25 Aug 2023
TM Records Stronger 2Q 2023 Financial Performance; Sustaining the Group’s Growth Momentum
KUALA LUMPUR, 25 August 2023 – Telekom Malaysia Berhad (“TM” or “the Group”) recorded a stronger financial performance in the second quarter of the year that ended 30 June 2023, compared to the same period in the previous year.
Its operating revenue grew 0.3% to RM3.10 billion, propelled by Unifi’s expansion which saw a substantial increase to 3.11 million fixed broadband subscribers. The growth was also due to TM Global’s solid 10.0% revenue growth driven by higher demand for domestic and international data services.
Profit After Tax and Non-Controlling Interest (PATAMI) rose 50.4% from RM378.0 million to RM568.7 million due to lower net finance cost and the recognition of tax credits from unutilised tax losses.
TM’s Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) allocation for the first half of 2023 stood at RM942.8 million, which accounts for 15.6% of the overall revenue for the expansion of network infrastructure to enhance nationwide coverage.
Meanwhile, Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) was lower by 10.3% at RM630.0 million from RM702.7 million, due to higher preventive maintenance costs to better serve our customers and higher depreciation from revision of asset useful life.
TM declared a higher Interim Dividend of 9.5 sen per share. This is a testament of the Group’s positive financial performance and its ongoing commitment to shareholder value.
Commenting on these results, Amar Huzaimi Md Deris, TM’s Group Chief Executive Officer said, “We are pleased with this quarter’s performance, which is marked by overall positive results across our Lines of Business (“LOBs”). These achievements further strengthen TM’s growth momentum in facing a more competitive market.”
“In the coming months, TM expects to face a more challenging marketplace but remains confident in our overall positive financial performance. The Group remains steadfast to continue strengthening its core business to be commercially sustainable whilst also continuing to contribute to the nation’s growth.
“TM is excited by the huge potential of fixed, mobile and lifestyle convergence in the digital market, as well as digital infrastructure and solutions for MSME, enterprise and government sectors, whilst pursuing to capture opportunities from International partners including hyperscalers.
“We also remain committed to continuously invest in expanding our network to enable the nation’s progress towards a Digital Malaysia. TM will continue to collaborate closely with the Government to serve as the nation’s trusted partner to grow Malaysia’s overall connectivity and digital ecosystem, including 5G,” Amar concluded.
LINES OF BUSINESS PERFORMANCE
Unifi drives growth with enhanced services and market leadership
Unifi’s revenue increased 0.5% to RM1.41 billion, driven by growth in fixed broadband subscribers reaching 3.11 million from consumer and Micro Small & Medium Enterprises (“MSME”) segments.
Reinforcing its market leadership in fibre broadband services, Unifi unveiled its Ultra Gigabit Broadband Plans with 1Gbps and 2Gbps packages designed to empower digital households and expedite the growth of MSMEs.
Unifi also strengthened its position by introducing innovative Uni5G postpaid and prepaid all-in-one 4G and 5G mobile plans, enhancing its fixed-mobile convergence value proposition.
Unifi’s lifestyle services arm, Unifi TV, continued its pursuit of enriching user experiences by integrating popular streaming apps such as Netflix into its diverse portfolio. This move bolsters Unifi TV’s value proposition and adds to the variety of content available to users.
The availability of a comprehensive convergence proposition encompassing gigabit fixed broadband, innovative 5G mobile packages and lifestyle services is the only offering of its kind in the industry. This is delivered over the best fibre network, superior 4G network coverage and expanding 5G nationwide footprint that offers elevated connectivity experiences at home and on-the-go.
As a market leader, Unifi Business launched its Digital Marketing Solution (“DMS”) to encourage the MSME segment develop stronger brand presence and online visibility. As the latest addition to its line-up of connectivity and business solutions, DMS complements and augments Unifi Business’ existing offerings and will propel digital adoption among businesses.
Earning further accolades, Unifi Business received the “Best Business Fixed Broadband Service Provider” award from PC.com during the period under review.
TM One Drives Innovation with Smart Solutions and Private 5G Advancements
TM One experience a decline in revenue by 11.4% to RM732.0 million in 2Q 2023 as a result of price reductions in connectivity services and lower one-off revenue from customer projects.
To mitigate this, TM One is driving the rapid development of smart innovative solutions for verticals such as smart cities, healthcare, agriculture and industries. As a trusted digital partner for large enterprises and government, TM One is also leading Private 5G propositions and solutions across diverse industries spanning across oil & gas, transportation hubs and manufacturing to drive the country’s advancement.
As the largest local cloud provider, TM Cloud Alpha remains the preferred local sovereign hyper-scaled cloud for data residency and locality in Malaysia.
It has also reinforced its role in shaping Malaysia’s modern urban landscapes by being the strategic partner for smart city low-carbon initiatives with local councils. Along with its growing local and global partnerships, it has been appointed to implement and support various digital transformation programmes for its customers.
In recognition of its industry excellence across a suite of end-to-end next generation business solutions, TM One received the accolade for "Best Enterprise Telco" from PC.com.
TM Global on track to make Malaysia the preferred digital hub for ASEAN
TM Global recorded a 10.0% solid revenue growth from RM739.9 million to RM813.6 million, contributed by higher demand for both domestic and international data services.
TM Global remains steadfast in solidifying its stature as Malaysia’s preferred network infrastructure provider, catalysing digital industry and 4G/5G ecosystem while simultaneously positioning the country to become a digital hub for ASEAN.
TM Global continues to deploy its 4G/5G fibre backhaul rollout and drive greater demand for High Speed Broadband Access (HSBA) ports, reinforcing its commitment to support the Government’s aspirations for digital inclusivity in the country.
Beyond borders, TM Global has reinforced its position by enriching the platform play services via strategic collaborations with partners on A2P SMS Gateway in Philippines and Content Delivery Network (CDN) Last Mile Delivery in Thailand.
Additionally, TM Global continued to cater to mega bandwidth requirements with dynamic and customised solutions for hyper-scalers as well as global service providers, cementing its significance on the international stage.
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TM reports strong 3Q2020 performance amidst challenging environment
Encouraging QoQ revenue growth across all product lines 3Q2020 QoQ Key Financial and Operational Highlights (All comparisons refer to the second quarter of 2020 (Quarter-on-Quarter (QoQ) comparison), except as noted): Group Revenue grew 3.8% to RM2.69 billion from RM2.59 billion recorded in 2Q2020. Group Reported Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) increased by 7.0% QoQ to RM456.2 million, from RM426.3 million in 2Q2020. Group Reported Profit After Tax and Non-controlling Interests (PATAMI) rose 19.9% QoQ to RM329.5 million compared to RM274.7 million. The total capital expenditure (capex) for 3Q2020 stood at 14.9% of revenue or RM400.0 million. unifi: Continues convergence leadership with growth in broadband and mobile; highest convergence penetration of TM households at 58%. TM ONE: Strengthened position as the digital enabler for enterprise and public sector customers with connectivity and end-to-end cloud offerings. TM Wholesale: Continues to connect industry players, carriers, over-the-top (OTT) providers and content players in Malaysia and globally. Addressing the digital divide: Remain committed to increasing connectivity reach via Jalinan Digital Negara (JENDELA) and accelerating the digital economy with recently announced Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) collaboration. Strong Business Performance for 3Q2020 Despite these unprecedented times, TM Group Revenue continues to increase QoQ recording a resilient 3.8% growth to RM2.69 billion from RM2.59 billion recorded in 2Q2020 on the back of higher revenue from voice, internet and data services. Group EBIT for 3Q2020 increased by 7.0% QoQ to RM456.2 million, from RM426.3 million in 2Q2020, on the back of lower operating cost, from the Group's continued momentum from its cost optimisation programmes. This subsequently led to a 19.9% increase in Group PATAMI from RM274.7 million in the preceding quarter to RM329.5 million. In 3Q2020, the company invested 14.9% of revenue in capex amounting to RM400.0 million - in line with guidance - as it continued to optimise its network and sweat its assets. Of the amount invested, 50% was for network access, 17% for core network, and the balance 33% for support system. Imri Mokhtar, Group Chief Executive Officer, TM, commenting on the results: "We are pleased to report another quarter of growth across all key financial metrics – revenue and profits – despite the challenging environment in Q3. Our efforts in cost optimisation continue to yield results with a healthy EBIT and a strong PATAMI. As we enter the ninth month of the Covid-19 pandemic, our priority continues to be the safety and health of our 'Warga TM' while continuously delivering connectivity and solutions excellence to our broad customer base." "We are seeing unifi gaining momentum, posting a 6.3% growth to 1.65 million subscribers, with our total broadband customer base now at 2.26 million. We achieved the highest convergence penetration (of three services or more) in TM households since 2018, of 58%, as more Malaysians embrace digital living-working in this new norm. On the wholesale front, we continue to collaborate with industry players in Malaysia and globally. At TM ONE, we further cemented our leadership position as the digital enabler for enterprise and public sector customers with enterprise-grade connectivity and end-to-end cloud offerings. We look forward to more collaborations with strategic partners and customers towards establishing a solid foundation for a more Digital Malaysia," Imri concluded. Operational Review: Maintaining Business Momentum TM delivered another quarter of robust performance, driven by its agility to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on Group businesses and operations; leveraging on new avenues for growth in the 'new normal' whilst adapting to challenges. unifi: Continues convergence leadership with growth in broadband and mobile Achieved the highest convergence penetration at 58% of TM households. unifi customer base grew 6.3% to 1.65 million; total broadband customer base grew 2% to 2.26 million during the quarter. Helped empower Small and Media Enterprises (SMEs) with relevant tools and knowledge to grow their businesses and embrace digitalisation with the launch of cari@unifi and eBiz Pack, unifi Business Club (uBC) collaboration with Lalamove and live webinars such as Reboot and Sembang Bisnes. Partnered with Funding Society Malaysia to provide business financing solutions for Micro SMEs (MSMEs) utilising Yellow Pages' digital platform. unifi Mobile extended access to the daily free 1GB Productivity Internet offer to 24 hours, until 31 December 2020, to support Malaysian's connectivity needs in Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO). TM ONE: Strengthened our position as digital enabler for enterprise and public sector customers with connectivity and end-to-end cloud offerings Scaled up the full capabilities of Cloud α (Cloud Alpha) suite of services with full data residency, locality and sovereignty. Appointed as the technology partner of the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) to develop and maintain the Population and Housing Census of Malaysia 2020 (e-Census) platform. Continue to support state governments and local city councils to establish future-ready smart cities and smart homes via its TM ONE Smart City Solution enabled by the Internet of Things (IoT) and various smart solutions. TM Wholesale: Continues to connect industry players, carriers, over-the-top (OTT) providers and content players in Malaysia and globally Domestic Secured a new contract with a domestic mobile player for cross ocean connectivity, backhaul connectivity solutions and broadband access capacity upgrade. New backhaul connectivity deal with a domestic mobile player for new backhaul services. International Expansion of content delivery services with an Asian-based OTT player. Secured a deal with an Asian-based OTT player for connectivity solution within Asia Pacific, and two (2) new long term data connectivity deals with global carriers. Additional voice business deals with global service providers worldwide. TM Network remained stable throughout CMCO as a result of continuous network optimisation. This is despite traffic utilisation surging between 30% to 50% depending on peak hours, from March 2020 to November 2020 due to more Malaysians working from home. Supporting the nation's digital agenda and addressing the digital divide: Remain committed to increasing connectivity reach via JENDELA and accelerating the digital economy with the recently announced MDEC collaboration. Prospects for the Current Financial Year Ending 31 December 2020 Following the Covid-19 pandemic, Bank Negara Malaysia has revised Malaysia's annual gross domestic product (GDP) forecast to contract between 3.5% to 5.5%[1], against 4.3% growth in 2019. Uncertainty from the most recent wave of the pandemic from October onwards is expected to bring about further revision to these numbers. As the nation faces this adversity, relying even more on the internet and digital connectivity for work and studies, TM continues to serve as an essential service provider, ensuring stable network performance for the entire nation via both our retail and wholesale fronts. The Government's introduction of JENDELA in September 2020 as well as the RM7.4 billion allocations in the recent National Budget to deliver upgraded broadband services for year 2021 and 2022 will serve as a platform to accelerate Malaysia's digital connectivity through wider deployment of mobile, fibre and fixed wireless access. This will pave the way for 5G under the 12th Malaysia Plan (2021–2025). TM is at the forefront in collaborating with other service providers, enabling and delivering JENDELA. We continue to seek opportunities to cater for future demands of connectivity, in line with our proven commitment to maintain business profitability whilst adapting to and exploring new norms and avenues from this dynamic circumstances that the nation faces today. [1] Sourced from Bank Negara Malaysia, 14 August 2020
Maxis Leverages TM’s High-speed Broadband Services to Drive Digital Adoption Nationwide
Maxis has extended its agreement with TM, the nation’s largest fibre network provider, to access TM’s High-Speed Broadband (HSBB) premium services until 2029. With the extension, Maxis will continue accessing TM’s national fibre network to provide customers with competitive fixed broadband offerings and value-added services. The partnership will enable Maxis to expand the reach of its high-speed internet connectivity to even more premises nationwide, complementing its own-build fibre network. Maxis currently provides fibre connectivity to more than 700,000 homes and businesses. In addition to standard HSBB access, the premium services include additional requirements that will help Maxis better serve their customers and improve efficiency, including one-stop connectivity and digital solutions offerings for enterprise customers. As a longstanding and premium TM HSBB partner, Maxis will be able to fully leverage the opportunities and broadband capabilities provided by TM, unlocking greater value for its customers. "We are pleased to extend and deepen our partnership with TM to further drive broadband adoption for the nation. The partnership in conjunction with our own extensive fibre network and core mobile business allows us to deploy our resources more efficiently and effectively so we are able to place greater focus on customer experience. This is in line with our integrated telco strategy of fulfilling all our customers’ connectivity needs," said Goh Seow Eng, Chief Executive Officer of Maxis. Commenting on the partnership, Amar Huzaimi Md Deris, Group Chief Executive Officer of TM said “TM is the ideal partner to catalyse Access Seeker's broadband aspirations whilst at the same time advancing Malaysia’s digital ambitions. Through our domestic fibre infrastructure, we are paving the way for a digital era that embraces sustainability, accelerated economic growth and community upliftment. TM is the backbone of the nation’s core connectivity with its pervasive domestic fibre coverage complemented by its vast international submarine cables connectivity that connects the world to Malaysia.” In our dynamic industry landscape, TM stands as Maxis’ biggest HSBB services partner. The collaboration traces back to 2010 when Maxis became the first telco provider to sign a HSBB access agreement with TM and the partnership has been on-going, culminating in this most recent extension. Earlier this year, TM took a strategic step forward by securing access to Maxis’ 4G Multi Operator Core Network (MOCN) and 4G and 2G Domestic Roaming Services to enhance its mobile connectivity nationwide. This strategic alliance taps into the combined strengths of TM and Maxis, leveraging each other's network capabilities to enhance connectivity services reach and efficiency. By pooling resources and expertise, both providers not only elevate the quality of their services but also contribute significantly to the broader goal of advancing Malaysia's digital landscape.
TM supports 5G deployment in Langkawi with its Integrated Operations Command Centre
Deployed the Region’s First Stand Alone (SA) Dedicated 5G network Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) is fully supportive of the 5G Demonstration Project (5GDP) currently undertaken by Malaysia Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). The Company has already embarked on a total of 11 use cases in Langkawi and deployed the operations of an Integrated Operations Command Centre (IOCC) which is at the heart of 5G implementation in Langkawi. The IOCC, or also known as 5G Command Centre (5GCC), which is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, is an integrated command centre where the data feed and dashboard monitoring of TM 5G network and use cases in Langkawi are centralised. This 5GDP is recording a number of firsts for TM and the country: The first Telco to deploy SA dedicated 5G network in the country and in the region. The first telco in the region to update our Radio Access Network (RAN) and devices with SA dedicated 5G network. The first Telco in the country to achieve 1.5Gbps for 5G speed tests conducted within its 5G use cases sites. Langkawi is the first Smart Tourism Island in the world equipped with 5G Dato’ Noor Kamarul Anuar Nuruddin, Group Chief Executive Officer, TM said: “We fully support MCMC’s 5GDP and we are currently testing the implementation of a converged 5G core network which allows co-existence of Non-Stand Alone (NSA) (5G enabled on current 4G network) and Stand Alone (SA) dedicated 5G network in Langkawi. SA is the future of the 5G network deployment and this demonstration is crucial to fast track 5G implementation in the country. With the implementation of the SA network in Langkawi for the 5GDP, TM is the first Telco that has deployed the first SA dedicated 5G network in the country and in the region. We are also proud to note that 5G speed tests conducted within TM’s 5G use cases sites have achieved up to 1.5Gbps. I’m also pleased to update that TM is the first telco in the region to update our Radio Access Network (RAN) and devices with SA dedicated 5G network.” “For 5GDP in Langkawi, we have deployed the highest number of 5G use cases among the participating telcos and all the 5G network and use cases sites can be monitored via the dashboard at the 5GCC, where our expert, qualified technical team works 24/7 to monitor the operations. It is also linked to the local authorities and emergency response services which allow for the communities as well as tourists to experience a smarter, safer living. In addition, we open the 5GCC for all other Service Providers to deploy their monitoring dashboards so all relevant data can be centralised for collective insights.” Currently, the 5GCC houses the dashboard for the following use cases: Smart Traffic Light Smart Parking Smart Safety and Security Solutions Langkawi Smart Tourism Dashboard (Smart Tourism App and UNESCO 8K VR) Gerbang Langkawi Platform (for Smart Water Management System, Smart Vehicle System, Smart Retail Analytics, Smart Safety Helmet and Geolocation People Safety Solutions) Backed up by analytics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) and data-driven insights, the 5GCC is furnished with advanced integrated security features to serve as a security monitoring centre through closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras being installed at hotspots on the island. It is also equipped with face and vehicle recognition system that will assist authorities in public safety and surveillance as well as with criminal investigation, crime prevention and citizen protection. It also monitors weather sensors, tsunami alarms, wind speed systems that have been installed at TM’s designated 5G use cases sites in Kuah and Cenang. The control centre empowers local agencies in promoting tourism safety and attractions effectively, unravelling businesses growth opportunities for the local and providing a safer and smarter crowd control for tourists that will help drive forward Langkawi as a Smart Tourism Island. The monitoring dashboards provides real-time data and consolidated information from all the use cases, for example traffic, parking and security conditions of the 5G use cases areas in Kuah and Pantai Cenang, water consumption level, retail footfall and customer emotions data, number of incidents and alerts, among others. In addition, the authorities can receive alerts and notifications, such as distress calls and response via a panic button from the closed circuit television (CCTV) poles deployed with the smart safety and security solution, or alerts during emergencies e.g. accidents at the workplace, missing individuals, detection of unhappy customers at retail outlets and detection of dangerous driving. These alerts enable the authorities to mobilise resources swiftly during any undesirable incidents or emergency situations, thereby improving their ability to react and respond to the Rakyat's needs in a timely manner for any emergencies. “As the national telecommunications infrastructure provider of Malaysia’s Digital Nation aspirations, we are honoured to be given the opportunity to establish this 5GCC which demonstrates our expertise and capabilities in delivering 5G services to Malaysians nationwide. We aspire to not only enable the ecosystem but also plans to be a neutral partner for industry players and collaboration partners towards enabling Malaysia’s Digital Economy. This signifies our support for MCMC’s aspiration in progressing humanity towards improving the quality of lives of the Rakyat. TM, via our innovative and comprehensive products and solutions will continue to work closely with the Government and MCMC to lay the foundation for Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR4.0) and rolling out 5G nationwide to serve a more digital society and lifestyle, digital businesses and industry verticals, as well as digital Government,” he added.
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