MEASAT partners Parcel365 to unlock digital economy potential in rural areas

MEASAT has signed an agreement with Parcel365 to collaborate on the Digital Village365 initiative that aims to uplift rural communities and stimulate digital economic activities for B40 communities. In the Digital Village365 initiative, Parcel365 will offer logistics and eCommerce platform services as well as training sessions at suitable CONNECTme NOW locations identified by MEASAT.

Through Parcel365's app-based smart locker pick-up and drop-off services, rural residents can overcome the challenges of lacking a proper address for pick-up and delivery in remote villages, while its sister platform Shopla365 offers eCommerce platform support and business solutions, as well as training to help villages optimise their digital economy potential.

These services will be facilitated through MEASAT's CONNECTme NOW WiFi hotspots, powered by its high-speed satellite broadband service, to enable digital applications including transactions, communications, training and other relevant use cases.

"At MEASAT, we firmly believe in the power of the Digital Economy, and its ability to uplift rural communities by opening up new income streams that optimise the productivity of the residents, such as the sales of unique foods and crafts. By partnering with Parcel365, we hope to introduce their logistics and business solutions to our CONNECTme NOW customers, to enable their eCommerce potential," said Ganendra Selvaraj, Chief Commercial Officer, MEASAT.

Eddie Mok Yew Keong, Co-Founder and Director of Parcel365 added, "We are excited to collaborate with MEASAT to extend the reach of our Digital Village365 initiative. High- speed broadband is critical for enabling the digital economy and uplifting Malaysians in so many ways, beginning with promoting entrepreneurship, creating income opportunities, and enabling development of the rural supply chain.

"There are many unique products that can be offered by Malaysia's diverse rural communities - and this partnership with MEASAT will facilitate more of them to reach wider markets by easing internet-based logistics connections and supporting training to elevate branding opportunities with better internet connectivity, ultimately improving living standards across the country."