Expanding Telecommunication Access Key To Economic Uplift Of Marginalised Groups

By Abdul Hamid A Rahman

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 7 (Bernama) -- Expanding telecommunication access is critical to uplifting marginalised groups such as the Orang Asli, as connectivity opens doors to economic participation, education, healthcare, and other essential opportunities.

Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology assistant professor at the Department of Accountancy and Business, Dr Masni Mat Dong, said internet access remains uneven in many rural and remote areas, including Orang Asli settlements as well as parts of Sabah and Sarawak.

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“Telecommunication will play a very important role. When communities are exposed to information and digital services, it increases opportunities for better education and livelihood. Without it, they are left behind,” she told Bernama on the sidelines of the Khazanah Megatrends Forum (KMF) 2025 here today.

Masni explained that for sectors such as logistics, telecommunications and utilities, reaching marginalised groups is often viewed as costly. 

"However, inclusive and community-driven approaches could reduce costs, unlock new markets and create long-term value for both the private sector and society.

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“Inclusion is not charity; it’s strategy. Co-design cuts costs today and builds new markets for tomorrow,” she said.

She noted that in the telecommunication sector, training Orang Asli youths as local technicians and micro-entrepreneurs to install and maintain community networks could lower operating expenditure, improve service reliability and create loyal customer bases.

For utilities, she said village-level solar or micro-hydro projects developed with community cooperatives offer more sustainable solutions than long grid extensions, while also improving payment compliance and system maintenance.

In logistics,  she said partnering with community agents for last-mile delivery can both support local producers—such as those selling forest honey, rattan and medicinal plants—and enable two-way flows of goods and e-commerce.

“These models often begin as pilot projects in Orang Asli settlements but can serve as research and development for wider rural solutions nationwide, while also strengthening a company’s social licence to operate and environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance,” she said.

Masni also stressed the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing gaps faced by marginalised groups.

“Collaboration between government, the private sector and communities is vital. When businesses enter settlements, they not only create job opportunities but also bring services such as telecommunication or renewable energy,” she said.

Looking ahead, Masni expressed hope that within the next five years, more investments would focus on accessibility, particularly in roads and digital connectivity for marginalised communities.

“Accessibility will help them connect to wider opportunities, ensuring they are not left behind in national development,” she added.  

The KMF2025 theme is "Debugging Uncertainty: Lessons from the Grasshopper and the Ant on Living with Risk". 

In upholding KMF traditions, panel discussions will continue to be organised along four core sessions: how various markets globally are affected; what the theme means to firms and society at large; and what are the imperatives of leadership and people.

-- BERNAMA