30 Jul 2018
TM 3Ducation Hackathon 2018 to empower digital innovation amongst Malaysia’s academic communities
Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) together with Creative Minds – a company specialised in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education – recently joined hands to organise TM 3Ducation Hackathon 2018 at Malaysia Global Innovation & Creativity Centre (MaGIC), Cyberjaya, continuing their commitment in promoting education excellence particularly in STEM for the academic communities from local learning institutions as part of its Corporate Responsibility (CR) initiatives.
2-day hackathon event saw the participation of 150 participants from 95 learning institutions nationwide, including schools, matriculation centres, teaching institutions as well as academicians from universities, Government agencies and local technology companies. This event, held for its 2nd year, gathered Malaysia’s prolific academicians to discuss, generate ideas and solutions to solve problems via brainstorming sessions, forums and speaking slots by invited panel from the innovation industry specifically in the areas of Environment, Education and Social, including Nurul Izzah Anwar, Chairman of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme.
Commenting on the programme, Izlyn Ramli, Vice President, Group Brand and Communication, TM said, “Befitting of our position as Malaysia’s Convergence Champion, TM’s involvement in the promotion and adoption of STEM subjects among Malaysian students is a natural extension of our role in empowering Malaysia’s education system through innovation and digitalisation. We received tremendous support from participating students in the 3Ducation programme held for the first time last year. So we are continuing the programme this year and extended its reach to the academic communities from higher learning institutions nationwide. This programme provides a platform for the participants to meet, discuss and learn from each other as well as the industry experts in innovation. We truly hope that the experience gathered will promote academic excellence in STEM subjects through innovation amongst our students.”
“As a corporate organisation that puts great emphasis on education and continuous learning, we will continue to focus on education, creating and implementing innovative programmes that will nurture and promote skills needed to create tomorrow’s innovative leaders. This 3Ducation programme is part of TM’s larger Corporate Responsibility (CR) initiatives under our three-pronged approach, namely education, community as well as nation building and the environment. TM has long been contributing and supporting the nation’s education field through scholarships and student sponsorships as well as school adoption programmes, across education levels, right from primary school to post graduate programmes.”
Our support towards this programme also fits well with our role as the strategic partner in establishing the ecosystem for the Ministry of Education’s (MOE) digital transformation programme. As the key enabler for the national communications infrastructure, and the one and only capable of providing fully integrated telecommunications, ICT and digital services, TM looks forward to work with the Ministry and its agencies to accelerate the delivery of innovative digital services and solutions for the education sector towards building a knowledge-based workforce for the country. At TM, we are committed to bringing innovative technologies for the betterment of Malaysian education, true to our vision, “Making Life and Business Easier, for a Better Malaysia”,” she added.
The TM 3Ducation Hackathon 2018 event is a continuation of last year’s TM 3Ducation programme which saw the participation of more than 300 students and 140 teachers from 78 schools where the students took part in a competition of producing innovative 3D designs using 3D modelling and printing skills to solve day-to-day challenges.
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TM announces departure of its chairman and the appointment of his successor
Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) today announced the departure of Tan Sri Dato' Seri Dr. Sulaiman Mahbob as Chairman of TM Board with effect on 30 November 2018 and the appointment of its new Chairman, Rosli Man effective 3 December 2018. On behalf of TM Group, the Board of Directors, expressed their highest gratitude to Tan Sri Dato' Seri Dr. Sulaiman for his leadership, dedication and contribution to the Group during his tenure. “The entire Board, management and Warga TM would like to record our heartfelt appreciation to Tan Sri Dato' Seri Dr. Sulaiman, an exemplary role model in civil service and a well-respected economist; who has brought his vast experience in the fields of government, economics and corporate to benefit the TM Group for the last 3 years. In his time at TM, his focus on corporate governance, integrity, corporate responsibility and sustainability; and ultimately on the role of TM as a partner in nation-building, has left a lasting mark on all of us at TM. This also extends to his contribution in education as the Chairman of Multimedia University (MMU).” Commenting on the new Chairman's appointment, the Board said, "We are happy to welcome Rosli Man as the new Chairman of TM Board. With his experience and knowledge, we look forward to his guidance and leadership as the Company, under the helm of Imri Mokhtar, the recently appointed Acting Group Chief Executive Officer and the team continues on executing its Performance Improvement Programme (PIP) 2018 and beyond. This is in keeping to our institution being the nation’s key enabler for the digital economy, by delivering on our strategies to Accelerate Convergence and Empower Digital." "We would like to wish Tan Sri Dato' Seri Dr. Sulaiman all the best in his future undertakings. On that note, we would also like to welcome Rosli Man as the new Chairman of TM Board," the Board concluded. PROFILE OF ROSLI MAN Rosli Man has more than 32 years of experience in the telecommunications industry, before he resigned as an Independent Non-Executive Director of Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) in 2008. Since then, he has immersed himself in consultation works before returning to TM as its Non-Independent Non-Executive Chairman on 3 December 2018. He first joined the telecommunication industry in Jabatan Telekom Malaysia in 1976 as Assistant Controller where he gained wide exposure in telecommunication services including the task to implement the country’s first mobile telecommunication service, i.e. ATUR 450. He then moved to the private sector by joining the Fleet group as its Group Manager, Technical Services in 1985. From 1988 to 1996, he was instrumental in setting up the first privately owned telecommunications company in Malaysia, the then Celcom (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (Celcom), catering to the cellular telecommunication business. He left Celcom as its President in 1996 to join Prismanet Sdn Bhd as Managing Director and held the position until November 1998. In July 2000, he joined Natrindo Telpon Sellular (NTS), the GSM 1800 cellular operator in East Java, Indonesia as Chief Operating Officer. He left NTS in January 2002.
TM reports operational improvement for 3Q2018 despite challenging environment
Key Highlights of 3Q2018: Group Revenue of RM2.95 billion Group Reported Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) at RM941.4 million Group Reported Loss After Tax and Non-controlling Interests (LATAMI) of RM175.6 million from impairment of network assets Key Highlights of YTD 2018: Group Revenue of RM8.73 billion Group EBITDA at RM2.55 billion Group Reported Profit After Tax and Non-controlling Interests (PATAMI) at RM83.5 million Announces Revised Dividend Policy Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) today announced its financial results for the quarter ended 30 September 2018. The Group saw steady operational performance, amidst heightened challenges in its operating environment, namely industry and market challenges impacting its revenue. The Group held revenue steady, at RM2.95 billion in 3Q2018, 0.3% higher from RM2.94 billion in the previous quarter, on the back of higher data as well as other telecommunication related services revenue. Group Reported Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) for 3Q2018 grew 11.3% to RM941.4 million as compared to RM845.9 million in 2Q2018 mainly due to lower operating costs. Group Normalised EBITDA, which excludes non-operational items, increased 13.1%, at RM930.9 million. However, due to impairment loss on wireless and fixed network assets, the Group recorded Loss Before Interest and Tax (LBIT) at RM631.8 million for 3Q2018. Without the reported impairment and other non-operational items, the Group’s Normalised Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) is at RM315.6 million for 3Q2018, a 39.4% increase against Normalised EBIT of RM226.4 million in 2Q2018. Consequently, the Group reported Loss After Tax and Non-controlling Interests (LATAMI) of RM175.6 million compared with RM102.0 million Profit After Tax and Non-controlling Interests (PATAMI) in the prior quarter. TM’s core net profit, or Normalised PATAMI excluding non-operational items, stood at RM266.4 million, a 71.0% improvement sequentially. The total capital expenditure (CAPEX) investment for the first nine months of 2018 at RM1.32 billion, or 15.1% of revenue. This is within TM’s full year capex guidance of 19-20% of revenue. By asset type, access comprised 62% of total spending, followed by core network at 15% and the remaining 23% was for support systems. Imri Mokhtar, Acting Group Chief Executive Officer, TM said: “We continue to face various headwinds from competitive market dynamics. Nonetheless, we held revenue steady over the quarter, and saw our cost reduction initiatives bearing fruit, by recording improved operational performance for QoQ and YoY. However, in light of the continued pressure from industry and market challenges and its impact on our revenue thus far, we have taken a prudent view, by undertaking the impairment of our network assets – this resulted in close to a RM1.0 billion impairment loss this quarter.” “The operational improvement in 3Q2018 is testament to the Group’s commitment to the four (4) pillars of our Performance Improvement Programme (PIP 2018) - Revenue Uplift / Preservation, Sustained Profitability, Improved Cash Flow and Increased Productivity that will navigate us through these headwinds. We are rationalising our business, reducing operating costs and focusing our resources on the opportunities that will have the most impact,” Imri elaborated. “We currently have 2.29 million broadband customers and our unifi customer base continues to grow at 1.26 million as at end of 3Q2018 as compared to 1.06 million as at the end of the corresponding quarter last year. In terms of convergence, we saw more customers moving up the value chain with having triple-play services and above, evidenced by our convergence penetration now at 48% of TM’s household penetration compared with 39% this time last year,” he added. “We will continue to strengthen our products and services portfolio and we are stepping up how we aggressively compete in the market, with greater sales and Go-To-Market activities on the ground. We are also working hard to reach more customers with various fit-for-purpose technologies to ensure that everyone can have the benefit of higher broadband speeds and enhanced experience. On top of that, we also have continuous engagements with the Ministry and the regulator to work toward mutually beneficial outcomes - for an improved broadband experience and help build a more balanced and inclusive digital nation, whilst at the same time balancing the business sustainability of the Group and the interests of our other stakeholders.” TM also announced a revised dividend policy which states that the Company intends to distribute yearly dividends of 40 to 60% from its PATAMI. Dividends will be paid depending on overall business and earnings performance, capital commitments, financial conditions, distributable reserves and other relevant factors. The dividend policy will take effect from the next dividend declaration. “This is a matter of great importance to us. In light of the current operating landscape and after careful consideration of the potential impact on our earnings alongside our efforts to transform the Company to adapt thereto, the Board has determined the review of our dividend policy to support TM’s long-term strategic objectives.” As Malaysia’s Convergence Champion, TM remains committed to fulfilling Malaysians’ digital and communication needs of all customer segments i.e., consumer, SME, corporate enterprises, public sectors, access seekers etc via our business clusters, unifi (consumer & SME), TM ONE (Enterprise and Public sectors) and TM Global (Global and Wholesale). Prospects for the Current Financial Year Ending 31 December 2018 The recent industry challenges and market environment have had major impact to the overall revenue estimates and earnings of TM Group in the financial year. TM anticipates that the challenging environment will persist for both its retail and wholesale segments. In the midst of these challenges, TM will continue to focus towards strengthening performance of its core business and operations.
unifi is now available in Mukah!
TM continues to empower the digital transformation in sub-urban and undeveloped areas Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) continues to strengthen its position as Malaysia’s Convergence Champion, bringing unlimited experiences, unmatched choices and unbeatable value to customers in Sarawak with its comprehensive suite of High Speed Broadband service offerings when the Company, through TM Sarawak recently expanded its unifi service to Mukah Division, in Mukah, Sarawak. A launching ceremony to celebrate the milestone was held at the Resident Office for Mukah Division and graced by Hajah Hamdiah Haji Bakir, the Resident of Mukah Division, together with Jafer Sadig Abdul Lathiff, State General Manager, TM Sarawak and Awang Abdul Khairulannuar, Business Head, TM Sibu. In her speech, Hajah Hamdiah said, “The unifi service offering in Mukah is timely as Sarawak is currently embarking on digital economy to further propel its economic growth. The telecommunication infrastructure to support high-speed internet connectivity needs to be made available in order for digital economy to be adopted successfully for the benefits of the business and residential communities in Mukah. As the nation’s trusted telecommunications services provider, with its extensive network and expertise, we believe TM is more than capable to facilitate our digital transformation journey. We hope TM will continue to further expand its unifi service throughout the state not only covering the urban areas but also the sub-urban and rural areas to bridge the digital gap with their urban counterparts.” Meanwhile, Jafer Sadig said: “The expansion of TM’s unifi service in Mukah fulfills the demand from our customers and it will enable the local communities, specifically in Mukah, Sarawak to enjoy fully converged communications services; unifi Broadband, unifi Mobile, unifi Wifi and unifi TV. The availability of unifi in Mukah is hoped to spearhead Sarawak’s Digital Economy, bridging the digital gap, connecting people wherever they are via digital connectivity, encouraging online e-commerce, e-banking and e-payments; true to our brand promise of Making Life and Business Easier, for a better Malaysia. We also would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the entire Warga Keluarga TM who have made this achievement possible. As the nation’s key partner in supporting the Government’s inspiration of providing High Speed Broadband access with an affordable price, we are committed to transform the landscape of Sarawak with advanced telecommunications services to spur the economic growth via digital opportunities at the urban areas as well as the sub-urban areas.” With this expansion, unifi is now available in Mukah in key areas which include Politeknik Mukah until Kingwood Resort, Menara Pehin which houses most of the State Government departments in Mukah including Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA) - the administrator for Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE). The expansion will also include Jalan Orang Kaya Setiaraja and Jalan Petanak which will receive the service by end of September 2018. Further expansion will cover other areas such as Jalan Medan Setiaraja, Jalan Tellian, Jalan Hj Latip, Jln Kampung Pinang, Jalan Mohammad Fauzi, Taman Pelita Jaya and Jalan Mukah/Oya while other locations will be fiberised by unifi in stages. “In line with the Broadband Improvement Plan, I’m also excited to share that our new unifi package, unifi Basic are now available for everyone at an affordable price of RM79 per month, bringing Malaysia in the group of other neighboring Asian countries (other than City State Countries) which offer fixed high speed broadband of 30Mbps at an affordable price,” Jaffer continued. New unifi Plans unifi is now available with simplified offerings in two (2) new plans to cater to the dynamic needs of all customers. The existing unifi Basic plan which offers the speed of 30Mbps (60GB quota) at RM79 per month is now open for all. Subscription to this plan will come with 17 free channels on playTV@unifi app which can be downloaded on Apple Store or Google Play. For customers who prefer unlimited quota to cater to their advanced digital lifestyle such as online entertainment, home surveillance, e-sports among others, the new unifi 100Mbps plan is available at only RM129 per month. This will come with unifi TV’s choice of premium entertainment packages with either Aneka Plus, Varnam Plus or Ruby Plus package. In Sarawak, unifi is currently available at 24 areas comprising more than 172,000 premises passed in 24 areas such as Kuching, Samarahan, Sri Aman, Sibu, Bintulu, Miri, Limbang among others. To date, there are over 75,000 unifi customers in Sarawak. To find out more on unifi’s latest offerings, please visit unifi.com.my.
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