Mobile sector set to add US$1.4 trillion to Asia Pacific economy

The mobile industry is projected to contribute US$1.4 trillion (RM5.7 trillion) to the Asia Pacific economy by 2030, marking a 40% increase from the US$1 trillion (RM4.1 trillion) generated currently. These projections were detailed in the new Mobile Economy Asia Pacific 2026 report, released by the original publisher.

The data suggests that connectivity is no longer sufficient to drive the region's digital future. The report indicates that the next phase of economic growth will be determined by how governments, network operators, and technology providers navigate four major factors: the rapid integration of artificial intelligence, the need to restore declining digital trust, the demand for resilient infrastructure, and the rising focus on digital sovereignty.

These findings were released ahead of the upcoming M360 ASEAN 2026 event, which is scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur next month. The report highlights that the shift in industry focus occurs as governments across the Asia Pacific region work to address increasing concerns regarding online fraud and the evolving requirements for secure digital environments.

The emphasis on digital trust and sovereignty is particularly relevant to the regional landscape, as policymakers and industry leaders seek to balance rapid technological adoption with the need for enhanced security measures. For Malaysia, this shift reflects broader global trends where infrastructure resilience and data protection are becoming critical components of national economic policy and telco strategy.