Latest news with #MinistryOfCommunications
Malay Mail
21-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Fahmi: Asean Summit in KL to spotlight city's progress, global standing
KUALA LUMPUR, May 21 — Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil today defended the decision to host the 46th Asean Summit in capital amidst public complaints about anticipated traffic congestion, saying it is to showcase the city's progress and beauty. Major roads around the Klang Valley will be closed for six days starting this Friday to facilitate travel for dignitaries attending the summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. Authorities have advised the public to either avoid these roads or, if possible, stay at home during the event. During a site visit to the convention centre today, Fahmi told reporters that this year's summit is unique as it marks the first time envoys from China and Gulf countries will participate. 'It is a choice where we hope we can entertain our guests, show them how wonderful Kuala Lumpur has become over the last many years,' he said. 'The last time we hosted was ten years ago. This is an opportunity to show how much progress we've made.' Six expressways and 25 major roads in the Klang Valley will face closures or diversions from May 23 to May 28 in conjunction with the summit. Bukit Aman's Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department director, Commissioner Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri, announced today the deployment of 789 officers for various duties, from escorting VVIP motorcades to managing expected road congestion, The Star reported. Private firms have been encouraged to allow their staff to work from home, while the Ministry of Education has announced that schools located along the affected major roads will implement remote learning. 'This is not an opportunity that comes often,' Fahmi said, as he reiterated the call for employers to allow remote work. 'This (summit) is especially important because it is under the leadership of a prime minister who is highly respected internationally.'
Arab News
18-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia tops MENA digital economy rankings with $132bn market
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has emerged as the Middle East and North Africa's largest digital economy, with a market value exceeding SR495 billion ($131.9 billion) in 2024, equivalent to 15 percent of the national gross domestic product. The figures were shared by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology on the occasion of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency. This comes as Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its role as a regional and global digital powerhouse, underpinned by significant advancements in artificial intelligence, data centers, e-government, and human capital development. 'The communications and information technology market recorded record growth exceeding SR180 billion in 2024, driven by expanding private sector investments and increasing innovation, which strengthened the Kingdom's position as the largest technology market in the Middle East,' the SPA report stated. The country has invested over SR55 billion in AI technologies and data center infrastructure, contributing to a 42 percent increase in national data center capacity in 2024, reaching 290.5 megawatts. The Kingdom's efforts are exemplified by the launch of Humain, a state-backed AI company, which underscores this commitment. Humain aims to build AI technologies and infrastructure, including large data centers and Arabic-language AI models, positioning Saudi Arabia as a global AI hub. The Kingdom has actively sought partnerships with leading global tech companies. Notably, Nvidia is set to supply 18,000 of its advanced AI chips to Saudi Arabia as part of a strategic partnership with Humain. Fiber-optic coverage now extends to over 3.9 million homes, while internet penetration has reached 99 percent, placing Saudi Arabia among the most connected nations globally. This infrastructure expansion supports high-efficiency digital services and reflects the Kingdom's readiness to support cloud computing and smart applications. Human capital development remains a cornerstone of the digital transformation strategy. Saudi Arabia hosts the largest concentration of digital talent in the Middle East, with over 381,000 specialized jobs in the technology sector. Women's participation in the sector has increased from 7 percent in 2018 to 35 percent in 2024, the highest in the region and surpassing averages in both the G20 and the European Union. In the area of digital governance, the Kingdom has achieved top-tier global rankings. It ranked fourth globally in the UN's Online Services Index, sixth in the E-Government Development Index, and second among G20 nations. Regionally, it holds the number one position in digital government services. Additionally, the Kingdom secured first place worldwide in digital skills and open digital government, and seventh in e-participation.
Malay Mail
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
J‑Kom denies directing staff to support specific PKR leaders in party polls
KUALA LUMPUR, May 15 — The Community Communications Department (J-KOM) has denied instructing its staff to 'like', 'share' or 'promote' the campaign of certain leaders in the 2025 PKR election. J-KOM director-general Datuk Ismail Yusop described allegations linking the department with the party's election as being unfounded. 'All J-KOM staff carry out their duties professionally and with integrity, in line with the stipulated regulations. 'I also strongly deny allegations that J-KOM is involved in campaigning for any leaders or that it is being used to attack certain leaders,' he said in a statement posted on Facebook. He added that as a government agency under the Ministry of Communications, J-KOM remains committed to delivering information that is accurate, fair and balanced so as to strengthen the system of democracy and stability of the country. 'I wish to remind all parties to stop disseminating false information that can tarnish the department's reputation,' he said. — Bernama
