KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 22 (Bernama) -- Axiata Group Berhad ("Axiata" or “the Group”) hosted its first INsights@Axiata forum, a platform for knowledge exchange and stimulating dialogue towards advancing digital inclusion in Malaysia and the region through technology and digital innovation. 

The forum was officiated by the Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade & Industry, Yang Berhormat Liew Chin Tong, and held in collaboration with the Smart Nation Expo 2023 at the Malaysian International Trade Centre (MITEC) Kuala Lumpur. Regional experts in digital innovation, industry leaders and policy makers gathered for a full day of insightful presentations, to engage in discussions around core trends in technology, encouraging pathways to innovation and exploring business models in the fields of Artificial Intelligence (“AI”), data analytics, fintech, infrastructure, and sustainability, among others.

The event received overwhelming support from participants representing communications service providers, technology solutions providers, digital startups, SMEs, and regulatory bodies. INsights@Axiata encouraged these key participants of the digital ecosystem to: 
· Explore approaches to tackling challenges and opportunities posed by emerging technologies and business models, including AI regulation, and policy frameworks.

· Share insights on how Malaysian SMEs can leverage technology and digital services to boost business productivity and capture new opportunities on a regional scale.

· Discuss best practices for the sustainability and governance of technology to ensure its disruptive impact on businesses and society can be harnessed for good.

Commentaries:

Tan Sri Shahril Ridza Ridzuan, Chairman of Axiata, said, “Axiata has long served as a catalyst in the Asian telecommunications industry. Through our operating companies across Infrastructure Business, Digital Telcos, and Digital Businesses, we have supported the development of critical infrastructure, bolstered connectivity, and fuelled the digital transformation of Malaysia, as well as the ten Asian nations where we operate.”   

“In fulfilling our promise of Advancing Asia, we are committed to our role in enabling a robust digital ecosystem, and providing innovative digital solutions that advances an inclusive digital society for all Malaysians and the region.” 

YB Liew Chin Tong, Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, said, “I commend Axiata for organising this forum, which aligns with the objectives of the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP2030) to develop a resilient nation that embodies prosperity, inclusivity and sustainability. With the right focus and bolstered by bigger ambitions for the country, innovation can spur rapid change and economic growth. By embracing technology and innovation, fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, and nurturing our digital talent, we can widen digital inclusivity and accelerate investments and trade in the digital age, ensuring that Malaysia remains at the forefront of the global digital revolution.” 

About Axiata
In pursuit of its vision to be The Next Generation Digital Champion, Axiata is a diversified telecommunications and digital conglomerate operating Digital Telcos, Digital Businesses and Infrastructure businesses across a footprint spanning ASEAN and South Asia.

The Group has controlling stakes in market-leading mobile and fixed operators in the region including 'XL’ and ‘Link Net' in Indonesia, 'Dialog' in Sri Lanka, 'Robi' in Bangladesh, 'Smart' in Cambodia and 'Ncell' in Nepal while 'CelcomDigi' in Malaysia is a Key Associate Company. Axiata’s regional digital business verticals comprise ‘Boost’ a fintech company, and ‘ADA’, a digital analytics and AI company. 'EDOTCO' is among the top 10 independent TowerCos globally, operating in nine countries to deliver telecommunications infrastructure services.

As a committed and long-term investor, the Group actively supports and drives young talent development; community outreach; as well as climate change initiatives. Axiata's broader goal of Advancing Asia aims to piece together the best in the region in terms of innovation, connectivity and talent to drive digital inclusion and sustainable progress across our markets. Find out more at www.axiata.com  

Issued By: Corporate Communications, Axiata Group Berhad 

SOURCE: Axiata Group Berhad

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
Name: Sujartha Kumar
Corporate Communications
Tel: +6011.10.000.177
Email: sujartha@axiata.com

Email: info@axiata.com

--BERNAMA