PETALING JAYA: Organisations need to allocate funds for research and development (R&D) purposes and identify use cases to ensure an efficient deployment of the 5G ecosystem in their day-to-day operations, says CelcomDigi Bhd chief enterprise business officer Afizulazha Abdullah.

He said these funds meant for R&D would enable businesses to develop new brand innovations and the use cases as it shows the significance of the investment made in 5G technology, which could have positive contributions to businesses.

“CelcomDigi has done our own use case on a closed-circuit television or CCTV system in Langkawi Port. Using the same camera to ensure the investment is right, we could detect any intrusion, heat movement and count the amount of vehicles entering the port,” he told StarBiz at the CelcomDigi MY5G Conference and Tech Showcase yesterday.

Afizulazha said although the group’s carbon footprint is not exceedingly large, CelcomDigi will be able to support clients and associates that are looking to reduce energy use while boosting productivity.

He stated that as CelcomDigi needs to power its telecommunication sites, the group is exploring ways to reduce the effect and dependency of using a significant amount of power.

“Through new equipment and connectivity, we are contributing to a lower footprint. So, every single second you save cuts down the carbon usage,” he added.

In terms of cybersecurity, Afizulazha said 5G technology was designed to be safe and secure.

“Hence, when you deploy 5G into a manufacturing floor and private network, it is super secure,” he said.

He then compared wireless fidelity (WiFi) to 5G, stating that this new technology is built for industrial capabilities, ensuring a more secure database for businesses.

Afizulazha also stated that to deploy the full capacity of 5G technology in Malaysia, it would take a little bit of time due to lack of awareness and the need of the industry to ensure the right quality.

The rollout of Malaysia’s 5G network and infrastructure across the whole nation was mandated to Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB), which will be the country’s single wholesale 5G network operator.

CelcomDigi was among the first three telecommunication companies to agree to subscribe for equity stakes in DNB.

Meanwhile, CelcomDigi chief executive officer Datuk Idham Nawawi said the group will stay competitive within the industry as it will provide a platform where it allows customers to have the flexibility to change their rate plan accordingly.

Idham said CelcomDigi will help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to transform their services via 5G technology as a step forward to provide better services to the consumer.

Idham added that the government has been supportive of funding businesses moving towards digitalisation.

This could be pushed further with the participation of enabling sectors such as banking.

“This will be crucial in paving the way to unlocking benefits for all consumers and businesses,” he said.

Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil, who officiated the conference, said in a recorded video speech that the government wants Malaysia to lead the development of enterprise 5G solutions to ensure the country’s digital ecosystem meets the highest international standards as well as elevating its economy.

“With a strong 5G infrastructure, more Malaysians, SMEs or even enterprises across industries can greatly benefit from its efficient foundation for digital services and applications to be developed, stored, distributed and consumed,” he said.

The MY5G Conference and Tech Showcase organised by CelcomDigi was a part of its ambition to accelerate 5G adoption across businesses and drive development and leadership among business leaders in Malaysia, particularly SMEs.