25 May 2022
TM records steady performance in 1Q2022 with revenue & PATAMI up 2.9% & 4.4%; maintains focus on its growth strategies execution
In the second year of its Transformation, the Group is on track to achieve its 2022 market guidance, focusing on strengthening its core businesses and investing in new growth areas
Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) continued its growth trajectory and long-term business sustainability, recording a steady performance in its First Quarter ended 31 March 2022 as compared to the same period last year (YoY).
The Group's operating revenue increased by 2.9% to RM2.89 billion, compared to RM2.81 billion in the same quarter last year, driven primarily by increased demand for voice, Internet and multimedia. Despite rising competition to offer converged solutions among telco and other technology players, TM continued to deliver strong customer growth across its operations.
Capitalising on its core businesses and investing into new growth areas, TM further ramped up its transformation initiatives, delivering profit after tax and non-controlling interests (PATAMI) for the quarter at RM339.9 million or 4.4% higher than the RM325.5 million recorded in 1Q2021. The Group also recorded lower financial costs subsequent to the early redemption of its RM2.0 billion sukuk in March 2021, as well as lower foreign exchange translation losses on borrowings. The Group has applied the Cukai Makmur statutory tax rate accordingly for the current quarter.
Accelerating into the second year of its Transformation, TM brought forward its manpower optimisation to enable earlier realisation of expected benefits to the Group. This, along with foreign exchange impact on trade settlement has led to a 5.0% decrease in EBIT at RM560.4 million for 1Q2022 compared to RM589.7 million in the same quarter last year. Excluding these costs, the Group's underlying EBIT is 14.0% higher at RM650.2 million compared to RM570.5 million in 1Q 2021. Free Cash Flow is lower by 15.1% at RM658.8 million compared to RM775.7 million due to higher CAPEX as the Group continues to invest in business expansion and meeting customers' demands through technology refresh and network delivery, ensuring steady growth.
unifi: Double-digit revenue and subscriber growth
unifi continued its growth performance, recording revenue increase of 10.6% from RM1.25 billion to RM1.38 billion in the current quarter. Sustained by increasing demand from Internet, voice and sales of devices, with cumulative fixed Internet subscribers increasing by 17.5% against the corresponding quarter last year. unifi remains the largest growth contributor for the Group.
unifi will continue to maintain its leadership in fixed broadband and enhance its Fixed-Mobile Convergence (FMC), enriched with TV and streaming content. This reflects its commitment to improve its FMC customer experience with better and seamless service. unifi will also grow its SME digital platform as a one-stop service centre for solutions catering especially to SMEs nationwide.
TM Wholesale (TMW): Higher revenue from increased demand for data services
TM Wholesale (TMW) also recorded a growth performance for 1Q2022, with revenue increasing by 1.2% from RM631.9 million in 1Q2021 to RM639.5 million, mainly contributed by higher revenue from voice and data services. This was underpinned by increasing demand from High-speed Broadband Access (HSBA) and higher International Voice and Data.
To date, TMW continues to enable industry broadband and 4G network via its fibre infrastructure, with the ongoing 5G rollout further strengthening that role. On the international front, it will continue to serve other OTTs and hyperscalers with connectivity and data centres, while regionally, TM Wholesale aspires to establish Malaysia as a digital hub for ASEAN via new submarine cables, enhanced data centre solutions and edge computing.
TM One: Renewed focus on growing B2B digital solutions market
TM One, the Group's enterprise and public sector arm, recorded a 7.4% decrease in revenue from RM925.2 million to RM856.8 million in 1Q2022 due to decline in data services revenue.
Strengthening and growing its B2B digital solutions, TM One has focused its efforts on high potential industry verticals, namely healthcare, manufacturing, education, oil & gas, banking, financial services & insurance (BFSI) and public sector. It has entered a partnership with Tune Protect and Huawei Malaysia that saw Tune Protect becoming the first organisation in Malaysia to host an insurance core system on public cloud (Cloud αEdge).
Commentary and Outlook from Imri Mokhtar, TM Group Chief Executive Officer
"With our economy and borders reopening, TM is powering Malaysia's journey on its road towards recovery, by ensuring the vision of an inclusive and extensive Digital Malaysia becomes a reality.
"Into the second year of our Transformation, we are focused on strengthening our core business while investing into new growth areas to meet customers' demands. In ensuring sustainability in the long run, we continue to grow our profitability to invest and seize opportunities arising from digital acceleration.
"One of these opportunities is in the exciting space of digital solutions and services for enterprises. Building on TM One's existing capability and relationships with enterprises and the public sector, we will deliver speed and agility through our new digital arm Credence: a corporate start-up led by technology leaders.
"unifi continues to better its fixed broadband and Fixed-Mobile Convergence value proposition to improve customer experience, while expanding our offerings to provide quality entertainment to customers at home or on-the-go.
"We have also achieved some key milestones in our sustainability efforts. TM One has successfully secured the Green Electricity Tariff from Tenaga Nasional Berhad for its data centres in Kuala Lumpur, Cyberjaya and Johor Bahru, contributing to a lower carbon footprint as the demand for cloud storage inevitably increases. This is in addition to the existing Green Building Index (GBI) certification earlier obtained for its core data centres. TM's broader ESG commitment also remains consistent with Malaysia's initiatives towards achieving net-zero Greenhouse Gas emission for the country by 2050.
"Meanwhile, TM Wholesale continues to establish Malaysia as a regional digital hub via new submarine cables, edge computing, data centres and supporting international connectivity. On the domestic front, TM Wholesale continues performing its role as the enabler for industry broadband, 4G and 5G network via fibre infrastructure that will transform the nation's connectivity capabilities."
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TM announces another steady full year performance (FY2021) with EBIT up 6.6% at RM1.71 billion; revenue up 6.4% at RM11.53 billion; declares 6 sen per share dividend
As a result of jump in revenue and continuous cost optimisation initiatives, Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) increased 6.6% to RM1.71 billion from RM1.60 billion in 2020 despite one-off provisions, impairments and accelerated depreciation Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM or the Group) delivered yet another healthy set of financial results for the Full Year 2021 ended 31 December 2021 as compared to the same period last year (YoY), despite protracted impact from the ongoing pandemic on the economic and business front. Fueled by strong growth in unifi revenue and fixed broadband subscribers, as well as sharp growth in the TM Wholesale business which registered increasing data demands from hyperscalers, and international and domestic service providers, TM recorded a 6.4% rise in revenue to clock in at RM11.53 billion from RM10.84 billion in 2020. This marked revenue improvement as well as the Group’s continuous cost optimisation initiatives led to the increase in Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT), up 6.6% YoY to RM1.71 billion, from RM1.60 billion last year. Profit After Tax and Non-Controlling Interests (PATAMI) at RM895.2 million dipped 11.9% contributed by higher taxation including provision for Cukai Makmur, lesser interest income and forex losses, as well as impairment of TM’s mobile assets as the Group prepares itself for 5G. Based on its steady financial position and strong Free Cash Flow generation, the Board of Directors proposed the final interim dividend at 6 sen per share, resulting in a total dividend of 13 sen per share for 2021, in line with the Group’s growth investment strategy. CAPEX for the year was reported at RM1.70 billion, or 14.7% of revenue, reflecting TM’s commitment to reinvest in business expansion, new growth areas and provide great experience and services for its growing base of customers. Free Cash Flow at RM2.19 billion rose 9.5% from RM2.00 billion, ensuring steady growth ahead of a demanding future. unifi: Record-breaking revenue, total subscribers It was a landmark year for unifi, contributing to the Group’s strong performance. Overall unifi revenue grew by 10.3% driven by increased fixed broadband subscribers, with 2.78 million cumulative registered subscribers - the highest number of unifi and fixed broadband customers registered, as well as highest number of ports installed. In addition to unifi’s drive to reduce broadband downtime to the absolute minimum for its customers, the business introduced five #unificares initiatives to refine its end-to-end customer experience, with the highlight being unifi’s 24-hour service restoration guarantee, the first of its kind in the Malaysian telecommunications industry. In its effort to support SME recovery and growth, unifi has offered more than 377,000 local SMEs special packages with complete digital ecosystem to help them to grow their business and stay competitive. unifi will continue to maintain its leadership in convergence of broadband, content, mobile and solutions for both home and SMEs customers. With online connectivity playing a central role to enable Digital Malaysia, unifi bridges the connectivity gap by serving customers with innovative and high-quality products and services. TM Wholesale (TMW): Realising 5G and Malaysia’s digital hub aspiration TM continues to drive wholesale business for both domestic and international segments via TM Wholesale (TMW). With a strong performance last year, TMW’s posted revenue grew by 14.7% due to solid partnership expansion with domestic and international customers. Domestically, as the preferred fibre service provider, TMW will continue to pursue 4G and 5G fibre infrastructure deployment as well as promoting collaboration with domestic service providers, in line with the Government’s JENDELA initiative. The 5G fibre leasing services (worth RM2 billion over 10 years) for Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB)’s 5G infrastructure needs, is a testament of TM’s commitment to infrastructure sharing in enabling excellent wireless solutions and services. TMW also recorded the highest active ports subscription for wholesale High-Speed Broadband (HSBB) access with more than 550,000 cumulative ports for Malaysian fibre broadband providers. On the international front, TMW continues with its aspiration to become a digital hub for the ASEAN region through strategic collaborations with hyperscalers and global service providers. The year saw a solid achievement with 190 new deals from hyperscalers and global service providers for various wholesale International Data offerings. This translated into the highest annual revenue contribution from major hyperscalers worldwide, a milestone year in building a regional hub position for Malaysia. TM ONE: Custom solutions and digital adoption amid a challenging landscape TM ONE is expected to remain competitive amidst the challenging economic and business environment. This is driven by its strong value proposition of offering the end-to-end managed services and digital solutions, backed by robust digital connectivity and infrastructure. As the only home-based Cloud Service Provider (CSP) with data sovereignty assurance, TM ONE will continue enhancing its Cloud service as a complete digital solution by embedding analytics, smart services/IoT and cybersecurity to cater for the key industry verticals. Enterprises and public sector services are on an accelerated path to digitally transform, leveraging on cloud architecture and smart services as a foundational pillar to unlock innovation opportunities, stay resilient and maintain a competitive edge, all in line with Malaysia’s MyDIGITAL aspirations. In becoming a trusted cloud partner, TM ONE focused its efforts in boosting proficiencies and competencies of its solution consultants, technology experts as well as international certifications. It has attained four (4) International Standard certifications (ISO/IEC) for Cloud α (pronounced as Cloud alpha) on Information Security Management System (ISMS), Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), Business Continuity Management System (BCMS) and Cloud Specific Controls. Commentary and Outlook from Imri Mokhtar, TM Group Chief Executive Officer “As the enabler of Digital Malaysia, TM remains steadfast in its efforts to realise the national digital aspirations. We are committed to support the Government’s efforts to re-build the economy post-pandemic. For 2021, TM has shown positive results, driven by the New TM Transformation Programme which has delivered overall growth in TM’s revenue and EBIT. Cost rationalisation has also significantly improved the Group’s profitability. As TM enters its second year of transformation in 2022, we are activating more programmes to ensure we quickly move forward as a growth company, and keep pace with our trajectory. TM’s revenue growth is expected to remain intact, in line with the Group's market guidance, which is between low to middle single digit growth, while EBIT is projected to be more than RM1.80 billion, driven by TM’s three Lines of Business: unifi, TM ONE and TM Wholesale. We expect to invest between 14% to 18% of our revenue this year on Capex, reflecting our continued commitment to reinvesting into growth areas, capability, and capacity building, as well as enhanced customer experience. In promoting sustainability, TM aligns its ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) vision and commitments to national and global aspirations. For Environmental, TM is committed to achieve carbon emission reduction by 30% in 2024, 45% by 2030 and Net-Zero emission by 2050. On Social, TM is set to enable MyDIGITAL Blueprint 2025 targets by ensuring at least 70% of premises have access to high-speed Internet. Under Governance, TM works hand-in-hand with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to continue upholding our zero-tolerance to any form of corruption and maintaining the highest standards of corporate governance. This year, we will continue to power a digital nation, by delivering great Customer Experience, Solutions and Connectivity Excellence. This is made possible with unwavering support from its core execution engine; the employees or "Warga TM" who are fully dedicated and committed to enabling a Digital Malaysia, bridging the digital divide and in step, reducing the income divide.” In its pursuit to strengthen its core connectivity and invest more in digital, TM is future-proofing the organisation with future-ready skills and digital workforce, as part of its aspiration in becoming a human-centred technology company.” Guidance for 2022 is summarised below: Revenue Growth Low to middle single digit growth Low to middle single digit growth EBIT More than RM 1.8 billion CAPEX / Revenue Between 14% - 18%
Empowering Malaysia’s Youth: Yayasan Telekom Malaysia Expands TM Future Skills Programme
BATU PAHAT, 12 September 2023 – TM, through its corporate responsibility arm, Yayasan TM (YTM), collaborates with two more secondary schools in Peninsula Malaysia to expand its TM Future Skills (TMFS) programme. The programme aims at enhancing digital skills among students from B40 or low-income families by integrating digital technologies into their learning experiences. The newly included schools – SMK Dengkil in Selangor and SMK Tunku Putra in Johor join the programme after the successful launch of the first TMFS school, SMK Gunung Semanggol in Perak last November. These schools were selected because they have the highest percentage of B40 students in their districts and are actively engaged in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) activities. “At TM, we hold a firm belief in the pivotal role of Malaysian youth in propelling the nation’s growth and societal advancement. As an organisation that has been instrumental in the establishment of Digital Malaysia, we remain unwavering in our commitment to nurturing the next generation as drivers of our digital economy and the ongoing Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR4.0). The TMFS programme fulfils this commitment by equipping students with digital skills, while emphasising on leadership, design thinking, and cognitive abilities,” said Ainol Shaharina Sahar, Director of YTM during the TMFS launching ceremony at SMK Tunku Putra recently. “In addition, we are optimistic that the partner schools will evolve into educational hubs, effectively disseminating the knowledge and skills acquired to neighbouring schools and students. We hope that through this approach, it will ignite the students’ interest in pursuing tertiary education in technology and digital fields, thus empowering them with skills vital for Malaysia’s future workforce,” added Ainol. To enhance the immersive learning experience, YTM is establishing TMFS Digital Hubs at these partner schools. These hubs are equipped with resources such as PocketLab, robotics kits, 3D printers, smart TVs, desktop computers, and digital learning content. This hands-on setup aims to spark students’ interest in digital exploration. Highlighting the comprehensive approach of the TMFS programme, Ainol expressed, “We are delighted to witness the holistic growth within all TMFS Schools, which encompasses the development of diverse skills ranging from urban farming and vocational training to entrepreneurship. As we continue our journey to identify more potential schools nationwide, we envision unearthing more remarkable talents that will contribute to the nation’s growth while aligning Malaysia with the forefront of digital innovation.” The event was also graced by Azman Mashuri, Deputy Director of School Planning & Management Sector 2, Ministry of Education Malaysia, who expressed enthusiasm for such collaborations between the private sector and educational institutions. Azman emphasised the importance of providing exposure to digital technologies in rural schools and predicted that initiatives like TMFS will stimulate students to explore their capabilities beyond conventional academics, subsequently driving an increased interest in STEM-related fields. YTM has remained steadfast in its commitment to promoting STEM-oriented programmes since 2014, encompassing disciplines such as robotics, 3D modelling, coding, and big data analytics. In 2020, these modules coalesced into the comprehensive TMFS programme, meticulously designed to align with the Ministry of Education’s syllabus and the IR4.0. To date, YTM’s STEM-related endeavours, including the TMFS programme, have benefited over 15,000 students and educators across more than 500 schools throughout the nation. This remarkable endeavour is not just nurturing individual futures, but also cementing Malaysia’s position as a digital frontrunner on the global stage.
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
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