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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Communications and Multimedia Minister confident with nation’s digital infrastructure after visit to TM Network Operations Centre
Communications and Multimedia Minister, YB Tan Sri TPr Annuar Haji Musa expressed his confidence with the nation’s digital infrastructure to deliver Malaysia’s communications and digital aspirations for now and into the future. He expressed this after a working visit to the TM Network Operations Centre in Cyberjaya today. “I’m very happy with the visit today and from what I see, I’m confident that we have the people, capabilities and infrastructure to ensure 100% connection all over the country. We will leave no Malaysian behind,” YB Tan Sri TPr Annuar Haji Musa said after the visit. TM’s state of the art network operations centre serves as the brains of the nation’s digital and communications infrastructure managing over 600,000 km of communications cables and over 26,700TB data daily. The centre also monitors the health and operations of the 30 submarine cable systems that carries 1,990TB of internet data into and out of the country. Commenting on the visit, TM’s Chairman, Dato’ Mohammed Azlan Hashim said, “We are honoured to have YB Tan Sri TPr Annuar and his senior officers from the Ministry and MCMC with us. This visit gives us the opportunity to showcase the various customer segments we serve and the strength of digital technology available and ready to serve our customers.” “Befitting our unique and important role as the nation’s connectivity and digital infrastructure provider and the enabler of Digital Malaysia, we are ready to serve Keluarga Malaysia with our comprehensive communications and digital solutions. As a Government-Linked Company (GLC), TM remain commited to contribute towards the country's development through telecommunications and digital in support of the country's digital aspirations including JENDELA and MyDIGITAL towards accelerating the country towards a full-fledged Digital Malaysia by 2023,” he added. The visit today is expected to nurture even closer ties between both parties.
TM ONE PARTNERS MINISTRY OF EDUCATION TO ELEVATE DIGITAL SKILLS THROUGH TVET PROGRAMS
KUALA LUMPUR, 30 October 2024 – TM One, TM’s enterprise and Government sector business solutions arm, has announced a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Education (MOE) to enhance Malaysia’s digital competencies, equipping students and educators from vocational colleges and secondary schools with essential digital skills that align with industry standards. The partnership, which was recently formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MOE’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Division, targets critical areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, cybersecurity, and smart agriculture solutions. These initiatives will benefit both students and educators, ensuring Malaysia’s future workforce is ready to meet the demands of the digital economy. Shazurawati Abd Karim, Executive Vice President of TM One said, “We are pleased to collaborate with MOE to deliver industry expertise and digital infrastructures to uplift Malaysia’s TVET ecosystem. TM One will facilitate education and practical training on advanced technologies to the students and educators, preparing them for emerging digital trends and career opportunities. This aligns with the country’s transformation agenda and TM’s Digital Powerhouse aspiration to revitalise Malaysia’s talent and innovation ecosystem for a digitally enabled and globally competitive workforce.” This collaborative effort includes industry placements for educators to develop their digital expertise as well as co-creation of learning modules, syllabi, and curricula revolving technology and telecommunications education, creating a sustainable skills development framework for the future. Leveraging TM’s extensive nationwide connectivity, TM One will also enhance MOE’s digital infrastructure at TVET institutions, fostering a modern learning environment through network enhancements and relevant digital solutions. This collaboration is expected to produce a highly skilled and digitally proficient workforce, positioning Malaysia as a leader across various sectors. Through this initiative, TM One and MOE are ensuring TVET students and educators are well-prepared with the right skills and certifications, providing greater digital access to students from all backgrounds and shaping a dynamic and digitally empowered Malaysia.
Nurturing future digital leaders through YTM Future Skills Champion Schools
Enhances its adopted schools programme to be more holistic by embedding digital technology and leadership skills TM, through Yayasan TM (YTM), recognises the need to equip the next generation with the digital and technology skills required for Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR4.0). In view of this, in 2014, YTM began its Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) oriented programmes, such as robotics, 3D modelling, coding, and big data analytics, to promote those subjects amongst students and education communities at schools nationwide. In 2020, the modules were conslidated into TM Future Skills (TMFS) programme, with the aim of making it more comprehensive and beneficial to the intended participants. The programme was tailored to the syllabus outlined by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and covered the nine (9) pillars of the IR4.0. It has been receiving positive feedback from the teachers and students involved and more schools have requested to be part of the programme. Supporting MOE’s aspiration for digital education transformation, YTM continues to spread the positive impact of TMFS in a more structured approach. Towards this end, the foundation has embarked on TM Future Skills Champion School (TMFS School) initiative, as a continuation of the TM School Adoption Programme with enhanced contents. TMFS Schools foster future digital skills by embracing digital technology in its classroom activities where leadership, design thinking and cognitive abilities were emphasised to prepare the students for future employment. SMK Gunung Semanggol (SMKGS) in Perak, with more than 90% of its students from B40 families, was selected as the first TMFS School, aligned with YTM’s aspiration to assist B40 students in rural areas. To further facilitate the initiative, YTM is establishing TMFS Digital Hub at TMFS Schools where the schools will be equipped with a PocketLab, robotics set, 3D printer, smart TV, desktop, and digital learning content to gain more interest from its students as well as the neighbouring schools. "SMK Gunung Semanggol was identified based on its active involvement in various STEM initiatives, including previous TMFS programmes. The school also has passionate and dedicated teachers, where they adopt integrated and innovative approach for more in-depth understanding of the modules among the students. With such exposure and capabilities, we are confident that SMK Gunung Semanggol is able to play the role as a hub to spread the digital technology knowledge to more students and teachers including at the five (5) neighbouring schools, and approximately over 20 secondary schools in the Kerian district," said Izlyn Ramli, Director of YTM, during the launching ceremony of TMFS School in November 2022. Throughout this three-year programme, YTM, together with its strategic partner, Creative Minds, will work with Multimedia University (MMU), Yayasan Universiti Multimedia (YUM), TM Perak, and other YTM's partners to design and deliver engaging programmes providing the tools and support for students in rural schools to flourish. "We are also happy to see that SMK Gunung Semanggol promotes the development of other skills, such as urban farming and entrepreneurship, to empower the local communities sustainably. So as we continue to identify more potential schools in more states of Malaysia, we hope this programme will unearth more talented students towards building a competitive and sustainable community in the future," she added. Salmah Iman, the Principal of SMK Gunung Semanggol, expressed her enthusiasm, "We feel honoured and privileged to be chosen as the first TMFS School in the Northern Zone and Malaysia. We are excited and look forward to share the positive impact of this programme with the nearby schools. As we are committed to ensuring that this programme achieves its goals, we are also confident that YTM's support and assistance will help these students be prepared for future employment and enhance their standard of living." At the event, Bakri Arsad, Chief Assistant Director of Mathematics and Science, Learning Sector, Perak State Education Department, said, "We welcome such initiatives through collaboration with the private sector, especially for rural schools that need exposure to digital technology. These programmes will inspire students to explore their potential beyond academics and increase the number of students choosing STEM-related fields." During the launch, guests had the opportunity to visit the Pusat Sumber Sekolah Pendeta Za'aba and experience content and materials created by the students based on specific themes including unique handicrafts and martial arts performances. Guests toured the school's urban farm, where they sampled delicious cuisine prepared by students from the special education class using produce from the farm. SMK Gunung Semanggol provided a wonderful ambience of positive vibes that attract students' engagement and boosted their creativity. To date, STEM-related programmes by YTM, including TMFS, have benefited over 15,000 students and teachers from over 500 schools across the country. With the support and assistance of various interested partners, we hope this initiative will spark students' interest in pursuing their tertiary studies in technology and digital fields and equip the young generation with future-proof skills relevant to the future workforce.
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