22 Sep 2025
TM JOINS CANDLE SUBMARINE CABLE SYSTEM CONSORTIUM TO CONNECT MALAYSIA AND ASEAN COUNTRIES TO JAPAN
KUALA LUMPUR, September 22, 2025 – TM, Meta, SoftBank Corp.,
Candle is a 24-fiber pair, 8,000 km submarine cable system connecting Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, that is scheduled to begin operations in 2028. It will contribute to infrastructure expansion and secure redundant routes to meet the increasing demand for data communications driven by 5G and AI.
This cable system will be one of the first in the Asia-Pacific region to use a 24-fiber pair cable, enabling superior traffic capacity to support the growing demand for communications in the region.
Chairperson of the Candle Management Committee, Don Pang, said: “Candle represents a pivotal advancement in fortifying the region’s digital infrastructure. As the need for robust, high-speed connectivity grows, Candle will deliver greater network diversity and resilience along this essential corridor, leveraging state-of-the-art technology. This milestone reflects the deep collaboration among our partners and underscores our shared commitment to advancing digital inclusion and economic opportunity for over half a billion people in the Asia-Pacific region.”
The partners from participating countries also provided their comments on the importance of this new system.
Amar Huzaimi Md Deris, TM’s Group Chief Executive Officer said, “TM’s participation in the Candle submarine cable system project demonstrates our commitment to building resilient digital infrastructure that meets the growing demand for digital services and cloud-based, AI-driven innovation across Asia. It strengthens our ability to support hyperscalers, enterprises and global service providers in expanding their footprint across ASEAN, while reinforcing Malaysia’s role as ASEAN’s digital hub. This initiative bodes well with our aspiration to become a Digital Powerhouse by 2030—connecting Malaysia to the world, and the world to Malaysia.”
“At Meta, we imagine a future where everyone has access to AI, personal superintelligence, and other emerging technologies to improve their lives and connect with each other. This is part of our commitment to seamlessly bring people together no matter where they are in the world.,” said Nico Roerich, Director, APAC Network Investments, Meta.
“With the rapid advancement of generative AI and the Internet of Things (IoT), the demand for international telecommunications is expected to continue accelerating. CANDLE adopts a 24-fiber-pair architecture, making it one of the core foundations of next-generation social infrastructure that SoftBank is promoting. By integrating with other submarine cables such as JUPITER, ADC, and E2A, we will further enhance the diversity and redundancy of global communications networks originating from Japan, and strengthen Japan’s role as a digital gateway for Asia,” said Kimimasa Kudo, Vice President and Head of Global Business Division, Enterprise Unit, SoftBank Corp.
"
Tomonori Uematsu, General Manager, Submarine Network Division, NEC Corporation, added, “NEC is a leading vendor in the submarine cable system business with over 60 years of experience. NEC is particularly strong in leading subsea projects in the Asia-Pacific region, having been responsible for eight optical submarine cable systems connecting Japan and Singapore, including ‘Candle.’ In this project, NEC will participate as a system integrator, providing everything from the manufacture of submarine cables and repeaters to route design, installation, and testing. Through the establishment of a highly reliable communication environment in the Asia region, NEC will contribute to the development of the digital economy.”
This initiative is a milestone in collective partnerships and commitment to strengthening regional connectivity, ensuring secure and reliable international data transmission, and advancing the digital growth of communities and businesses across ASEAN.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
TM SUPPORTS GOVERNMENT’s DECISION FOR TWO-PHASED IMPLEMENTATION OF 5G
TM supports the Government’s decision to implement 5G over two phases, as announced by Communications and Digital Minister YB Fahmi Fadzil on 3 May 2023. TM will work closely with the Government and the industry to ensure the success of both Phase 1 (80% service coverage by DNB) and Phase 2 (shift to two networks) for Malaysia’s 5G implementation. TM looks forward to continue playing an active role in the 5G implementation, leveraging its nationwide fibre infrastructure, extensive digital platforms (data centres, edge nodes) and rollout experience. TM shall continue to deliver converged connectivity and solutions across fibre and 5G to its home, SME, enterprise and Government customers through Unifi and TM One. TM is committed to serve as the nation’s trusted partner to grow Malaysia’s overall connectivity and digital ecosystem, including 5G. It is committed to shaping a Digital Malaysia through technology that empowers communities, businesses and Government.
Telekom Malaysia Unveils AIDENTITI™ KITA: A Generative AI Music Video to Celebrate Malaysia’s Diversity for Hari Kemerdekaan and Hari Malaysia 2023
KUALA LUMPUR, 18 August 2023 – TM introduces AIDENTITI™ KITA, an innovative campaign that blends music and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to celebrate Malaysia’s rich diversity this Bulan Kebangsaan. Aligning with TM’s mission to bring new technologies to everyday Malaysians, the campaign showcases the country’s people and traditions through a unique digital perspective and inclusive on-ground engagements where communities from all walks of life can experience AI up close. The campaign debuts with Malaysia's first Bulan Kebangsaan music video made with Generative AI that translates the nation’s rich culture and heritage into captivating digital art and scenes using text prompts. The music video features the talents of MK (K-Clique), Suki Low and Balan Kash. Amar Huzaimi Md Deris, TM’s Group Chief Executive Officer said, “As the pioneer of a Digital Malaysia, TM envisions AIDENTITI™ KITA as a catalytic engine for evolving perspectives, catalysing efforts to bridge the digital gap, and aligning Malaysia with advanced nations in the digital realm. This commitment also aligns with The National Artificial Intelligence Roadmap, with AI as one of the foundation technologies of the 4th Industrial Revolution.” “The campaign also embodies the core of our brand promise, ‘Your Next is Now’, as well as our unwavering commitment to introducing cutting-edge technologies and ensuring their accessibility to all Malaysians. By doing so, we contribute to propelling Malaysia towards its high-tech nation aspirations by 2030, while ushering in a future defined by purpose and boundless possibilities,” Amar added. Inclusivity takes centre stage as TM invites the public to co-create their AIDENTITI™ using the company’s AI platform, with a chance to be showcased on digital billboards nationwide. Detailed participation information can be found at tm.com.my/aidentitikita. TM Joins Forces with APOM for #Empatbelas Series, Celebrating Malaysia’s Unique Identities As part of the Bulan Kebangsaan celebrations, TM is also collaborating with A Piece of Malaysia (APOM) for the 2023 #empatbelas series. This collaboration celebrates each of Malaysia’s 14 states through creative expressions and specially designed APOM merchandise. Through APOM #empatbelas2023, TM underscores its support for local creative talents across the nation, aligning seamlessly with the AIDENTITI™ KITA campaign’s goal of celebrating diverse backgrounds and ideas. #Empatbelas2023 merchandise will be available from 31st August 2023 at https://apom.my. Unifi customers will be able to enjoy 10% off all APOM merchandise, terms and conditions will apply.
Telecommunications operators continue to support home-based teaching and learning with free 30GB internet per month
Telcos also providing free WiFi connectivity for students at selected PPR communities and have extended operating hours of Pusat Internet Komuniti PETALING JAYA, 10 FEBRUARY 2021 – Telecommunications operators Celcom Axiata Berhad ("Celcom"), Digi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd ("Digi"), Maxis Berhad ("Maxis"), U Mobile Sdn Bhd ("U Mobile"), and Telekom Malaysia Berhad ("TM") through unifi Mobile, are continuously supporting the rakyat's learning needs with free 30GB Productivity Internet per month (free 1GB internet daily), for learning and productivity tools as well as for news website browsing until 30 April 2021. Since April 2020, all active Postpaid and Prepaid customers of the respective operators have been able to enjoy 30GB Productivity Internet per month, except for social media, gaming, video and music streaming, over and above customers' monthly data allocation from their existing plans. Customers are advised to refer to their respective operators for more information on how to access the daily free Internet offers and the list of services included. Furthermore, telco operators will continue to support the rakyat at selected People's Housing Projects (PPR) by providing free WiFi and extending operating hours of Pusat Internet Komuniti (PIK) during these challenging times. A total of 130 PPR and 54 PIK nationwide will focus on supporting students from B40 families with free connectivity that aims to facilitate Home-based Teaching and Learning (PdPR) due to the Movement Control Order (MCO). In addition to the free 30GB internet per month, the operators have also provided a special prepaid data pass for SPM and STPM students, as well as students in higher learning institutions. The prepaid data pass offers 15GB data per month for as low as RM20 per month and the passes are available for eligible students from 6 January 2021 until end of April 2021. The joint industry initiatives are part of its continuous relief efforts driven together with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia as well as the Permai Aid Package as recently announced by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. Telecommunication operators will also continue to offer free and unlimited access to a range of information-related apps and services to ensure Malaysians stay updated on the latest credible news on COVID-19. The list includes MySejahtera and MyTrace apps, and important health websites and hotlines such as the CPRC Hotline, Ministry of Health and World Health Organization websites, and more.
NEWSLETTER
Just drop your details and stay updated with the world of Telekom Malaysia. We promise – no spam!