20 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Lack of awareness in suburbs hampers 5G, AI rollout
SEPANG: While 5G and Artificial Intelligence (AI) offer clear benefits for automation, smart manufacturing, and real-time decision-making, policy gaps and low public trust remain major barriers to adoption, says a researcher.
Universiti Kuala Lumpur's Associate Professor Dr Mohd Azraie Mohd Azmi said that his study identified several challenges requiring urgent attention, including privacy and security concerns, infrastructure shortfalls, and limited public awareness.
"Our respondents highlighted privacy and security as the primary concern, followed by infrastructure gaps. Many urban residents are aware of AI and 5G technologies and their advantages. However, in suburban areas, awareness is far lower as people are unclear about the benefits, how to use these technologies, or how to leverage them," he said while presenting his research at the 2025 Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) Symposium today.
Titled "Addressing the Challenges of 5G and AI Adoption in Developing Economies: A Pathway to Digital Empowerment", the study also raised concerns over job displacement and widening digital divides.
Mohd Azraie also called for a comprehensive action plan to guide 5G and AI adoption in developing economies, addressing key security and societal challenges.
The plan would focus on expanding infrastructure, public upskilling, robust data protection, and clearer policies developed through government–industry collaboration.
"In terms of education, we need digital literacy and training programmes, extending coverage to rural and underserved areas. There is also a need for closer cooperation between government and industry to maximise the economic benefits of 5G," he added.
