Malaysia-South Korea: ICT Cooperation with AI Focus

Malaysia and South Korea are set to elevate their bilateral cooperation in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) by November 2024. This development focuses on strengthening the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2019, which initially aimed to establish collaboration in various ICT domains. During the GSMA M360 APAC 2024 conference, the topic was discussed in detail during a meeting between Malaysia’s Communications Minister and South Korea’s Minister of Science and ICT (MSIT). The session highlighted the need to incorporate more advanced technologies, especially artificial intelligence (AI), into the existing agreement.

The Malaysian representative underscored the importance of aligning the proposed enhancements to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with today’s fast-paced digital advancements. Various telecommunications companies have shifted from simply establishing robust 5G infrastructure to exploring how AI can be seamlessly integrated into the existing network. This strategic focus aims to develop innovative AI-powered applications that leverage the high-speed capabilities of 5G, maximising the potential of current network technology and enabling industries and governments to unlock new opportunities within the digital economy.

By integrating AI, stakeholders improve operational efficiencies and enable innovative applications across sectors. This ensures digital services are faster and smarter, reflecting Malaysia and South Korea’s shared vision to lead the digital revolution and create a more interconnected future.

The meeting did not touch upon 6G implementation, as South Korea has recently completed its 5G rollout. Instead, the conversation centred on how the present infrastructure could be utilised more efficiently. According to the Malaysian representative, AI-powered applications present an immediate opportunity to capitalise on high-speed internet, making the question, “What can be achieved with this enhanced connectivity?” the primary focus. This approach reflects a global trend where the application of technology takes precedence over the deployment of new network generations. AI’s potential to optimise operations and deliver innovative services is seen as a key driver in both public and private sectors.

The 2019 MoU, originally signed by Malaysia’s then-Communications and Multimedia Ministry and South Korea’s MSIT, has provided substantial benefits for both countries. It has fostered long-term investment and facilitated numerous opportunities for high-tech knowledge exchange. By incorporating AI into the framework, both nations are poised to deepen their engagement in fields such as 5G applications, digital infrastructure, and technology-driven innovations.

In addition to AI and digital connectivity, the meeting between the two ministers covered a range of topics, including 5G Advanced technology, cybersecurity, the potential for collaborative efforts in filmmaking, and the impact of social media on society. The discussion around 5G Advanced technology indicates a strategic interest in enhancing the capabilities of the existing 5G network, rather than seeking an early transition to 6G. This approach is aligned with the broader industry sentiment that the full potential of 5G has yet to be realised, particularly in its applications for industrial automation, smart cities, and advanced data analytics.

With regards to cybersecurity, the conversation acknowledged the importance of safeguarding digital infrastructures as more services and processes become reliant on interconnected systems. Both countries see cybersecurity as a foundational element that underpins trust in digital services and promotes the safe adoption of advanced technologies such as AI and 5G.

The recent meeting between Malaysia’s Communications Minister and South Korea’s Minister of Science and ICT marks their first formal engagement since the latter’s appointment in July 2024. The discussion focused on enhancing the 2019 MoU on ICT cooperation, emphasising AI integration and leveraging 5G technology. The Malaysian minister is on a three-day visit to South Korea and is scheduled to deliver a keynote at the GSMA M360 APAC 2024 conference on building an AI-enabled digital backbone. This collaboration aims to position both nations as leaders in ICT innovation, impacting industries and societies globally.