TM One and SME Bank sign agreement to provide technology funding to SMEs via SME Technology Transformation Fund (STTF)
TM One, the business and public sector solutions arm of Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia Berhad (SME Bank), an agency under the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperative to offer technology funding for its Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) customers to accelerate their business and digital transformation.
The MoU was signed by Ahmad Taufek Omar, Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, TM One while SME Bank was represented by Aria Putera Ismail, its Group President/Chief Executive Officer.
The SME Technology Transformation Fund (STTF), is a fund set up between SME Bank and the Ministry of Finance to offer financing assistance of up to RM3.0 million to local SMEs. This is part of the Government's Pelan Jana Semula Ekonomi Negara (PENJANA) economic stimulus package to provide financial assistance to SMEs in adopting digitalisation and/or automation in their business operations.
Commenting on the collaboration, Ahmad Taufek said, "We are excited to work hand-in-hand with SME Bank to accelerate digital adoption amongst our customers particularly in the SME segment. This is in support of the Government's efforts under PENJANA to execute key initiatives to help SMEs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our aim is to assist SMEs in addressing real business challenges and issues that they are currently facing with the digital solutions available. We have put in place dedicated teams and solutions to enable our customers to realise the full potential of their digital opportunities. Our Professional Services are a consultative approach in helping SMEs to understand how to plan their digital transformation based on their unique business requirements."
Meanwhile, Aria said, "With a fund size of RM500 million, STTF is expected to directly assist SME entrepreneurs to achieve higher productivity, process efficiency, efficient cost management and greater market penetration. As at 11 November 2020, SME Bank has approved 18 applications worth RM36.55 million under the STTF fund. SME Bank's role in encouraging the SMEs to adopt digital technology was further enhanced with the introduction of ODELA, the first one-stop e-commerce platform backed by a Development Financial Institution (DFI), that enabled B2B entrepreneurs to make transactions and foster partnership across vast ecosystems. The Bank's wholesome approach in providing financing and entrepreneur development assistance further adds value and accelerate the development of digital economy thus boosting the nation's economic growth in this challenging time."
STTF is to be used for financing the purchases of IT solutions and services, technology support services, computer hardware and software, equipment and/or machinery and other intangible assets to enhance productivity and efficiency. SMEs as defined by the National Entrepreneur and SME Development Council (NESDC) are eligible to apply for STTF.
TM One's solutions are aimed at helping SMEs to achieve higher productivity, better cost management and improved efficiency for wider market penetration through the adoption of digitalisation and automation. As the digital enabler for enterprise and public sector customers with enterprise-grade connectivity and end-to-end cloud offerings, the Company is well positioned to enable the ecosystem for digital society, digital business and digital government. Leveraging on its complete digital solutions offerings across connectivity (Internet & Data), voice and collaboration tools, business outsourcing services, cloud services, cybersecurity and Internet of Things (IoT)-based smart services, TM One will fulfil the needs of businesses and the public sector in embracing digital convergence towards enabling Digital Malaysia.
This is in line with TM Group's unique role as the nation's connectivity and digital infrastructure provider. It is also in support of Jalinan Digital Negara (JENDELA) Plan to drive Malaysia's Digital Economy through business digitalisation and new ways of working.
For more information on TM One solutions and how to apply for STTF, visit www.smebank.com.my and www.tmone.com.my.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

As nation shows encouraging signs of recovery, TM posts strong results for first nine months of 2021 revenue up 6.8%, net profit increases 7.7%
Group Operating Revenue in Jan - Sept 2021 (YTD Sept) grew 6.8% to RM8.38 billion compared to the same period last year Continued focus in supporting the nation's sustainability and recovery has resulted in Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) posting a strong financial result in the first nine months of 2021. Fuelled by high demand for digital connectivity and solutions, TM continues its positive trajectory for the year with a solid performance in the third quarter (3Q2021). YTD Sept 2021 Financial Highlights (vs YTD Sept 2020) Solid revenue growth, with a 6.8% increase to RM8.38 billion, from RM7.84 billion in the same period last year. This achievement is driven by revenue increase from all lines of products, particularly Internet services which saw a 6.8% increase on the back of steady growth in fixed broadband customer base. Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) grew by 17.1% to RM1,414.8 million, from RM1,208.6 million as a result of revenue growth and continuous cost optimisation initiatives. PATAMI increased by 7.7% to RM815.3 million compared to RM756.7 million, following sound operating profits. Imri Mokhtar, Group Chief Executive Officer of TM commented: "Throughout 2021, we've focused our efforts to deliver digital connectivity and solutions in supporting the sustainability and recovery of our country. As a result, we are able to deliver another solid quarter of revenue and net profit growth. Our next focus will be on delivering enhanced customer experience and strengthening our digital offerings across all customer segments in unifi, TM ONE and TM WHOLESALE. With movement control restrictions in Malaysia continue to be eased and the economy gains momentum, we remain committed to serve the nation. We will continue to play our leading role in Malaysia's digitalisation drive outlined by the Jalinan Digital Negara (JENDELA) action plan, 2022 Budget and the 12th Malaysian Plan, including MyDIGITAL blueprint. As we continue our shift towards becoming a human-centred technology company, we will develop innovative solutions and drive digital adoption across our broad customer base of home, SME, corporate and Government customers – anchored on enhanced customer experience. Supporting this evolution, will be our new way of working at TM – focusing on increased productivity through digitalisation and process automation, upskilling of our existing workforce and welcoming new digital talents." Driving digital adoption and a new way of working in the post-pandemic era TM recorded the highest increase in unifi subscribers for three consecutive quarters. In the quarter under review, TM registered an additional 210,000 new unifi subscribers in both the consumer and micro, small and medium sized enterprise (MSMEs) segments. This record-breaking growth is fuelled by high demand for connectivity and digitalisation tools which have become an important necessity. To deliver this demand, TM has been adding higher number of broadband ports and delivering a wider fibre network coverage. This expansion has exceeded TM's committed targets in JENDELA action plan. The fast network rollout together with strong frontline support, a steady marketing push and speedy installation had cemented customer's confidence and trust. Beyond connectivity, unifi has steadily strengthened its entertainment proposition with the addition of 19 new content offerings comprising 7 content streaming services and 12 new channels. Supporting the Government's push to digitalise MSMEs, unifi registered encouraging increase of productivity and digital tools utilisation amongst its 375,000 MSME customers, leveraging the Government's Digitalisation Grant. Focusing on enhanced customer experience Customer experience remains our key focus across all segments and we continue to introduce new experience features and improvements in this area. For unifi customers, we continue to innovate and improve in the management of user experience. We now provide customers with a proactive early detection and intervention support for broadband connectivity and ensuring fast resolution of service. As a market leader, TM commits to a continued focus on customer experience, with progressive releases of more new experience leveraging on analytics. TM WHOLESALE was recently awarded the Best Asia Pacific Zero Outage Supplier by T-Systems amidst intense competition from other established telcos in the region. This recognition signifies TM's commitment and focus to provide the best quality service to our telco and hyperscaler customers. Enabling digital solutions in the Enterprise and Public sectors TM ONE remains steadfast in its commitment to realise the nation's MyDIGITAL blueprint and support efforts to rebuild the economy in both the Enterprise and Public sectors. New sales and contract renewal across the Enterprise and Public sectors are encouraging in the post pandemic recovery period with TM ONE providing digital connectivity and solutions for the Digital Community Centre in rural areas, regional cloud services and major financial institutions. TM ONE maintains its role as a trusted business partner driving digital transformation for Enterprise and Public sectors especially in business process automation via partnerships with global digitalisation partners such as SAP. Delivering network for the Industry TM WHOLESALE continues its "telco for telcos" role by providing wholesale services and solutions to all Malaysian licensed service providers. In line with the overall growth of broadband, TM WHOLESALE recorded high demand for its wholesale broadband service. As the primary mobile backhaul provider for the industry, TM WHOLESALE registered an increase in bandwidth utilisation of its Next Generation Backhaul service by major mobile telcos. This also positions TM as a capable enabler for Malaysia's 5G network deployment. Internationally, TM WHOLESALE continues to strengthen its partnership ecosystem with global telcos and hyperscalers, and has recorded significant growth of international bandwidth traffic. This is further complemented by the coverage increase of the global content delivery network (CDN) with more than 80 CDN nodes worldwide. TM WHOLESALE has also established a collaboration with a Tier 1 Internet Protocol (IP) transit provider – Tata Communications – to offer high-speed and reliable connectivity in the ASEAN region and open access to global enterprises. At the same time, we have successfully on boarded more than 15 major international hyperscalers and digital service providers in TM's core data centres. All of the above positions Malaysia positively as a digital and technology hub in ASEAN. A socially responsible Corporate Citizen TM played its part in supporting the fight against COVID-19 via various programmes. Overall, TM has contributed over RM9.5 million for humanitarian and community initiatives this year including to Tabung CERDIK and COVID-19 GLC/GLIC (GDRN) fund. TM also provided digital connectivity services to more than 400 PPVs nationwide, in addition to converting three of its premises into PPVs at its Multimedia University (MMU) campuses in Cyberjaya and Melaka, plus Kompleks TM Taiping. TM had also spent over RM16.0 million on several safety protocols and preventive measures across its customer operations to ensure the wellbeing of our frontliners and customers. These measures include providing personal protective equipment (PPE), weekly COVID-19 screening, UV air treatment and other workplace measures.

unifi business campaigns for local small & medium enterprises with #BelanjaDiSME
In conjunction with World SME Day, TM’s retail convergence solutions arm calls for Malaysians to support growth of local SMEs & nation’s economic rebound Recognising the immense contribution of local Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to the country's socioeconomic growth, unifi Business is marking SME Day 2022, which falls on 27 June, with a month-long campaign to help these local players get back on their feet post pandemic, while rallying all Malaysians to support their business growth. Using the hashtag #BelanjaDiSME, unifi Business alongside several renowned partners have lined up multiple activities such as a Social Media Challenge, the SMEs to SMEs talk shows, and a nationwide entrepreneurs roadshow to celebrate the significant role played by local SMEs in creating employment, promoting innovation and creativity, as well as contributing to the country's economic prosperity. #BelanjaDiSME (which means Spend with SME) was chosen to encourage Malaysians to buy products and services offered by local SMEs, boosting the profitability of these enterprises and contributing to their rebound, post pandemic. This campaign started off with a Social Media Challenge, where Malaysians are invited to upload a picture of any local SME of their choice on their personal social media space with a creative caption, tagged with the #BelanjaDiSME hashtag. Participants with the most creative picture and caption will be in the running to win attractive prizes such as a 3-day and 2-night stay at local holiday destinations, smart devices, shopping vouchers and many more. The challenge is now open right up until the end of June, and everyone can participate! Meanwhile, entrepreneurs seeking inspiration and ideas to grow their business can catch SMEs to SMEs talk show featuring stories of local SMEs on their digital transformation journey. This talk show can be watched live on unifi Business Facebook page as well as on Astro Awani. Tune in and listen to these successful entrepreneurs: Anna Teo - Hernan Corporation (largest and leading exporter of Malaysian durians) – 25 June on ASTRO AWANI at 10.30pm Joanne Goh - Jazzy Group (international film producer) – 27 June on Astro Awani at 9.00am Nadira Yusoff - Kiddocare (online babysitting platform) – 27 June on Sembang Bisnes unifi Business Facebook page at 3.00pm. A nationwide tour is being held throughout the month of June, to raise awareness among SMEs on the importance of digitalisation process for their business growth and development especially during this transition to endemic phase. This is in line with the Government's focus on empowering this target group and improving their living standards. To give local SMEs a shot in the arm, unifi Business will also promote the SME Digitalisation Grant (SDG) where the entrepreneurs can enjoy up to 50% savings on their subscriptions to digital solutions from unifi Business or get a RM5,000 matching grant, as part of the Pelan Jana Semula Ekonomi Negara (PENJANA) initiative announced by the Government in 2021. This is an opportunity for SMEs to increase their productivity while reducing their operating cost. The pandemic has undoubtedly impacted SMEs, forcing them to evolve into a more digital literate organisation in order to survive and thrive. unifi Business, as the preferred digital partner of SMEs, provides just the digital solutions they need to make this happen, which include: unifi eCommerce Hub: Designed to connect and maximise growth opportunities seamlessly, this solution offers a single and integrated platform, with an easy-to-use interface. Entrepreneurs can sync their offline and online sales channels, manage product inventories, orders, monitor sales and revenue, as well as manage social media enquiries. They can even build interactive websites with live chat and built-in online payment features. unifi Cloud Storage: To help businesses manage the often-tedious task of storing valuable information, this solution brings flexible, safe and scalable data storage. It also provides access for multiple users and secured encryption for better business productivity. Hosted locally at TM's Green Data Centre certified facilities, unifi Cloud Storage provides a secure home for important files and information so businesses can focus on growing and being profitable. unifi Business Club (uBC): All unifi Business customers will enjoy member benefits of the uBC, which include access to relevant and current content at its portal (https://ubc.unifi.com.my). Here, they can find insightful and inspiring content such as webinars, talk shows, live chats, events, business tips and articles to help them navigate the business world. uBC members will also enjoy access to financial assistance, productivity boosters, digital marketing platforms, tools and community engagement programmes that are tailored to a variety of business needs. For more info on unifi Business SME Day 2022 happenings, visit https://ubc.unifi.com.my/. Let's support and celebrate these local SMEs, together.

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.