| Aziz Idris |

DST, Brunei’s leading industry player in telecommunications, recently participated in the Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI)’s ‘Smart Future Forum’ to engage in immersive discussions on the Smart Nation Future initiatives and related technologies.

Part of the discussions with DST as the leader included the case to roll out 5G technology for Brunei.

The case was presented by Manager of DST Technology Services Zulyada’in bin Haji Ibrahim during the final day of the forum yesterday where he spoke of understanding 5G technologies and contextualise the demand for 5G adoption.

Zulyada’in explained how 5G capabilities allow for enhanced mobile broadband, massive machine type communications and low latency communications for new technologies inherent for the digital age and the Internet of Things (IoT).

He provided insight towards the feasibility of 5G adoption through questions of ‘how soon?’ and ‘through what platform?’. Conclusive discussions from the case presentation showed potential for Brunei, although standards for 5G and its ecosystems are yet to be matured.

Currently, 5G is rolled out in specific nations.

In another segment of the forum was a panel discussion on the topic ‘Roles and impact to consumers and industries: Transformation and disruption’.

Among the panellists was Assistant General Manager of DST Group Technology Services Chris Phan who presented his technological expertise including viewpoints on 5G technology and the drivers influencing 5G adoptions.

DST is moving forward to develop Brunei’s economy within the global context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, including strategically steering the business towards digital transformation upgrading towards a more innovative and diverse portfolio of digital systems, business models and the embodiment of a digital culture.

With these developments, DST will be an enabler for technologies that will support preparations in the move towards a Smart Nation.