26 Aug 2024
TM Sustains EBIT Growth in 1H 2024, Declares Higher Interim Dividend of 12.5 sen per Share
1H 2024 Key Highlights (vs 1H 2023)
· Operating revenue remained steady at RM5.74 billion
· EBIT increased by 14.5% to RM1.26 billion
· Fixed broadband subscribers grew by 1.2% to 3.143 million
· Interim Dividend declared at 12.5 sen per share, up from 9.5 sen in the previous year
KUALA LUMPUR, 26 August 2024 – Telekom Malaysia Berhad (“TM” or “the Group”) today announced its financial results for the first half ended 30 June 2024 (1H 2024), remaining resilient amidst a challenging market environment.
The Group recorded a 14.5% growth in Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT), reaching RM1.26 billion compared to RM1.10 billion in the same period last year, driven by continued focus on enhancing operational efficiency and effective cost management. Meanwhile, TM’s operating revenue for 1H 2024 remained steady at RM5.74 billion, reflecting consistent performance.
Profit after Tax and Non-Controlling Interests (PATAMI) in 1H 2024 decreased by 8.6% to RM821.2 million due to a one-off tax credit in 2023. Nevertheless, the Group’s fundamentals remained strong and continued to underpin its growth trajectory. In line with this, TM has declared a higher interim dividend of 12.5 sen per share, amounting to RM479.7 million, an increase from 9.5 sen per share interim dividend declared in the previous year.
Amar Huzaimi Md Deris, TM Group Chief Executive Officer, said, “Our latest Unifi UniVerse continues to excite the market. Its comprehensive suite of convergence offerings provides a seamless experience that meets the diverse needs of digital consumers. As a result, we have seen growth in our customer base, strengthening TM’s position as Malaysia’s true convergence champion.
“We are also advancing Malaysia’s digital infrastructure through the development of the Next Generation Emergency Services 999 (NG999) in collaboration with various Government agencies. Leveraging advanced technologies such as data analytics and AI, this initiative will significantly improve the nation’s emergency response capabilities in replacement of the existing MERS999.
“We proactively explore new business opportunities through strategic partnerships such as the recent collaboration with Singtel’s Nxera to build a sustainable, hyperconnected AI-ready mega data centre in Johor. This initiative will support high-performance computing and future cloud and AI applications for hyperscalers and tech providers. Simultaneously, we remain committed to supporting Malaysia’s 5G ecosystem, ensuring that Malaysians benefit from the latest advancements in connectivity and digital services.
“We are focused on strengthening our core fundamentals, managing costs effectively, and seizing growth opportunities to ensure we stay well-positioned for the future. We remain steadfast in driving our aspiration to become a Digital Powerhouse by 2030, while positioning Malaysia as the digital hub for the region,” said Amar.
Capital expenditure (CAPEX) in 1H 2024 amounted to RM460 million, representing 8.0% of total revenue. The Group plans to ramp up this investment towards the end of the year, focusing on enhancing its network infrastructure both nationwide and regionally. This includes the development of new submarine cable systems and the expansion of data centres.
The Group maintains a positive outlook for the current year, aligning with its 2024 market guidance.
Lines of Businesses (LOBs) Performance
Unifi Maintains Leadership in Converged Services
Unifi recorded a 1.2% increase in fixed broadband subscribers, reaching 3.143 million in 1H 2024, supported by customer acquisition and retention strategies. Unifi also gained positive traction with its latest mobile proposition and will continue improving and adapting its mobile offerings to better meet customer needs.
During the period, Unifi launched UniVerse, a suite of its best convergence offerings for home internet, mobile, entertainment and lifestyle solutions and introduced the newest UNI5G WOW Prepaid offering with unlimited 5G + 4G data with uncapped 5G speed and rewards, catering to needs of today’s digital customers. Unifi’s most recent offer is the limited-time promotion of 200GB 5G Monthly Data Pass for just RM1. This fantastic add-on gives UNI5G Postpaid 39 customers an extra 200GB of high-speed 5G data every month, enhancing their mobile experience significantly. For more information, visit https://unifi.com.my and https://unifi.com.my/mobile/postpaid.
Unifi’s excellence was recognised with several awards including the Best Fixed Business Service Provider and Best Home Broadband Service Provider at the recent PC.com 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards, Ookla's Fastest Wi-Fi Provider in Malaysia award, and the World’s No.1 Fastest 5G Download Speed provider from Open Signal.
TM One Drives Digital Transformation for Enterprises and Government
TM One sustained a positive momentum in 1H 2024, achieving a 2.1% increase in revenue compared to the same period last year, reaching RM1.41 billion amidst a challenging business environment.
During the period, TM One launched the Innovation Lab and Enterprise 5G Lab, collaborative spaces designed to accelerate the realisation of emerging digital services and solutions such as Enterprise 5G and AI-powered industry solutions for both enterprises and government sectors. Additionally, TM One introduced Cybershield Simulation, a cybersecurity product that simulates real-life cyber-attack scenarios, helping organisations enhance their cybersecurity preparedness. On top the NG999 initiative, it has also recently successfully deployed a Private 5G network at PETRONAS LNG Complex in Bintulu, Sarawak in collaboration with the national oil and gas company, – signalling further advancements in connectivity and efficiency for the energy industry.
TM One’s leadership in technology solutions was recognised with the Best Technology Solution Service Provider at the recent PC.com 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards.
TM Global Strengthens Malaysia’s Position as a Digital Hub for the Region
TM Global delivered a steady performance in 1H 2024, with a 0.6% revenue increase to RM1.49 billion, driven by higher revenues from managed wavelength and domestic data. TM Global is expanding its digital infrastructure, including international connectivity and data centre services, to meet the global carriers and hyperscalers’ demands. Key initiatives include the development of a mega data centre in Johor in partnership with Singtel’s Nxera, as well as expansion of its existing Klang Valley Data Centre (KVDC) and Iskandar Puteri Data Centre (IPDC).
It has also made progress in deploying extensive 4G and 5G backhaul sites nationwide and increasing high-speed broadband access in Malaysia, in supporting digital inclusivity across the nation.
TM Global was recognised in multiple awards - Telecom Company of the Year – Malaysia, and the Wholesale Company Initiative of the Year – Malaysia, at the Asian Telecom Awards as well as Best Operator in Emerging Market Category at the Carrier Community Global Awards 2024.
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TM Records Stronger 2Q 2023 Financial Performance; Sustaining the Group’s Growth Momentum
KUALA LUMPUR, 25 August 2023 – Telekom Malaysia Berhad (“TM” or “the Group”) recorded a stronger financial performance in the second quarter of the year that ended 30 June 2023, compared to the same period in the previous year. Its operating revenue grew 0.3% to RM3.10 billion, propelled by Unifi’s expansion which saw a substantial increase to 3.11 million fixed broadband subscribers. The growth was also due to TM Global’s solid 10.0% revenue growth driven by higher demand for domestic and international data services. Profit After Tax and Non-Controlling Interest (PATAMI) rose 50.4% from RM378.0 million to RM568.7 million due to lower net finance cost and the recognition of tax credits from unutilised tax losses. TM’s Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) allocation for the first half of 2023 stood at RM942.8 million, which accounts for 15.6% of the overall revenue for the expansion of network infrastructure to enhance nationwide coverage. Meanwhile, Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) was lower by 10.3% at RM630.0 million from RM702.7 million, due to higher preventive maintenance costs to better serve our customers and higher depreciation from revision of asset useful life. TM declared a higher Interim Dividend of 9.5 sen per share. This is a testament of the Group’s positive financial performance and its ongoing commitment to shareholder value. Commenting on these results, Amar Huzaimi Md Deris, TM’s Group Chief Executive Officer said, “We are pleased with this quarter’s performance, which is marked by overall positive results across our Lines of Business (“LOBs”). These achievements further strengthen TM’s growth momentum in facing a more competitive market.” “In the coming months, TM expects to face a more challenging marketplace but remains confident in our overall positive financial performance. The Group remains steadfast to continue strengthening its core business to be commercially sustainable whilst also continuing to contribute to the nation’s growth. “TM is excited by the huge potential of fixed, mobile and lifestyle convergence in the digital market, as well as digital infrastructure and solutions for MSME, enterprise and government sectors, whilst pursuing to capture opportunities from International partners including hyperscalers. “We also remain committed to continuously invest in expanding our network to enable the nation’s progress towards a Digital Malaysia. TM will continue to collaborate closely with the Government to serve as the nation’s trusted partner to grow Malaysia’s overall connectivity and digital ecosystem, including 5G,” Amar concluded. LINES OF BUSINESS PERFORMANCE Unifi drives growth with enhanced services and market leadership Unifi’s revenue increased 0.5% to RM1.41 billion, driven by growth in fixed broadband subscribers reaching 3.11 million from consumer and Micro Small & Medium Enterprises (“MSME”) segments. Reinforcing its market leadership in fibre broadband services, Unifi unveiled its Ultra Gigabit Broadband Plans with 1Gbps and 2Gbps packages designed to empower digital households and expedite the growth of MSMEs. Unifi also strengthened its position by introducing innovative Uni5G postpaid and prepaid all-in-one 4G and 5G mobile plans, enhancing its fixed-mobile convergence value proposition. Unifi’s lifestyle services arm, Unifi TV, continued its pursuit of enriching user experiences by integrating popular streaming apps such as Netflix into its diverse portfolio. This move bolsters Unifi TV’s value proposition and adds to the variety of content available to users. The availability of a comprehensive convergence proposition encompassing gigabit fixed broadband, innovative 5G mobile packages and lifestyle services is the only offering of its kind in the industry. This is delivered over the best fibre network, superior 4G network coverage and expanding 5G nationwide footprint that offers elevated connectivity experiences at home and on-the-go. As a market leader, Unifi Business launched its Digital Marketing Solution (“DMS”) to encourage the MSME segment develop stronger brand presence and online visibility. As the latest addition to its line-up of connectivity and business solutions, DMS complements and augments Unifi Business’ existing offerings and will propel digital adoption among businesses. Earning further accolades, Unifi Business received the “Best Business Fixed Broadband Service Provider” award from PC.com during the period under review. TM One Drives Innovation with Smart Solutions and Private 5G Advancements TM One experience a decline in revenue by 11.4% to RM732.0 million in 2Q 2023 as a result of price reductions in connectivity services and lower one-off revenue from customer projects. To mitigate this, TM One is driving the rapid development of smart innovative solutions for verticals such as smart cities, healthcare, agriculture and industries. As a trusted digital partner for large enterprises and government, TM One is also leading Private 5G propositions and solutions across diverse industries spanning across oil & gas, transportation hubs and manufacturing to drive the country’s advancement. As the largest local cloud provider, TM Cloud Alpha remains the preferred local sovereign hyper-scaled cloud for data residency and locality in Malaysia. It has also reinforced its role in shaping Malaysia’s modern urban landscapes by being the strategic partner for smart city low-carbon initiatives with local councils. Along with its growing local and global partnerships, it has been appointed to implement and support various digital transformation programmes for its customers. In recognition of its industry excellence across a suite of end-to-end next generation business solutions, TM One received the accolade for "Best Enterprise Telco" from PC.com. TM Global on track to make Malaysia the preferred digital hub for ASEAN TM Global recorded a 10.0% solid revenue growth from RM739.9 million to RM813.6 million, contributed by higher demand for both domestic and international data services. TM Global remains steadfast in solidifying its stature as Malaysia’s preferred network infrastructure provider, catalysing digital industry and 4G/5G ecosystem while simultaneously positioning the country to become a digital hub for ASEAN. TM Global continues to deploy its 4G/5G fibre backhaul rollout and drive greater demand for High Speed Broadband Access (HSBA) ports, reinforcing its commitment to support the Government’s aspirations for digital inclusivity in the country. Beyond borders, TM Global has reinforced its position by enriching the platform play services via strategic collaborations with partners on A2P SMS Gateway in Philippines and Content Delivery Network (CDN) Last Mile Delivery in Thailand. Additionally, TM Global continued to cater to mega bandwidth requirements with dynamic and customised solutions for hyper-scalers as well as global service providers, cementing its significance on the international stage.
TM’S NEW FIBRE OPTIC NETWORK HUB (POINT OF PRESENCE) BRINGS FASTER, MORE RELIABLE INTERNET CONNECTIVITY TO RURAL AND REMOTE AREAS
Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) has today announced the completion of its new fibre optic network hub or point of presence (PoP) project phase one (1) installations, across northern region, Sabah and Sarawak. The launch ceremony, which was officiated by YB Fahmi Fadzil, Minister of Communications and Digital, took place at SMK Padang Terap, Kuala Nerang, Kedah. Also present were Dato’ Haji Pkharuddin Bin Haji Ghazali, Director-General of Education and Dato’ Sri Haji Mohammad Bin Mentek, Secretary-General, Ministry of Communications and Digital. PoP is a place where different devices connect to each other and to the internet. In simple terms, PoP brings fibre closer to users. By setting up PoP locations near schools, people in rural and remote areas can get better and faster internet services in their homes, instead of relying on mobile internet. This will improve internet access and connectivity for more people in the community. During the ceremony, YB Fahmi highlighted the significant benefits and opportunities that the new PoPs would bring. The new PoPs represent a major step forward in the Government's efforts to narrow the digital gap and promote digital inclusion across Malaysia. A total of 4,370 PoPs had been planned under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) where 4,323 PoPs will be installed near rural schools and 47 PoPs near industrial area. Phase one (1) of the project, involves 677 sites and the remaining will be implemented under phase two (2) over the span of three (3) years, 2022-2025. A total of 233 PoP circuits were installed under phase 1, with 100% completion achieved by TM, ahead of other industry players. “We are thrilled to see the progress and achievements of this project, which will bring significant benefits and opportunities to the community, including improved internet quality, economic development and the development of new infrastructures,” said Shazurawati Abdul Karim, Executive Vice President of TM One. PoP will create a more balanced and inclusive regional development, boosting the growth of new technologies like 5G and future generations of communication technologies. Through this initiative, users in TM's PoP area have now reached over 9,000 and are increasing. A total of 58 of its users are schools that have subscribed to Unifi services. The widespread internet accessibility will not only help to develop the rural economy but more importantly allow learning materials to be downloaded, to improve the quality of education in schools, equipping the future generations with a wealth of knowledge. “As the nation's telecommunications leader, and enabler of Digital Malaysia, TM is committed to support the nation's development agenda through the benefits brought by hyperconnectivity and digital solutions, which will accelerate digital adoption and new economic growth,” added Shazurawati. “The presence of PoP can attract technology companies, start-ups and other businesses that require a high-speed internet connection to operate. This can create more job opportunities, increase innovation, and stimulate economic growth in local communities,” concluded Shazurawati. The collaboration between TM and the Government demonstrates the shared commitment to deliver digital inclusivity throughout Malaysia. For phase two (2) of PoP project, TM has been awarded with 174 sites in the central region. This phase is expected to further boost digital connectivity and economic development for Malaysia.
Innovating Malaysia's healthcare through 5G and digital solutions
TM One’s 5G and digital infrastructure reflects its commitment to enable smart hospitals and remote care capabilities TM One, the enterprise and public sector business solutions arm of Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) recently previewed the innovative future of Malaysia’s healthcare sector, powered by 5G technology and digital solutions. Collaborating with Siemens Healthineers Malaysia, TM One shared its vision at the inaugural 5G in Healthcare Symposium, organised by the Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia (APHM), where they showcased next-level innovations for the healthcare system, made possible by 5G connectivity. This gathering of healthcare providers highlighted the multiple benefits gained from digital transformation in the sector, including enhanced patient care and operational efficiencies, among others. The digitalisation of this essential sector has also proven to be particularly timely and effective in delivering health care during and post pandemic. Shazurawati Abd Karim, Executive Vice President of TM One explained the significance of 5G to Malaysian healthcare, stating that: “5G will positively impact the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), and enable life-saving medical innovations that reflect the needs of a post pandemic society. This includes remote medical learning and remote patient monitoring, among others. Together with our partners, which includes global technology companies as well as leading local companies, we are primed and ready to help Malaysia’s private hospitals co-create solutions that will save lives and bring value to their stakeholders.” “Aside from real-time speed and breakthrough connectivity, today’s digital healthcare ecosystems depend on robust and secure infrastructure essentials. Collecting and sharing of digital patient records and hospital data requires world-class data security to mitigate cyber threats and to comply with stringent regulatory requirements. TM One’s services can be integrated with private 5G networks and offers enhanced data protection and encryption to safeguard both patients and hospitals. This will encourage patients towards adopting digital healthcare services, potentially enabling them to seek treatment earlier and save lives,” she said. Amongst the technologies demonstrated was VRAR (virtual reality/augmented reality) using a Microsoft HoloLens device, which utilises mixed-reality experiences with 3D data processing, analytics, visualisation, and simulation applications. This technology aims to humanise the diagnosis and treatment identification process and will improve the productivity of healthcare personnel by accelerating their time-to-diagnosis, surgical accuracy and reduce time-to-care which will result in improving overall patient experience. TM One also showcased a virtual medical consultation solution powered by REMEDi, a digital healthcare technology developer. Through high-speed, low-latency 5G, the solution will provide enhanced video images and sound quality for safer diagnosis of patients and effective troubleshooting. In addition, this solution can be conveniently deployed anywhere, matching the current shift towards online examinations and telemedicine. Speaking about the event, Datuk Dr Kuljit Singh, President of APHM said, “The 5G in Healthcare Symposium was a great platform for our partners, TM One and Siemens Healthineers to demonstrate the future of Malaysia’s private healthcare, providing a guide on how to transform hospitals by leveraging 5G. This sharing was truly valuable to the symposium participants.” “Having these esteemed digital leaders provided a clearer idea to the industry of how they can transform their institutions. We are both excited by the potential offered by 5G technology and confident of the expert support offered by our partners as the industry continues its digital transformation journey in delivering superior healthcare service to our patients,” he enthused. Rod Frazer, Managing Director of Siemens Healthineers in Malaysia commented, "The opportunity to aggregate healthcare data and leverage this to support the day-to-day decisions of patients and clinicians is the game changer in healthcare delivery and cost effectiveness. To shape this future, it is vital not only to work on ideas that will change the way we think about the healthcare sector in the long term but also to identify current developments such as 5G connectivity, which has the potential to transform the market. Siemens Healthineers is excited to collaborate on this initiative with APHM and TM One to facilitate such discussions in the country.” TM One’s suite of robust and secured digital infrastructure solutions enable organisations to harness the power of AI and IR 4.0 to take their transformation forward. TM’s recent partnership with Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) to provide extensive fibre coverage for DNB’s 5G network emphasises its commitment to provide 5G infrastructure to support the digital aspiration of all Malaysians, including the digitalisation the nation’s private healthcare industry to support the vitality and wellbeing of the rakyat. For more details about TM One Healthcare solutions, visit www.tmone.com.my/industry/healthcare/
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