Strengthening Unifi’s fixed-mobile convergence offering, TM aims to deliver seamless 5G transition and spur Malaysia’s 5G adoption and digital capabilities
Telekom Malaysia Berhad (“TM” or “the Group”) is uniquely positioned to accelerate Malaysia’s 5G adoption, as the Group leverages its convergence leadership in delivering seamless fixed and mobile services to customers and businesses.
Following the signing of DNB’s Access Agreement on 30 October 2022, TM launched the first phase of its 5G services today, offering unlimited 5G data to existing Unifi Mobile Postpaid customers, as well as new Postpaid and Prepaid customers.
“DNB’s Access Agreement provides a level playing field for telcos to access the single 5G network equally, to deliver a wider range of innovative services,” said Imri Mokhtar, TM’s Group CEO.
“Leveraging this equal entry into 5G plus our current suite of connectivity and digital solutions, TM will be better placed to drive innovation and digital transformation at a national level, aligning with key digital programmes such as JENDELA and MyDigital to competitively position Malaysia as a technology hub.”
“5G will reinforce TM’s leadership in fixed-mobile converged services for our consumer and MSME segments, strengthening our mobile capabilities to provide the widest and fastest all-in-one solution for fixed broadband, mobile service and digital content that meets today’s digital lifestyles and workstyles,” Imri added.
Acknowledging that one of the critical factors in 5G adoption is the willingness of customers to purchase new 5G-enabled devices, Unifi Mobile will also offer bundled 5G service-and-device plans, catering to a range of price points to ensure customer affordability from all backgrounds.
With 5G currently covering more than 33% of populated areas throughout Malaysia, this first phase is key to grow TM’s reach and presents the opportunity for a new push in Unifi’s convergence play, riding on its strength of 3 million households and close to 400,000 MSME customers. 5G will also strengthen Unifi’s proposition as a preferred digital partner for MSMEs, to provide complete one-stop services to accelerate their business growth.
Additionally, via TM One, its enterprise and Government sector arm, TM recently launched its 5G Sphere, a circle of leading technology and smart solution partners to form an ecosystem that will accelerate the co-creation of 5G innovative use-cases, taking enterprise 5G transformation from ideation to realisation. To date, there are 39 partners in this programme. TM’s nation-building efforts with the Government will also speed-up the availability of smart city, smart industry and 5G-enabled applications, creating a more sustainable and inclusive digital society and economy.
Simultaneously, TM continues to modernise the country’s fibre network architecture, integrating automation and virtualisation technologies to boost back-end infrastructures that will support the anticipated demand for 5G services and capabilities.
Ahead of this commercial launch, TM took strides to ramp up its 5G capabilities to grow its mobile and fixed-mobile convergence position, having recently appointed a seasoned industry leader, Jasmine Lee, as its Executive Vice President, Mobile and Chief Executive Officer of webe, as well as onboarding senior mobile talents to strengthen its innovation and competitiveness.
“As we transform to become a human-centred TechCo, TM’s 5G commitment goes beyond connectivity to enabling our interconnected society reshape the way we live and work. We recognise the value that this next-gen technology will bring to communities, businesses and the Government, and will continue to explore new ways to make 5G and digital progress accessible to all,” Imri concluded.
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TM BAGS TOP TECH AWARD FOR ITS DIGITAL WORKFORCE SOLUTION
Telekom Research & Development Sdn Bhd (TM R&D), the innovation arm of Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) wins the “Digital-Utilities” Award for its smart workforce management solution known as FORCE at the recent Malaysia Technology Excellence Awards 2023 (MTEA), organised by the Asian Business Review. This is the seventh award received by TM R&D from MTEA in the last five years, spotlighting its role in accelerating the use of advanced technology and mobile-first approach to spearhead industrial productivity and operational efficiencies as Malaysia transitions into a digital economy. Through cross learnings from deployment within the TM ecosystem, TM R&D’s advanced analytics software in the FORCE platform measures and reports business performance metrics in real-time. This enables fast-paced businesses to make precise data-driven decisions to improve complex tasks scheduling of large fieldwork teams across geographies that in turn, significantly ease resource planning and operational costs. Commenting on the achievement, Dr. Sharlene Thiagarajah, Chief Executive Officer, TM R&D said, “In promoting growth mindsets through innovation and capacity-building, TM R&D has been consistently recognised for advancing tech solutions to meet fast-evolving digital needs of today’s competitive businesses. Our work in R&D is helping companies in the region adopt automation and digital solutions in improving workforce productivity and efficiency which translates into reducing cost of doing business.” “FORCE provides operational efficiencies and first-class customer experience by automating day-to-day tasks of large field teams. It proves to be an indispensable tool not only for its ability to automate functions of a workforce but also in enabling seamless execution of digital solutions. Today, FORCE can be effectively deployed in key sectors such as the Water and Utility Industry, IT Services, Public Services, Manufacturing, Hospitality and Plantation Management,” added Dr. Sharlene. The workforce management solution is designed to enable the adoption of digitalisation progressively within the organisation’s own growth strategy, allowing it to rapidly reap benefits with minimal costs. Dr. Sharlene concluded, “Winning this award inspires us to create smarter digital solutions in line with TM’s transformation towards becoming a human-centred TechCo and enabling a more Digital Malaysia.” For more information about TM R&D and its innovations, visit www.tmrnd.com.my or email your inquiry to business@tmrnd.com.my or follow them on LinkedIn (TM Research & Development) for more news and updates.
unifi business unveils ecommerce & cloud solutions to accelerate MSME digital adoption
unifi Business Suite now includes eCommerce Hub, Cloud Storage, and Cyber security providing MSMEs the convenience, security, and tools to grow their business in the digital era unifi Business recently unveiled exciting new features in its suite of solutions for Malaysia's Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which would enable them to upscale rapidly and accelerate their digital business transformation. Offering a unified ecosystem of consultation, connectivity, digital solutions and specialised services, unifi Business aims to secure its position as the preferred digital partner for MSMEs as the sector recovers from the effects of the pandemic. Established as a one-stop centre for all business needs, the unifi Business suite now includes: unifi eCommerce Hub: Designed to connect and maximise growth opportunities seamlessly, this solution offers a single and integrated platform, with an easy-to-use interface. Entrepreneurs can sync their offline and online sales channels, manage product inventories, orders, monitor sales and revenue, as well as manage social media enquiries. They can even build interactive websites with live chat and built-in online payment features. unifi Cloud Storage: To help businesses manage the often tedious task of storing valuable information, this solution brings flexible, safe and scalable data storage. It also provides access for multiple users and secured encryption for better business productivity. Hosted locally at TM's Green Data Centre certified facilities, unifi Cloud Storage provides a secure home for important files and information so businesses can focus on growing and being profitable. Cyber Security solution: To assist MSMEs in securing their business against cyber threats, this easy-to-deploy and straightforward-to-manage solution allows them to get on with the important stuff – like generating revenue and growing business. Supported by a world-leading cyber security provider, the solution protects important things that matter to businesses regardless of IT skill level, providing "Always On-Security for Always-On Businesses". It will be available for subscription starting 22 April 2022 onwards. unifi Business Club (uBC): All unifi Business customers will enjoy member benefits of the uBC, which include access to relevant and current content at its portal (https://ubc.unifi.com.my). Here, they can find insightful and inspiring content such as webinars, talk shows, live chats, events, business tips and articles to help them navigate the business world. uBC members will also enjoy access to financial assistance, productivity boosters, digital marketing platforms, tools and community engagement programmes that are tailored to a variety of business needs. Commenting on the new suite of offerings, Mohamad Yusman Ammeran, Head of SME Segment, unifi said, "MSMEs form the backbone of our economy and they need to take timely advantage of the digital boom, which presents an ideal opportunity to navigate towards more sustainable growth. Digitalisation done right is the way to go: unifi Business is primed to help them get back on their feet, come back stronger and achieve positive gains through its innovative digital solutions." According to industry analysts, building a strong digital presence is critical in today's connected era, the lack of which accounts for the failure of many MSMEs during the pandemic. To stay competitive, businesses need to make their products and services offering available online and participate in the burgeoning local and regional eCommerce market. Yusman added that unifi will be with MSMEs, guiding them on their digitalisation journey. "Our certified unifi Business Consultant team is another testament to our commitment to serve MSMEs. They are certified with the International Certification for Digital Literacy (ICDL) and will offer continuous support and guidance," said Yusman. "Our multiple business solutions for MSMEs demonstrate TM's support for the Government's initiatives, such as JENDELA and MyDIGITAL, and are aligned to the Group's role as the enabler of Digital Malaysia." Domestically, Malaysia's eCommerce value soared by 22% to RM801bil in 2021 after registering an income of RM658bil in 2020 for the period of January - September, according to the latest data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM). As MSMEs represent 97.4% of overall business establishments in the country, they play a significant role in strengthening Malaysia's digital economy growth. In addition to the digital solutions, MSMEs can now enjoy up to 50% savings or get a RM5,000 matching grant, as part of the Pelan Jana Semula Ekonomi Negara (PENJANA) initiative announced by the Government in 2021. This is an opportunity for MSMEs to increase their productivity while reducing their operating cost. For more information on unifi Business Solutions and MSME Digitalisation grant offerings, please visit www.unifi.com.my/business/smegrant.
TM’S NEW FIBRE OPTIC NETWORK HUB (POINT OF PRESENCE) BRINGS FASTER, MORE RELIABLE INTERNET CONNECTIVITY TO RURAL AND REMOTE AREAS
Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) has today announced the completion of its new fibre optic network hub or point of presence (PoP) project phase one (1) installations, across northern region, Sabah and Sarawak. The launch ceremony, which was officiated by YB Fahmi Fadzil, Minister of Communications and Digital, took place at SMK Padang Terap, Kuala Nerang, Kedah. Also present were Dato’ Haji Pkharuddin Bin Haji Ghazali, Director-General of Education and Dato’ Sri Haji Mohammad Bin Mentek, Secretary-General, Ministry of Communications and Digital. PoP is a place where different devices connect to each other and to the internet. In simple terms, PoP brings fibre closer to users. By setting up PoP locations near schools, people in rural and remote areas can get better and faster internet services in their homes, instead of relying on mobile internet. This will improve internet access and connectivity for more people in the community. During the ceremony, YB Fahmi highlighted the significant benefits and opportunities that the new PoPs would bring. The new PoPs represent a major step forward in the Government's efforts to narrow the digital gap and promote digital inclusion across Malaysia. A total of 4,370 PoPs had been planned under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) where 4,323 PoPs will be installed near rural schools and 47 PoPs near industrial area. Phase one (1) of the project, involves 677 sites and the remaining will be implemented under phase two (2) over the span of three (3) years, 2022-2025. A total of 233 PoP circuits were installed under phase 1, with 100% completion achieved by TM, ahead of other industry players. “We are thrilled to see the progress and achievements of this project, which will bring significant benefits and opportunities to the community, including improved internet quality, economic development and the development of new infrastructures,” said Shazurawati Abdul Karim, Executive Vice President of TM One. PoP will create a more balanced and inclusive regional development, boosting the growth of new technologies like 5G and future generations of communication technologies. Through this initiative, users in TM's PoP area have now reached over 9,000 and are increasing. A total of 58 of its users are schools that have subscribed to Unifi services. The widespread internet accessibility will not only help to develop the rural economy but more importantly allow learning materials to be downloaded, to improve the quality of education in schools, equipping the future generations with a wealth of knowledge. “As the nation's telecommunications leader, and enabler of Digital Malaysia, TM is committed to support the nation's development agenda through the benefits brought by hyperconnectivity and digital solutions, which will accelerate digital adoption and new economic growth,” added Shazurawati. “The presence of PoP can attract technology companies, start-ups and other businesses that require a high-speed internet connection to operate. This can create more job opportunities, increase innovation, and stimulate economic growth in local communities,” concluded Shazurawati. The collaboration between TM and the Government demonstrates the shared commitment to deliver digital inclusivity throughout Malaysia. For phase two (2) of PoP project, TM has been awarded with 174 sites in the central region. This phase is expected to further boost digital connectivity and economic development for Malaysia.