The launch of Sarawak’s first 5G test-bed at Centre of Technical Excellence (CENTEXS), Santubong, Kuching in 2020
The digital economy is a form of ‘transaction’ driven by the public and private sectors as well as individuals to produce, adopt and innovate digital technology and services related to socio-economic functions and services to enhance wealth, productivity and quality of life.
In such context, we are actually a part of the digital economy, given that we are conducting more and more activities online today, from online shopping and cashless payment to even remote working.
Through numerous online applications, the digital economy also gives numerous space and opportunities for entrepreneurs to expand their business. With YouTube, for example, they can upload short videos promoting their products in hopes of attracting views while generating revenue.
For graduates that possess digital knowledge and skills, there are now more options for them to pursue their dreams; aside from searching for employment at companies, they can now consider becoming content creators or online entrepreneurs capable of providing jobs for others.
Despite the benefits it offers, aggressive implementation of the digital economy must be guided by proper, non-disruptive broadband infrastructure and technology.
Since the introduction of the digital economy agenda in Sarawak, the Sarawak Government continues to prioritise digital connectivity to bridge the digital divide between rural and urban areas.
It intends to achieve this through the provision of digital infrastructure facilities such as high-speed Internet and telecommunication towers in appropriate places in order for the whole population to be able to take full advantage of greater access to smartphones and the Internet.
The need for enhanced digital infrastructure is further supported by factors including the market availability of food transportation and delivery application services, a drastic shift towards e-commerce, and technology integration by organisations into their core business.
Enhancing Connectivity Through 5G Network
Sarawak has taken the initiative to develop its 5G network with the establishment of its first 5G test-bed at Centre of Technical Excellence (CENTEXS) in Santubong, Kuching in 2020.
The initiative is in line with Sarawak’s direction to drive its digital technology development while achieving its aspiration of becoming an advanced state by 2030.
To accelerate its digital economy, the State opts for 5G technology because this wireless communication technology offers quality high speed connectivity and low latency rate of one mili-second, as well as connects up to a million devices per square kilometre.
In essence, 5G technology has the ability to change the way we as a society make use of mobile technology.
Among other advantages, efficiency of mobile Internet connection through 5G, for example, is capable of reducing energy consumption rate of our devices, allowing us to utilise them much longer than before.
The technology’s high Internet capacity also enables us to increase the number of Internet connection to our devices, which is necessary in our exploration of the Internet of Things (IoT).
This in turn can boost creativity and innovation in the digital economy, as well as establish new industries that might bring immense benefits to Sarawak’s overall socio-economic development.
Needless to say, 5G will advance the present mobile technology through technological improvements to connect humans with other advanced devices, and in Sarawak’s case, is seen as the next step in connecting its people and boosting its digital economy.
Read more:
The Internet: A Crucial Variable in Empowering the Digital Economy
How the Digital Environment is Shaping Young Digital Entrepreneurs
