01 Sep 2023
WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY AND UNIFI EXPAND PARTNERSHIP WITH LAUNCH OF HBO PACK & HBO GO ON UNIFI TV
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA (September 1, 2023) – Warner Bros. Discovery and Unifi today announced an expansion of their partnership in Malaysia, with the launch of four HBO channels and the HBO GO streaming service.
HBO, HBO Family, HBO Hits and Cinemax will launch on Unifi TV, offering audiences access to some of the world’s best TV series and movies. All Unifi TV Pack subscribers will be able to enjoy them as a 30-day free preview from September 1.
With HGTV and Cartoon Network also added on Unifi TV in August, WBD now offers nine of its channels as well as the regional streaming service, HBO GO, which will be available in October.
Shonali Bedi, Head of Affiliate Distribution & Digital Partnerships – Southeast Asia & Hong Kong, Warner Bros. Discovery, said: “WBD’s content portfolio with Unifi is going from strength to strength. With the addition of the HBO channels on Unifi TV and HBO GO, more fans in Malaysia will be able to enjoy HBO’s unique brand of premium entertainment than ever before. HBO GO offers subscribers a chance download and stream the greatest array of storytelling for all audiences, with movies and series across genres – drama, comedy, kids, factual, lifestyle and more – anytime, anywhere.”
Anand Vijayan, Unifi’s Executive Vice President, said, “We are pleased to work with Warner Bros. Discovery once more to expand our international channel selections for all Unifi TV customers. These movie channels will be a great addition to our line-up bringing our offerings to 77 channels. Through this partnership we are strengthening Unifi TV’s international channel and streaming app offerings which already includes global streaming partners and enhancing online content and entertainment options at affordable prices for all Malaysians. To thank our loyal customers, we will offer these channels as a 30-day free preview to all Unifi TV Pack subscribers from September 1.”
HBO is one of the most respected and innovative entertainment brands in the world, known for shows like Game of Thrones, The Last of Us, House of the Dragon and The White Lotus – as well as many of Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters, including Emmy® award-winning dramas Succession and Barry.
Unifi TV customers will have access to current hit titles, including the second season of Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, HBO Asia Original MarkKim + Chef, and new movie premieres on HBO in September including Shazam! Fury of the Gods, Tár and Dungeon & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. From October onwards, HBO GO will also become available to Unifi TV subscribers giving them unparalleled streaming access to DC series and movies, HBO Originals, Wizarding World, Looney Tunes, Tom & Jerry and much more across multiple devices.
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TM Records a Promising 1Q2023 Performance with 2.0% Revenue Growth; Continues to Strengthen its Core Business
1Q2023 Key Highlights (vs 1Q2022) · Operating Revenue grew 2.0% from RM2.89 billion to RM2.95 billion, with continuous growth across Unifi and TM Global · EBIT decreased 15.5% from RM560.4 million to RM473.3 million, following accelerated depreciation and impairment · PATAMI lower 2.9% from RM339.9 million to RM330.1 million, lower EBIT cushioned by lower net finance cost and effective tax rate · CAPEX investment stood at 14.0% of revenue or RM413.1 million, heavily attributed to fibre network expansion Amidst the challenges for the year, Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) achieved a steady and promising performance in the first quarter that ended on 31 March 2023, compared to the same period in the previous year (YoY). Operating revenue grew 2.0% to RM2.95 billion, from RM2.89 billion in 2022, driven by Unifi and TM Global. TM saw an increase in customers with Unifi now serving close to 3.5 million home and MSME customers, TM One catering to 8,800 businesses, and TM Global serving more than 700 local and regional customers. Its reported Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) is lower 15.5% to RM473.3 million, from RM560.4 million, following the Group’s decision to accelerate depreciation and impairment of IT assets, due to changes in market conditions. Profit After Tax and Minority Interest (PATAMI) decreased 2.9% to RM330.1 million from RM339.9 million. Lower net finance cost and lower effective tax rate from the recognition of deferred tax assets mitigated the impact of the lower EBIT on the Group’s overall profitability. Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) stood at 14.0% of overall revenue, or RM413.1 million. A significant portion of this investment was dedicated to fortifying its fibre infrastructure, delivering new customer acquisition, international subsea cables investment and 5G fibre network deployment to meet Government’s target of 80% coverage by year end. Unifi sustaining growth trajectory Unifi continues to deliver leadership in convergence service and solutions for both home and MSMEs customers. Unifi reported a 1Q2023 revenue growth of 4.3% from RM1.38 billion to RM1.44 billion contributed by both, growth in number of subscribers and average revenue per customer (ARPC). Unifi fixed broadband subscription increased by 8.1% to 3.08 million propelled by aggressive sales, and promotions such as the 6-months complimentary speed upgrade offered to existing Unifi Home users and 7-days free viewing of all Unifi TV channels during Chinese New Year. Unifi Mobile unveiled its latest offerings, the UNI5G prepaid and postpaid plans, which include complimentary 5G access for all current mobile subscribers. Additionally, Unifi introduced the Pakej Perpaduan Jalur Lebar Tetap (Home Internet) and Pakej Perpaduan Prabayar Mudah Alih (Prepaid Mobile) plans specifically designed for underserved communities, providing inclusive and ubiquitous connectivity for the community. Unifi Business’ collaborative efforts with local government agencies have been instrumental in supporting MSMEs to digitally grow their businesses. As part of this initiative, Unifi Business launched a programme in Sabah that has resulted in a significant participation of local entrepreneurs. TM One navigating challenging market and shifting demand TM One recorded a 6.7% slowdown in revenue from RM773.7 million to RM721.9 million in the current quarter, largely due to the impact of price reduction and lower revenue from one-off customer projects. The delivery of key projects across several industries shall set the pace for TM One in the coming quarters. TM One delivered a Private 5G solution to enable Smart Industry solutions and completed a hybrid cloud project that is instrumental to the IT backbone transformation of its customer. TM is also the only telco with a 100% completion record for the Point of Presence (POP) Phase 1 Project, successfully delivering 233 sites across the northern states, Sabah and Sarawak. Building on the success of TM One 5G Sphere Partner Programme launched end of 2022 where more than 90 leading partners are registered today, TM One launched its Sandbox platform providing a secure and controlled environment for enterprise and Government customers with technology partners to co-create and commercialise innovative smart service solutions, which will propel their digitalisation and automation drive. TM Global catalysing digital inclusivity TM Global reported continuous growth in 1Q2023, with revenue increasing by 3.9% from RM625.1 million to RM649.2 million, contributed by higher data and data centre co-location services. As the leading partner for High-Speed Broadband Access (HSBA), TM Global achieved the highest number of new installations in March, supporting collective industry growth throughout Malaysia. Additionally, close to 8,000 4G and 5G fiberisation site were deployed to meet the growing demands of industry players and enhance nationwide edge capabilities, further propelling national digital initiatives. Internationally, TM Global secured deals from US-based hyperscaler and North Asia digital provider for its wholesale data centre solutions as well as a substantial deal from ASEAN telecommunication player for more than 10Tbps data requirement within this region. TM Global remains focused on positioning Malaysia as the preferred digital hub for the ASEAN region through its comprehensive and customised offerings for hyperscalers, global carriers and digital players. Commentary and Outlook from Dato’ Imri Mokhtar, TM Group Chief Executive Officer “2023 is expected to be a challenging year with changes in the regulatory landscape, heightened competition and other market structure changes. TM will continue strengthening its core business to be commercially sustainable as a Public Listed Company (PLC) whilst continuing to contribute to the nation’s growth via its role as a Government Linked Company (GLC). “As the national connectivity and digital infrastructure provider, TM will continue to execute the fiberisation plan to support the Government’s National Digital Network (JENDELA) programmes as well as the 5G rollout nationwide. TM looks forward to continue playing an active role in the 5G implementation, leveraging its nationwide fibre infrastructure, extensive digital platforms (data centres, edge nodes) and rollout experience. “We remain steadfast as we enter the final year of our 2021-2023 Transformation Programme, and pursue the next wave of growth beyond 2023. In line with our journey to become a human-centred TechCo, we announced the launch of TM’s new HQ and Campus, located in Cyberjaya. The campus will serve as a catalyst for a new way of working that drives agility and flexibility through digital collaboration and hybrid work environment, propelling innovation among our employees, customers and partners. “We will continue to advocate sustainability efforts and strive for progress. TM has released our first Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) report, 2 years ahead of Bursa Malaysia’s 2025 requirement. The report focuses on increasing transparency around the financial implications of an organisations’ climate-related risks and opportunities. “Though cautious with the overall outlook, we remain optimistic with the prospects of increased hyperconnectivity, continuous growth investments in connectivity and digitalisation across all customer segments. TM will continue to enable a Digital Malaysia by offering comprehensive suite of communication services and digital solutions benefitting communities, businesses and Government.”
TM supports affected small businesses and communities through “Inisiatif Tolong Menolong”
Reaching out to more than 140 SME businesses and 14,000 families nationwide as part of the ongoing Malaysia Prihatin movement. Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) stays committed to its efforts in lending support and aid to affected Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) businesses and communities during this challenging period of COVID-19 pandemic. In view of the immense impact of this unprecedented period, Yayasan TM (YTM), TM's social impact-based foundation and also its Corporate Responsibility arm, embarked on a food bank programme called "Inisiatif Tolong Menolong", as part of the ongoing "Malaysia Prihatin" movement. The two (2) months programme is aimed at supporting local SME businesses such as grocery stores, sundry shops and restaurants as well as community groups in need including B40 families and the homeless, who are affected by the pandemic and enforcement of Movement Control Order (MCO). For this initiative, YTM works with TM's state offices nationwide to identify the local SMEs and provide the beneficiaries with basic necessities to alleviate their burden during this challenging time. Izlyn Ramli, Director of YTM shared: "We understand that the MCO is necessary to keep Malaysians safe during this pandemic, but it brought its own challenges to our livelihood. This is where YTM and TM Group continue to lend our helping hand wherever possible, embracing the spirit of "Malaysia Prihatin" and #kitajagakita. Apart from other ongoing initiatives to help the nation bounce back, we have embarked on this nationwide "Inisiatif Tolong Menolong" that adopts a two-pronged approach – providing basic necessities to those in need by purchasing the items from the local SME businesses in the vicinity. This will help the beneficiaries while at the same time assisting in the survival of the affected local SMEs. We hope this humble assistance can make life and business easier for them, and they have a chance to rebuild their lives together." "We are also very grateful for the great support and cooperation from the TM state offices and our various stakeholders on the ground who have worked tirelessly to make this initiative a success," Izlyn concluded. The initiative, kicked off on 20 August 2021 nationwide, is set to benefit more than 140 SME businesses, which were selected as collection points for the identified 14,000 families to get their basic food supplies in their respective areas. This programme is also part of the collective humanitarian efforts of the GLC/GLIC Disaster Response Network (GDRN), for which YTM is co-chair together with Khazanah Nasional Berhad's Yayasan Hasanah, under Ministry of Finance (MOF)-GDRN PERMAI Relief Fund 2021; a matching grant announced under Initiative 6 of Pakej Bantuan Perlindungan Ekonomi & Rakyat Malaysia (PERMAI) to provide immediate relief to those adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disaster. Earlier this year, TM had disbursed RM1.5 million of the TM's MOF-GDRN PERMAI Relief Fund 2021 via 17 NGOs nationwide and benefited more than 10,000 families from various backgrounds. Also under this fund, working together with Persatuan OKU Sentral and GDRN partners, TM has recently contributed a month's supply of food for front-liners and volunteers working at a Drive-Through Vaccine Center (PPV) specifically for the special needs community, including their guardians and senior citizens in Johor Bahru. To date, the TM Group including YTM has extended close to RM20 million through various initiatives to ease the lives of affected communities, and in continuous support of Malaysia's nation-building and community welfare agenda in these challenging times. YTM joins all Malaysians in prayer for the safety and health of the nation, together may we return stronger.
unifi introduces: no contract, no rules, no complications - the best of unifi wireless broadband!
Are you a young professional who always on the move? Or are you still looking for a place to finally call home? What if there is a solution for you to stay connected without the mandatories of a permanent address and a contract? Well, you are now set free with unifi! As the premier convergence brand under Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM), unifi is offering an all new service where you can enjoy seamless and reliable internet solution, the unifi Wireless Broadband. Imri Mokhtar, Executive Vice President, unifi said, “We want to always ensure that our customers get the best experience from unifi. For customers who resides within the unifi LTE coverage areas, this is the perfect solution for you. With this seamless connection, you will be able to experience the lifestyle you wish for. Just download and upload anything that you want. Enjoy uninterrupted video streaming with family or friends. Do your online shopping, read an e-book, or simply stay in touch with a friend, you can now stay online and do so much more all day, at any time. There are no rules and no restrictions. Not limiting you to any which way you want to use your data, unlike others, making this the perfect solution for you.” “Staying true to our promise of 'Life Made Easier', this solution will strengthen unifi’s role as the nation’s Convergence Champion brand. We will continue to deliver our commitment to provide the best converged customer experience to all Malaysians, from all walks of life,” he added. Easy to sign up and with NO CONTRACT, the unifi Wireless Broadband is a plug and play, with no wires, and no hacking as well as no installation required. Catering up to 64 devices, homes with multiple users will be able to experience this new service with total peace of mind. Exclusive via the unifi perfect squad, this unifi Wireless Broadband service comes with monthly 60GB internet data, at only RM83.74 per month (inclusive of GST). As part of the subscription, the wireless router device is only RM599 (normal price: RM1,099) so you can own the device and move with it. Limited to three (3) units per customer, the device comes with a 12-month warranty. As you are not bound with a contract, so there is no penalty and no returning hassle. For high data-users, if the 60GB data is not enough for you, fret not, you can simply purchase top-up from the unifi mobile care application or via online at https://mobile.unifi.com.my/ to enjoy 20GB for only RM40, that lasts up to 90 days! Do look out for TM’s unifi perfect squad coming to your neighbourhood soon to #pasangsekarang (#installnow). They will be offering both the service and device to you; and some exciting freebies may also be in store for the lucky ones! unifi is the one for you to deliver fast and seamless internet experience everywhere and anytime, enabling connectivity on all devices with an easy and worry-free experience. With a wide range of digital solutions, unifi is committed to manifest TM’s promise of ‘Life Made Easier’. For more information on unifi and its products and offerings, log on to unifi.com.my.
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