PETALING JAYA: Experts say Malaysia delivered impressive 5G connectivity at the 46th Asean Summit and Related Summits held in Kuala Lumpur last week.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said in a Bernama report that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), in partnership with local telecommunications industry players, provided three large-size '5G in a box' units and 26 smaller units for the Summit.
Monash University Malaysia School of Information Technology senior lecturer Dr Tan Chee Keong believes that innovative use of "5G in a box" units was a key success factor.
"These compact, portable 5G base stations were crucial for providing robust, high-speed connectivity, with reported speeds of 300Mbps to 600Mbps and up to 1Gbps at the media centre where the Asean Summit was held in KL," said Tan in a statement to LifestyleTech.
He added that this "plug-and-play” capability enabled rapid, cost-effective and flexible network deployment which was essential for accommodating over 1,200 media personnel and delegates.
"Traditional infrastructure would have been impractical for such a temporary event with intense, high-bandwidth demands for real-time reporting and communication," he said.
With personnel constantly moving around within a complex event landscape featuring temporary structures and varied building materials, inconsistent signal coverage would have been a major hurdle, Tan added.
"The agility of these units effectively overcame these architectural and logistical complexities, ensuring continuous high-bandwidth access precisely where needed," he said.
He also explained that high-speed and seamless connectivity is crucial for ensuring real-time communication, live broadcasting and virtual participation can be facilitated without hiccups.
"Providing ubiquitous connectivity at an international event like the Asean Summit serves as a powerful demonstration of a nation's technological capabilities and its readiness to embrace the digital future. It showcases Malaysia's commitment to digital transformation and its ability to host technologically-advanced events," Tan added.
Malaysia Cyber Consumer Association president Siraj Jalil said MCMC’s recent efforts to ensure smooth 5G connectivity at the summit was a strategic move that aligns with the country's aspiration to lead the digital frontier in South-East Asia.
"It is essential to recognise that 5G readiness is not merely a technical benchmark. It is a demonstration of Malaysia’s commitment to offering a secure, smart and competitive digital ecosystem," said Siraj.
In terms of security, Siraj said 5G enabled advanced surveillance systems including AI-powered cameras for real-time anomaly detection and facial recognition.
The network also allowed instantaneous sharing of documents, ultra high definition video conferencing and smart logistical coordination, which significantly enhanced operational efficiency and safety.
"Digital infrastructure is not just a technical requirement, but a key enabler of modern diplomacy and high-standard governance," Siraj added.
Tech expert and content creator Adil Hidayat, also known as Pendakwah Teknologi, said it was a good move by MCMC to enhance the 5G network and coverage at the Asean Summit.
"What’s more important is that there were no reports of slow Internet or connectivity issues throughout the event, that alone speaks volumes about the strength and reliability of our 5G infrastructure," Adil added.
Beyond the Summit
Local 5G network coverage in populated areas is reported to be at 82.4% as of December 2024, with over 53% of mobile users now on 5G compared to just 24.6% the year before.
Based on latest Opensignal Q1 2025 data which indicates that overall 5G download speeds is at an average 237.5Mbps, Tan said this gives users faster downloads for large files, smoother 4K/8K video streaming plus a much-improved experience for cloud-based applications compared to 4G.
“The ability to achieve speeds well over 200Mbps in covered areas certainly offers a meaningful upgrade for data-intensive activities,” he added.
He believes 5G also delivers a major security upgrade over 4G by providing stronger encryption and authentication, better user data protection and features like network slicing that creates isolated, highly secure virtual networks.
It also enables safer integration of billions of IoT devices, giving users greater confidence in data protection and online activity in a cyber-threatened world.
For 5G to truly benefit the entire country, particularly rural and remote areas, Tan said the focus should not just be on speed and coverage but also affordability, inclusivity and tangible real-world benefits.
“Critically, the recent transition to a dual 5G network model is expected to foster increased market competition among providers. This, combined with diverse and tailored packages, including affordable prepaid options, will be crucial in driving down the cost for consumers,” he said.
He added that ongoing 5G rollout must prioritise rural and remote areas by overcoming bureaucratic and logistical challenges as well as using innovative solutions like Fixed Wireless Access.
“Prioritising these communities, as laid out in the national digital connectivity plan Jendela's second phase is critical. The way 5G has been rolled out at the Asean Summit and through ongoing initiatives truly highlights Malaysia's commitment to its digital transformation goals,” he said.
Siraj acknowledged the strength of 5G connectivity at the Asean Summit as a proud moment for Malaysia, but added that it must be seen as the beginning of a broader transformation.
“The next step is to ensure that this technology forms the foundation of an inclusive, secure and high-impact digital ecosystem that truly improves the daily lives of Malaysian citizens,” he said.
Tan concurred, adding that the Jendela initiative — which has recorded 9.03 million premises with high-speed/fibre Internet — provides the foundational backbone by enhancing nationwide fixed and mobile broadband coverage and preparing for 5G transition across all segments to ensure a pervasive and equitable digital foundation necessary for widespread adoption.
“Together, these efforts prove Malaysia is serious about its MyDigital aspirations, showing the world it’s a dynamic, forward-thinking nation ready to seize the full potential of the digital era for sustainable growth and a better future for all,” said Tan.
