KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 29): Malaysian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) should explore various methods to leverage 5G network connectivity for their businesses, according to telecommunications company Ericsson.

Its regional enterprise lead for Southeast Asia, Oceania and India, Yasin Khan highlighted that SMEs have alternatives to the private networks currently favoured by larger industries. 

Yasin suggested that SMEs could adopt 5G through options such as network slicing, wireless wide area networks (WANs), or wireless edge solutions, rather than solely relying on private networks. 

"The starting point for enterprises whether it is a large enterprise or an SME is to first look at what are your requirements as well as the ability to find the right solutions in utilising the 5G network.

"We have seen many examples of SMEs leveraging public 5G-based solutions to drive their automation and digitalisation for their competitive efficiency," he said during the '5G Enterprises Connect' webinar hosted by Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) in collaboration with Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) on Thursday.

Meanwhile, MCMC chief technology and innovation officer Shamsul Izhan Abdul Majid in his remarks noted that the MCMC is leading enterprise transformation by ensuring efficient 5G infrastructure rollout and a regulatory framework that fosters innovation and investment.

"5G contributions in the digital economy are expected to increase Malaysia's gross domestic product [GDP] by creating new services and industries, establishing new business models and enhancing productivity and efficiency across various sectors.

"As of now, Malaysia's 5G network covers major urban areas, and we are on track to achieve nationwide coverage by 2025," he said, adding that as of May 2024, 5G coverage in populated areas has reached 81.7% with 14.1 million subscriptions,” said Shamsul Izhan.

Looking forward, Shamsul Izhan believes 5G will be crucial in developing smart cities, autonomous vehicles, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

"Moreover, the energy efficiency improvement and green technology initiatives associated with 5G will align with our sustainability goals, ensuring the technological leap towards a greener, more sustainable future," he added.

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