MAXIS has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Penang government to strengthen the connectivity and digital infrastructure of the state in the coming years.
The MoU signing ceremony marked the collaboration between the Penang government and Maxis.
The partnership would focus on two areas – the implementation of 5G-enabled Smart City IoT pilot projects and the setting up of an IoT Innovation Lab in Penang.
The 5G-enabled Smart City IoT pilot projects include Smart Security solution in Komtar, Smart Education project at Penang Digital Library and Smart Agriculture farming concept to increase yield, resource efficiency and quality of produce.
The setting up of an IoT Innovation Lab in Penang is currently in discussion.
Maxis chairman Raja Tan Sri Arshad Raja Tun Uda said technologies such as 5G and the 5G-enabled smart solutions have the potential to open up new possibilities for the governments, local councils and businesses.
“We believe that we are in a strong position to be a trusted partner of the state and that our capabilities in developing end-to-end digital solutions will be relevant to your smart city blueprint.
“Penang has always been important to Maxis and we have continuously building our presence here through investment in our network, expansion, retail footprint and our distribution.
“We applaud the aspirations and the efforts of the Penang government for leveraging new technologies towards becoming a family focused, green and smart state; the Penang2030 vision.
“We, at Maxis, are inspired by this vision. And we would like to thank the state government for giving us the opportunity to be part of your journey through our capabilities,” he said in his welcome remarks at the Penang Digital Library 2 today.
Arshad said the world is changing rapidly with the rise of digital technology.
“Digital technology has become essential enabler for consumers, businesses and governments,” he said.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the partnership with Maxis is a significant step forward in realising the Penang2030 vision.
“Our mission will always be the utilisation of technology to improve the quality of life, and to provide better opportunities for our people.
“We can accelerate our digital ambitions by integrating smart technologies into key sectors such as education, public safety and agriculture.
“The state government is very pleased to have you (Maxis) onboard as a trusted technology partner to support the state in its journey towards its digital ambitions,” Chow said.
Chow said that Maxis had also looked at the 16 strategic initiatives of the Penang2030 vision.
“The company came up with proposals on how it could assist the state in achieving some of these targets that we have set.
“We welcome the collaboration with Maxis in Penang.
“I believe we will stand to gain very much from the company’s participation in the digital transformation of Penang,” Chow added.
Also present were Penang State Secretary Datuk Abdul Razak Jaafar, Penang Entrepreneurial Development, Trade and Industry Commitee chairman Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain, Maxis chief executive officer Gokhan Ogut and Maxis head of government segment Senthil Balan.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Law Suun Ting
Video by Ahmad Adil Muhamad