By Dr Norsimaa Mustaffa & Prof Dr Mohd Yahya Mohamed Ariffin

The recent allocation of RM13.7 million by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) for the procurement of Wi-Fi access points at University of Malaya (UM), Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), and Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), marks a significant step forward in enhancing digital connectivity and supporting students’ educational access.

On Sept 25, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim instructed the MCMC and the Ministry of Higher Education to resolve internet access issues at public universities, ensuring high-quality connectivity for campuses. This demonstrates the Prime Minister’s serious concern regarding the issue and commitment to resolve and support the academic needs of both students and lecturers.

This initiative is a vital contribution to bridge the digital divide and ensure that public universities are equipped with the necessary infrastructure to support modern, technology-driven learning.

Internet access

One of the most prominent benefits of this initiative is the improvement of internet access on university campuses. As education continues to become more digitised, reliable and fast, internet connectivity is essential for students and educators alike. With the increasing use of online learning platforms, digital textbooks and academic resources, having stable and high-speed internet access is no longer a luxury but a necessity.

The investment will ensure that students at UM, USIM, and UniMAP have seamless access to these educational tools, thereby improving their learning experience. Students will be able to conduct research, attend virtual classes and access online academic resources without disruptions due to poor internet connectivity.

To put this into perspective, the University of Malaya, Malaysia's oldest and most prestigious university, has over 30,000 students, both undergraduate and postgraduate, representing a diverse demographic. With such a large student body, reliable Wi-Fi is crucial for supporting their educational activities and ensuring that they can fully engage in online learning and research activities.

Similarly, USIM, with its focus on Islamic and inter-disciplinary studies, has over 14,000 students. A significant portion of USIM’s student population is involved in community-based learning and virtual interactions, making dependable Wi-Fi access essential.

With more than 10,000 students, UniMAP particularly caters to engineering and technical education, where access to digital tools and resources is indispensable for practical learning and research projects.

Digital literacy

Moreover, this initiative also addresses the growing importance of digital literacy in the modern educational landscape. As universities embrace online learning and hybrid teaching models, students must be equipped with the skills to navigate various digital tools and platforms.

Reliable Wi-Fi infrastructure allows for the smooth integration of digital learning methods, such as virtual classrooms, online assessments, and collaborative digital projects. By improving Wi-Fi access, MCMC is helping students develop the essential digital competencies needed to succeed in an increasingly digital world.

The future allocation for upgrading Wi-Fi access at three universities stands to significantly benefit lecturers by enhancing their access to reliable and high-speed internet connectivity.

With improved Wi-Fi infrastructure, lecturers will be able to seamlessly conduct online classes, access a broader range of educational resources, and engage in research activities more efficiently, without the disruptions caused by slow or unreliable internet connections.

This upgrade will also facilitate better communication and collaboration among colleagues and students, fostering a more dynamic, interactive and effective teaching and learning environment across these institutions.

Additionally, the enhanced connectivity will motivate lecturers to be more proactive and innovative in handling their classes, allowing them to incorporate advanced teaching tools and techniques, thereby improving student engagement and overall academic performance. It will also support lecturers in staying up to date with global trends, improving their professional development and teaching practices.

Another positive impact of this initiative is the enhanced inclusivity it promotes. Many students, particularly those from rural or underserved areas, may not have access to high-speed internet at home. For these students, the university campus often serves as their only access point to the digital world.

By ensuring that campuses are equipped with fast and reliable Wi-Fi, MCMC is helping level the playing field for all students, regardless of their socio-economic background. This is important in ensuring that all students, especially those in remote or less-developed areas, have equal opportunities to participate in online learning, engage with academic content, and stay connected with peers and faculty.

Research and innovation

Furthermore, the initiative can have a positive impact on research and innovation. Universities are hubs for academic and scientific research, and many of these initiatives require access to online databases, journals and global collaboration platforms.

With enhanced Wi-Fi access, researchers at these institutions will be able to work more efficiently, access critical information in real-time and collaborate with international partners without delays or interruptions. This can lead to faster advancements in research and innovation, benefiting not only the academic community but also the society.

In conclusion, the allocation for Wi-Fi access points at public universities is a crucial investment in Malaysia’s higher education sector. It not only enhances digital connectivity but also supports students' educational access, fosters digital literacy, promotes inclusivity and encourages research and innovation.

This initiative is a testament to the Madani government’s commitment to fostering a more connected and equitable society through digital inclusion. By prioritising education and technological advancement, the Madani government is paving the way for a brighter, more digitally empowered future for Malaysia's youth and ensuring the country's continued success in the global digital economy.

-- BERNAMA

Dr Norsimaa Mustaffa is a Lecturer, New Media Communications Programme, Faculty of Leadership and Management, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan.

Prof Dr Mohd Yahya Mohamed Ariffin is the Dean, Faculty of Leadership and Management, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan.