14 Sep 2023
TM Joins Asia Link Cable System Consortium To Boost Submarine Cable Capacity From Malaysia To Asia
KUALA LUMPUR, 14 September 2023 - TM Global, the domestic and international wholesale business arm of TM, solidified its commitment to advancing Malaysia’s digital landscape by announcing its recent participation as a consortium member of the Asia Link Cable System (ALC). This strategic move positions Malaysia as one of the key destinations connecting Malaysia to Hong Kong SAR.
Asia Link Cable; image credited to HMN Tech
TM’s entry into the consortium was made official during the signing of the Construction and Maintenance Agreement (C&MA) with all consortium members held in Penang recently. The current seven members from the ASEAN and North Asia regions include Singapore Telecommunications Limited (Singtel); China Telecom Global Limited (CTG); China Telecommunications Corporation (CTC); Globe Telecom (Globe) and DITO Telecommunity Corporation (DITO) of the Philippines, Unified National Networks Sdn Bhd (UNN) of Brunei and Global Transit Singapore Pte. Ltd (GTS).
Commenting on this partnership, Khairul Liza Ibrahim, TM Global’s covering Executive Vice President said, “Our inclusion in the ALC consortium marks another milestone in TM Global’s ongoing efforts to position Malaysia as a digital hub in the region.
“Malaysia emerged as the region’s top destination for technological investment, particularly data centre businesses. Leveraging our strategic location, the ALC is expected to attract more international submarine cables to land in Malaysia and entice global technology players to leverage our data centres.
“This strengthens our efforts to provide reliable, diversified and uninterrupted global connectivity solutions to customers. It also enables us to better support the deployment of hyperscalers’ data centres, and deliver to the future requirements of 5G networks in the country,” she added
Spanning a total distance of approximately 7,200 km with an initial design capacity of 24Tbps, the Cable Landing Station (CLS) for ALC will be strategically located at TM Exchange Kuala Sedili, and will capitalise on its proximity to TM’s Iskandar Puteri data centre in Johor.
The Sedili CLS is the sixth international CLS in the country, including Kuala Muda, Morib, Mersing, Cherating and Melaka. Its construction is projected to be completed by 2025.
With 32 owned and leased submarine cable systems spanning more than 340,000 kilometres around the globe, TM is committed to providing the highest service performance and best quality experience to customers domestically and internationally.
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Jangkau Digital TM Reimagines Kampung Mukut, Pulau Tioman as Malaysia’s First Smart Eco-Village, Driving Rural Digital Inclusion and Nation-Building
KUALA LUMPUR, 14 August 2025 – Telekom Malaysia Berhad (“TM” or “the Group”) has identified Kampung Mukut, Pulau Tioman as the first village for its inaugural Jangkau Digital programme, reimagining the small coastal settlement as a Smart Eco-Village that blends digital connectivity, economic empowerment, education, and environmental stewardship. The initiative is aligned with the Government’s call for organisations to contribute in uplifting rural communities through sustainable and inclusive development. Home to just over 100 residents, Kampung Mukut is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, lush rainforests, serene waterfall, and the towering Dragon Horns of Tioman. Its remoteness has also meant limited access to connectivity and public infrastructure, challenges that Jangkau Digital seeks to address while preserving the village’s unique culture and biodiversity. The programme in Mukut was officially launched by His Royal Highness The Sultan Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, during his recent visit to the village. Amar Huzaimi Md Deris, TM’s Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer said, “Jangkau Digital TM is about building the right foundations for communities to thrive, from expanding digital access, to unlocking new economic opportunities, nurturing future-ready talent, and safeguarding environment. It reflects our role as a nation builder, ensuring that even the most remote communities are part of Malaysia’s digital future. In Mukut, we are working closely with the community and the Tioman Development Authority as our strategic partner to demonstrate that rural and island villages can progress sustainably, while preserving the heritage and natural beauty that make them unique.” Digital Foundation for Inclusive Growth The transformation begins with robust digital infrastructure across Pulau Tioman. The 75km submarine cable from Kuala Rompin that was deployed by TM, forms the backbone that connects the entire island to Malaysia’s national digital network, effectively bringing the world to Tioman and Tioman to the world. This is followed by the rollout of high-speed fibre broadband and expanded mobile coverage that now reaches all key settlements and tourism hotspots. This upgrade ensures that residents, businesses and visitors across Tioman enjoy stable, high-quality internet access, a critical enabler for economic activity, education, and tourism. In Kampung Mukut, this connectivity has been further strengthened with the installation of outdoor WiFi spanning the village from the jetty and school to the mosque, eateries, homestays, and along scenic trails, enabling tourists to navigate, locals to run online businesses, and students to participate in virtual learning without interruption. Complementing this, TM’s Vision AI CCTV systems have also been deployed at strategic points to improve public safety, manage visitor flows and support responsible tourism in line with Mukut’s eco-tourism appeal. MSME Empowerment & Economic Upliftment With strong digital connectivity as the foundation, entrepreneurs in Mukut are now better positioned to tap into the digital economy. Tourism operators, guesthouses, and boat service providers have been onboarded to visitmukut.com – a community-managed tourism portal powered by TM and enhanced with AI to deliver an end-to-end experience, from discovering Mukut’s natural beauty to booking and engaging with local operators. This is integrated with the Unifi Business Go Bookit app for seamless visitor experiences. This transition to online visibility is strengthening business resilience, particularly for operators who once depended solely on walk-in visitors. To support this shift, TM will conduct targeted training sessions to equip local MSMEs with skills in booking management, social media promotion, and digital content creation, with additional support extended to B40 entrepreneurs via the Sejahtera MADANI programme. By building these capabilities, TM aims to ensure that the economic benefits of tourism are shared more broadly across the community, while positioning Mukut as a destination that is digitally accessible. Equipping Students and Teachers for the Future The Jangkau Digital TM also brings the TM Future Skills (TMFS) to SK Mukut as the Champion School. SK Mukut is now linked to SMK Tekek, Tioman’s “nucleus” digital hub school, enabling resource-sharing and access to advanced digital tools. Through this collaboration, students are exposed to coding, robotics, 3D printing and AI learning modules – subjects that previously seemed out of reach in rural settings. Teachers in Mukut also benefit from training programmes that help them integrate STEM content into lessons and maximise the use of digital tools. Beyond the classroom, TM is investing in capability building for the community’s core sporting tradition - sailing. Efforts include upgrading essential infrastructure such as dedicated walkway and slipway to provide safe and convenient access to the waterfront. The Group also goes the extra mile by providing a comprehensive coach training and talent development programme, and providing official sports attire for the school’s sailing team. These initiatives are designed to inspire the students, enhance competitive readiness, and cultivate a new generation of talent capable of competing at the highest levels. This integrated approach ensures that Mukut’s youth can excel both in academics and in sports, proving that rural communities can nurture future champions on multiple fronts. Preserving Environment and Biodiversity In preserving Mukut’s charm, TM is embedding environmental stewardship into every aspect of development. The village’s coral reefs, rainforest trails, and marine biodiversity are recognised as irreplaceable assets, and planned coral protection and trail conservation programmes will ensure these remain intact for future generations. TM’s sustainability commitment extends to the seabed where the presence of submarine cables naturally fosters the formation of artificial reefs, providing vital habitats for marine life and cultivating to long-term biodiversity ecosystem. To further support eco-tourism safety, TM is enhancing measures to ensure the safety of both tour guides and hikers on treks to the Dragon Horns including providing GPS trackers and other digital solutions, helping Mukut maintain its reputation as a safe, well-managed destination for adventure tourism. By combining digital technology with environmental care, Jangkau Digital TM reinforces the idea that progress in rural communities can go hand in hand with sustainability. Greater Purpose of TM “Our aspiration to become Malaysia’s Digital Powerhouse by 2030 is grounded in our greater purpose to enable progress that is inclusive, sustainable, and meaningful for all. When students in Mukut can explore robotics, local entrepreneurs can reach customers worldwide, and young athletes can train for national glory, all while preserving their environment, we see the true value of digital transformation. Jangkau Digital TM in Mukut is just the beginning, and we are committed to extending this progress to other rural islands and communities across the nation,” concluded Amar.
UNIFI BUSINESS LAUNCHES IMPAK BIZ TO ACCELERATE MSME DIGITAL MATURITY AND UNLOCK GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES
KUALA LUMPUR, 27 AUGUST 2025 – Unifi Business, the preferred digital partner for Malaysia’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), has launched IMPAK BIZ, a strategic initiative to help businesses assess their digital readiness and take clear, practical steps towards becoming more digitally empowered. Launched by YB Datuk Wilson Ugak, Deputy Minister for Digital and available as a complimentary service via biz.unifi.com.my/impakbiz, the digital maturity assessment tool helps MSMEs identify digital gaps and receive focused, actionable recommendations to improve operations, boost productivity, and reach more customers regardless of where they are on their digital journey. The initiative is supported by a strong network of strategic partners, including Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), SME Corp. Malaysia, CTOS, Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN), Maybank Islamic Berhad, Astro Awani, Rtist, and IPSOS. The initiative anchors on Unifi Business’ trusted, enterprise-grade digital tools and services, which include: Digital consultations with Unifi Business’ Certified Digital Consultants Digital marketing and e-commerce enablement through Unifi Business’ solutions Access to high-speed connectivity and mobile plans via UNI5G Biz IMPAK BIZ also includes support and offerings by Unifi Business’ strategic partners, including: Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) – Preferential microfinancing offering with competitive rates, simplified documentation, and streamlined submission processes, among other benefits. Complimentary Halal certification support in collaboration with Maybank Islamic. Free CTOS Business Reports to strengthen financial credibility and decision-making. Creative and marketing services by Rtist talents to enhance brand visibility and outreach. Automatic entry into the IMPAK BIZ Awards, offering national-level recognition and exposure. Shanti Jusnita Johari, Chief Commercial Officer, Unifi said, “MSMEs are central to Malaysia’s digital future. With IMPAK BIZ, we are giving MSMEs a clear starting path forward to digitalise their business and reap its benefits through free digital assessments, access to expert guidance, and tools that improve productivity, financial credibility, and online reach. This initiative is about making digital transformation more practical, inclusive, and achievable for every business, regardless of size or sector.” The launch of IMPAK BIZ reaffirms Unifi Business’ mission to power inclusive digitalisation for MSMEs across the nation and TM’s aspiration to become a Digital Powerhouse by 2030. To get started, MSMEs can visit: https://biz.unifi.com.my
TM & TNB in collaboration to accelerate broadband reach for the nation
Both GLCs to capitalise on combined capabilities to ensure successful delivery of Nationwide Fiberisation Plan Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) and Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly develop an implementation plan to deliver on the Government's Nationwide Fiberisation Plan (NFP). This collaboration will capitalise on the combined strength of both Government-Linked Companies (GLCs) in terms of reach, infrastructure and expertise. In particular, the synergies will enable the most efficient cost structure, and further accelerate the fibre broadband network reach. This is in line with the Government's aspirations to drive Malaysia's Digital Economy; as envisioned under both the NFP as well as the High Speed Broadband (HSBB) projects. Further, the roll-out under TM and TNB, as two of Malaysia's leading institutions, ensures the safety and security of the nation's strategic and critical infrastructure. The proposed network will also continue the existing open access participation of industry players to promote private sector competition in retail broadband. The MoU was signed by Dato' Sri Mohammed Shazalli Ramly, Managing Director/ Group Chief Executive Officer of TM, and Datuk Seri Ir. Azman Mohd, President/ Chief Executive Officer of TNB. The MoU is subject to a definitive agreement to be signed between the parties upon finalisation of the commercial terms. Further announcements will be made in due course, as and when appropriate.
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