13 Mar 2023
TM AND ZTE MALAYSIA ENTER INTO A STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP TO DEVELOP NEXT-GENERATION TECH THROUGH HYBRID CLOUD 5G CORE NETWORK
Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) and ZTE (Malaysia) Corporation Sdn Bhd have entered into a new partnership to build a hybrid cloud 5G core network that is designed for future technologies and applications.
Over the next three years, this strategic partnership will foster innovation and advancement of state-of-the-art technologies for TM’s 5G Core project, which includes bare metal containers, SDN-based architecture, hardware acceleration, CUPS, and 3-layer decoupling. Advancements in these technologies will propel the development of a converged, open, reliable, trusted and efficient 5G core network.
This rollout is anticipated to transform and revolutionise the way that data will be processed and transmitted, which could significantly impact the development of future technologies and applications. Developing a high-capacity network will also address the rising need for network bandwidth and speed as Malaysia’s 5G adoption and ecosystem accelerates.
The integration of this converged network will strengthen TM’s capabilities to provide seamless connectivity and exceptional network performance, serving a diverse range of industries, including healthcare, finance, transportation, and education. Additionally, the hybrid cloud 5G core network will aid in the growth of smart cities, Internet of Things (IoT), and other next-generation technologies that necessitate rapid, low-latency connectivity.
This collaboration marks a significant achievement in the advancement of 5G technology in Malaysia, with the novel hybrid cloud 5G core network anticipated to revolutionise Malaysia’s telecommunications industry. With the deployment of these sophisticated technologies, customers will gain unparalleled user experience, while also improving the network's dependability, safety, and efficiency.
Jasmine Lee Sze Inn, TM’s Executive Vice President for Mobile said, “TM is pleased to partner ZTE in building a hybrid cloud 5G core network that is designed to meet the rising needs for future technologies. This strategic partnership will transform 5G-enabled networks to deliver innovative solutions and services through our state-of-the-art network and infrastructure, and enable seamless connectivity and exceptional network performance.
“We believe that this collaboration will further accelerate the adoption of 5G networks across Malaysia, and enable next-generation technology such as smart cities, Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, automation and other future technologies to drive both industry and the nation’s digital agenda forward.”
ZTE Malaysia’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Steven Ge, is also excited about the prospect of this collaboration and how it will advance the development of a converged, open, reliable, trusted and efficient 5G core network.
Mr Steven Ge said: “We’re excited to strengthen our partnership with TM through the development of a hybrid cloud 5G core network. This will accelerate the launch of 5G network across Malaysia, which will bring forth new innovation into the market. As a global leading provider of information and communication technology solutions we are confident that the advancement of our hybrid cloud 5G core network will be the model for future networks. ZTE is committed in this collaboration that will put Malaysia as one of the leading countries in the region to roll-out its 5G network.”
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
TM Demonstrates Commitment to Long-term Value Creation and Nation-Building at its 40th AGM
KUALA LUMPUR, 27 May 2025 – Telekom Malaysia Berhad (“TM” or “the Group”) demonstrated its firm commitment to delivering long-term value creation while enabling inclusive digital progress for the nation. TM returned approximately RM1.5 billion in value, benefiting various stakeholders through dividends and contributions that supported national socioeconomic progress. At the same time, TM prioritised strategic investments in business growth, community development, social impact programmes, and employee development, further generating a multiplier impact on the broader national economy. These efforts reflect TM’s focus on delivering sustainable returns to shareholders while staying true to its core purpose of creating value for all stakeholders as a nation-builder. “At TM, we see ourselves as facilitators of national progress, driving inclusive digital transformation that empowers enterprises, enriches communities and bolsters economic resilience. We are fully aligned with this vision - staying agile, expanding our capabilities and setting new benchmarks in service excellence to ensure that Malaysia remains at the forefront of the digital economy. This is what it means to be a world-class organisation,” said Dato’ Zainal Abidin Putih, Chairman of TM. This was underscored at TM’s 40th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held today at Multi Purpose Hall, Menara TM, Kuala Lumpur, where all 14 resolutions tabled were duly passed by shareholders. The meeting was chaired by Dato’ Zainal Abidin Putih, with the Board of Directors and Amar Huzaimi Md Deris, Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer, in attendance. Empowering Communities through Digital Access and Inclusion Beyond profits, TM is committed to driving digital inclusivity for all including nurturing future-ready talent, empowering communities, and expanding inclusive digital access across the country. For example, TM is expanding its digitalisation efforts and community-building in Pulau Tioman, starting with Kampung Mukut. Similar programmes are being considered for other islands already connected through TM’s submarine cable infrastructure. TM is also committed to develop schools on these islands, with a focus on nurturing youth through STEM education and digital exposure. “Our goal is to build digital ecosystems that empower local communities, helping them shift from traditional livelihoods to sustainable, future-ready opportunities,” said Amar. These efforts are further supported by the TM Future Skills (TMFS) School Programme, where TM has created three ‘nucleus’ schools designed as regional hubs for innovation via the TMFS Digital Hub. TM also plans to onboard 25 new schools in 2025. Meanwhile, Yayasan TM has launched the Yayasan TM TVET Madani initiative to enhance the skill sets and employability of TVET graduates, while its education arm, Multimedia University (MMU) collaborates with schools nationwide to provide early exposure to STEM subjects through workshops and career guidance. At the same time, TM continues to provide tailored digital solutions to more than 400,000 MSMEs nationwide, helping them grow and thrive in the digital economy. Under its talent development agenda, TM has contributed RM641 million to date to nurture close to 19,000 talents, many of whom now contribute to the broader digital economy and are part of the leadership in corporate organisations and national institutions. “This is how we demonstrate that success and achieving higher purpose can go hand in hand,” said Amar. Championing Sustainability and Responsible Growth Sustainability remains core to TM’s long-term strategy. The Group’s Sustainability Framework, introduced in 2024, is built on two key objectives: enabling sustainable growth for customers and communities, and ensuring resilience across the business and value chain. In its data centre operation, TM sources 50% of its data centre energy from renewable resources and implements water harvesting and recycling systems for water conservation. TM is also targeting global benchmarks with a planned Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of 1.4 for its expansion projects, with the upcoming Johor facility, developed in collaboration with Singtel’s Nxera, targeting even lower PUE. Technologies such as intelligent cooling systems, solar panels and energy-efficient servers further reduce environmental impact and operational costs, ensuring TM’s growth aligns with global sustainability objectives. TM’s commitment to sustainable practices was recognised at multiple awards in 2024, including the Gold Award for its Smart Forestry AI tool under the Environment & Natural Resources Sub-Category: Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation in the MTE 2024 SDG International Innovation Awards. This recognition affirms the Group’s leadership in sustainability, aligned with Malaysia’s environmental goals and net-zero ambitions. “We believe sustainability is fundamental, not just an afterthought. Our goal is to grow responsibly, delivering technology that benefits both the economy and the environment,” said Amar. Strategic Execution for Long-term Value Creation 2024 marked the first full year of implementation of its PWR 2030 strategy, which is the Group’s roadmap to becoming a Digital Powerhouse by 2030 and positioning Malaysia as the digital hub for ASEAN. “This phase is about solidifying our foundation to protect the existing core business to better position us in capitalising emerging opportunities such as hyperconnected data centres, AI and GPU-as-a-Service which are among the new growth areas for TM,” said Amar. During the year, TM made significant progress in strengthening its core businesses across B2B, B2C and C2C amidst intensified market competition. Key milestones include strengthening the convergence proposition, advancing digital solutions such as smart services, cloud, cybersecurity, as well as enhancing digital infrastructure such as domestic fibre network, mobile backhaul to support 5G, submarine cable systems and data centres. These strategic developments reinforce TM’s commitment to advancing Malaysia’s digital future while uplifting the broader ecosystem, with Warga TM continuing to be the driving force behind the Group’s growth and success. As TM continues its journey, the Group remains focused on delivering long-term value creation while creating meaningful impact for the nation. “TM is not merely a provider of technological infrastructure, but as an essential enabler and catalyst for a vibrant digital ecosystem, connecting Malaysia to the world and the world to Malaysia. As we move forward into the next phase of our journey, every initiative we undertake moves us closer to becoming a Digital Powerhouse by 2030, one that drives national progress, fosters innovation and ensures Malaysia remains at the forefront of the global digital economy,” said Amar, concluding his presentation at the TM’s 40th AGM.
TM R&D inks MoU with AL-QUDS University to foster industry-academia collaboration for research and innovation excellence in next generation communication technologies
Telekom Research & Development Sdn Bhd (TM R&D), the innovation arm of Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM), recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Al-Quds University (AQU) to foster industry-academia collaboration for joint research in Next Generation Communication Technologies and to create an institution for innovation and technology transfer. Dr. Sharlene Thiagarajah, Chief Executive Officer, TM R&D, signed the MoU on behalf of TM R&D while AQU was represented by its President, Prof. Dr. Imad Abu Kishek. The agreement was sealed under the support and presence of H. E. Mr. Walid Abu Ali, Ambassador of The State of Palestine to Malaysia, Brunei, Thailand and Maldives. Under the MoU, both entities will join forces to explore research and knowledge exchange activities including staff exchange for scientific works and student visits, in addition to development of impactful digital solutions with a global outlook. Commenting on the latest collaboration, Dr. Sharlene said, “We are excited to have AQU on board as the first university that we’re collaborating with post COVID-19. This MoU is testament of our efforts to work with innovative and entrepreneurial academic institutions to deliver excellence in the field of research and innovation.” “The knowledge sharing and technology transfer between Malaysia and Palestine will definitely boost research capabilities and cross-cultural innovations,” she added. Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. Imad Abu Kishek shared, “The university’s strategy encompasses building strong cooperative relationships with the Malaysian industry and academia. We believe that this is the first step towards a sustainable partnership with TM R&D, which will provide our staff and students the opportunity to access expert knowledge, latest technologies, innovation labs, and industry in Malaysia.” “We hope that this collaboration will result in a symbiotic relationship that furthers the economy, innovation, and technology transfer among both institutions,” added Prof. Dr. Imad. AQU is an academic research university that currently offers more than 120 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, delivered through its 15 degree-granting faculties that cover main scientific disciplines such as medicine, life and natural sciences, business and management, arts and humanities, law and jurisprudence, engineering, computer science, information technology, and social sciences. In addition, AQU pursues educational distinction through a culture of innovation and strives to develop entrepreneurs who are able to partake in the development of the Palestinian economy.
TM Further Accelerates Its Sustainable Development
TM is pleased to announce the publication of its inaugural Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) report and this significant step underline the Group’s commitment to sustainability, transparency, and responsible business practices, reinforcing its position as a leader in the industry. The TCFD report provides transparency around the financial implications of an organisation’s climate-related risks and opportunities. With this 2022 report, TM is taking a proactive approach in understanding, assessing, and managing climate-related risks and opportunities, which will enable TM to strengthen its risk management practices, drive innovation, and ensure the long-term sustainability of its business operations. TM’s 2022 TCFD report is launched 2 years ahead of Bursa Malaysia’s December 2025 target requirement for public listed companies to align their reporting with TCFD. TM is in alignment with 9 out of 11 TCFD recommendations for the financial year ended 31 December 2022. Bursa Malaysia released this criterion in 2022 as part of its enhanced sustainability reporting requirement. “Towards becoming a human-centred TechCo, we are aware of our role in facilitating Malaysia’s transition towards a low-carbon future. Through this TCFD exercise, we have sought to build upon our existing initiatives and provide a future-focused examination on how climate change will impact our business. These insights will provide an important foundation that will enable us to continually improve our responses to climate change across each aspect of our value chain,” said Razidan Ghazalli, Group Chief Financial Officer, TM who also spearheads TM’s TCFD taskforce. "Our decision to embrace TCFD reporting demonstrates our dedication to upholding the highest standards of environmental, social, and governance practices," said Datuk Imri Mokhtar, Group Chief Executive Officer, TM. "We believe that by being transparent and accountable for our climate-related risks and opportunities, we can create long-term value for our stakeholders, strengthen our resilience, and position ourselves as an industry leader in sustainable business practices,” he further added. Developed in 2022, TM’s ESG Roadmap sets forth a clear vision, commitments, and execution plans across the three pillars of environment, social, and governance. As part of its efforts to combat climate change, TM launched several impactful initiatives aimed at achieving its goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2050. In 2022 alone, significant strides were made, including: Renewable Energy-Powered Data Centres - Three of its core data centres are now powered by renewable energy. This transition to clean energy sources significantly reduces carbon emissions associated with data centre operations. Network Modernisation for Efficiency - By implementing high-efficiency network elements and retiring legacy components, TM ensures that its network infrastructure operates at maximum efficiency. This strategic approach minimises energy waste and aligns with the overall objective of reducing carbon footprint. Energy-Efficient Air-Conditioning Upgrade - In reducing energy consumption, more than 560 conventional air-conditioning units have been replaced with more energy-efficient inverter air-conditioning systems. This transition to energy-saving technology not only contributes to lower carbon emissions but also leads to substantial energy cost savings. By incorporating renewable energy, optimising network infrastructure, and investing in energy-efficient technologies, TM is proactively working towards a greener future. With the ESG Roadmap as a guiding framework, the Group is dedicated to creating long-term value for its stakeholders while minimising environmental impact. Its unwavering commitment to sustainability extends beyond climate action to encompass social responsibility and sound governance practices. TM is committed to advancing its sustainability agenda by accelerating its transformation into a human-centred TechCo, in pursuit of a sustainable future and positive change within the industry and communities it serves. For more details on TM’s sustainability commitments and approach, visit tm.com.my/sustainability.
NEWSLETTER
Just drop your details and stay updated with the world of Telekom Malaysia. We promise – no spam!