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.

Kuala Lumpur, 5 December 2023 – TM Global, the wholesale domestic and international business arm of TM, secured a prestigious accolade at this year's W.Media Asia Pacific Cloud & Datacenter Awards, for its Edge Facilities project aptly titled 'Delivering the Edge'. Effectively meeting the global demand for decentralised data hosting via co-location, this achievement solidifies TM Global's commitment to enhance the country’s digital ecosystem and position Malaysia as a trusted digital hub for the Southeast Asian region.

Functioning as a regional data hosting facility, the project involves transforming existing TM exchanges into Edge Facilities across seven states, including Seberang Jaya (Penang), Tasek Ipoh (Perak), Seremban (Negeri Sembilan), Kuantan (Pahang), Kuala Terengganu (Terengganu), Kota Kinabalu (Sabah) and Kuching (Sarawak). Strategically positioned close to the edge of TM’s network, TM’s Edge Facilities significantly reduce the distance between the content hosting location and end-users. This closeness supercharges the velocity of data transmission with ultra-low latency, leading to an enhanced digital experience for all users.

Commenting on this regional recognition, Khairul Liza Ibrahim, TM Global’s Executive Vice President said, "We are pleased that our innovative ideas and meticulous execution have garnered regional acclaim, and will continue these efforts in other states to meet the ever-growing data co-location demand. TM’s Edge Facilities effectively bridge the gap and seamlessly complement our existing data hosting solutions. While our large-scale data centres excel in intensive computing and data storage, TM’s Edge Facilities specialise in rapid, real-time data processing for edge computing services.”

The design of TM’s Edge Facilities replicate key features of a data centre, which includes a carrier-neutral network with service level availability of 99.7%, enabling service providers to capitalise on the flourishing landscape of real-time applications. TM’s Edge Facilities significantly enhance cost-efficiency, accelerates time-to-market and offers scalability to meet the growing demands for both domestic and international service providers.

By winning this prestigious award, TM Global reinforces its commitment to elevate the digital landscape and shape the future of data and cloud technology in the Southeast Asian region. Now in its third year, the award encourages industry transformation and innovation. It recognises achievement and excellence in championing the 3P’s for the cloud and data centre industry: Planet, Project and People. Winners were presented with the awards during a ceremony held at the Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong on 30 November 2023.

Earlier this year, TM won another two awards at the Asian Telecom Awards via TM Global. These accolades, namely “Telecom Company of the Year” and “Wholesale Company Initiative of the Year” recognised TM’s exceptional performance in spearheading significant advancements within Malaysia and the region's telecommunications landscape. The accomplishments underpin the transformation of TM Global’s wholesale business into a new era, marked by the expansion of its Edge capabilities.

KUALA LUMPUR, 1 December 2023 – Unifi today announced its newest #Unstoppable UNI5G Postpaid and Family Plans, catering to the diverse needs of modern Malaysians and enabling them to seamlessly integrate the 5G experience into their daily lives.

These new mobile plans will provide an array of value-added benefits, redefining the boundaries of connectivity and digital engagement that celebrate both interests – individual and being part of a family.  

Jasmine Lee, Unifi’s Chief Commercial Officer, Consumer, said, “In powering a digital nation, these new plans make 5G technology even more accessible for everyday Malaysians, with a renewed focus on connectivity for the whole family. With mobile coverage spanning more than 95% of the country’s population and recently named Ookla’s® 2023 winner* for delivering the best mobile video experience in Malaysia, our UNI5G plans empower individuals and families to embrace the endless possibilities of 5G in their own way, without compromising on quality and affordability.

“These new plans also solidify Unifi’s role as Malaysia’s only true convergence services provider and strengthen our fixed, mobile, lifestyle and business solutions to serve today’s digital demands. This reflects our ongoing commitment to enrich lives and communities through technology, ensuring that every Malaysian can participate in and benefit from the ongoing digital revolution,” she explained.

 

#Unstoppable offers for the whole family

The highlight of Unifi’s latest #Unstoppable plans is its UNI5G Postpaid Family priced at RM129. Originally offered with a base of 150GB data, customers will receive unlimited 5G + 4G data when they sign up during a limited time promotion period starting 28 November.

The plan includes a free 5G smartphone that allows customers to seamlessly switch to 5G, as well as unlimited calls, and one free Supplementary Line with 30GB 5G + 4G data. For those with larger families, Unifi also offers UNI5G Postpaid Family plans with two and three free Supplementary Lines priced at RM159 and RM189 respectively – making 5G access more affordable for the whole family, regardless of size, through a single mobile plan.  

Tapping into Unifi’s unique fixed-mobile convergence capabilities, new customers who sign up for both packages; the new UNI5G Postpaid Family Plans above, together with Unifi’s latest fixed high-speed broadband plans, will enjoy unlimited 5G + 4G data for Principal and all Supplementary lines. Existing Unifi fixed broadband customers purchasing the new UNI5G Postpaid Family plans will also enjoy the same offer.

Unifi also unveiled three new Mobile Postpaid plans for individual users:

1.     UNI5G Postpaid 99, one of the best value-for-money offerings in the market, which comes with unlimited 5G + 4G data during this promotion period, and a free 5G smartphone;

2.     UNI5G Postpaid 69 with unlimited 5G data during this promotion period, and rebates on a selection of 5G smartphones; and

3.     UNI5G Postpaid 39, one of the most affordable Postpaid entry plans with 30GB 5G + 4G data, designed especially for those transitioning from Prepaid plans such as young professionals.

 

Customers subscribing to either UNI5G Postpaid Family plans, UNI5G Postpaid 99, or UNI5G Postpaid 69 together with Unifi Broadband 300Mbps and above, will further receive a monthly rebate of RM20, for as long as they remain active Unifi customers.

Alternatively, customers can opt for a limited time fixed-mobile offer, which includes the latest UNI5G Postpaid packages with unlimited 5G + 4G data, a free 5G smartphone and Unifi Broadband 100Mbps from as low as RM149 a month.

To find out more about these new plans, visit https://unifi.com.my/mobile/postpaid.  

*Unifi is Malaysia’s Speedtest Awards™ winner for Best Mobile Video Experience during Q1-Q2 2023 period. Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data for Q1–Q2 2023. Ookla trademarks used under license and reprinted with permission.

KUALA LUMPUR, 29 NOVEMBER 2023 – TM One, the enterprise and government sector business solutions arm of TM, has entered into a collaboration with PLANMalaysia to enable local city councils harness smart innovations and create sustainable, efficient, and connected urban communities. The collaboration is the next phase in TM One’s efforts to accelerate the nation’s smart city aspirations and improve urban living across the country.

As part of this collaboration, 29 local councils that were awarded as part of the Malaysia Smart City Recognition Programme during World Town Planning Day 2023, will have access to TM One’s Proof of Concept trials (POCs). Spanning a selection from TM One’s smart services suite, the POCs allow councils to test solutions suited to their localities, enabling them to make empowered decisions in their smart city development efforts.

Shazurawati Abd Karim, TM One’s Executive Vice President said, “TM One has always been at the forefront of enabling the country’s smart city initiatives, helping councils nationwide push the boundaries of urban living through smart innovations. Among our recent success stories were Smart City projects in Ipoh, Pengerang, Seberang Prai, Kulai, Port Dickson and Subang Jaya, which experienced reduced time in traffic, lower carbon emissions, and improved response efficiency through solutions such as TM One’s Smart Traffic Management and Smart Surveillance.”

Building on these successes, TM One will be offering POCs for the following services:

1.     Unified Enforcement System – automation and insight analysis of various local council operation enforcement services that help local councils manage larger communities better;

2.     Smart City App – a one stop app for local councils’ e-government services; and

3.     Smart Workforce – a system that helps local councils manage field teams in real-time.

These services will help councils in their journey towards becoming full-fledged smart cities, as well as improve overall efficiency in their operations and services to their communities.

“Through these POCs, we aim to help the government implement Smart Services in more locations, bringing these technologies closer to everyday Malaysians and improving their way of life. This reflects TM’s role in powering a digital nation and enabling transformation for communities, businesses and Government,” concluded Shazurawati.

3Q 2023 Key Highlights (vs 3Q 2022)

·         Operating Revenue declined 2.6% to RM3.08 billion, due to market challenges

·         PATAMI grew 102.9% from RM265.2 million to RM538.2 million

·         CAPEX investment stood at 15.1% of revenue or RM1.38 billion, mainly for network infrastructure expansion

 

KUALA LUMPUR, 23 November 2023 – Telekom Malaysia Berhad (“TM” or “the Group”) demonstrates resilience in the face of challenging market dynamics, delivering stronger financial performance in the third quarter ended 30 September 2023 (3Q 2023), compared to the corresponding period last year. This steadfast momentum solidifies TM’s position in the local and global telecommunications landscape.

The Group’s Profit After Tax and Non-Controlling Interest (PATAMI) experienced a surge of 102.9% from RM265.2 million to RM538.2 million, against a revenue of RM3.08 billion primarily attributed to a lower tax impact and reduced net finance costs.

The strong performance of two of TM’s lines of business, Unifi and TM Global played a pivotal role in this growth. Unifi’s fixed broadband subscription increased 4.6% reaching 3.12 million, while TM Global’s revenue increased due to heightened demand for both domestic and international data services.

The Group’s year-to-date (YTD) Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) investment stood at RM1.38 billion or 15.1% of the overall revenue. This strategic allocation of resources is directed towards the nationwide network infrastructure expansion and enhancement of its regional submarine cable system.

Reflecting on the 3Q 2023 performance, Amar Huzaimi Md Deris, TM’s Group Chief Executive Officer said, “I am pleased to announce the significant strides we have made amidst intensified competition. Our commitment to advancing quad-play convergence services, coupled with the introduction of attractive and competitive packages, enabled us to retain and expand our customer base, solidifying our portfolio as the true convergence champion.

“Our relentless pursuit of improving mobile coverage nationwide aligns with our dedication to inclusivity, bridging the digital divide, and fostering widespread digital adoption. By ensuring our services are accessible to all, we contribute to creating a more connected and inclusive society.

“Simultaneously, our aggressive expansion of data and network infrastructure is strategically positioned to meet the growing demands of our domestic market and attract more international players. This is a crucial step towards positioning Malaysia as a digital hub for the region, contributing significantly to the creation of a globally connected digital economy.

“TM supports the recently launched New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030 and we are well positioned to unlock technological opportunities whilst driving innovation for the nation and key economic sectors. As we continue our journey towards humanising technologies, our commitment extends beyond services to the development and refinement of smart innovative solutions. It is not just about technological advancement and improving business outcomes but also about enhancing lives, bringing positive impact to the environment and society.

“In summary, these initiatives underscore our goals to foster digitalisation and emerging technologies. Our comprehensive approach reflects TM’s position as a trailblazer in the ever-evolving landscape, with a clear focus on driving positive change and shaping the future of digital connectivity”, added Amar.

 

LINES OF BUSINESS PERFORMANCE

Unifi Drives Innovation and Maintains Growth Trajectory

Unifi recorded 0.7% revenue growth reaching RM1.41 billion, propelled by effective convergence campaigns and robust customer retention activities.

As leader of converged offerings, Unifi continues to elevate connectivity at home and on-the-go through the country’s best fibre network, superior 4G coverage and an expanding 5G nationwide footprint. Driven by vibrant content offerings, improved mobile coverage and competitive new packages, Unifi caters to diverse consumer lifestyles and digital experiences for Malaysians. Unifi received the Open Signal 5G Global Awards 2023, recognising it as one of the fastest 5G telcos in the world.

Unifi Business serves close to 400,000 MSMEs nationwide and further strengthened its position as a preferred digital partner. Its diverse digital solutions help MSMEs build stronger brand presence and online visibility, enhanced by ultra-speed broadband internet and 5G mobile to empower their business.

Looking ahead, Unifi is solidifying its true convergence leadership and powering the MSME digital ecosystem, driving continuous innovation for the nation’s connectivity needs.

 

TM One Navigates Challenges, Continues to Drive Smart Innovation

Despite intense competition, TM One remains a resilient and trusted partner for enterprises and the public sector. Recently, TM One forged a successful collaboration with the Selangor government to launch the Selangor Government Data Exchange (SelGDX) portal, positioning Selangor as the first state in Malaysia to develop a data-sharing platform across its 48 agencies and departments. The portal facilitates secure, fast, and accurate data sharing and processing with enhanced efficiency while fostering transparency and good governance. 

In August, CyberSecurity Malaysia recognised TM One for its role in safeguarding the Critical National Information Infrastructure through its Security Operations Centre and Network Operations Centre. The award reinforces TM One's commitment to protecting data and devices across all network environments, contributing significantly to national security and opens the door to new cybersecurity solution opportunities.

Moving forward, TM One maintains its focus on managed converged next-gen connectivity, smart services, cloud and cybersecurity while remaining steadfast in providing fit-for-purpose solutions to enable industry digital transformation and economic growth. TM One is well positioned to support the recently launched NIMP 2030, dedicated to enabling innovative solutions for the nation and key sectors, spurring new opportunities and driving continuous innovation. 

 

TM Global Strengthens Malaysia position as the Preferred Digital Hub for ASEAN

TM Global reported a 5.0% revenue increase to RM808.6 million from RM769.9 million, driven by encouraging demand for both domestic and international data services.

TM Global actively contributed to Malaysia’s digital transformation through continuous deployment of 5G infrastructure, HSBB access and edge facilities nationwide. These facilities set the foundation for industry players to offer new innovative 5G solutions and industry specific use cases. Despite market challenges, TM Global mitigated the risk through strong collaborations with industry players in promoting wholesale broadband solutions to drive internet inclusivity for the nation.

TM Global signed a Memorandum of Understanding with SK Telecom for the joint development of Multi-Access Edge Computing and participated in the Asia Link Cable System to enhance submarine cable capacity from Malaysia to Asia, amplifying inbound traffic, laying a solid foundation for the future of Malaysia's digital landscape.

Looking ahead, TM Global remains focused on advancing 5G and broadband infrastructure, whilst expanding its submarine cable system and building regional scale in Content Delivery Network. It will further expand its edge and data centre capabilities, positioning Malaysia as the preferred digital hub for ASEAN.

 

2023 Market Guidance

 

Revenue Growth	Flat
EBIT	RM1.8bil - RM2.0bil
CAPEX/Revenue	18% - 20%

 

 

The Group is on track to achieve its 2023 market guidance, reinforcing its commitment to powering a digital future.