Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) today launched its second phase of “Projek Sekolah Angkat Bersama Kementerian Penerangan Komunikasi dan Kebudayaan (KPKK) & TM” in Jelebu, Negeri Sembilan. The launch signified the adoption of three schools under the three-year programme from July 2009 until July 2012, namely:

The programme was launched by Y.B. Dato’ Seri Utama Dr. Rais Yatim, Minister of Information, Communications and Culture.

Speaking at the launch held at Sekolah Kebangsaan Teriang, Dato’ Zamzamzairani Mohd. Isa, Group Chief Executive Officer of TM said, “Education is undoubtedly essential in building a developed nation. Fully aware of this, TM is proud to continuously discharge its role in Corporate Responsibilities for the community by adopting these schools under this programme in collaboration with the Ministry towards equipping the rural students with better IT knowledge. The programme has a three-pronged objective which is to introduce the use of ICT in education, to introduce schools as community centre for ICT knowledge dissemination and to bridge the digital divide. Programmes of this nature demonstrate TM’s commitment towards the nation’s growth, not only economically but also socially. TM, as a leading communications company, will continue to play a pivotal role in supporting national aspirations.”

Y.B. Dato’ Seri Utama Dr. Rais Yatim said, “I believe that the culture of excellence should be instilled responsibly especially in strengthening the execution capabilities. This culture should be instilled at the foundation level via education process at schools as the most strategic centres in learning environment. It is understood that we need to work hard to keep ourselves abreast of the fast-evolving information technology in this cyber era. The Government is committed to continue developing and enhancing the mastery of ICT skills by implementing various programmes towards this end.”

“It is hoped that not only the students, but the teachers and the surrounding communities will fully utilize the computer and Internet connectivity, as well as enjoy the benefits from the activities including the self-development courses and motivational talks,” Dato’ Zamzamzairani further explained.

Under this programme, the IT facilities and telecommunications infrastructure in the three schools will be upgraded. Apart from that, educational activities such as computer classes will also be conducted for the teachers, students and the community in the area. TM will be providing 10 additional computers with Streamyx wireless broadband connectivity to Sekolah Kebangsaan Teriang.

Earlier this month, TM has started conducting IT Literacy classes for the students of Sekolah Kebangsaan Teriang this month to expose them with ICT knowledge and Internet aplications. Following that, TM will continue to organize effective training programmes for the students as well as the teachers which cover basic computing, Internet, web development and more.

This school adoption programme is a continuation from the first “Sekolah Angkat” project in collaboration with the then Ministry of Energy, Water and Communications in 2004. Under the first project, TM adopted Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Ayer Lanas, in Jeli, Kelantan (SMK Ayer Lanas) for three years from January 2004 until January 2006.

The first project has proven to be fruitful as the computer usage amongst the students of SMK Ayer Lanas increased to 80% throughout the 3-year project. It also saw some significant achievements such as the increase in the number of students from the school who achieved 5As and above for their SPM examinations and obtaining a place in local institutions of higher learning (IPTs) from 11 students in 2004 to 20 students in 2006. In addition, the school was also awarded fourth place in the Best School - Web Design competition in Kelantan in 2005 and subsequently in 2006, the school grabbed 2nd runner-up in the same competition.

TM also have other initiative to support education and community development. Starting 2005, TM participated in Promoting Intelligence, Nurturing Talend and Advocating Responsibility (PINTAR) programme initiated by the Ministry of Finance and driven by Khazanah Nasional together with Government-Linked Companies (GLCs).

PINTAR programme is one of the initiatives that stems from the GLC Transformation (“GLCT”) Programme. It redefines school adoption programmes in line with the Government’s call under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (“9MP”) and 2006 Budget on public-private partnerships for sustainable development. The Putrajaya Committee on GLC High Performance (“PCG”), the committee that supervises the GLCT Programme, is hoping that PINTAR can also be replicated to other corporations to support the Government’s call on Human Capital Development.

The programme is aimed at creating awareness on the importance of good academic achievement among students from the low household income group as a good academic achievement will ensure a better future allowing them to improve their living standards. PINTAR is holistic programme that encourages the involvement of parents and community at large to attend IT, motivational courses as well as Parenting Seminars to become better equipped in educating their children.

Under the three-year programme, TM adopted two schools, namely Sekolah Kebangsaan Bukit Indera Muda and Sekolah Kebangsaan Seri Penanti, in Bukit Mertajam, Penang.

TM has allocated RM400,000 over a period of 3 years until 2009 for the two schools to conduct various activities including training and workshops on UPSR examination, English Language workshops, computer management and maintenance workshops, motivational courses and educational visits to Kuala Lumpur. For PINTAR, TM has equipped the schools with computers, complete with broadband connection for better access to the Internet. Internet Application and Computer Maintenance classes as well as motivational courses were also provided for the benefit of the students.

These programmes form a part of TM’s larger Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) initiative under its three-pronged approach namely education, community/nation-building and environment. Under the education platform, among the initiatives are the establishment of Multimedia University (MMU) as the first private university in the country. Besides that, Yayasan TM, the social arm of TM, has awarded scholarships worth RM30 million this year to 823 deserving students to pursue their studies at government schools and universities in Malaysia and abroad. Since its inception in 1994, more than 11,000 students have benefited from this scholarship programme which amounted to over RM390 million.

About TM

Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM), Malaysia’s leading integrated information and communications group, offers a comprehensive range of communication services and solutions in broadband, data and fixed-line. As a market leader in the broadband and fixed-line businesses, TM is driven to deliver value to its stakeholders in a highly competitive environment. The Group places emphasis on continuing customer service quality enhancements and innovations.

With its extensive global connectivity, TM is poised to position Malaysia as a regional Internet hub and digital gateway for South-East Asia. In line with this, TM is evolving into a Next Generation Network service provider enabling the Group to enhance its efficiency and productivity while providing enriched products and services.

On the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) front, the Group has always been a major corporate contributor towards responsible activities in the belief that these practices are a fundamental tenet of good corporate governance. The Group promotes 3 major platforms i.e. education, community/nation-building and environment. Under education, TM has spent some RM800 million to develop Multimedia University into one of the top universities in Malaysia with more than 20,000 students. TM has also provided scholarships to over 10,000 graduates pursuing academic programmes locally and overseas. Under the community/nation-building platform, the Group contributes towards causes that bring value to the community and nation at large. TM was awarded the prestigious STAR-BIZ ICRM Corporate Responsibility Award under the workplace category for 2008.