KT Corp to open virtual reality centre in Malaysia

• The VR centre will be in the international shopping area near Legoland Malaysia in Johor
• Partners seek opportunities in 5G Networks, energy and security

KT CORP, South Korea's largest telecommunications company, plans to launch its first overseas virtual reality (VR) business in Malaysia, the latest move in its efforts to become a global leader in information and communications technology (ICT).

KT signed an agreement with Malaysia's Iskandar Innovations Sdn Bhd (IISB) last month to open a VR centre in the southern state of Johor.

The new VR centre will be in the international shopping area near Legoland Malaysia, a popular tourist destination in the special economic region of Iskandar Malaysia, which borders Singapore.

KT plans to expand the joint partnership to explore more business opportunities in Malaysia, offering its advanced technology in 5G networks and solutions, smart energy and cyber-security.

"We are making a significant first step in pursuing cooperative endeavor with IISB and introducing our expertise in VR business," said Yoon Kyoung-Lim, head of KT's Global Business Office. "KT will spare no effort or investment to successfully carry out the VR business in Malaysia."

Khairil Anwar Ahmad of Iskandar Innovations Bhd (IIB), the parent firm of IISB, said, "I believe our cooperation will lead to the development of new solutions beyond VR and AR (augmented reality). The VR centre to be set up by our two companies signals the beginning of a long partnership with KT."

IIB is an investment and development firm engaged in the long-term buildup of Iskandar Malaysia. IIB is working to ensure that Malaysia becomes an attractive investment destination and a vibrant, liveable region, focusing on high-impact projects in education, tourism, leisure, and health and wellness.

To pioneer new businesses with innovative technologies, KT launched two VRIGHT VR theme parks in Seoul this year in partnership with GS retail, a major convenience store chain operator in South Korea. The company plans to franchise its VR entertainment business next year both at home and overseas.

KT is developing immersive media and shopping services by using next-generation ICT, featuring not only VR and AR but also artificial intelligence (AI) and 3D modeling.

KT chairman Hwang Chang-Gyu said last month that the Korean telecom leader would soon launch VR Theater, a VR service on Internet Protocol Television (IPTV).