SMA enters into MoU on strategic ties in telecommunication, spectrum management

KUCHING (Oct 16): The state government, through Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA), is advancing its influence in telecommunications with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Plum Consulting London LLP.

The signing, witnessed by Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, was held at his office here yesterday.

SMA was represented by its general manager Dato Dr Anderson Tiong Ing Heng, while Plum Consulting London LLP was represented by its partner Tim Miller.

The MoU exchange ceremony would follow up during the International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS) 2024 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today, where Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg would officiate at the ceremony, said SMA in a press statement.

It is reported that following amendments to the Sarawak Land Code (Cap. 81), the Sarawak government now holds regulatory authority over the spectrum of its airspace.

“This 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.

“The signing of the MoU between SMA and Plum Consulting London LLP marks an important step toward addressing spectrum management in Sarawak. With the legal foundation provided by the amended Sarawak Land Code and the support of the Sarawak Spectrum Committee (SSC), this partnership should enable Sarawak to explore solutions for effective spectrum management, in alignment with both state interests and federal regulations” Julaihi was quoted as saying.

He added: “The Sarawak government has established the Sarawak Spectrum Committee (SSC), tasked with the overall strategic direction in line with the goal of Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.

“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.”

Tiong also remarked: “Plum Consulting’s extensive expertise in regulatory, radio spectrum, economics and technology sectors should augment this collaboration, aimed at supporting 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.

Also present was MEASAT chief operating officer Yau Chyong Lim.

SMA is a regulatory body established in 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.

Plum Consulting is a leading independent consulting firm, focused on the telecommunications, media, technology, and adjacent sectors.