Second 5G Network Can Increase Country;s Competitiveness, Attracts Investment - Academicians

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 21 (Bernama) --The second 5G network can increase the country's competitiveness as well as attract investment from technology-based companies to establish business facilities in Malaysia, said the Academic Coordinator of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Associate Prof Dr Leow Chee Yen.

He said the second 5G network to be announced by the government, as tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Budget 2025 in the Dewan Rakyat last Friday, will showcase the country's infrastructure development, which is on par with that of developed nations.

"It will also speed up the digitisation of various economic sectors. With the introduction of two 5G networks, we hope to fast-track the implementation of advanced industrial applications such as automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence, which demand a network that is highly responsive, fast, and reliable," he said when contacted by Bernama.

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Leow praised the tabling of Budget 2025 which allocated RM120 million to improve internet access in all public institutions of higher learning (IPTA), schools, military camps and MARA institutions.

"The internet facilities in most of these institutions are now obsolete. The use of modern technology will provide faster and more efficient internet access," he said.

In another development, Leow lauded the use of MyDigital ID, a unified government application that integrates all relevant agencies, making it easier for the public to manage their affairs.

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He said the application allows citizens to access various government services using one account, all at their fingertips.

"For me, more important is the advanced security features in MyDigital ID. It uses the latest technologies such as encryption, blockchain, multi-factor authentication, as well as smart artificial intelligence, to ensure that all online transactions are done safely and reliably.

"In addition, the use of MyDigital ID can also reduce cases of identity theft, forgery, and cyber fraud that have been increasing lately,” he said.

Meanwhile, Information Technology expert, Dr T. Sashi Kumar welcomed the allocation of RM100 million to strengthen the functions of the National Information Dissemination Center (NADI) nationwide.

The move, he said, will improve existing infrastructure and services, while benefiting the Small, Micro, and Medium Businesses (PMKS).

"It will help speed up the business digitization process as well as resolve issues related to financing and e-payment, as often emphasised by traders.

"This will also encourage the PMKS sector to digitalise their services and accelerate the use of electronic payments," he added.

Meanwhile, the Dean of UTM's Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Prof Dr Jafri Din said the RM20 million allocation in Budget 2025  to strengthen the role of the National Fraud Response Centre will strengthen the management of the online fraud system in this country.

-- BERNAMA