20 Dec 2021
TM’s response to the national crisis and assurance to customers, communities and businesses affected
As a result of the extreme and continuous heavy rainfall since Friday (17 December 2021), some telecommunication services provided by Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) have been impacted. A number of telecommunication equipment particularly in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan and Pahang were damaged resulting in service disruption in several areas.
At the time of reporting, TM’s National Crisis Command Centre is up and running, and we are closely monitoring our network sites. The flash floods and landslides have caused several of our nodes in the three (3) states to be inaccessible due to high water and unsafe conditions.
In the meantime, we have had to shut down power supply and network equipment in some areas as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of those in the vicinity and minimise any potential risks.
We have mobilised our front-liners and as conditions permit, we are actively pursuing network restoration in the flood-stricken zones to minimise any service interruption, ensuring customers remain connected.
Our immediate concern is of 50,000 of our valued customers on unifi, streamyx, fixed line and unifi mobile who are affected, and we are working hard to ensure communication services are being safely re-established.
Concurrently, the GLC/GLIC Disaster Recovery Network (GDRN) has been activated to provide welfare aid and support to those affected by this disaster. As a start, a total of RM50 million has been allocated for relief initiatives comprising of a matching grant of RM25 million by the Government, while the GLCs/GLICs will jointly contribute another RM25 million.
As part of GDRN, which TM co-leads as the Secretariat together with Yayasan Hasanah from Khazanah Nasional Berhad, we are collaborating with the National Security Council (NSC) through NADMA (“Agensi Pengurusan Bencana Negara”) and other agencies to assist in furthering other disaster relief assistance.
Together with the members of GDRN, we will mobilise rescue and aid efforts to ensure that basic necessities and healthcare can be provided to those in need. The 56th Royal Signals Telekom Army Reserve Regiment (56 Rejimen Semboyan Pakar Telekom Askar Wataniah) which comprises of volunteers from TM has been deployed on the ground to provide assistance and emergency services involving internet and telephone lines nationwide.
“Though the situation remains uncertain, I am grateful for the quick action especially on the part of the TM engineering and customer care team for keeping our customers updated and working towards restoring the much-needed connectivity services. As we brace ourselves in anticipation of worsening conditions, we remain hopeful that Malaysians in need will receive the help they require. Our front-liners will be on the ground around the clock to restore services and bring the impacted States back on its feet,” said Imri Mokhtar, Group Chief Executive Officer of TM.
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unifi business unveils ecommerce & cloud solutions to accelerate MSME digital adoption
unifi Business Suite now includes eCommerce Hub, Cloud Storage, and Cyber security providing MSMEs the convenience, security, and tools to grow their business in the digital era unifi Business recently unveiled exciting new features in its suite of solutions for Malaysia's Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which would enable them to upscale rapidly and accelerate their digital business transformation. Offering a unified ecosystem of consultation, connectivity, digital solutions and specialised services, unifi Business aims to secure its position as the preferred digital partner for MSMEs as the sector recovers from the effects of the pandemic. Established as a one-stop centre for all business needs, the unifi Business suite now includes: unifi eCommerce Hub: Designed to connect and maximise growth opportunities seamlessly, this solution offers a single and integrated platform, with an easy-to-use interface. Entrepreneurs can sync their offline and online sales channels, manage product inventories, orders, monitor sales and revenue, as well as manage social media enquiries. They can even build interactive websites with live chat and built-in online payment features. unifi Cloud Storage: To help businesses manage the often tedious task of storing valuable information, this solution brings flexible, safe and scalable data storage. It also provides access for multiple users and secured encryption for better business productivity. Hosted locally at TM's Green Data Centre certified facilities, unifi Cloud Storage provides a secure home for important files and information so businesses can focus on growing and being profitable. Cyber Security solution: To assist MSMEs in securing their business against cyber threats, this easy-to-deploy and straightforward-to-manage solution allows them to get on with the important stuff – like generating revenue and growing business. Supported by a world-leading cyber security provider, the solution protects important things that matter to businesses regardless of IT skill level, providing "Always On-Security for Always-On Businesses". It will be available for subscription starting 22 April 2022 onwards. unifi Business Club (uBC): All unifi Business customers will enjoy member benefits of the uBC, which include access to relevant and current content at its portal (https://ubc.unifi.com.my). Here, they can find insightful and inspiring content such as webinars, talk shows, live chats, events, business tips and articles to help them navigate the business world. uBC members will also enjoy access to financial assistance, productivity boosters, digital marketing platforms, tools and community engagement programmes that are tailored to a variety of business needs. Commenting on the new suite of offerings, Mohamad Yusman Ammeran, Head of SME Segment, unifi said, "MSMEs form the backbone of our economy and they need to take timely advantage of the digital boom, which presents an ideal opportunity to navigate towards more sustainable growth. Digitalisation done right is the way to go: unifi Business is primed to help them get back on their feet, come back stronger and achieve positive gains through its innovative digital solutions." According to industry analysts, building a strong digital presence is critical in today's connected era, the lack of which accounts for the failure of many MSMEs during the pandemic. To stay competitive, businesses need to make their products and services offering available online and participate in the burgeoning local and regional eCommerce market. Yusman added that unifi will be with MSMEs, guiding them on their digitalisation journey. "Our certified unifi Business Consultant team is another testament to our commitment to serve MSMEs. They are certified with the International Certification for Digital Literacy (ICDL) and will offer continuous support and guidance," said Yusman. "Our multiple business solutions for MSMEs demonstrate TM's support for the Government's initiatives, such as JENDELA and MyDIGITAL, and are aligned to the Group's role as the enabler of Digital Malaysia." Domestically, Malaysia's eCommerce value soared by 22% to RM801bil in 2021 after registering an income of RM658bil in 2020 for the period of January - September, according to the latest data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM). As MSMEs represent 97.4% of overall business establishments in the country, they play a significant role in strengthening Malaysia's digital economy growth. In addition to the digital solutions, MSMEs can now enjoy up to 50% savings or get a RM5,000 matching grant, as part of the Pelan Jana Semula Ekonomi Negara (PENJANA) initiative announced by the Government in 2021. This is an opportunity for MSMEs to increase their productivity while reducing their operating cost. For more information on unifi Business Solutions and MSME Digitalisation grant offerings, please visit www.unifi.com.my/business/smegrant.
Yayasan TM in collaboration with CENDANA transforms Muzium Telekom into engaging public digital arts space as part of art in the city's inaugural KLWKND
Through the marriage of technology and arts, Yayasan TM (YTM) continues its ongoing mission to preserve and celebrate the nation's arts, culture and heritage by transforming Muzium Telekom into an engaging public digital arts space, thanks to a ground-breaking collaboration with the Cultural Economy Development Agency (CENDANA). The collaboration is in support of the agency's Art In The City Programme, via its inaugural KLWKND event. KLWKND is a series of exciting events happening from 25 to 28 November 2021 created to make arts and culture accessible to all walks of life. KLWKND is set to transform downtown KL into a vibrant, truly immersive hub for creativity, arts and culture with various activities planned, all throughout the four (4) day programme including dance, music, opera, fashion, architecture, food, visual arts, design, creative products, traditional crafts, literature, history and more. In amongst the activities, YTM is honoured to be part of KLWKND placing Muzium Telekom as the centrepiece where art meets technology. The 93-year old heritage building will be transformed as SITULAH, a public digital arts showcase. Since 1994, the museum has been showcasing the history and evolution of telecommunications in Malaysia. Befitting the times, YTM aims to reinvigorate this beautiful historic building as an engaging hub that connect the dots across the many facets within the TM Group, showcasing talents from Multimedia University (MMU) students, alumni and faculty in digital, creative and cinematic arts as well as TM's heritage and innovation in telecommunications. True to its collaborative spirit, YTM is working with CENDANA together with Joe Sidek Productions and other esteemed figures in the arts community including gifted visual and performing artists; whilst supporting local Food & Beverage businesses during the festival period and beyond. Muzium Telekom as SITULAH at KLWKND carries the exhibition theme of Traverse – Motions Through Time, a showcase of art and technology traversing without borders across time, mediums and cultures, in a vibrant interdependent ecosystem. As the visitors move through the museum, the artworks will guide them through an exploration into the past, present and future. Addressing the transformation of telecommunication institutions (TM Group, Muzium Telekom and MMU) in the age of digital evolution, contained within four (4) chapters: ENTER, INTER(IN)VENTION, RETROSPECT, and EXPERIENCE. 'Traverse' asks the visitors - how do these historical shifts in the mediation of our perception reflect our beliefs in the function of these institutes in our media society. At 'Traverse – Motions Through Time' while the artists are embracing the new form of art-making, expressing their ideas in a novel and ingenious ways, YTM take the opportunity to inform the public of the emerging creative practices by encouraging public participation, reflection and immersive engagement with the new content produced by MMU students, faculty and alumni. Besides digital and creative arts, TM R&D and TM ONE also showcase their latest technology and innovations. Today, the exhibition hosted a VVIP walkabout, graced by YB Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin, Deputy Minister of Communications and Multimedia, accompanied by Dato' Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahim Haji Daud, YTM Board of Trustees Member; Izlyn Ramli, Director of YTM; Dr. Sharlene Thiagarajah, Chief Executive Officer of TM Research & Development (TM R&D); Ainol Shaharina Sahar, Chief Executive Officer of Menara KL; Nor Azmi Mat Said, Chairman of MyCreative Ventures; Junady Nawawi, Group Chief Executive Officer of MyCreative Ventures; Izan Satrina Mohd Sallehuddin, Chief Executive Officer of CENDANA; and Joe Sidek, Director of KLWKND Festival. Holding on to the noble principle that no one gets left behind in this digital age, YTM is exhibiting the extraordinary visual talents of gifted artists in Malaysia for a charity sale during the event. Also taking part are visual artists from Persatuan Pelukis Negeri Perak who will be showcasing the Gutta Percha Trail Exhibition, the history of how a tree native to Malaysia played a crucial part in making the global submarine and telegraph network possible. With the exciting emergence of vast markets for non-fungible tokens (NFTs), YTM is also collaborating with DETIK, a unique Malaysian NFT project team who is organising the NFT-JAM Challenge where digital artists will meet up in the DETIK created Newsantara metaverse. This challenge aims to increase digital literacy reach so that creative communities can participate in the digital economy and earn potential income from their creative arts. This initiative will have presence in the Traverse exhibition and also feature some of the artwork displayed physically and digitally at Muzium Telekom. Commenting on the collaboration, Izlyn said, "As a purpose driven social impact foundation, YTM is committed to the Group's aspiration of enabling a Digital Malaysia via our three pillars of Education, Community and Nation-Building as well as Tourism, Culture and Heritage. The third pillar is dedicated to the sustainable development of Malaysian arts, culture and creative ventures. It is a necessary part for the preservation and celebration of our nation's heritage but also a key foundation to building our future. Creativity and innovation are not just confined to a certain sector; they are applicable across all aspects as well as being a key life skills. This must be nurtured and supported by all stakeholders for the betterment of society." "Malaysia has a wealth of talent, creativity and innovation but it needs that due attention and support to grow further and make an even greater mark in the world. How corporates can support the overall ecosystem should be considered from a strategic view – how they can enhance the scene with the core competencies they have so that the local arts industry creates greater impact and sustainability. YTM's role is in connecting the dots between the youth, talent and creativity to skills development, digital opportunities and collaborative partners; focusing on expanding traditional content and goods to digital platforms and solutions," she added. Meanwhile, as the main organiser, Izan Satrina said, "KLWKND is an integral part of Art In The City key to reach out, restart, revive and rebuild the economy for the arts and culture sector. To successfully implement such efforts, collaboration at all levels amongst the private and public sectors is needed to ensure involvement and ownership of the programme. Therefore, we are proud to partner with YTM and Joe Sidek Productions to build a greater impact for the sector and wrap up the year with a bang. Part of the arts includes us reflecting our history. The exhibition 'Traverse – Motions Through Time' complements this journey." YTM and its partners invite all to come and experience this exciting and immersive digital arts and innovations exhibition, Traverse – Motions Through Time from 25 – 28 November 2021 (10.00 am – 10.00 pm) as part of CENDANA's Art in The City inaugural KLWKND programme. There will also be cool prizes to be won from a special gamification competition feature of the exhibition journey!
TM AND SINGTEL’S NXERA BREAK GROUND FOR SUSTAINABLE, HYPER-CONNECTED DATA CENTRE CAMPUS IN JOHOR
ISKANDAR PUTERI, 25 JULY 2024 – TM and Nxera, the regional data centre arm of Singtel’s Digital InfraCo unit, held a groundbreaking ceremony for their data centre campus in Iskandar Puteri, Johor. The groundbreaking comes one month after the announcement for a joint venture to develop data centres in Malaysia and uplift Johor’s digital hub status. This 64MW state-of-the-art, sustainable, hyper-connected, AI-ready data centre campus reinforces Malaysia’s high quality digital infrastructure. It also supports the government's efforts to drive the digital economy and transform the country into a hub for industrial growth, AI development and innovation. Malaysia's Digital Minister YB Gobind Singh Deo; YB Lee Ting Han, Chairman, Johor State Investment, Trade, Consumer Affairs and Human Resources Committee; and Singapore's Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry and Culture, Community and Youth Low Yen Ling graced the groundbreaking event as the Guests-of-Honour. Minister YB Gobind said, "This investment by TM and Nxera reinforces Malaysia's position as the digital hub in Southeast Asia, further advancing the nation's economic growth. Based on advance estimates, Malaysia's economy expanded 5.8% in the second quarter of 2024, and such investments are in line with projections that Malaysia's digital economy will contribute 25.5% to the nation's GDP by the end of the year. The relationship between TM and Nxera expands to Malaysia and Singapore, with both nations being a good case study of a productive working partnership between two ASEAN member states." YAB Dato Onn Hafiz Ghazi, Menteri Besar, Johor said, “TM-Nxera’s upcoming data centre campus, located right here in Iskandar Puteri, holds particular significance as one of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone’s first investment projects. We welcome the comprehensive scope of their investment with respect to high quality infrastructure, sustainability as well as employment and skilling opportunities which supports our emphasis on talent development, green technology and renewable energy. This data centre campus will serve as a catalyst for economic growth and enable businesses to harness the power of cloud computing and AI. We hope this will set the stage to shape a vibrant business ecosystem where more high-tech and high-value content companies will be attracted to locate their operations within the special economic zone and give a further boost to Johor’s digital economy.” Senior Minister of State Low said, “Data centres are important enablers of our digital economy, powering our economy’s data-driven needs. As technology advances, robust, next-generation digital infrastructure like the TM-Nxera Data Centre will be essential to support AI advancements and foster value creation. Today’s groundbreaking marks a milestone in the deepening economic relations between Singapore and Malaysia, and I look forward to the outcomes we can achieve through close collaboration.” Amar Huzaimi Md Deris, TM’s Group CEO, said, “Today marks a pivotal milestone in our journey to becoming a digital powerhouse as we break ground on this cutting-edge AI-ready data centre. This facility exemplifies our commitment to fostering industry growth, driving innovation, and enhancing socio-economic development. With support from the Federal Government, and Johor state agencies and authorities, we are confident that this AI-ready data centre will equip businesses with unparalleled computing power, AI capabilities, and other cutting-edge technologies. We are excited to lead the way into a future where AI and data analytics drive transformative solutions, revolutionising industries and enriching both our nation and the world.” Bill Chang, CEO of Nxera and Singtel’s Digital InfraCo unit, said, “As one of the largest investments in the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, this state-of-the-art data centre campus is an integral part of our mission to empower digital economies and communities in the region while ensuring energy and water resources are deployed responsibly and efficiently. It expands our regional data centre platform’s strategic presence in this fast-growing Asia region. With Malaysia embracing AI to drive competitiveness and innovation, our campus will spur economic growth by helping companies leverage AIs and cloud computing to drive efficiencies and accelerate their business transformation. Our investment isn’t just about the campus, it is about bringing benefits to the local economy through digitalisation, developing local talent, creating employment opportunities and enhancing international connectivity. We would like to express our gratitude to the Johor State Executive Council, Invest Johor, Iskandar Regional Development Authority, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation and Malaysian Investment Development Authority for their support.” Scheduled to begin commercial operations in 2026, this cloud-enabled Tier 3 data centre campus will use liquid cooling to handle higher power density AI workloads. The facility will be designed, built and certified to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards, incorporating energy and water-efficient solutions to optimise the use of resources. This underscores the joint venture's commitment to long-term sustainability goals. To support the new data centre campus, the joint venture plans to expand submarine cable connectivity, enabling a thriving and vibrant digital ecosystem. Located just 16 km from Singapore, the data centre campus will allow customers to seamlessly expand their infrastructure from the city state and the rest of the region. Further, the data centre can be scaled up to 200MW in response to market demand. In addition, apart from creation of new employment opportunities that is important for nation building, the joint venture will invest in building talent for the data centre industry by fostering collaborations between universities in Singapore and Malaysia. It aims to design comprehensive courses with specialised curriculum to provide students with well-rounded knowledge and the requisite skills to propel Malaysia’s growth aspirations. For communities and the region, this means superior country-to-country connectivity and a smarter, more resilient digital economy. As announced in Bursa, this joint venture is conditional upon receiving approval from TM shareholders in the upcoming EGM.
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