Dual 5G boosts Malaysia’s supply-chain resilience, says industry chief

Malaysia's dual 5G network model could significantly improve the resilience of supply chains, according to industry leader Lorela Chia. The manufacturing sector stands to benefit from greater flexibility in deploying and managing digital technologies, as manufacturers often rely on a mix of legacy machinery, newer automation technologies, different cloud platforms, and equipment from multiple vendors.

By having two separate 5G networks - one operated by Digital Nasional Berhad on Ericsson equipment, and the other run by U Mobile using Huawei and ZTE technology - businesses gain optionality, or more choices in how they connect their systems. This flexibility becomes particularly useful when companies change suppliers, upgrade parts of their operations, or respond to disruptions.

Instead of rebuilding their entire operations around a single network, manufacturers can choose the network that best supports the technologies they intend to introduce. Chia emphasizes that this flexibility is crucial for small suppliers who may not be able to replace existing equipment to fit a different technology setup. The dual-network model offers value beyond simply expanding coverage, as it allows for better redundancy and quicker reconfiguration in the face of disruption.

Chia believes that Malaysia's dual 5G network model provides more than just expanded coverage; it offers businesses the tools they need to solve real production problems, such as improved reliability, interoperability, cybersecurity, and the ability to integrate various connectivity options. The next phase of Malaysia's 5G rollout should focus on addressing these critical issues, providing businesses with reliable, secure connectivity that enhances visibility and control over their operations.