Malaysia’s single wholesale 5G network operator Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) and Swedish multinational networking and telecommunications company Ericsson have announced a strategic partnership to accelerate Malaysia’s digital transformation through 5G and 5G-Advanced technology.

This collaboration aims to support Malaysia’s ambition to become a global digital leader while driving economic growth and innovation across multiple industries, the duo said in a statement on Thursday.

Formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the partnership will focus on advancing enterprise digitalization, enhancing connectivity, and fostering innovation.

By expanding 5G and 5G Advanced coverage, DNB and Ericsson seek to strengthen Malaysia’s digital infrastructure and enable real-world applications of the technology.

Key areas of collaboration include accelerating enterprise digitalization; driving internet of things (IoT) and wearables innovation; co-creating future-ready solutions; advancing sustainability and energy efficiency; strengthening security and network resilience.

DNB and Ericsson will work together to expand 5G connectivity in strategic areas, including industrial zones.

By collaborating with mobile network operators, the partnership aims to deliver enhanced, differentiated connectivity services to support businesses in their digital transformation journey.

The partnership will also pave the way for diverse internet of things (IoT) applications, leveraging on reduced capability (RedCap) and wearables technologies.

These advancements will empower businesses and consumers with next-generation connectivity, unlocking new possibilities in industrial automation, smart devices and more.

By utilizing DNB’s 5G Advanced network as an innovation platform, this collaboration will drive the development of cutting-edge applications through partnerships with solution providers, developers, and academia.

This initiative aims to position Malaysia as a leading tech innovation, fostering a vibrant ecosystem, for future-ready digital solutions.

Aligned with Malaysia’s sustainability goals, DNB and Ericsson will integrate artificial intelligence (AI)-powered energy optimization tools to maximize energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact.

This effort supports the nation’s journey towards net-zero emissions by making 5G deployment more energy efficient and sustainable.

The partnership will also focus on bolstering network security and resilience.

By implementing advanced security measures, DNB and Ericsson will help safeguard Malaysia’s digital infrastructure against evolving cyber threats, ensuring a secure and reliable 5G ecosystem.

Through this partnership, DNB’s network will integrate with a global API ecosystem, enhancing Malaysia’s connectivity and enabling the development of cutting-edge digital solutions.

This expansion will support businesses an developers in leveraging 5G technology to drive innovation and economic growth.

“This collaboration with Ericsson marks a pivotal moment in Malaysia’s digital transformation, in particular for the enterprise sector,

“By combining DNB’s expertise in 5G deployment with Ericsson’s global leadership in connectivity, we are strengthening Malaysia’s position as a digital economy leader, powering innovation across key sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture,” said Azman Ismail, Chief Executive Officer of DNB.

David Hagerbro, Head of Ericsson Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, said the firm’s strategic partnership with DNB is a testament to its commitment to advancing Malaysia’s digital future.

“By harnessing Ericsson’s 5G Advanced technology and expertise, we are setting the stage for groundbreaking innovations that will unlock new opportunities and drive Malaysia’s economic growth,” he added.

According to the statement, DNB and Ericsson’s partnership is set to play a crucial role in Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to embrace digitalization and further enhance connectivity.

By expanding 5G Advanced capabilities and fostering collaboration across industries, this initiative will empower local businesses to innovate, adapt and thrive in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

As 5G-Advanced technology continues to expand, it will also serve as a catalyst for industry digitalization, national competitiveness, and enhanced quality of life for all Malaysians, said the statement.

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