KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 9): Huawei Technologies (M) Sdn Bhd (Huawei Malaysia) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Terengganu state government to jointly design the East Coast state's digital transformation roadmap.
At the signing ceremony today, Terengganu state secretary Datuk Wan Nawawi Wan Ismail said the roadmap aims to bring latest digital technologies solutions to the state, with Huawei providing technical expertise and business support in implementing the plan, which has four main information and communication technology (ICT) enablers, namely broadband infrastructure, cloud infrastructure, innovation and human capital.
"Connectivity is important in the socioeconomic development of Terengganu, along with nurturing of digital talents and fostering a digital market mindset. We look forward to partnering with Huawei in materialising Terengganu's aspirations to be empowered with a broad end-to-end ICT solutions portfolio, especially in the e-commerce space," Wan Nawawi said.
"We look forward to support from Huawei in further developing the IT infrastructure of the state and making it easier for people to embrace e-commerce as a tool to thrive in a digital era," he added.
Wan Nawawi said the partnership would see the building of cost effective ICT infrastructure and date centres promoting faster and stable broadband connection, with a wider range of coverage.
"With this, the state will be able to leverage on internet of things and the use of smart application platforms to implement digital solutions across vertical industries such as education, transportation, healthcare, retail, security, industrial factories, smart homes, energy grids and others," he said.
"This project will also include open sharing of ICT knowledge through a state wide training programme, in hopes to drive socioeconomic development," he added, but did not disclose any further financial-related details.
Huawei Malaysia's chief executive officer Abraham Liu, meanwhile, said the project will inspire innovation for people to create a digital culture, and bring value to both communities and businesses.
"As a reliable digital infrastructure innovator and enabler, Huawei is committed to helping the state of Terengganu to achieve digital transformation. This is in line with Huawei philosophy of building a digital ecosystem for the nation, which will lead to the sustainable development and a better-connected Malaysia," Liu said.
Apart from this, Huawei Malaysia also signed another three MoUs with SME Corp, Cybersecurity Malaysia and University Malaysia Sabah.
Liu said the MoU with SME Corp was an effort to promote cooperation in areas of research, innovation and talent development for small and medium enterprises towards building the nation's digital economy.
"In order to adapt for the future, we need to relook and reorganise traditional sectors, especially in response to changes brought about by the emerging digital economy. Through our programmes and knowledge, entrepreneurs and business leaders of SMEs will have the capability to create new business models, based on greater cost-effectiveness that could not have existed in the past," he said.
As part of the partnership, there will be a joint collaboration for research papers on SMEs' readiness for digital economy, encompassing readiness towards eCommerce, challenges and opportunities in the ICT and digital age, talent development, policies and infrastructure support, Liu added.
On the other hand, the MoU with Cybersecurity Malaysia forms a part of Huawei Malaysia's efforts to promote and advance cybersecurity by cooperating with the agency, Liu said.
Cybersecurity Malaysia is an agency under Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation.
Liu said the partnership will see the establishment of a "steering committee" that promises to meet twice a year to discuss issues related to technical standards of cybersecurity. The partnership approaches to identify and manage potential threats.
Based on the MoU, Huawei Malaysia will work on supporting and developing local players of the cybersecurity industry, through the Cybersecurity Malaysia Collaborative programme.
Liu said Huawei will share its knowledge and systems on security matters through training courses with local players, while assisting in promoting cybersecurity awareness.
As for the MoU with University Malaysia Sabah, the university has appointed Huawei Malaysia as a technical and business advisor for Smart Campus strategies.
In this role, Liu said Huawei Malaysia will design initiatives and training programmes to share its vast knowledge and experiences on the latest ICT industry trends to the university personnel and students.
Huawei Malaysia will also assist in tailoring a career-based development programme for students, to equip them with the necessary skills to be able to compete in the digital economy.