30 Jul 2018
TM 3Ducation Hackathon 2018 to empower digital innovation amongst Malaysia’s academic communities
Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) together with Creative Minds – a company specialised in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education – recently joined hands to organise TM 3Ducation Hackathon 2018 at Malaysia Global Innovation & Creativity Centre (MaGIC), Cyberjaya, continuing their commitment in promoting education excellence particularly in STEM for the academic communities from local learning institutions as part of its Corporate Responsibility (CR) initiatives.
2-day hackathon event saw the participation of 150 participants from 95 learning institutions nationwide, including schools, matriculation centres, teaching institutions as well as academicians from universities, Government agencies and local technology companies. This event, held for its 2nd year, gathered Malaysia’s prolific academicians to discuss, generate ideas and solutions to solve problems via brainstorming sessions, forums and speaking slots by invited panel from the innovation industry specifically in the areas of Environment, Education and Social, including Nurul Izzah Anwar, Chairman of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme.
Commenting on the programme, Izlyn Ramli, Vice President, Group Brand and Communication, TM said, “Befitting of our position as Malaysia’s Convergence Champion, TM’s involvement in the promotion and adoption of STEM subjects among Malaysian students is a natural extension of our role in empowering Malaysia’s education system through innovation and digitalisation. We received tremendous support from participating students in the 3Ducation programme held for the first time last year. So we are continuing the programme this year and extended its reach to the academic communities from higher learning institutions nationwide. This programme provides a platform for the participants to meet, discuss and learn from each other as well as the industry experts in innovation. We truly hope that the experience gathered will promote academic excellence in STEM subjects through innovation amongst our students.”
“As a corporate organisation that puts great emphasis on education and continuous learning, we will continue to focus on education, creating and implementing innovative programmes that will nurture and promote skills needed to create tomorrow’s innovative leaders. This 3Ducation programme is part of TM’s larger Corporate Responsibility (CR) initiatives under our three-pronged approach, namely education, community as well as nation building and the environment. TM has long been contributing and supporting the nation’s education field through scholarships and student sponsorships as well as school adoption programmes, across education levels, right from primary school to post graduate programmes.”
Our support towards this programme also fits well with our role as the strategic partner in establishing the ecosystem for the Ministry of Education’s (MOE) digital transformation programme. As the key enabler for the national communications infrastructure, and the one and only capable of providing fully integrated telecommunications, ICT and digital services, TM looks forward to work with the Ministry and its agencies to accelerate the delivery of innovative digital services and solutions for the education sector towards building a knowledge-based workforce for the country. At TM, we are committed to bringing innovative technologies for the betterment of Malaysian education, true to our vision, “Making Life and Business Easier, for a Better Malaysia”,” she added.
The TM 3Ducation Hackathon 2018 event is a continuation of last year’s TM 3Ducation programme which saw the participation of more than 300 students and 140 teachers from 78 schools where the students took part in a competition of producing innovative 3D designs using 3D modelling and printing skills to solve day-to-day challenges.
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TM and Huawei seal strategic partnership to further enhance malaysia’s broadband reach and digital economy
As pioneers in the rollout of high speed broadband in the country, Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) and Huawei Technologies (M) Sdn Bhd (Huawei) are once again collaborating for the betterment of broadband and digital economy for the nation. The companies recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for both parties to work hand-in-hand in multiple collaboration activities, leveraging on each other’s core expertise and capabilities to accelerate fibre broadband network reach, in line with the Government’s move to drive Malaysia’s digital economy. The collaboration will leverage on the combined strengths and capabilities of both companies to further accelerate national broadband reach and leap-frog the adoption of a connected digital lifestyle and the Internet of Things (IOTs) amongst Malaysians. Via the strategic partnership, both TM and Huawei will play a more proactive developmental role in providing ready infrastructure and ecosystem to support the nation’s growth. The MoU was signed by Datuk Bazlan Osman, Executive Director / Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer, TM and Foo Fang Yong, Vice President of Huawei Technologies (M) Sdn Bhd. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Dato’ Sri Mohammed Shazalli Ramly, Managing Director / Group Chief Executive Officer, TM and Baker Zhou, Chief Executive Officer of Huawei Technologies (M) Sdn Bhd. Commenting on the partnership, Dato’ Sri Mohammed Shazalli Ramly said, “We are indeed excited to be working hand in hand with a leading global name such as Huawei to accelerate the offering of digital services and solutions to the nation thus further support the Government’s aspirations of digital economy. As the trusted partner in key nation-building initiatives, TM ensures the safety and security of the nation's strategic and critical infrastructure, and in accelerating the broadband reach for all Malaysians. We believe that strategic collaborations such as this MoU is yet another testament of our role as the country’s key enabler for the national communications infrastructure.” Meanwhile, Baker Zhou said: “Telekom Malaysia and Huawei have been working hand-in-hand for 15 years. In the past 15 years, we have worked together to connect more people than ever before. We are now at the crossroads of digital transformation. With today's MoU, we can share more, innovate better, and work more closely than ever before. Huawei will fully support TM’s vision of “Making Life and Business Easier”, and will work together with TM to building a better connected and intelligent Malaysia.” The inking of the MoU marks the parties’ commitment to collaborate to deliver digital solutions for businesses and public sector, explore innovative solutions for network optimisation and implement initiatives that will capture TM customers’ share of moments. The MoU also envisages other areas across TM Group of Companies including network and technology planning, exploration of innovative business model for unifi, transformation of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) to enhance overall efficiency of TM’s IT and Business support platform, smart device cooperation, establishment of Multimedia University (MMU) Smart Campus model and knowledge sharing on innovative technology. According to the MoU, Huawei will share its extensive global best practices to help TM capitalise emerging opportunities quickly through big data aided network design and deployment, intelligent Smart Capex solution to respond fast to TM customer needs, and simplify business engagement between both organisations via inter-connecting IT processes. Through this strategic partnership, TM aspires to pursue the innovation and commercialisation of technology which includes Internet of Things (IoTs), cloud technology and artificial intelligence towards delivering digital experience to more Malaysians nationwide. TM will also explore alternative wireless technology deployment to further expand high speed broadband reach across Malaysia; bridging the digital divide and meeting the Government’s objective of a truly connected society. The MoU is subject to a definitive agreement to be signed between the parties in specific areas. Further announcements will be made in due course, as and when appropriate.
unifi converts TM rewards points into charity
‘A donation drive to help the nation’ It's better to give than to receive, but wouldn't it be even better to do both? At the same time? Starting November last year, unifi through its loyalty programme - TM Rewards, ran a 'Donate Your Points' programme where unifi customers can convert their TM Rewards points into donation to their charity organisation of choice namely - United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef Malaysia), Medical Relief Society Malaysia (MERCY Malaysia) and National Cancer Council Malaysia (MAKNA). For every 100 points, customers will have the option to convert the points into RM1 which can be donated to the organisations. Within five (5) months of its implementation, TM has successfully collected a total of 16.4 million points worth RM164,000 and it is a recognition that by doing the little things, when we work together, can add up to a big change. The mock cheque of the contributions were handed over by Imri Mokhtar, Executive Vice President, unifi, TM to Richard John Beighton, Chief Private Sector Fundraising of Unicef Malaysia; Amran Mahzan, Executive Director of Mercy Malaysia; and Farahida Dato' Mohd Farid, General Manager of MAKNA in a ceremony held at TM's headquarters, Menara TM. Speaking at the ceremony, Imri said, "We would like to thank our loyal customers who have shown their support towards this noble cause and we are happy to be able to provide a platform for our customers, together with TM, to help make a difference for these much-needed groups of the community. It is a huge satisfaction to put a smile on these children, cancer patients and families who are rebuilding their lives." "We will not stop here. unifi is looking forward to collaborate with many more charity organisations and NGOs in Malaysia. With the support from our generous customers, we will continue to help to alleviate the burden endured by the needy and underprivileged." TM remains committed to our efforts in helping those in need nationwide and this initiative is part of our sustainability effort in everything we do in maintaining the Company's goals to become a responsible and sustainable organisation," he added. In 2011, TM Rewards was introduced to recognise and reward our loyal customers with great offers and privileges by rewarding them with points when bills are paid timely and for any spending on TM's products and services which can be redeemed for bill, Hyppflicks/VOD vouchers or lifestyle items. To date, TM Rewards has recorded 1.9 million registered members and a total of RM137 million worth of points since it started in 2011. For more information on TM Rewards, log on to wwww.tm.com.my/tmrewards
TM reports operational improvement for 3Q2018 despite challenging environment
Key Highlights of 3Q2018: Group Revenue of RM2.95 billion Group Reported Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) at RM941.4 million Group Reported Loss After Tax and Non-controlling Interests (LATAMI) of RM175.6 million from impairment of network assets Key Highlights of YTD 2018: Group Revenue of RM8.73 billion Group EBITDA at RM2.55 billion Group Reported Profit After Tax and Non-controlling Interests (PATAMI) at RM83.5 million Announces Revised Dividend Policy Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) today announced its financial results for the quarter ended 30 September 2018. The Group saw steady operational performance, amidst heightened challenges in its operating environment, namely industry and market challenges impacting its revenue. The Group held revenue steady, at RM2.95 billion in 3Q2018, 0.3% higher from RM2.94 billion in the previous quarter, on the back of higher data as well as other telecommunication related services revenue. Group Reported Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) for 3Q2018 grew 11.3% to RM941.4 million as compared to RM845.9 million in 2Q2018 mainly due to lower operating costs. Group Normalised EBITDA, which excludes non-operational items, increased 13.1%, at RM930.9 million. However, due to impairment loss on wireless and fixed network assets, the Group recorded Loss Before Interest and Tax (LBIT) at RM631.8 million for 3Q2018. Without the reported impairment and other non-operational items, the Group’s Normalised Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) is at RM315.6 million for 3Q2018, a 39.4% increase against Normalised EBIT of RM226.4 million in 2Q2018. Consequently, the Group reported Loss After Tax and Non-controlling Interests (LATAMI) of RM175.6 million compared with RM102.0 million Profit After Tax and Non-controlling Interests (PATAMI) in the prior quarter. TM’s core net profit, or Normalised PATAMI excluding non-operational items, stood at RM266.4 million, a 71.0% improvement sequentially. The total capital expenditure (CAPEX) investment for the first nine months of 2018 at RM1.32 billion, or 15.1% of revenue. This is within TM’s full year capex guidance of 19-20% of revenue. By asset type, access comprised 62% of total spending, followed by core network at 15% and the remaining 23% was for support systems. Imri Mokhtar, Acting Group Chief Executive Officer, TM said: “We continue to face various headwinds from competitive market dynamics. Nonetheless, we held revenue steady over the quarter, and saw our cost reduction initiatives bearing fruit, by recording improved operational performance for QoQ and YoY. However, in light of the continued pressure from industry and market challenges and its impact on our revenue thus far, we have taken a prudent view, by undertaking the impairment of our network assets – this resulted in close to a RM1.0 billion impairment loss this quarter.” “The operational improvement in 3Q2018 is testament to the Group’s commitment to the four (4) pillars of our Performance Improvement Programme (PIP 2018) - Revenue Uplift / Preservation, Sustained Profitability, Improved Cash Flow and Increased Productivity that will navigate us through these headwinds. We are rationalising our business, reducing operating costs and focusing our resources on the opportunities that will have the most impact,” Imri elaborated. “We currently have 2.29 million broadband customers and our unifi customer base continues to grow at 1.26 million as at end of 3Q2018 as compared to 1.06 million as at the end of the corresponding quarter last year. In terms of convergence, we saw more customers moving up the value chain with having triple-play services and above, evidenced by our convergence penetration now at 48% of TM’s household penetration compared with 39% this time last year,” he added. “We will continue to strengthen our products and services portfolio and we are stepping up how we aggressively compete in the market, with greater sales and Go-To-Market activities on the ground. We are also working hard to reach more customers with various fit-for-purpose technologies to ensure that everyone can have the benefit of higher broadband speeds and enhanced experience. On top of that, we also have continuous engagements with the Ministry and the regulator to work toward mutually beneficial outcomes - for an improved broadband experience and help build a more balanced and inclusive digital nation, whilst at the same time balancing the business sustainability of the Group and the interests of our other stakeholders.” TM also announced a revised dividend policy which states that the Company intends to distribute yearly dividends of 40 to 60% from its PATAMI. Dividends will be paid depending on overall business and earnings performance, capital commitments, financial conditions, distributable reserves and other relevant factors. The dividend policy will take effect from the next dividend declaration. “This is a matter of great importance to us. In light of the current operating landscape and after careful consideration of the potential impact on our earnings alongside our efforts to transform the Company to adapt thereto, the Board has determined the review of our dividend policy to support TM’s long-term strategic objectives.” As Malaysia’s Convergence Champion, TM remains committed to fulfilling Malaysians’ digital and communication needs of all customer segments i.e., consumer, SME, corporate enterprises, public sectors, access seekers etc via our business clusters, unifi (consumer & SME), TM ONE (Enterprise and Public sectors) and TM Global (Global and Wholesale). Prospects for the Current Financial Year Ending 31 December 2018 The recent industry challenges and market environment have had major impact to the overall revenue estimates and earnings of TM Group in the financial year. TM anticipates that the challenging environment will persist for both its retail and wholesale segments. In the midst of these challenges, TM will continue to focus towards strengthening performance of its core business and operations.
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