27 Apr 2022
TM takes a bold step in the enterprise business: hires key senior tech leader from the region Krish Datta as EVP into the leadership team for enterprise digital business: watch out what is happening next
Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) announced the appointment of Krish Datta, an established regional technology leader, as Executive Vice President of Digital Services. Krish brings deep expertise in building technology businesses from infancy to regional leadership alongside a broad, diverse set of experiences and skills to the newly created role.
“I am delighted Krish has joined TM. He is a proven technology executive who has been instrumental in building and leading technology companies,” said Imri Mokhtar, Group CEO of TM. “In this new role, Krish will deepen our commitment and ability to enable our Enterprise and Public Sector customers’ digital transformation as we help them improve and accelerate every area of their business with simplicity and confidence.
“While our focus remains on our core business, we have charted big, bold moves for the future as TM continues on our growth path. Our foray into enterprise digital services will open up new opportunities for TM to expand our customer base. More importantly, it will also enable us to better serve our existing customers by offering them solutions that will boost their business performance and at the same time, provide data-driven insights to make critical business decisions.
“Krish at the helm of our new digital services arm marks the start of an exciting new chapter for us. As our customers in the Enterprise and Public Sector space continue to build the future of business, he will help TM realise our opportunities in B2B digital services. I am excited to see what Krish and his team will deliver!”
“I am excited to join TM, for more than one reason.” said Krish Datta. “I love building sustainable tech businesses, and this opportunity to build a technology-focused team offers me the ability to create, from the inside, another reliable TM brand, a new identity for Enterprise Technology along with a scope to help a country I love.”
With over 34 years of technology industry experience, Krish has built and led several enterprise technology-based businesses across ASEAN, India, Japan, Australia, and the Middle East. He is a passionate business and people leader who has demonstrated a successful track record in Asia with well-established global MNCs and start-up companies.
Krish was in SAP Asia Pacific for over 16 years holding various leadership positions. He established SAP in Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam and went on to hold the position of President, SAP Southeast Asia, responsible for all aspects of the business from sales, marketing, sales operations, presales, partner and eco-system, finance, support, HR, and consulting.
Upon leaving SAP in 2011, he started a Goldman Sachs-backed data management services and software provider, Back Office Associates (now known as Syniti) in Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East region as its CEO. He went on to build the business over the next eight years and exited after building a manicured business, including key technology and delivery capabilities which included global delivery centres in India, Philippines, and P&L across nine countries.
He became the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Xampr which started a no-code low-code mobile platform for mobile application development, focusing on integration, last-mile process and flexible template-based workflow and adoption. An art lover he also founded online art platform Mayinart.
Krish holds an MBA in Marketing and Strategy from the European Business School, University of Surrey, UK and a First-class Honours Degree in Applied Physics/Classical Physics from the University of Calcutta, India. He has also completed the Global Leadership Development Program from INSEAD, France.
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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.
YTM launches RM1.5 million social impact grant for NGOs and CSOs to run programmes for the community
Grant to amplify benefits to society; application now open for eligible organisations. Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) aiming to expand the reach of their community-based programmes and increase the benefits to more Malaysians nationwide, may get a shot in the arm in the form of an additional source of funding, thanks to Yayasan TM (YTM)’s Social Impact Grant. The foundation arm of Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) recently launched the grant, adding to its many initiatives which are part of its ongoing transformation journey towards becoming a purpose-driven social impact foundation. As a start, YTM is offering a fund of RM1,500,000 in grants for the first phase. The fund is divided into two (2) categories, namely YTM Social Impact Gold Grant, with each grant ranging from RM100,000 to RM250,000 allocated for mid term projects (with the duration of up to one (1) year) while YTM Social Impact Silver Grant is meant for short term projects (with the duration of three (3) to six (6) months) with funding of RM50,000 to RM100,000 per grant. Izlyn Ramli, Director of YTM enthused, “As we embark on our ongoing social impact initiatives, we understand it takes collective and collaborative efforts to bring meaningful changes to the community. That is why at YTM, we are continuously looking for opportunities to work on and with more effective programmes, many of which are already being planned and initiated by wonderful teams out there; delivering positive changes and benefits to more Malaysians nationwide, making that much needed difference. We aim to accelerate our efforts in bringing assistance to those in need through a collaborative model with like-minded NGOs, CSOs, social enterprises, foundations, and community clubs/associations. So, to new and small NGOs as well as CSOs, let us help you get started or get moving on your programmes that address various social issues for marginalised communities.” “This grant supports YTM's three (3) pillars: Education, Community & Nation Building, as well as Tourism, Culture & Heritage. We hope that as we expand the network and reach of worthy initiatives and organisations, by working together we can scale up more effectively to amplify the social impact for communities in need in Malaysia, and perhaps even beyond,” she added. Applications are now open and ends on 31 August 2022. YTM welcomes all eligible organisations to participate and find out more about YTM Social Impact Grant, by visiting https://tm.com.my/yayasantm
TM’s response to the national crisis and assurance to customers, communities and businesses affected
As a result of the extreme and continuous heavy rainfall since Friday (17 December 2021), some telecommunication services provided by Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) have been impacted. A number of telecommunication equipment particularly in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan and Pahang were damaged resulting in service disruption in several areas. At the time of reporting, TM’s National Crisis Command Centre is up and running, and we are closely monitoring our network sites. The flash floods and landslides have caused several of our nodes in the three (3) states to be inaccessible due to high water and unsafe conditions. In the meantime, we have had to shut down power supply and network equipment in some areas as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of those in the vicinity and minimise any potential risks. We have mobilised our front-liners and as conditions permit, we are actively pursuing network restoration in the flood-stricken zones to minimise any service interruption, ensuring customers remain connected. Our immediate concern is of 50,000 of our valued customers on unifi, streamyx, fixed line and unifi mobile who are affected, and we are working hard to ensure communication services are being safely re-established. Concurrently, the GLC/GLIC Disaster Recovery Network (GDRN) has been activated to provide welfare aid and support to those affected by this disaster. As a start, a total of RM50 million has been allocated for relief initiatives comprising of a matching grant of RM25 million by the Government, while the GLCs/GLICs will jointly contribute another RM25 million. As part of GDRN, which TM co-leads as the Secretariat together with Yayasan Hasanah from Khazanah Nasional Berhad, we are collaborating with the National Security Council (NSC) through NADMA (“Agensi Pengurusan Bencana Negara”) and other agencies to assist in furthering other disaster relief assistance. Together with the members of GDRN, we will mobilise rescue and aid efforts to ensure that basic necessities and healthcare can be provided to those in need. The 56th Royal Signals Telekom Army Reserve Regiment (56 Rejimen Semboyan Pakar Telekom Askar Wataniah) which comprises of volunteers from TM has been deployed on the ground to provide assistance and emergency services involving internet and telephone lines nationwide. “Though the situation remains uncertain, I am grateful for the quick action especially on the part of the TM engineering and customer care team for keeping our customers updated and working towards restoring the much-needed connectivity services. As we brace ourselves in anticipation of worsening conditions, we remain hopeful that Malaysians in need will receive the help they require. Our front-liners will be on the ground around the clock to restore services and bring the impacted States back on its feet,” said Imri Mokhtar, Group Chief Executive Officer of TM.
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