DOUBLE THE SPEED, HALF THE PRICE - High-speed Broadband Becomes Affordable - MCMC
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ISSUE 18
DOUBLE THE SPEED,
HALF THE PRICE
High-speed Broadband Becomes Affordable
• The National Fiberisation And Connectivity Plan • Telecommunications Facilitated Fraud
(NFCP)
• MCMC-MMU Virtual Reality 2018 Hackathon
• Connecting the Nation
• Applications and Benefits of Connected Drones
• E-Commerce Delivery Awards
• Maximising Individual and Societal Participation
• Mutual Recognition Arrangements in the Digital Economy through Digital Inclusion
• Digital Content Piracy
• Broadband Service Through TNB Infrastructure
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission
4
COVER STORY
Double The Speed, Half The Price
Contents
FEATURES
7 The National Fiberisation And
Connectivity Plan (NFCP)
>4
12 Connecting the Nation
15 E-Commerce Delivery Awards
19 Mutual Recognition Arrangements
23 Digital Content Piracy
27 Broadband Service Through TNB
Infrastructure
33 Telecommunications Facilitated >12
Fraud
38 MCMC-MMU Virtual Reality
Hackathon 2018
43 Applications and Benefits of
Connected Drones
47 Maximising Individual and Societal
Participation in the Digital
>27 >38
Economy through Digital Inclusion
57 Case Example
REGULARS
>47
58 Gallery
60 Notes From All Over
62 Kaleidoscope
64 Scoreboard
From the
Chairman’s Desk Advisor:
Al-Ishsal Ishak
I am pleased to present this issue of .myConvergence to readers.
In-house Consultant:
Dato’ Mohd Ali Hanafiah Mohd Yunus
The articles featured in this issue reflect the range and breadth of the role and
Editor:
responsibilities of MCMC. Aisharuddin Bin Nuruddin
Editorial Board:
The cover story is about how broadband speeds have gone up while prices Dr Ahmad Nasruddin ‘Atiqullah Fakrullah
have either remained the same or come down. The cooperation and support Eneng Faridah Iskandar
Hjh Laila Hassan
of service providers that made this happen is surely appreciated by consumers Mohd Zaidi Abdul Karim
who are enjoying these upgraded services. Nor Akmar Shah Minan
Norina Yahya
Sharifah Firdaus S A Rahman
Notwithstanding this welcome development, industry players know that the
work of delivering faster broadband to every nook and corner of the nation will Publication Manager:
always continue. Each summit achieved reveals, in turn, the next goals. In the Sharifah Firdaus S A Rahman
areas of internet connectivity and communications, the next national targets
Publisher:
are the rollout of the National Fiberisation and Connectivity Plan (NFCP) and Malaysian Communications and
the upcoming rollout of 5G services. Both topics are addressed in this issue and Multimedia Commission
MCMC Tower 1
readers will gain a high level understanding of these two important initiatives. Jalan Impact, Cyber 6
63000 Cyberjaya
Selangor Darul Ehsan
Another related story is the case study of a pilot project that brought
Tel: +603 8688 8000
broadband connectivity to an area in a small town by making use of TNB Fax: +603 8688 1000
infrastructure. It highlights how much can be done when all stakeholders come Website: www.mcmc.gov.my
together to make things happen.
Publication website:
knowledgehub.mcmc.gov.my
As a showcase of the possibilities that arise out of these advances of network
infrastructure, this issue features an article on the use of drones. On the flip Publishing Consultant:
One World Solutions Sdn Bhd
side, this issue also carries articles on Telecommunications Fraud and Digital
Piracy, illustrating the unwanted side effects of advances in network services. Printer
Criminals are committing increasingly sophisticated crimes and the need Percetakan Jiwabaru Sdn Bhd
for vigilance, effective spread of information and increased levels of digital Copyright 2019: Malaysian Communications and
Multimedia Commission
literacy become increasingly important. MCMC, with its many partners and
All rights reserved. No part of this publication
collaborators is in the forefront of activities to combat these menaces. may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or
by any means, electronic or mechanical, including
photocopy, recording or any storage or retrieval
system, without the permission in writing from
I also recommend to readers the detailed report of the 2018 MCMC Research the publisher. All rights to brand names, registered
trade marks, logos and images remain with their
Symposium with the theme: ‘Maximising Individual and Societal Participation legal owners.
The use of any images, trade names and trademarks
in the Digital Economy through Digital Inclusion.’ This symposium brought in this publication shall not be construed as an
endorsement by MCMC of any views, products
together very knowledgeable participants who shared insights and valuable or services offered by the owners of the same. As
such, the inclusion of these images, trade names
experiences on this very important subject. and trademarks as well as the views and opinions of
writers expressed in this publication may not be used
for advertising or product endorsement purposes,
implied or otherwise.
Warmest regards
Al-Ishsal Ishak
COVER STORY
DOUBLE THE SPEED,
HALF THE PRICE
HIGH-SPEED BROADBAND BECOMES AFFORDABLE
Janakky Raju
jan@mcmc.gov.my
R
eliable and affordable high-speed broadband growth and development, broadband is also crucial for
is essential to the development of a nation. social inclusion and cultural enhancement.
Broadband is an enabler for economic growth
as it can transform and promote innovation and Recognising the importance of availability and adoption of
change in many activities such as business and commerce, broadband, government and regulators around the world
education and health. Broadband can also empower rural have implemented various strategies to increase coverage
communities and reduce the gap between societies. It of high-speed broadband networks and the adoption
is good news then to have fixed line broadband service of broadband services. Malaysia is no different and has
providers providing higher speeds at the same or lower developed various plans and strategies over the last
prices to consumers. decade to improve the coverage of high-speed broadband
with projects such as High Speed Broadband (HSBB) phase
Various studies have been carried out to show that there 1, HSBB phase 2 and suburban rural broadband. A study by
is a correlation between broadband penetration and World Bank in 2018 on Malaysia’s Digital Economy showed
the gross domestic product (GDP). For example, a study that as at 2016, Malaysia was lagging behind other ASEAN
carried out by the World Bank in 2016 entitled ‘Exploring countries with lower per capita income such as Vietnam
the Relationship between Broadband and Economic and Thailand in terms of broadband subscriptions per 100
Growth’ concluded that fixed broadband penetration inhabitants. The study also showed that Malaysians, in
would increase GDP growth by 1.21% in developed general, pay more than most consumers in other ASEAN
economies and 1.38% in developing ones. In addition to countries for fixed and mobile broadband.
4 .myConvergence
Among others, the World Bank study noted there was LOWER RETAIL PRICES
slow development in the fixed market and postulated that In parallel with the speed upgrade initiative, MCMC
Malaysia needs to enhance the quality and affordability of also pursued strategies to improve affordability and
broadband services and improve access to ultrafast fixed adoption of broadband services. MCMC considered
broadband networks. regulating retail prices but recognised that while it would
increase the adoption of broadband services, it could
have consequential adverse long term effects. Also, in
DOUBLE THE SPEED AT THE SAME keeping with international best practices, most regulators
refrain from regulating retail prices to encourage service
PRICE
providers to develop innovative new packages that will
Since price is a key driver to increase broadband
benefit consumers. Freedom in setting retail prices
penetration, during the 2017 Budget announcement, the
will also enable service providers to react promptly to
then Prime Minister announced that effective January
competitors pricing strategies, and this will stimulate
2017, fixed-line broadband service providers would offer
competition in the market.
services at a higher speed for the same price. For example,
a subscriber of 5Mbps package at RM149 will enjoy twice
Due to the shortcomings associated with regulating retail
the speed, that is, 10Mbps. The objective of this initiative
prices, MCMC pursued regulation of wholesale prices.
is to ensure consumers enjoy lower per Mbps fixed
Regulating wholesale prices is in line with the ‘ladder
broadband prices in Malaysia, which in turn will provide
of investment theory’ where new entrants can enter the
better access to various services and enhance productivity
market at a lower rung of the ladder by acquiring wholesale
and innovation.
services from the incumbent operator. According to the
theory, eventually, the new entrant will climb up the
Under this initiative, the focus was to upgrade the
ladder by investing in infrastructure.
Streamyx and Unifi subscribers to higher broadband
speeds, while retaining the prices at the same level.
However, regulating the prices of wholesale services has
Between March 2017 and February 2018, the speed upgrade
its pitfalls. If the wholesale prices are too high, it may
was carried out in stages to facilitate smooth migration. As
hinder new entrants from entering the market as they may
at February 2018, a total of 1,046,232 Streamyx and Unifi
not be able to compete with the incumbent operator in the
customers, comprising 935,897 residential and 110,335
downstream market. Conversely, if the wholesale prices
business customers had been upgraded. A key challenge
are too low, it will be a disincentive for the incumbent
during this stage was the inability to upgrade a substantial
operator to invest in infrastructure. Therefore, it is critical
amount, about 38% of Streamyx customers to a higher
to ensure the wholesale prices send the right signals to
speed, mainly due to technical constraints.
the market.
350 329
299 299
300
250
180
Price (RM)
200
149
139 139
150 129 129
99
89 80
100 79
50
0
30Mbps 100Mbps 30Mbps 100Mbps 100Mbps 500Mbps 40Mbps
TM Maxis TIME Celcom
May-18 Apr-19
Figure 1: Comparison of Broadband Prices Before and After MSAP
.myConvergence 5
300Mbps 100Mbps
1400 4000
1200
1000 3000
800
2000
600
400
1000
200
0 0
Malaysia Indonesia Brunei Lao PDR Malaysia Indonesia Brunei Thailand Philippines Lao PDR
Jun-18 Jun-19 Jun-18 Jun-19
Figure 2: Comparison of Broadband Prices in ASEAN Countries
MCMC commenced developing cost models in 2017 to
determine wholesale prices for some regulated facilities
and services. In carrying out the study, MCMC adopted
a transparent process where service providers were All service providers in the
consulted along the way, and their feedback was taken into
account to finalise the models. Based on the outcome from market, beginning with TM,
the models, MCMC issued a Commission Determination
on Mandatory Standard on Access Pricing (MSAP). Among
others, MSAP determines prices for wholesale HSBB
started announcing lower
services from 2018 to 2020.
retail prices starting from
Since the wholesale prices determined by MCMC in the
MSAP are lower than the commercially negotiated prices, June 2018. At the same time,
it had its intended effect of driving retail prices lower. All
service providers in the market, beginning with TM, started service providers also started
announcing lower retail prices starting from June 2018.
At the same time, service providers also started offering offering higher speeds at the
higher speeds at the same prices. As a result, 10Mbps
broadband services priced at RM129, which was the
entry-level HSBB service, moved to 30Mbps priced as low
same prices.
as RM79. At the same time, new packages at substantially
higher speeds such as 800Mbps and 1Gbps were offered in
the market. Figure 1 depicts the price reduction.
significantly from 26.2Mbps in June 2018 to 68.54Mbps
in May 2019. In tandem with the increase in average
IMPACT OF LOWER PRICES AND download speed, Malaysia’s ranking improved from 53 in
HIGHER SPEED June 2018 to 36 in May 2019.
Consumers in Malaysia are now generally enjoying higher
speed fixed broadband services at lower prices. About When the fixed broadband prices are compared within
70% of high-speed broadband subscribers are enjoying the ASEAN region, the price of the entry-level package
speeds of at least 100Mbps. This is substantially higher of 30Mbps is currently the cheapest in the ASEAN region.
than the speed of 30Mbps and 10Mbps that subscribers When the prices of 100Mbps packages in Malaysia are
were experiencing previously. At the same time, there is compared to ASEAN countries, Malaysia is positioned in
also growth in the high-speed broadband subscription second place, behind Thailand.
rate. Between August 2018 and February 2019, there has
been an increase of 12% in residential and 17% in business While the recent initiatives by MCMC have seen positive
high-speed broadband subscriptions. results in the fixed broadband market, MCMC will via
National Fiberisation and Connectivity Plan (NFCP)
As a result of the initiatives by MCMC, the Speedtest continue to enhance high-speed broadband coverage in
Global Index has shown that the average download speed Malaysia as this is critical for the nation’s move towards a
for fixed broadband services in Malaysia has increased digital economy.
6 .myConvergence
FEATURE
THE NATIONAL
FIBERISATION AND
CONNECTIVITY PLAN (NFCP)
Muhammad Razali Anuar
razali@mcmc.gov.my
“Access to the Internet is not THE IMPORTANCE OF BROADBAND
The United Nation’s Broadband Commission on
a privilege nor a luxury; it is a Sustainable Development, in its 2018 Report1 highlighted
necessity and a survival tool. that broadband Internet is a vital infrastructure, ‘as
essential as water and electricity networks’. Broadband
Unfortunately, the adoption rate infrastructure is also crucial in supporting the United
of digital technologies, whether Nation’s vision for Sustainable Development. Moving
forward, broadband infrastructure is becoming more
within the government or industry, ‘invisible and integrated utility networks or smart
is lagging far behind. This is infrastructure’, in which more services such as e-health,
transportation, education and disaster relief will rely on.
worrying, not least because we
will lose our competitiveness if we In Malaysia, providing world-class broadband
infrastructure and services has always been a priority. In
don’t address this issue urgently.” facilitating the change from analogue to convergence-
based digital networks, the Government passed the
YB Minister Gobind Singh Deo’s speech at the Communications and Multimedia Act (Act 588) in 1998.
“New Dawn Conference”, 9 October 2018 1
h t t p s : / / w w w. i t u . i n t / d m s _ p u b / i t u - s / o p b / p o l / S - P O L -
BROADBAND.19-2018-PDF-E.pdf
.myConvergence 7
Five years after, 3G networks and services were deployed, and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) reported that the
making Malaysia as among the first in the world to broadband penetration rate was at 78.7%2, exceeding the
embrace the initial stages of data-driven mobile services. 10th Malaysia Plan target of 75%3. By Q4 2018, the overall
The Government continued its initiatives; works were broadband penetration in Malaysia stood at 121.1% per
underway to ensure that Malaysians could also have 100 population4.
access to high-speed fibre-based networks. In 2008, the
High-Speed Broadband (HSBB) network was deployed in
selected areas in Klang Valley and other areas. By 2010, WHAT NEXT?
the HSBB was launched, allowing Malaysians access to The 11th Malaysia Plan (2016-2020) highlighted that
high-speed broadband services via fibre optic connectivity coverage, quality and affordable broadband services
in their homes. are important to move Malaysia into a digital economy.
The subsequent review of the 11th Malaysia Plan in
Nonetheless, the race for broadband did not stop there. October 2018 took into consideration the attainment of
Since then, other countries have also caught up and began the targets set earlier and recommended improvements
to deploy similar infrastructure and services. Advances in in fibre coverage and commercial deployment for
technologies drove operators to continue to improve and broadband coverage via the National Fiberisation and
to upgrade their digital infrastructure and services. The Connectivity Plan (NFCP). The review also recommended
introduction of data-hungry applications and services improvements in digital infrastructure planning, which
such as video-on-demand (VoD), Internet of Things (IoT), included the need to address Right-of-Way permits and
etc., further spurred the demand for more and better complex procedures, as well as to amend relevant laws for
infrastructure and services. broadband to be recognised as a public utility.
Soon after the introduction of HSBB, the Government The World Bank highlighted that the ‘internet promotes
instituted measures on how to improve broadband inclusion, efficiency and innovation’5. In addition to
connectivity and coverage in the 10th Malaysia Plan lowering the cost of information, the internet also reduces
(2010-2015). By 2015, the Malaysian Communications time and distance, which today may be taken for granted.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), in its
PERFORMANCE AND
TARGETS CHALLENGES
WAY FORWARD
Broadband services Broadband services Broadband services
• 95% in populated areas by • 92.1% in populated areas by 2017 • Improve fibre coverage and
2020 commercial deployment for
• 100Mbps in all households in broadband coverage via the NFCP
state capitals and selected high
impact growth areas by 2020
• 20Mbps in 50% of households in
suburban and rural areas by 2020
Broadband affordability Broadband affordability Broadband affordability
• Reduction of broadband cost to • Broadband price at 1.1% of Gross • Ensure affordability for broadband
1% of GNI by 2020 National Income (GNI) as at 2017 services while ensuring continued
• Mandatory Standard on Access investments
Pricing (MSAP) implemented in Jan
2018
Infrastructure planning Infrastructure planning Infrastructure planning
• Collaboration between state • Gazette of Uniform Building By- • Enforce UBBL amendment for new
and local authorities on the Laws (UBBL) by all states except developments of commercial and
planning and deployment of Wilayah Persekutuan residential properties
digital infrastructure • Right-of-Way (RoW) and permitting • Amend relevant laws for
• Smart cities deployment challenges by local authorities broadband to be recognised as a
• Exclusivity in planning and approval public utility
resulting in increased cost and • Address RoW, permits and
quality of service complex procedures
• Inconsistency in local procedures
delay roll-out initiatives
Figure 1: Adapted from the Mid Term Review of the 11th Malaysia Plan (http://www.kabinet.gov.my/bkpp/pdf/Kajian_separuh_penggal_
RMK11.pdf)
2
https://www.mcmc.gov.my/skmmgovmy/media/General/ 5
http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/8969714681949
pdf/1Q16_info_graphic.pdf 72881/310436360_20160263021502/additional/102725-PUB-
3
http://www.pmo.gov.my/dokumenattached/RMK/RMK10_Mds. Replacement-PUBLIC.pdf
pdf
4
https://www.mcmc.gov.my/skmmgovmy/media/General/
pdf/4Q18.pdf
8 .myConvergence2016 Report (‘The Economic Contribution of Broadband, realities, smart dust, blockchain, etc., will benefit from
Digitisation and ICT Regulation’) further quantified the the availability of higher speed broadband; government
impact of broadband on the overall economy. In the 2016 services can be further improved and delivered with
Report, ITU found that while fixed broadband “has had a more confidence with better speed and reduced latency,
significant impact to the world economy during the last while businesses can transact across economies with
seven years (2010 – 2017)”, the impact is “higher in less streamlined processes and payment systems, all facilitated
developed countries than in more developed”6. The 2016 by a comprehensive digital infrastructure. In this regard,
Report also concluded the impact of digitisation on GDP the NFCP will provide clarity in terms of strategic
and productivity as follows: direction for the implementation policies or initiatives
that support the digital economy, while creating a
First, the economic impact of digitisation is higher than conducive environment to facilitate the adoption of
the one found for fixed broadband and similar to mobile future technologies.
broadband. An increase of 1% in the digital ecosystem
development index results in a 0.13% growth in GDP On 9 October 2018, at the New Dawn Conference, the
per capita. Minister of Communications and Multimedia, YB Gobind
Singh Deo announced8 that MCMC was developing the
Second, the impact of the digital ecosystem on more NFCP. The Minister also announced the initial targets
advanced economies is higher than in developing under the NFCP as follows:
countries. An increase of 1% in the digital ecosystem
development index yields an increase of 0.14% in per 1. 98% broadband coverage at a minimum of 30 Mbps in
capita GDP for OECD countries, while the impact of populated areas by 2023
a similar change in non-OECD countries will have a 2. Fibre first policy
0.10% increase. 3. Gigabit-speed Internet services for selected high-
impact and strategic industrial areas by 2020
Third, the digital ecosystem has an economic impact on 4. 5G New Radio testbeds in Cyberjaya and Putrajaya
productivity (both labour and total factor). An increase 5. Copper network to be phased out by 2023
in the digitisation index of 1% yields an increase in 6. Fibre network in 70% of schools, government offices,
labour productivity of 0.26% and in the total factor hospitals, clinics, police stations and fire stations by
productivity of 0.23%. 2022
The Minister also noted that while the NFCP is a “fibre
A NEW DIRECTION FOR MALAYSIA’S first plan…it is technology agnostic. This means that we
DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE will use any technology possible to solve connectivity
In September 2018, the World Bank issued a report problems.”
entitled ‘Malaysia’s Digital Economy: A New Driver for
Development’7, which said that ‘Ensuring that Malaysia’s
digital infrastructure provides ubiquitous, reliable, and THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON THE
ultrafast broadband internet service is key to unlocking DRAFT NFCP
the potential of the digital economy’. With a ‘highly Based on the initial targets, the MCMC undertook a Public
concentrated’ fixed broadband market, there is also a need Consultation exercise9 on 29 October 2018 with licensees
to address market structure issues. The World Bank also and other interested parties on the issues, challenges,
emphasised the need to address ‘state-level regulation strategies and the expected outcomes of the NFCP.
for connectivity infrastructure’, which have ‘added to During the Public Consultation, MCMC highlighted the
the cost of network buildout, limiting investment and need to drive the policy direction on communications
undermining competition.’ infrastructure as a public utility to ensure commitment
from state and local authorities to reduce the
It is important then that Malaysia embarks on another implementation cost and to assist in infrastructure
journey to further improve its digital infrastructure. A deployment, as well as to ensure sufficient investment to
comprehensive digital infrastructure available to the drive the roll-out of communications infrastructure.
different sectors of the economy, the Rakyat and the
Government will become the utility that facilitates and The Public Consultation exercise, which was attended
improves the well-being of the country. New technologies by 247 attendees from 145 organisations, garnered 31
such as the Internet of Things (IoT), IR 4.0, augmented written submissions from licensees, individuals, as well
6
https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/Regulatory-Market/Documents/ 8
https://www.kkmm.gov.my/pdf/ucapan/2018/181009_SPEECH_
FINAL_1d_18-00513_Broadband-and-Digital-Transformation-E. YBM_A_NEW_DAWN.pdf
pdf 9
https://www.skmm.gov.my/skmmgovmy/media/General/pdf/
7
World Bank Group. 2018. Malaysia’s Digital Economy: A New Industry-Consultation_NFCP_General.pdf
Driver of Development. Washington, DC: World Bank. License:
Creative Commons Attribution CC BY 3.0 IGO.
.myConvergence 9as other interested parties10. The feedback to the Public technologies; and
Consultation covered the following issues: 3. Provide clarity in terms of strategic directions for
initiatives to support the digital economy & adoption
1. Issues concerning Federal/State/Local Authorities; of future technology.
2. Infrastructure Planning and Deployment;
3. Spectrum related issues; The revised goal of the NFCP is “to provide robust,
4. Access/Competition; pervasive, high quality and affordable digital connectivity
5. USP/Funding; for the well-being of the people and progress of the
6. Consumer related matters; country.” The revised targets are as follows:
7. Technology; and
8. Other matters. 1. Entry-level fixed broadband package at 1% of GNI by
2020;
2. Gigabits availability in selected industrial areas by
THE NATIONAL FIBERISATION AND 2020, and in all State Capitals by 2023;
3. 100% availability for premises in State Capitals and
CONNECTIVITY PLAN (NFCP) selected high impact areas with a minimum speed of
Based on the initial targets set out by YB Minister
500Mbps by 2021;
during the New Dawn Conference on 9 October 2018
4. 20% availability for premises in suburban and rural
and the feedback that MCMC received during the Public
areas with up to 500Mbps by 2022;
Consultation exercise, MCMC made improvements to
5. Fibre network passes 70% of schools, hospitals,
the Draft NFCP, including the goal, strategies, targets
libraries, police stations and post offices by 2022;
and action plans, as well as initiating necessary internal
6. Average speed of 30Mbps in 98% of populated areas by
programmes / initiatives to achieve the targets.
2023; and
7. Improve mobile coverage along Pan Borneo Highway
In general, the 5-year plan under the NFCP aims to:
upon completion.
1. Address issues that hinder the widespread availability
In order to meet the goal and targets, MCMC outlined the
of high quality and affordable digital connectivity;
following strategies (‘MORE strategies’), and the related
2. Support the needs of the country moving forward
action plans:
& harness opportunities offered by new services /
Manage funding for Optimise digital Regional and Enhance connectivity
NFCP from a variety of infrastructure international networks in high impact socio-
Strategies
sources in a prudent and development and are connected economic sectors such
sustainable manner; and deployment nationwide, extensively with as education, agriculture
leverage on relevant and clear impediments domestic networks and healthcare, small
regulatory policies and and medium enterprises
instruments where and underserved areas.
necessary
• Assessment on suitable • Addressing issues on • Promote investments in • Promote balanced
funding mechanisms site acquisition/right of submarine cables and growth in all states
Action Plans
• Assessing components way (RoW) encourage deployment • Specific initiatives for
that contribute to wider • Upgrading of existing of landing centres in Sabah and Sarawak
access to broadband infrastructure and Malaysia. Significantly • Appropriate technology
services improving deployment enhance submarine to ensure nationwide
• Review of USP of new infrastructure cable connectivity broadband coverage
Framework • Promote infrastructure between Peninsula, which supports the
• Enhance existing sharing Sabah and Sarawak requirement of high
competition provisions • Optimum allocation of impact socio-economic
and other regulatory spectrum sectors such as
instruments, such as • Facilitate future services education, agriculture
codes, standards etc. /technology and health care, small &
• Effective measurement medium enterprises and
of speed/quality of underserved areas
service for broadband • Ensuring availability of
• Promote competition fibre networks in key
and spur investments (in areas, such as schools,
key strategic areas) hospitals, libraries,
• Strategic review of the police stations and post
communications market offices
Table 1: NFCP Strategies & Action Plans
10
https://www.mcmc.gov.my/skmmgovmy/media/General/pdf/NFCP-Industry-Consultation-Report-(29-March-2019).pdf
10 .myConvergence‘Ensuring that Malaysia’s digital infrastructure provides ubiquitous,
reliable, and ultrafast broadband internet service is key to unlocking
the potential of the digital economy’.
World Bank Report - ‘Malaysia’s Digital Economy : A New Driver for Development’
Based on the action plans, MCMC has outlined a roadmap of key initiatives that it will undertake.
Area / Initiative Expected Outcome
Promoting investments • Seek appropriate approaches in promoting investments into the industry
Engagements with State • Seek resolution on Right-of-Way issues and approval for communications
Governments and Local infrastructure
Authorities • Recognition of communications infrastructure as a public utility
Spectrum • Setting up of 5G Testbeds in Cyberjaya and Putrajaya, with 2 showcases in April
and October 2019
• Spectrum optimisation study
Market Study • Strategic review of the communications market
Targeted / Innovative • Encouraging commercial and innovative infrastructure roll-out in targeted areas
Infrastructure Deployment
Table 2: Key initiatives with expected outcomes
MOVING FORWARD is important that ubiquitous, affordable and quality digital
The NFCP is an evolving document that will continue to infrastructure and services are available to the Rakyat.
be improved, based on the feedback, requirements and Nonetheless, building this important infrastructure will
challenges in the deployment of digital infrastructure. For require support from all stakeholders.
Malaysia to be at the forefront of the digital economy, it
Note: Additional information can be obtained from the NFCP website at nfcp.my
.myConvergence 11FEATURE
CONNECTING
THE
NATION
Long Hui Ching
hclong@mcmc.gov.my
Nik Amir Nik Husideen
amir.husideen@mcmc.gov.my
A
t an investors’ conference in Kuala Lumpur in With this end in mind, the Minister announced that
October 2018, the Minister of Communications Cyberjaya and Putrajaya would become 5G testbed
and Multimedia Malaysia YB Gobind Singh Deo areas from November 2018 for one year. Following
outlined his vision for a new digital Malaysia this announcement, the Malaysian Communications
where internet connectivity is available to anyone, and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) issued a call for
anywhere and anytime. It is a society where almost collaboration for trials and demonstrations of 5G activities
all transactions can be completed online, quickly and in Putrajaya and Cyberjaya.
securely.
MCMC also took steps to form a National 5G Task Force
For this vision to become a reality, Malaysia needs high- on 21 Nov 2018, in recognition of the distinctiveness of
quality, world-class infrastructure at affordable prices 5G technology compared to 4G, as well as the different
to turn this vision into reality. The roadmap towards challenges that need to be considered. These include 5G
achieving this vision is in the 5-year National Fiberisation spectrum management and allocation, infrastructure
and Connectivity Plan (NFCP). While it is a fibre first plan, planning, identification of 5G applications and use
it is also a connectivity plan that is technology agnostic cases that are most relevant for the country, and most
where any suitable technology can be used to provide the importantly, driving the adoption of 5G for productive use
necessary connectivity via a holistic approach. Indeed, by both the public and private sectors. Due to the diverse
one of the action items identified under the Plan is the range of issues involved, a multi-stakeholder approach in
need for a policy position on ensuring the readiness and the planning for 5G deployment is crucial.
timely deployment of 5G technology.
12 .myConvergenceThe Task Force member organisations came from relevant 2025. This means great opportunities for service providers
industries, equipment vendors, business associations, in terms of their future revenue growth if they can find
academia, Ministries and agencies, as well as from MCMC ways to monetise it.
itself so that the needs of all parties are taken into account
in the development of policies on 5G implementation. In Malaysia, the Government envisages the NFCP to
be the catalyst to improve broadband quality, expand
Thus far, only a few countries have developed plans fibre networks to support the future needs of Malaysia’s
to implement 5G, such as the United States, the United digital economy, ensure access to the Internet for all and
Kingdom, Australia, and India. International organisations reduce broadband prices. While the NFCP’s main focus
like the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is on connecting the nation through fibre, the inherent
and the European Union too have embarked on similar advanced capabilities of wireless 5G technology will
initiatives. The World Radio Conference, that will meet complement where the deployment of wired infrastructure
in November 2019, is expected to discuss additional is not possible.
spectrum for 5G networks.
Discussions on standards for 5G are still in progress and OBJECTIVES OF THE 5G TASK FORCE
are expected to be finalised only in 2020. Nevertheless, The formation of a 5G Task Force is one of the action
ITU has defined three primary use cases as follows: items under the NFCP. Its main objective is to study
and recommend to the Government a holistic 5G
• Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) to deal with implementation strategy. Specifically, it is expected to
hugely increased data rates, high user density and very study requirements particular to 5G networks, service
high traffic capacity for hotspot scenarios as well as coverage, identify and recommend ways to overcome
seamless coverage and high mobility scenarios with regulatory or technical challenges and propose realistic
improved data rates. implementation timelines. Desired outcomes from this
• Massive Machine-type Communications (mMTC) for Task Force include:
the Internet of Things (IoT) such as sensors that require
low power consumption and low data rates for very • A way to ensure critical resources such as spectrum are
large numbers of connected devices. available on time;
• Ultra-reliable and Low Latency Communications • Support for deployment of infrastructure, services and
(URLLC) to cater for safety-critical and mission -critical devices that are fit-for-purpose;
applications that include industrial IoT appliances and • Identify relevant regulatory impediments, use-case
autonomous machines. scenarios, consumer protection matters, and security
concerns;
With 5G technology enabling new services and spurring • Guide Malaysia’s overall adoption of 5G technology for
new data demand, Bell Labs Consulting projects that there the benefit of the nation; and
will be a 25x to 82x increase in wireless data demand by • Support the NFCP’s target to achieve gigabit availability.
Task Force Chairman
MCMC
Task Force Deputy Chairman
Industry
Secretariat Advisor
MCMC MCMC Commission Member
5G Test Bed
MCMC
Spectrum
Business Case Infrastructure Management &
Regulatory
Industry Industry Allocation
Industry
Industry
Figure 1: National 5G Task Force Structure
.myConvergence 13WORK GROUP FOCUS AREAS
Business Case • Economic areas and benefit to the nation, i.e. GDP growth, creation of new jobs, etc.;
• User trends, requirements and demand studies - industry and the general public; and
• Proposals to encourage 5G adoption.
Spectrum Management & • Current progress for spectrum allocation at ITU, Asia Pacific Telecommunity (APT)
Allocation and in Malaysia;
• Required bandwidth to support national targets;
• Identify spectrum bands for Malaysia; and
• Timeline for spectrum allocation.
Infrastructure • Infrastructure requirements and coverage for optimum 5G deployment for different
services – e.g. retail, wholesale, consumer, industry;
• The gap to bridge between current and future 5G network in terms of service, expected
cost, challenges;
• Infrastructure planning, approval and addressing right-of-way issues; and
• Strategy to deliver 5G coverage to rural areas.
Regulatory • How to accommodate future business models for network providers and other relevant
stakeholders;
• Technical standards to be adopted;
• The optimum number of mobile operators;
• Constraints in current regulatory frameworks related to communications, i.e.
competition, access, consumer protection, security, licensing, state governments and
local council policies etc.; and
• Proposed improvements to current regulatory frameworks, including regulatory
frameworks other than communications that may impact 5G applications such as
e-healthcare.
Table 1: Task Force Work Groups
The Task Force is expected to complete their study and The Task Force held its kick-off meeting on 21st November
provide a comprehensive report on 5G Key Challenges 2018 and is scheduled to meet once a month. It is also
and 5G Nationwide Implementation Plan to MCMC and the expected to provide quarterly progress reports to MCMC
Minister by the fourth quarter of 2019. and the Minister. As at 30th July 2019, the Task Force has
118 member organisations from the public and private
sectors comprising licensees, vendors, associations,
TASK FORCE STRUCTURE NGOs, academia, ministries and agencies, and MCMC.
In a departure from the usual policy formulation approach
where the public is consulted on pre-determined questions, Numerous sub-work groups have also been established by
MCMC decided to form the Task Force and let the relevant each of the four work groups for an even more in-depth
stakeholders lead their information gathering, study,
discussion. For example, under the Business Case work
public consultation, evaluation and recommendation
group, there are sub-groups for nine 5G applications such
based on a Terms of Reference. Nevertheless, MCMC
as smart transport, agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing
remains as the chair of the Task Force and an MCMC
and education.
Commission member has been appointed as its Advisor.
A series of activities including workshops with specific
The Task Force is supported by four working groups with
target groups have been planned to ensure continued
specific focus areas and one work group to manage 5G
engagement and to increase awareness of the benefits
trials and testbed applications. The four working groups
of 5G applications across various industry sectors in the
led by industry are responsible for these broad areas:
country.
i. Business Case;
ii. Infrastructure; The involvement of all stakeholders and the clear mandate
iii. Spectrum Management and Allocation; and given to the Task Force will ensure that the best possible
iv. Regulatory. path to 5G implementation will be determined for the
nation.
The organisation of the Task Force is illustrated in
Figure 1.
14 .myConvergenceFEATURE
Kasthuri Sri Tharan
kasthuri.sritharan@mcmc.gov.my
T
he E-Commerce Delivery Awards (EDA), The Best Industry Role Model Award was introduced in
organised by the Malaysian Communications 2018 to acknowledge and reward outstanding individuals
and Multimedia Commission annually to or heroes who were involved in daily operations. The
celebrate the high achievers in Malaysia’s postal winner for this new category was Mr. Md Rejab Bin Chin,
and courier industry was held at the Majestic Hotel, Kuala a 48-year-old Operations Operator in Nationwide Express
Lumpur on 11th October 2018. The EDA was created in 2017 Courier Services Bhd. Mr. Rejab showed exceptional
as an instrument to strengthen efforts to raise industry work ethics and spirit in performing his daily tasks.
standards in line with the rise of Malaysia’s e-commerce. His determination and carefree attitude towards life’s
The inaugural event saw an overwhelming response challenges, despite being wheelchair bound with special
from the industry players in terms of participation and needs, is a motivation for all those who work with him.
sponsorship, and the same enthusiasm was shown for EDA He is even his own mechanic for his three-wheeled
2018. motorcycle.
EDA 2018 bestowed 10 awards to outstanding individuals The other finalists for the Best Industry Role Model
and companies in six different categories, namely the Award, also had stories of dedication that were highly
Delivery Excellence Award, Customer Service Excellence inspirational and perhaps even tear-jerking as well.
Award, Best Innovation Award, Best Corporate Social Corporal Azizul Bin Aziz, an Auxiliary Police officer in Pos
Responsibility Award, Best Industry Role Model Award, Malaysia Berhad, had managed to save the life of a suicidal
and Road Safety Excellence Award. young lady by talking her out of jumping into Sungai
.myConvergence 15Kelang; Mr. Muhammad Firdaus Bin Wahab, a customer in Pahang, who walked through knee-deep water when
service personnel, who went out of his way to search the the van he was driving was unable to move through the
operations hub for an urgent shipment that was delayed flood waters, just to ensure the sacks containing letters
and personally delivered it directly to the customer at 5 in and mail would reach their destinations on time.
the morning; and Mr. Muhammad Bin Setapa, a postman
AWARDS
Delivery Excellence Award
The Delivery Excellence Award bestows the Best Delivery Performance title to the organisation that excels in speed and
reliability in their delivery. The finalists selected for this award are based on independent measurements conducted by a
qualified body appointed by the MCMC. The measurement is part of the yearly exercise where the top ten courier service
providers’ average transit time for delivery is measured. The measurement is conducted for deliveries within and across
five major locations; Penang, Klang Valley, Johor Bahru, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu, and with a sample size of 200 for
each company.
Customer Service Excellence Awards
The Customer Service Excellence Awards recognises the Best Customer Service – Counter and the Best Customer
Service – Call Centre. These awards acknowledge organisations that excel in providing effective support and after
sales experiences to their customers. The finalists are selected based on independent measurements conducted by a
qualified body appointed by MCMC. The measurement for customer service is by measuring the average transit time
for delivery, with the same sample size of 50 mystery calls for each company. The best customer service is determined
based on several benchmarks such as promptness on attending to queries, politeness of the company’s representative
and competency in answering queries.
Best Innovation Award
The Best Innovation Award recognises the implementation of new technology or ingenuities that have significantly
improved the e-commerce delivery operation and experience. The finalists for this category are selected by a panel of
judges based on the innovation’s concept, value, and overall impact.
Best Corporate Social Responsibility Award
The Best Corporate Social Responsibility Award recognises organisations which have implemented CSR initiatives with
high impact on the local community and environment. The finalists for this award category are selected by a panel of
judges based on the verified improvements in the community.
Best Industry Role Model Award
The Best Industry Role Model Award is conferred to an employee who practices high integrity in the workplace and has
performed an extraordinary act while on duty. The finalists for this award category are selected by a panel of judges
based on the candidates’ personality, achievement and impact in their respective workplace.
Road Safety Excellence Award
The Road Safety Excellence Award focuses on the skills and safety development of the industry’s riders, drivers and the
organisation’s commitment in development of these aspects. The winners in this award category are selected from the
annual National Road Safety Championship organised by MCMC, AMEC and MIROS. The four awards conferred under this
category are:
- Best Rider
- Best Driver (Van)
- Best Driver (Lorry)
- Best Company
Table 1: E-Commerce Delivery Awards 2018 Description
16 .myConvergenceImage 1: YB Tuan Gobind Singh
Deo presenting the Best Industry
Role Model Award to Mr. Md Rejab
Chin from Nationwide Express
Courier Services Bhd.
Image 2: From left: Mr. Peter Ng,
YBhg. Dato’ Mohd Ali Hanafiah,
YBhg. Dato’ Dr Mohd Ali
Mohamad Nor, YB Tuan Gobind
Singh Deo, Mr. Al-Ishsal Ishak, Mr.
Bernand Yeoh, Prof. Dr Tharek
Abd Rahman, Mr. Mohamed Zaidi
Abdul Karim and Mr. Syed Md
Najib Syed Md Noor.
Image 3: Citylink Express Sdn
Bhd receiving the award for Best
Delivery Performance
.myConvergence 17Table 2: Winners of E-Commerce Delivery Awards 2018
WINNERS AND FINALIST OF EDA 2018
Delivery Best Delivery Performance: City-Link Express (M) Sdn Bhd
Excellence Award Other finalists:
- DHL Express (M) Sdn Bhd
- MXpress Sdn Bhd
- Skynet Worldwide (M) Sdn Bhd
- GD Express (M) Sdn Bhd
Customer Service Best Customer Service – Counter: DHL Express (M) Sdn Bhd
Excellence Other finalists:
Awards - City- Link (M) Sdn Bhd
- MXpress Sdn Bhd
Best Customer Service – Call Centre: United Parcel Service (M) Sdn Bhd
Other finalists:
- DHL Express (M) Sdn Bhd
- Yamato Transport (M) Sdn Bhd
Best Innovation GD Express Sdn Bhd
Award Project details: GDEX Go is an application designed to seamlessly integrate delivery processes
which includes real-time GPS shipment update, dynamic routing, and digitised transactions.
Best Corporate NCT Forwarding & Shipping Sdn Bhd
Social Project details: NCT Forwarding and Shipping collects household electronic waste throughout
Responsibility Sabah and ships them to Kuala Lumpur for recycling through their programme called “E-Rase
Award Your E-Waste.” The entire process of collecting and shipping of the electronic waste is done free
of charge with the well-being of the environment in mind.
Best Industry Best Industry Role Model: Mr. Md Rejab Chin - Nationwide Express Courier Services Bhd.
Role Model Award Other finalists:
- Corporal Azizul Bin Aziz – Pos Malaysia Berhad
- Mr. Mohammad Firdaus Bin Wahab – City-Link Express (M) Sdn Bhd
- Mr. Muhammad Bin Setapa – Pos Malaysia Berhad
Road Safety Best Rider:
Excellence Faizal bin Salehuddin
Awards Pos Malaysia Berhad
Best Driver (Van):
Mohd Hafiz bin Zainal Abidin
Yamato Transport (M) Sdn Bhd
Best Driver (Lorry):
Mohd Zul Amali bin Razali
GD Express Sdn Bhd
Best Company:
Yamato Transport (M) Sdn Bhd
The winners for the Best Innovation, Best Corporate Innovation Officer, Plus Malaysia Bhd and Chief Executive
Social Responsibility and Best Industry Role Model Officer, Teras Teknologi Sdn Bhd.
awards were selected by a panel of judges comprising
four subject matter experts from various backgrounds. The prestigious event saw more than 300 attendees
The panel was headed by Dr Ahmad Nasruddin ‘Atiqullah consisting of industry players, ministry officials and
Fakrullah, who was then head of MCMC Academy, stakeholders, all dressed to the nines with suits and
Dr Bahma Sivasubramaniam, Specialist, Faculty of dresses in elegant black, fancy silver and fabulous red.
Management, Multimedia University, Ms. Lim Bee The evening’s entertainment was presented by two of
Vian, Executive Director, Strategic Planning-Services, Malaysia’s favourite vocalist, Dayang Nurfaizah and
Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Jaclyn Victor. The event was officiated by the Minister of
and Mr. Shamsul Izhan Abdul Majid, Chief Technology & Communications and Multimedia, YB Tuan Gobind Singh
Deo.
18 .myConvergenceFEATURE
MUTUAL RECOGNITION
ARRANGEMENTS
FACILITATING GLOBAL TRADE
Aiman Hilmi Azhar
aiman.azhar@mcmc.gov.my
S
tandards are important in improving the quality of Manufacturers or suppliers of communications
our life, advancing new technologies, facilitating equipment wanting to market their products in a country
global trade and the regulation of industry and will have to comply with and fulfill the regulations and
commerce. conformity assessment procedures of the importing
country. These conformity assessment procedures
MCMC is the regulatory body for the regulation of the typically include testing and certification conducted by
communications and multimedia industry based on recognised Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) who
the powers provided under the Communications and have the responsibility of ensuring the communications
Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588) and its regulations. The use equipment conform to the technical requirements and
and sale of communications equipment in Malaysia must international standards enforced by the regulator. These
comply with the regulations and conformity assessment are expensive procedures which delay the availability of
procedures in accordance with the Communications and communications equipment in a large number of markets
Multimedia (Technical Standards) Regulations 2000 or and add cost to users.
‘TSR 2000’.
All stakeholders will thus benefit from simplified
In the areas that MCMC regulates, standards are crucial procedures that can reduce the cost and time it takes for
in defining the criteria, specifications and protocols that a communications equipment to reach the market. At
enable interoperability of information and communication the same time, regulators will need to have confidence
systems between countries and make it possible for the in the competence of the CABs of the exporting country
exchange of voice, video or data messages across global to test or assess conformity to the importing country’s
networks. requirements.
.myConvergence 19The Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) is one of a cost-effective manner to the importing economy.
range of instruments available to facilitate global trade
by removing trade barriers and allow the free flow of This is where MRAs come in. There are currently more
goods between countries. The MRA is a government-to- than 130 MRAs2 in the world, grouped into stand-
government arrangement where an importing country alone MRAs and those incorporated in Regional Trade
will recognise the conformity assessment results Agreements (RTAs); i.e. government-to government
of telecommunications equipment carried out by a arrangement or non-governmental arrangements (such as
conformity assessment body in the exporting country. those between CABs and between accreditation bodies).
This will promote trade liberalisation by streamlining
processes for the testing and certification of Technical Barriers to Trade (‘TBTs’) are reduced by
telecommunications equipment. allowing CABs of the exporting economy to test or certify
communications equipment to the technical requirements
and regulations of the importing economy before the
MRA communications equipment is exported to the importing
Trade is the basis for international peace and goodwill. economy. The results of that testing or certification are
Trading relationship for communications equipment recognised, and the communications equipment may
without MRA will involve testing and certification of the enter without any further testing or time loss when they
arrive.
Exporting Economy Importing Economy
Manufacture Export Testing Certification Marketing
Figure 1: Trading Relationship for Communications Equipment without MRA
equipment to be conducted in the importing economy, as APEC TEL MRA
shown in Figure 1. Communications equipment imported into Malaysia is
subject to certification requirements in accordance with
When conformity assessment requirements differ the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA
significantly across economies, the manufacturers or 1998) and the Communications and Multimedia (Technical
suppliers may need to spend a significant amount of Standards) Regulations 2000 enforced by MCMC.
resources to obtain the necessary information, and
redesign products to meet different economies conformity At the same time, communications equipment exported
assessments standards and requirements. from Malaysia have to comply with the regulatory and
certification requirements enforced by the regulatory
According to OECD (1997)1, it is estimated that the agency of each importing economies.
different standards and technical regulations across
markets, combined with the need for multiple testing and The exportation of communications equipment is a large
certification procedures, may constitute between 2 and 10 contributor to Malaysia’s economy. From 2015 to 2018,
percent of the overall costs of production. the estimated total value of communications equipment
export to the United States (US) and global market are
In the absence of an MRA, manufacturers and suppliers RM10.39 billion and RM40.72 billion respectively, as
from exporting economy face high costs due to the testing shown in Table 1.
and certification that are required to be conducted in the
importing economy. Exporters are often faced with having The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Mutual
to test or certify their products in each of the countries to Recognition Arrangement for Conformity Assessment
which they are exporting just to comply with the required
standard. Export Total (RM billion)
Year To United Global Export
This may be an unnecessary obstacle to international States
trade if foreign manufacturers or suppliers possess the
2015 0.38 1.90
competence to give the required level of assurance in a
2016 0.23 2.31
1
OECD (1997): “Product Standards, Conformity Assessment
2017 4.50 17.36
and Regulatory Reform,” Sectoral Studies Chapter 6 Vol. I, 2018 5.28 19.15
Organisation for Economic Development and Cooperation, Paris.
2
Correia de Brito, A., C. Kauffmann and J. Pelkmans (2016), “The Total 10.39 40.72
contribution of mutual recognition to international regulatory Table 1: Exportation of Communications Equipment from 2015 to 20183
co-operation”, OECD Regulatory Policy Working Papers, No. 2,
OECD Publishing, Paris. 3
Source from Department of Statistics, Malaysia
20 .myConvergenceof Telecommunications Equipment (APEC TEL MRA) is Scope of the MRA
a multilateral arrangement between economies in the
APEC region4, which Malaysia is a part of. The APEC TEL
MRA, which came into effect on 1 July 1999, provides a Information Other
Security
common basis for developing and implementing MRAs.
It is an arrangement that specifies general principles for
Telecommunications
developing MRAs amongst economies and the general Regulations
conditions under which each economy accept or recognise
Electrical RF
the results of conformity assessment procedures from
Safety Exposure
CABs of other economies. Regulations Electromagnetic
Compatibility
(EMC)
The scope of the APEC TEL MRA covers all equipment
Regulations
subject to telecommunications regulations including
wired and wireless equipment and terrestrial and satellite
Figure 2: Scope of
equipment, whether or not connected to the public the APEC TEL MRA
telecommunications network.
Exporting Economy Importing Economy
Manufacture Testing Export Certification Marketing
Figure 3: Phase I: Mutual Recognition of Testing Laboratory Results
Exporting Economy Importing Economy
Manufacture Testing Certification Export Marketing
Figure 4: Phase II: Mutual Recognition of Testing Laboratory and Certification Results
The APEC TEL MRA covers5 electromagnetic compatibility undertaken in the exporting economy and having it
(EMC), RF Exposure (e.g. specific absorption rate - SAR), recognised in the importing economy as shown in
information security, and electrical safety aspects as well Figure 4.
as the telecommunications aspects of the conformity
assessment requirements when they are covered by the Malaysia participates within the APEC TEL MRA in
regulations. Phase 1 with Singapore and the Unites States of America.
MCMC is the appointed designating authority6 by the
The APEC TEL MRA establishes procedures enabling the government of Malaysia to designate a testing laboratory
economies to recognise each other’s competent CABs and located in Malaysia for recognition by the government of
to accept the conformity assessment results of those CABs Singapore and United States of America.
for regulatory purposes.
Vice versa, the designating authorities appointed by the
Under the APEC TEL MRA framework, there are two government of Singapore and the United States of America
phases for the recognition of CABs: may designate a testing laboratory located in each of their
country for recognition by MCMC.
i. Phase I provides for the mutual recognition of
test results, which allows testing to be done in the MCMC has designated 5 testing laboratories for
exporting economy and having it recognised in the recognition by the MRA Partner under the Phase I of the
importing economy as show in Figure 3. APEC TEL MRA, as detailed in Table 2 on the following
page:
ii. Phase II provides for the mutual recognition of
certification, allowing testing and certification to be
4
APEC economies include Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong, China, Indonesia, Japan,
Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Peru, Russia, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand,
the United States and Vietnam
5
A Guide for Conformity Assessment Bodies to the APEC TEL Mutual Recognition Arrangement, 3rd Edition
6
Designating Authority is a body appointed by the exportation economies with the authority and competence to designate, list, verify
the compliance of, limit the designation of, and suspend or cancel the designation of testing laboratories within its jurisdiction.
.myConvergence 21You can also read
