Post by : Rohit Dhiman

Malaysia’s two-network 5G model could help manufacturers build more resilient supply chains by giving businesses greater flexibility in choosing and integrating digital technologies, according to an industry leader. Lorela Chia, founding president of the Malaysia Association of Sustainable Supply Chain and Innovation (Massci), said access to two separate 5G networks could help factories manage technological changes, connect equipment from different suppliers and respond more effectively to operational disruptions. Her comments highlight how Malaysia 5G infrastructure could play a role beyond expanding mobile coverage. For manufacturers, the ability to select a suitable network and adapt existing technology without replacing entire systems could influence production efficiency, business continuity and the speed at which companies respond to changing requirements. Chia told Free Malaysia Today that businesses can become dependent on a particular network provider as well as the vendors, software, data systems and industrial platforms connected to it. When those systems are difficult to move or integrate, companies may face additional costs and complications while upgrading their operations.

How Malaysia’s Dual 5G Model Works

Malaysia currently has two separate 5G networks. Digital Nasional Berhad operates one network built on Ericsson equipment, while U Mobile runs the other using technology from Huawei and ZTE. The presence of two networks creates an alternative for businesses that need to connect industrial equipment and digital systems. However, the practical benefits depend on how well the networks support the specific technologies, operational requirements and security needs of individual companies. According to Chia, factories rarely operate using one standardised technological setup. Many manufacturing facilities combine older machinery with modern automation equipment, cloud-based platforms, industrial software and devices supplied by different companies. These systems may have different technical requirements and may not perform identically across network environments. A dual-network structure could give manufacturers more flexibility to select connectivity that suits their existing equipment and future investment plans. Rather than redesigning an entire factory around a single network, a business may have more options when introducing new equipment, upgrading selected production processes or connecting systems from different technology providers.

Why Network Choice Matters for Supply Chain Resilience

Supply chains depend on the reliable movement of goods, production information and materials between manufacturers, suppliers and customers. When a factory experiences a technical failure or needs to change equipment, the impact can extend beyond one production line and affect other businesses in the supply network. Chia explained that having two networks can provide redundancy, while the ability to choose between different technology options can help companies adapt more quickly when circumstances change. Redundancy means having an alternative available if one network or connection becomes unavailable. Optionality refers to the freedom to choose a suitable technology or change configurations to meet operational needs. The two concepts serve different purposes. An alternative network may help a company manage a connectivity disruption, while greater choice can make it easier to introduce new equipment, change suppliers or modify a production setup. This distinction is important for supply chain resilience, because businesses need more than a backup connection. They also need the ability to adjust their systems as production requirements, technology investments and supplier relationships evolve.

Smaller Suppliers Could Benefit From Greater Flexibility

The ability to adapt technology is especially relevant to smaller manufacturers and suppliers, which may have limited resources for major equipment replacements. A smaller business may already have machinery, software and connectivity systems that meet its current needs. If a new technology arrangement requires replacing functional equipment, the company could face additional investment costs and operational disruption. Chia argued that changing technology should not require businesses to discard equipment that continues to work effectively or rebuild their operations from the beginning. A more adaptable network environment could help suppliers preserve existing investments while introducing new capabilities where needed. This may also make it easier for smaller businesses to keep pace with the digital requirements of larger manufacturers and supply-chain partners. However, the benefits would depend on technical compatibility, implementation costs and whether the available networks can support the equipment and applications used by each business. For manufacturers, the central issue is not simply whether a second network exists. It is whether that additional option can solve practical production challenges without creating unnecessary complexity.

What Businesses Expect From 5G Connectivity

Chia said the next stage of Malaysia's 5G development should focus on addressing real business needs rather than concentrating only on network expansion. Manufacturers require connectivity that is dependable, secure and compatible with the systems already operating in their facilities. They also need solutions that allow public 5G networks, private networks, fibre connections and edge computing to work together where necessary. These technologies can support different aspects of industrial operations. Public networks provide broad connectivity, while private networks can be configured for specific organisational requirements. Fibre connections can provide high-capacity links, and edge computing can process certain types of data closer to where they are generated. The ability to integrate these options could help companies design connectivity arrangements suited to their production processes. For businesses investing in industrial automation, reliable connections are particularly important because machines and software systems increasingly need to exchange information. Delays, interruptions or compatibility problems can affect how efficiently a production facility operates.

How 5G Can Support Modern Factory Operations

Advanced connectivity can be used in several areas of manufacturing, from monitoring machinery to coordinating information between production floors and office-based systems.

Potential applications include:

• Connecting industrial machines so they can exchange operational data.

• Monitoring equipment remotely and identifying technical problems.

• Linking factory-floor systems with office information technology.

• Supporting machine vision applications used in inspection and production processes.

• Improving the availability of production information for operational decisions.

• Strengthening cybersecurity oversight across connected industrial systems.

These applications depend on the quality of the network, the equipment involved and the way each solution is implemented. A faster connection alone does not guarantee better production results. For manufacturers, the value comes from using connectivity to reduce avoidable interruptions, improve monitoring and make operational information more accessible. Reliable manufacturing connectivity can therefore become an important part of wider digital transformation plans. Companies also need to consider whether their existing machinery and software can work with new systems before investing in upgrades.

Read Also: Former Therapist Fined S$5,000 for Hurting Special Needs Boy

Cybersecurity and Interoperability Remain Important

As factories connect more machines, applications and data systems, protecting those connections becomes an increasingly important responsibility. Chia identified reliability, interoperability and cybersecurity among the priorities for the next phase of Malaysia's 5G rollout. Interoperability refers to the ability of different systems and technologies to communicate and work together. Without it, a manufacturer may struggle to connect equipment from different suppliers, even when adequate network coverage is available. Cybersecurity is another major consideration. Connected production systems can require safeguards to protect operational data, manage access and reduce the risks associated with networked equipment. Businesses must also consider how public and private networks, fibre infrastructure and edge computing can be integrated without introducing unnecessary complexity.

Why Businesses Need More Than Network Coverage

Chia said manufacturers do not invest in connectivity simply to obtain a connection. They want measurable improvements in production reliability, visibility, control and decision-making. For a company, these benefits may include knowing more about equipment performance, identifying operational issues sooner and making informed decisions using timely production data. The commercial value of a connectivity investment depends on whether it addresses a genuine business problem. Manufacturers are more likely to benefit when new technology supports clear operational objectives rather than being introduced solely because it is available. Chia also noted that businesses increasingly need to remain visible, credible and connected within their wider supply chains. Reliable digital infrastructure can help support these requirements by improving communication and the exchange of information between connected operations.

#world news #Global News #Global #Malaysia News