Manama: By Liam Zhao, President of Huawei Gulf North: Without a doubt, digital infrastructure powered by information and communication technologies (ICT) has played a significant role in helping the Gulf to overcome the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Countries throughout the region have used resourcefulness and digital tools to successfully mitigate the economic and health impact of the coronavirus. While many of us are still in the midst of the pandemic, it is clear that today’s technologies—particularly 5G connectivity—are contributing substantially towards recovery efforts, aiding communities and businesses alike.
While the use of technology in the medical field to help with more effective treatments is by no means an insignificant endeavor, what nations in the Gulf also need to consider is how to best leverage their existing ICT capacity to drive economic stimulus. This will contribute greatly towards igniting industrial activity and spurring investment. 5G infrastructure is key to this, providing the foundation for all industries to become leaner, more efficient, and more intelligent in their operations.
A general assumption is that 5G is simply ‘better connectivity’. It is true that 5G is one of the most powerful technologies available to us at present, particularly at a time when societies value convenience and the ability to work remotely and on-the-go more than ever before. But looking at connectivity is only part of the picture.
5G supports an ecosystem that brings together additional technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing, the end result being even greater business continuity and stronger engines for economic recovery. According to one IHS Markit study, 5G could generate a value of around US$13.2 trillion in global economic output by 2035, as well as generating 22.3 million jobs just in the 5G value chain alone. Investment in building and strengthening 5G networks locally—and the ICT ecosystem as a whole—has thus become a major priority in many government agendas.
Although GCC countries were among the first wave of 5G implementations globally, the potential of 5G must now be harnessed in the industrial sector in particular. This potential is seen across a wide range of industries from transportation to education, telecommunications, manufacturing, and others. It also enables the introduction of transformative solutions that bridge the digital divide, and which bring more people and businesses into today’s digital economy. Furthermore, 5G reinforces the security and privacy of our digital economy, with stronger encryption than earlier network generations.
With that in mind, we must continue to champion open collaboration and dialogue in capturing 5G’s potential. Joint innovation programs and public-private partnerships will certainly accelerate new industrial applications in the Gulf. In addition, nurturing local ICT talent development is essential to raising the bar in R&D, promoting future innovation across the ICT ecosystem.
Even in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, 5G connectivity, cloud, AI, computing, and new industry applications are now coming together to create unprecedented opportunities. Our focus must be on creating new value with synergy across these various tech domains, providing scenario-specific solutions to the Gulf. These will ultimately allow enterprises to grow their businesses and help governments to achieve their strategic goals of boosting domestic industry, benefiting their constituents, and improving overall governance.
