Langkawi to be Turned into Malaysia’s First 5G-enabled Digital Tourist Hub
EDOTCO Malaysia and Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) have collaborated with the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) to transform Langkawi into Malaysia’s first 5G-enabled digital tourism hub, marking a significant leap in the country’s digital transformation, leveraging next-generation connectivity to revolutionise tourism experiences, smart infrastructure and economic opportunities on the island.
“As part of this initiative, EDOTCO and DNB will work closely with LADA to ensure that 5G infrastructure deployment aligns with the island’s tourism and economic goals.
“High-speed connectivity will be expanded across key tourism hotspots, including Langkawi Sky Bridge, geosites, Pantai Genang and major hotels,” said a joint statement by the three companies.
To drive industry adoption, EDOTCO, DNB and LADA will also host the first industry workshop in Langkawi next month, bringing together hotel operators, tour agencies, technology providers and local businesses to explore how 5G-powered solutions can redefine the tourism sector.
“The workshop with LADA will set the foundation for a long-term digital transformation strategy in Langkawi. We aim to empower businesses to tap into new revenue streams through digital innovations such as smart hotel management systems, contactless services and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven customer insights,” said EDOTCO director of Malaysia Business, Gayan Koralage.
Meanwhile, LADA chief executive officer Datuk Haslina Abdul Hamid said Langkawi is not only a globally renowned tourism hub but also a destination for prestigious international sporting events.
“High-speed connectivity will support real-time data analytics for athletes, enable immersive live streaming for global audiences and enhance event logistics through smart infrastructure management.
“We look forward to working closely with EDOTCO and DNB to position Langkawi as a model for smart tourism and international sporting excellence,” Haslina said.
Additionally, DNB chief executive officer Datuk Azman Ismail noted that Langkawi presents the ideal setting to showcase how 5G can power a future-ready tourism model, create new economic opportunities and support Malaysia’s broader digital aspirations.
“Working alongside telco mobile network operators (MNOs), this collaboration is designed to ensure that this initiative delivers real, sustainable impact, not just for Langkawi but as a model for future 5G-powered destinations across Malaysia,” he added.
According to the statement, the partnership will span over two years with the first six months focused on executing a proof of concept (POC) to validate key 5G-enabled solutions.
The remaining 18 months will focus on expanding the initiative with more advanced use cases, such as 5G-powered autonomous shuttle services, AI-driven smart hospitality solutions and other next-generation applications for seamless digital tourism experiences.
