26 Dec 2024
TM ONE AND SARAWAK DIGITAL ECONOMY CORPORATION (SDEC) BERHAD EXTEND COLLABORATION TO SPUR STATE’S DIGITAL ECONOMY
KUALA LUMPUR & KUCHING, 26 DECEMBER 2024 – TM One, TM’s enterprise and government sector solutions arm, and Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation Berhad (SDEC) have announced the next phase in their strategic partnership to elevate Sarawak’s digital economy, digital society, and government services through enhanced connectivity.
The parties recently exchanged a master service agreement to expand Sarawak’s digital infrastructure, aimed at enhancing connectivity and accelerating the adoption of advanced technologies and smart services in driving the state’s digital transformation. The collaboration aligns with the Sarawak Digital Economy Strategy and Post-COVID Development Strategy 2030.
This collaboration includes TM One’s Metro-E solution, a flexible, secure, and high-performance bandwidth connectivity scalable to up to 10 Gbps. Its dedicated access for critical applications, proactive security monitoring and nationwide coverage addresses the service levels needed for enterprises and government agencies alike.
Shazurawati Abd Karim, TM One’s Executive Vice President, said, “We are pleased to partner with SDEC in advancing Sarawak’s digital transformation. The Metro-E project will bolster Sarawak’s digital economy, fostering innovation, improving access to digital services and bridging the digital divide across locations. High-speed connectivity at these 81 sites is essential for the adoption of advanced technologies, improving customer experiences and operational efficiency. This collaboration solidifies TM One’s commitment to Sarawak’s sustainable long-term growth and digital aspirations, aligning with the state’s 2030 strategies.”
The five-year project will also deliver high-speed internet connectivity to underserved and rural areas, supporting key sectors such as education, healthcare, and local businesses. This will facilitate cloud computing, telemedicine, online education, and a variety of other digital solutions, furthering Sarawak’s digital progress. The partnership reaffirms TM One and SDEC’s commitment to transform Sarawak, empowering local communities and businesses, as well as enhancing government services through digital technologies.
This collaboration is another milestone in TM’s commitment to enabling Malaysia’s digital transformation and to lead industry growth through digitalisation and sustainability, a pivotal part in TM’s efforts towards becoming a Digital Powerhouse by 2030.
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TM AND SINGTEL’S NXERA FORM JOINT VENTURE TO DEVELOP NEXT-GENERATION DATA CENTRES
KUALA LUMPUR, SINGAPORE, 18 JUNE 2024 – TM is partnering Nxera, the regional data centre arm of Singtel’s Digital InfraCo unit, in a joint venture to develop data centres in Malaysia starting with a sustainable, hyper-connected AI-ready data centre campus in Johor. This strategic partnership aims to serve the needs of hyperscalers, next-generation AI application providers and enterprises pursuing accelerated digitalisation and cloud in the region. The joint venture is a unique proposition, bolstered by the extensive subsea cable networks of TM and Singtel’s Digital InfraCo which provide global connectivity and enhanced network performance with lower latency and improved reliability. Amar Huzaimi Md Deris, TM’s Group Chief Executive Officer, said, "Establishing a hyper-connected AI-ready data centre marks the next phase in our long-standing partnership with Singtel, leveraging our strengths and commitment to elevate ASEAN as the preferred digital hub destination. TM brings the largest domestic network infrastructure, extensive international subsea cable systems and the largest interconnected DC in Malaysia, a solid backbone for this project. This will serve as a catalyst for high performance computing and lay a solid foundation for the future advancement of cloud and AI applications. This collaboration of two main telcos in the region is unique and has positive impact to the development of digital ecosystem that not only benefit the businesses but also nurturing future talent. Through this partnership, TM continues to demonstrate its dedication to delivering innovative and sustainable solutions, marking a pivotal step in our aspiration to becoming a Digital Powerhouse by 2030.” Bill Chang, CEO of Nxera and Singtel's Digital InfraCo unit, said, "We are excited to enter the Malaysian market with TM as our strategic partner. This collaboration advances our vision to be the region’s leading sustainable, hyperconnected AI-ready data centre platform, supporting businesses with the digital infrastructure needed for the growing demand for cloud, digitalisation and AI. The development of this first data centre campus in Johor, which can be expanded in phases, demonstrates our ability to scale quickly in markets that are important to our customers. With our joint industry expertise and strong track record, we will build and operate one of the most efficient, sustainable and connectivity-rich data centres in Malaysia. In addition to data centres, we will be expanding the submarine cable connectivity between Singapore and Johor to enhance digital connectivity. Our joint venture will also partner institutes of higher learning in Malaysia to nurture talent for our projects and the industry. Our strategy of developing data centre sites with close proximity to our operations in Singapore allow us to capture spill-over demand from our customers and help them scale their business with confidence.” Located in Iskandar Puteri, just 16 km from Singapore, the data centre campus will be the largest to date for both TM and Nxera. It will be built to the latest standards for reliability, security and sustainability while offering the best local and international connectivity. With its close proximity to subsea cable links between Singapore and Malaysia, the data centre will be well-placed to support the increasing demand from both countries’ digitalisation and development initiatives. The initial phase of the data centre is planned for 64MW and can be scaled up to 200MW in response to market demand. This high-power density campus will be able to host large computing and AI capabilities such as requirements by cloud hyperscalers, GPU-as-a-Service providers and features advanced technologies such as liquid cooling to support high-power density workloads and operations efficiently. The data centre will be a LEED-certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) green building, emphasising its commitment to greater energy efficiency and sustainable practices. As Malaysia’s integrated telco and technology leader, TM will contribute its expertise in the region’s network infrastructure deployment to deliver customised range of wholesale data, connectivity, data centre and platform solutions catering to both local and international needs. Additionally, TM also provides Cloud services via its sovereign Cloud Alpha Edge solution. TM currently operates seven data centres across Malaysia with 2 core data centres located in Klang Valley and Johor. Its entry into the Asia Link Cable Systems (ALC) partnership facilitates the laying of a submarine cable system spanning approximately 7,200km, with an initial design capacity of 24 Terabits/sec. Coupled with the establishment of an international Cable Landing Station at TM Exchange Kuala Sedili, Johor, these serve as vital infrastructure enhancements to accelerate the growth of the data centre industry in the state. Nxera is a rapidly growing regional platform backed by Singtel and leading global investment firm KKR, leveraging its data centre operations in Singapore to expand overseas. Customers can also tap into a host of services such as Singtel’s Paragon cloud orchestration platform and upcoming GPU-as-a-Service. They will be able to orchestrate their AI workloads in a multi-network and multi-cloud environment, serving as a catalyst for greater innovation, entrepreneurship and business excellence. Nxera is developing three new AI-ready data centres in the region in addition to 62MW of existing capacity in Singapore. This includes a new 58MW data centre in Tuas, Singapore and data centres with partners in Indonesia and Thailand. Nxera’s total pipeline capacity is set to increase from its current operational capacity of 62MW in Singapore to more than 200MW in the region in the next three years. The data centres will be served by Digital InfraCo's comprehensive network of subsea fibre-optic cables which provide customers with the best country-to-country connectivity in the Asia Pacific region.
TM Future Skills Programme continues with a project based learning e-showcase event
Two (2) schools participated in E-Showcase PBL-TM Future Skills 2020, the highlight of a 3-month online learning programme for teachers and students of the schools Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) continues its efforts to equip the younger generation with Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR4.0)-centric knowledge through initiatives under its TM Future Skills programme. Most recently, students from Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina (SJKC) Jalan Davidson, Kuala Lumpur and SJKC Tsun Jin, Kuala Lumpur demonstrated their talents in 3D programming and printing skills in a two (2)-days online event held in collaboration with Bangsar / Pudu District Education Office (PPDBP). The event, titled E-Showcase Project Based Learning (PBL)-TM Future Skills 2020, saw the participation of 60 teachers and students from both schools. The students showcased their 3D innovation projects and at the same time, shared and displayed their knowledge and skills in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects. Izlyn Ramli, Vice President, Group Brand and Communication, TM, said: “We are delighted with the schools’ acceptance and active participation in the TM Future Skills Programme. Our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes under the education pillar are always aimed at supporting the nation’s education system towards preparing not only the students, but also the teachers and society at large, with IR4.0 skills. We hope this programme will help to enhance the students' future skills and increase their interest in STEM subjects. This befits our role as a responsible nation builder where we will continue to serve and enable Digital Malaysia through innovative and inclusive digital solutions.” Teah Lay Theng, Headmistress of SJKC Jalan Davidson, said: “The PBL approach was chosen for the programme as it can bring out the most from the students in terms of innovation and creativity. The use of digital equipment is also able to improve the digital skills and competencies of our students in producing the innovations.” Meanwhile, Ng Mooi Hong, Headmistress of SJKC Tsun Jin, said: “In the current pandemic environment, teachers need to be creative in imparting knowledge and running the programmes that can develop the potential of our students. With this programme, we hope to inoculate the interest, highlight the potentials and empower the students with STEM subjects.” The E-Showcase PBL-TM Future Skills 2020 was the highlight of three (3) months long online learning programme for teachers and students of the two (2) schools. Throughout the programme, the teachers and students from both schools learned about digital technology in TM 3Ducation – the 3D printing module to be implemented in their PBL. Due to the ongoing pandemic Covid-19, TM’s strategic partner for TM Future Skills, Creative Minds, conducted the training sessions for all the teachers and students, including parents, through an online platform. Not being in class physically following the closure of schools nationwide has also not deterred these young innovators. They persevered in conducting research and continued to experiment and collaborated with each other virtually for the past 3 months. At the same time, School Improvement Specialist Coach (SISC+) from PPDBP closely supervised the activities and monitored the progress of the participants. Streamed live via YouTube, the E-Showcase garnered more than 6,000 viewers throughout the 2-day event and the channel has cumulated more than 7,800 views to date. The panel of judges for the E-Showcase consisted of SISC+ from PPDBP and led by Izad Ismail, Head of Corporate Responsibility, TM. TM Future Skills programme is an initiative that aims to empower students by equipping them and teachers with IR4.0-centric kits and knowledge, such as the TM 3Ducation – 3D printing module and the TM Nano Maker, a real-time data logging tool for STEM. This is to prepare them to be part of a digital-ready community and future-proof workforce which has always been one of the pillars under TM’s Digital Malaysia aspiration. As a key enabler of this, TM has always been an avid supporter of innovation and technology in Education. Through programmes like TM Future Skills, the Company endeavours to empower the leaders of tomorrow with relevant skills in innovation and technology towards serving a more digital society and lifestyle, digital businesses and industry verticals, as well as digital Government. For more information on the Company's other Corporate Responsibility initiatives, visit www.tm.com.my.
TM JOINS CANDLE SUBMARINE CABLE SYSTEM CONSORTIUM TO CONNECT MALAYSIA AND ASEAN COUNTRIES TO JAPAN
KUALA LUMPUR, September 22, 2025 – TM, Meta, SoftBank Corp., IPS Inc., PT XLSmart Telecom Sejahtera Tbk, and NEC Corporation are collaborating to develop the Candle submarine cable system. Candle is a 24-fiber pair, 8,000 km submarine cable system connecting Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, that is scheduled to begin operations in 2028. It will contribute to infrastructure expansion and secure redundant routes to meet the increasing demand for data communications driven by 5G and AI. This cable system will be one of the first in the Asia-Pacific region to use a 24-fiber pair cable, enabling superior traffic capacity to support the growing demand for communications in the region. Chairperson of the Candle Management Committee, Don Pang, said: “Candle represents a pivotal advancement in fortifying the region’s digital infrastructure. As the need for robust, high-speed connectivity grows, Candle will deliver greater network diversity and resilience along this essential corridor, leveraging state-of-the-art technology. This milestone reflects the deep collaboration among our partners and underscores our shared commitment to advancing digital inclusion and economic opportunity for over half a billion people in the Asia-Pacific region.” The partners from participating countries also provided their comments on the importance of this new system. Amar Huzaimi Md Deris, TM’s Group Chief Executive Officer said, “TM’s participation in the Candle submarine cable system project demonstrates our commitment to building resilient digital infrastructure that meets the growing demand for digital services and cloud-based, AI-driven innovation across Asia. It strengthens our ability to support hyperscalers, enterprises and global service providers in expanding their footprint across ASEAN, while reinforcing Malaysia’s role as ASEAN’s digital hub. This initiative bodes well with our aspiration to become a Digital Powerhouse by 2030—connecting Malaysia to the world, and the world to Malaysia.” “At Meta, we imagine a future where everyone has access to AI, personal superintelligence, and other emerging technologies to improve their lives and connect with each other. This is part of our commitment to seamlessly bring people together no matter where they are in the world.,” said Nico Roerich, Director, APAC Network Investments, Meta. “With the rapid advancement of generative AI and the Internet of Things (IoT), the demand for international telecommunications is expected to continue accelerating. CANDLE adopts a 24-fiber-pair architecture, making it one of the core foundations of next-generation social infrastructure that SoftBank is promoting. By integrating with other submarine cables such as JUPITER, ADC, and E2A, we will further enhance the diversity and redundancy of global communications networks originating from Japan, and strengthen Japan’s role as a digital gateway for Asia,” said Kimimasa Kudo, Vice President and Head of Global Business Division, Enterprise Unit, SoftBank Corp. "Our participation in this project reaffirms our commitment to play a significant role in the further development of digital infrastructure in the Asia-Pacific region, which is vital to our operations in Japan, the Philippines, and Singapore. With our subsidiary, InfiniVAN, as the landing party in the Baler, Aurora Province on the eastern seaboard of the Philippines, this is one of many projects we have planned in support of developing the Philippines as a connectivity hub in Southeast Asia." said Koji Miyashita, CEO of IPS, Inc. “XLSMART will fully support the project and we believe the Candle cable will bring benefits for all consortium parties and Indonesia”, said Feby Sallyanto, Chief of Enterprise, PT XLSmart Telecom Sejahtera Tbk. Tomonori Uematsu, General Manager, Submarine Network Division, NEC Corporation, added, “NEC is a leading vendor in the submarine cable system business with over 60 years of experience. NEC is particularly strong in leading subsea projects in the Asia-Pacific region, having been responsible for eight optical submarine cable systems connecting Japan and Singapore, including ‘Candle.’ In this project, NEC will participate as a system integrator, providing everything from the manufacture of submarine cables and repeaters to route design, installation, and testing. Through the establishment of a highly reliable communication environment in the Asia region, NEC will contribute to the development of the digital economy.” This initiative is a milestone in collective partnerships and commitment to strengthening regional connectivity, ensuring secure and reliable international data transmission, and advancing the digital growth of communities and businesses across ASEAN.
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