Syed Mokhtar in digital TV conversion bid

Clinching the deal would expand Syed Mokhtar's business empire which includes MMC Corp and DRB-HICOM


Kuala Lumpur: Businessman Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary has bid for a government contract worth at least RM2 billion to convert current analogue terrestrial television stations into digital broadcasters.

Privately-held Puncak Semangat Sdn Bhd made the bid. Its managing director, Syed Azmin Syed Nor said the company had been working on the proposal for three years with the Information, Communication and Culture Ministry and is waiting for a good response.

"We are unsure if our proposal has been accepted, but we expect the government to make an announcement on the contract by next year," Syed Azmin told reporters after signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) yesterday.

Clinching the deal would expand Syed Mokhtar's business empire. His flagship, MMC Corp Bhd, runs power plants and ports, while other units like DRB-HICOM Bhd assemble Honda and Volkswagen cars. The tycoon also owns an Islamic bank and the country's postal company.

Business Times had earlier reported that the government may soon call a tender by way of a request for proposal (RFP) for the conversion of the analogue to the digital system which is slated to take place in 2015.

It was also reported that the actual timing of the digital implementation will be decided by the Cabinet later.

Puncak Semangat said it has also set aside the finances through investors and other initiatives.

"I believe there are many vying for this contract, but I do also know that Astro is not coming in," said Syed Azmin.

He said once the conversion was done, the public will benefit with at least 15 to 20 channels free.

On the MOU with UniKL, Syed Azmin said it will work with its New Zealand partner, Kordia Ltd, to train talent needed in the digital conversion once it takes place.