Announcements made at Thrive Asia Pacific; event registrations are open

3 November 2020, London: To help foster and accelerate digital nation opportunities, the GSMA has signed three memorandum of understanding agreements with the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporate (MDEC), Pakistan’s Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT), and the Pacific Islands Telecommunications Association (PITA).

The agreements were announced at Thrive Asia Pacific, a three day virtual experience where Asia Pacific’s digital business leaders and policymakers are solutions-and-impact/connectivity-for-good/public-policy/regulatory-environment/mobile-energy-efficiencyting online this week, 3 – 5 November 2020.

“Collaboration between digital industry and policymakers is key to the advancement of digital societies in Asia Pacific. And now it’s essential, as Asia Pacific nations build resilient economies for post-pandemic recovery,” said the GSMA’s Head of Asia Pacific, Julian Gorman. “Our recent agreements with Malaysia, Pakistan and the Pacific Islands Telecommunications Association show how we are helping Asia Pacific countries drive their digital transformation.”

MOU with MDEC (Malaysia)

In a signed MOU, MDEC and the GSMA have agreed to help accelerate Malaysia’s digital economy growth, ensuring its inclusive and rewarding for all:

• Empowering Malaysians with digital skills
• Enabling digitally powered businesses
• Driving digital sector investments and innovation

MDEC’s CEO, Surina Shukri, said, “We encourage Malaysia-based multi-national companies to help build the nation’s digital ecosystem and support local digitally powered businesses become global players.  And I commend the GSMA for its proactive support of organisations as they prepare for 5G and digitalisation.”

“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. We look forward to fostering more partnerships to attract digital investments into the country and augment Malaysia’s pursuit to be the Heart of Digital ASEAN

MOU with MoITT (Pakistan)

The GSMA has also signed an MOU with MoITT that focuses on mobile broadband as the foundation for an inclusive “Digital Pakistan”:

• For every citizen of Pakistan to enjoy an independent and sustainable lifestyle
• Implementation of legal and policy modernisation to advance digital transformation.

The Federal Minister, IT & Telecommunication, H.E. Syed Amin Ul Haque, said, “The MOU signing between GSMA & MoITT is a great endorsement of the Digital Pakistan vision and we look forward to working with GSMA on further strengthening our relationship and showcasing Pakistan on the regional and global platform as a Digital Leader.”

MOU with PITA (Pacific Islands)

The GSMA has signed a MOU with PITA, a non-profit organisation that represents the interests of small island nations in the Pacific Region in the field of telecommunications.  The aim of the initiative is to help foster innovation and progress towards a digital society.

PITA’s President George Samisoni said, “the GSMA is taking a proactive effort in supporting organisations to ensure they continue on their paths towards digitalisation, including boosting deployment of connectivity. I encourage Pacific Island Nation mobile network operators to join the effort in building the region’s digital ecosystem as the Pacific Islands continue to raise their profile on the global stage.”

Samoa’s Minister of Communication and Information Technology, the Honorable Mr Afamasaga Lepuia’i Rico Tupa’i said, “I applaud the efforts of PITA and GSMA to work together to drive the growth of digital technology in the Pacific Islands region.”

In news shared yesterday, new research from GSMA Intelligence shows a whole-of-government approach practiced by Asia Pacific countries is advancing their progress to fully fledged digital societies. The GSMA Digital Societies Report: Asia Pacific 2020 is available to download here. To find out more about Thrive Asia Pacific and register, please visit the website: click here.

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About GSMA

The GSMA represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide, uniting more than 750 operators with almost 400 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem, including handset and device makers, software companies, equipment providers and internet companies, as well as organisations in adjacent industry sectors. The GSMA also produces the industry-leading MWC events held annually in Barcelona, Africa, Los Angeles and Shanghai, as well as the Thrive Series of regional conferences.