16 Aug 2024

TM AND TANAH MAKMUR COLLABORATE TO BRING HIGH-SPEED CONNECTIVITY TO FLAGSHIP KOTASAS DEVELOPMENT

TM AND TANAH MAKMUR COLLABORATE TO BRING  HIGH-SPEED CONNECTIVITY TO FLAGSHIP KOTASAS DEVELOPMENT Article Header
TM

KUALA LUMPUR, 16 AUGUST 2024 – TM via its leading digital convergence arm, Unifi, is collaborating with Tanah Makmur Berhad, to provide fibre broadband services to more than 1,700 residences at the flagship Kota Sultan Ahmad Shah (KotaSAS) township in Bandar Baru, Kuantan.

The agreement was exchanged between Unifi’s Vice President for Product & Innovation Armizy Abdullah Shukri, and Tanah Makmur’s Group CEO YH. Dato’ Shahrul Nizam Abdul Aziz, witnessed by YB. Dato’ Ir. Razali bin Kassim, EXCO, Pahang State Public Works, Transport and Health, and YH. Dato’ Kamarul’ Arifin bin Ahmad, Pahang State Investment Officer.

Leveraging TM’s role as the nation’s leading digital infrastructure provider, Unifi will provide customised high speed broadband plans to residences. Homeowners and residents will have access to Unifi’s broadband services immediately, empowering their digital lifestyles. The inclusion of broadband services will also reinforce KotaSAS’ proposition to deliver high-value properties with reliable connectivity, strengthening its status as Pahang’s new administrative centre.

Anand Vijayan, TM’s Chief Business & Consumer Officer, said, “Unifi is committed to providing the best digital infrastructure and connectivity services, enhancing the quality of life and economic opportunities within the KotaSAS community. This partnership will offer the same unmatched value, seamless integration, and superior customer support that we promise all our customers. This is another milestone in TM’s efforts to empower Malaysians with digital access for a better future, and aligns with our Digital Powerhouse aspiration to advance Malaysia for the next digital revolution.”

YH. Dato’ Shahrul Nizam added, “We are pleased to work with TM and Unifi once more in delivering a seamless customer experience, ensuring future residents benefit from high-speed connectivity. The introduction of fibre broadband is just the beginning of our journey towards elevating KotaSAS as Pahang’s new administrative and economic capital, setting the stage for future smart city initiatives, energy-efficient systems, and digital public services. With digital services transforming homes, communities and businesses, KotaSAS is poised to not only be Pahang’s foremost township, but a central hub for socio-economic growth in the East Coast region.” 

In addition to fibre broadband, KotaSAS residents will also gain access to Unifi’s converged offerings including the best 5G & 4G mobile services, the largest platform of premier channels and streaming apps in Malaysia, as well as comprehensive smart home solutions. Recently named the Best Home Broadband Service Provider at the 2024 PC.com Awards, Unifi continues to innovate and deliver outstanding services and value to communities throughout Malaysia.

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MAYBANK ISLAMIC AND TM FORGE PARTNERSHIP TO DELIVER FIRST ISLAMIC BANKING AS A SERVICE SOLUTION POWERED BY 5G

KUALA LUMPUR, 15 FEBRUARY 2024: Maybank Islamic Berhad and TM, the nation’s leaders in Islamic banking and telecommunications, have forged a partnership to deliver the country’s first Islamic Banking as a Service (BaaS) solution powered by 5G. Designed for consumers and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), this collaboration combines the best of Maybank Islamic’s diverse financial services and TM’s recognised Uni5G Postpaid Biz mobile packages, creating seamless access and experiences for today’s digital customers. With local entrepreneurs and MSMEs to gain the most, Maybank Islamic and Unifi Business, TM’s digital business solutions arm, today launched their inaugural ‘Go Niaga’, a mobile business banking bundle to help businesses manage finances, improve incomes and offer digital payment options powered by secure 5G connectivity and networks. The bundle will address current market gaps among this segment, and enable businesses to better participate in e-Commerce and expand their customer reach. Dato’ Mohamed Rafique Merican, Maybank Islamic’s CEO, said, “This partnership between Malaysia's largest telecommunications company and the country's leading Islamic banking institution opens up unique opportunities for us in delivering Islamic banking services to customers. This partnership is a significant step forward in financial inclusion. By embedding Maybank Islamic’s BaaS solutions within Unifi Business’ platforms, previously unbanked or underbanked individuals and businesses will gain access to Maybank’s essential financial services and 5G mobile connectivity through TM’s cutting-edge technologies.” “While the technology originates from the BaaS concept, what makes it unique is its adherence to Islamic principles, making it the pioneering example of its kind in Malaysia. It combines modern technology with the ethical requirements of Islamic finance, providing innovative and faith-based financial services,” he said. Shanti Jusnita Johari, Chief Commercial Officer for Consumer Strategy & Business at Unifi, said, “MSMEs are a key growth engine for the nation’s economy. At present, this segment accounts for nearly 38% of Malaysia’s GDP, yet their potential is often dimmed by limited access to digital tools and financial services. This is even more apparent among underserved segments, micro and small businesses who face the most challenges in accessing financial services and digital innovations that are necessary to elevate their lives and livelihoods. “As a trusted partner to more than 400,000 MSMEs across the nation, we believe this partnership is a timely intervention to effectively address these challenges and help local businesses seize the opportunities of the digital economy. This partnership is the next milestone in our vision to become a digital powerhouse by 2030 and our mission to power a Digital Malaysia, improving businesses and communities through technology, and paving the way for a digitally inclusive nation,” Shanti shared.   Highlights of Maybank Islamic and Unifi Business’ Go Niaga offering As the first bundle from Maybank Islamic and Unifi Business’ joint collaboration, the Go Niaga mobile business banking bundle aims to address the essential banking needs of local entrepreneurs and MSMEs. To help local businesses streamline their operations, the Go Niaga bundle offers: a)    A lower minimum deposit of only RM 100 for customers to open an SME First Account-i – allowing them to clearly segregate their personal and business accounts that will help improve their long term credit rating. b)    Payment acceptance facilities through Maybank Islamic’s QRPay Biz, and Tap2Phone – enabling cloud POS via mobile devices to facilitate digital / card payments. c)    Credit Facilities including Maybank Islamic’s SME Digital Financing: Aspirasi Wanita Programme – providing more entrepreneurs access to funds that could help them stabilise and expand their business. d)    Uni5G Postpaid Biz 39, Uni5G Postpaid Biz 55 and Uni5G Postpaid Biz 89 mobile plans bundled with free 5G mobile devices – ensuring secure access to financial services anywhere, anytime and bringing 5G capabilities to more communities. e)    Cash rebates for Unifi Mobile bills when customers sign up and activate Maybank Tap2Phone merchant payment facility bundled with Uni5G Postpaid Biz packages. This initial offering will be made available from 21 February until 29 May 2024. Customers are welcome to visit selected Unifi Stores on Tuesdays, selected Maybank branches on Wednesdays and selected Pusat Ekonomi Digital (PEDi) nationwide on event days, to find out how they can benefit from these offerings. For more info, please visit maybank.my/goniaga or http://biz.unifi.com.my/goniaga

TM Records a Promising 1Q2023 Performance with 2.0% Revenue Growth; Continues to Strengthen its Core Business

1Q2023 Key Highlights (vs 1Q2022)   ·        Operating Revenue grew 2.0% from RM2.89 billion to RM2.95 billion, with continuous growth across Unifi and TM Global ·        EBIT decreased 15.5% from RM560.4 million to RM473.3 million, following accelerated depreciation and impairment ·        PATAMI lower 2.9% from RM339.9 million to RM330.1 million, lower EBIT cushioned by lower net finance cost and effective tax rate ·        CAPEX investment stood at 14.0% of revenue or RM413.1 million, heavily attributed to fibre network expansion   Amidst the challenges for the year, Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) achieved a steady and promising performance in the first quarter that ended on 31 March 2023, compared to the same period in the previous year (YoY).   Operating revenue grew 2.0% to RM2.95 billion, from RM2.89 billion in 2022, driven by Unifi and TM Global. TM saw an increase in customers with Unifi now serving close to 3.5 million home and MSME customers, TM One catering to 8,800 businesses, and TM Global serving more than 700 local and regional customers.   Its reported Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) is lower 15.5% to RM473.3 million, from RM560.4 million, following the Group’s decision to accelerate depreciation and impairment of IT assets, due to changes in market conditions.   Profit After Tax and Minority Interest (PATAMI) decreased 2.9% to RM330.1 million from RM339.9 million. Lower net finance cost and lower effective tax rate from the recognition of deferred tax assets mitigated the impact of the lower EBIT on the Group’s overall profitability.   Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) stood at 14.0% of overall revenue, or RM413.1 million. A significant portion of this investment was dedicated to fortifying its fibre infrastructure, delivering new customer acquisition, international subsea cables investment and 5G fibre network deployment to meet Government’s target of 80% coverage by year end.   Unifi sustaining growth trajectory   Unifi continues to deliver leadership in convergence service and solutions for both home and MSMEs customers. Unifi reported a 1Q2023 revenue growth of 4.3% from RM1.38 billion to RM1.44 billion contributed by both, growth in number of subscribers and average revenue per customer (ARPC).   Unifi fixed broadband subscription increased by 8.1% to 3.08 million propelled by aggressive sales, and promotions such as the 6-months complimentary speed upgrade offered to existing Unifi Home users and 7-days free viewing of all Unifi TV channels during Chinese New Year.   Unifi Mobile unveiled its latest offerings, the UNI5G prepaid and postpaid plans, which include complimentary 5G access for all current mobile subscribers. Additionally, Unifi introduced the Pakej Perpaduan Jalur Lebar Tetap (Home Internet) and Pakej Perpaduan Prabayar Mudah Alih (Prepaid Mobile) plans specifically designed for underserved communities, providing inclusive and ubiquitous connectivity for the community.   Unifi Business’ collaborative efforts with local government agencies have been instrumental in supporting MSMEs to digitally grow their businesses. As part of this initiative, Unifi Business launched a programme in Sabah that has resulted in a significant participation of local entrepreneurs.   TM One navigating challenging market and shifting demand   TM One recorded a 6.7% slowdown in revenue from RM773.7 million to RM721.9 million in the current quarter, largely due to the impact of price reduction and lower revenue from one-off customer projects.   The delivery of key projects across several industries shall set the pace for TM One in the coming quarters. TM One delivered a Private 5G solution to enable Smart Industry solutions and completed a hybrid cloud project that is instrumental to the IT backbone transformation of its customer. TM is also the only telco with a 100% completion record for the Point of Presence (POP) Phase 1 Project, successfully delivering 233 sites across the northern states, Sabah and Sarawak.   Building on the success of TM One 5G Sphere Partner Programme launched end of 2022 where more than 90 leading partners are registered today, TM One launched its Sandbox platform providing a secure and controlled environment for enterprise and Government customers with technology partners to co-create and commercialise innovative smart service solutions, which will propel their digitalisation and automation drive.   TM Global catalysing digital inclusivity   TM Global reported continuous growth in 1Q2023, with revenue increasing by 3.9% from RM625.1 million to RM649.2 million, contributed by higher data and data centre co-location services.   As the leading partner for High-Speed Broadband Access (HSBA), TM Global achieved the highest number of new installations in March, supporting collective industry growth throughout Malaysia. Additionally, close to 8,000 4G and 5G fiberisation site were deployed to meet the growing demands of industry players and enhance nationwide edge capabilities, further propelling national digital initiatives.   Internationally, TM Global secured deals from US-based hyperscaler and North Asia digital provider for its wholesale data centre solutions as well as a substantial deal from ASEAN telecommunication player for more than 10Tbps data requirement within this region. TM Global remains focused on positioning Malaysia as the preferred digital hub for the ASEAN region through its comprehensive and customised offerings for hyperscalers, global carriers and digital players.   Commentary and Outlook from Dato’ Imri Mokhtar, TM Group Chief Executive Officer   “2023 is expected to be a challenging year with changes in the regulatory landscape, heightened competition and other market structure changes. TM will continue strengthening its core business to be commercially sustainable as a Public Listed Company (PLC) whilst continuing to contribute to the nation’s growth via its role as a Government Linked Company (GLC).   “As the national connectivity and digital infrastructure provider, TM will continue to execute the fiberisation plan to support the Government’s National Digital Network (JENDELA) programmes as well as the 5G rollout nationwide.  TM looks forward to continue playing an active role in the 5G implementation, leveraging its nationwide fibre infrastructure, extensive digital platforms (data centres, edge nodes) and rollout experience.   “We remain steadfast as we enter the final year of our 2021-2023 Transformation Programme, and pursue the next wave of growth beyond 2023. In line with our journey to become a human-centred TechCo, we announced the launch of TM’s new HQ and Campus, located in Cyberjaya. The campus will serve as a catalyst for a new way of working that drives agility and flexibility through digital collaboration and hybrid work environment, propelling innovation among our employees, customers and partners.    “We will continue to advocate sustainability efforts and strive for progress. TM has released our first Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) report, 2 years ahead of Bursa Malaysia’s 2025 requirement. The report focuses on increasing transparency around the financial implications of an organisations’ climate-related risks and opportunities.   “Though cautious with the overall outlook, we remain optimistic with the prospects of increased hyperconnectivity, continuous growth investments in connectivity and digitalisation across all customer segments. TM will continue to enable a Digital Malaysia by offering comprehensive suite of communication services and digital solutions benefitting communities, businesses and Government.”

TM SUPPORTS GOVERNMENT’s DECISION FOR TWO-PHASED IMPLEMENTATION OF 5G

TM supports the Government’s decision to implement 5G over two phases, as announced by Communications and Digital Minister YB Fahmi Fadzil on 3 May 2023. TM will work closely with the Government and the industry to ensure the success of both Phase 1 (80% service coverage by DNB) and Phase 2 (shift to two networks) for Malaysia’s 5G implementation. TM looks forward to continue playing an active role in the 5G implementation, leveraging its nationwide fibre infrastructure, extensive digital platforms (data centres, edge nodes) and rollout experience. TM shall continue to deliver converged connectivity and solutions across fibre and 5G to its home, SME, enterprise and Government customers through Unifi and TM One. TM is committed to serve as the nation’s trusted partner to grow Malaysia’s overall connectivity and digital ecosystem, including 5G. It is committed to shaping a Digital Malaysia through technology that empowers communities, businesses and Government.

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