30 Mar 2023
TM’S NEW FIBRE OPTIC NETWORK HUB (POINT OF PRESENCE) BRINGS FASTER, MORE RELIABLE INTERNET CONNECTIVITY TO RURAL AND REMOTE AREAS
Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) has today announced the completion of its new fibre optic network hub or point of presence (PoP) project phase one (1) installations, across northern region, Sabah and Sarawak. The launch ceremony, which was officiated by YB Fahmi Fadzil, Minister of Communications and Digital, took place at SMK Padang Terap, Kuala Nerang, Kedah. Also present were Dato’ Haji Pkharuddin Bin Haji Ghazali, Director-General of Education and Dato’ Sri Haji Mohammad Bin Mentek, Secretary-General, Ministry of Communications and Digital.
PoP is a place where different devices connect to each other and to the internet. In simple terms, PoP brings fibre closer to users. By setting up PoP locations near schools, people in rural and remote areas can get better and faster internet services in their homes, instead of relying on mobile internet. This will improve internet access and connectivity for more people in the community.
During the ceremony, YB Fahmi highlighted the significant benefits and opportunities that the new PoPs would bring. The new PoPs represent a major step forward in the Government's efforts to narrow the digital gap and promote digital inclusion across Malaysia.
A total of 4,370 PoPs had been planned under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) where 4,323 PoPs will be installed near rural schools and 47 PoPs near industrial area. Phase one (1) of the project, involves 677 sites and the remaining will be implemented under phase two (2) over the span of three (3) years, 2022-2025. A total of 233 PoP circuits were installed under phase 1, with 100% completion achieved by TM, ahead of other industry players.
“We are thrilled to see the progress and achievements of this project, which will bring significant benefits and opportunities to the community, including improved internet quality, economic development and the development of new infrastructures,” said Shazurawati Abdul Karim, Executive Vice President of TM One.
PoP will create a more balanced and inclusive regional development, boosting the growth of new technologies like 5G and future generations of communication technologies. Through this initiative, users in TM's PoP area have now reached over 9,000 and are increasing. A total of 58 of its users are schools that have subscribed to Unifi services. The widespread internet accessibility will not only help to develop the rural economy but more importantly allow learning materials to be downloaded, to improve the quality of education in schools, equipping the future generations with a wealth of knowledge.
“As the nation's telecommunications leader, and enabler of Digital Malaysia, TM is committed to support the nation's development agenda through the benefits brought by hyperconnectivity and digital solutions, which will accelerate digital adoption and new economic growth,” added Shazurawati.
“The presence of PoP can attract technology companies, start-ups and other businesses that require a high-speed internet connection to operate. This can create more job opportunities, increase innovation, and stimulate economic growth in local communities,” concluded Shazurawati.
The collaboration between TM and the Government demonstrates the shared commitment to deliver digital inclusivity throughout Malaysia. For phase two (2) of PoP project, TM has been awarded with 174 sites in the central region. This phase is expected to further boost digital connectivity and economic development for Malaysia.
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TM Announces Upcoming Change In Chairmanship
Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM), is pleased to announce the appointment of Dato’ Zainal Abidin Putih as its new chairman effective 1 August 2023. He will succeed Tan Sri Azlan Hashim, who completes his 2-year term on 31 July 2023. Dato' Zainal Abidin brings a wealth of experience and distinguished track record in the corporate sector. He is currently Chairman of Financial Reporting Foundation (FRF), Land and General Berhad, Touch 'n Go Sdn Bhd and Tokio Marine lnsurans (Malaysia) Bhd, as well as Board Member of Khazanah Nasional Berhad and several private limited companies. He has also previously served as Chairman of Pengurusan Danaharta Nasional Berhad, CIMB Bank Berhad, Malaysian Accounting Standards Board (MASB) and President of Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants (MICPA). As Chairman, Dato' Zainal Abidin will be responsible for overseeing the overall governance and strategic direction of TM. He will work closely with the Board of Directors and management team to drive TM's next wave of growth and strengthen its market position. Tan Sri Azlan, who shall complete his term as Chairman on 31 July 2023, expressed his confidence in the appointment of Dato' Zainal Abidin and stated, "I am delighted to hand over the reins to Dato' Zainal Abidin. His extensive experience and deep understanding of the corporate sector make him the ideal candidate to lead TM into its next phase of growth. I have full confidence in his ability to guide the company towards greater achievements and new horizons." Dato' Zainal Abidin expressed his gratitude for the opportunity and said, "I am honored to assume the role of Chairman of TM. I am excited to build upon the strong foundation laid by Tan Sri Azlan and work together with the Board and management team to create new opportunities and achieve even greater heights. It is an exciting time to be joining TM, especially as we build on the company's recent successes." TM extends its appreciation to Tan Sri Azlan Hashim for his invaluable contributions, dedication, and leadership during his tenure as Chairman. His vision and strategic guidance have played a pivotal role in the company's recent growth and success.
Funding Societies and TMIM team up to provide digital financing access and support to MSMEs
Financial assistance for underserved local MSMEs from Funding Societies utilising Yellow Pages digital advertising solutions to help with business expansion and sustainability during these challenging times. Funding Societies Malaysia, the largest peer-to-peer (P2P) financing platform in the country and Southeast Asia recently collaborated with TM Info-Media Sdn Bhd (TMIM), a subsidiary of Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) to offer business financing solutions for the underserved and unserved local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The mission kicks off into high gear with the prime utilisation of Yellow Pages' digital platform, a product of TMIM and also the leading digital business directory in Malaysia. The collaboration will provide MSMEs with greater access to digital financing solutions. The solutions will facilitate business expansions as well as ensure sustainability of the MSMEs. It provides vital financing options to existing MSMEs and serves as a launch pad to aspiring entrepreneurs. The synergistic collaboration takes momentous steps towards Funding Societies' mission to improve the livelihoods of MSMEs and TM's role as the enabler of Digital Malaysia. It also opens the door for as many as 70,000 MSMEs under the Yellow Pages listings to a variety of tailor-made financing products. With the aim of bringing game-changing revolutions to their customers, Yellow Pages Malaysia is no stranger to making innovative transformations in order to stay current in the digital age. Wong Kah Meng, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Funding Societies Malaysia, commented on the partnership: "Digital financing is becoming more prevalent in Malaysia given its ability to promote financial inclusion, particularly benefiting the MSMEs that are either unserved or underserved by traditional financing avenues by providing easy access to financing solutions. As the largest P2P financing platform in the region, our partnership with TMIM will serve to accelerate our reach in providing the financing support that is much needed by our local MSME players. This is especially relevant given MSMEs are among the most impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic." Meanwhile, Sean Koh Chin Soon, Chief Executive Officer, TMIM said: "Our Malaysia Yellow Pages platform which has evolved from print to digital, interactive website and mobile app, is the perfect avenue to bridge the MSMEs out there with the resources they require. We are excited to collaborate with Funding Societies Malaysia in empowering local businesses through financial solutions. This will enable them to further expand their potentials thus supporting the sustainability of the businesses, especially during this Covid-19 pandemic. This is also in line with the Government's efforts to boost the growth of Malaysian economy and to propel local businesses. This initiative is befitting of TM Group's unique role in nation building and as the enabler of Malaysia's Digital Nation aspirations." P2P financing is a digital financing solution that has been gaining traction in recent years. Its modern approach and speedy process makes pain points of traditional financing a thing of the past. Such setbacks including collateral requirement, onerous documentation, slow turnaround time, and high minimum requirements, all posed as hurdles for smaller businesses to obtain quick financing assistance. Through this collaboration, eligible businesses on the Yellow Pages platform can apply for the financing from Funding Societies without even needing to visit a physical branch. Eligible MSMEs stand to enjoy the following financing benefits from Funding Societies: Discount on processing fee Fast disbursement with quick approval within five (5) working days Flexible tenure of up to 18 months No collateral requirement Minimal documentation requirement Besides the collaboration with Funding Societies, TM through its consumer and SME product brand, unifi has also been continuously assisting businesses to stay productive in this emerging digital economy. Via unifi Business Club (uBC) specifically for its SME customers, unifi enables access to complete business solutions which include digital marketing tools, productivity boosters and financial solutions. By allowing businesses to leverage on its strategic partnerships, unifi aims to expedite its customers' recovery and enhance sustainability. Interested MSMEs can apply for financing from Funding Societies on Yellow Pages website starting 5 October 2020. For more information on the partnership between Funding Societies and TMIM, please visit https://biz.yp.my/solutions/yellowpagesfinancing/.
Employees of TM at Menara TM One, Damansara and Kepayan, Kota Kinabalu tested positive for Covid-19
Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) confirms two (2) positive cases of Covid-19 amongst its employees. One of the affected employees is based at Menara TM One in Damansara, Kuala Lumpur and the other is at its Kepayan office in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Both employees are currently under quarantine and receiving treatment at Government quarantine and medical facilities. TM management and staff are together praying for their speedy recovery. TM has taken proactive measures to mitigate further spread of the virus and keep our customers, staff and communities safe. At Menara TM One, all occupants were immediately evacuated and the office building closed for seven (7) days to facilitate thorough disinfection and sanitisation in accordance to the guidelines set by the Ministry of Health (MoH). TM offices in Sabah, Kedah and other Red Zone areas had been closed much earlier as proactive precaution in correspondence to the increasing cases recently. Following these two new positive cases, detailed contact tracing is being carried out by the MoH, assisted by TM's COVID-19 Crisis Response Team (CRT), to identify and inform those whom had close contact with the affected employees. Identified close contacts are being contacted by MoH for further advice and action. In ensuring continued services to our customers, TM employees at the affected states and areas have reverted back to Work From Home (WFH) arrangement utilising digital channels and online productivity tools. Meanwhile, critical function employees (contact centre, field teams for service installation and restoration) shall continue working in compliance to Government and TM's added safety protocols and guidelines. TM would like to remind everyone at all times to keep safe social distance, hygiene and adhere to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as advised by the Government. TM has taken and will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure the health and safety of our customers, employees and community.
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