Global 5G leader, Ericsson has expanded its socioeconomic impact in Malaysia by establishing its state-of-the-art 5G radio equipment production facility in Penang. This marks the company’s first 5G manufacturing facility in Southeast Asia.
Ericsson has been present in Malaysia since 1965 and is actively rolling out the 5G network for the country, which has gained global recognition for its exceptional performance.
The inauguration of the production facility was graced by communications and digital minister Ahmad Fahmi bin Mohamed Fadzil (represented by deputy minister Teo Nie Ching), Penang caretaker chief minister Chow Kon Yeow, and Swedish ambassador to Malaysia, Dr Joachim Bergstrom.
The 5G radio equipment manufactured in Malaysia includes Ericsson’s cutting-edge lightweight and energy-efficient Massive MIMO antenna-integrated radios. The production takes place in Prai, Penang, in collaboration with Flex, a global diversified manufacturer with operations in 30 countries.
David Hägerbro, head of Ericsson Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, emphasized Ericsson’s status as a global 5G technology leader, currently powering 147 live networks across 63 countries, including Malaysia.
The local production of Ericsson’s 5G radio equipment exemplifies the company’s commitment to contributing to Malaysia’s socioeconomic growth and supporting the government’s ambition to lead in the digital space.
Hägerbro said the importance of Malaysia as a market for Ericsson and highlighted the positive impact of domestic manufacturing on the local economy, generating employment opportunities and transferring technical knowledge to the local workforce in areas like manufacturing, product engineering, and equipment testing.
Ericsson’s dedication to technology leadership has earned the company top rankings in the Frost Radar: Global 5G Network Infrastructure Market for the third consecutive year.
Additionally, Ericsson was recognized as a Leader in the 2023 Magic Quadrant for 5G Network Infrastructure for Communications Service Providers report by Gartner, marking the third consecutive year receiving this acknowledgment from the independent research and advisory firm.
In selecting Malaysia for its manufacturing facility, Ericsson further enhances its socio-economic contribution to the country. Malaysia already hosts a global maintenance center in Bukit Jelutong, one of the world’s largest, and a regional distribution centre at KLIA’s Free Trade Zone.
The country also serves as a base for a regional competence hub, housing 5G expertise and regional support functions, while promoting local talent on a global scale.
Hägerbro reiterated Ericsson’s commitment to delivering a secure, affordable, and world-class 5G network and customer experience in Malaysia. The country has already achieved significant recognition as a global leader in 5G connectivity, surpassing many industrialised nations in terms of speed, reliability, and consumer experience.
