video transmission with minimal latency is transforming live broadcasting.
In AI development, Malaysia has made progress through strategic collaborations, including the creation of the country’s first large language model tailored to the national language of Bahasa Melayu.
Global context: The US$11 trillion connected future
Malaysia’s advances align with the broader themes of MWC 2025, which Granryd described as setting “the stage to discuss a connected future expected to add nearly US$11 trillion in economic value by 2030.”
The GSMA Director General emphasized the industry’s need to complete the transition to 5G Standalone, drive new revenue models, and harness the potential of AI and Open Gateway APIs. It should be noted that Malaysia is not adopting 5G Standalone in its rollout.
According to the GSMA’s Mobile Economy Report 2025, mobile technologies generated 5.8% of global GDP in 2024 – equivalent to US$6.5 trillion (RM29.03 trillion) – with this figure expected to rise to nearly US$11 trillion, or 8.4% of GDP, by 2030.
The report also highlights that 5G Standalone is expected to drive 70% of all enterprise revenue expansion through 2030, representing a US$127 billion opportunity.
[RM1 = US$0.224]
Building a connected future
“Malaysia is building a digital infrastructure ecosystem that benefits both Malaysians and our regional partners,” Mohamad Fauzi stated. By prioritizing advancements across key sectors, Malaysia is not only enhancing quality of life domestically but positioning itself as a technological hub in the ASEAN region.
As MWC 2025 continues through March 6, Malaysia’s participation underscores the nation’s readiness to collaborate with global partners and create new opportunities for growth in the evolving digital landscape.
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