Telecoms & IT

Many of Malaysia’s Vision 2020 goals to develop into a high-income knowledge economy hinge on its ability to leverage the IT sector strategically and effectively. As in developed countries, the country’s IT backbone undergirds and acts as the foundation for the potential of a wide swathe of other sectors, from services and industry to tourism and banking. Although the sector is steadily achieving its Vision 2020 goals, it is faced with doing so in a demanding environment. The past two years have been somewhat trying times for the country’s telecoms companies, which have had to adapt to changing economic, market and regulatory conditions. However, there is light at the end of the tunnel as the sector appears to be preparing for a more stable period, and ongoing work on coverage, capacity expansion, modernisation and infrastructure-sharing agreements are beginning to yield benefits for providers and consumers alike. This chapter contains interviews with Zam Isa, Group CEO, Telekom Malaysia; and Wong Heang Tuck, CEO, U Mobile.