01 Jun 2022
TM R&D’s Customer-focused innovations recognised at the Malaysia Technology Excellence Awards
In-house smart solutions for Fixed Wireless Access connectivity and customer experience platform for frontliners awarded under “Connectivity-Telecommunications” and “AI-IT Services” categories respectively
Telekom Research & Development Sdn Bhd (TM R&D), the innovation arm of Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM), recently bagged two awards at the Malaysia Technology Excellence Awards 2022, organised by the Singapore Business Review.
The Malaysia Technology Excellence Awards spotlights exceptional companies who are technology disruptors that boosts Malaysia’s economy. TM’s Fast Internet for All (FIRA) solution was bestowed the award under the “Connectivity-Telecommunications” category, while TM’s Single Platform on Intelligent Customer Experience (SPICE.ai) won the award in the “Artificial Intelligence (AI)-IT Services” category.
Commenting on these awards, Dr. Sharlene Thiagarajah, Chief Executive Officer, TM R&D said, “I couldn’t be prouder of my team as these awards reflect their commitment to meet the fast-evolving digital needs of today’s customers and strengthen our position as a research leader in these fields. This recognition also reaffirms our efforts in building smarter digital ecosystems to facilitate the ease with which Malaysians can embrace a more digital lifestyle, while also bringing progress to the nation.”
FIRA was introduced as a way to support the government in providing Malaysians with quality access to digital connectivity nationwide. Aimed at offering better internet service to underserved communities, FIRA uses Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) technologies to improve connectivity in rural areas across Malaysia. Since its first deployment in Malacca back in July 2020, the solution has demonstrated promising success in improving download and upload link speeds compared to other broadband services. The solution has since been implemented at a rural school in Selangor and at Pusat Komuniti Desa sites under the Ministry of Rural Development. It has also supported an IR4.0 use case in Terengganu.
“FIRA is formulated to address two common issues: coverage and speed. The solution is capable to deliver connectivity up to 50Mbps within 5-8km range, compared to a traditional 4G cell within 1km range. Furthermore, with its quick deployment procedures, FIRA can help mitigate customers’ connectivity concerns in a cost-effective and timely manner,” shared Dr. Sharlene.
SPICE.ai, on the other hand, aims to assist frontliners in their daily task of addressing customer service enquiries and requests.
Dr Sharlene explained, “SPICE.ai consists of multiple components that cover different parts of an existing customer experience system. By integrating these components, frontliners gain a more holistic view of each customers’ profiles. The solution then implements real-time analytics to improve customer experience, giving frontliners the right information at the right time which allows them to deliver a better experience to customers.”
This analytics system has been deployed nationwide for nearly two years and becomes the primary touchpoint for more than 5,000 TM frontliners in most customer interactions across multiple channels. The performance of SPICE.ai has proven to be reliable and seamless even when integrated with more than 20 existing, standalone systems and was still able to relay the processed information through one single platform, on top of providing analytics and advisory.
Established in 2001, TM R&D is the innovation arm of TM Group focusing on creating smarter ecosystems to make business and life easier for a better Malaysia. TM R&D’s solutions are clustered around four pillars namely Intelligent Platforms, Data Brokerage, Connectivity/Tools and IR4.0/Digital Solutions. Growing from strength to strength, TM R&D has won multiple global awards and generated more than 2,800 Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) and 1,400 digital assets to date. TM R&D’s innovations are developed in-house and cut across multiple industries such as Utilities, Retail, Agriculture, Healthcare and Education, with safety and productivity as its top priority.
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TM Committed For Success Of TVET Madani
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unifi introduces five #unificares initiatives as commitment to deliver the unifi promise on customer experience
The initiative is unifi’s commitment to place customer experience as its No. 1 priority With a strengthened commitment to deliver the ultimate customer experience, unifi, Malaysia's leading convergence provider, today introduced five #unificares initiatives to transform its end-to-end customer experience (CX). As a technology company, unifi understands that customer expectations evolve together with the adoption of technology. This is why unifi aims to transform end-to-end customer experience with a renewed focus that ensures the customers' needs are met -- this is the unifi promise. To deliver on this promise, Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM), has invested heavily over the years in both its customer support capabilities and network to deliver the best customer experience possible. The new #unificares initiative is also an expression of the company's commitment towards its loyal client base. unifi has the highest market share in the local Internet Service Provider (ISP) space. Speaking to the media at a virtual briefing from Menara TM today, TM's Chief Marketing Officer, Shanti Jusnita Johari, said #unificares is a testament of the company's continuous efforts to put customers first. "TM and unifi are walking the talk when it comes to customer satisfaction. Our 24-hour service restoration guarantee is the first of its kind in the industry. It is our commitment for unifi customers to continue to get the best broadband experience," said Shanti. She added that unifi's new bold undertaking was in keeping up with users' demands for reliable connectivity, among both the consumers and business segments especially as the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) focus on recovery and growth as well as consumers with continued hybrid working and learning arrangements following the pandemic. A good and reliable broadband access is highly critical in the "new normal". Five revolutionary #unificares initiatives unifi today announced five revolutionary initiatives to raise its game in CX. The 24-hour service restoration guarantee is among five new customer-focused initiatives under the #unificares campaign to enhance its broadband experience by reducing downtime to the absolute minimum. If unable to restore within 24 hours from complaint submission, customers will receive RM50 billing rebate compensation, redeemable via myunifi app within 30 days. It is the first of its kind in the local telecommunication industry and a commitment to its customer first strategy. This 24-hour service restoration guarantee starts 30 November 2021 and compensation eligibility is for customers subscribing to 100Mbps and above. Another innovation introduced with the campaign is unifi's Proactive Service Alert; an early detection and intervention system that ensures early notifications and speed of resolution to customers. Affected customers are alerted for restoration via SMS and the myunifi app push notification. Other customer-focused initiatives introduced in conjunction with the campaign are Easyfix self-serve tool, Service Tracker and unifi Elite experts. Easyfix is an easy visual based self-serve tool that enables customers to self-diagnose and do a quick troubleshoot on internet connection, telephony or unifi TV services. If an issue is unresolved, the Easyfix tool will automatically create a service ticket for immediate action by the unifi Care Crew or connect users to a unifi live chat agent for further assistance. Easyfix can be accessed anytime on the myunifi app under 'Support' or at easyfix.com.my. Service Tracker allows customers to view and track status of service and technical requests in real-time including details of the assigned TM Care Crew, via the myunifi app. Users can easily access the Service Tracker under 'My Activity' from their Account page. unifi Elite is a group of WiFi experts who are specially trained to provide customers with tailor-made consultation and solutions to further enhance their connectivity experience at home or business premises. unifi's track record in CX is well-established. Recently, it has been chosen as the sole Malaysian recipient for the "Brand of the Year'' award for the "Broadband / ISP" category, an award that is held under the auspices of the London-based World Branding Awards. This is the second consecutive year it won the award. Last year, it also won the "Best Fixed Home Broadband Service Provider" and "Best Business Fixed Broadband Service Provider" categories in the PC.com Best Product Awards 2020. 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TM posts solid 3Q performance with growth across all segments, continuous growth In revenue and EBIT
3Q2022 Key Highlights (vs 3Q2021) Operating Revenue grew 12.7% to RM3.16 billion, from continuous growth across all customer segments EBIT grew 38.2% to RM604.8 million, from strong revenue growth and improved business cost efficiency PATAMI decreased 2.2% at RM 265.2 million, following higher tax charges including Cukai Makmur, and foreign exchange translation loss on borrowings CAPEX investment at 19.1% of revenue or RM603.7 million, focused primarily on fibre service growth and network expansion, includes enabling 5G network rollout On the back of a solid first nine months, TM is revising upwards its market guidance on revenue and profit growth Delivering another solid quarter in 2022, Telekom Malaysia Berhad (“TM” or “the Group”) continues to chart a steady growth trajectory with its third quarter ended 30 September 2022 as compared to the same period last year (YoY). The Group’s operating revenue increased by 12.7% to RM3.16 billion, from RM2.80 billion in 3Q2021, the highest revenue recorded in the last ten quarters. TM’s focus on strengthening its core business and operational efficiency proved solid and resilient, capturing continued growth against the backdrop of intensifying competition. Better business cost efficiency from prudent operational spending plus optimisation programmes contributed to a better Group’s Earnings Before Interest and Taxes (EBIT) reported at RM604.8 million, a 38.2% growth from RM437.5 million in 3Q last year. Profit After Tax and Non-controlling Interest (PATAMI) stood at RM265.2 million, decreased 2.2% from RM 271.3 million recorded last year, as a result of higher taxation pay out and foreign exchange translation loss on borrowings. Continuous investment for growth and improving the experience of customers has been a rallying point for TM. The Group invested CAPEX at 19.1% of revenue this quarter, amounting to RM603.7 million to meet customers’ demands through fibre expansion, network modernisation and technology upgrades. Unifi sustains growth momentum Unifi demonstrated a continuous growth trajectory and continues its leadership in fixed-mobile converged (FMC) solutions of fixed broadband, mobile services, digital content and solutions for both consumers and MSMEs, recording a revenue increase of 7.0% from RM1.31 billion to RM1.40 billion. Driven by aggressive sales, promotions and loyalty programmes for customers, Unifi grew its fixed broadband subscriber base close to 3 million. With 5G now made available, Unifi will leverage this equal playing field to strengthen its position as the preferred provider for FMC, providing the widest and fastest all-in-one solution to meet today’s digital lifestyle. Unifi has also expanded its digital content portfolio with more on-demand streaming apps, with Unifi TV on track to become the largest streaming platform in Malaysia by end of 2022, with more than 15 streaming apps onboard. Its most recent launches include MangoTV, one of China’s leading online video platforms and SIAR, a local channel featuring classic Malay movies. With approximately 400,000 MSME customers, Unifi Business’ digital solutions and programmes aim to accelerate their digital transformation and business growth. On top of connectivity, Unifi Business also unveiled new business solutions to support MSMEs digitisation through cloud adoption, eCommerce Hub, cybersecurity and digital marketing, and were created to be affordable for this segment. TM One turnaround continues TM One, the Group’s enterprise and government sector arm, recorded a 11.9% growth in revenue from RM796.9 million to RM891.9 million in 3Q2022, clocking in a solid performance in the quarter. Growth was from both enterprise and government sector segments driven by connectivity services and customer projects. TM One inked more collaborations with several organisations to enable their customers’ digitalisation and transformative plans. TM One’s 5G Sphere comprising a technology ecosystem of more than 35 partners was recently launched to deliver 5G-enabled solutions for industry leaders to accelerate growth and create a more sustainable business operation. Its Private 5G solutions leveraging on dedicated and reliable Private 5G network will also propel enterprise adoption of IoT and IR 4.0 technologies, machine learning and analytics that will spur the nation’s economic growth. TM Wholesale (TMW) supports the telco/technology growth in Malaysia & region TM Wholesale (TMW) recorded a stellar performance in 3Q2022, with revenue increasing by 26.0% from RM610.9 million to RM769.9 million, making it the biggest revenue growth contributor for the Group in the current quarter. This is mainly attributable to higher domestic data and international digital demands from hyperscalers and global carriers within the region. More than 5,400 cumulative 4G and 5G fibre backhaul sites were deployed to expand network coverage and accelerate digital implementation nationwide. TMW continues to support the industry’s demand for High-speed Broadband Access (HSBA), delivering a total of more than 670,000 ports for 5 local broadband providers. At the international front, TMW secured a North Asia digital provider and a US-based hyperscaler as its latest wholesale Data Centre customers in Iskandar Puteri Data Centre. TMW also became the preferred service provider for a US-based hyperscaler in providing a long-term International Data services, thus strengthening its position as Malaysia’s preferred network infrastructure provider and at the same time positioning our country as a digital hub within ASEAN. Commentary and Outlook from Imri Mokhtar, TM Group Chief Executive Officer “TM’s growth momentum is expected to continue for the rest of 2022 from our core business segments - Unifi, TM One and TM Wholesale. We shall continue to invest in our technology capabilities, new growth areas of FMC and digital solutions, and in building capacity and digital talents within TM; while staying focused on growing with our customers, as well as continuing our operations cost discipline.” “Competition in FMC and the digital space is intensifying. We are strengthening our mobile business with the right strategy and capabilities to take TM into an era of true convergence. Unifi introduced exciting bundled packages for consumers and MSMEs, while TM One brings together leading technology and smart solution partners to accelerate innovative use cases. TMW continues to deliver on its aspiration to position Malaysia as the digital hub for ASEAN via submarine cables and date centre offerings.” “2022 is indeed the year to build our commercial resiliency to face the anticipated headwinds in 2023 – easing of economic growth, high supply chain cost and more measured customer spending.” “As we evolve from a converged Telco into a human-centred TechCo, we continue to focus on executing our transformation programmes which has produced tangible results for our customers and stakeholders.”
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