Places TM R&D as the Champion of Research & Development in 2018
TM Research & Development (TM R&D), the research arm and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) recently won the Cross Category: Research & Development for its innovative Smart Safety Helmet during the 19th MSC Malaysia Asia Pacific ICT Awards (MSC Malaysia APICTA) 2018 organised by the National ICT Association of Malaysia (PIKOM). Winning this prestigious award places TM R&D as the champion of Research & Development in 2018. In addition, TM R&D has been selected to represent Malaysia in the Cross Category: Research & Development at the International APICTA Awards 2018 in Guangzhou, China.
Present to accept the award was Dr. Sharlene Thiagarajah, Chief Executive Officer of TM R&D.
Developed by TM R&D, Smart Safety Helmet is a data driven smart industrial or safety helmet, an Internet of Things (IoT) solution that provides live, wireless monitoring and array of sensors including accident impact and geolocation which can be used to perform various analysis towards creating a safer worksite. It sends telemetry to the cloud and processes the data for the benefit of the employer as well as the staff. It has all the safety helmet features, location tracking services, attendance, violation detection and a video camera for remote coaching and emergency observation of the workforce. This Smart Safety Helmet innovation is the first Smart Safety Helmet in Malaysia and it is now ready to be deployed for industry players across various sectors such as Oil & Gas, Construction, Chemical & Manufacturing Industry and many more.
Commenting on the milestone achievement, Datuk Bazlan Osman, Acting Group Chief Executive Officer of TM said, “We are excited and thrilled to know that TM R&D has won the award. It was such a great honour and it is the first of many other innovations that will be introduced by our R&D arm. We are certainly proud of this recognition and TM R&D’s outstanding achievement in the ICT industry.”
“TM will continue to introduce more innovative and converged propositions to empower Smarter Living, Smarter Businesses, Smarter Cities, Smarter Communities and a Smarter Nation - delivering a seamless digital experience and integrated business solutions to cater to individual lifestyle and business communication needs - towards making “Life and Business Easier for a Better Malaysia”,” he added.
Meanwhile, Dr. Sharlene shared, “It is indeed a proud moment for us at TM R&D, as well as for TM Group. We have received tremendous interest for its novel design and unique key features that promote safety and collaboration while working on the field, regardless of industry. The invention of this smart helmet without doubt will increase operational efficiency at the work place and enhance productivity level of the workforce.”
The Smart Safety Helmet started off as a challenge in speed and innovation, where the team worked towards creating a first working prototype within two (2) weeks. It later became part of one of the five (5) pillars of smart solutions under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between TM and Petronas to increase operational excellence and enhance customer experience. Gaining huge interests from large corporations, the Smart Safety Helmet was invited to be featured at the recent 4th Malaysia Oil & Gas Services Exhibition and Conference (MOGSEC) as part of TM’s product showcase.
MSC Malaysia APICTA provides recognition to outstanding achievements of individuals, students, entrepreneurs, SMEs and organisations with operations in Malaysia who have contributed to the development of the MSC Malaysia initiatives or in building applications and services for the benefit of Malaysia. It recognises creativity, innovation, and excellence in the Malaysian ICT arena. MSC Malaysia APICTA also provides an opportunity and an ideal environment for individuals and companies to gain local, regional and international exposure through on-going promotional activities, and through participation at the international Asia Pacific ICT Alliance Awards (APICTA). Winners of the MSC Malaysia APICTA Awards will represent Malaysia at the annual International APICTA Awards.
For more information about TM R&D and its products and services, log on to www.tmrnd.com.my
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K-KOMM Deputy Minister officiates Yayasan TM’s effort for most number of Gutta Percha planted within 24 hours
Recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records, campaign sees planting of 5,017 trees across 23 locations with 18 collaborative partners Yayasan TM (YTM), the foundation arm of Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM), today launched The Largest Gutta Percha Tree-Planting Event in 24 hours, a Malaysia Book of Records certified campaign in conjunction with World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2022. The project, inspired by the “Greening Malaysia; Our Trees, Our Life” campaign under the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources that aims to preserve the country’s biological diversity, was co-organised with Yayasan Sukarelawan Siswa (YSS), and saw 1,000 student volunteers and TM’s own Reaching Out Volunteers (TM ROVers) working together to plant 5,017 Gutta Percha trees at 23 locations simultaneously. Launched by YB Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin, Deputy Minister of Communications and Multimedia, together with Dato’ Haji Rosli Isa, Secretary General, Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, the campaign specifically chose the Gutta Percha tree species for its significant heritage status in Malaysia. Native to the country and known as Nyatoh Taban Merah to locals, the species was instrumental for the early beginnings of the global submarine telegraph network. In 1851, the latex from the Gutta Percha tree was discovered to be the best insulating material and led to the invention of the first submarine cable in the world. While it was replaced with polyethylene by the 1950s, this humble tree essentially spearheaded modern telecommunications capabilities globally. Hosting the event, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Abd. Ghafar Mahmud, Board of Trustee Member of YTM said, “This symbolic Gutta Percha tree-planting programme is a collaborative effort to protect our natural heritage and to honour the unique role it has played in connecting communities throughout the world. From its humble origins in our own forests, this species has transformed our communications capabilities, and it is now our duty to protect it for future generations.” Speaking at the launch, YB Datuk Zahidi said, “The World Telecommunication and Information Society Day this year is celebrated by industry players, agencies and corporate partners in their own unique ways. As we move with the fast pace of the digital world, we need to balance it with green conservation efforts to sustain our environment. I am thrilled and excited with today’s event that sees the preservation of Gutta Percha, a native and very important species particularly to telecommunications. Congratulations to YTM and YSS for this unique collaboration!” A total of 18 partners from local councils, institutions and universities also collaborated on this project, providing designated areas for Gutta Percha education, research and development, as well as participating in the tree-planting initiative. Besides YSS, these partners include: Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Jabatan Perhutanan Semenanjung Malaysia, Perbadanan Putrajaya, Majlis Perbandaran Sepang, Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur, Multimedia University (MMU), International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), University of Malaya (UM), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UITM), Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) and Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) as well as Mr DIY, Hara Makers and unifi. In addition to tree-planting, YTM is also supporting Buy for Impact’s social enterprise, Hara Makers, through their Reimagine Plastic environmental initiatives. The foundation is further helping economically-disadvantaged communities through an income-generating project to create upcycled volunteers’ hats for the Gutta Percha Tree-Planting event. Extending the impact of the project beyond the launch event, YTM, in partnership with unifi, is running an Adopt-A-Tree campaign via unifi Rewards points redemptions. unifi customers will have the opportunity to adopt a Gutta Percha tree by donating their points towards this effort via the myunifi application or portal. Through their support, the adopted trees will be planted within the 23 unifi Green Zones and customers will receive a digital certificate from YTM for their contribution. These initiatives tie in with TM Group’s Environmental, Societal and Governance (ESG) sustainability commitments, connecting the three components with Malaysia’s national heritage conservation as well as education efforts.

Funding Societies and TMIM team up to provide digital financing access and support to MSMEs
Financial assistance for underserved local MSMEs from Funding Societies utilising Yellow Pages digital advertising solutions to help with business expansion and sustainability during these challenging times. Funding Societies Malaysia, the largest peer-to-peer (P2P) financing platform in the country and Southeast Asia recently collaborated with TM Info-Media Sdn Bhd (TMIM), a subsidiary of Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) to offer business financing solutions for the underserved and unserved local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The mission kicks off into high gear with the prime utilisation of Yellow Pages' digital platform, a product of TMIM and also the leading digital business directory in Malaysia. The collaboration will provide MSMEs with greater access to digital financing solutions. The solutions will facilitate business expansions as well as ensure sustainability of the MSMEs. It provides vital financing options to existing MSMEs and serves as a launch pad to aspiring entrepreneurs. The synergistic collaboration takes momentous steps towards Funding Societies' mission to improve the livelihoods of MSMEs and TM's role as the enabler of Digital Malaysia. It also opens the door for as many as 70,000 MSMEs under the Yellow Pages listings to a variety of tailor-made financing products. With the aim of bringing game-changing revolutions to their customers, Yellow Pages Malaysia is no stranger to making innovative transformations in order to stay current in the digital age. Wong Kah Meng, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Funding Societies Malaysia, commented on the partnership: "Digital financing is becoming more prevalent in Malaysia given its ability to promote financial inclusion, particularly benefiting the MSMEs that are either unserved or underserved by traditional financing avenues by providing easy access to financing solutions. As the largest P2P financing platform in the region, our partnership with TMIM will serve to accelerate our reach in providing the financing support that is much needed by our local MSME players. This is especially relevant given MSMEs are among the most impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic." Meanwhile, Sean Koh Chin Soon, Chief Executive Officer, TMIM said: "Our Malaysia Yellow Pages platform which has evolved from print to digital, interactive website and mobile app, is the perfect avenue to bridge the MSMEs out there with the resources they require. We are excited to collaborate with Funding Societies Malaysia in empowering local businesses through financial solutions. This will enable them to further expand their potentials thus supporting the sustainability of the businesses, especially during this Covid-19 pandemic. This is also in line with the Government's efforts to boost the growth of Malaysian economy and to propel local businesses. This initiative is befitting of TM Group's unique role in nation building and as the enabler of Malaysia's Digital Nation aspirations." P2P financing is a digital financing solution that has been gaining traction in recent years. Its modern approach and speedy process makes pain points of traditional financing a thing of the past. Such setbacks including collateral requirement, onerous documentation, slow turnaround time, and high minimum requirements, all posed as hurdles for smaller businesses to obtain quick financing assistance. Through this collaboration, eligible businesses on the Yellow Pages platform can apply for the financing from Funding Societies without even needing to visit a physical branch. Eligible MSMEs stand to enjoy the following financing benefits from Funding Societies: Discount on processing fee Fast disbursement with quick approval within five (5) working days Flexible tenure of up to 18 months No collateral requirement Minimal documentation requirement Besides the collaboration with Funding Societies, TM through its consumer and SME product brand, unifi has also been continuously assisting businesses to stay productive in this emerging digital economy. Via unifi Business Club (uBC) specifically for its SME customers, unifi enables access to complete business solutions which include digital marketing tools, productivity boosters and financial solutions. By allowing businesses to leverage on its strategic partnerships, unifi aims to expedite its customers' recovery and enhance sustainability. Interested MSMEs can apply for financing from Funding Societies on Yellow Pages website starting 5 October 2020. For more information on the partnership between Funding Societies and TMIM, please visit https://biz.yp.my/solutions/yellowpagesfinancing/.

Orbix International School takes safety seriously by adopting TM R&D’s EWAR
TM R&D assists Orbix International School in adhering to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) with deployment of EWAR towards curbing the spread of COVID-19 virus. Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM), through its innovation arm, TM Research & Development (TM R&D), further promotes the adoption of digital solutions in the education sector by deploying its Early Warning, Alert & Response or "EWAR" at Orbix International School (Orbix), a private school in Muar, Johor. EWAR is an Artificial Intelligence (A.I) driven contactless temperature screening solution internally-developed by TM R&D. In an effort to digitalise the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) outlined for schools, Orbix has installed EWAR Compact, one (1) of EWAR's product categories, within their premise to better facilitate the temperature screenings of their students, teachers and visitors towards curbing the spread of COVID-19 virus. Commenting on the initiative, Dr. Sharlene Thiagarajah, Chief Executive Officer, TM R&D said, "We are honoured to be working with an educational institution such as Orbix to deploy our cost-effective and innovative solution in response to the required safety protocols. This illustrates the flexibility and readiness of education vertical in adapting to the new normal. At TM R&D, we are ever ready to assist businesses and organisations to get back on their feet safely." "We truly believe that deploying the EWAR Compact at schools or any educational institutions can provide students and teachers with a near-normal return to school experience as possible. We hope that this effort can encourage other schools and educational institutions to install EWAR Compact and simplify the adoption of the new SOPs in our battle against COVID-19." EWAR Compact is an AI-driven, one-on-one contactless thermal screening solution with a high accuracy of +/- 0.3℃, fast (~1sec) detection and voice prompt. In addition, AI-based facial recognition capabilities can also be applied with the solution. With EWAR Compact, students and teachers can go to schools with peace of mind, knowing that their schools are using the most effective technology available to safeguard their health. "Besides that, we are delighted to see more schools adopting digital solutions as this will expose teachers and students on how technology can help improve lives through safety. The exposure to EWAR Compact will also help students to experience digitalisation in action first-hand, and witness the benefits of digital adoption even before they enter the workforce. We hope this will help groom an industry-forward talent pool which will subsequently drive the nation's digital aspiration, befitting TM Group's role of the enabler of Digital Malaysia," she added. "Deploying EWAR Compact was a vital step for us as we were looking for the most effective technology available in safeguarding the health of our students and teachers. So far, we have received positive feedback on how EWAR Compact has enhanced the efficiency of temperature taking while simultaneously improving social distancing," said Govindan Nair, Chief Marketing Officer of Orbix Education. "The students especially have shared that they like how interactive the solution is. As we are firmly committed to ensuring the health and safety of our students, it is also important for us to expose our students to how innovation results in real-world solutions," he added. Back in July, TM R&D has successfully installed EWAR Compact at 12 selected schools under the purview of Bangsar / Pudu District Education Office (PPDBP) namely Victoria Institution, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Dato' Lokman, SMK Seri Saujana, SMK Desa Petaling, SMK Cochrane, SMK Taman Maluri, SMK Alam Damai, SMK Bukit Jalil, SMK Dato' Onn, SMK (P) Bandaraya, SMK Convent Jalan Peel and SMK Seri Permaisuri. During the early stages of the Movement Control Order (MCO), TM R&D has introduced two (2) main product categories under EWAR, namely EWAR Crowd and EWAR Compact as part of its contribution in the fight against COVID-19. The solution comes with four (4) main capabilities that close the critical loop from detection to containment. It is non-intrusive and has use-cases for both crowd and one-on-one scanning, respectively. EWAR Crowd comes with a dual-camera (thermal and optical) and is designed to conduct a rapid body temperature screening of approximately 10-15 individuals per second simultaneously at high traffic areas. It can easily be deployed in locations with mass traffic flow such as offices, shopping complexes, transportation hubs, universities, schools, tourist attractions, airports, immigration centres, and hospitals. EWAR Compact on the other hand is more suitable for a one-on-one contactless thermal screening. This can eliminate the need of the hand-held temperature taking, which can subsequently improve social distancing and minimise long queues. Both EWAR models have been installed at more than 150 sites across several industry verticals and have gone regional to help keep businesses safe beyond Malaysian shores. The solutions have been installed at the quarantine and treatment centre for COVID-19 cases at Malaysia Agro Exposition Park (MAEPS) in Serdang, large and mid-size office lobbies, hotels, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) payment counters, various sales galleries and Gamuda Land construction sites, just to name a few. TM R&D has been growing from strength to strength since 2016, winning seven (7) globally recognised awards over the last two (2) years. Our innovations cut across multiple verticals such as the Smart Retail Analytics and Smart Safety Helmet, all developed internally by local talents in TM R&D. As the organisation continues to expand beyond connectivity and into new value-added digital and smarter platforms, its role in TM has become more prominent and exciting. For more information about TM R&D and its products and services, please log on to www.tmrnd.com.my. Follow us on LinkedIn (TM Research & Development) for more news and updates.