• Strategic Collaboration with LADA to Elevate Smart Tourism and Economic Growth
• Setting the benchmark for future 5G-powered destinations in Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, 19th March – Following the landmark announcement at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 on 5 March in Barcelona, EDOTCO Malaysia and Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) are advancing their collaboration to transform Langkawi into Malaysia’s first 5G-enabled digital tourism hub. This initiative marks a significant leap in Malaysia’s digital transformation, leveraging next-generation connectivity to revolutionise tourism experiences, smart infrastructure, and economic opportunities on the island.

As part of this initiative, EDOTCO and DNB will work closely with the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) to ensure that 5G infrastructure deployment aligns with the island’s tourism and economic goals. High-speed connectivity will be expanded across key tourism hotspots, including Langkawi Sky Bridge, Geosites, Pantai Cenang, and major hotels. This will enable seamless digital experiences, such as real-time high-definition streaming of attractions and events, AI-powered concierge services and interactive augmented reality (AR) tourism guides.

To drive industry adoption, EDOTCO, DNB, and LADA will host the first industry workshop in Langkawi next month. The workshop will bring together hotel operators, tour agencies, technology providers, and local businesses to explore how 5G-powered solutions can redefine the tourism sector. These include smart hotel management systems, AI-driven customer engagement, and frictionless digital transactions.

Gayan Koralage, EDOTCO’s Director of Malaysia Business, emphasised the transformative potential of the initiative: “Digital infrastructure is only one aspect of a successful transformation. EDOTCO & DNB will jointly focus on fostering innovation and industry engagement. This first workshop, with support from LADA, will set the foundation for a long-term digital transformation strategy in Langkawi. We aim to empower businesses to tap into new revenue streams through digital innovations such as smart hotel management systems, contactless services, and AI-driven customer insights.”

Beyond tourism, 5G will also enhance Langkawi’s reputation as a premier international sporting destination, hosting world-class events such as the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA), the Tour de Langkawi and IRONMAN Malaysia. Datuk Haslina Abdul Hamid, CEO of LADA, highlighted the impact of 5G technologies on these events, stating: “Langkawi is not only a globally renowned tourism hub but also a destination for prestigious international sporting events. The integration of 5G technology into these events presents an exciting opportunity to elevate both participant and spectator experience. High-speed connectivity will support real-time data analytics for athletes, enable immersive live streaming for global audiences, and enhance event logistics through smart infrastructure management. We look forward to working closely with EDOTCO and DNB to position Langkawi as a model for smart tourism and international sporting excellence.”

The partnership will span two years, with the first six months focused on executing a Proof of Concept (POC) to validate key 5G-enabled solutions. Following the successful POC, the remaining 18 months will focus on expanding the initiative with more advanced use cases, such as 5G-powered autonomous shuttle services, AI-driven smart hospitality solutions, and other next-generation applications for seamless digital tourism experiences.

Datuk Azman Ismail, CEO of DNB, reinforced the broader impact of this initiative, stating: “5G is more than just faster connectivity – it is a catalyst for transformation. Langkawi presents the ideal setting to showcase how 5G can power a future-ready tourism model, create new economic opportunities, and support Malaysia’s broader digital aspirations. Working alongside telco mobile network operators (MNOs), DNB’s collaboration with EDOTCO and LADA is designed to ensure that this initiative delivers real, sustainable impact, not just for Langkawi, but as a model for future 5G-powered destinations across Malaysia.”

This initiative will contribute significantly to Langkawi’s economic and social development, positioning it as a model for smart, sustainable tourism. By integrating cutting-edge 5G technology, Langkawi will enhance visitor experiences and strengthen its appeal as a premier global tourism and sporting destination. Through this collaboration, EDOTCO, DNB, and LADA are setting a new benchmark for digital innovation in tourism, paving the way for the future of smart destinations across Malaysia and beyond.

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About EDOTCO Group
Established in 2012, EDOTCO Group is the leading digital connectivity infrastructure services company in Asia, providing end-to-end integrated solutions in the tower services sector. Its mission is to help nations across Asia advance their connectivity infrastructure with leading-edge solutions and achieve equitable connectivity.

With a portfolio of over 58,000 towers across nine countries, the company is present in Malaysia, Bangladesh, Philippines, Indonesia, Cambodia, Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Laos - fulfilling connectivity demands innovatively and sustainably to help its customers and partners accelerate sustainable growth. EDOTCO prioritises prudent portfolio expansion for organic and inorganic opportunities that carry the right scale, economics, and returns for its shareholders.

EDOTCO Group was named Asia Pacific Telecoms Tower Company of the Year for six consecutive years by Frost & Sullivan and was recognised as one of three ASEAN Unicorns based in Malaysia. For more information, visit www.edotcogroup.com

About Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB)
Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) was established in 2021 to accelerate the deployment of 5G infrastructure and network in Malaysia, in order to spur economic activity, promote service-based competition within the communications industry and bridge the urban-rural digital divide. Malaysia’s 5G rollout is one of the fastest in the world, with DNB now achieving ~80% coverage of populated areas. With an estimated RM150 billion GDP impact and 750,000 high-skilled jobs created in 2030, 5G will drive efficiencies, increase productivity, and create new opportunities throughout the entire economy. For further information on DNB, visit www.digital-nasional.com.my.