ZTE and CIMB partner to expand digital infrastructure across ASEAN, accelerating 5G, improving digital connectivity and supporting scalable growth.

ZTE Corporation has signed a strategic partnership with CIMB Bank Berhad to support the development of digital infrastructure across ASEAN. Through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding, the two organizations aim to combine technology and financing to accelerate the rollout of next-generation connectivity in the region.

The collaboration brings together ZTE’s expertise in telecommunications and CIMB’s strength in banking and financial solutions. Mainly the partnership will focus on extending these capabilities to underserved and rural communities and is designed to support the deployment of advanced infrastructure, particularly 5G upgrade, making high-speed connectivity more accessible across ASEAN.

Steven Ge, Vice President of ZTE and Managing Director of ZTE Malaysia, described the partnership as a shared step toward strengthening the region’s digital backbone. He emphasized that combining technological innovation with financial support can play a critical role in speeding up 5G adoption and enabling broader digital transformation.

According to Chu Kok Wei, Chief Executive Officer of Group Wholesale Banking, CIMB, the collaboration reflects the growing demand for faster, more reliable digital infrastructure. He noted that the bank is well positioned to support large-scale infrastructure projects by offering integrated financing solutions that align with regional expansion goals.

Beyond 5G solutions, the partnership is expected to support a wider range of smart infrastructure initiatives aligned with regional efforts such as the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA). By aligning technology deployment with structured financing, both companies aim to improve the speed, efficiency and scalability of infrastructure projects across multiple markets.

CIMB has already played a significant role in advancing telecom infrastructure in the region which includes supporting major 5G rollouts, such as a substantial financing facility for U Mobile’s network expansion in Malaysia. The bank is also working alongside international partners to mobilize large-scale funding for sustainable infrastructure projects, further reinforcing its commitment to the region’s digital future.

Together, ZTE and CIMB are positioning themselves at the intersection of technology and finance, driving the next phase of smart infrastructure growth across ASEAN.

As Business Fortune notes, collaborations like this shows how technology and finance are coming together to shape the future of smart infrastructure, driving faster and more inclusive digital growth.

About the Author

Sowmiya Sri Mani is a writer for Business Fortune, covering AI, Robotics, Software, Entrepreneurship, and Opinion. She delivers clear and engaging insights on emerging trends and industrial developments, helping readers understand the evolving landscape of technology and innovation.