KUALA LUMPUR, 23 February 2024 – Telekom Malaysia Berhad (“TM” or “the Group”), today announced its financial results for the year ended 31 December 2023 (FY2023), with the Group reporting higher revenue and profitability compared to FY2022. This performance reaffirms the Group’s resilience in the competitive market landscape.
During the year under review, the Group registered a higher revenue of RM12.26 billion compared to RM12.1 billion in FY2022 propelled by the strong performance of Unifi and TM Global. Specifically, Unifi’s fixed broadband subscriptions experienced a 3.1% growth, reaching 3.13 million, while TM Global’s revenue grew from heightened demand for domestic and international data services.
The Group’s Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) remained flat at RM2.09 billion in FY2023 due to higher operational costs. Meanwhile, the Group’s Profit After Tax and Non-Controlling Interest (PATAMI) rose 63.6% from RM1.14 billion to RM1.87 billion due to a lower net finance cost and tax impact.
The Group’s capital expenditure (CAPEX) in FY2023 stood at RM1.9 billion, or 15.9% of its revenue. These investments were primarily aimed at expanding the Group’s network infrastructure nationwide and regional submarine cable system.
TM declared a 2nd interim dividend and final dividend totalling 15.5 sen per share amounting to approximately RM594.9 million, demonstrating its commitment to delivering shareholder value.
Reflecting on the FY2023 performance, Amar Huzaimi Md Deris, TM’s Group Chief Executive Officer said, “I am pleased to share that TM has sustained its performance amidst challenging regulatory landscapes, heightened competition, and evolving market dynamics.
“Our convergence solutions, paired with attractive packages have continued to appeal to our customers, reinforcing our position as the only Fixed Mobile Convergence with quad-play in Malaysia. The ongoing expansion of our nationwide fibre coverage, coupled with the enhancement of our data and network infrastructure, have also contributed to our growth. We remain committed to promoting digital inclusivity and wider digital adoption while addressing the evolving needs of our customers, both domestically and internationally,” said Amar.
“Furthermore, 2023 marked the completion of our initial three-year transformation phase during which we have further solidified our position in the local and global telecommunication landscape. Advancing into the next level of our transformation journey, we are now focused on evolving into a Digital Powerhouse by 2030, while positioning Malaysia as a digital hub for the region. Our commitment aligns with the nation’s aspiration of becoming a fully integrated digital society, ensuring that we continue to play a key role in the era of digital innovation,” Amar concluded.
Unifi maintains leadership in converged solutions
Unifi maintains its leadership in converged offerings of fixed broadband, mobile services, digital content and solutions for both consumers and MSMEs, recording RM5.66 billion in revenue. Unifi’s fixed broadband segment grew 3.1% to 3.13 million subscribers, driven by strategic convergence campaigns and aggressive customer retention efforts.
Unifi’s latest offering, the #Unstoppable UNI5G Postpaid and Mobile Family Plans, is designed to enhance the 5G connectivity experience for Malaysians. The newly launched Unifi TV Originals provides a wide array of unique, diverse and locally tailored content for an enriched experience for Malaysian viewers. These further contribute to the Group’s true convergence proposition, providing better value to all customers.
As a preferred partner to more than 400,000 MSMEs nationwide, Unifi Business continues to accelerate digital adoption by providing tailor-made solutions, offering them the tools and support needed to thrive in the digital economy.
Looking ahead, Unifi will further cement its role as a leader in convergence to deliver unmatched converged digital services.
TM One drives innovative solutions for enterprise
TM One continues to navigate the market complexities while exploring new growth opportunities. Despite decreased revenue to RM3.14 billion in FY2023, its 4Q23 results showed an increase in revenue of 17.3% versus 3Q23, driven by a surge in solution-based customer projects.
TM One has partnered with PLANMalaysia to equip 29 city councils with smart technologies for sustainable and connected urban environment. It was also appointed as the preferred converged digital infrastructure partner for the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) to materialise aspirations towards the growth of Sarawak’s digital economy.
Moving forward, TM One is poised to remain at the forefront of supporting and enabling the digital infrastructure for both government entities and enterprises. With a focus on innovation and strategic partnerships, TM One is set to play a significant role in Malaysia’s digital transformation journey.
TM Global positions Malaysia as a digital hub for the region
TM Global posted a solid financial performance in FY2023. Its revenue rose 8.7% to RM3.10 billion, primarily from an increase in international data revenue, driven by managed wavelength services for hyperscalers, alongside an uptick in domestic data services.
In the domestic landscape, TM Global continues to expand 5G backhaul sites and High-Speed Broadband (HSBB) Access coverage in accelerating digital inclusivity nationwide. Globally, it recorded a year-on-year 30Tbps bandwidth growth and delivered a mega requirement of more than 35Tbps long-term leased connectivity for US-based hyperscaler.
TM Global will continue to broaden its digital infrastructure solutions and forge strategic alliances with global carriers to position Malaysia as a digital hub for the region, facilitating seamless digital connectivity and services across borders.
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TM reports strong 3Q2020 performance amidst challenging environment
Encouraging QoQ revenue growth across all product lines 3Q2020 QoQ Key Financial and Operational Highlights (All comparisons refer to the second quarter of 2020 (Quarter-on-Quarter (QoQ) comparison), except as noted): Group Revenue grew 3.8% to RM2.69 billion from RM2.59 billion recorded in 2Q2020. Group Reported Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) increased by 7.0% QoQ to RM456.2 million, from RM426.3 million in 2Q2020. Group Reported Profit After Tax and Non-controlling Interests (PATAMI) rose 19.9% QoQ to RM329.5 million compared to RM274.7 million. The total capital expenditure (capex) for 3Q2020 stood at 14.9% of revenue or RM400.0 million. unifi: Continues convergence leadership with growth in broadband and mobile; highest convergence penetration of TM households at 58%. TM ONE: Strengthened position as the digital enabler for enterprise and public sector customers with connectivity and end-to-end cloud offerings. TM Wholesale: Continues to connect industry players, carriers, over-the-top (OTT) providers and content players in Malaysia and globally. Addressing the digital divide: Remain committed to increasing connectivity reach via Jalinan Digital Negara (JENDELA) and accelerating the digital economy with recently announced Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) collaboration. Strong Business Performance for 3Q2020 Despite these unprecedented times, TM Group Revenue continues to increase QoQ recording a resilient 3.8% growth to RM2.69 billion from RM2.59 billion recorded in 2Q2020 on the back of higher revenue from voice, internet and data services. Group EBIT for 3Q2020 increased by 7.0% QoQ to RM456.2 million, from RM426.3 million in 2Q2020, on the back of lower operating cost, from the Group's continued momentum from its cost optimisation programmes. This subsequently led to a 19.9% increase in Group PATAMI from RM274.7 million in the preceding quarter to RM329.5 million. In 3Q2020, the company invested 14.9% of revenue in capex amounting to RM400.0 million - in line with guidance - as it continued to optimise its network and sweat its assets. Of the amount invested, 50% was for network access, 17% for core network, and the balance 33% for support system. Imri Mokhtar, Group Chief Executive Officer, TM, commenting on the results: "We are pleased to report another quarter of growth across all key financial metrics – revenue and profits – despite the challenging environment in Q3. Our efforts in cost optimisation continue to yield results with a healthy EBIT and a strong PATAMI. As we enter the ninth month of the Covid-19 pandemic, our priority continues to be the safety and health of our 'Warga TM' while continuously delivering connectivity and solutions excellence to our broad customer base." "We are seeing unifi gaining momentum, posting a 6.3% growth to 1.65 million subscribers, with our total broadband customer base now at 2.26 million. We achieved the highest convergence penetration (of three services or more) in TM households since 2018, of 58%, as more Malaysians embrace digital living-working in this new norm. On the wholesale front, we continue to collaborate with industry players in Malaysia and globally. At TM ONE, we further cemented our leadership position as the digital enabler for enterprise and public sector customers with enterprise-grade connectivity and end-to-end cloud offerings. We look forward to more collaborations with strategic partners and customers towards establishing a solid foundation for a more Digital Malaysia," Imri concluded. Operational Review: Maintaining Business Momentum TM delivered another quarter of robust performance, driven by its agility to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on Group businesses and operations; leveraging on new avenues for growth in the 'new normal' whilst adapting to challenges. unifi: Continues convergence leadership with growth in broadband and mobile Achieved the highest convergence penetration at 58% of TM households. unifi customer base grew 6.3% to 1.65 million; total broadband customer base grew 2% to 2.26 million during the quarter. Helped empower Small and Media Enterprises (SMEs) with relevant tools and knowledge to grow their businesses and embrace digitalisation with the launch of cari@unifi and eBiz Pack, unifi Business Club (uBC) collaboration with Lalamove and live webinars such as Reboot and Sembang Bisnes. Partnered with Funding Society Malaysia to provide business financing solutions for Micro SMEs (MSMEs) utilising Yellow Pages' digital platform. unifi Mobile extended access to the daily free 1GB Productivity Internet offer to 24 hours, until 31 December 2020, to support Malaysian's connectivity needs in Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO). TM ONE: Strengthened our position as digital enabler for enterprise and public sector customers with connectivity and end-to-end cloud offerings Scaled up the full capabilities of Cloud α (Cloud Alpha) suite of services with full data residency, locality and sovereignty. Appointed as the technology partner of the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) to develop and maintain the Population and Housing Census of Malaysia 2020 (e-Census) platform. Continue to support state governments and local city councils to establish future-ready smart cities and smart homes via its TM ONE Smart City Solution enabled by the Internet of Things (IoT) and various smart solutions. TM Wholesale: Continues to connect industry players, carriers, over-the-top (OTT) providers and content players in Malaysia and globally Domestic Secured a new contract with a domestic mobile player for cross ocean connectivity, backhaul connectivity solutions and broadband access capacity upgrade. New backhaul connectivity deal with a domestic mobile player for new backhaul services. International Expansion of content delivery services with an Asian-based OTT player. Secured a deal with an Asian-based OTT player for connectivity solution within Asia Pacific, and two (2) new long term data connectivity deals with global carriers. Additional voice business deals with global service providers worldwide. TM Network remained stable throughout CMCO as a result of continuous network optimisation. This is despite traffic utilisation surging between 30% to 50% depending on peak hours, from March 2020 to November 2020 due to more Malaysians working from home. Supporting the nation's digital agenda and addressing the digital divide: Remain committed to increasing connectivity reach via JENDELA and accelerating the digital economy with the recently announced MDEC collaboration. Prospects for the Current Financial Year Ending 31 December 2020 Following the Covid-19 pandemic, Bank Negara Malaysia has revised Malaysia's annual gross domestic product (GDP) forecast to contract between 3.5% to 5.5%[1], against 4.3% growth in 2019. Uncertainty from the most recent wave of the pandemic from October onwards is expected to bring about further revision to these numbers. As the nation faces this adversity, relying even more on the internet and digital connectivity for work and studies, TM continues to serve as an essential service provider, ensuring stable network performance for the entire nation via both our retail and wholesale fronts. The Government's introduction of JENDELA in September 2020 as well as the RM7.4 billion allocations in the recent National Budget to deliver upgraded broadband services for year 2021 and 2022 will serve as a platform to accelerate Malaysia's digital connectivity through wider deployment of mobile, fibre and fixed wireless access. This will pave the way for 5G under the 12th Malaysia Plan (2021–2025). TM is at the forefront in collaborating with other service providers, enabling and delivering JENDELA. We continue to seek opportunities to cater for future demands of connectivity, in line with our proven commitment to maintain business profitability whilst adapting to and exploring new norms and avenues from this dynamic circumstances that the nation faces today. [1] Sourced from Bank Negara Malaysia, 14 August 2020
Unifi Mobile Honours Chinatown’s Heritage Through Immersive 5G Experiences
Kuala Lumpur, 9 December 2024 – Unifi Mobile and Unifi Business participated in the recent KL Chinatown Festival 2024 as the Official Telco Partner. KL’s Chinatown district came alive with fun filled activities to celebrate the local art scene, showcase its unique culture and support entrepreneurs. Located in the Petaling Street area, Chinatown offers a rich heritage with a unique mix of traditional Chinese and Malaysian architecture, and lively market stalls, attracting locals and tourists alike. As an official partner, Unifi played up this cultural and economic tapestry, engaging visitors and businesses during the festival. Jasmine Lee, Unifi’s Chief Commercial Officer, Consumer, said, "Petaling Street is a melting pot of diversity, culture and entrepreneurship. Our participation in the recent KL Chinatown Festival underscores our commitment to celebrating this historic landmark by supporting its art scene and local businesses through digitalisation.” “Our augmented reality (AR) mural painting added an innovative digital layer to Chinatown’s vibrant street art, blending creativity with 5G technology. We also empowered local entrepreneurs, offering complimentary workshops, as well as business consultations to help them in their digital transformation. These efforts align with our Digital Powerhouse aspirations to make technology more accessible, enabling a Digital Malaysia,” Jasmine added. Bringing street art to life Contributing to Chinatown’s rich and vibrant art scene, Unifi Mobile collaborated with a local artist to create a mural that symbolises the bold and vibrant spirit of young Malaysians. Powered by UNI5G, Unifi Mobile brought the mural to life through AR, offering visitors a unique way to engage with and experience street art via their smart devices. Championing the next generation of creative talents, Unifi Mobile also served as the partner and prize sponsor for the AR Fest KL 2024 that took place during the same weekend. Recognised by Opensignal* in 2023 as a global winner in 5G download speeds, Unifi Mobile offers seamless connectivity and a variety of value-driven plans that enable these innovative ideas. UNI5G Postpaid 39 subscribers now receive an additional 200GB of 5G data for only RM1 per month, complementing existing 30GB of 5G & 4G data and unlimited calls. For those seeking the latest devices, Unifi Mobile Postpaid includes 5G phones and unlimited 5G data starting from RM49 per month. Additionally, Unifi Broadband customers who switch to Unifi Mobile will receive six months’ complimentary UNI5G Postpaid 69, which includes unlimited 5G + 4G data, unlimited calls, and 60GB hotspot. Empowering local businesses Unifi Business, the digital solutions partner to Malaysia’s micro, small and medium enterprises, played a part at the festival, offering complimentary workshops on Digital Marketing Solutions and business consultations to local businesses in Chinatown. This provided local entrepreneurs deeper insights into how to expand their brand presence among today’s digital customers and grow their businesses through Unifi Business’ solutions that are tailored to their needs. For more information on Unifi, visit @unifi on Instagram, @unifi.mobile on TikTok, or @weareunifi on Facebook. *Opensignal Awards – 5G Global Mobile Network Experience Report, Group 1, October 2023, based on independent analysis of mobile measurements recorded during the period 1 January – 29 June 2023 © 2024 Opensignal Limited.
TM STATEMENT ON BUDGET 2025
TM welcomes the Government’s Budget 2025 announcement, themed “Ekonomi MADANI: Negara Makmur, Rakyat Sejahtera”, and applauds its continued focus on economic reform and uplifting the well-being of the rakyat. In line with these goals, TM is committed to playing a key role in the nation’s digitalisation journey, ensuring that technological advancements contribute to sustainable and inclusive growth that benefits businesses, MSMEs, communities, and the public sector. In line with Budget 2025’s priorities, TM continues to support digital inclusivity by collaborating with the relevant Ministries and Government agencies to enhance high-speed internet access for underserved areas and improve the quality of digital services in various industries such as education and healthcare. TM also remains dedicated to nurturing the nation’s digital talent by integrating crucial skills such as AI, IoT, cybersecurity, and cloud computing into education and training programmes through our Multimedia University (MMU) and collaborations with TVET institutions. As a trusted partner of over 400,000 MSMEs, TM supports the Government’s ongoing initiatives to strengthen this key segment through various financial initiatives. We will continue providing customised digital solutions and empower MSMEs to thrive in the digital economy. As we progress towards becoming a Digital Powerhouse by 2030, TM is well-positioned to drive Malaysia’s digital transformation. Our key investments in digital infrastructures, talent development, and sustainability will fuel the nation’s long-term growth, reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a digital hub for the ASEAN region.