Maxis, Huawei showcase first 5.5G technology trial in Malaysia and Southeast Asia

• 5.5G offers up to 10x speed, device connectivity & latency enhancements over 5G
• Advancements can support digitalisation, automation & IoT across various sectors

Maxis and Huawei have successfully conducted the first 5G-Advanced technology trial in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. In a statement, Maxis said The ‘5G-Advanced Trial Showcase’ featured a live speed test demonstrating 5G-Advanced’s capabilities to achieve ultra-fast peak speeds of up to 8Gbps.

5G-Advanced, also known as 5.5G, promises up to ten times improvement in speed, connected devices, and latency compared to 5G. The showcase highlighted the potential of 5G-Advanced technology through next-generation connectivity and digital solutions, leveraging its ultra-high speeds, greater capacity for connected devices, and ultra-reliable low latency. The event took place at KLCC The Place, the first venue in the country to host a 5.5G technology trial.

Interactive demonstrations included low latency live streaming of various Kuala Lumpur city center views, live 3D content, and immersive augmented reality experiences.

Mohamad Salim Fateh Din, chairman of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, commented, "This 5.5G trial demonstrates the potential of Malaysia’s telecommunications sector in advancing communications connectivity. We hope more industry players will pioneer innovative technologies to help Malaysian enterprises move up the value chain through next-generation solutions and industrial solutions. This will position Malaysia as a front-runner in telecommunications globally."

Maxis CEO Goh Seow Eng expressed pride in achieving a first for the nation and Southeast Asia with the 5.5G trial. He said, “The potential of this technology is immense as it can power intelligent solutions across industries and economies. We look forward to exploring this technology and developing solutions that will benefit industries and enterprises, and advance our nation’s digital ambition.” 

Meanwhile, Simon Sun, CEO of Huawei Technologies (Malaysia), emphasised Huawei's commitment to 5.5G solutions and its role in Malaysia's digital transformation journey. He highlighted Huawei's efforts in R&D and verification of key 5.5G technologies and business cases. Sun stated, "Today, we bring the latest 5.5G technology and launch the first 5.5G showcase in Malaysia. This demonstrates that Malaysia leads the region in digital infrastructure, showcasing its ability to attract and retain foreign investments. Huawei Malaysia is firmly committed to supporting the nation's digital transformation."

According to Maxis, the advanced capabilities of 5.5G can bolster digitalisation, automation, and the Internet of Things (IoT) across various sectors. These capabilities will drive the digital transformation of key industries like high-end manufacturing, automotive, and smart transportation, while also enabling cutting-edge visual communication through 3D and extended reality. Moreover, 5G-Advanced will facilitate the development of affordable IoT solutions.

Following the event, the 5.5G trial will be showcased on the global stage as part of the Malaysia Pavilion supported by the MCMC at this year’s Mobile World Congress, which will be held on 26-29 February 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. Maxis is one of the leading Malaysian companies that will be representing the nation at MWC 2024, the world’s largest and most influential connectivity event.

Members of the public will also be able to visit the 5G-Advanced showcase at KLCC The Place on 22 Feb 2024, from 3:00pm – 10:00 pm and 23 Feb 2024 from 10:00am – 10:00pm, where they will be able to experience 5.5G technology firsthand.