Baku: Malaysia is using the World Telecommunication Development Conference 2025 (WTDC-25) as a key platform to strengthen its role in shaping global telecommunication development for the next four years, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said. He stated that at the quadrennial conference, held from Nov 17 to 28, Malaysia will share its experience as a member of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council, particularly in implementing national connectivity projects, including the 5G network.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fahmi emphasized that Malaysia holds a unique position to demonstrate how meaningful connectivity begins with clear policies, careful implementation, good governance, and transparency, ultimately benefiting the people and the community. He expressed confidence that Malaysia's participation sends a very positive signal on the international stage, viewing it as an opportunity to showcase the country's achievements.
Fahmi, who led the Malaysian delegation to WTDC-25 from Nov 16 to 19, expressed confidence that the Malaysian team will continue to contribute to substantive discussions on global telecommunications direction until the conference's conclusion on Nov 28. During his stay in Baku, Fahmi held 10 bilateral meetings with various international counterparts, including Iran's Minister of Information and Communications Technology, Sattar Hashemi; Algeria's Minister of Post and Telecommunications, Sid Ali Zerrouki; Azerbaijan's Minister of Digital Development and Transport, Rashad Nabiyev; Uganda's Minister of State for ICT and National Guidance, Godfrey Baluku Kabbyanga Kiime; and Pakistan's Minister of Information Technology and Telecommunications, Shaza Fatima Khawaja.
Discussions primarily focused on potential cooperation between the Communications Ministry and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), with several countries showing interest in Malaysia's approach to ensuring wider, faster, and more affordable internet access. Fahmi noted that many nations are keen to emulate or understand Malaysia's strategies and measures, which they may apply in their own countries.
He also identified numerous opportunities to broaden Malaysia's network, particularly for MCMC and the ministry, in regions such as the Caribbean, South America, and the African continent. Malaysia's participation at WTDC-25 has paved the way for several memoranda of understanding (MoU) with other countries in the telecommunications sector.
Fahmi highlighted the high regard in which various international agencies and regulatory bodies hold MCMC and the Malaysian government. He stressed the importance of translating this recognition into actionable strategies for exporting ideas to other countries, marking a positive achievement for Malaysia.
While delivering Malaysia's National Statement at the WTDC-25 High-Level Segment, Fahmi reaffirmed Malaysia's full commitment to advancing ITU's global mandate. His participation at the conference, themed 'Universal, Meaningful, and Affordable Connectivity for an Inclusive and Sustainable Digital Future', aligns with Malaysia's effort to retain its seat on the ITU Council for the 2027-2030 term.
At the High-Level Segment of the World Summit on the Information Society+20 (WSIS+20) in Geneva on July 9, Fahmi officially announced Malaysia's candidature for re-election, underscoring the country's active role in ITU. Malaysia currently serves on the ITU Council for the 2023-2026 term, contributing to the organisation's strategic policy direction and representing Asia's interests in advancing telecommunications and digital infrastructure.