Ericsson celebrated its 50th Year Anniversary in Malaysia with the official launch of its brand new office location in The Pinnacle, Bandar Sunway (Petaling Jaya, Selangor).
Officiated by Dato’ Sri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, Minister of Communication and Multimedia (MCMC), Ericsson said the event was held to shine a spotlight on the company’s pivotal role in the history of Malaysia’s telecommunications and ICT industry since it first set up operations in 1965.
Ericsson’s first contract in Malaysia was to supply, install and commission Malaysia’s first crossbar exchange, or electro mechanical switch, by Jabatan Telekom Malaysia (JTM), Ericsson has since seen tremendous growth within the country’s local industry.
Ericsson key milestones in Malaysia include:
- Deploying the first analogue mobile system network in 1984, the first of its kind in Asia Pacific
- Incorporating Ericsson Mobile Communications Sdn Bhd in 1997, Malaysia’s first mobile phone manufacturing company and Ericsson’s first in South East Asia
- Bringing the first live demo of the 3G technology and concept to Malaysia in 1998. Subsequently Ericsson was commissioned to implement Malaysia’s first cellular infrastructure sharing project
- First to showcase a live international, 3G mobile-to-mobile call between Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong in 2002
- Enabling telecommunication operators in Malaysia to offer 4G LTE, a wireless communication service with high-speed data for smartphone users
With approximately 650 employees, Ericsson said its new 49,000 square foot facility is better suited for faster response times and closer collaborations with industry players. “It represents Ericsson’s continued commitment to investing in the development of our local physical facilities alongside the continuous investment in people. It also accommodates training facilities whereby Ericsson provides Malaysian operator employees with ICT technology training. ” the company said.
In his speech, Dato’ Sri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said, “The solutions and services Ericsson provides are able to assist the telecommunication operators in Malaysia to embark on a network transformation journey. We hope that through communication, people and society can be empowered to move forward. Technology has enabled us to stay connected with one another at anytime and anywhere without the concerns of physical boundaries. I am proud to say that Ericsson has played an important role to make this happen.”
Todd Ashton, Head of Ericsson Malaysia and Sri Lanka, says: “As the first telecommunications company to establish operations in the country, Ericsson’s continuous success is through collaborations with the government of Malaysia, local companies and the society at large, to empower people, enable businesses and connect societies. We aim to continue our vision of building a Networked Society where every person and industry is empowered to reach its full potential.”
