15 Feb 2024
MAYBANK ISLAMIC AND TM FORGE PARTNERSHIP TO DELIVER FIRST ISLAMIC BANKING AS A SERVICE SOLUTION POWERED BY 5G
KUALA LUMPUR, 15 FEBRUARY 2024: Maybank Islamic Berhad and TM, the nation’s leaders in Islamic banking and telecommunications, have forged a partnership to deliver the country’s first Islamic Banking as a Service (BaaS) solution powered by 5G. Designed for consumers and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), this collaboration combines the best of Maybank Islamic’s diverse financial services and TM’s recognised Uni5G Postpaid Biz mobile packages, creating seamless access and experiences for today’s digital customers.
With local entrepreneurs and MSMEs to gain the most, Maybank Islamic and Unifi Business, TM’s digital business solutions arm, today launched their inaugural ‘Go Niaga’, a mobile business banking bundle to help businesses manage finances, improve incomes and offer digital payment options powered by secure 5G connectivity and networks. The bundle will address current market gaps among this segment, and enable businesses to better participate in e-Commerce and expand their customer reach.
Dato’ Mohamed Rafique Merican, Maybank Islamic’s CEO, said, “This partnership between Malaysia's largest telecommunications company and the country's leading Islamic banking institution opens up unique opportunities for us in delivering Islamic banking services to customers. This partnership is a significant step forward in financial inclusion. By embedding Maybank Islamic’s BaaS solutions within Unifi Business’ platforms, previously unbanked or underbanked individuals and businesses will gain access to Maybank’s essential financial services and 5G mobile connectivity through TM’s cutting-edge technologies.”
“While the technology originates from the BaaS concept, what makes it unique is its adherence to Islamic principles, making it the pioneering example of its kind in Malaysia. It combines modern technology with the ethical requirements of Islamic finance, providing innovative and faith-based financial services,” he said.
Shanti Jusnita Johari, Chief Commercial Officer for Consumer Strategy & Business at Unifi, said, “MSMEs are a key growth engine for the nation’s economy. At present, this segment accounts for nearly 38% of Malaysia’s GDP, yet their potential is often dimmed by limited access to digital tools and financial services. This is even more apparent among underserved segments, micro and small businesses who face the most challenges in accessing financial services and digital innovations that are necessary to elevate their lives and livelihoods.
“As a trusted partner to more than 400,000 MSMEs across the nation, we believe this partnership is a timely intervention to effectively address these challenges and help local businesses seize the opportunities of the digital economy. This partnership is the next milestone in our vision to become a digital powerhouse by 2030 and our mission to power a Digital Malaysia, improving businesses and communities through technology, and paving the way for a digitally inclusive nation,” Shanti shared.
Highlights of Maybank Islamic and Unifi Business’ Go Niaga offering
As the first bundle from Maybank Islamic and Unifi Business’ joint collaboration, the Go Niaga mobile business banking bundle aims to address the essential banking needs of local entrepreneurs and MSMEs.
To help local businesses streamline their operations, the Go Niaga bundle offers:
a) A lower minimum deposit of only RM 100 for customers to open an SME First Account-i – allowing them to clearly segregate their personal and business accounts that will help improve their long term credit rating.
b) Payment acceptance facilities through Maybank Islamic’s QRPay Biz, and Tap2Phone – enabling cloud POS via mobile devices to facilitate digital / card payments.
c) Credit Facilities including Maybank Islamic’s SME Digital Financing: Aspirasi Wanita Programme – providing more entrepreneurs access to funds that could help them stabilise and expand their business.
d) Uni5G Postpaid Biz 39, Uni5G Postpaid Biz 55 and Uni5G Postpaid Biz 89 mobile plans bundled with free 5G mobile devices – ensuring secure access to financial services anywhere, anytime and bringing 5G capabilities to more communities.
e) Cash rebates for Unifi Mobile bills when customers sign up and activate Maybank Tap2Phone merchant payment facility bundled with Uni5G Postpaid Biz packages.
This initial offering will be made available from 21 February until 29 May 2024. Customers are welcome to visit selected Unifi Stores on Tuesdays, selected Maybank branches on Wednesdays and selected Pusat Ekonomi Digital (PEDi) nationwide on event days, to find out how they can benefit from these offerings.
For more info, please visit maybank.my/goniaga or http://biz.unifi.com.my/goniaga
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TM ONE LAUNCHES ITS INNOVATION LAB AND ENTERPRISE 5G LAB TO EMPOWER AND DRIVE DIGITALISATION IN THE ENTERPRISE AND GOVERNMENT SECTOR
CYBERJAYA, 20 FEBRUARY 2024 – TM One is proud to announce the launch of its Innovation Lab and Enterprise 5G Lab, designed to accelerate the realisation of ground-breaking digital services and solutions. These initiatives cater to the unique needs of Malaysia’s large enterprises and Government sector, fostering innovation and empowering digital growth opportunities for TM, its valued customers, partners and society. Officiated by Minister of Digital, YB Gobind Singh Deo, both labs will serve as hubs to bring together the latest technologies, digital leaders and inspiring ideas. It provides a secure, collaborative space where TM, its customers and partners can turn ideas into tailor-made solutions, creating opportunities in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape. Amar Huzaimi Md Deris, TM’s Group CEO, said, “We are excited to launch our new Innovation Lab and Enterprise 5G Lab by TM One. This is a significant milestone of our commitment to drive innovation and deliver value to our customers, partners and the nation. Through these initiatives, we aim to foster greater industry collaboration, and propel key areas such as Enterprise 5G and Smart Services with AI to help organisations thrive in the digital age. “The launch of the Innovation Lab and Enterprise 5G Lab underscores TM's ongoing commitment to foster innovation and customer-centricity. It strengthens our role as a trusted partner for organisations seeking to harness the power of digital technologies, and drive growth and transformation within their businesses and wider communities,” he shared. Located at the state-of-the-art TM Digital Academy in Multimedia University, the Labs are the next in TM One’s continuous efforts to build collaborative ecosystems to drive equitable digital progress. Complementing this initiative is TM One’s 5G Sphere Partnership Programme, with partnerships with over 50 local and global entities to support the co-creation of new innovations. TM One’s Sandbox further provides a secure operational test-bed environment for these partners and customers to develop customised solutions. Both Labs enable: 1. Immersive Engagement: Beyond showcases, organisations will experience first-hand how TM One innovates solutions and delivers expertise for their specific needs. By experiencing potential solutions in action, customers can better grasp the implications and advantages to their own operations. 2. Dialogue & Knowledge Sharing: Having initial prototypes will encourage a deeper exchange of insights by various ecosystem players including TM One’s 5G Sphere partners, and other industry experts. 3. Accelerated Decision-Making: Live use-cases and knowledge sharing help expedite decision-making processes, empowering customers to make informed choices confidently. The Innovation Lab helps decision-makers address hurdles or uncertainties they may have about new technologies or services. 4. Tailored Relationships: Customers will receive a personalised, tailored experience, focusing on an organisation’s unique digital and business objectives, and how TM One can contribute to their success. Customers visiting the Innovation Lab and Enterprise 5G Lab will explore a diverse array of opportunities including the future of connectivity and digitalisation, as well as how technology will reshape industries and elevate the digital business landscape into a realm of boundless possibilities. For a first look at the TM One Innovation Lab and Enterprise 5G Lab, visit https://youtu.be/kg6CA16Khqk
TM and Huawei collaborate to accelerate 5G commercialisation in Malaysia
Both parties exploring a working mechanism to cover spectrum, business case, ecosystem and key technologies towards empowering Digital Malaysia. Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) and Huawei Technologies (M) Sdn Bhd (Huawei) have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate in accelerating 5G commercialisation in Malaysia as the country moves towards a Digital Nation. The MoU was signed by both companies at TM-Huawei Tech Summit held recently. Ir. Ts Azizi A. Hadi, Chief Network Officer, TM signed the MoU on behalf of TM while Mr. Zac Chow, Vice President Huawei Malaysia, represented Huawei at the signing ceremony. Commenting on the collaboration, Dato' Noor Kamarul Anuar, Group Chief Executive Officer, TM said, "It is an exciting development for us to collaborate with a global player like Huawei to accelerate the offering of 5G services to Malaysians. As a national telecommunications infrastructure provider of Malaysia's Digital Nation aspirations, 5G technology will complement our existing wired-based offerings, world class connectivity as well as digital infrastructure. It will enable us to deliver more innovative digital solutions to all our customers across various segments. TM via its innovative and comprehensive products and solutions will continue to lay the foundation for Industrial Revolution 4.0 and rolling out 5G nationwide - serving a more digital society and lifestyle, digital businesses and industry verticals, as well as digital Government. This collaboration augurs well for the accelerated deployment of future 5G network, applications and solutions for Malaysian homes, businesses and beyond, in line with our aspiration to power Digital Malaysia." Meanwhile, Michael Yuan, Chief Executive Officer of Huawei said: "TM and Huawei have been working hand-in-hand for 15 years. We have been working together to connect more people than ever before. We are now at the crossroads of digital transformation. Huawei will fully support TM's aspiration to power Digital Malaysia, and will work together with TM to building a better connected and intelligent Malaysia via 5G." Under the MoU, both parties intend to explore on collaborating by leveraging on each other's core expertise and capabilities to explore a working mechanism covering spectrum, business case, ecosystem and key technologies. This would include collaborating for a joint study on 5G spectrum and its evolution; possible joint development of new services concepts and business case of selected 5G use cases which include but not limited to Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), Smart Cities and Vehicle-to-Vehicle or Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2X); joint study in the areas of 5G Ecosystem Innovation; and explore future cooperation on full-fledged 5G end-to-end system. Through this collaboration, a joint working group will also be set up to identify areas of copper line services with the aim towards improving customer experience through FWA technology and/or services. "With this collaboration, we further strengthen our role as a national telecommunications infrastructure provider of Malaysia's Digital Nation aspirations, where TM has established the communications backbone of Malaysia with the widest connectivity and convergence network. As a responsible nation-builder, we will continue to serve as a strategic enabler of the National Fiberisation and Connectivity Plan (NFCP), backed by our solid infrastructure towards empowering Digital Malaysia" Dato' Noor Kamarul Anuar concluded.
TM JOINS CANDLE SUBMARINE CABLE SYSTEM CONSORTIUM TO CONNECT MALAYSIA AND ASEAN COUNTRIES TO JAPAN
KUALA LUMPUR, September 22, 2025 – TM, Meta, SoftBank Corp., IPS Inc., PT XLSmart Telecom Sejahtera Tbk, and NEC Corporation are collaborating to develop the Candle submarine cable system. 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. "Our participation in this project reaffirms our commitment to play a significant role in the further development of digital infrastructure in the Asia-Pacific region, which is vital to our operations in Japan, the Philippines, and Singapore. With our subsidiary, InfiniVAN, as the landing party in the Baler, Aurora Province on the eastern seaboard of the Philippines, this is one of many projects we have planned in support of developing the Philippines as a connectivity hub in Southeast Asia." said Koji Miyashita, CEO of IPS, Inc. “XLSMART will fully support the project and we believe the Candle cable will bring benefits for all consortium parties and Indonesia”, said Feby Sallyanto, Chief of Enterprise, PT XLSmart Telecom Sejahtera Tbk. 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.
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