CelcomDigi, Borneo Restu in strategic partnership to drive digital innovation in Sarawak

• Enhanced connectivity will drive innovation, attract investments, create new jobs
• Collaboration a key milestone in the project, aimed at boosting connectivity across the State

CelcomDigi Berhad and Sarawakian telecommunications infrastructure specialist Borneo Restu Sdn Bhd have entered into a strategic partnership to enhance high-speed internet access across Sarawak under the Point of Presence (PoP) Phase Two project, supporting the State’s ongoing digital transformation efforts.

In a joint statement, the parties stated that the collaboration marks a milestone in the PoP Phase Two project, which is designed to improve connectivity throughout the State, with a focus on expanding internet access in both suburban and rural areas, especially to schools in these regions. They added that enhanced digital access will empower communities by opening up new opportunities for businesses, driving digital innovation, attracting investments, and creating new jobs, thereby contributing to the improvement of Sarawakians' quality of life, as well as the overall economic development of the State.

At the Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony to formalise the partnership, CelcomDigi’s CEO, Idham Nawawi, said, “This partnership is a significant step in the development of Sarawak’s digital infrastructure, as we join forces to facilitate better digital access, ensuring that the enhanced connectivity benefits all Sarawakians. We look forward to a long-standing partnership with Borneo Restu, delivering the PoP Phase Two project, and exploring more initiatives to accelerate Sarawak’s digitalisation efforts.”

Meanwhile, Borneo Restu’s managing director, Ian W Lee, reiterated the company’s readiness in the timely implementation of the PoP Phase Two project. “We remain committed to expediting the completion of the remainder of the project by the end of 2025, and look forward to playing a key role in Sarawak’s digital transformation by working closely with CelcomDigi to support Sarawak’s economic and social development through better connectivity.”

Last year, the Ministry of Communications allocated US$897 million (RM3.9 billion) to continue the implementation of the PoP Phase Two project, involving 3,693 PoP sites near schools in rural areas throughout the country. In Sarawak, US$231.7 million (RM1.08 billion) was allocated to Borneo Restu to build 681 PoP sites across the State.

CelcomDigi is also part of the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation’s SMART600 project, aimed at improving digital connectivity in rural Sarawak. At present, the telco’s 4G coverage in populated areas of the State stands at 90%, with further improvements expected as the company accelerates its post-merger network integration and modernisation exercise.

Beyond enabling connectivity, CelcomDigi is actively engaged in several other initiatives to drive digitalisation in Sarawak. This includes organising the MY5G SME Digital Workshop in Kuching last week, empowering around 200 local MSMEs with the digital skills and resources needed to improve business efficiencies through digitalisation and thrive in a digital economy.

The company was also the platinum sponsor of SUKMA 2024 in Sarawak, pioneering the nation’s first-ever live broadcast, powered by 5G-Advanced (5G-A) technology, from SUKMA 2024 to viewers across Malaysia. It also deployed 5G-A powered 360° cameras at Stadium Sarawak, enabling viewers to enjoy an immersive experience of the sports arena’s atmosphere remotely via a Virtual Reality headset. Additionally, the company achieved the fastest mobile speeds at 30.8Gbps during a live 5G-A trial conducted in Kuching.