19 Feb 2018

TM appoints Dato’ Mohd Rais Azhar as the new CTIO

TM appoints Dato’ Mohd Rais Azhar as the new CTIO Article Header
General

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 Rais Azhar

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.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

29 Jan 2018
TM Group collaborates with MACC to combat corruption

A testament to its zero tolerance towards corruption, Telekom Malaysia Berhad Group of Companies (TM Group), following on from its recent Ikrar Bebas Rasuah (IBR) pledge continues to collaborate with Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). The Group has been working closely with MACC in establishing a business environment with the highest level of ethics and integrity, which include TM business partners. TM Group has also established a special unit that specifically looks into upholding high level of integrity and good governance values in the Group’s daily operations; which cover its transactions with vendors and overall partners' ecosystem. The special unit and the special officer seconded from MACC under the unit are reporting directly to the Special Integrity Committee chaired by Group Chief Executive Officer and Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer, reflecting the close ties between both organisations. With Warga Keluarga TM nationwide taking the pledge of Ikrar Bebas Rasuah (IBR) recently, the efforts have been further intensified and as a result, several arrests were recently made by MACC following internal investigations held by the Group on dubious transactions and activities. “At TM, we are committed to uphold integrity, governance and transparency, with zero tolerance of any improper and irregular practices on the part of our partners or our employees. We have always been at the forefront in championing the Company's pledge to ensure the integrity of our processes, people and reputation as well as the sustainability of our operations. This is supported by our KRISTAL values which emphasise ‘uncompromising integrity’ in all TM’s dealings with our various stakeholders,” said Dato’ Sri Mohammed Shazalli Ramly, Group Chief Executive Officer, TM. Commenting on the recent arrests of TM employees, Dato’ Seri Shazalli said, “We continue to work closely with MACC and taking off from the collaboration, we have conducted our internal investigations and inquiries which have left no stones unturned. We will go to the fullest extent to enforce the law and we never compromise on such wrongful acts of bribery, abuse of power, falsifying of information and forging of documents. So, let the recent arrests serves as a stern warning to all – including vendors, business partners and even Warga Keluarga TM.” Internally, TM has taken immediate and appropriate action to reprimand the staff and contractors concerned. TM stands by its position, as set out in its robust and thorough internal policies and processes, which are in line with industrial relations best practice. The findings of the internal investigations are then subsequently handed over to MACC for onward legal actions. We are also play a very important role to support MACC during the investigation stage. TM will always be on the lookout and will continue to investigate internally; and collaborate with MACC so there may be further cases in future as the Company continues the fight for this noble cause. “These activities of the lowest integrity will definitely affect the provisioning of communications services to the Rakyat and hamper the delivery of its benefits to Malaysians nationwide. TM Group as the one and only trusted to deliver the national communications backbone and Malaysia’s key enabler for national communications infrastructure is committed to combat such activities towards safeguarding the national interests. At the same time, we would like to thank MACC for all the co-operation and support that they have lent us in ensuring a corruption-free environment at TM,” he added.

03 Apr 2018
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.

30 Jul 2018
TM 3Ducation Hackathon 2018 to empower digital innovation amongst Malaysia’s academic communities

Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) together with Creative Minds – a company specialised in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education – recently joined hands to organise TM 3Ducation Hackathon 2018 at Malaysia Global Innovation & Creativity Centre (MaGIC), Cyberjaya, continuing their commitment in promoting education excellence particularly in STEM for the academic communities from local learning institutions as part of its Corporate Responsibility (CR) initiatives. 2-day hackathon event saw the participation of 150 participants from 95 learning institutions nationwide, including schools, matriculation centres, teaching institutions as well as academicians from universities, Government agencies and local technology companies. This event, held for its 2nd year, gathered Malaysia’s prolific academicians to discuss, generate ideas and solutions to solve problems via brainstorming sessions, forums and speaking slots by invited panel from the innovation industry specifically in the areas of Environment, Education and Social, including Nurul Izzah Anwar, Chairman of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme. Commenting on the programme, Izlyn Ramli, Vice President, Group Brand and Communication, TM said, “Befitting of our position as Malaysia’s Convergence Champion, TM’s involvement in the promotion and adoption of STEM subjects among Malaysian students is a natural extension of our role in empowering Malaysia’s education system through innovation and digitalisation. We received tremendous support from participating students in the 3Ducation programme held for the first time last year. So we are continuing the programme this year and extended its reach to the academic communities from higher learning institutions nationwide. This programme provides a platform for the participants to meet, discuss and learn from each other as well as the industry experts in innovation. We truly hope that the experience gathered will promote academic excellence in STEM subjects through innovation amongst our students.” “As a corporate organisation that puts great emphasis on education and continuous learning, we will continue to focus on education, creating and implementing innovative programmes that will nurture and promote skills needed to create tomorrow’s innovative leaders. This 3Ducation programme is part of TM’s larger Corporate Responsibility (CR) initiatives under our three-pronged approach, namely education, community as well as nation building and the environment. TM has long been contributing and supporting the nation’s education field through scholarships and student sponsorships as well as school adoption programmes, across education levels, right from primary school to post graduate programmes.” Our support towards this programme also fits well with our role as the strategic partner in establishing the ecosystem for the Ministry of Education’s (MOE) digital transformation programme. As the key enabler for the national communications infrastructure, and the one and only capable of providing fully integrated telecommunications, ICT and digital services, TM looks forward to work with the Ministry and its agencies to accelerate the delivery of innovative digital services and solutions for the education sector towards building a knowledge-based workforce for the country. At TM, we are committed to bringing innovative technologies for the betterment of Malaysian education, true to our vision, “Making Life and Business Easier, for a Better Malaysia”,” she added. The TM 3Ducation Hackathon 2018 event is a continuation of last year’s TM 3Ducation programme which saw the participation of more than 300 students and 140 teachers from 78 schools where the students took part in a competition of producing innovative 3D designs using 3D modelling and printing skills to solve day-to-day challenges.

NEWSLETTER

Just drop your details and stay updated with the world of Telekom Malaysia. We promise – no spam!​