GSMA Inks Digital Development MoUs With MDEC, MoITT, PITA

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 3 (Bernama) -- The GSM Association (GSMA), which represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide, has inked three memoranda of understanding (MoU) to help foster and accelerate digital nation opportunities. The MoUs were signed with the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporate (MDEC), Pakistan’s Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT), and the Pacific Islands Telecommunications Association (PITA). The announcement on the MoUs was made during the Thrive Asia Pacific virtual conference, which saw Asia Pacific digital business leaders and policymakers gathering online from Nov 3-5. GSMA head of Asia Pacific Julian Gorman said the collaboration between the digital industry and policymakers is key to the advancement of digital societies in Asia Pacific. “Our recent agreements with Malaysia, Pakistan and the PITA show how we are helping Asia Pacific countries drive their digital transformation,” he said in a statement Tuesday. Under the MoU with MDEC, both parties has agreed to help accelerate Malaysia’s digital economy growth by empowering Malaysians with digital skills and enabling digitally-powered businesses. MDEC chief executive officer Surina Shukri said the government agency is looking forward to fostering more partnerships to attract digital investments into the country, and enhance Malaysia’s pursuit to be the heart of Digital ASEAN. “MDEC aims to harness these complementary strengths, which will not only advance the nation’s digital agenda but potentially lead to the creation of tech solutions in our backyard that could shape the way we solve the most pressing global issues,” she said. According to the statement, GSMA said the MoU with MoITT focused on mobile broadband as the foundation for an inclusive “Digital Pakistan”. Pakistan’s Federal Minister of Information Technology and Telecommunication Syed Amin Ul Haque said the agreement is a great endorsement of the “Digital Pakistan” vision. Meanwhile, the MoU with PITA -- a non-profit organisation that represents the interests of small island nations in the Pacific Region in the field of telecommunications -- aims to help foster innovation and progress towards a digital society. PITA president George Samisoni said GSMA is taking a proactive effort in supporting organisations to ensure they continue on their path towards digitalisation, including boosting deployment of connectivity. “I encourage mobile network operators in Pacific island nations to join the effort in building the region’s digital ecosystem as the Pacific islands continue to raise their profile on the global stage,” he said. -- BERNAMA