ITU PP-26: Malaysia To Share Digital Expertise, Dual 5G Network Experience - Fahmi

By Samantha Tan Chiew Tieng

PUTRAJAYA, Nov 6 (Bernama) -- Malaysia aims to leverage its position in the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to share its expertise in digital infrastructure development, particularly its transition from a single wholesale 5G network to a dual-network model.

Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said Malaysia's experience in addressing connectivity challenges, improving digital literacy and combating online scams could serve as a reference for other countries, particularly developing nations.

He said the transition to a dual 5G network had provided valuable technical insights that Malaysia could contribute to discussions on global telecommunications development.

“Malaysia has moved from a single wholesale 5G network to a dual-network model. This has been a valuable learning experience, one that has not been undertaken by any other country. We have gained considerable technical knowledge from it,” 

Fahmi said this in an interview with Bernama and RTM ahead of the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2026 (PP-26) in Doha, Qatar. He is leading  Malaysia's delegation to the conference, where the country will seek re-election to the ITU Council for the 2027-2030 term.

“This is a crucial moment. Malaysia will seek re-election to the ITU Council this year because the platform allows us to express our views, discuss telecommunications standards and digital infrastructure, and share our experience in overcoming connectivity challenges.

“It is an excellent opportunity to showcase Malaysia's expertise globally and participate in important discussions on the future direction of digital infrastructure development worldwide,” he said.

Fahmi said re-election would allow Malaysia to continue contributing to global telecommunications and information and communications technology (ICT) policies, international regulations and standards, as well as efforts to improve technological compatibility and interoperability.

Council membership would also enable Malaysia to strengthen its role in digital infrastructure development, bridging the digital divide and promoting international cybersecurity cooperation, he said.

Beyond technical expertise, Fahmi noted that Malaysia's neutral stance on many international issues positioned it to play a constructive role in discussions on the future of global telecommunications.

“Malaysia's neutrality on many global issues is important in these discussions, particularly amid today's dynamic geopolitical environment.

“Malaysia represents a moderate, neutral voice, and we strive to contribute constructively to international discussions,” he said.

Fahmi also highlighted international recognition received by several Malaysian digital initiatives, including the National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI) in Karakit, Pulau Banggi, Sabah, which had won a top award under an ITU programme.

He described the achievement as significant recognition for Malaysia, particularly Sabah, in efforts to extend the benefits of digital technology to local communities.

Malaysia had also conducted various training programmes to help developing countries improve Internet access, strengthen digital literacy and address online scam threats, he said.

“Through Malaysia’s position in the ITU, particularly as a council member, we have a platform to share our views and experiences for the benefit of many other countries,” he said.

Malaysia has been an ITU member since 1958 and currently serves on the council for the 2023-2026 term, participating in strategic policymaking and representing regional interests in telecommunications and digital infrastructure.

The ITU is a specialised United Nations agency responsible for ICT matters, including international telecommunications standards, radio spectrum allocation, global telephone and satellite connectivity coordination, and efforts to bridge the digital divide.

-- BERNAMA