KUCHING, Oct 4: The state will proceed with its ambition to provide 5G connectivity under the 12th Malaysia Plan (2021-2025) in collaboration with Huawei and Centre of Technical Excellence (Centexs).
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg expressed hope that by then, Sarawak be linked with the international cable network through ‘Borneo Cable Link’, which will connect with Hong Kong to the rest of the world.
He said the Sarawak government has set aside funds to ensure the state would be able to develop its digital economy comprehensively in the next decade.
“We hope that under the 12MP, we will able to upgrade our connectivity using 5G (technology).
“In terms of training, Centexs is working with Huawei, which has the hardware for 5G. With this hardware plus our own infrastructure, we will be able to link to any parts of the world in real time,” Abang Johari said when opening the Borneo International Drones and Robotic Exploration (Drobotex) at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching today.
The chief minister reiterated that the 5G communication network is expected to have the capability speed of 20 terabits.
“This will need a lot of investment but we have set aside some fund. At the same time, the private sector will provide connectivity from Kuching to Lawas (they are also working together with Indonesia).”
Abang Johari said the implementation of 5G communication network is expected to provide the necessary tool for the government to embark fully on digital economy, which will focus on four major sectors, namely agriculture, tourism, services and e-commerce.
“In order to succeed, we have to stress on the importance of STEM. Currently, our enrolment in science stream is only 24.3 per cent. Last year it was only 23.2 per cent, well behind the national target of 60 per cent,” he added.
He was grateful to both Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Bumiputera Sarawak (Tegas) and Sarawak Multimedia Agency (SMA) for organising Drobotex, which attracted participants from Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia including Brunei.
Assistant Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment, Datu Len Talif Salleh, who is also Tegas chairman, said one of the objectives of the event was focus to focus on exhibition, workshops and competitions that will provide the visitors, students and community into the world of new emerging technology in drones and robotics. — DayakDaily
