20 Jan 2023
TM R&D inks MoU with ZTE to collaborate on optical network research, bringing the first 50gbps bandwidth experience to Malaysia
Telekom Research & Development Sdn Bhd (TM R&D), the innovation arm of Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM), recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ZTE (Malaysia) Corporation Sdn Bhd (ZTE), a global leading provider of information and communication technology solutions, to collaborate on optical network research, bringing the first 50Gbps bandwidth experience to Malaysia.
The MoU was signed by Dr Sharlene Thiagarajah, Chief Executive Officer, TM R&D and Steven Ge, Chief Executive Officer, ZTE Malaysia.
Under this agreement, TM R&D and ZTE will jointly explore the capabilities of next-generation Passive Optical Network (PON) access technology, 50GPON, to support various application scenarios. In addition, both entities will look into use cases that can deliver ultra-broadband access to the government, enterprise and consumers, as well as support the requirements of innovative services such as 5G, Cloud Virtual Reality (VR), industrial intelligent manufacturing for high bandwidth, low latency & jitter, and clock synchronisation, all of which will enhance the user experience in Malaysia.
Commenting on the MoU, Dr. Sharlene Thiagarajah, Chief Executive Officer, TM R&D said, “TM R&D is committed to conducting research on future technologies and innovating new value-added smarter eco-systems that will improve the quality of user experience, and ultimately bring a positive impact on their lives. This fits well into the TM Group’s transformation towards becoming a human-centred TechCo. We are very excited to partner with a renowned global player such as ZTE to innovate on future generation PON technology in line with the global trend and technology roadmap.”
Meanwhile, Steven Ge, Chief Executive Officer, ZTE Malaysia shared, “With Gigabit home broadband services widely used in Malaysia at present, and the basic fixed network is in the time window of evolution from GPON to 10G PON, this partnership could not have come at a better time.”
“ZTE is pleased with the opportunity to collaborate with TM R&D on future research in next-generation PON technology supporting Digital Malaysia,” he added.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
TM Records a Promising 1Q2023 Performance with 2.0% Revenue Growth; Continues to Strengthen its Core Business
1Q2023 Key Highlights (vs 1Q2022) · Operating Revenue grew 2.0% from RM2.89 billion to RM2.95 billion, with continuous growth across Unifi and TM Global · EBIT decreased 15.5% from RM560.4 million to RM473.3 million, following accelerated depreciation and impairment · PATAMI lower 2.9% from RM339.9 million to RM330.1 million, lower EBIT cushioned by lower net finance cost and effective tax rate · CAPEX investment stood at 14.0% of revenue or RM413.1 million, heavily attributed to fibre network expansion Amidst the challenges for the year, Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) achieved a steady and promising performance in the first quarter that ended on 31 March 2023, compared to the same period in the previous year (YoY). Operating revenue grew 2.0% to RM2.95 billion, from RM2.89 billion in 2022, driven by Unifi and TM Global. TM saw an increase in customers with Unifi now serving close to 3.5 million home and MSME customers, TM One catering to 8,800 businesses, and TM Global serving more than 700 local and regional customers. Its reported Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) is lower 15.5% to RM473.3 million, from RM560.4 million, following the Group’s decision to accelerate depreciation and impairment of IT assets, due to changes in market conditions. Profit After Tax and Minority Interest (PATAMI) decreased 2.9% to RM330.1 million from RM339.9 million. Lower net finance cost and lower effective tax rate from the recognition of deferred tax assets mitigated the impact of the lower EBIT on the Group’s overall profitability. Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) stood at 14.0% of overall revenue, or RM413.1 million. A significant portion of this investment was dedicated to fortifying its fibre infrastructure, delivering new customer acquisition, international subsea cables investment and 5G fibre network deployment to meet Government’s target of 80% coverage by year end. Unifi sustaining growth trajectory Unifi continues to deliver leadership in convergence service and solutions for both home and MSMEs customers. Unifi reported a 1Q2023 revenue growth of 4.3% from RM1.38 billion to RM1.44 billion contributed by both, growth in number of subscribers and average revenue per customer (ARPC). Unifi fixed broadband subscription increased by 8.1% to 3.08 million propelled by aggressive sales, and promotions such as the 6-months complimentary speed upgrade offered to existing Unifi Home users and 7-days free viewing of all Unifi TV channels during Chinese New Year. Unifi Mobile unveiled its latest offerings, the UNI5G prepaid and postpaid plans, which include complimentary 5G access for all current mobile subscribers. Additionally, Unifi introduced the Pakej Perpaduan Jalur Lebar Tetap (Home Internet) and Pakej Perpaduan Prabayar Mudah Alih (Prepaid Mobile) plans specifically designed for underserved communities, providing inclusive and ubiquitous connectivity for the community. Unifi Business’ collaborative efforts with local government agencies have been instrumental in supporting MSMEs to digitally grow their businesses. As part of this initiative, Unifi Business launched a programme in Sabah that has resulted in a significant participation of local entrepreneurs. TM One navigating challenging market and shifting demand TM One recorded a 6.7% slowdown in revenue from RM773.7 million to RM721.9 million in the current quarter, largely due to the impact of price reduction and lower revenue from one-off customer projects. The delivery of key projects across several industries shall set the pace for TM One in the coming quarters. TM One delivered a Private 5G solution to enable Smart Industry solutions and completed a hybrid cloud project that is instrumental to the IT backbone transformation of its customer. TM is also the only telco with a 100% completion record for the Point of Presence (POP) Phase 1 Project, successfully delivering 233 sites across the northern states, Sabah and Sarawak. Building on the success of TM One 5G Sphere Partner Programme launched end of 2022 where more than 90 leading partners are registered today, TM One launched its Sandbox platform providing a secure and controlled environment for enterprise and Government customers with technology partners to co-create and commercialise innovative smart service solutions, which will propel their digitalisation and automation drive. TM Global catalysing digital inclusivity TM Global reported continuous growth in 1Q2023, with revenue increasing by 3.9% from RM625.1 million to RM649.2 million, contributed by higher data and data centre co-location services. As the leading partner for High-Speed Broadband Access (HSBA), TM Global achieved the highest number of new installations in March, supporting collective industry growth throughout Malaysia. Additionally, close to 8,000 4G and 5G fiberisation site were deployed to meet the growing demands of industry players and enhance nationwide edge capabilities, further propelling national digital initiatives. Internationally, TM Global secured deals from US-based hyperscaler and North Asia digital provider for its wholesale data centre solutions as well as a substantial deal from ASEAN telecommunication player for more than 10Tbps data requirement within this region. TM Global remains focused on positioning Malaysia as the preferred digital hub for the ASEAN region through its comprehensive and customised offerings for hyperscalers, global carriers and digital players. Commentary and Outlook from Dato’ Imri Mokhtar, TM Group Chief Executive Officer “2023 is expected to be a challenging year with changes in the regulatory landscape, heightened competition and other market structure changes. TM will continue strengthening its core business to be commercially sustainable as a Public Listed Company (PLC) whilst continuing to contribute to the nation’s growth via its role as a Government Linked Company (GLC). “As the national connectivity and digital infrastructure provider, TM will continue to execute the fiberisation plan to support the Government’s National Digital Network (JENDELA) programmes as well as the 5G rollout nationwide. TM looks forward to continue playing an active role in the 5G implementation, leveraging its nationwide fibre infrastructure, extensive digital platforms (data centres, edge nodes) and rollout experience. “We remain steadfast as we enter the final year of our 2021-2023 Transformation Programme, and pursue the next wave of growth beyond 2023. In line with our journey to become a human-centred TechCo, we announced the launch of TM’s new HQ and Campus, located in Cyberjaya. The campus will serve as a catalyst for a new way of working that drives agility and flexibility through digital collaboration and hybrid work environment, propelling innovation among our employees, customers and partners. “We will continue to advocate sustainability efforts and strive for progress. TM has released our first Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) report, 2 years ahead of Bursa Malaysia’s 2025 requirement. The report focuses on increasing transparency around the financial implications of an organisations’ climate-related risks and opportunities. “Though cautious with the overall outlook, we remain optimistic with the prospects of increased hyperconnectivity, continuous growth investments in connectivity and digitalisation across all customer segments. TM will continue to enable a Digital Malaysia by offering comprehensive suite of communication services and digital solutions benefitting communities, businesses and Government.”
TM’s commitment to combat corruption and reinforcement of integrity as organisational DNA
Organised annual TM Integrity Day 2022, in collaboration with MACC, SIRIM, PDRM, IIM, TI-M and others TM adopts the highest level of integrity and ethics that uphold the standard of its employees’ behaviour and conduct by championing high integrity and anti-corruption practices in its working environment. It reflects TM’s commitment in adhering to good corporate governance and fulfilling its responsibilities towards investors and other stakeholders. This is maintained through rigorous awareness, internalisation and enforcement efforts guided by its ethics and integrity policies. To demonstrate its commitment and continuous effort to upholding high integrity, governance, and transparency in its business operations, Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM), has organised its annual TM Integrity Day 2022 (TMID) on 1 November 2022, in conjunction with the National Integrity Day which is observed every November. The many highlights of TMID included MS ISO 37001:2016 certification handover by SIRIM, recitation of the corruption-free pledge followed by a forum entitled, “Uncompromising Integrity”. The TMID 2022 was launched by Datuk Seri TKPj. Norazlan Mohd Razali, Deputy Chief Commissioner (Prevention) of Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), witnessed by Tan Sri Mohammed Azlan Hashim, Chairman of TM Group and Imri Mokhtar, Group Chief Executive Officer of TM. Also present were Datuk Ir. (Dr) Khairol Anuar Tawi,Chairman SIRIM QAS International Sdn Bhd, while Datuk Wan Suraya Wan Mohd Radzi, Chief Executive Officer of Malaysian Institute of Integrity (IIM), and Dato’ Allaudeen Abdul Majid, Deputy Director, Department of Integrity and Standard Compliance (JIPS) PDRM attended as panelists for the forum, moderated by Dr. Muhammad Mohan, President of Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M). TM’s proprietary Organisational Anti-Corruption Plan (OACP) 2021–2025 launched last year, was developed to closely align with the National Anti-Corruption Plan (NACP) 2019-2023 geared towards improving transparency, and embedding the principles of integrity, good governance, compliance, and accountability in ensuring governance in the public and corporate sectors in Malaysia. TM OACP is one of the policies developed in tandem with Section 17A of the MACC Act 2009, in accordance with the standards set by IIM. “At TM, "Uncompromising Integrity" is one of the corporate values that must be embraced by every TM employee to fulfill our responsibilities to all stakeholders. We take any misconduct that involves integrity in this organisation very seriously,” said Tan Sri Mohammed Azlan. “I hope that all TM employees and Business Partners will continue to carry out the best duties and responsibilities to the company in the effort of TM to drive the aspirations of Digital Malaysia,” he added. “Our OACP is a 5-year plan to further strengthen TM’s existing ethics and integrity ecosystem among Warga TM, business partners, vendors and suppliers. The OACP clearly defines the focus areas and strategic initiatives to mitigate corruption, integrity and governance risks. It is the duty of every TM employee and business partners to act in the best interest of TM and maintaining the highest degree of integrity, transparency, and accountability,” he further commented. At the event, Imri led the citation of the corruption-free pledge together with Tan Sri Azlan, TM Board of Directors, Senior Management, Business Partners and all Warga TM nationwide in the presence of Datuk Seri TKPj. Norazlan. The pledge is an oath voluntarily taken by TM’s leadership and its employees proclaiming their commitment to carrying out their duties with transparency, responsibility and accountability. Good governance rests with the people. As TM evolves into a human centred TechCo, Warga TM must be empowered in upholding the company values. TM’s company-wide efforts to instill a high level of integrity amongst Warga TM began in 2002 by establishing various policies and guidelines such as TM OACP, certified Anti-Bribery Management System (ABMS) for high-risk divisions, TM Code of Conduct & Business Ethics, Whistle Blowing Policy, Anti-Corruption Guidelines, Ethics Hotline and several others to infuse transparency, accountability and responsibility amongst its employees and Business Partners.
TM posts solid 3Q performance with growth across all segments, continuous growth In revenue and EBIT
3Q2022 Key Highlights (vs 3Q2021) Operating Revenue grew 12.7% to RM3.16 billion, from continuous growth across all customer segments EBIT grew 38.2% to RM604.8 million, from strong revenue growth and improved business cost efficiency PATAMI decreased 2.2% at RM 265.2 million, following higher tax charges including Cukai Makmur, and foreign exchange translation loss on borrowings CAPEX investment at 19.1% of revenue or RM603.7 million, focused primarily on fibre service growth and network expansion, includes enabling 5G network rollout On the back of a solid first nine months, TM is revising upwards its market guidance on revenue and profit growth Delivering another solid quarter in 2022, Telekom Malaysia Berhad (“TM” or “the Group”) continues to chart a steady growth trajectory with its third quarter ended 30 September 2022 as compared to the same period last year (YoY). The Group’s operating revenue increased by 12.7% to RM3.16 billion, from RM2.80 billion in 3Q2021, the highest revenue recorded in the last ten quarters. TM’s focus on strengthening its core business and operational efficiency proved solid and resilient, capturing continued growth against the backdrop of intensifying competition. Better business cost efficiency from prudent operational spending plus optimisation programmes contributed to a better Group’s Earnings Before Interest and Taxes (EBIT) reported at RM604.8 million, a 38.2% growth from RM437.5 million in 3Q last year. Profit After Tax and Non-controlling Interest (PATAMI) stood at RM265.2 million, decreased 2.2% from RM 271.3 million recorded last year, as a result of higher taxation pay out and foreign exchange translation loss on borrowings. Continuous investment for growth and improving the experience of customers has been a rallying point for TM. The Group invested CAPEX at 19.1% of revenue this quarter, amounting to RM603.7 million to meet customers’ demands through fibre expansion, network modernisation and technology upgrades. Unifi sustains growth momentum Unifi demonstrated a continuous growth trajectory and continues its leadership in fixed-mobile converged (FMC) solutions of fixed broadband, mobile services, digital content and solutions for both consumers and MSMEs, recording a revenue increase of 7.0% from RM1.31 billion to RM1.40 billion. Driven by aggressive sales, promotions and loyalty programmes for customers, Unifi grew its fixed broadband subscriber base close to 3 million. With 5G now made available, Unifi will leverage this equal playing field to strengthen its position as the preferred provider for FMC, providing the widest and fastest all-in-one solution to meet today’s digital lifestyle. Unifi has also expanded its digital content portfolio with more on-demand streaming apps, with Unifi TV on track to become the largest streaming platform in Malaysia by end of 2022, with more than 15 streaming apps onboard. Its most recent launches include MangoTV, one of China’s leading online video platforms and SIAR, a local channel featuring classic Malay movies. With approximately 400,000 MSME customers, Unifi Business’ digital solutions and programmes aim to accelerate their digital transformation and business growth. On top of connectivity, Unifi Business also unveiled new business solutions to support MSMEs digitisation through cloud adoption, eCommerce Hub, cybersecurity and digital marketing, and were created to be affordable for this segment. TM One turnaround continues TM One, the Group’s enterprise and government sector arm, recorded a 11.9% growth in revenue from RM796.9 million to RM891.9 million in 3Q2022, clocking in a solid performance in the quarter. Growth was from both enterprise and government sector segments driven by connectivity services and customer projects. TM One inked more collaborations with several organisations to enable their customers’ digitalisation and transformative plans. TM One’s 5G Sphere comprising a technology ecosystem of more than 35 partners was recently launched to deliver 5G-enabled solutions for industry leaders to accelerate growth and create a more sustainable business operation. Its Private 5G solutions leveraging on dedicated and reliable Private 5G network will also propel enterprise adoption of IoT and IR 4.0 technologies, machine learning and analytics that will spur the nation’s economic growth. TM Wholesale (TMW) supports the telco/technology growth in Malaysia & region TM Wholesale (TMW) recorded a stellar performance in 3Q2022, with revenue increasing by 26.0% from RM610.9 million to RM769.9 million, making it the biggest revenue growth contributor for the Group in the current quarter. This is mainly attributable to higher domestic data and international digital demands from hyperscalers and global carriers within the region. More than 5,400 cumulative 4G and 5G fibre backhaul sites were deployed to expand network coverage and accelerate digital implementation nationwide. TMW continues to support the industry’s demand for High-speed Broadband Access (HSBA), delivering a total of more than 670,000 ports for 5 local broadband providers. At the international front, TMW secured a North Asia digital provider and a US-based hyperscaler as its latest wholesale Data Centre customers in Iskandar Puteri Data Centre. TMW also became the preferred service provider for a US-based hyperscaler in providing a long-term International Data services, thus strengthening its position as Malaysia’s preferred network infrastructure provider and at the same time positioning our country as a digital hub within ASEAN. Commentary and Outlook from Imri Mokhtar, TM Group Chief Executive Officer “TM’s growth momentum is expected to continue for the rest of 2022 from our core business segments - Unifi, TM One and TM Wholesale. We shall continue to invest in our technology capabilities, new growth areas of FMC and digital solutions, and in building capacity and digital talents within TM; while staying focused on growing with our customers, as well as continuing our operations cost discipline.” “Competition in FMC and the digital space is intensifying. We are strengthening our mobile business with the right strategy and capabilities to take TM into an era of true convergence. Unifi introduced exciting bundled packages for consumers and MSMEs, while TM One brings together leading technology and smart solution partners to accelerate innovative use cases. TMW continues to deliver on its aspiration to position Malaysia as the digital hub for ASEAN via submarine cables and date centre offerings.” “2022 is indeed the year to build our commercial resiliency to face the anticipated headwinds in 2023 – easing of economic growth, high supply chain cost and more measured customer spending.” “As we evolve from a converged Telco into a human-centred TechCo, we continue to focus on executing our transformation programmes which has produced tangible results for our customers and stakeholders.”
NEWSLETTER
Just drop your details and stay updated with the world of Telekom Malaysia. We promise – no spam!