21 Oct 2020
Funding Societies and TMIM team up to provide digital financing access and support to MSMEs
Financial assistance for underserved local MSMEs from Funding Societies utilising Yellow Pages digital advertising solutions to help with business expansion and sustainability during these challenging times.
Funding Societies Malaysia, the largest peer-to-peer (P2P) financing platform in the country and Southeast Asia recently collaborated with TM Info-Media Sdn Bhd (TMIM), a subsidiary of Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) to offer business financing solutions for the underserved and unserved local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The mission kicks off into high gear with the prime utilisation of Yellow Pages' digital platform, a product of TMIM and also the leading digital business directory in Malaysia.
The collaboration will provide MSMEs with greater access to digital financing solutions. The solutions will facilitate business expansions as well as ensure sustainability of the MSMEs. It provides vital financing options to existing MSMEs and serves as a launch pad to aspiring entrepreneurs. The synergistic collaboration takes momentous steps towards Funding Societies' mission to improve the livelihoods of MSMEs and TM's role as the enabler of Digital Malaysia.
It also opens the door for as many as 70,000 MSMEs under the Yellow Pages listings to a variety of tailor-made financing products. With the aim of bringing game-changing revolutions to their customers, Yellow Pages Malaysia is no stranger to making innovative transformations in order to stay current in the digital age.
Wong Kah Meng, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Funding Societies Malaysia, commented on the partnership: "Digital financing is becoming more prevalent in Malaysia given its ability to promote financial inclusion, particularly benefiting the MSMEs that are either unserved or underserved by traditional financing avenues by providing easy access to financing solutions. As the largest P2P financing platform in the region, our partnership with TMIM will serve to accelerate our reach in providing the financing support that is much needed by our local MSME players. This is especially relevant given MSMEs are among the most impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic."
Meanwhile, Sean Koh Chin Soon, Chief Executive Officer, TMIM said: "Our Malaysia Yellow Pages platform which has evolved from print to digital, interactive website and mobile app, is the perfect avenue to bridge the MSMEs out there with the resources they require. We are excited to collaborate with Funding Societies Malaysia in empowering local businesses through financial solutions. This will enable them to further expand their potentials thus supporting the sustainability of the businesses, especially during this Covid-19 pandemic. This is also in line with the Government's efforts to boost the growth of Malaysian economy and to propel local businesses. This initiative is befitting of TM Group's unique role in nation building and as the enabler of Malaysia's Digital Nation aspirations."
P2P financing is a digital financing solution that has been gaining traction in recent years. Its modern approach and speedy process makes pain points of traditional financing a thing of the past. Such setbacks including collateral requirement, onerous documentation, slow turnaround time, and high minimum requirements, all posed as hurdles for smaller businesses to obtain quick financing assistance. Through this collaboration, eligible businesses on the Yellow Pages platform can apply for the financing from Funding Societies without even needing to visit a physical branch.
Eligible MSMEs stand to enjoy the following financing benefits from Funding Societies:
- Discount on processing fee
- Fast disbursement with quick approval within five (5) working days
- Flexible tenure of up to 18 months
- No collateral requirement
- Minimal documentation requirement
Besides the collaboration with Funding Societies, TM through its consumer and SME product brand, unifi has also been continuously assisting businesses to stay productive in this emerging digital economy. Via unifi Business Club (uBC) specifically for its SME customers, unifi enables access to complete business solutions which include digital marketing tools, productivity boosters and financial solutions. By allowing businesses to leverage on its strategic partnerships, unifi aims to expedite its customers' recovery and enhance sustainability.
Interested MSMEs can apply for financing from Funding Societies on Yellow Pages website starting 5 October 2020. For more information on the partnership between Funding Societies and TMIM, please visit https://biz.yp.my/solutions/yellowpagesfinancing/.
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TM receives national recognitions for its continous efforts in Energy Management
The Company walked away with four (4) recognitions at the recent National Energy Awards 2020, organised by the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (KeTSA). Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) was recently bestowed with multiple recognitions for its continuous commitment and best practices in energy management at the National Energy Awards 2020, organised by the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (KeTSA). The accolades received by TM were: Rank Category Sub-category Building Winner Category I: Energy Efficiency Energy Management (Small Building) TM Node, Skudai, Johor Bahru Runner-up Category I: Energy Efficiency Energy Management (Large Building) Menara TM, Kuala Lumpur Special Awards Institute of Higher Education Multimedia University, Melaka Special Awards Energy Performance Contracting (EPC) TM Node, Bandar Tun Razak Commenting on the achievements, Badrul Hisham Ahmad, Vice President, Support Business, TM said: "We are humbled and honoured to receive these awards and would like to thank KeTSA for recognising our continued commitment to Energy Efficiency (EE) initiatives, which is part of our overall sustainability agenda. Such initiatives not only provide cost optimisation and increased efficiency, but also contribute towards environment conservation. We understand that while we are advancing towards an increasingly digital economy and lifestyle, ensuring the sustainability of our environment is equally important for future generations. In addition to economic development, TM's role in empowering a Digital Malaysia is also driven by our potential to play our part to combat climate change. Although the ICT sector contributes 2% of global carbon emissions, increasing connectivity offsets the emissions. By providing digital solutions, we enable other sectors of the economy to grow while reducing energy use, travel and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Therefore, the transition towards a digital economy helps achieve global carbon-reduction targets." "As we work to increase connectivity and digital, the necessary network and infrastructure expansion brings upon risks of environmental harm. As a responsible business, TM is implementing strict policies and innovative solutions that reduce the carbon emissions resulting from its operations and infrastructure development. A key way to reducing TM's carbon emissions is by lowering our overall energy consumption. As such, our facilities are supported by Energy Saving Initiatives (ESI), which describes how we can improve energy-efficiency at network and non-network buildings. We also adopt sustainable practices for emissions management that adhere to regulatory standards. We conduct regular monitoring of the air, noise and water of areas surrounding our operations. We strive to consistently comply with the environmental monitoring limits stipulated by the Department of Environment (DoE) thus ensuring that our business does not harm nearby environment and communities. We have been continuously improving on our emissions and consumption policies, objectives, targets and strategies. Additionally, we monitor and measure activities that contribute to our carbon footprint, including energy use and waste production, resulting in a 7.5% reduction in overall GHG emissions for 2019. We also recorded a 7.4% reduction in energy consumption," Badrul elaborated. The annual National Energy Awards (NEA) highlights the development of ideas and best practices in driving the country's sustainable energy sector. The award recognises the efforts of the public and private sectors in energy innovation that manifests positive impact to the nation and all Malaysians. It acknowledges the adopters of energy efficiency technology and renewable energy in driving towards Malaysia's sustainable development aspirations. It is also the Government's strategic move to promote innovation in local technology, research and development (R&D) as well as to create awareness on a broad level across the different facets of society, in line with the country's aspiration to spur energy sector as the new area for economic growth. Previously in 2019, the National Energy Awards also honoured TM for the first time as the winner for Category I: Energy Efficiency under sub-category of Energy Management (Small & Medium Building). The award recognised energy saving initiatives at Menara TM, Melaka which include upgrading of conventional lighting to LED, chillers optimisation, reuse of ablution water for watering plant and installation of motion sensor lighting, among others. For more info on TM's efforts towards sustainability, visit www.tm.com.my/sustainability.
Yayasan TM hands over 60 refurbished laptops under #MYBAIKHATI to aid underprivileged students with online learning
YTM collaborated with PINTAR Foundation to contribute 60 refurbished laptops to underprivileged students under Pejabat Pendidikan Daerah Bangsar/Pudu (PPDBP) to facilitate their online learning session. In its continuous effort to ease the burden of underprivileged students during this unprecedented period, Yayasan TM (YTM), the foundation arm of Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM), together with PINTAR Foundation has reached out to the beneficiaries group under the #MYBAIKHATI initiative. Through the collaboration, YTM contributed 60 units of refurbished laptops together with 15GB LTE unifi Mobile #BEBAS packages FREE for one (1) year to Pejabat Pendidikan Daerah Bangsar/Pudu (PPDBP), Kuala Lumpur. Eligible students from 16 primary and secondary schools have been identified by PPDBP to receive the contribution. When handing over the contribution, Izlyn Ramli, Director of YTM said: “We understand the critical need of good, workable devices and internet connection for Home-Based Learning and Teaching (PdPR) sessions in the new norm. Under the #MYBAIKHATI initiative, we have refurbished used laptops that we received from the kind and caring public. Coupled with our unifi Mobile #BEBAS data plan, we hope the identified students can have a better PdPR experience. TM through YTM will continue to pave the way for deserving students to have greater access to education as we believe no one should be left behind, especially in this digital age.” Meanwhile commenting on this contribution, Tuan Hj Azuar Hj Hussin, Bangsar/Pudu District Education Officer said: "PPDBP would like to express our deepest appreciation to YTM and PINTAR Foundation. We believe this contribution would be invaluable to the recipients and facilitate their learning process in this very challenging period. We hope more corporates will come forth and provide their support to fulfil the needs of these underprivileged students.” TM is supporting the #MYBAIKHATI initiative, 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 six (6) 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, TMpoint Shah Alam, TMpoint Setapak, TMpoint Bukit Raja and TMpoint Taman Desa. To further encourage the public to donate their used smart devices, TM has partnered with realme, a smartphone manufacturer, where realme has allocated 300 realme vouchers worth RM50 each for individuals who contribute their used devices. They can then use the vouchers to purchase any realme devices at realme Official Store on Shopee. "realme Malaysia is pleased to join forces with TM in encouraging Malaysians to donate their used smart devices. We also hope that realme fans with old but usable devices can donate them to support a good cause during this challenging time," said Tiffany Teh, Brand Director of realme Malaysia. For more information on how you can be part of the #MYBAIKHATI initiative supported by TM, visit www.tm.com.my/mybaikhati.
TM announces another steady full year performance (FY2021) with EBIT up 6.6% at RM1.71 billion; revenue up 6.4% at RM11.53 billion; declares 6 sen per share dividend
As a result of jump in revenue and continuous cost optimisation initiatives, Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) increased 6.6% to RM1.71 billion from RM1.60 billion in 2020 despite one-off provisions, impairments and accelerated depreciation Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM or the Group) delivered yet another healthy set of financial results for the Full Year 2021 ended 31 December 2021 as compared to the same period last year (YoY), despite protracted impact from the ongoing pandemic on the economic and business front. Fueled by strong growth in unifi revenue and fixed broadband subscribers, as well as sharp growth in the TM Wholesale business which registered increasing data demands from hyperscalers, and international and domestic service providers, TM recorded a 6.4% rise in revenue to clock in at RM11.53 billion from RM10.84 billion in 2020. This marked revenue improvement as well as the Group’s continuous cost optimisation initiatives led to the increase in Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT), up 6.6% YoY to RM1.71 billion, from RM1.60 billion last year. Profit After Tax and Non-Controlling Interests (PATAMI) at RM895.2 million dipped 11.9% contributed by higher taxation including provision for Cukai Makmur, lesser interest income and forex losses, as well as impairment of TM’s mobile assets as the Group prepares itself for 5G. Based on its steady financial position and strong Free Cash Flow generation, the Board of Directors proposed the final interim dividend at 6 sen per share, resulting in a total dividend of 13 sen per share for 2021, in line with the Group’s growth investment strategy. CAPEX for the year was reported at RM1.70 billion, or 14.7% of revenue, reflecting TM’s commitment to reinvest in business expansion, new growth areas and provide great experience and services for its growing base of customers. Free Cash Flow at RM2.19 billion rose 9.5% from RM2.00 billion, ensuring steady growth ahead of a demanding future. unifi: Record-breaking revenue, total subscribers It was a landmark year for unifi, contributing to the Group’s strong performance. Overall unifi revenue grew by 10.3% driven by increased fixed broadband subscribers, with 2.78 million cumulative registered subscribers - the highest number of unifi and fixed broadband customers registered, as well as highest number of ports installed. In addition to unifi’s drive to reduce broadband downtime to the absolute minimum for its customers, the business introduced five #unificares initiatives to refine its end-to-end customer experience, with the highlight being unifi’s 24-hour service restoration guarantee, the first of its kind in the Malaysian telecommunications industry. In its effort to support SME recovery and growth, unifi has offered more than 377,000 local SMEs special packages with complete digital ecosystem to help them to grow their business and stay competitive. unifi will continue to maintain its leadership in convergence of broadband, content, mobile and solutions for both home and SMEs customers. With online connectivity playing a central role to enable Digital Malaysia, unifi bridges the connectivity gap by serving customers with innovative and high-quality products and services. TM Wholesale (TMW): Realising 5G and Malaysia’s digital hub aspiration TM continues to drive wholesale business for both domestic and international segments via TM Wholesale (TMW). With a strong performance last year, TMW’s posted revenue grew by 14.7% due to solid partnership expansion with domestic and international customers. Domestically, as the preferred fibre service provider, TMW will continue to pursue 4G and 5G fibre infrastructure deployment as well as promoting collaboration with domestic service providers, in line with the Government’s JENDELA initiative. The 5G fibre leasing services (worth RM2 billion over 10 years) for Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB)’s 5G infrastructure needs, is a testament of TM’s commitment to infrastructure sharing in enabling excellent wireless solutions and services. TMW also recorded the highest active ports subscription for wholesale High-Speed Broadband (HSBB) access with more than 550,000 cumulative ports for Malaysian fibre broadband providers. On the international front, TMW continues with its aspiration to become a digital hub for the ASEAN region through strategic collaborations with hyperscalers and global service providers. The year saw a solid achievement with 190 new deals from hyperscalers and global service providers for various wholesale International Data offerings. This translated into the highest annual revenue contribution from major hyperscalers worldwide, a milestone year in building a regional hub position for Malaysia. TM ONE: Custom solutions and digital adoption amid a challenging landscape TM ONE is expected to remain competitive amidst the challenging economic and business environment. This is driven by its strong value proposition of offering the end-to-end managed services and digital solutions, backed by robust digital connectivity and infrastructure. As the only home-based Cloud Service Provider (CSP) with data sovereignty assurance, TM ONE will continue enhancing its Cloud service as a complete digital solution by embedding analytics, smart services/IoT and cybersecurity to cater for the key industry verticals. Enterprises and public sector services are on an accelerated path to digitally transform, leveraging on cloud architecture and smart services as a foundational pillar to unlock innovation opportunities, stay resilient and maintain a competitive edge, all in line with Malaysia’s MyDIGITAL aspirations. In becoming a trusted cloud partner, TM ONE focused its efforts in boosting proficiencies and competencies of its solution consultants, technology experts as well as international certifications. It has attained four (4) International Standard certifications (ISO/IEC) for Cloud α (pronounced as Cloud alpha) on Information Security Management System (ISMS), Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), Business Continuity Management System (BCMS) and Cloud Specific Controls. Commentary and Outlook from Imri Mokhtar, TM Group Chief Executive Officer “As the enabler of Digital Malaysia, TM remains steadfast in its efforts to realise the national digital aspirations. We are committed to support the Government’s efforts to re-build the economy post-pandemic. For 2021, TM has shown positive results, driven by the New TM Transformation Programme which has delivered overall growth in TM’s revenue and EBIT. Cost rationalisation has also significantly improved the Group’s profitability. As TM enters its second year of transformation in 2022, we are activating more programmes to ensure we quickly move forward as a growth company, and keep pace with our trajectory. TM’s revenue growth is expected to remain intact, in line with the Group's market guidance, which is between low to middle single digit growth, while EBIT is projected to be more than RM1.80 billion, driven by TM’s three Lines of Business: unifi, TM ONE and TM Wholesale. We expect to invest between 14% to 18% of our revenue this year on Capex, reflecting our continued commitment to reinvesting into growth areas, capability, and capacity building, as well as enhanced customer experience. In promoting sustainability, TM aligns its ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) vision and commitments to national and global aspirations. For Environmental, TM is committed to achieve carbon emission reduction by 30% in 2024, 45% by 2030 and Net-Zero emission by 2050. On Social, TM is set to enable MyDIGITAL Blueprint 2025 targets by ensuring at least 70% of premises have access to high-speed Internet. Under Governance, TM works hand-in-hand with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to continue upholding our zero-tolerance to any form of corruption and maintaining the highest standards of corporate governance. This year, we will continue to power a digital nation, by delivering great Customer Experience, Solutions and Connectivity Excellence. This is made possible with unwavering support from its core execution engine; the employees or "Warga TM" who are fully dedicated and committed to enabling a Digital Malaysia, bridging the digital divide and in step, reducing the income divide.” In its pursuit to strengthen its core connectivity and invest more in digital, TM is future-proofing the organisation with future-ready skills and digital workforce, as part of its aspiration in becoming a human-centred technology company.” Guidance for 2022 is summarised below: Revenue Growth Low to middle single digit growth Low to middle single digit growth EBIT More than RM 1.8 billion CAPEX / Revenue Between 14% - 18%
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