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
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
TM and Telin collaborate to enable opportunities and enhanced experience for the region’s digital ecosystem
TM Wholesale, the wholesale domestic and international business arm of Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) and Telin, a subsidiary of PT Telkom Indonesia, Tbk (Telkom), have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strategically collaborate and jointly explore opportunities on subsea cable business arrangements. The signing ceremony was held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, Dubai recently, where TM was represented by Amar Huzaimi Md Deris, Executive Vice President of TM Wholesale and Telin was represented by its Chief Executive Officer, Budi Satria Dharma Purba (Budi). This new partnership will further strengthen the Business to Business (B2B) relationship between the two parties and broaden the collaboration while continuing to provide their customers with reliable, diversified and uninterrupted connectivity solutions. Commenting on the partnership, Amar Huzaimi Md Deris, Executive Vice President of TM Wholesale said, "TM Wholesale is committed to deliver greater reachability and resilient connectivity to our customers. This collaboration allows us to gain immediate submarine capacity in response to the growing demand for high bandwidth services. It also gives us more diverse connections and alternative routes connecting Malaysia to the rest of the world, while optimising our existing submarine capacity. Additionally, it will enable us to begin exploring the most cost-effective approach for future submarine cable investment projects that will benefit both parties and this region." Meanwhile, Budi Satria Dharma Purba (Budi), Chief Executive Officer of Telin said, "Telin and TM Wholesale share mutual interests, with the aim of serving our stakeholders with excellence. This time, we are excited to jointly explore opportunities in buying, selling, upgrading and investing activities, especially with regard to subsea cables. Telin's participation in global connectivity focuses on ensuring reliable connectivity in order to meet surging demand for fast internet due to trends such as flexible working arrangements, video streaming, and gaming. We believe that this collaboration will serve our stakeholders' needs accordingly." Currently, TM has 30 submarine cable systems, owned and leased, spanning more than 320,000 kilometres around the globe and Telin has 22 submarine cable system, owned and leased, with over 222,260 kilometres. Together, both parties can leverage on their respective capabilities to provide the highest service performance and best quality experience to all its customers. TM has been a long-standing partner of Telin in many aspects related to business solutions and are mutually delighted to work together in supporting ASEAN and other region's future digital demands for connectivity, digital infrastructure and solutions.
TM Records a Promising 1Q2023 Performance with 2.0% Revenue Growth; Continues to Strengthen its Core Business
1Q2023 Key Highlights (vs 1Q2022) · Operating Revenue grew 2.0% from RM2.89 billion to RM2.95 billion, with continuous growth across Unifi and TM Global · EBIT decreased 15.5% from RM560.4 million to RM473.3 million, following accelerated depreciation and impairment · PATAMI lower 2.9% from RM339.9 million to RM330.1 million, lower EBIT cushioned by lower net finance cost and effective tax rate · CAPEX investment stood at 14.0% of revenue or RM413.1 million, heavily attributed to fibre network expansion Amidst the challenges for the year, Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) achieved a steady and promising performance in the first quarter that ended on 31 March 2023, compared to the same period in the previous year (YoY). Operating revenue grew 2.0% to RM2.95 billion, from RM2.89 billion in 2022, driven by Unifi and TM Global. TM saw an increase in customers with Unifi now serving close to 3.5 million home and MSME customers, TM One catering to 8,800 businesses, and TM Global serving more than 700 local and regional customers. Its reported Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) is lower 15.5% to RM473.3 million, from RM560.4 million, following the Group’s decision to accelerate depreciation and impairment of IT assets, due to changes in market conditions. Profit After Tax and Minority Interest (PATAMI) decreased 2.9% to RM330.1 million from RM339.9 million. Lower net finance cost and lower effective tax rate from the recognition of deferred tax assets mitigated the impact of the lower EBIT on the Group’s overall profitability. Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) stood at 14.0% of overall revenue, or RM413.1 million. A significant portion of this investment was dedicated to fortifying its fibre infrastructure, delivering new customer acquisition, international subsea cables investment and 5G fibre network deployment to meet Government’s target of 80% coverage by year end. Unifi sustaining growth trajectory Unifi continues to deliver leadership in convergence service and solutions for both home and MSMEs customers. Unifi reported a 1Q2023 revenue growth of 4.3% from RM1.38 billion to RM1.44 billion contributed by both, growth in number of subscribers and average revenue per customer (ARPC). Unifi fixed broadband subscription increased by 8.1% to 3.08 million propelled by aggressive sales, and promotions such as the 6-months complimentary speed upgrade offered to existing Unifi Home users and 7-days free viewing of all Unifi TV channels during Chinese New Year. Unifi Mobile unveiled its latest offerings, the UNI5G prepaid and postpaid plans, which include complimentary 5G access for all current mobile subscribers. Additionally, Unifi introduced the Pakej Perpaduan Jalur Lebar Tetap (Home Internet) and Pakej Perpaduan Prabayar Mudah Alih (Prepaid Mobile) plans specifically designed for underserved communities, providing inclusive and ubiquitous connectivity for the community. Unifi Business’ collaborative efforts with local government agencies have been instrumental in supporting MSMEs to digitally grow their businesses. As part of this initiative, Unifi Business launched a programme in Sabah that has resulted in a significant participation of local entrepreneurs. TM One navigating challenging market and shifting demand TM One recorded a 6.7% slowdown in revenue from RM773.7 million to RM721.9 million in the current quarter, largely due to the impact of price reduction and lower revenue from one-off customer projects. The delivery of key projects across several industries shall set the pace for TM One in the coming quarters. TM One delivered a Private 5G solution to enable Smart Industry solutions and completed a hybrid cloud project that is instrumental to the IT backbone transformation of its customer. TM is also the only telco with a 100% completion record for the Point of Presence (POP) Phase 1 Project, successfully delivering 233 sites across the northern states, Sabah and Sarawak. Building on the success of TM One 5G Sphere Partner Programme launched end of 2022 where more than 90 leading partners are registered today, TM One launched its Sandbox platform providing a secure and controlled environment for enterprise and Government customers with technology partners to co-create and commercialise innovative smart service solutions, which will propel their digitalisation and automation drive. TM Global catalysing digital inclusivity TM Global reported continuous growth in 1Q2023, with revenue increasing by 3.9% from RM625.1 million to RM649.2 million, contributed by higher data and data centre co-location services. As the leading partner for High-Speed Broadband Access (HSBA), TM Global achieved the highest number of new installations in March, supporting collective industry growth throughout Malaysia. Additionally, close to 8,000 4G and 5G fiberisation site were deployed to meet the growing demands of industry players and enhance nationwide edge capabilities, further propelling national digital initiatives. Internationally, TM Global secured deals from US-based hyperscaler and North Asia digital provider for its wholesale data centre solutions as well as a substantial deal from ASEAN telecommunication player for more than 10Tbps data requirement within this region. TM Global remains focused on positioning Malaysia as the preferred digital hub for the ASEAN region through its comprehensive and customised offerings for hyperscalers, global carriers and digital players. Commentary and Outlook from Dato’ Imri Mokhtar, TM Group Chief Executive Officer “2023 is expected to be a challenging year with changes in the regulatory landscape, heightened competition and other market structure changes. TM will continue strengthening its core business to be commercially sustainable as a Public Listed Company (PLC) whilst continuing to contribute to the nation’s growth via its role as a Government Linked Company (GLC). “As the national connectivity and digital infrastructure provider, TM will continue to execute the fiberisation plan to support the Government’s National Digital Network (JENDELA) programmes as well as the 5G rollout nationwide. 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. “We remain steadfast as we enter the final year of our 2021-2023 Transformation Programme, and pursue the next wave of growth beyond 2023. In line with our journey to become a human-centred TechCo, we announced the launch of TM’s new HQ and Campus, located in Cyberjaya. The campus will serve as a catalyst for a new way of working that drives agility and flexibility through digital collaboration and hybrid work environment, propelling innovation among our employees, customers and partners. “We will continue to advocate sustainability efforts and strive for progress. TM has released our first Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) report, 2 years ahead of Bursa Malaysia’s 2025 requirement. The report focuses on increasing transparency around the financial implications of an organisations’ climate-related risks and opportunities. “Though cautious with the overall outlook, we remain optimistic with the prospects of increased hyperconnectivity, continuous growth investments in connectivity and digitalisation across all customer segments. TM will continue to enable a Digital Malaysia by offering comprehensive suite of communication services and digital solutions benefitting communities, businesses and Government.”
unifi TV grows premium content offerings with new MangoTV and SIAR
UNIFI TV has expanded its offerings to include MangoTV, one of Mainland China’s leading online video platforms, and SIAR, a local channel that also has on-demand streaming app features for high-quality classic Malay films. Adding to its premium channels and existing streaming apps including Disney+ Hotstar, beIN SPORTS CONNECT, WeTV and Lionsgate Play, the new offerings will bring something for everyone within a single subscription, which can all be streamed over a single unifi Plus Box. These additions also strengthen unifi’s value proposition of having the largest selection of streaming apps –18 app partners in total by November 2022. “MangoTV and SIAR are quality additions to unifi TV’s international and local offerings. With MangoTV customers able to switch to other apps for free, customers can access a wider variety of content and have control over their entertainment selections – enabling them to customise their preferred content,” said Anand Vijayan, TM’s Chief Commercial Officer and EVP, unifi. Starting 6 September, unifi TV has also launched two new Ultimate Pack promotions. With a 30-day free trial and priced at MYR49.90 and MYR59.90 each, customers will access all 73 premium channels and six to eight complementary streaming apps. Anand explains, “As a leader in converged solutions for both broadband and entertainment, unifi provides all-in-one quality offerings that ease customer experiences. “Our offerings include consolidated billing and fixed prices that meet customers’ online and streaming demands, with these two new offerings now adding to our extensive selection for viewers from all backgrounds.”MangoTV among Top 5 video apps in Mainland China With more than 1,000 titles and over 30 flagship programmes, MangoTV provides Mandarin content for young working adults including films, TV series, and music. It’s popular variety TV shows include titles such as: Call Me by Fire, Ride on Wave, and Hello Saturday. Ranked among the Top 5 video apps in Mainland China, MangoTV offers up to 18 language subtitles and dubbed versions, making it accessible to all viewers. The upgraded option via unifi TV features a simpler interface and enhanced functions, as well as HD videos and panoramic sound for a more immersive viewing experience. unifi TV subscribers will also enjoy VIP access to selected premium episodes, special features, and HD-quality streaming. “By cultivating its core competitiveness through self-produced content, MangoTV has gone through a journey of exclusiveness, uniqueness and originality. MangoTV is also committed to promoting cultural exchanges around the world while unremittingly developing high-quality audio visual content. We hope to deepen communication and exchanges with TM towards establishing substantial strategic cooperation between both sides” said Fang Fei, MangoTV’s Vice President. Starting 1 September, MangoTV will be bundled for free with unifi’s Ruby Plus Pack.SIAR to curate largest archive of Malaysian retro films With more than 150 classic Malaysian films and growing, SIAR is a local streaming service boasting one of the largest local communities of cinema-lovers in the country. Showcasing 12 titles scheduled thematically every month, the channel takes audiences from ages 25 and above back to the nostalgia of yesteryear. Ali Agung, Chief Executive Officer of SIAR said, “With the presence of SIAR on unifi TV, local classic films will be given a new lease on life in line with current technological developments. SIAR is a digital film archive that brings together hundreds of classic Malay films from the 1970s to the 2000s that audiences can enjoy legally. We hope that customers will appreciate local classic films that have entertained their hearts for decades such as Mr Os’ films (e.g Mr Os, Adik and Awang Spanar), AR Badul’s films (e.g Si Badol, Panglima Badol and Guru Badul), Fauziah Ahmad Daud’s films (e.g Ceritaku Ceritamu, Azura and Ali Setan) and many more.” unifi TV subscribers can enjoy this additional channel with unifi TV’s Ultimate Pack and Aneka Plus Pack. The SIAR streaming app will be made available from 1 November. “As the first platform to introduce MangoTV in Malaysia, and with the opportunity to promote SIAR to wider audiences, we are celebrating Asian content and expanding our diversity of offerings. In the coming months, we will continue to grow our partnerships, tapping into more customisable, value-for-money selections that will offer something for everyone,” concluded Anand.
NEWSLETTER
Just drop your details and stay updated with the world of Telekom Malaysia. We promise – no spam!