KOTA KINABALU: SEDCO Communications Sdn Bhd (Scomm) has the potential to play a larger role in expanding Sabah’s digital infrastructure through collaboration with telecommunications service providers, premises owners and the private sector, said Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III, Datuk Ewon Benedick.
He said that as a state-linked entity under the SEDCO Group, Scomm could help translate Sabah’s development direction into telecommunications facilities that could be utilised by the people and businesses.
“This includes the development of fibre optic networks, enhancement of in-building coverage, backbone connectivity and other telecommunications facilities,” he said when speaking at the Scomm Strategic Collaboration Signing Ceremony at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here, today.
Ewon, who is also Sabah Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport, said Scomm’s collaboration with SICC, ITCC Penampang, Hyatt and U Mobile showed how government-linked companies and industry partners could work together to improve connectivity at key locations.
He said SICC was an important venue for international conferences and events, while ITCC Penampang was a hub for business and community activities, and hospitality facilities such as Hyatt supported the tourism sector.
“Improved indoor coverage, including 5G when implemented, will help meet the needs of visitors, event organisers, traders and tourism operators.
“At the same time, reliable telecommunications infrastructure helps companies operate more efficiently and enhances Sabah’s attractiveness to investors,” he said.
He said strengthening digital infrastructure was also in line with the focus of Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 (SMJ 2.0) on digitalisation and artificial intelligence.
According to him, the benefits of improved connectivity should also be felt by small and medium entrepreneurs, including through the use of cashless payments, online marketing and cloud applications to manage businesses.
Ewon expressed hope that the collaboration initiated at key commercial locations could serve as a foundation for gradually expanding digital facilities to more districts and communities in Sabah.
“The connectivity gap still needs to be addressed so that more people can benefit from the digital economy,” he said.
He also wanted such infrastructure development to create opportunities for local engineers, technicians, contractors and technology companies, while ensuring that projects undertaken by Scomm have a sound business foundation and contribute to Sabah’s development priorities.
The strategic collaboration signing ceremony was witnessed by Ewon; Chairman of the Sabah Economic Development Corporation (SEDCO), Datuk Masiung Banah; International Business Director of SEDCO Communications (Scomm), Dato’ Seri Mossco Woo; and Chairman of Scomm, Ruhaizul Rubin.
The collaboration documents were signed by Scomm Chief Executive Officer, Subha Maraiah; Chief Executive Officer of the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), Datuk Dr Hajah Rosmawati Haji Lasuki; General Manager of ITCC Penampang, Benjamin Malakun; Head of Network and Implementation at U Mobile, Jaime Chee; and Information Systems Manager of Hyatt Regency Kinabalu, Rendy Richard.-BNN
