UTM is Malaysia’s first university with 5G

Celcom and Ericsson have kicked off a live trial of a 5G radio system at UTM’s Kuala Lumpur campus. This makes UTM the first university in the country with a 5G network and the live site will be utilised for 5G use cases and research projects.

Celcom Axiata Berhad has also announced an extension of its collaboration with University Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and Ericsson (M) Sdn Bhd which covers the Research & Development (R&D) in 5G technology and Internet of Things (IoT) through the Innovation Centre for 5G (IC5G). The 5G Innovation Centre was introduced in late 2016 and it is endorsed by the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education. Celcom had signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with UTM and Ericsson in April 2019 to support the IC5G platform.

The continuation of the LOI between the three parties mark a significant milestone to commemorate Celcom’s commitment to strengthen, promote and develop 5G in the country. The IC5G is seen as a crucial avenue for future growth and development of 5G technology and uses cases.

The exchange of agreement and setting up of the live 5G commercial radio system was held in conjunction with ASEAN Makerthon 2019, which is a 3-day event organised by the MCMC at UTM KL campus. Participants of the competition are required to build physical prototypes in line with the theme “Impact of 5G Revolution towards 4IR” and this is the first makerthon to run on a 5G network.

Celcom CEO, Idham Nawawi said, “Through the collaboration established earlier in April, Celcom saw the immense opportunities for the industry-academia partnership in creating a sustainable 5G development within campus environment, as an avenue for 5G research and development in Malaysia. This initiative reflects Celcom’s commitment to explore opportunities in relation to 5G key strategic areas, further supporting the development of the nation’s digital ecosystem.”

Meanwhile, UTM’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Ir. Dr. Wahid bin Omar said, “Since the establishment of the Innovation Centre for 5G in UTM, we are privileged to work with our industry partners, especially Ericsson, in making the 5G technology a closer reality in Malaysia and preparing our young human capital to be 5G-ready. We are delighted to welcome Celcom to come on board this academia-industry strategic partnership. Let’s work together for the betterment of Malaysian higher education, industry and the nation.”

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