KOTA KINABALU, April 20 ― The Ministry of Communications and Multimedia will help finance Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS)’ Information and Communication Technology Smart Infrastructure Project with an initial funding of RM5 million.

Its Minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak today said the funds would be channelled through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). 

He said the project involved the installation of fibre networks connecting buildings and premises as well as installation of closed circuit television (CCTV) at strategic locations in the campus.

"The fibre network and security components to be developed by UMS would enable the university to implement the Smart Eco UMS 4.0 in ensuring a secure environment for its population and serve as a platform in processing and analysing incident data.

"This endeavour by UMS would make the university a model and reference in the development of digital technology, enhance its information delivery effectiveness and promote it as a higher education preference in the country,” he said when launching the project here.

Salleh said the project was in line with the National Transformation 2050 (TN50) aspired by the government.  

Meanwhile, he hoped the university and its students would constantly update and enhance their knowledge in current developments, particularly in relation to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0), for their future advancement.

"Malaysia cannot ignore the momentum of ICT for us to compete with other developed countries. If we don’t keep up, we won’t be capable of passing the knowledge to our children and contribute anything to the present and future of the country,” he said. ― Bernama