Telcos Must Transform To Face New Technological Challenges - Fahmi

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 16 (Bernama) -- Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said telecommunications companies (telcos) in the country must prepare to transform their structures and business models to meet new challenges driven by rapid global technological evolution.

He said that beyond the current challenges posed by social media, the emergence of new technologies such as quantum communications, quantum encryption and satellite communications will transform the landscape of the industry within the next five to 10 years, thus demanding immediate adaptation.

“With these new modes of communication, challenges will arise not only in terms of security, but also in economics. One of the biggest challenges will be how telcos need to find a way to transform,” he said during his speech at the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) 2025 Scholarship Awards ceremony here today.

Commenting on changes within the industry, Fahmi said telcos need to shift from traditional to technology-based models, on par with the sector’s global evolution. 

Fahmi, who is also the spokesperson for the MADANI Government, cited Telekom Malaysia as an example, which is now transitioning from conventional telephone services into a technology company.

“In the past, when we mentioned Telekom Malaysia, we would pick up a telephone receiver… but today we say TM, and there is no phone. Now it is a technology company. So, the trend for telecommunications companies will likely be a shift from telco to tech-co,” he said.

Fahmi advised young professionals aspiring to join the communications industry to prioritise mastering new technologies, especially emerging fields such as quantum communications and satellite technology, to ensure their future competitiveness.

Earlier, Fahmi presented the MCMC Scholarship Awards. Five outstanding students received the MCMC LEGASI scholarships, while 20 distinguished students were granted the MCMC CARE scholarships. 

Speaking to the press, he said these scholarships reflect MCMC's long-term commitment to developing highly skilled talent to strengthen Malaysia's competitiveness in advancing the communications and multimedia sector.

Regarding MCMC’s intention to grant scholarships to five outstanding students from Palestine, Fahmi said the commission will collaborate with the Palestinian Embassy to begin identifying suitable candidates to attend Multimedia University. 

This scholarship initiative, announced by the government via the Ministry of Communications in October, will offer five Palestinians the opportunity to pursue studies in network or radio engineering in Malaysia.

Priority will be given to eligible young people from various Palestinian regions, including Gaza, Ramallah, the West Bank and Nablus.

-- BERNAMA