This is the fourth award received by TM at Malaysia Technology Excellence Awards in three years running
Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) through its innovation arm, TM Research & Development (TM R&D) wins the AI – Telecommunications Award at the recent Malaysia Technology Excellence Awards 2021, presented by Singapore Business Review.
The award was conferred in recognition of the Company's achievement in developing PATROL as a proof of function for research particularly on automatic detection of construction using vehicle dashcam and generate proactive alerts using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms.
This is the fourth award received by TM R&D from the Malaysia Technology Excellence Awards in its three years of running. The awards ceremony lauds exceptional companies that have successfully pioneered IT products, solutions and innovative technology projects in their respective industries to boost Malaysia's fast-growing economy.
Commenting on the accomplishment, Dr. Sharlene Thiagarajah, Chief Executive Officer, TM R&D said, "This is indeed a proud moment for us. Winning the award is a huge boost for our effort in showcasing how AI can be applied to solve real-life problems. It is also a huge encouragement for us to further strengthen our position as the leader in the research, development and innovation field. This award goes out to the team for delivering such outstanding work. We hope it will give them the drive to explore more innovations for TM to serve a more digital society, digital business, digital industry and digital Government, towards accelerating Digital Malaysia."
Project PATROL was developed to provide early warning alerts on areas where TM infrastructure has a high risk of being destroyed due to civil and construction works by a third party. Ideally, before the civil or construction works were to begin, TM and other utility companies are to be consulted to ensure proper precautionary measures are taken to avoid telecommunication cable or other utility infrastructure cuts such as water or sewerage.
The cable cuts will lead to loss of broadband and other telecommunication services which will cause major inconveniences to consumer lifestyle and businesses, as well as operation nightmare for any telcos. To fill in those gaps, PATROL was developed powered by digital and AI capabilities.
PATROL leverages AI, object detection capabilities and the Internet of Things (IoT) to detect a construction area using a dashcam. The system then automatically checks if the unregistered civil and construction activity is in close proximity to underground or overhead cable infrastructure. Several parameters are used to assess risk before an alert is sent to the Network Operations Centre for investigation.
"PATROL provides real-time alerts on civil and construction activities that pose a high risk to the security and safety of TM's cable infrastructure. This information allows telco providers to act fast in preventing possible threats to their assets. With PATROL, we foresee a huge opportunity for operational cost avoidance due to cable cut cases," she further added.
Established in 2001, TM R&D is the innovation arm for TM Group focusing on creating smarter ecosystems to make business and life easier for a better Malaysia. TM R&D's solutions are clustered around four (4) pillars namely Intelligent Platforms, Data Brokerage, Connectivity/Tools and IR4.0/Digital Solutions. Growing from strength to strength since 2016, TM R&D has won multiple global awards and generated more than 2,800 Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) and 1,400 digital assets to date. TM R&D's innovations are all developed in-house and cut across multiple verticals such as Utilities, Retail, Agriculture, Healthcare and Education with safety and productivity as the top priority. As TM R&D continues to expand beyond connectivity and into smarter digital ecosystems, its role in TM has become more prominent and exciting.
For more information about TM R&D and its innovations, visit www.tmrnd.com.my or email your inquiry to business@tmrnd.com.my or follow them on LinkedIn (TM Research & Development) for more news and updates.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

TM R&D collaborates with Maldives’ leading digital services provider, Dhiraagu to bring ewar to businesses in Maldives
EWAR, A.I. driven contactless temperature screening solution made in Malaysia has now entered the international market Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM), through its innovation arm, TM Research & Development (TM R&D), is expanding the delivery of its Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) driven contactless temperature screening solution – Early Warning, Alert & Response or "EWAR" – to Maldives. For the expansion, TM R&D is working alongside Dhiraagu, the leading and largest provider of telecommunications and digital services in Maldives, to assist local businesses in resuming full operations while maintaining a safe environment by installing EWAR at their premises. This initiative is set to provide businesses in Maldives and their stakeholders with the confidence for business continuity through the provisioning of the complete solution. Commenting on the collaboration, Dr. Sharlene Thiagarajah, Chief Executive Officer, TM R&D said, "We are excited to collaborate with Dhiraagu to introduce EWAR, a reliable and accurate contactless thermal screening solution to businesses in Maldives. As we are facing an unprecedented period, health procedures to curb the Covid-19 pandemic are universal which is why we believe EWAR serves two main purposes – to provide early warning alerts of high temperature efficiently and to minimise human contacts. We believe other countries can also reap the benefits of EWAR to better face this pandemic. We see this as our first step into showcasing how innovative digital solutions developed by Malaysian talents such as EWAR can assist in the fight against COVID-19 at the global front." "As we are navigating through a new normal, we will continue to introduce smart digital solutions that focus on safety and to help fulfil the digital requirements of businesses. This is befitting of our aim to serve a more digital lifestyle and in line with our support for TM's unique role of enabling a more Digital Malaysia," she added. Harnessing their expertise in digital platforms and digital solutions, TM R&D introduced two (2) main products under EWAR, namely EWAR Crowds and EWAR Compact in April. EWAR Crowds is designed to conduct a rapid body temperature screening of approximately 10-15 individuals per second simultaneously at high traffic areas. The solution is non-intrusive and can easily be deployed in locations with mass traffic flow such as offices, shopping complexes, transportation hubs, universities, schools, tourist attractions, airports, immigration centres, and hospitals. EWAR Compact on the other hand is more suitable for one-on-one contactless thermal screening. This helps to eliminate the need for hand-held temperature taking devices which can subsequently minimise long queues and increase efficiency. Both EWAR products also come with cloud-based software and real-time monitoring app which makes this innovative solution unique. If any visitor entering the premises records a higher temperature, an alert will be triggered and a notification will be sent to the mobile device of the designated person in charge. The system also allows storing of individual temperature reports over a cloud system where it can be accessed remotely for tracking or analysis. "As we all are collectively working towards the same goal, health, and safety of our employees, customers, and communities are given the utmost priority. The EWAR solution has been developed with the highest accuracy for thermal screening. We are delighted to be collaborating with TM R&D to bring this complete solution to local businesses towards ensuring business continuity," said Mahmoud Dasser, Chief Marketing Officer of Dhiraagu. Currently, EWAR has been deployed at more than 150 sites across several industry verticals to provide accurate, hassle-free screening of employees and visitors. The sites include the quarantine and treatment centre for COVID-19 cases at Malaysia Agro Exposition Park (MAEPS) in Serdang, large and mid-size office lobbies, 12 schools, hotels, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) payment counters, various sales galleries, Gamuda Land construction sites, just to name a few. TM R&D has been growing from strength to strength since 2016, winning seven (7) globally recognised awards over the last two (2) years. With more than 2,800 IPRs and 1,400 digital assets generated to-date, TM R&D's innovations, all developed in-house cut across multiple verticals such as Telco, Retail, Logistics, Agriculture, Healthcare and Education with safety and productivity as the top priority. As the organisation continues to expand beyond connectivity and into new value-added digital and smarter platforms, its role in TM has become more prominent and exciting. For more information about TM R&D and its products and services, please log on to www.tmrnd.com.my. Follow us on LinkedIn (TM Research & Development) for more news and updates.

TM supports 5G deployment in Langkawi with its Integrated Operations Command Centre
Deployed the Region’s First Stand Alone (SA) Dedicated 5G network Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) is fully supportive of the 5G Demonstration Project (5GDP) currently undertaken by Malaysia Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). The Company has already embarked on a total of 11 use cases in Langkawi and deployed the operations of an Integrated Operations Command Centre (IOCC) which is at the heart of 5G implementation in Langkawi. The IOCC, or also known as 5G Command Centre (5GCC), which is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, is an integrated command centre where the data feed and dashboard monitoring of TM 5G network and use cases in Langkawi are centralised. This 5GDP is recording a number of firsts for TM and the country: The first Telco to deploy SA dedicated 5G network in the country and in the region. The first telco in the region to update our Radio Access Network (RAN) and devices with SA dedicated 5G network. The first Telco in the country to achieve 1.5Gbps for 5G speed tests conducted within its 5G use cases sites. Langkawi is the first Smart Tourism Island in the world equipped with 5G Dato’ Noor Kamarul Anuar Nuruddin, Group Chief Executive Officer, TM said: “We fully support MCMC’s 5GDP and we are currently testing the implementation of a converged 5G core network which allows co-existence of Non-Stand Alone (NSA) (5G enabled on current 4G network) and Stand Alone (SA) dedicated 5G network in Langkawi. SA is the future of the 5G network deployment and this demonstration is crucial to fast track 5G implementation in the country. With the implementation of the SA network in Langkawi for the 5GDP, TM is the first Telco that has deployed the first SA dedicated 5G network in the country and in the region. We are also proud to note that 5G speed tests conducted within TM’s 5G use cases sites have achieved up to 1.5Gbps. I’m also pleased to update that TM is the first telco in the region to update our Radio Access Network (RAN) and devices with SA dedicated 5G network.” “For 5GDP in Langkawi, we have deployed the highest number of 5G use cases among the participating telcos and all the 5G network and use cases sites can be monitored via the dashboard at the 5GCC, where our expert, qualified technical team works 24/7 to monitor the operations. It is also linked to the local authorities and emergency response services which allow for the communities as well as tourists to experience a smarter, safer living. In addition, we open the 5GCC for all other Service Providers to deploy their monitoring dashboards so all relevant data can be centralised for collective insights.” Currently, the 5GCC houses the dashboard for the following use cases: Smart Traffic Light Smart Parking Smart Safety and Security Solutions Langkawi Smart Tourism Dashboard (Smart Tourism App and UNESCO 8K VR) Gerbang Langkawi Platform (for Smart Water Management System, Smart Vehicle System, Smart Retail Analytics, Smart Safety Helmet and Geolocation People Safety Solutions) Backed up by analytics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) and data-driven insights, the 5GCC is furnished with advanced integrated security features to serve as a security monitoring centre through closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras being installed at hotspots on the island. It is also equipped with face and vehicle recognition system that will assist authorities in public safety and surveillance as well as with criminal investigation, crime prevention and citizen protection. It also monitors weather sensors, tsunami alarms, wind speed systems that have been installed at TM’s designated 5G use cases sites in Kuah and Cenang. The control centre empowers local agencies in promoting tourism safety and attractions effectively, unravelling businesses growth opportunities for the local and providing a safer and smarter crowd control for tourists that will help drive forward Langkawi as a Smart Tourism Island. The monitoring dashboards provides real-time data and consolidated information from all the use cases, for example traffic, parking and security conditions of the 5G use cases areas in Kuah and Pantai Cenang, water consumption level, retail footfall and customer emotions data, number of incidents and alerts, among others. In addition, the authorities can receive alerts and notifications, such as distress calls and response via a panic button from the closed circuit television (CCTV) poles deployed with the smart safety and security solution, or alerts during emergencies e.g. accidents at the workplace, missing individuals, detection of unhappy customers at retail outlets and detection of dangerous driving. These alerts enable the authorities to mobilise resources swiftly during any undesirable incidents or emergency situations, thereby improving their ability to react and respond to the Rakyat's needs in a timely manner for any emergencies. “As the national telecommunications infrastructure provider of Malaysia’s Digital Nation aspirations, we are honoured to be given the opportunity to establish this 5GCC which demonstrates our expertise and capabilities in delivering 5G services to Malaysians nationwide. We aspire to not only enable the ecosystem but also plans to be a neutral partner for industry players and collaboration partners towards enabling Malaysia’s Digital Economy. This signifies our support for MCMC’s aspiration in progressing humanity towards improving the quality of lives of the Rakyat. TM, via our innovative and comprehensive products and solutions will continue to work closely with the Government and MCMC to lay the foundation for Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR4.0) and rolling out 5G nationwide to serve a more digital society and lifestyle, digital businesses and industry verticals, as well as digital Government,” he added.

TM Future Skills Programme continues with a project based learning e-showcase event
Two (2) schools participated in E-Showcase PBL-TM Future Skills 2020, the highlight of a 3-month online learning programme for teachers and students of the schools Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) continues its efforts to equip the younger generation with Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR4.0)-centric knowledge through initiatives under its TM Future Skills programme. Most recently, students from Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina (SJKC) Jalan Davidson, Kuala Lumpur and SJKC Tsun Jin, Kuala Lumpur demonstrated their talents in 3D programming and printing skills in a two (2)-days online event held in collaboration with Bangsar / Pudu District Education Office (PPDBP). The event, titled E-Showcase Project Based Learning (PBL)-TM Future Skills 2020, saw the participation of 60 teachers and students from both schools. The students showcased their 3D innovation projects and at the same time, shared and displayed their knowledge and skills in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects. Izlyn Ramli, Vice President, Group Brand and Communication, TM, said: “We are delighted with the schools’ acceptance and active participation in the TM Future Skills Programme. Our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes under the education pillar are always aimed at supporting the nation’s education system towards preparing not only the students, but also the teachers and society at large, with IR4.0 skills. We hope this programme will help to enhance the students' future skills and increase their interest in STEM subjects. This befits our role as a responsible nation builder where we will continue to serve and enable Digital Malaysia through innovative and inclusive digital solutions.” Teah Lay Theng, Headmistress of SJKC Jalan Davidson, said: “The PBL approach was chosen for the programme as it can bring out the most from the students in terms of innovation and creativity. The use of digital equipment is also able to improve the digital skills and competencies of our students in producing the innovations.” Meanwhile, Ng Mooi Hong, Headmistress of SJKC Tsun Jin, said: “In the current pandemic environment, teachers need to be creative in imparting knowledge and running the programmes that can develop the potential of our students. With this programme, we hope to inoculate the interest, highlight the potentials and empower the students with STEM subjects.” The E-Showcase PBL-TM Future Skills 2020 was the highlight of three (3) months long online learning programme for teachers and students of the two (2) schools. Throughout the programme, the teachers and students from both schools learned about digital technology in TM 3Ducation – the 3D printing module to be implemented in their PBL. Due to the ongoing pandemic Covid-19, TM’s strategic partner for TM Future Skills, Creative Minds, conducted the training sessions for all the teachers and students, including parents, through an online platform. Not being in class physically following the closure of schools nationwide has also not deterred these young innovators. They persevered in conducting research and continued to experiment and collaborated with each other virtually for the past 3 months. At the same time, School Improvement Specialist Coach (SISC+) from PPDBP closely supervised the activities and monitored the progress of the participants. Streamed live via YouTube, the E-Showcase garnered more than 6,000 viewers throughout the 2-day event and the channel has cumulated more than 7,800 views to date. The panel of judges for the E-Showcase consisted of SISC+ from PPDBP and led by Izad Ismail, Head of Corporate Responsibility, TM. TM Future Skills programme is an initiative that aims to empower students by equipping them and teachers with IR4.0-centric kits and knowledge, such as the TM 3Ducation – 3D printing module and the TM Nano Maker, a real-time data logging tool for STEM. This is to prepare them to be part of a digital-ready community and future-proof workforce which has always been one of the pillars under TM’s Digital Malaysia aspiration. As a key enabler of this, TM has always been an avid supporter of innovation and technology in Education. Through programmes like TM Future Skills, the Company endeavours to empower the leaders of tomorrow with relevant skills in innovation and technology towards serving a more digital society and lifestyle, digital businesses and industry verticals, as well as digital Government. For more information on the Company's other Corporate Responsibility initiatives, visit www.tm.com.my.