Malaysia and Indonesia sign MoU to increase telecomm knowledge sharing

Malaysia's Persatuan Penyedia Infrastruktur Telekomunikasi Malaysia (PPIT) and Indonesia's Asosasi Pengembang Infrastruktur dan Menara Telekomunikasi (ASPIMTEL) have partnered to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cross-country knowledge sharing and mutual discussion.

PPIT is an association of a telecommunications infrastructure provider while ASPIMTEL is an association that involves companies engaged in the field of infrastructure and tower development in Indonesia. 

The MOU will facilitate the exchange of information such as technology roadmaps, 4G densification and 5G, innovative telecom infrastructure designs, rural connectivity and more between both associations. 

Don't miss: MY telcos set to agree on deal with govt for second 5G operator 

"PPIT and ASPIMTEL share a common goal of strengthening our digital infrastructure and driving digital inclusion in our respective countries. We look forward to working closely with ASPIMTEL to further build upon our existing infrastructure knowledge, processes, and practices while improving Malaysia-Indonesia relations in the same way," said Muniff Kamaruddin, president of PPIT and chief executive officer of EdgePoint Towers.

Theodorus Ardi Hartoko, ASPIMTEL's chairman and the president director of PT. Dayamitra Telekomunikasi, Tbk. (MTEL). added, "As part of the same region, in Southeast Asia in particular and Asia in general, this collaboration and cooperation to strengthen digital infrastructure and encourage digital inclusion is very good and eagerly awaited."

"This will automatically encourage digital growth and telecommunications infrastructure in their respective countries. We hope that this collaboration can be carried out consistently over the long term," continued Hartoko. 

The MOU also marks the first collaboration between Malaysia and Indonesia in working together to drive digital advancement in the region. 

This collaboration comes just as Malaysian prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim called on Muslim countries to collaborate and boost collaboration in business, investment and economics. 

In late November this year, Anwar said at the Global Muslim Business Forum 2023 that neighbouring Muslim countries such as Brunei and Indonesia, should work together instead of competing with each other. 

"We see the need to enhance collaboration, the need for inclusivity, to free ourselves from isolation and to see ourselves even among neighbours, opportunities to collaborate instead of competing," said Anwar. 

"We are fortunate in Malaysia. We have neighbours - Indonesia - who have taken that position to collaborate and complement one another and not necessarily aggressively compete." 

At the forum, Anwar also called for further collaboration with Indonesia in the halal food sector.

Related articles: 
SK Telekom partners CelcomDigi, Agate and Cosmic Technologies in localised metaverse push 
Fahmi Fadzil calls on local businesses to adopt 5G to remain relevant 
Maxis to sign 5G access agreement with DNB