logo
Malaysia To Host GSMA M360 ASEAN From 2026 To 2028

Malaysia To Host GSMA M360 ASEAN From 2026 To 2028

Barnama3 hours ago

GENERAL
KUALA LUMPUR, June 20 (Bernama) -- Malaysia will host the GSMA M360 ASEAN event series from 2026 to 2028 under a multi-year strategic partnership signed between the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
The agreement, signed yesterday at the Mobile World Congress (MWC25) in Shanghai, names Malaysia as the official host nation for the M360 ASEAN series, with the inaugural edition to be held in Kuala Lumpur in September 2026.
The collaboration marks a major step in positioning Malaysia as a regional hub for digital policy dialogue, industry innovation, and cross-border cooperation in Southeast Asia.
MCMC Executive Chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din said the partnership is a long-term strategic investment in regional leadership.
"Malaysia is committed to being a convening platform for high-impact conversations on the future of connectivity. M360 ASEAN will be a space where policy meets innovation, and regional priorities find global resonance," he said in a statement.
The M360 ASEAN event is expected to bring together leaders from both the public and private sectors across Asia and beyond, focusing on key digital economy issues such as 5G evolution, connectivity, cybersecurity, and digital inclusion.
Meanwhile, in the same statement, GSMA Chief Regulatory Officer John Giusti said the hosting of M360 ASEAN and this year's Digital Nation Summit reflects Malaysia's strong commitment to ASEAN's digital ambitions.
"Hosting both this year's Digital Nation Summit and next year's M360 ASEAN in Malaysia underscores our strong support for the region's 2045 vision.
"By bringing together governments, mobile operators, and technology innovators, we aim to accelerate collaboration, investment, and inclusive connectivity across all ASEAN countries, laying the foundation for a more resilient and people-centred digital future. We're excited to launch the inaugural M360 ASEAN in Kuala Lumpur in 2026!" he said.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Malaysian timber exports may gain edge in US market, says FRIM forest products director
Malaysian timber exports may gain edge in US market, says FRIM forest products director

The Sun

time43 minutes ago

  • The Sun

Malaysian timber exports may gain edge in US market, says FRIM forest products director

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's timber exports may gain a competitive edge in the US market due to higher tariffs imposed on regional rivals such as Vietnam and Indonesia. Vietnam, once a leading furniture exporter in the region, now faces tariffs as high as 46% compared with Malaysia's import levy of 24%, Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) director of forest products division Wan Tarmeze Wan Ariffin said. 'US President Donald Trump imposed higher tariffs on Vietnam probably because they're afraid China might use Vietnam as a manufacturing hub' to bypass American trade restrictions,' he told Bernama. The United States is the largest buyer of Malaysian furniture, accounting for over half of furniture exports. However, the tariffs announced on April 2 have been paused for 90 days till early July to allow America's trading partners to negotiate for lower tariffs. 'If they don't impose high tariffs on Vietnam, China could exploit that route. So, on paper, the advantage actually lies with us (Malaysia),' he said. In 2022, Malaysia exported timber and timber products worth RM7.73 billion to the US. This was an increase from RM3.76 billion in 2018. Malaysia's timber exports worldwide include furniture, logs, veneer, plywood and medium-density fibreboard. Asked on the challenges faced by the timber industry, Wan Tarmeze said Malaysia's furniture sector primarily relies on processed wood rather than solid timber, with wood-based materials accounting for up to 85% of inputs in the making of the furniture. Wan Tarmeze said the ongoing Iran-Israel military conflict is not expected to have a direct impact on Malaysia's timber exports. Nevertheless, post-conflict reconstruction could open up new market opportunities and raise demand for Malaysian timber. 'Wars often lead to widespread destruction, but once the situation stabilises, there's usually a surge in demand for rebuilding – including homes and infrastructure,' he said. When asked how Malaysia can position itself as a high-value timber exporter rather than a volume-based player, he said the shift ultimately depends on the industry players themselves. 'This has been a long-standing conversation as Malaysia is still heavily reliant on the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) model, manufacturing timber products for others without having its own strong, internationally recognised brands. 'Take IKEA for example, which is a Swedish brand while Italy has its own well-known brand names, but Malaysia has yet to produce a brand that stands out globally,' Wan Tarmeze said. OEM refers to manufacturing products for other brands, whereas original brand manufacturers (OBM) involves developing and marketing products under one's own brand name. Wan Tarmeze said that despite the government's repeated calls for the industry to move from being OEM to OBM, the shift has yet to happen. 'The issue is not about identity but branding, and without branding we can't build value. 'The truth is Malaysia tends to shy away from copying, but we should be more open to learning from others, even 'stealing' ideas in the sense of adapting best practices and making them our own,' he said.

TASS Elected Oana Chair For Next Three Years
TASS Elected Oana Chair For Next Three Years

Barnama

timean hour ago

  • Barnama

TASS Elected Oana Chair For Next Three Years

ST. PETERSBURG, June 20 (Bernama-TASS) -- Russian state news agency TASS has been unanimously elected as chair of the Organisation of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA) until 2028. The decision was made during the plenary meeting of the 19th OANA General Assembly held in St. Petersburg, TASS news agency reported. TASS Director General Andrey Kondrashov was also elected president of OANA for the duration of the chairmanship, while TASS First Deputy Director General Mikhail Gusman will serve as the organisation's secretary-general.

Govt Procurement Bill To Strengthen Enforcement
Govt Procurement Bill To Strengthen Enforcement

Barnama

timean hour ago

  • Barnama

Govt Procurement Bill To Strengthen Enforcement

PUTRAJAYA, June 20 (Bernama) -- The Government Procurement Bill, scheduled to be tabled in Parliament this year, is expected to strengthen punitive legal action against parties found guilty of offences related to government procurement. The bill also aims to establish a specific legal framework to regulate the government procurement process, in addition to detailing the powers of stakeholders and enhancing check-and-balance mechanisms to ensure good governance in line with international best practices. The proposal and draft structure of the bill were presented by the Government Procurement Division of the Ministry of Finance, led by its secretary Datuk Norison Ramli, during an engagement session with Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki at the MACC headquarters here today.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store