LG CNS, a Korea-based provider of information technology services, announced Wednesday that it has become the first Korean company to build a mobile service network for the mass rapid transit system, or the MRT, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Beating 24 rival global firms to form a consortium with local firm APEX Communications in the 140 billion won ($128 million) bid, LG CNS plans to install IT-based framework consisting of wireless communication system, surveillance cameras, metro broadcasting facilities and security system by 2017.

The Malaysian deal will be a milestone for making inroads into other Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand and Indonesia, LG CNS said.

Currently, the Malaysian government is constructing three MRT lines to increase public use of MRT by 50 percent as part of its economic transformation program.

(joowonc@heraldcorp.com)