Regime change and 5G network construction: Malaysia’s strategic choices under US-China competition
Amid the rapid growth of the global digital economy, fifth generation (5G) technology has become both a driver of industrial advancement and a key arena of United States (U.S.)-China competition. Capitalizing on its geographical advantages and digital potential, Malaysia adopted the Single Wholesale...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | en |
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Penerbit UKM
2025
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| Online Access: | http://journalarticle.ukm.my/26252/1/329-355%20-.pdf http://journalarticle.ukm.my/26252/ http://ejournal.ukm.my/jebat/index |
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| _version_ | 1850174143437209600 |
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| author | Lu, Qing Ravichandran Moorthy, Chin, Kok Fay |
| author_facet | Lu, Qing Ravichandran Moorthy, Chin, Kok Fay |
| author_sort | Lu, Qing |
| building | Tun Sri Lanang Library |
| collection | Institutional Repository |
| content_provider | Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia |
| content_source | UKM Journal Article Repository |
| continent | Asia |
| country | Malaysia |
| description | Amid the rapid growth of the global digital economy, fifth generation (5G) technology has become both a driver of industrial advancement and a key arena of United States (U.S.)-China competition. Capitalizing on its geographical advantages and digital potential, Malaysia adopted the Single Wholesale Network (SWN) model, making it a unique case in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). However, frequent regime changes and great power rivalry have introduced policy uncertainty and geopolitical pressure. This study, based on neoclassical realism, employs qualitative process tracing based on documentary analysis to examine Malaysia’s 5G policy choices and technological trajectory. Findings indicate that while the SWN model enhances resource integration and cost control, its limitations in market competition and transparency have raised domestic concerns and weakened policy credibility. Internationally, it has been viewed as a strategic move, exposing Malaysia to diplomatic pressure and investment challenges. Policy shifts have further introduced strategic uncertainties, highlighting tensions between stability and flexibility. The recent transition to a dual-network model represents a crucial step toward greater technological diversity and market competition, opening new avenues for sustainable digital development. Moving forward, Malaysia must navigate the balance between policy stability and adaptability in an evolving global tech landscape. |
| format | Article |
| id | my-ukm.journal.26252 |
| institution | Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia |
| language | en |
| publishDate | 2025 |
| publisher | Penerbit UKM |
| record_format | eprints |
| spelling | my-ukm.journal.262522025-11-21T08:52:09Z http://journalarticle.ukm.my/26252/ Regime change and 5G network construction: Malaysia’s strategic choices under US-China competition Lu, Qing Ravichandran Moorthy, Chin, Kok Fay Amid the rapid growth of the global digital economy, fifth generation (5G) technology has become both a driver of industrial advancement and a key arena of United States (U.S.)-China competition. Capitalizing on its geographical advantages and digital potential, Malaysia adopted the Single Wholesale Network (SWN) model, making it a unique case in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). However, frequent regime changes and great power rivalry have introduced policy uncertainty and geopolitical pressure. This study, based on neoclassical realism, employs qualitative process tracing based on documentary analysis to examine Malaysia’s 5G policy choices and technological trajectory. Findings indicate that while the SWN model enhances resource integration and cost control, its limitations in market competition and transparency have raised domestic concerns and weakened policy credibility. Internationally, it has been viewed as a strategic move, exposing Malaysia to diplomatic pressure and investment challenges. Policy shifts have further introduced strategic uncertainties, highlighting tensions between stability and flexibility. The recent transition to a dual-network model represents a crucial step toward greater technological diversity and market competition, opening new avenues for sustainable digital development. Moving forward, Malaysia must navigate the balance between policy stability and adaptability in an evolving global tech landscape. Penerbit UKM 2025-09 Article PeerReviewed application/pdf en http://journalarticle.ukm.my/26252/1/329-355%20-.pdf Lu, Qing and Ravichandran Moorthy, and Chin, Kok Fay (2025) Regime change and 5G network construction: Malaysia’s strategic choices under US-China competition. Jebat: Malaysian Journal of History, Politics and Strategic Studies, 52 (3). pp. 329-355. ISSN 2180-0251 http://ejournal.ukm.my/jebat/index |
| spellingShingle | Lu, Qing Ravichandran Moorthy, Chin, Kok Fay Regime change and 5G network construction: Malaysia’s strategic choices under US-China competition |
| title | Regime change and 5G network construction: Malaysia’s strategic choices under US-China competition |
| title_full | Regime change and 5G network construction: Malaysia’s strategic choices under US-China competition |
| title_fullStr | Regime change and 5G network construction: Malaysia’s strategic choices under US-China competition |
| title_full_unstemmed | Regime change and 5G network construction: Malaysia’s strategic choices under US-China competition |
| title_short | Regime change and 5G network construction: Malaysia’s strategic choices under US-China competition |
| title_sort | regime change and 5g network construction: malaysia’s strategic choices under us-china competition |
| url | http://journalarticle.ukm.my/26252/1/329-355%20-.pdf http://journalarticle.ukm.my/26252/ http://ejournal.ukm.my/jebat/index |
| url_provider | http://journalarticle.ukm.my/ |