26 Aug 2024

TM Sustains EBIT Growth in 1H 2024, Declares Higher Interim Dividend of 12.5 sen per Share

TM Sustains EBIT Growth in 1H 2024,  Declares Higher Interim Dividend of 12.5 sen per Share Article Header
TM

 

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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CONSOLIDATION OF TM’S BUSINESS IN MALAYSIA INTO TM TECH TO STRENGTHEN CONVERGENCE LEADERSHIP AND IMPROVE OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY

Following the earlier communication on 14 December 2022, Telekom Malaysia Berhad (“TM”) today announced the internal reorganisation of its business in Malaysia into a single operating entity named TM Technology Services Sdn Bhd (“TM Tech”) following the approval of various bodies, including the High Court of Malaysia and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission.   Effective today, 1st March 2023, Telekom Malaysia Berhad will serve as an investment holding company for this single operating entity (TM Tech), along with other wholly owned subsidiaries, covering TM’s international, digital, education, support business and other non-wholly owned subsidiaries. This group in totality will continue to be governed by the current TM’s Board of Directors and managed by the same Senior Management team.   The reorganisation into TM Tech – which includes Unifi, TM One and TM Global, amongst others – marks the next phase of TM’s transformation that will reinforce its fixed-mobile convergence (FMC) position, further improve operational efficiencies and deliver a more seamless customer experience. Resource-wise, the reorganisation brings together the diverse talents, facilitating greater cross-functional collaboration and agility through more streamlined and simplified processes.   Group CEO of TM, Dato’ Imri Mokhtar explained, “As customer demand, increasing competition and stakeholder expectations reshape the industry, it is timely to consolidate our telco business in Malaysia into a single operating entity that will allow us to serve our diverse customer segments better and quicker, as well as drive operational efficiency.”   “We have recently notified all of our valued customers on this internal reorganisation via email and digital letters. At this point, for all payment transactions - the beneficiary name will now be “TM Technology Services Sdn Bhd” instead of “Telekom Malaysia Berhad”. All other payment details remain the same, such as the bank account and JomPAY code,” Imri added.   “The success of TM to shape a Digital Malaysia through technology that empowers communities, businesses and Government truly lies in our Warga TM. With majority of Warga TM realigned into this single operating entity, the individual job functions, entitlements and benefits will remain unchanged. Similarly, all of TM’s current obligations in terms of partnerships, vendor and service agreements will remain in effect.”   “We believe this reorganisation will strengthen TM’s role in advancing the country’s digital economy and to serve our growing customers in a more cohesive manner. It will reinforce TM’s competitive edge, solidifying our transition towards being a human-centred TechCo,” Imri concluded.

Empowering Malaysia’s Youth: Yayasan Telekom Malaysia Expands TM Future Skills Programme

BATU PAHAT, 12 September 2023 – TM, through its corporate responsibility arm, Yayasan TM (YTM), collaborates with two more secondary schools in Peninsula Malaysia to expand its TM Future Skills (TMFS) programme. The programme aims at enhancing digital skills among students from B40 or low-income families by integrating digital technologies into their learning experiences. The newly included schools – SMK Dengkil in Selangor and SMK Tunku Putra in Johor join the programme after the successful launch of the first TMFS school, SMK Gunung Semanggol in Perak last November. These schools were selected because they have the highest percentage of B40 students in their districts and are actively engaged in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) activities. “At TM, we hold a firm belief in the pivotal role of Malaysian youth in propelling the nation’s growth and societal advancement. As an organisation that has been instrumental in the establishment of Digital Malaysia, we remain unwavering in our commitment to nurturing the next generation as drivers of our digital economy and the ongoing Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR4.0). The TMFS programme fulfils this commitment by equipping students with digital skills, while emphasising on leadership, design thinking, and cognitive abilities,” said Ainol Shaharina Sahar, Director of YTM during the TMFS launching ceremony at SMK Tunku Putra recently. “In addition, we are optimistic that the partner schools will evolve into educational hubs, effectively disseminating the knowledge and skills acquired to neighbouring schools and students. We hope that through this approach, it will ignite the students’ interest in pursuing tertiary education in technology and digital fields, thus empowering them with skills vital for Malaysia’s future workforce,” added Ainol. To enhance the immersive learning experience, YTM is establishing TMFS Digital Hubs at these partner schools. These hubs are equipped with resources such as PocketLab, robotics kits, 3D printers, smart TVs, desktop computers, and digital learning content. This hands-on setup aims to spark students’ interest in digital exploration. Highlighting the comprehensive approach of the TMFS programme, Ainol expressed, “We are delighted to witness the holistic growth within all TMFS Schools, which encompasses the development of diverse skills ranging from urban farming and vocational training to entrepreneurship. As we continue our journey to identify more potential schools nationwide, we envision unearthing more remarkable talents that will contribute to the nation’s growth while aligning Malaysia with the forefront of digital innovation.” The event was also graced by Azman Mashuri, Deputy Director of School Planning & Management Sector 2, Ministry of Education Malaysia, who expressed enthusiasm for such collaborations between the private sector and educational institutions. Azman emphasised the importance of providing exposure to digital technologies in rural schools and predicted that initiatives like TMFS will stimulate students to explore their capabilities beyond conventional academics, subsequently driving an increased interest in STEM-related fields. YTM has remained steadfast in its commitment to promoting STEM-oriented programmes since 2014, encompassing disciplines such as robotics, 3D modelling, coding, and big data analytics. In 2020, these modules coalesced into the comprehensive TMFS programme, meticulously designed to align with the Ministry of Education’s syllabus and the IR4.0. To date, YTM’s STEM-related endeavours, including the TMFS programme, have benefited over 15,000 students and educators across more than 500 schools throughout the nation. This remarkable endeavour is not just nurturing individual futures, but also cementing Malaysia’s position as a digital frontrunner on the global stage.

TM aspires towards a human-centred technology company in delivering digital Malaysia following successful 37th AGM

2021 a milestone first-year of the New TM Transformation Telekom Malaysia Berhad ("TM" or "the Group") today successfully concluded its 37th Annual General Meeting, with all 13 Ordinary Resolutions and one Special Resolution tabled duly approved by its shareholders. The Meeting was conducted online for a third consecutive year to allow maximum flexibility for engagement with shareholders. The event saw over 1,000 shareholders attending virtually. Hosting the proceedings for the first time, Tan Sri Mohammed Azlan Hashim, Chairman of TM's Board of Directors said, "2021 has been a milestone first-year in our New TM Transformation, with the Group setting a solid foundation as a growth-oriented PLC investing for optimum long-term returns for its shareholders, while also continuing its nation-building efforts to realise a truly Digital Malaysia." Alongside the Board of Directors, key senior leaders including Imri Mokhtar, Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer; and Razidan Ghazalli, Group Chief Financial Officer were also in attendance to offer insights into the 2021 Audited Financial Statements and the Group's moving forward business priorities. "In 2022, we aim to continue growing our operating revenue by strengthening our core business momentum to improve profitability, enabling us to invest for future growth. Our first quarter of 2022 recorded steady revenue growth at RM2.89 billion, an increase of 2.9% from this same period last year, despite heightened competition. We also ramped up our transformation initiatives and delivered profit after tax and non-controlling interests (PATAMI) at RM339.9 million, or 4.4% higher. We will continue to optimise cost and improve productivity in our effort to raise EBIT to more than RM1.8 billion," Imri explained. He added: "We are intensifying our efforts in the remaining seven months to deliver the next chapter of our Transformation. We will look at a total CAPEX spend between 14-18 per cent of revenue, with spending primarily focused on network expansion and modernisation together with enhancing customer experience." unifi will continue to maintain its leadership in fixed broadband and enhance its Fixed-Mobile Convergence (FMC) proposition, enriched with TV and streaming content. This reflects its commitment to improve its FMC customer experience with better and seamless service. unifi will also grow its SME digital platform as a one-stop service centre for solutions catering especially to SMEs nationwide. TM Wholesale will continue to enable industry broadband and 4G network via its fibre infrastructure, with the ongoing 5G rollout further strengthening that role. On the international front, it will further serve other OTTs and hyperscalers with connectivity and data centres, moving towards establishing Malaysia as a digital hub for ASEAN via new submarine cables, enhanced data centre solutions, and edge computing. TM One, as the sole home-based cloud service provider will also offer end-to-end managed services with robust connectivity and infrastructure. In addition to ensuring data sovereignty and security for the MyGovCloud initiative, TM One will be ramping up its data centres to support the nation's Cloud First agenda. Recognising that the future is digital, TM has also invested in strengthening its digital services through Credence, a new arm that will focus on expanding the capabilities of enterprises in their digital transformation journey. Helmed by senior leaders from the technology sector, this new business will serve existing TM customers as an end-to-end Cloud and Services solution partner, offering services from tech infrastructure to business insights, IT landscape migration, SaaS, managed services as well as analytics. While improving connectivity and digitisation solutions to enable a better Malaysia, the human factor remains the true centre of TM's growth agenda. Imri concluded: "Our aspiration is to evolve towards becoming a human-centred technology company. From our beginnings as just a fixed telco, we are now a converged telco providing voice, internet and data through both fixed and mobile technology, which further delivers content, data centre and cloud services. The next step is to evolve from delivering converged connectivity into a human-centred technology company – delivering lifestyle and business solutions for our customers with innovative digital technology and applications. "In a market where telcos and other digital players now have a play in almost every solution, customer experience will be the true differentiator in attracting and retaining customers."

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