KUALA LUMPUR: Eastern & Oriental Bhd
(E&O) has entered into a joint venture with OCK Group Bhd to develop and operate telecommunications and digital infrastructure at Andaman Island in Penang.
In a statement, E&O said its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, Tinggi Murni Sdn Bhd, had entered into the joint venture with OCK's wholly-owned subsidiary, OCK Setia Engineering Sdn Bhd.
Under the collaboration, both parties will develop and operate telecommunications infrastructure and digital connectivity solutions, including telecommunications towers and poles, smart poles, fibre-optic and broadband networks, as well as in-building connectivity systems.
The infrastructure will support telecommunications operators and internet service providers in delivering connectivity across Andaman Island.
E&O said the initiative forms part of its long-term development masterplan for Andaman Island, which comprises residential, commercial, hospitality and lifestyle components.
E&O managing director Kok Tuck Cheong said the collaboration would enable the group to integrate telecommunications infrastructure into the development from the planning stage.
"For a development of Andaman Island's scale and ambition, infrastructure cannot be an afterthought. It must be considered from the outset as part of the wider masterplanning process," he said.
“Our vision for Andaman Island extends beyond the development of individual properties. We are shaping an integrated waterfront destination where people can live, work, connect and experience a complete lifestyle.
“Achieving this requires us to look beyond the physical environment and consider the essential systems that support everyday life, from accessibility and utilities to digital connectivity and the infrastructure needed for future growth.”
Meanwhile, OCK group managing director Datuk Sam Ooi Chin Khoon said the joint venture would bring together telecommunications towers, in-building coverage solutions and fibre-to-the-home infrastructure under a unified platform.
He said the approach was intended to enable telecommunications operators to expand their network presence more efficiently while meeting the connectivity needs of residents and businesses.
OCK also sees the collaboration as a potential model for integrating digital infrastructure into future property developments.
