01 Dec 2020
TM One and SME Bank collaborate to deliver technology funding to SMEs under PENJANA
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.
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unifi ups its convergence game with new content offerings
12 new, exciting linear channels and 7 streaming apps will be available on unifi TV starting 1 October 2021 unifi today announced that it will be offering 12 new channels and seven (7) new streaming apps through its unifi TV starting 1 October 2021, as the brand continues to strengthen its position as the leading convergence service provider in the country and commits to providimg world class, high-quality entertainment for home viewing or while on-the-move. The 12 new linear channels are Celestial Movies, CCM, K-Plus, GEM, AXN, Animax, HITS, HITS MOVIES, TechStorm, Arirang TV, SPOTV and SPOTV2. While, the 7 new streaming apps are Amazon Prime Video, Lionsgate Play, TVBAnywhere+, iQiyi, Viu, ZEE5 and Simply South. The streaming apps will be available on unifi Plus Box for customers to enjoy at home or can be downloaded into their own smart device for on the move viewing. Commenting on the launch of the new content line-up, Anand Vijayan, Chief Commercial Officer, Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) said he is optimistic that the new offerings on unifi TV will significantly drive sign-ups given the brand’s strength in convergence. With the addition of the new channels, unifi TV will have a total of 73 channels and 10 streaming apps on its platforms. This is also the first time Lionsgate Play and Simply South will be made available in Malaysia through a content aggregator platform like unifi TV, which is also the country’s first content service provider to offer linear channels and streaming apps in a single platform via unifi Plus Box. Streaming app Lionsgate Play is home to blockbuster movies, premium originals, and binge-worthy shows. There will be a selection of evergreen and iconic programmes for the whole family on channels like AXN, HITS and HITS MOVIES. Most of the new channels and streaming app offerings will hit closer to home, providing a wide range of vernacular shows and programmes for everyone. Exclusive top-rated local Malay series will be available on Viu and iQiyi, while for the fans of Chinese entertainment content, they will be spoilt for choice with Celestial Movies, CCM, iQiyi and TVBAnywhere+, to satisfy their viewing needs. For Indian content lovers, two (2) new streaming app partners, Simply South and ZEE5 have been added to the content line-up for them to enjoy. Both offer a variety of latest entertainment selections in multiple languages like Tamil, Hindi, Malayalam, Telugu and more. With these new partnerships, unifi TV is also fulfilling the increasing demand for Korean and Japanese content among Malaysians. The K-and J-entertainment fare will be offered via Animax, GEM, Arirang TV, K-Plus, iQiyi and Viu. Meanwhile, TechStorm addresses the youth and young families with the best of Asian esports and technology centric content. Starting 14 October 2021, unifi TV is also excited to bring in two (2) new channels for adrenaline junkies and sports fans, SPOTV and SPOTV2. These channels offer the best of sports with extensive coverage of Tennis Grand Slam Wimbledon, US Open, MotoGP, The Open Championship (British Open) and other action-packed sports programs. unifi TV is also bringing in thrilling “live” UFC events featuring world-class mixed martial arts action, as part of the main highlights in its home-grown channel, unifi Sports, in addition to exclusive Liga Super and TM Piala Malaysia matches. In conjunction with the launch, unifi TV will be offering complimentary viewing of the 12 new channels to all unifi TV packs subscribers until 31 December 2021. As an added benefit to Ultimate Pack subscribers, they will get to enjoy exclusive streaming access to Lionsgate Play and another one (1) app of their choice from a selection of iQiyi, Viu, Simply South or ZEE5, at no additional costs. The access to streaming apps can be redeemed at https://activate.unifi.com.my starting 24 September 2021. Anand added that the new offerings are in line with the company’s robust efforts to provide quality and relevant content to its users. “The new channels and streaming app providers were selected after rigorous screening to ensure that we have something the whole family would enjoy - from grandparents to housewives, working adults to youngsters. These new channels can be accessed via the unifi TV media box, unifi Plus Box, or anywhere via the unifi PlayTV app,” he said. These new channels will also come with on-demand viewing. More information about these exciting new contents can be found on www.unifi.com.my/tv. 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Stay tuned as unifi will be rolling out more content variety and streaming app partners in the next few months to ensure subscribers’ viewing needs are met.
Telecommunications operators committed to JENDELA to deliver seamless digital connectivity for all Malaysians
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The National Digital Infrastructure Lab: A collaborative effort aspiring to deliver connectivity for all The Covid-19 pandemic has triggered an urgency for Malaysia to address the 'new normal' and cater for future demands of connectivity as an enabler for all facets of life: The economy and people's livelihoods, education, business opportunities and building and connecting communities amongst others. To prepare for the future and to fulfill our Digital Malaysia aspirations, it is clear the Industry must aspire to enable everyone in this journey through quality and reliable connectivity. To this end, the Industry was a strong participant alongside the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) in the National Digital Infrastructure Lab (NDIL), with the aim to collaboratively address how to deliver quality connectivity to all Malaysians. 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Phase 1, which starts now until 2022, will optimise existing resources and infrastructure for both mobile and fixed connectivity to: Expand 4G mobile broadband coverage from 91.8% to 96.9% in populated areas; Increase mobile broadband speeds from 25Mbps to 35Mbps; and Enable as many as 7.5 million premises to access gigabit speeds with fixed broadband services. JENDELA will firstly prioritise strengthening the nation's existing fixed and mobile networks and building a strong foundation for the eventual adoption of 5G. This will also involve the gradual retirement of 3G networks at the end of 2021. To achieve the targets in Phase 1, the Industry will look at providing wider coverage and enhanced quality of experience by upgrading and building new 4G sites, and fiberising more premises. 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Empowering Malaysia’s Youth: Yayasan Telekom Malaysia Expands TM Future Skills Programme
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