KUCHING: Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) has inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Plum Consulting London LLP to strengthen strategic cooperation in telecommunication and spectrum management in the state.
The signing ceremony was recently witnessed by Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi and the official MoU exchange ceremony will take place during the International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS) 2024 today at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).
According to SMA in a statement, following amendments to the Sarawak Land Code (Cap. 81), the Sarawak government now holds regulatory authority over the spectrum in its airspace, thus partnership focuses on collaboration in key areas such as spectrum management, policy formulation, and industry standards, as well as exploring frameworks for efficient spectrum management in line with federal laws while ensuring Sarawak’s sovereignty in telecommunication advancements.
Meanwhile, Julaihi said that with the legal foundation provided by the amended Sarawak Land Code and the support of the Sarawak Spectrum Committee (SSC), the partnership with Plum Consulting London LLP will enable Sarawak to explore solutions for effective spectrum management, in alignment with both state interests and federal regulations.
He added the Sarawak government has established the SSC, tasked with the overall strategic direction in line with the goal of Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, and the committee will also focus on long- term planning by considering the sustainability and future growth of the telecommunications industry, especially in relation to spectrum.
SMA general manager Datuk Dr Anderson Tiong said with Plum Consulting’s extensive expertise in regulatory, radio spectrum, economic, and technology sectors, the collaboration will support Sarawak’s digital transformation by addressing critical challenges and opportunities in the telecommunication domain.
“Plum’s experience in delivering tailored insights and solutions will empower Sarawak to optimise its spectrum management, enhance regulatory frameworks, and drive the growth of its digital economy.
“This partnership also aligns with Sarawak’s vision of becoming a connected, digitally empowered state, supporting efforts to develop robust telecommunications infrastructure and promoting long-term economic sustainability,” he said.
SMA is a regulatory body established pursuant to Section 3 of Sarawak Multimedia Authority Ordinance 2017 with the primary objective to spearhead, oversee and facilitate the development and implementation of the communication, multimedia and Sarawak’s Digital Economy Initiatives.
Whereas Plum Consulting is a leading independent consulting firm, focused on the telecommunications, media, technology, and adjacent sectors.
