KOTA KINABALU: State-owned SEDCO Communications Sdn Bhd (SCOMM) can play a pivotal role in expanding Sabah's digital infrastructure through partnerships with telecommunications (telco) service providers, property owners and the private sector, said Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick.
Ewon, who is also Sabah's Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Minister, said that as a state government-linked entity under the SEDCO Group, SCOMM could help translate Sabah's development agenda into telco facilities.
"This includes the development of fibre optic networks, enhanced indoor coverage, backbone connectivity and other telecommunications infrastructure," he said during the SCOMM Strategic Partnership Signing Ceremony at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here on Monday (Sept 28).
Ewon said SCOMM's collaborations with SICC, ITCC Penampang, Hyatt and U Mobile demonstrate how government-linked companies and industry partners can work together to improve connectivity at key locations.
He said that SICC is an important venue for international conferences and events, ITCC Penampang serves as a hub for business and community activities, while hotels such as Hyatt support the tourism sector.
"Improved indoor coverage, including 5G when implemented, will help meet the needs of visitors, event organisers, traders and tourism operators.
"At the same time, reliable telecommunications infrastructure helps businesses operate more efficiently and enhances Sabah's attractiveness to investors," he said, adding that it was part of the state’s emphasis on digitalisation and artificial intelligence.
According to Ewon, the benefits of improved connectivity should also be enjoyed by small and medium-sized enterprises, including through the use of cashless payment systems, online marketing and cloud-based business management applications.
"The connectivity gap still needs to be addressed so that more people can benefit from the digital economy," he added.
Ewon witnessed the agreements signed by SCOMM chief executive officer Subha Maraiah, Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) chief executive officer Datuk Dr Hajah Rosmawati Haji Lasuki; ITCC Penampang general manager Benjamin Malakun; U Mobile head of network programme and implementation Jaime Chee; and Hyatt Regency Kinabalu information systems manager Rendy Richard.
