KUALA LUMPUR, 15 FEBRUARY 2024: Maybank Islamic Berhad and TM, the nation’s leaders in Islamic banking and telecommunications, have forged a partnership to deliver the country’s first Islamic Banking as a Service (BaaS) solution powered by 5G. Designed for consumers and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), this collaboration combines the best of Maybank Islamic’s diverse financial services and TM’s recognised Uni5G Postpaid Biz mobile packages, creating seamless access and experiences for today’s digital customers.

With local entrepreneurs and MSMEs to gain the most, Maybank Islamic and Unifi Business, TM’s digital business solutions arm, today launched their inaugural ‘Go Niaga’, a mobile business banking bundle to help businesses manage finances, improve incomes and offer digital payment options powered by secure 5G connectivity and networks. The bundle will address current market gaps among this segment, and enable businesses to better participate in e-Commerce and expand their customer reach.

Dato’ Mohamed Rafique Merican, Maybank Islamic’s CEO, said, “This partnership between Malaysia's largest telecommunications company and the country's leading Islamic banking institution opens up unique opportunities for us in delivering Islamic banking services to customers. This partnership is a significant step forward in financial inclusion. By embedding Maybank Islamic’s BaaS solutions within Unifi Business’ platforms, previously unbanked or underbanked individuals and businesses will gain access to Maybank’s essential financial services and 5G mobile connectivity through TM’s cutting-edge technologies.”

“While the technology originates from the BaaS concept, what makes it unique is its adherence to Islamic principles, making it the pioneering example of its kind in Malaysia. It combines modern technology with the ethical requirements of Islamic finance, providing innovative and faith-based financial services,” he said.

Shanti Jusnita Johari, Chief Commercial Officer for Consumer Strategy & Business at Unifi, said, “MSMEs are a key growth engine for the nation’s economy. At present, this segment accounts for nearly 38% of Malaysia’s GDP, yet their potential is often dimmed by limited access to digital tools and financial services. This is even more apparent among underserved segments, micro and small businesses who face the most challenges in accessing financial services and digital innovations that are necessary to elevate their lives and livelihoods.

“As a trusted partner to more than 400,000 MSMEs across the nation, we believe this partnership is a timely intervention to effectively address these challenges and help local businesses seize the opportunities of the digital economy. This partnership is the next milestone in our vision to become a digital powerhouse by 2030 and our mission to power a Digital Malaysia, improving businesses and communities through technology, and paving the way for a digitally inclusive nation,” Shanti shared.

Highlights of Maybank Islamic and Unifi Business’ Go Niaga offering

As the first bundle from Maybank Islamic and Unifi Business’ joint collaboration, the Go Niaga mobile business banking bundle aims to address the essential banking needs of local entrepreneurs and MSMEs.

To help local businesses streamline their operations, the Go Niaga bundle offers:

a)    A lower minimum deposit of only RM 100 for customers to open an SME First Account-i – allowing them to clearly segregate their personal and business accounts that will help improve their long term credit rating.

b)    Payment acceptance facilities through Maybank Islamic’s QRPay Biz, and Tap2Phone – enabling cloud POS via mobile devices to facilitate digital / card payments.

c)    Credit Facilities including Maybank Islamic’s SME Digital Financing: Aspirasi Wanita Programme – providing more entrepreneurs access to funds that could help them stabilise and expand their business.

d)    Uni5G Postpaid Biz 39, Uni5G Postpaid Biz 55 and Uni5G Postpaid Biz 89 mobile plans bundled with free 5G mobile devices – ensuring secure access to financial services anywhere, anytime and bringing 5G capabilities to more communities.

e)    Cash rebates for Unifi Mobile bills when customers sign up and activate Maybank Tap2Phone merchant payment facility bundled with Uni5G Postpaid Biz packages.

This initial offering will be made available from 21 February until 29 May 2024. Customers are welcome to visit selected Unifi Stores on Tuesdays, selected Maybank branches on Wednesdays and selected Pusat Ekonomi Digital (PEDi) nationwide on event days, to find out how they can benefit from these offerings.

For more info, please visit maybank.my/goniaga or http://biz.unifi.com.my/goniaga

KUALA LUMPUR, 23 January 2024 – TM is proud to receive the prestigious Platinum Award in the Communication Networks category at the recent Putra Brand Awards 2023. This accolade is further elevated by the simultaneous achievement of its educational arm, Multimedia University (MMU), which also secured the Platinum Award in the Education & Learning category.

The Platinum Award in the Communication Networks category underscores TM’s position as a trusted provider of superior connectivity and innovative solutions in the telecommunications sector. This recognition from one of the region's most respected award platforms reflects TM’s commitment to quality, customer satisfaction, and technological advancements.

MMU’s success in winning the Platinum Award in the Education and Learning category signifies TM’s diverse capabilities and its strong foothold in the educational sector. As a leading institution, MMU is at the forefront of integrating advanced technology and research in education, shaping future generations with its pioneering initiatives.

Amar Huzaimi Md Deris, TM Group Chief Executive Officer said, “These awards are a clear reflection of our commitment to realising our brand promise ‘Your Next is Now’ and they mark a significant milestone on our strategic path in becoming a digital powerhouse by 2030. They validate our efforts to deliver excellence in every aspect of our work. It not only celebrates our excellence in telecommunications but also highlights our impactful contribution to education. We are thankful to our customers, partners, and especially the voters, whose continuous support has been pivotal in achieving this honour.”

The Putra Brand Awards, distinguished for highlighting brand strength based on consumer preference, involve a stringent selection process that emphasises consumer trust and brand excellence. Winning in two distinct categories demonstrates TM’s versatile expertise and leadership in multiple domains.

TM sincerely appreciates all its customers and stakeholders for their loyalty and trust, which have been instrumental in achieving these awards. These accolades reinforce TM’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards in both its telecommunications services and educational endeavours.

Maxis has extended its agreement with TM, the nation’s largest fibre network provider, to access TM’s High-Speed Broadband (HSBB) premium services until 2029. With the extension, Maxis will continue accessing TM’s national fibre network to provide customers with competitive fixed broadband offerings and value-added services.

The partnership will enable Maxis to expand the reach of its high-speed internet connectivity to even more premises nationwide, complementing its own-build fibre network. Maxis currently provides fibre connectivity to more than 700,000 homes and businesses. In addition to standard HSBB access, the premium services include additional requirements that will help Maxis better serve their customers and improve efficiency, including one-stop connectivity and digital solutions offerings for enterprise customers.

As a longstanding and premium TM HSBB partner, Maxis will be able to fully leverage the opportunities and broadband capabilities provided by TM, unlocking greater value for its customers.

"We are pleased to extend and deepen our partnership with TM to further drive broadband adoption for the nation. The partnership in conjunction with our own extensive fibre network and core mobile business allows us to deploy our resources more efficiently and effectively so we are able to place greater focus on customer experience. This is in line with our integrated telco strategy of fulfilling all our customers’ connectivity needs," said Goh Seow Eng, Chief Executive Officer of Maxis.

Commenting on the partnership, Amar Huzaimi Md Deris, Group Chief Executive Officer of TM said “TM is the ideal partner to catalyse Access Seeker's broadband aspirations whilst at the same time advancing Malaysia’s digital ambitions. Through our domestic fibre infrastructure, we are paving the way for a digital era that embraces sustainability, accelerated economic growth and community upliftment. TM is the backbone of the nation’s core connectivity with its pervasive domestic fibre coverage complemented by its vast international submarine cables connectivity that connects the world to Malaysia.” 

In our dynamic industry landscape, TM stands as Maxis’ biggest HSBB services partner. The collaboration traces back to 2010 when Maxis became the first telco provider to sign a HSBB access agreement with TM and the partnership has been on-going, culminating in this most recent extension.

Earlier this year, TM took a strategic step forward by securing access to Maxis’ 4G Multi Operator Core Network (MOCN) and 4G and 2G Domestic Roaming Services to enhance its mobile connectivity nationwide.

This strategic alliance taps into the combined strengths of TM and Maxis, leveraging each other's network capabilities to enhance connectivity services reach and efficiency. By pooling resources and expertise, both providers not only elevate the quality of their services but also contribute significantly to the broader goal of advancing Malaysia's digital landscape.