By Edgepoint CEO Suresh Sidhu- Budget 2024 is set to be tabled at a time when the digital economy plays a transformative role in driving economic growth. The government’s commitment to advancing the national digital agenda through JENDELA and other initiatives is instrumental in ensuring Malaysia takes a step forward in the digital playing field.
As the rollout of 5G continues across the country, we look forward to policies that will contribute to the enhancement of our digital infrastructure, and support for the adoption of 5G. This will foster seamless adoption of associated technologies such cloud computing, Internet of Things (IoT), create a more conducive environment for participation from the private sector, and encourage innovation and technological advancements, ultimately creating a thriving, robust digital economy.
The budget should also address the challenge of expanding connectivity to rural areas. Some of the barriers include geographical limitations and regulatory requirements that take time to move past. We hope there will be additional investments, streamlined policies and processes, to expedite the process of bringing rural areas into the connectivity fold, ensuring that connectivity is made inclusive for all, regardless of location or socioeconomic status.
To that end, public-private partnerships are key to ensuring the country is leveraging on the strengths of both sectors. Telecommunications is a highly regulated industry with many regulations that can cause delays to the process of providing connectivity in rural areas. Providers need ease of access in the process of applying for permits and licenses to deploy infrastructure and connectivity.
The resources and skills from the private sector, combined with the government’s regulatory power will help accelerate connectivity in hard-to-reach areas.
EdgePoint Infrastructure is committed to aligning with the national digital agenda. We look forward to supporting the government’s direction.
