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Nokia announced that it has been selected by Taiwan Mobile (TWM) as the sole supplier of its 5G network in a three-year framework deal worth approximately 400 million euros. The initial phase of the deal, which includes 5G RAN, 5G Core and 5G IMS, begins this month with the deployment of 5G non-standalone with the aim of migrating to 5G standalone within a three-year period. Nokia is a long-standing partner of TWM and will support the company in its efforts to execute its ‘Super 5G strategy’ which is focused on sustainability and digital transformation.  

The deal will see Nokia provide its 5G RAN portfolio including its Nokia AirScale Radio Access products that will enable TWM to deliver market-leading 5G experiences to subscribers with ultra-low latency, connectivity and capacity. AirScale Radio Access is an industry-first commercial end-to-end 5G solution enabling operators to capitalize early on 5G. Nokia will also provide its AirScale Micro Remote Radio Head (RRH) solution which will enable TWM to meet the demand for capacity and reliable coverage where it is needed both indoors and outdoors with the lowest total cost of ownership. Nokia will also provide digital design and deployment for a faster time to market as well as optimization and technical support services.

Taiwan Mobile will utilize several Nokia Software solutions spanning cloud and security services, as well as network optimization and management for 5G RAN, 5G Core and 5G IMS. Network functions and applications will be deployed on top of Nokia’s CloudBand Infrastructure Software and Application Manager and Network Director cloud management products; Radio network optimization will be managed with EdenNet Self-Organizing Networks and Nokia Performance Manager. NetAct Network Management is being deployed to operate the infrastructure, and Archive Cloud will be deployed to support business continuity requirements.

Nokia’s 5G Core portfolio will provide TWM with a solid foundation to run at scale within dynamic cloud environments, with a sharp focus on scalability, automation and performance to quickly deliver new digital services that leverage the full capabilities 5G has to offer. 5G standalone core network functions selected by TWM include Unified Data Management, Signalling and network functions provided by Nokia’s Cloud Packet Core portfolio, including the Access and Mobility Management Function, User Plane Function, Session Management Function, Network Function Repository Function and the Network Slice Selection Function and Policy Control Function. Nokia is providing its Traffica analytics solution for 5GC. Network Exposure function is also included for future 5G application innovation and business mode evolution.

Nokia is a longstanding partner of TWM and has previously provided its 2G, 3G and 4G mobile networks. Nokia has made several key contributions to TWM’s 5G development including a demonstration of a 5G network with extended coverage at the Xinzhuang Baseball Stadium in New Taipei City. In the 5G era, TWM is repositioning itself as a next-generation technology company focusing on telecommunications, the Internet, media and entertainment, and e-commerce with a clear emphasis on sustainability. They claimed 60MHz in the 3.5GHz band and 200MHz in the 28GHz band in the country’s spectrum auction in January.

Nokia has a long-standing commitment to sustainability. In 2019, the company delivered zero-emission products to over 150 customers worldwide and is committed to decreasing emissions from its operations by 41 percent by 2030. Last year, Nokia joined a group of 87 companies at the United Nations climate summit in committing to recalibrate its existing science-based climate targets in line with the 1.5°C warming scenario.

Jamie Lin, President at Taiwan Mobile said, “We are pleased to join forces with Nokia again in the 5G era. After the successful launch of 5G, both sides will continue to advance deployment and provide the best coverage and connectivity experiences in the market. More importantly, the two companies will work together to promote our "Super 5G Strategy," which integrates multiple vertical applications including smart e-commerce, smart stadium, smart healthcare and smart manufacturing. This approach is designed to build a thriving ecosystem that will create new possibilities for every user and enterprise in the 5G era!”

Tommi Uitto, President of Mobile Networks at Nokia, said, “We have enjoyed a long-standing partnership with Taiwan Mobile, supporting them in the delivery of 2G, 3G, 4G networks and we look forward to continuing this in the 5G era as their sole supplier. Our end-to-end portfolio, global reach and commitment to a more sustainable world will help Taiwan Mobile execute its ambitious 5G strategy and plans for a fast roll-out.”

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While Malaysia is actively investing in cybersecurity measures, it still faces significant challenges, as evidenced by recently recorded cyberattacks. In 2022, over 28 thousand cyberattacks were documented, though there was a slight decrease from around 33 thousand attacks in 2021. Despite efforts to bolster cybersecurity defenses, the frequency of cyberattacks in Malaysia has been steadily increasing over the past four years.

In response, the Malaysian Parliament recently tabled the Cyber Security Bill 2024, marking a pivotal step in fortifying the nation's cyber defenses. The bill aims to establish a robust regulatory framework to protect Malaysia's cyber landscape, particularly its critical information infrastructure, against evolving cyber threats.

The bill extends its jurisdiction beyond Malaysia's borders, applying to individuals of any nationality or citizenship, as well as to both federal and state governments. Under its provisions, the National Cyber Security Committee (NCSC) will be formed, chaired by the Prime Minister, and tasked with advising the government on cyber security matters and overseeing the bill's implementation. The establishment of the NCSC serves as a pivotal move towards centralizing efforts and ensuring cohesive coordination among sector leads and industry stakeholders.

Granting authority to the Chief Executive of the National Cyber Security Agency, the bill authorizes the establishment of a National Cyber Coordination and Command Centre to manage cyber threats effectively. The Chief Executive is further permitted to issue directives ensuring compliance with the bill's provisions.

Protection of National Critical Information Infrastructure (NCII)

The bill focuses on safeguarding entities that own or operate national critical information infrastructure (NCII). Defined broadly as systems essential to Malaysia's security, economy, public health, and safety, the NCII encompasses sectors such as government, banking, transportation, healthcare, and energy.

Sector leads appointed by the Minister, which are responsible for cyber security, will oversee each NCII sector, designating entities as NCII entities and developing sector-specific codes of practice to ensure cyber resilience.

NCII entities are obligated to implement measures outlined in the sector-specific codes of practice to enhance cyber security. This includes conducting risk assessments and submitting audit reports to the Chief Executive. Moreover, the prompt reporting of cyber incidents is mandatory, which, in turn, triggers investigations and remedial actions, which are implemented by the authorities.

The bill mandates licensing for individuals or entities offering cybersecurity services, underscoring the importance of professional standards in the industry. The specific scope of these services will be determined by the Minister, ensuring alignment with evolving cyber threats and technological advancements.

Regulated entities, particularly those overseen by Bank Negara Malaysia, Securities Commission Malaysia, and the Labuan Financial Services Authority, have already implemented robust cyber security policies. These entities adhere to regulatory guidelines, ensuring the existence of incident reporting mechanisms, business continuity plans, and emergency communications protocols.

Malaysia’s 2024 Cyber Threats Landscape

Kaspersky, a global cybersecurity company, predicts that there will be an increase in cyber-threats in Malaysia throughout 2024, particularly targeting organizations handling personal data within the financial and telecommunications sectors.

According to Kaspersky's data from 2023, their detection systems intercepted 26.85 million ‘internet-borne’ attacks in Malaysia, averaging 74,000 attacks daily. Additionally, their systems identified and blocked 22 million local infection threats (equivalent to around 60,000 attacks per day).

Malaysia's cybersecurity landscape is evolving rapidly, with cyber solutions poised to dominate the market with a projected volume of USD 284.10 million in 2024. This sector is expected to witness robust growth, with revenue forecasted to increase at an annual rate of 13.71% (CAGR 2024-2028), reaching a market volume of USD 844.70 million by 2028.

Moreover, the average spend per employee in cybersecurity is projected to reach USD 29.79 in 2024. Thus, the need for robust investment in cyber security is mandatory to ensure that Malaysia’s cyber landscape is protected and can flourish.

Malaysia's Digital Transformation Efforts

In line with Malaysia's digital transformation agenda, cyber security has been identified as a key enabler under the Program Mangkin Malaysia Digital (PEMANGKIN). The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) has allocated significant funding to support cyber security initiatives, underscoring the importance of this sector in Malaysia's digital evolution.

As the need for cyber security increases, service providers offering penetration testing, independent cyber audits, and cloud security services are poised to play a pivotal role in transforming Malaysia's digital landscape. Through initiatives like the Malaysia Digital Status, these providers can access incentives such as tax benefits and foreign worker quotas, fostering growth and innovation in the cyber security sector.

The passing of the Cyber Security Bill represents a commendable and timely step in Malaysia's journey towards digital resilience. The Cyber Security Bill 2024 underscores Malaysia's commitment to building a secure digital infrastructure ecosystem. By bolstering its cyber security framework, Malaysia aims to instill greater confidence among international partners and investors, positioning itself as a leading digital hub in ASEAN.

 

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