SYNOPSIS

Fifth generation mobile network technology or known as 5G offers several enhancements of existing 4G and previous 3G and 2G technology. With bold claims like powering self-driving cars and streaming virtual reality, the promise of 5G in Malaysia has captured the imaginations both tech-geeks and casual internet surfers. Moving past some of these futuristic claims, just the basic premise of 5G being twenty times faster than 4G alone should be reason enough for people to get excited. Which is why it is welcomed news when the Malaysian Government has committed to implement 5G in Malaysia within the next 2-3 years.

The 5G wireless network promises 3 types of broad services: enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable and low latency communications (URLLC) and massive machine type communications (mMTC). Despite the promises drawn from 5G network technology as described above, service providers are facing challenges and uncertainties in rolling out 5G network. Some of the challenges which require a lot of considerations are use cases and business case, spectrum availability, high capex investment and operating costs.

5G promises improvement of users’ experience compared to the existing mobile services and introduction of new use cases that can be enjoyed by the public.


SPEAKER BIODATA

Azizi, 55, male, a Malaysian, holds an MBA from Universiti Putra Malaysia and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Wichita State University, USA. He had also attended leadership program at Harvard, Cambridge and Stanford. He is a Professional Engineer registered with Board of Engineers Malaysia and a Professional Technologist registered with Malaysia Board of Technologist.
Azizi was appointed the Chief Network Officer (CNO) on 26 August 2019 to spearhead TM Group Network Technology operations. As CNO, he is responsible for the overall technical delivery, fulfilment and assurance for TM Group’s Network. He has more than 30 years of experience in the telecommunications industry, which includes engineering, operations, sales, product development and management in both fixed and mobile industry.
He started his career with the Royal Malaysian Army as an Engineering Officer in the Royal Signals Regiment from 1987 to 1996, where his main responsibilities were in planning tactical radio networks, evaluating new equipment and training. He was also the Country Business Development Manager of Global One Communications, an international telecommunications service provider where he was entrusted with the country’s MNC sales in 1999. Prior to joining TM in 2006, he was with Maxis Communications Berhad as the Head of Broadband Business Unit and in Network Engineering and Operations.
Azizi’s career in TM started as the GM, Technology & Innovation, TM Retail. He was then promoted to VP of Retail Product on 1 February 2009 where he was responsible for the development and commercialisation of TM’s products and services. He then became the EVP, SME in 2011 before assuming his role as Chief Operating Officer of webe in 2014 and later ED and CEO of webe on 1 August 2016. He was subsequently appointed EVP, TM ONE on 15 May 2017 to lead TM ONE through the transformation journey to improve TM’s market share as a fully integrated digital enabler enterprises and public sector prior to his current assignment as CNO. Azizi is also a board member of several subsidiaries including MMU (Multimedia University), Fibercomm Network (M) Sdn Bhd and Fiberail Sdn Bhd.