KUALA LUMPUR: Much of the work that keeps people connected rarely makes the headlines.
For Ir. Geetha Remy Vincent, MEASAT's Principal of Spectrum & Regulatory Affairs, ensuring that the spectrum resources, policies and industry partnerships needed for future growth are in place is central to Malaysia's digital future.
Her leadership and contributions recently earned her the Women in Tech Leadership (Regulatory and Public Affairs) award at the PIKOM Digital Excellence Awards 2026.
For Geetha, the recognition highlights an often-overlooked area of the technology sector — spectrum management and regulatory leadership.
"Spectrum management and regulatory work may happen behind the scenes, but they are fundamental to keeping communities connected," she said.
She sees the award not only as a personal milestone, but also as recognition of the role that regulation and spectrum management play in supporting connectivity, innovation and digital transformation.
The recognition is also significant for MEASAT as it marks 30 years of pioneering satellite connectivity and supporting the nation's connectivity journey.
Geetha said the milestone reinforced the company's commitment to helping bridge the digital divide, particularly by expanding connectivity to underserved communities.
From compliance to collaboration
A defining moment in Geetha's career came when she realised that technological success depends on more than innovation alone. It also requires alignment with policy, regulation and societal needs.
Her experience across spectrum, satellite and connectivity initiatives gradually transformed the way she viewed regulation.
"Instead of asking, 'How do we comply?', I began asking, 'How do we collaborate?'" she said.
The shift shaped her approach to regulatory affairs, placing greater emphasis on partnership, foresight and aligning business objectives with national digital ambitions.
For Geetha, regulation is not merely a framework that organisations must navigate. It is also a strategic enabler that can create the conditions for innovation, investment and long-term growth.
Securing critical resources
One of Geetha's most significant contributions has been advancing regulatory frameworks that safeguard satellite spectrum and orbital resources.
Through her work supporting Malaysia's positions at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC), she has contributed to efforts to secure access to resources that are critical to MEASAT's current and future satellite capabilities.
These resources underpin a range of connectivity services, including broadband access for rural and remote communities. They also support mobile backhaul that extends cellular coverage and provide resilient communications during emergencies.
For Geetha, the impact goes beyond technology.
"By securing access to these resources, MEASAT helps safeguard the connectivity that millions of Malaysians rely on every day," she said.
She believes these capabilities not only support digital inclusion but also strengthen Malaysia's digital sovereignty and communications resilience.
Regional leadership: Her work extends beyond Malaysia
Since 2016, she has chaired the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity's (APT) Drafting Group on Satellite Regulatory Matters and currently leads the Working Group on Space, Aeronautical and Maritime under APT's Wireless Group (AWG).
Through these leadership roles, she has helped shape regional policy discussions, build consensus among Asia-Pacific administrations, and advance regulatory frameworks that support innovation and digital connectivity across the region.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd