1. Mr. Nik Rizal Kamil
Group CFO, AXIATA
2. YBrs. Ts. Mahadhir Aziz
CEO, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation
3. YBrs. Adlan Tajudin
Group CEO, EDOTCO
4. Mr. Kenneth Shen
Chairman, EDOTCO
5. Mr. Sheyantha Abeykoon
Group CEO, Boost
6. Mr. Gayan Koralage
Director Malaysia Business, EDOTCO
Members of the Board of EDOTCO Group Members of the media
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen.
Good morning, Salam Perpaduan, and Salam Malaysia MADANI.
1. I’d like to begin by expressing my gratitude to EDOTCO Group for inviting me here today to witness two groundbreaking collaborations, aimed at accelerating the growth of our nation’s Digital Economy through next-generation infrastructure and financial inclusion initiatives.
2. Today, connectivity is the lifeblood of progress. The economy of the future won’t be powered by rail or road, sails or coal – it will be powered by digital infrastructure. Only through robust digital connectivity can we realise our ambition to build an innovative and dynamic digital economy, particularly in Southeast Asia.
3. We must ensure that we deliver real, tangible benefits to each and every Malaysian. For that very reason, this Government is on a mission to ensure that communities and businesses have access to secure, reliable and high-quality connectivity they need, to thrive and prosper.
4. Since 2021, Malaysia’s 5G network rollout – led by DNB and its digital infrastructure partners – has set a global benchmark for speed and efficiency. In just over two years, we achieved over 80% coverage, positioning us among the fastest in the world. As of June 2024, our 5G rollout has impressively achieved 81.8% coverage in populated areas, with a 43.6% adoption rate of 5G services and 14.8 million subscribers.
5. I am pleased to acknowledge EDOTCO’s instrumental role in accelerating Malaysia’s 5G deployment, having achieved the
remarkable feat of completing the highest number of 5G sites across the country. With an impressive portfolio of over 2,000 telecommunications towers, EDOTCO has significantly expedited the nation’s 5G rollout by seamlessly upgrading existing 4G towers to support 5G connectivity.
6. This innovative approach not only accelerates deployment but also minimises the need for new structures, thereby championing eco-friendly practices and energy-efficient solutions. EDOTCO’s commitment to sustainability and technological advancement sets a gold standard in driving Malaysia’s digital future.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
7. Our fast-growing digital economy holds enormous potential to elevate Malaysia’s standing on the global stage and drive national revenue. By the end of next year, I am optimistic that the digital economy will contribute 25.5% to the nation’s GDP, up from the current 23%. This growth hinges on how swiftly Malaysians can adopt technology and our efforts to enhance the digital landscape.
8. While 5G networks are available in most urban centres, there are still regions within our country where coverage remains insufficient. Some states lag behind the national average in 5G accessibility. Our next step is to accelerate the deployment across states outside the Klang Valley to ensure equitable connectivity nationwide. By doing so, we can bridge the digital divide and provide every Malaysian with the opportunities that robust digital infrastructure offers.
9. It is also concerning that some remote rural areas remain unconnected due to low population density, which makes traditional tower construction impractical. To address this, we can explore alternative connectivity solutions, such as deploying low-orbit satellites. This advancement will benefit particularly unserved deep rural communities, such as farmers and plantation workers, empowering them to adopt more productive precision farming techniques. This will not only boost agricultural productivity but also foster greater inclusivity and economic growth in our rural communities.
10. Furthermore, expanding digital infrastructure is not just about enhancing connectivity; it is about transforming lives and communities. By bridging the digital divide, we can unlock opportunities for education, healthcare, and economic participation in every corner of Malaysia. This Government is committed to ensuring that no one is left behind in our digital journey.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
11. The exchange of MOUs today demonstrates the collective commitment of Public-Private Partnerships to innovation and progress. EDOTCO’s strategic partnership with MDEC and Boost will be pivotal in advancing our digital economy.
12. The MOU with MDEC will leverage EDOTCO’s digital infrastructure expertise to support Malaysia Digital (MD) ecosystems, enhancing sectors such as Digital Agriculture, Digital Cities, and Digital Tourism. This partnership is designed to ensure that the
communities within the MD ecosystem have the infrastructure support necessary to drive innovation and growth nationwide. By providing next-generation connectivity solutions, EDOTCO will enable tech startups and enterprises in these sectors to harness the power of digital technology, improving efficiency and productivity.
13. For instance, in our cities, enhanced digital infrastructure will enable the development of smart city initiatives, improving urban living through better traffic management, energy conservation, and enhanced public services. In the tourism sector, advanced digital solutions will offer seamless and enriched experiences for tourists, boosting the industry’s growth and contribution to the economy.
14. With this endeavour, MDEC and EDOTCO are creating a fertile ground for Malaysia’s digital innovators to accelerate their growth for the benefit of all Malaysians, bridging the urban-rural divide and positioning Malaysia as a leader in the digital age.
15. The innovative partnership with Boost introduces the first-of-its-kind 'Tower Landowner Credit Access' initiative, which not only provides financial benefits but also enhances financial literacy for landowners, many of whom are unbanked or underbanked. I applaud the joint efforts by EDOTCO and Boost for this initiative, as it is closely aligned with the Government's goal of promoting digital inclusion and participation, especially in financial services.
16. These partnerships are not merely business collaborations; they are championing innovation and inclusivity, laying the foundation for a more connected, prosperous, and sustainable Malaysia.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
17. As we look ahead, my hope is that these collaborations will serve as a model for other organisations and sectors. It is imperative that we continue to foster partnerships that drive technological advancements and inclusivity. By doing so, we will not only strengthen our digital economy but also ensure that every Malaysian can enjoy the benefits of our progress.
18. I also hope that all states in Malaysia will take steps to accelerate their digital infrastructure development to promote digital inclusion and participation in the digital economy. It is crucial for us to ensure that all regions, from urban centres to the most remote areas, are equipped with the connectivity needed to thrive in the digital age.
19. I would also like to acknowledge EDOTCO's significant contributions and extensive portfolio as a leading telecommunications tower company in Malaysia. Their dedication to nation-building and their role in advancing our digital infrastructure highlight their potential to become a national digital infrastructure leader.
20. My aspiration is to see Malaysia emerge as a global leader in digital innovation, where our initiatives inspire other nations to follow our lead. With the unwavering support of the Government, private sector and our communities, I am confident that we can achieve this vision.
21. Let us embrace this digital transformation with optimism and determination. Together, we can build a future where every Malaysian, regardless of their background or geographical location, has the opportunity to thrive in a digitally connected world.
22. In conclusion, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to EDOTCO, MDEC, Boost, and all stakeholders for their dedication and hard work. Your efforts are instrumental in driving Malaysia’s digital journey forward. Let us continue to collaborate, innovate, and strive for excellence as we work towards a brighter and more inclusive future.
Thank you.
