MIRI – A pioneering effort to kickstart long-distance learning via 5G technology was successfully carried out in Miri today, ushering in exciting prospects for the application of the sophisticated digital technology in areas like education and health.
Telecommunications giant Ericsson and Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) conducted the 5G showcase at the Curtin University Malaysia campus here.
The occasion was graced by the presence of Sarawak Utility and Telecommunications Deputy Minister, Datuk Liwan Lagang. Also present were DNB chief operating officer Nasution Mohd, head of Ericsson for Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh David Hagerbro, and Curtin’s acting chief operation officer Associate Prof Pieter Willem.
Liwan hailed the successful launch of the 5G link at Curtin in Miri.
“This is a very important development, as it shows that we are ready to go big in using 5G technology in telecommunications,” he said.
“This will usher in exciting prospects for our education and health sectors, and also for its application in the industrial, manufacturing, commercial businesses and agriculture sectors.”
Guests from the government and private sectors also witnessed the event held at the campus, located about 25km north of Miri City.
The event saw a group of Curtin students linking up using sophisticated 5G equipment to take part in a virtual real-life classroom interaction with a senior lecturer who was 1,400km away in Kuala Lumpur.
The lecturer, Dr Syafikah Saidin, was hooked up live to Curtin from her lecture room based in Universiti Teknologi Malaysia complex in Kuala Lumpur.
She conducted a lesson on detailed study of the human heart with the group of Curtin students via virtual reality methods.
They even had a 5G group selfie taken as if they were together in the same lecture hall.
Liwan also said that there is a need to reduce the digital divide while preparations are made to expand the 5G applications.
“The urban and rural divide must be bridged if our schools and other important sectors are to be able to benefit from such advanced telecommunications technology.
“In Sarawak, the narrowing of the digital divide between urban and rural settings requires a lot of work,” he said.
Liwan, who is the Belaga assemblyman, praised Ericsson, DNB and Curtin University for the successful 5G efforts here.
He expressed confidence that they will be able to help the government in establishing more 5G links and networks in other parts of the state. – The Vibes, February 18, 2023
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