- Enhanced connection will push innovation, get opportunities, create new jobs
- Collaboration a crucial step in the project’s effort to improve communication across the Express
In order to advance Sarawak’s continued digital conversion efforts, CelcomDigi Berhad and Sarawakian telecommunications equipment professional Borneo Restu Sdn Bhd have entered into a corporate partnership.
The events stated in a joint declaration that the engagement is a step in the PoP Phase Two project, which aims to improve communication across the State with a focus on enhancing internet access in both suburban and rural areas, particularly for schools in these areas. They added that increased digital access will empower communities by enabling new business opportunities, driving digital technology, attracting opportunities, and creating new jobs, contributing to the advancement of Sarawakians ‘ quality of life as well as the State’s overall economic growth.
At the Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony to formalise the relationship, CelcomDigi’s CEO, Idham Nawawi, said,” This association is a major step in the development of Sarawak’s modern system, as we join forces to help better online access, ensuring that the enhanced connectivity benefits all Sarawakians. We look forward to a long-standing collaboration with Borneo Restu, delivering the PoP Phase Two initiative, and exploring more efforts to promote Sarawak’s modernization work”.
However, Borneo Restu’s handling director, Ian W Lee, reiterated the company’s preparation in the proper execution of the PoP Phase Two project. We are steadfast in our commitment to finishing the remaining project by the end of 2025, and we look forward to playing a significant role in Sarawak’s digital transformation by working closely with CelcomDigi to advance Sarawak’s economic and social development through improved connectivity.
Last year, the Ministry of Communications allocated US$ 897 million ( RM3.9 billion ) to continue the implementation of the PoP Phase Two project, involving 3, 693 PoP sites near schools in rural areas throughout the country. In Sarawak, US$ 231.7 million ( RM1.08 billion ) was allocated to Borneo Restu to build 681 PoP sites across the State.
CelcomDigi is also part of the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation’s SMART600 project, aimed at improving digital connectivity in rural Sarawak. The telco’s 4G coverage in densely populated areas of the State currently is 90 %, with further improvements hoped as the company moves more quickly in its post-merger network integration and modernization project.
In addition to providing connectivity, CelcomDigi is actively involved in a number of other initiatives to promote digitalization in Sarawak. This includes organizing the MY5G SME Digital Workshop last week in Kuching, which provided 200 local MSMEs with the digital skills and resources needed to increase business efficiency and prosper in a digital economy.
The company was also the platinum sponsor of SUKMA 2024 in Sarawak, pioneering the nation’s first-ever live broadcast, powered by 5G-Advanced (5G-A ) technology, from SUKMA 2024 to viewers across Malaysia. Additionally, it installed 5G-A-powered 360° cameras at Stadium Sarawak, giving viewers a remote, immersive view of the atmosphere of the sports arena via a VR headset. Additionally, the company achieved the fastest mobile speeds at 30.8Gbps during a live 5G-A trial conducted in Kuching.