SEPANG, Aug 4 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) hosted its 2024 Research Symposium today, presenting findings from 10 research projects funded by the Digital Society Research Grant (DSRG) which were conducted by the 2023 Cycle 1 and Cycle 2 cohorts.
The symposium, themed ‘Advancing the Digital Ecosystem through Sustainable Connectivity,’ attracted 230 stakeholders from various sectors, including communications and multimedia, industry practitioners, government representatives, academics, and activists.
The event began with a panel session that explored key issues such as the impact of the National Digital Network Plan (JENDELA), the progress of 5G adoption, and connectivity challenges in remote areas.
Dr R. Thanuja of Taylor's University research on JENDELA highlighted the need for further enhancements in underserved regions and best practices in neighbouring countries.
The session also highlighted 5G opportunities in agriculture, with Dr Azizul Azizan from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) presenting on how 5G-enabled solutions could transform the sector, and Dr Nur'aina Daud from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) shared insights into the rate of digitalisation adoption in the palm oil industry.
The symposium also addressed the adoption of digital healthcare among Malaysian seniors, with Dr Chang Jing Jing of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) leading a presentation on her study that revealed that most seniors are open to adopting digital healthcare, given they receive sufficient training and support.
Chang’s study identified six key factors for successful adoption: robust digital infrastructure, digital and healthcare literacy, increased awareness, addressing specific needs, and understanding seniors' perceptions.
The 2023 research cohorts also explored broader topics, including environmental, social, and governance (ESG) adoption in the communications and multimedia sector, interoperability among digital signature certification authorities, sustainable e-waste management, and digital media literacy during the symposium.
Commenting on the event, the ASEAN Integration Monitoring Directorate director Dr Ahmad Zafarullah Abdul Jalil said that the involvement of various stakeholders was crucial and enabled fruitful discussions in rolling out new initiatives to bolster 5G adoption.
He said it was especially needed considering the wide spectrum of approaches and readiness of ASEAN countries in implementing the relatively new technology.
“This symposium is an opportunity for all capacity-building programmes to converge. As a country somewhat advanced in this area, Malaysia can share its expertise with other ASEAN members, fostering mutual advancement in a more equal manner.
“Researchers at the forefront of this technology can provide valuable insights and guidance on considerations for developing new initiatives. This is where the symposium proves to be immensely beneficial for ASEAN as a region,” he told reporters.
Meanwhile, the MCMC, in a statement, said that it had issued two Calls for Proposals (CFP) for the 2024 DSRG, inviting submissions from Malaysian higher educational institutions based on identified research priorities.
“The first cycle awarded grants to nine researchers, while evaluations for the second cycle are ongoing. Successful applicants will commence their research in November 2024,” it said.
-- BERNAMA
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