05 Jan 2023
TM R&D inks MoU with AL-QUDS University to foster industry-academia collaboration for research and innovation excellence in next generation communication technologies
Telekom Research & Development Sdn Bhd (TM R&D), the innovation arm of Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM), recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Al-Quds University (AQU) to foster industry-academia collaboration for joint research in Next Generation Communication Technologies and to create an institution for innovation and technology transfer.
Dr. Sharlene Thiagarajah, Chief Executive Officer, TM R&D, signed the MoU on behalf of TM R&D while AQU was represented by its President, Prof. Dr. Imad Abu Kishek. The agreement was sealed under the support and presence of H. E. Mr. Walid Abu Ali, Ambassador of The State of Palestine to Malaysia, Brunei, Thailand and Maldives.
Under the MoU, both entities will join forces to explore research and knowledge exchange activities including staff exchange for scientific works and student visits, in addition to development of impactful digital solutions with a global outlook.
Commenting on the latest collaboration, Dr. Sharlene said, “We are excited to have AQU on board as the first university that we’re collaborating with post COVID-19. This MoU is testament of our efforts to work with innovative and entrepreneurial academic institutions to deliver excellence in the field of research and innovation.”
“The knowledge sharing and technology transfer between Malaysia and Palestine will definitely boost research capabilities and cross-cultural innovations,” she added.
Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. Imad Abu Kishek shared, “The university’s strategy encompasses building strong cooperative relationships with the Malaysian industry and academia. We believe that this is the first step towards a sustainable partnership with TM R&D, which will provide our staff and students the opportunity to access expert knowledge, latest technologies, innovation labs, and industry in Malaysia.”
“We hope that this collaboration will result in a symbiotic relationship that furthers the economy, innovation, and technology transfer among both institutions,” added Prof. Dr. Imad.
AQU is an academic research university that currently offers more than 120 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, delivered through its 15 degree-granting faculties that cover main scientific disciplines such as medicine, life and natural sciences, business and management, arts and humanities, law and jurisprudence, engineering, computer science, information technology, and social sciences.
In addition, AQU pursues educational distinction through a culture of innovation and strives to develop entrepreneurs who are able to partake in the development of the Palestinian economy.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
TM reports strong 3Q2020 performance amidst challenging environment
Encouraging QoQ revenue growth across all product lines 3Q2020 QoQ Key Financial and Operational Highlights (All comparisons refer to the second quarter of 2020 (Quarter-on-Quarter (QoQ) comparison), except as noted): Group Revenue grew 3.8% to RM2.69 billion from RM2.59 billion recorded in 2Q2020. Group Reported Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) increased by 7.0% QoQ to RM456.2 million, from RM426.3 million in 2Q2020. Group Reported Profit After Tax and Non-controlling Interests (PATAMI) rose 19.9% QoQ to RM329.5 million compared to RM274.7 million. The total capital expenditure (capex) for 3Q2020 stood at 14.9% of revenue or RM400.0 million. unifi: Continues convergence leadership with growth in broadband and mobile; highest convergence penetration of TM households at 58%. TM ONE: Strengthened position as the digital enabler for enterprise and public sector customers with connectivity and end-to-end cloud offerings. TM Wholesale: Continues to connect industry players, carriers, over-the-top (OTT) providers and content players in Malaysia and globally. Addressing the digital divide: Remain committed to increasing connectivity reach via Jalinan Digital Negara (JENDELA) and accelerating the digital economy with recently announced Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) collaboration. Strong Business Performance for 3Q2020 Despite these unprecedented times, TM Group Revenue continues to increase QoQ recording a resilient 3.8% growth to RM2.69 billion from RM2.59 billion recorded in 2Q2020 on the back of higher revenue from voice, internet and data services. Group EBIT for 3Q2020 increased by 7.0% QoQ to RM456.2 million, from RM426.3 million in 2Q2020, on the back of lower operating cost, from the Group's continued momentum from its cost optimisation programmes. This subsequently led to a 19.9% increase in Group PATAMI from RM274.7 million in the preceding quarter to RM329.5 million. In 3Q2020, the company invested 14.9% of revenue in capex amounting to RM400.0 million - in line with guidance - as it continued to optimise its network and sweat its assets. Of the amount invested, 50% was for network access, 17% for core network, and the balance 33% for support system. Imri Mokhtar, Group Chief Executive Officer, TM, commenting on the results: "We are pleased to report another quarter of growth across all key financial metrics – revenue and profits – despite the challenging environment in Q3. Our efforts in cost optimisation continue to yield results with a healthy EBIT and a strong PATAMI. As we enter the ninth month of the Covid-19 pandemic, our priority continues to be the safety and health of our 'Warga TM' while continuously delivering connectivity and solutions excellence to our broad customer base." "We are seeing unifi gaining momentum, posting a 6.3% growth to 1.65 million subscribers, with our total broadband customer base now at 2.26 million. We achieved the highest convergence penetration (of three services or more) in TM households since 2018, of 58%, as more Malaysians embrace digital living-working in this new norm. On the wholesale front, we continue to collaborate with industry players in Malaysia and globally. At TM ONE, we further cemented our leadership position as the digital enabler for enterprise and public sector customers with enterprise-grade connectivity and end-to-end cloud offerings. We look forward to more collaborations with strategic partners and customers towards establishing a solid foundation for a more Digital Malaysia," Imri concluded. Operational Review: Maintaining Business Momentum TM delivered another quarter of robust performance, driven by its agility to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on Group businesses and operations; leveraging on new avenues for growth in the 'new normal' whilst adapting to challenges. unifi: Continues convergence leadership with growth in broadband and mobile Achieved the highest convergence penetration at 58% of TM households. unifi customer base grew 6.3% to 1.65 million; total broadband customer base grew 2% to 2.26 million during the quarter. Helped empower Small and Media Enterprises (SMEs) with relevant tools and knowledge to grow their businesses and embrace digitalisation with the launch of cari@unifi and eBiz Pack, unifi Business Club (uBC) collaboration with Lalamove and live webinars such as Reboot and Sembang Bisnes. Partnered with Funding Society Malaysia to provide business financing solutions for Micro SMEs (MSMEs) utilising Yellow Pages' digital platform. unifi Mobile extended access to the daily free 1GB Productivity Internet offer to 24 hours, until 31 December 2020, to support Malaysian's connectivity needs in Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO). TM ONE: Strengthened our position as digital enabler for enterprise and public sector customers with connectivity and end-to-end cloud offerings Scaled up the full capabilities of Cloud α (Cloud Alpha) suite of services with full data residency, locality and sovereignty. Appointed as the technology partner of the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) to develop and maintain the Population and Housing Census of Malaysia 2020 (e-Census) platform. Continue to support state governments and local city councils to establish future-ready smart cities and smart homes via its TM ONE Smart City Solution enabled by the Internet of Things (IoT) and various smart solutions. TM Wholesale: Continues to connect industry players, carriers, over-the-top (OTT) providers and content players in Malaysia and globally Domestic Secured a new contract with a domestic mobile player for cross ocean connectivity, backhaul connectivity solutions and broadband access capacity upgrade. New backhaul connectivity deal with a domestic mobile player for new backhaul services. International Expansion of content delivery services with an Asian-based OTT player. Secured a deal with an Asian-based OTT player for connectivity solution within Asia Pacific, and two (2) new long term data connectivity deals with global carriers. Additional voice business deals with global service providers worldwide. TM Network remained stable throughout CMCO as a result of continuous network optimisation. This is despite traffic utilisation surging between 30% to 50% depending on peak hours, from March 2020 to November 2020 due to more Malaysians working from home. Supporting the nation's digital agenda and addressing the digital divide: Remain committed to increasing connectivity reach via JENDELA and accelerating the digital economy with the recently announced MDEC collaboration. Prospects for the Current Financial Year Ending 31 December 2020 Following the Covid-19 pandemic, Bank Negara Malaysia has revised Malaysia's annual gross domestic product (GDP) forecast to contract between 3.5% to 5.5%[1], against 4.3% growth in 2019. Uncertainty from the most recent wave of the pandemic from October onwards is expected to bring about further revision to these numbers. As the nation faces this adversity, relying even more on the internet and digital connectivity for work and studies, TM continues to serve as an essential service provider, ensuring stable network performance for the entire nation via both our retail and wholesale fronts. The Government's introduction of JENDELA in September 2020 as well as the RM7.4 billion allocations in the recent National Budget to deliver upgraded broadband services for year 2021 and 2022 will serve as a platform to accelerate Malaysia's digital connectivity through wider deployment of mobile, fibre and fixed wireless access. This will pave the way for 5G under the 12th Malaysia Plan (2021–2025). TM is at the forefront in collaborating with other service providers, enabling and delivering JENDELA. We continue to seek opportunities to cater for future demands of connectivity, in line with our proven commitment to maintain business profitability whilst adapting to and exploring new norms and avenues from this dynamic circumstances that the nation faces today. [1] Sourced from Bank Negara Malaysia, 14 August 2020
ONE-MONTH FREE TRIAL ON UNIFI TV’S LATEST STREAMING APP, DURIOO+
Unifi TV, the content and entertainment arm of Unifi, is offering a free one-month trial of its latest streaming app, Durioo+, during this Ramadan period. It will also be offering free access to all of its premium channels during the Raya festivities. Durioo+ is a streaming app that produces and licenses entertaining children’s content with Islamic values, virtues and morals. With its mission to raise children with eemaan, akhlaq and ‘ilm (belief, ethics and knowledge) Durioo+ offers programmes like Mina Mila, Little Ammar, Abibi and many more – bringing safe, fun and educational content for children ages 1 to 12 years old. Offered ad-free, the free trial of this streaming app can be redeemed at unifi.com.my/raya until 30 April 2023. Unifi TV, Malaysia’s largest single TV aggregator platform will also provide free Raya viewing of its premium channels from 21 to 27 April 2023. Filled with special programmes from channels such as Sacred Riana (DEGUP), CoCoMelon (Moonbug Kids), Running Man (ONE) and more, families will be spoilt for choice as they celebrate the festive Raya period. “We are pleased to welcome our latest streaming app partner, Durioo+, whose programmes are especially meaningful during the month of Ramadan. As families spend time together during the fast, we hope to provide safe and inspiring content for children and families, reinforcing the values and virtues that are strongly emphasised during this period”, said Anand Vijayan, TM’s Chief Commercial Officer and Executive Vice President of Unifi. “At the same time, we want to spread good cheer to all Malaysians, by opening up our full range of entertainment offerings during Raya. This is one of the ways that we are celebrating the nation’s diverse cultures together, by offering something for everyone during this festive period,” he said. To offer even more value to Unifi TV’s subscribers, they can now access the Aneka Plus Pack which will offer free access to VIU and SIAR streaming apps at only RM30 per month. Subscription to the Pack during this promo period includes the Unifi Plus Box and over 50 premium channels housing programmes from Korean variety shows, Hollywood movies, global news, kids animation and more.
Yayasan TM provides B40 students greater access to online learning with free sim cards
2,000 unifi Mobile #BEBAS SIM cards worth RM500,000 distributed to eligible students from B40 families through schools, institutions and in support of the Government’s initiatives. Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) via its foundation, Yayasan TM (YTM) recently provided free internet access to school students from B40 families nationwide to facilitate their home-based teaching and learning (PDPR) during this Movement Control Order (MCO) period. The unifi Mobile #BEBAS 15GB LTE SIM cards which come with 1-year FREE internet access worth RM250 were distributed to a total of 2,000 students, bringing the total contribution value to RM500,000. These eligible students were selected by their respective schools with priorities given to B40 students who will sit for main examinations in 2021. Commenting on the initiative, Abdul Hamid Hashim, Director of YTM said, "Every student has the right to gain equal access to education. We hope our humble effort will fulfil the students' need for internet connectivity during these challenging times so they can fully participate in the online learning process. This is even more crucial as these students will sit for important examinations this year." "YTM will continue to support TM Group's role as the trusted partner in nation building, with the focus on education and human capital development towards producing the digital workforce to enable Digital Malaysia," he added. Under the initiative, 1,200 unifi Mobile #BEBAS 15GB LTE SIM cards worth RM300,000 were distributed nationwide through Yayasan Raja Muda Selangor (300 SIM cards), District Education Offices (PPD) (300 SIM cards) and 11 schools (600 SIM cards). The 11 schools are: SMK Abi, Perlis SMK Sri Muda, Pulau Pinang SMKA Sultan Azlan Shah, Perak SMK Jalan Reko, Selangor SMK Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur SMK Cedung Jaya, Pahang SMK Alor Akar, Pahang SMK Datuk Bendahara, Melaka SMK Tun Perak, Johor SMK Tengku Mizan Zainal Abidin, Terengganu SMK Matang Jaya, Sarawak In addition, YTM also contributed another 800 SIM cards worth RM200,000 to low-income groups through TM's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes in support of the Government initiatives such as Tabung CERDIK and #MYBAIKHATI. Tabung CERDIK is an initiative among the Government-Linked Companies (GLC) and the Government-Linked Investment Companies (GLIC) to help B40 students with PDPR during the pandemic. Meanwhile, #MYBAIKHATI is an initiative under the People and Economic Strategic Empowerment Programme (PEMERKASA) with a similar objective, that reaches out to students from underprivileged families through PINTAR Foundation and Pusat Internet Komuniti (PIK). Yayasan TM Future Leaders Scholarship for SPM school-leavers 2021 YTM is also calling for students who have just received their SPM 2020 results to apply for Yayasan TM Future Leaders Scholarship 2021. Successful applicants will have a chance to further their studies in TM's education arm, Multimedia University (MMU). The deadline for application is on 20 June 2021; so hurry, visit http://bit.ly/yayasantmscholarship to apply or scan the below QR code: Recipients of YTM scholarships will not only receive financial aid throughout their studies but will also be attending self-development programmes while they are still in university to prepare them in entering the career world. YTM also focuses on developing talents, especially in critical thinking for leaders and future-proof workforce readiness among students after graduation. Since its establishment in 1994, YTM has awarded education sponsorship to more than 15,000 qualified students of high academic calibre from low-income families and multi-ethnic background to pursue their studies at government schools and universities in Malaysia and abroad by offering grants, bursary, allowances or financial supports with a total sponsorship value of over RM568 million. This continues to be pursued by YTM, which focuses on nurturing the right talent that will ultimately contribute to the growth of the Company, industry and nation. YTM hope that this effort will encourage the students to focus on their study and bridge the digital gap. Besides education, YTM also embarks on sustainable efforts to preserve our local heritage and culture. For more information on YTM, visit www.tm.com.my.
NEWSLETTER
Just drop your details and stay updated with the world of Telekom Malaysia. We promise – no spam!