22 Sep 2025
TM JOINS CANDLE SUBMARINE CABLE SYSTEM CONSORTIUM TO CONNECT MALAYSIA AND ASEAN COUNTRIES TO JAPAN
KUALA LUMPUR, September 22, 2025 – TM, Meta, SoftBank Corp.,
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.
"
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.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
TM and NCT Group Expand Partnership to Deliver Smart, Sustainable Industrial Parks Across Malaysia
Selangor, September 17, 2025 – Telekom Malaysia (TM), via its enterprise and government solutions arm TM One, and NCT Group of Companies (NCT Group), through its wholly owned subsidiary NCT AI Sdn Bhd, have signed a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) to extend smart industrial park solutions nationwide. Building on their 2022 agreement for the NCT Smart Industrial Park (NSIP) in Selangor, this expanded partnership will see TM deliver not only advanced connectivity, but also smart solutions, cloud, and ICT services to modernise NCT’s operations and enhance customer experiences across its wider developments, including NCT Innosphere within the Delapan Special Border Economic Zone in Kedah and the Group’s corporate headquarters. Together, NCT and TM will also co-develop go-to-market strategies to position NCT’s Smart Industrial Parks as future-ready investment hubs, attracting global and local industries, and replicating the model across Malaysia to drive economic growth, sustainability and digital adoption. The MoC was formalised at the Smart City Expo Kuala Lumpur 2025 between Simon Chan, NCT Group’s General Manager of Sales & Marketing and Megawati Norhashim, TM One’s Vice President for Enterprise Business, and witnessed by Dato’ Sri Yap Ngan Choy, NCT Group’s Founder & Group Managing Director, TM’s Members of the Board Datuk Bazlan Osman and Dr. Tunku Alina Raja Muhd Alias, together with Amar Huzaimi Md Deris, TM’s Group CEO. Amar Huzaimi Md Deris shared, “This partnership reflects TM’s role not just as a connectivity provider, but as the enabler of smart industrial ecosystems. This partnership reflects TM’s role not just as a connectivity provider, but as the enabler of smart industrial ecosystems. With our Vision AI, Intelligent Operations Centre, intelligent building management systems and other smart solutions, we are powering NCT’s Smart Industrial Parks into fully integrated, future-ready hubs for businesses and communities. This is how we deliver on our aspiration to be a Digital Powerhouse by 2030, creating platforms that drive Malaysia’s digitalisation, sustainability and industrial growth." Dato’ Sri Yap Ngan Choy said, “Our first undertaking with TM established a clear direction to redefine Malaysia’s industrial park landscape, with the goal to create a national model for smart, sustainable and digitally driven industrial growth. As a result, NSIP today is well on its way to becoming a competitive regional hub for high-value industries, innovation-led enterprises and global investors aligned with the Malaysia Smart City Framework. With this new collaboration, we expect to advance the progress made to-date and strategically extend the success of that model. This reflects our commitment to supporting Malaysia’s digital transformation, while moving towards a low-carbon economy.” About NSIP NSIP is currently equipped with high-speed fibre connectivity, public 5G coverage, IoT-enabled networks, and an AI-powered security ecosystem equipped with panoramic cameras, licence plate recognition, thermal imaging, and real-time traffic monitoring. Complemented by integrated smart street lighting, traffic management, environmental sensors and a centralised Intelligent Operation Centre (IOC), along with solar-ready factories and green technologies, NSIP currently stands as one of Malaysia’s most advanced and sustainable industrial hubs. Situated within the Integrated Development Region in South Selangor (IDRISS), NSIP is redefining industrial excellence. Focusing on smart technologies and green solutions, NCT Group and TM are committed to a partnership that will set new standards for the nation’s economic resilience.
TM calls on members of the public to donate pre-loved devices to the MYBAIKHATI campaign
Three (3) TMpoint outlets in Klang Valley now ready to accept device donations for B40 families Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) is supporting MYBAIKHATI, an industry-wide device crowdsourcing initiative aimed to collect and repair used communication devices to be distributed to low income families (B40). TM has set up three (3) of its TMpoint outlets in the Klang Valley as collection points to facilitate the donation drive. The outlets are TM Experience Centre (TMEC) at Menara TM, Bangsar; TMpoint Cyberjaya and TMpoint Shah Alam. The collection points will be progressively expanded nationwide in the near future. Commenting on TM Group's participation, Imri Mokhtar, Group Chief Executive Officer, TM said: "Everyone should have access to digital devices, especially in these times. The MYBAIKHATI campaign aims to provide the B40 community with usable smart devices for digital learning, work and business, so they have the means to weather through this unprecedented period. TM is excited to be part of this industry-wide initiative as together, we can help to alleviate the burden of the underprivileged and at the same time reduce the digital gap. We have kick-started this year-long donation campaign by setting up three (3) of our TMpoint outlets in the Klang Valley as the designated collection points in this pilot phase; so members of the public who are keen to donate can conveniently drop off their devices. We will definitely explore more locations nationwide to enable more people to take part and make their contribution." "We hope our fellow Malaysians, individuals and businesses, can come forth in the spirit of caring and generosity by donating your pre-loved used laptops, chromebooks, 4G-enabled tablets or 4G smartphones. The campaign runs for 12 months, so we hope you have ample time to sift through your belongings or consider a donation as you upgrade the devices for your own families. After making your contribution with us, don't forget to redeem a special token of appreciation for your kind gesture. Please join us in this collective effort towards enabling a more digital society, digital businesses and ultimately, a Digital Malaysia," he added. TM calls for all Malaysians and members of the public, be it individuals or companies to donate their used devices. TM will repair and refurbish devices that meet the terms and conditions with an allocation of up to RM500 for each device. The refurbished devices will then be distributed to eligible families in the B40 segment, through an appointed Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), or through other various channels including selected "Pusat Internet Komuniti" (PIKs) nationwide. The donated devices that do not meet the requirements of the initiative will be responsibly recycled via the existing e-Waste programme. To be part of this noble initiative, simply follow these simple steps: Make sure your device is in working condition and is complete with its charger. Do make sure that your personal information and data has been completely deleted Bring the device(s) to the designated TMpoint outlets, meet with our staff and fill up the Device Contribution Form as well as the Contribution Acknowledgement Form Place the device(s) in the storage facility provided Redeem a token of our appreciation for your donation For more information on how you can be part of MYBAIKHATI initiative supported by TM, visit www.tm.com.my/mybaikhati.
unifi business a boost for MSMEs as economic recovery gains momentum
unifi Business Solutions help MSMEs kick start their online businesses As the country's National Recovery Plan gathers pace, many Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are ready to take advantage of the re-opening of economic sectors. In this respect, unifi has recently come up with solutions to help these businesses, many of which have transitioned seamlessly into the digital space post-COVID19 pandemic. In view of this, unifi is taking proactive steps to ensure that MSMEs can achieve business sustainability with its innovative offerings. This was made possible by partnering with proven technology partners and Government agencies that understand the needs of Malaysian businesses. With unifi Business Solutions, MSMEs can grow their businesses online and significantly boost sales and productivity at minimal costs through reliable high-speed Internet that comes with an array of tried-and-tested business solutions, including productivity and marketing tools. With solutions that suit the needs of current businesses, unifi Business Solutions have now established itself as the go-to platform for Malaysian MSMEs. This is attributed to its exceptional service, which includes swift, dependable nationwide support and sound, thought-out advice by its team of experienced consultants. For businesses venturing into the digital marketplace, they have the option of signing up with Digital Marketing Solutions where they can enhance their online presence by setting up a website, getting a business listing and securing more businesses with Facebook and Instagram ads. With cari@unifi Premium Listing, businesses are able to reach a wider customer base through postings listing and articles on unifi's cari@unifi marketplace platform. Productivity can be increased by signing up with Microsoft 365, where businesses can have real-time solutions to connect and collaborate anytime, anywhere. Understanding that new businesses might be overwhelmed with the digital marketplace maze, unifi Business, together with partners and Government agencies, offer free digital upskilling classes to MSMEs. Localised webinars by consultants and partners are held regularly to ensure that no businesses are left behind in the journey towards business digitalisation. In addition, all unifi business broadband and mobile customers will enjoy the benefits as a member of the unifi Business Club (uBC) where they will get access to relevant and current content at the uBC portal (https://ubc.unifi.com.my). Here, they can find content such as webinars, talk shows, live chats, events, business tips and articles that can help them navigate the business world. uBC members will also enjoy specialised financial assistance, productivity boosters, digital marketing platforms, tools and community engagement programmes that are tailored to a variety of business needs. Mohamad Yusman Ammeran, Head of SME Segment, unifi said with more economic sectors opening up, many MSMEs have embraced digitalisation to sustain and thrive, after a challenging period owing to the COVID-19 restrictions. "MSMEs form the backbone of our economy and Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) and unifi are ever ready to help these enterprises get back on their feet, come back stronger and help accelerate the country's economic recovery," he said. Yusman added that under unifi's current campaign, MSMEs could enjoy up to 50% off savings or get an RM5,000 matching grant for each company, as part of the PEMULIH initiative announced by the Government in June 2021. To encourage sign-ups amongst MSMEs, unifi is also offering exciting prizes under its Sign Up & Drive Away contest. The prizes include nine (9) four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles during the contest period which will end on 31 December 2021. Other prizes include laptops, smartphones and computer tablets. So far, five (5) 4WD vehicles have been won, including by the latest winners, Zainun Ngah Enterprise and GAP Empire Trading, both of which are in the retail sector. Speaking at the prize giving event to the latest winners recently, Yusman said: "This is an excellent opportunity for local MSMEs to increase their productivity while reducing their operating cost, and at the same time, stand to win exciting prizes. We believe these offerings will help our customers bounce back stronger and help grow the Malaysian economy. We hope they see unifi Business not just as a service provider, but as an integral partner of their business journey." "unifi's online business solutions for MSMEs is in line with TM's support towards the Government's initiatives, such as JENDELA and MyDIGITAL, and fits into the Company's role as the enabler of Digital Malaysia," he added. For more information on unifi Business Solutions and MSME Digitalisation grant offerings, please visit www.unifi.com.my/business/smegrant.
NEWSLETTER
Just drop your details and stay updated with the world of Telekom Malaysia. We promise – no spam!