30 Mar 2021
Business going digital: unifi kicks off its business webinar series for 2021 with reboot 5.0
unifi Business Club (uBC) kick off its 2021 webinar series with REBOOT 5.0, focusing on how businesses could build and retain customer loyalty in this digital age
unifi continues its efforts in empowering Malaysian SMEs through complete business solutions, helping them to become sustainably-ready and economically-resilient. With that, unifi aims to enable the digital transformation of SMEs with not just products and solutions but also support programmes.
Today, unifi, via its one-stop business community for SME, unifi Business Club (uBC), organised REBOOT 5.0, which focuses on how businesses could build and retain customer loyalty during these times of adversity. Ignatius Ong, Chief Executive Officer of Touch & Go Digital, Khalil Jaffri Muhammad Muri, Head of Retail Business Division of Petronas Dagangan, and Khaidhir Elias, Value Program Lead of unifi SME, shared their point of views and insights on enhanced customer loyalty for the digital future.
Speaking at the event, Khaidhir said: "As the leading telecommunications service provider for Malaysian SMEs, unifi continues to organise programmes such as business webinars which are very relevant in today's landscape towards accelerating digital economy. This REBOOT 5.0 webinar series is a not to be missed online event, specially organised for our business customers. This is part of our commitment to facilitate the digital adoption and digitalisation of our business customers towards accelerating their growth. More programmes by uBC are in the pipeline, so stay tuned!"
"Through uBC, unifi supports local SMEs by equipping them with the right skills and knowledge in ensuring business owners stay ahead of the competition in this digital age. This is in line with the unique role of Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) as the enabler of Digital Malaysia and in support of the Government's nation-building initiative including MyDIGITAL," he added.
uBC acts as a one-stop business community for all SME needs to grow digitally. The community provides practical solutions and support, connects SMEs to various business associations and supporting agencies to enable them to grow and realise their full potential. Serving close to 400,000 businesses of all industries and sizes, unifi also provides value-added solutions offerings by leading industry experts to uBC members through various upskilling and reskilling avenues, to help them adopt digital tools with ease.
Among these learning avenues for SMEs are the free live webinar series, Sembang Business and REBOOT sessions. Sembang Bisnes is a live Q&A and sharing session with reputable SME entrepreneurs, while REBOOT is a dedicated webinar session with industry experts, aimed at helping uBC members and SMEs gain business knowledge. Both are conducted live via unifi Business Club various social media accounts. Through its strong partnerships, unifi gathers industry leaders to discuss the current economic landscape, business-related queries and share valuable advice with the audience. Past sessions featured notable representatives from MDEC, SME Bank, KryptoPOS, enginemailer, TM Info Media Sdn Bhd (TMIM) and Digital Marketing Consultancy (DMC).
To tune in to the upcoming free live webinars and learn more about how to stay ahead in the market with unifi, visit unifi Business Club Facebook page at www.facebook.com/unifibusinessclub.
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Unifi TV kickstarts 2023 offerings with addition of popular beIN SPORTS 2, Moonbug Kids and one premium channels
Unifi, a leader in converged home, mobile and lifestyle services via its digital content arm, Unifi TV, today announced three new premium channels via partnerships with leading content providers – beIN Asia Pacific; Moonbug Entertainment, a subsidiary of Candle Media; and Korea’s KC Global Media. Starting February 2023, viewers will be able to enjoy these popular channels via their Unifi TV subscriptions: beIN SPORTS 2 – featuring top-tier European football, international tennis competitions and most recently, full Formula 1 coverage; Moonbug Kids – designed for families with pre-school children; and ONE – for fans of the latest Korean drama and entertainment. Two of the three new channels, Moonbug Kids and ONE will also be available for free preview throughout the whole of February for both existing and new Unifi TV subscribers. This brings Unifi TV’s channel offerings to a whopping 71 premium channels, along with 17 app partners including Disney+ Hotstar, Viu, WeTV and Lionsgate Play – the largest selection of streaming apps over a single platform. Ho Hock Doong, Head of Content, Unifi TV said, “We are excited to partner beIN Asia Pacific, Moonbug Entertainment, and KC Global Media in bringing their popular channels to Unifi TV and to provide more quality offerings to our local audiences. “At the end of 2022, Digital Market Insights projected that Malaysia’s Home Entertainment revenue was expected to reach an annual growth rate (CAGR 2022-2027) of 8.36%, with a projected market volume of US$48.57 million and 1.1 million active users by 2027. “With these prospects in mind, we are strengthening our partnerships with leading global content providers to offer an inclusive selection of digital entertainment solutions – bringing Unifi’s ‘all-in-one’ value proposition to all audiences,” he added. beIN SPORTS 2 will join the line-up of three existing beIN SPORTS channels as well as the beIN SPORTS CONNECT app already available on Unifi TV, offering the widest live sports coverage from beIN SPORTS in Malaysia. In addition to the Formula 1 broadcast rights which will be extended to Unifi TV viewers, the channel will also include the Australian Open, ATP and the upcoming Roland-Garros. Mike Kerr, Managing Director, beIN Asia Pacific, said, “As we continue to expand and strengthen our sports offering, we are excited to enter into the next phase of partnership with Unifi TV. Now with Formula 1, fans can immerse themselves in more live coverage than ever before on beIN SPORTS. We look forward to working alongside Unifi TV to grow our audiences in Malaysia.” Putting families in the forefront, Moonbug Kids on Unifi TV will feature all of Moonbug’s IPs including CoComelon, Blippi, Gecko’s Garage, Morphle, Arpo, Little Baby Bum and recent acquisitions Little Angel and Oddbods – offering wholesome and quality entertainment for preschool and early-years viewers. Unifi TV is also the first digital content platform in Malaysia to offer selected Moonbug Kids programmes on demand that are localised in Bahasa Melayu and Mandarin – bringing these edutainment programmes to more of Malaysia’s multi-lingual audiences. “We are extremely excited to launch our Moonbug Kids channel on Unifi TV via their on-air and online platforms. We have had a strong start to 2023 in maintaining our strategy of rolling out our content and channels across APAC and EMEA and are now very much looking forward to sharing our beloved characters and stories with families across Malaysia,” said Nicolas Eglau, Managing Director EMEA & APAC, Moonbug Entertainment. Leading K-entertainment channel, ONE, on the other hand, will bring the best of Korean entertainment to Malaysia. The channel will feature drama series Kokdu: Season of Deity within 24 hours of release in Korea and a line-up of romantic specials in February such as Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo and Backstreet Rookie. Fans of travel variety shows will also be treated to Dopojarak: Story of Homme the K-Wanderer, featuring personalities from K-pop, K-drama, fashion and sports. George Chien, Co-Founder, President, and CEO of KC Global Media shared, “We are excited to enhance our partnership with Unifi TV to bring the best entertainment from around the world to every household and mobile device in Malaysia! With the addition of ONE channel on Unifi TV, fans can look forward to an endless stream of freshly curated programming direct from South Korea’s biggest broadcasters and studios.” “These channels are quality additions to our platform and will strengthen our lifestyle offerings as part of Unifi’s Converged solutions for broadband, mobile and digital content. Our aim is to provide seamless customer experiences via extensive and affordable services that meet today’s digital demands, including online entertainment both at home and on-the-go,” Ho shared. “As we kick off 2023, we aim to continue expanding our digital content, providing more customisable, value-for-money selections together with Unifi’s other converged solutions to bring something for everyone,” he concluded.
TM One and SME Bank collaborate to deliver technology funding to SMEs under PENJANA
TM One and SME Bank sign agreement to provide technology funding to SMEs via SME Technology Transformation Fund (STTF) TM One, the business and public sector solutions arm of Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia Berhad (SME Bank), an agency under the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperative to offer technology funding for its Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) customers to accelerate their business and digital transformation. The MoU was signed by Ahmad Taufek Omar, Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, TM One while SME Bank was represented by Aria Putera Ismail, its Group President/Chief Executive Officer. The SME Technology Transformation Fund (STTF), is a fund set up between SME Bank and the Ministry of Finance to offer financing assistance of up to RM3.0 million to local SMEs. This is part of the Government's Pelan Jana Semula Ekonomi Negara (PENJANA) economic stimulus package to provide financial assistance to SMEs in adopting digitalisation and/or automation in their business operations. Commenting on the collaboration, Ahmad Taufek said, "We are excited to work hand-in-hand with SME Bank to accelerate digital adoption amongst our customers particularly in the SME segment. This is in support of the Government's efforts under PENJANA to execute key initiatives to help SMEs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our aim is to assist SMEs in addressing real business challenges and issues that they are currently facing with the digital solutions available. We have put in place dedicated teams and solutions to enable our customers to realise the full potential of their digital opportunities. Our Professional Services are a consultative approach in helping SMEs to understand how to plan their digital transformation based on their unique business requirements." Meanwhile, Aria said, "With a fund size of RM500 million, STTF is expected to directly assist SME entrepreneurs to achieve higher productivity, process efficiency, efficient cost management and greater market penetration. As at 11 November 2020, SME Bank has approved 18 applications worth RM36.55 million under the STTF fund. SME Bank's role in encouraging the SMEs to adopt digital technology was further enhanced with the introduction of ODELA, the first one-stop e-commerce platform backed by a Development Financial Institution (DFI), that enabled B2B entrepreneurs to make transactions and foster partnership across vast ecosystems. The Bank's wholesome approach in providing financing and entrepreneur development assistance further adds value and accelerate the development of digital economy thus boosting the nation's economic growth in this challenging time." STTF is to be used for financing the purchases of IT solutions and services, technology support services, computer hardware and software, equipment and/or machinery and other intangible assets to enhance productivity and efficiency. SMEs as defined by the National Entrepreneur and SME Development Council (NESDC) are eligible to apply for STTF. TM One's solutions are aimed at helping SMEs to achieve higher productivity, better cost management and improved efficiency for wider market penetration through the adoption of digitalisation and automation. As the digital enabler for enterprise and public sector customers with enterprise-grade connectivity and end-to-end cloud offerings, the Company is well positioned to enable the ecosystem for digital society, digital business and digital government. Leveraging on its complete digital solutions offerings across connectivity (Internet & Data), voice and collaboration tools, business outsourcing services, cloud services, cybersecurity and Internet of Things (IoT)-based smart services, TM One will fulfil the needs of businesses and the public sector in embracing digital convergence towards enabling Digital Malaysia. This is in line with TM Group's unique role as the nation's connectivity and digital infrastructure provider. It is also in support of Jalinan Digital Negara (JENDELA) Plan to drive Malaysia's Digital Economy through business digitalisation and new ways of working. For more information on TM One solutions and how to apply for STTF, visit www.smebank.com.my and www.tmone.com.my.
TM turns in solid 1Q2021 performance; strong start to transformation programme
The Group posted revenue of RM2.81 billion, 9.9% higher from RM2.56 billion in 1Q2020. A Solid 1Q2021 Performance Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) today reported its financial results for the first quarter ended 31 March 2021. The Group's revenue increased by 9.9% to RM2.81 billion compared to RM2.56 billion in the same quarter last year with an increase in revenue across all business lines – unifi, TM ONE and TM WHOLESALE. Ongoing cost improvement initiatives continued to show results with total operating cost ratios (% cost to revenue) improving from 88.1% last year to 79.7%, supporting both revenue growth whilst optimising cost efficiency across direct costs, manpower, other operating costs and depreciation and amortisation. Group EBIT for 1Q2021 rose by 80.8% YoY from RM326.1 million in 1Q2020 to RM589.7 million, on the back of higher revenue and better operating costs efficiency. This subsequently led to a strong 113.4% YoY growth in Group PATAMI from RM152.5 million last year to RM325.5 million. In 1Q2021, the Company invested 8.8% of revenue in capex amounting to RM247.0 million as it continued to modernise its network and technology platforms towards delivering current and future solutions for customers. Of the amount invested, 69% was for network access including JENDELA (fibre broadband expansion), 12% for core network, and the balance 19% for support systems. TM expects to meet the 2021 market guidance announced in February with revenue growth to be flat or single digit growth, EBIT to be more than RM1.6 billion and CAPEX guidance to be between 14% to 18% of revenue. 1Q2021 Business Highlights: A Strong Start to the New TM Transformation Programme The 'New TM' Transformation Programme (2021-2023), anchored on 40+ Value Programmes focusing on customer experience, revenue, cost efficiency and a future proof organisation, has seen a strong start with quarterly growth across all lines of business and improved operations. unifi maintains its strong momentum and convergence leadership with 11.9% YoY growth in fixed broadband customers to 2.44 million, with the highest ever quarterly fixed broadband customers net additions of 110k, driven by growth of unifi customer base. Whilst the MCO since 2020 has increased demand for fixed broadband, unifi has successfully converted this demand with its compelling unifi convergence proposition under the #unifiyourworld campaign, providing the best customer value for broadband, mobile and content via unifi Plus Box. This growth was also supported by the higher number of ports deployed and wider fiber network roll-out under the JENDELA programme, which TM surpassed its 1Q targets achieving 141% of its commitment. TM is also expanding the pool of network contractors to increase the capacity of its fiber expansion programme in the coming quarters. unifi also focused on continuously improving customer experience and accelerated its Streamyx migration programme in Q1 2021 to enable more customers enjoy higher speed broadband. WiFi optimisation is also an important part of getting the best internet experience, hence unifi also continues to promote the take up of Mesh WiFi to its new and existing customers. Meanwhile, its IT systems are also undergoing enhancements to provide better customer experience and cost optimisation via simplification and consolidation of platforms. Notably, unifi rolled out a new order management system that reduces order processing time by more than 60%, to improve customer experience across its sales touchpoints. TM ONE continues to enable the digital transformation journey of enterprise and public sector customers with a comprehensive suite of connectivity, data centre, Cloud, cybersecurity and smart solutions. After cautious spending in 2020, customers are now accelerating their digitalisation, and this has translated into new sales and contract renewals to provide comprehensive digital solutions, especially in key verticals such as oil and gas, the banking and financial services industry (BFSI) as well as from higher broadcast, ICT and customer projects. There is also greater traction seen for Cloud services from the Enterprise segment; whilst discussions are ongoing to support public sector data migration, as the Government's sole local Cloud Service Provider (CSP) under the MyDIGITAL blueprint. TM WHOLESALE is the preferred network infrastructure provider supporting the technology industry and is positioning Malaysia as a digital hub with strong demand from domestic and international telco and technology operators; including hyperscalers. On the home front, TM as the leading infrastructure partner for High Speed Broadband wholesale services, leveraged its superior network nationwide to support the industry's broadband growth. It is also the primary mobile backhaul infrastructure provider for the industry, which saw growth in coverage and capacity through dynamic offerings of these services. TM also recorded growth in terms of its Wholesale Data Services. Towards establishing Malaysia as an ASEAN digital hub, TM strengthened its partnership ecosystem with international carriers and hyperscalers registering higher revenue for International Data Services as compared to last year. TM expanded its portfolio of data centre customers with more major Asian and US hyperscalers co-locating at the nation's only Tier III twin core data centres at Iskandar Puteri (IPDC) and Klang Valley (KVDC). Its wholesale Content Delivery Network (CDN) services also expanded its digital media delivery network ecosystem with more new customers in 1Q2021. TM remains committed to sustainable growth, with continued emphasis on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), maintaining its strong track record as one of the 75 Bursa companies on the FTSE4Good Bursa Malaysia Index, with the full rating of 4/4. Environment: TM complies with the Environmental Quality Act 1974, and has reduced its annual carbon emissions by 13%; integrating sustainable practices in all areas of operations. Social: TM ensures the safety and health of customers and Warga TM with special working arrangements implemented and enhanced Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) towards business and customer service continuity. TM also supports the nation and communities in need through connectivity initiatives such as Jaringan Prihatin, CERDIK, MYBAIKHATI and other humanitarian aid. Governance: Committed to uncompromising integrity, TM continuously assesses the Group's corruption risk and ensures its corruption mitigation practices are independently certified. Imri Mokhtar, Managing Director & Group Chief Executive Officer commented: "We began 2021 with a positive momentum and a strong start to our 'New TM' 2021-2023 Transformation Programme. We are pleased to report a solid year-on-year performance despite these unprecedented times. We delivered good growth with our revenue up 9.9% YoY to RM2.81 billion, contributed by strong demand from our unifi, TM ONE and TM WHOLESALE customers. Coupled with our continuous cost efficiency initiatives, EBIT significantly improved 80.8% YoY to RM589.7 million and PATAMI doubled to RM325.5 million as compared to the first quarter of 2020. Under the 40+ Value Programmes, TM is reshaping our workforce into a stronger execution engine, embracing a more agile work culture with future-ready skills; focused on growing with our customers towards a more digital society, businesses, public sector services and technology industry. TM reiterates our leading role in accelerating Digital Malaysia through digital connectivity, digital infrastructure and a digital workforce. As an essential enabler, we are ready to play a leading role in the execution of both, the JENDELA implementation plan and the realisation of the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint (MyDIGITAL); leveraging on our comprehensive connectivity, digital infrastructure and innovative solutions. We are also committed towards sustainable growth, with increased emphasis on ESG by our Board and management. We remain focused on our ESG sustainability journey. I am pleased to update that we maintained our track record as one of the 75 Bursa companies on the FTSE4Good Bursa Malaysia Index, with a full rating of 4/4. With this encouraging set of overall results, we are on track to meet our 2021 market guidance and look forward to delivering greater customer experience and shareholder value with our New TM Transformation Programme."
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