20 Mar 2018
68 excellent YTM scholars honoured at ’Majlis Anugerah Kecemerlangan Akademik’
Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) via its foundation Yayasan Telekom Malaysia (YTM) recently recognised 68 outstanding graduates under its scholarship programme who have completed their studies at various levels from local as well as overseas universities at ’Majlis Anugerah Kecemerlangan Akademik 2018’.
16 of the graduates completed their studies with flying colours when they achieved first class honours in their respective courses. Meanwhile, TM’s university, Multimedia University (MMU), produced 44 graduates from the overall total, of which 12 graduated with first class honours.
The awards were presented by Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Sulaiman Mahbob, Chairman of TM who is also the Chairman of YTM and Dato’ Sri Mohammed Shazalli Ramly, Managing Director / Group Chief Executive Officer, TM in a ceremony held at TM Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur. Also present at the ceremony were Nor Suhaimi Sulong, Acting Chief Human Capital Officer, TM, Abdul Hamid Hashim, Director of YTM and YTM Board of Trustees.
"I wish to congratulate the recipients for their outstanding achievement. YTM is indeed proud to be an education accelerator and career development provider for our graduates. I hope that these YTM scholars will continue to excel in their career and contribute effectively to TM in facing the challenges of the digital era,” said Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Sulaiman.
“I’m also proud to see that most of the first class graduates recognised today are from our own university, MMU. As the trusted partner in key nation-building initiatives including education, we at TM Group remain committed to our role as the country’s key enabler in the delivery of innovative digital services and solutions for the education sector towards building a knowledge-based workforce for the country. In the imminent fourth industrial revolution or aptly known as the Industry 4.0 today, there is even greater need to produce not only competent talents in ICT, Multimedia and digital technologies, but also those in related disciplines who are able to embrace these technologies, in order to form a viable innovative ecosystem for the nation. Spearheading TM’s education cluster in the past 20 years, MMU plays a vital role in meeting this need by providing quality industry-relevant education and training, whilst ensuring a steady pipeline of highly capable talents with an entrepreneurial mindset to equip the nation,” he added.
MMU is always ready to prepare its graduates in fulfilling current and future industry needs. With its updated curriculum and dynamic learning environment, the university emphasises on a well-rounded education system in producing high quality of graduates.
TM through YTM has been supporting the graduates from foundation studies up to their first bachelor degree. Recipients of YTM scholarships will not only receive financial aid throughout their studies, but will be attending self-development programmes to enter the career world. Besides education, YTM also embarks on sustainable efforts to preserve our local heritage and culture.
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TM Adopts 35 Schools Under Sekolah Angkat Malaysia MADANI, Strengthening Commitment to Nation Building
KUALA LUMPUR, 21 August 2025 – Telekom Malaysia Berhad (“TM” or “the Group”), through its foundation arm, Yayasan TM (YTM), has strengthened its commitment to nation building by adopting 35 schools under the Government’s Sekolah Angkat Malaysia MADANI initiative. Spanning across the country, particularly in remote and underserved areas, the initiative is driven by the Group’s greater purpose to empower future talents and build a more inclusive future through education and technology. At the heart of this initiative is TM Future Skills (TMFS) programme, designed to enhance digital skills among students from B40 or low-income families by integrating digital technologies into their learning experiences. Under the programme, selected “nucleus” schools will be allocated with a digital hub aiming to spark students’ interest in digital exploration and STEM subjects. These hubs are equipped with resources such as PocketLab, robotics kits, 3D printers, drones, tablets and digital learning content. The 2025 TMFS curriculum has been further enhanced to include artificial intelligence (AI) and coding, aligned with the demands of Industry 4.0 and Malaysia’s future digital talents aspirations. TM Group Chief Executive Officer, Amar Huzaimi Md Deris said, “These schools will not only serve their own students but will also extend support and knowledge-sharing to neighbouring satellite schools. This strategic approach enables us to scale the impact of our efforts and reach far beyond the adopted schools themselves, with an estimated 65,000 students nationwide set to benefit from this initiative. “Since we introduced the TMFS programme in 2023, we have established three “nucleus” schools and positively impacted over 10,000 students and 1,000 teachers. It is our way of ensuring that no one is left behind in Malaysia’s journey towards becoming a digital nation,” said Amar. Meanwhile, outstanding Form 4 and Form 5 students from these schools are also eligible for TM’s Young Leaders Scholarship, which serves as a platform to identify candidates for YTM’s Future Leaders Scholarship, offering full financial aid for tertiary studies. “We have always believed that education is the most powerful way to empower the future. By supporting Sekolah Angkat Malaysia MADANI as part of our nation building agenda, we are nurturing hope, unlocking potential, and investing in the next digital talents for the nation. This is how we balance success with greater purpose, and how we bring our aspiration of becoming a Digital Powerhouse by 2030 to life,” said Amar.
Yayasan TM announces appointment of new director; embarks on transformation journey
With the aim of delivering even greater impact to the society at large, Yayasan TM (YTM), the foundation arm of Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) is embarking on a transformation journey with an expansion of its scope and responsibilities. This will elevate YTM into a more social impact-based foundation spearheading TM Group's Corporate Responsibility (CR) initiatives. Under the transformation, YTM will be consolidating the CR initiatives across TM Group and focusing on three (3) strengthened pillars namely Education, Community & Nation Building, and Tourism, Culture & Heritage. The foundation will also be adopting a more collaborative model to run its programmes to support the overall ecosystem with like-minded organisations for greater socio-economic impact. To drive this, TM has announced the appointment of Izlyn Ramli as the new Director of YTM effective 1st August 2021. Commenting on Izlyn's appointment, Imri Mokhtar, Group Chief Executive Officer, TM and member of the Board of Trustees (BoT), YTM said: "Since 1994, YTM has performed its noble duty of supporting the academic ambitions of young high-potential students across the nation. Many of these students went on to become successful leaders, including here at TM. We believe that YTM is now ready to step up into a much larger role beyond scholarships. Moving forward, it will consolidate education, tourism, culture and heritage, as well as CR activities and resources within TM Group. This is also in support of the New TM focus on the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) aspect of our business, as well as further strengthening the TM Group's aspirations in enabling Digital Malaysia. Izlyn brings her expertise in communication, branding, stakeholder management and CR to lead this strategic shift in YTM. We look forward to her stewardship in driving YTM to greater heights and emerge as a leading high-profile social impact foundation in the country." At the same time, Imri also expressed his appreciation to Izlyn's predecessor, Abd. Hamid Hashim: "On behalf of the Board of Trustees and Warga YTM, we wish to thank Abd Hamid Hashim for the valuable contributions he has made to YTM over the past seven (7) years. YTM has continued to develop more future leaders not only via financial assistance but also self-development programmes, especially in critical thinking for leaders and workforce readiness. Besides education, he also embarked on sustainable efforts to preserve local heritage and culture, notably through the launch of the Telegraph Museum in Taiping. He will support the Education Pillar in YTM with expanded programmes consolidated from the Group and a holistic approach from primary to tertiary levels; towards an Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR4.0) ready future workforce." "With that, we would like to wish Abd. Hamid all the best, and we would also like to welcome Izlyn as the new Director of YTM," concluded Imri. For more information on YTM, visit www.tm.com.my. PROFILE OF IZLYN RAMLI Izlyn, brings with her close to 30 years of experience in a wide range of industries including telecommunications, finance and accounting, with expertise in Strategy and Policy, Stakeholder Management and Engagement, Financial Analysis, Strategic and Crisis Communication, Brand Management, Social Media and Digital Management, Customer Experience, Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability. Her last held position was Vice President (VP), Group Strategic Communication (GSC), with the primary role of safeguarding and enhancing TM's image and reputation, and manages part of the Group's corporate responsibility (CR) efforts. She joined TM in 1998 and served 10 years in Group Strategy and Planning. From 2006 until 2008, she was also appointed Special Assistant to the TM Group Chairman. After a 2-year stint outside the Company, Izlyn returned to TM as VP, Group Corporate Communication on 1 October 2010 and was appointed VP, Group Brand and Communication effective 1 June 2014. Izlyn has served as part of TM's Management Committee and Group Leadership Team, and sits on several other key TM managerial committees. She was also a director for Telekom Sales and Services Sdn Bhd (TSSSB) and sat on the Board of Trustees for Yayasan TM (YTM). Izlyn has served several other companies including PricewaterhouseCoopers, BzW Capital and Axiata Group Berhad. She holds a Masters in Business Administration (Distinction) from City University (Cass) Business School, London, specialising in Strategic Management of Technology and E-Business and a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Economics from University College London.
TM appoints Dato’ Mohd Rais Azhar as the new CTIO
Bids farewell to Dato’ Rafaai Samsi on his retirement after 40 years of service in TM Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) today announced the appointment of Dato' Mohd Rais Azhar as its new Chief Technology & Innovation Officer (CTIO) with effect from 18 February 2018, following the retirement of Dato' Rafaai Samsi as the CTIO of TM on 14 February 2018. Prior to this, Dato' Rais was the Deputy CTIO, and in addition to his role as the new CTIO, Dato' Mohd Rais remains the Chief Information Security Officer of TM - the position that he has served since 2017. Dato' Mohd Rais joined TM in 1988, and 2018 marks his 30th year with the Company. As TM's CTIO, he will be responsible for Network, IT and overall technical delivery, fulfilment and assurance for TM Group. In addition, Dato' Rais will strategise, formulate, direct and lead the implementation and operations of Information Security organisation. This covers Information Security Strategy, Architecture, Governance, Risk, Compliance, Development, Threat Intelligent and Operations in order to ensure the Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability of information assets protection for TM Group. Commenting on the new appointment, Dato' Sri Mohammed Shazalli Ramly, Group Chief Executive Officer, TM said, "We are pleased to congratulate Dato' Mohd Rais on his promotion as TM's CTIO. As a TM home grown leader, he has the experience and expertise to elevate innovation at TM in the era of digital natives." Dato' Rais has vast experience in Malaysia's telecommunications industry and he was also one of the pioneers in establishing Corporate Information Superhighway (COINS) team, providing the first TM's Frame Relay service back in 1997. In addition, Dato' Mohd Rais has been involved in and actively led numerous transformation projects in TM including both High Speed Broadband (HSBB) projects. Meanwhile, Dato' Sri Shazalli also expressed his utmost gratitude to Dato' Rafaai Samsi for his dedication, contribution and loyalty to the TM Group during his tenure, "We would like to express our highest gratitude to Dato' Rafaai for all that he has done for TM. In the 40 years that he has served TM and the nation, he has engineered not just our technical transformation, but more importantly, our transformation from being a network-oriented company, to one that is service-oriented." "As the former CTIO, Dato' Rafaai's behind-the-scenes contribution and efforts towards TM's success goes beyond Information Technology & Network Technology. The change that he pioneered at Customer Experience has been transformational. He has changed the mindset of Warga Keluarga TM to become even more customer-centric. This is certainly in line with our consistently above global telco average Customer Satisfaction Measure (TRI*M) index scores over the years - a testament to our concerted efforts in improving customer experience. This laid the foundation of TM as Malaysia's Convergence Champion and strengthens our brand promise of "Life Made Easier"," he added. "We are grateful for not just his professional and technical contributions to the Group, but also his efforts in nurturing talent. Dato' Rafaai has been a mentor and coach to many people in TM that are now among our current crop of leaders. The management and Warga Keluarga TM are immensely grateful to Dato' Rafaai for his leadership and all his contributions to the Company. We would like to take this opportunity to wish him all the best for his future endeavours," Dato' Sri Shazalli concluded. Profiles Dato' Mohd Rais Azhar Dato' Mohd Rais Azhar, aged 54, was appointed as Chief Technology & Innovation Officer (CTIO) and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) effective 14 February 2018. A Bachelor of Science (Computer Science) Degree graduate from Indiana State University, USA; Dato' Mohd Rais is also the Chief Information Security Officer of TM since 1st January 2017. Prior to this, he was the Deputy Chief Technology & Innovation Officer of TM in 2017 and was appointed as Vice President of Network Architecture and Technology in 2010. Dato' Rais is the Chairman of TM Technical Security Council and a board member of Telekom Research & Development Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of TM. In 2017, Dato Rais attended Leading Digital Business Transformation programme at IMD Business School in Lausanne, Switzerland as part of his executive education. Dato' Rafaai Samsi Dato' Rafaai holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons.) in Electronic Engineering from Brighton University, United Kingdom and a Masters in Communications Management from the University of Strathclyde, United Kingdom. He started his career in telecommunications with the then Jabatan Telekom Malaysia in 1978. He was later appointed CEO of TM - NTT Communications Corporation's joint venture company in July 1997 before returning to TM in July 2001, where he was assigned as General Manager of a number of divisions including State Business Operations, Market Development and Domestic Carrier Business Division. He was then appointed Vice President, Marketing and Sales for the Wholesale segment in October 2006 and subsequently promoted to Executive Vice President to lead the Wholesale Line of Business on 1 July 2008. Dato' Rafaai was assigned as Deputy CTIO to run the day-to-day operations and turn-around initiatives of the IT and Network Technology Division since January 2013. He was assigned as Head of Customer Experience Management and Transformation reporting directly to TM Group CEO on 1 July 2014 and at the same time, remained as the Deputy CTIO. He was also the Chairman of Service Management Council (SMC) responsible for TM's overall customer service management. Before his retirement from TM, Dato' Rafaai was TM's Chief Technology & Innovation Officer (CTIO) and Chief Customer Experience Officer since 18 February 2017.
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