Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) today launched its TMpoint TM Authorized Dealership Programme in Bangi, Selangor. The TMpoint TM Authorized Dealership (TAD) programme is an initiative by TM to reach out to its current and potential consumers through an effective nationwide network based on the “Dealer Owned, Dealer Operated” concept. Each dealer which is selected by TM will have the opportunity to set-up his or her own TAD outlet with the support from TM.

The main objective of the TAD programme is to boost the government’s entrepreneurial development initiatives. In addition, TAD outlets would also be an avenue for TM to provide more interaction centres for its current and potential customers as well as set up a presence in new and developing areas.

The event was graced by the Minister for International Trade and Industry, YB Dato’ Mustapa Mohamed together with the Chief Executive Officer of TM Group, Dato’ Zamzamzairani Mohd. Isa, Ahmad Khairul Razi Ismail, Chief Executive Officer of Telekom Sales and Services Sdn. Bhd, and Zaidi Md Yasin, Managing Director of Miraxis Sdn. Bhd.

According to Dato’ Zamzamzairani Mohd. Isa, Group Chief Executive Officer, TM, the TAD programme is one of TM’s major initiatives this year to develop local entrepreneurship.

“The TAD programme is especially created to widen the services and sales of TM products to the entrepreneur class, who are interested in managing their own business, and at the same time, receive support in the form of consultation, strategic training and technical needs supplied directly from TM.”

Through the TAD programme, selected dealers will have the opportunity to run their own business and be responsible for their own outlet, with the support and guidance from TM and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Telekom Sales and Services Sdn. Bhd. (TSSSB). The dealers will also receive tools to help them manage their own outlets, including support in various areas such as operations, training, coaching, advertising and promotional materials, consultation and equipment.

YB Dato’ Mustapa Mohamed, in his speech, called on budding entrepreneurs to take up the Government’s challenge to collaborate with local corporations such as TM in entrepreneurial development initiatives, especially during conditions of global economic uncertainty.

“To achieve the Government’s objective to create more entrepreneurs with a capable and competitive drive, the Government continues to encourage all companies, especially government-linked firms and other corporations to provide business opportunities for eligible entrepreneurs who will be able to contribute to the progress of the country’s financial development,” said YB Dato’ Mustapa.

“With the existence of a well-knit cooperative network between TM and the country’s entrepreneurs, TM will continue to identify wider business opportunities in the future and we will be able to offer well-planned strategic and systematic services and marketing opportunities, and allow it to be a main platform in driving other more progressive, competitive and innovative entrepreneurship initiatives forward, in line with the mission and vision of TM, to become one of the main players in the telecommunications industry,’ added Dato’ Zamzamzairani.

In conjunction with the launch of the TAD programme, YB Dato’ Mustapa also launched TAD’s 6th outlet, located at No. 5, Ground Floor, Jalan 6/7B, Seksyen 6, Jalan Pusat Bandar, 43550 Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor. The TAD outlet is operated and managed by Miraxis Sdn. Bhd. YB Dato’ Mustapa and Dato’ Zamzamzairani were then taken on a tour of the outlet by Ahmad Khairul Razi Ismail and Zaidi Md Yasin.

The 1st five TAD outlets are outlets that are converted from TM’s earlier outlet dealership scheme, Clickers Authorised Service Outlet or CASO. TAD Bangi is the first outlet opened fully under the new TAD programme.

TAD outlets are similar to the 105 TMpoint outlets currently located across the country. TAD outlets will offer almost the same products and services provided by TMpoint outlets, but on a smaller operational scale. TAD outlets are currently equipped to handle purchase and subscription of TM telephony and Internet products and services, such as Fixed Telephone Line, Streamyx and iTalk cards, TM bill payments and consultations with customers. By end of August, customers can also pay their Celcom, Astro, Tenaga Nasional and Syabas utility bills at the outlet. In addition, there is also Customer Premise Equipment (CPE) available at the outlet such as telephone sets, modems and routers.

“The TAD outlet is also part of our initiatives to get closer to the customers and signifies our commitment in improving every aspect of our business. Thus, the opening of TAD outlets will see TM reaching out to more customers,” continues Dato’ Zamzamzairani.

So far, TMpoint’s TAD programme has received an overwhelming response from entrepreneurs keen on leveraging on TM’s brand attributes, quality products and services as well as excellent support. The other five TAD outlets are located in Subang, Bukit Tinggi Klang, Bangi and Sungai Buloh in Selangor, Sri Petaling in Kuala Lumpur and Stutong in Sarawak. Thanks to the positive feedback from potential dealers, TM aims to open 80 more outlets nationwide within the next 3 years. Some of the identified locations for the additional outlets scheduled to be opened this August are in Semenyih, Selangor; Wangsa Maju, Kuala Lumpur; and in Nilai and Senawang, Negeri Sembilan.

For more information on TMpoint’s TAD programme, log-on to http://tmpoint.tm.com.my or http://www.tsssb.com.

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.