05 Oct 2021
unifi business a boost for MSMEs as economic recovery gains momentum
unifi Business Solutions help MSMEs kick start their online businesses
As the country's National Recovery Plan gathers pace, many Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are ready to take advantage of the re-opening of economic sectors. In this respect, unifi has recently come up with solutions to help these businesses, many of which have transitioned seamlessly into the digital space post-COVID19 pandemic.
In view of this, unifi is taking proactive steps to ensure that MSMEs can achieve business sustainability with its innovative offerings. This was made possible by partnering with proven technology partners and Government agencies that understand the needs of Malaysian businesses. With unifi Business Solutions, MSMEs can grow their businesses online and significantly boost sales and productivity at minimal costs through reliable high-speed Internet that comes with an array of tried-and-tested business solutions, including productivity and marketing tools.
With solutions that suit the needs of current businesses, unifi Business Solutions have now established itself as the go-to platform for Malaysian MSMEs. This is attributed to its exceptional service, which includes swift, dependable nationwide support and sound, thought-out advice by its team of experienced consultants.
For businesses venturing into the digital marketplace, they have the option of signing up with Digital Marketing Solutions where they can enhance their online presence by setting up a website, getting a business listing and securing more businesses with Facebook and Instagram ads.
With cari@unifi Premium Listing, businesses are able to reach a wider customer base through postings listing and articles on unifi's cari@unifi marketplace platform. Productivity can be increased by signing up with Microsoft 365, where businesses can have real-time solutions to connect and collaborate anytime, anywhere.
Understanding that new businesses might be overwhelmed with the digital marketplace maze, unifi Business, together with partners and Government agencies, offer free digital upskilling classes to MSMEs. Localised webinars by consultants and partners are held regularly to ensure that no businesses are left behind in the journey towards business digitalisation.
In addition, all unifi business broadband and mobile customers will enjoy the benefits as a member of the unifi Business Club (uBC) where they will get access to relevant and current content at the uBC portal (https://ubc.unifi.com.my). Here, they can find content such as webinars, talk shows, live chats, events, business tips and articles that can help them navigate the business world. uBC members will also enjoy specialised financial assistance, productivity boosters, digital marketing platforms, tools and community engagement programmes that are tailored to a variety of business needs.
Mohamad Yusman Ammeran, Head of SME Segment, unifi said with more economic sectors opening up, many MSMEs have embraced digitalisation to sustain and thrive, after a challenging period owing to the COVID-19 restrictions. "MSMEs form the backbone of our economy and Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) and unifi are ever ready to help these enterprises get back on their feet, come back stronger and help accelerate the country's economic recovery," he said.
Yusman added that under unifi's current campaign, MSMEs could enjoy up to 50% off savings or get an RM5,000 matching grant for each company, as part of the PEMULIH initiative announced by the Government in June 2021.
To encourage sign-ups amongst MSMEs, unifi is also offering exciting prizes under its Sign Up & Drive Away contest. The prizes include nine (9) four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles during the contest period which will end on 31 December 2021. Other prizes include laptops, smartphones and computer tablets. So far, five (5) 4WD vehicles have been won, including by the latest winners, Zainun Ngah Enterprise and GAP Empire Trading, both of which are in the retail sector.
Speaking at the prize giving event to the latest winners recently, Yusman said: "This is an excellent opportunity for local MSMEs to increase their productivity while reducing their operating cost, and at the same time, stand to win exciting prizes. We believe these offerings will help our customers bounce back stronger and help grow the Malaysian economy. We hope they see unifi Business not just as a service provider, but as an integral partner of their business journey."
"unifi's online business solutions for MSMEs is in line with TM's support towards the Government's initiatives, such as JENDELA and MyDIGITAL, and fits into the Company's role as the enabler of Digital Malaysia," he added.
For more information on unifi Business Solutions and MSME Digitalisation grant offerings, please visit www.unifi.com.my/business/smegrant.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
TM R&D Continues its award winning streak at the World Communication Awards 2020
The Company’s internally-developed smarter digital solutions for IoT of Water and energy management received global recognitions for innovation. Telekom Research & Development Sdn Bhd (TM R&D), the innovation arm of Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM), recently bagged two (2) awards at the prestigious World Communication Awards 2020 organised virtually in London, United Kingdom. The awards, the fourth and fifth received by TM R&D this year, were conferred to TM R&D for its innovative solutions namely Smart Water Integrated Management System (SWIMS) under the IoT Innovation Award category while Enterprise Energy Management System (EENT) received the recognition under the Data Innovation Award category. Commenting on the milestone achievement, Dr. Sharlene Thiagarajah, Chief Executive Officer, TM R&D said, "This is indeed a proud moment for us at TM R&D. For our internally-developed smart solutions to be recognised at the World Communication Awards, it is indeed a huge encouragement for us to further strengthen our position as the leader in research, development and innovation field. This double win is a remarkable feat and my heartiest congratulations to everyone in the TM R&D team who has put tremendous efforts in providing the best for our customers and partners." "In addition, we will continue to innovate with purpose and introduce smarter digital solutions that will enhance and transform lives and businesses while simultaneously supporting TM's aspirations and unique role as the enabler of Digital Malaysia.," she added. In the global telecommunications industry, the World Communication Awards are the most revered mark of achievement. For over 22 years, the awards have recognised innovation excellence in global telecoms companies and attract hundreds of submissions annually. SWIMS is an Internet of Water (IoW) solution, essentially doing for water what Internet of Things (IoT) does for various other industries and verticals such as electric utilities, transportation, smart cities and factory automation. It enables in-depth, new insights into the operations and the right tools to act on those insights. "SWIMS offers end-to-end smart water management that improves non-revenue water management. It optimises the repair and replacement of ageing water infrastructure as well as improves responses to weather events such as water level and quality. The solution has now been commercially-deployed, bringing real innovation to the public," shared Dr. Sharlene. Another recognition received by TM R&D at the World Communication Awards was for EENT. It is a universal internet of energy management solution developed as an agnostic platform to cater for all types of IoT devices, system designs, geographical demand, multi-tenancy or budgeting, with its backend connected to an in-house IoT hosting platform. "EENT offers a seamless end-to-end smart energy monitoring system that improves energy management, optimises energy use as well as improves response to energy saving plan. It adopts big data architectures and analytics technologies, turning the data challenge into an opportunity and ultimately driving revenue, profit or cost reduction," she revealed. Established in 2001, TM R&D is the centre of innovation for TM Group focusing on innovations that enriches humanity and bring progress to nations. Growing from strength to strength since 2016, TM R&D has won 19 globally recognised awards and generated more than 2,800 Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) and 1,400 digital assets to-date. TM R&D's innovations all developed in-house 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 products and services, they can be contacted at business@tmrnd.com.my or log on to www.tmrnd.com.my or follow them on LinkedIn (TM Research & Development) for more news and updates.
unifi TV grows premium content offerings with new MangoTV and SIAR
UNIFI TV has expanded its offerings to include MangoTV, one of Mainland China’s leading online video platforms, and SIAR, a local channel that also has on-demand streaming app features for high-quality classic Malay films. Adding to its premium channels and existing streaming apps including Disney+ Hotstar, beIN SPORTS CONNECT, WeTV and Lionsgate Play, the new offerings will bring something for everyone within a single subscription, which can all be streamed over a single unifi Plus Box. These additions also strengthen unifi’s value proposition of having the largest selection of streaming apps –18 app partners in total by November 2022. “MangoTV and SIAR are quality additions to unifi TV’s international and local offerings. With MangoTV customers able to switch to other apps for free, customers can access a wider variety of content and have control over their entertainment selections – enabling them to customise their preferred content,” said Anand Vijayan, TM’s Chief Commercial Officer and EVP, unifi. Starting 6 September, unifi TV has also launched two new Ultimate Pack promotions. With a 30-day free trial and priced at MYR49.90 and MYR59.90 each, customers will access all 73 premium channels and six to eight complementary streaming apps. Anand explains, “As a leader in converged solutions for both broadband and entertainment, unifi provides all-in-one quality offerings that ease customer experiences. “Our offerings include consolidated billing and fixed prices that meet customers’ online and streaming demands, with these two new offerings now adding to our extensive selection for viewers from all backgrounds.”MangoTV among Top 5 video apps in Mainland China With more than 1,000 titles and over 30 flagship programmes, MangoTV provides Mandarin content for young working adults including films, TV series, and music. It’s popular variety TV shows include titles such as: Call Me by Fire, Ride on Wave, and Hello Saturday. Ranked among the Top 5 video apps in Mainland China, MangoTV offers up to 18 language subtitles and dubbed versions, making it accessible to all viewers. The upgraded option via unifi TV features a simpler interface and enhanced functions, as well as HD videos and panoramic sound for a more immersive viewing experience. unifi TV subscribers will also enjoy VIP access to selected premium episodes, special features, and HD-quality streaming. “By cultivating its core competitiveness through self-produced content, MangoTV has gone through a journey of exclusiveness, uniqueness and originality. MangoTV is also committed to promoting cultural exchanges around the world while unremittingly developing high-quality audio visual content. We hope to deepen communication and exchanges with TM towards establishing substantial strategic cooperation between both sides” said Fang Fei, MangoTV’s Vice President. Starting 1 September, MangoTV will be bundled for free with unifi’s Ruby Plus Pack.SIAR to curate largest archive of Malaysian retro films With more than 150 classic Malaysian films and growing, SIAR is a local streaming service boasting one of the largest local communities of cinema-lovers in the country. Showcasing 12 titles scheduled thematically every month, the channel takes audiences from ages 25 and above back to the nostalgia of yesteryear. Ali Agung, Chief Executive Officer of SIAR said, “With the presence of SIAR on unifi TV, local classic films will be given a new lease on life in line with current technological developments. SIAR is a digital film archive that brings together hundreds of classic Malay films from the 1970s to the 2000s that audiences can enjoy legally. We hope that customers will appreciate local classic films that have entertained their hearts for decades such as Mr Os’ films (e.g Mr Os, Adik and Awang Spanar), AR Badul’s films (e.g Si Badol, Panglima Badol and Guru Badul), Fauziah Ahmad Daud’s films (e.g Ceritaku Ceritamu, Azura and Ali Setan) and many more.” unifi TV subscribers can enjoy this additional channel with unifi TV’s Ultimate Pack and Aneka Plus Pack. The SIAR streaming app will be made available from 1 November. “As the first platform to introduce MangoTV in Malaysia, and with the opportunity to promote SIAR to wider audiences, we are celebrating Asian content and expanding our diversity of offerings. In the coming months, we will continue to grow our partnerships, tapping into more customisable, value-for-money selections that will offer something for everyone,” concluded Anand.
Solid first half 2021 for TM: revenue up +8.2%, EBIT up +29.9%, dividend declared
First half 2021 Key Highlights (vs first half 2020) Group Revenue grew 8.2% to RM5.57 billion from RM5.15 billion Cost optimisation continues to yield results. Group Reported Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) increased by 29.9% to RM977.3 million, from RM752.4 million last year Group Reported Profit After Tax and Non-controlling Interests (PATAMI) rose 27.3% to RM544.0 million, compared to RM427.2 million last year Record breaking unifi customer growth; fixed broadband customer base grew 15% to 2.55 million Declares interim dividend of 7.0 sen per share totalling RM264.2 million in line with dividend policy Continues to focus on value creation and ESG for sustainable growth Telekom Malaysia Berhad's (TM) revenue for the first half of 2021 (1H2021) grew strongly by 8.2% to RM5.57 billion, compared to RM5.15 billion in the same period last year. In a statement today, the company said this achievement was driven by growth across all its customer segments – unifi, TM ONE and TM WHOLESALE. On the back of this higher revenue and better cost efficiency, Group EBIT rose by 29.9% to RM977.3 million, from RM752.4 million last year. Subsequently, Group PATAMI grew 27.3% to RM544.0 million, from RM427.2 million in the same period last year. The Company continues to invest in future growth by modernising its network and technology platforms, to deliver the best current and future solutions for its multi-segment customers. CAPEX spending in the first half of the year stood at RM597.0 million or 10.7% of revenue. Of the amount invested, 65% was for network access, 16% for core network, and the balance 19% for support systems. Fibre broadband of choice – highest ever new unifi customers recorded in 2Q2021 unifi recorded several operational milestones with more than 210,000 new customer activations in the second quarter of 2021 (2Q2021). This is the highest number of unifi activations in a quarter in its 11-year history. unifi achieved an important milestone of 2.0 million customers in May 2021. By the end of June, the overall fixed broadband customer base had gone up to 2.55 million, representing a solid 15% growth over the past 12 months since June 2020. This growth was enabled by the higher number of ports added in 2Q2021 and wider fibre network coverage, exceeding the targets committed in the JENDELA plan, achieving 138% of its commitment in 1H2021. unifi also increased its sales and installation capacity to meet strong fibre broadband demand. unifi also saw positive uptake of device bundles with the enhanced unifiYourWorld campaign offering smart lifestyle devices, unlocking the unlimited possibilities to enrich users' digital lifestyle and needs. unifi brought live streaming of the recent Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 on 13 HD channels for free via unifi PlayTV app and unifi Plus Box, to enable Malaysians to support our athletes competing at the games. Customer touchpoints and support remains in operation with stricter SOPs As more Malaysians are working from home, conducting business online, participating in online learning and keeping the family entertained while staying safely at home, TM observed that internet usage went up by 45% since the start of MCO in March 2020. All customer support services remain in operation with stricter SOPs to continuously serve customers. Customer care lines remain open and attended to over 3.6 million customer interactions in 1H2021. TMpoint outlets and key partner stores remain open for service applications and essential transactions while adhering to strict SOPs. TM is also expanding and renovating selected TMpoint outlets with localised flavour, self-serve kiosks and implementing many other improvements to enhance its customers' experience. New service installation and restoration activities remain available for customers with SOPs in place to ensure the safety of both, customers and TM personnel. Notably, TM activated unifi Rovers nationwide to help customers sign up easily. Due to the higher volume of interactions during this pandemic period, customers are encouraged to use self-serve digital channels such as the unifi portal and myunifi app which are available 24/7 for service registration, service diagnostics, account-related enquiries and payment. A more simplified and personalised digital bill was also introduced for bill payment convenience of customers. TM ONE is committed to accelerating MyDIGITAL aspirations with cutting-edge digital infrastructure and solutions TM ONE continues to be the digital enabler and trusted partner for enterprise and public sector customers by providing dependable connectivity and delivering new customer projects in 1H2021. As customers pursue to accelerate their digitalisation adoption, this has translated into new contracts and renewals. Following its appointment as the sole Malaysian Cloud Service Provider (CSP) under the MyDIGITAL blueprint, TM ONE sees growing demand for its Cloud services from enterprises and government agencies. In addition, TM ONE also served international demand to fulfil hyperscaled requirements as the local data centre provider. With its complete suite of cybersecurity solutions under TM ONE CYDEC, TM ONE has formed alliances with strong global and local cybersecurity players to further enhance its ability to detect and eliminate cyber threats for enterprise and public sector customers. This will help pave the way for digital trust and cyber resiliency to help nurture a safer and more robust national cyber ecosystem. TM WHOLESALE strengthens domestically, further builds partnership ecosystem globally Domestically, TM WHOLESALE continues its growth momentum as the preferred infrastructure partner for High Speed Broadband (HSBB) access services. It also achieved further expansion of infrastructure coverage and capacity for Next Generation Backhaul services for several mobile network operators. TM WHOLESALE also secured bandwidth capacity upgrades for major Domestic Wholesale Data solutions and services. Internationally, TM WHOLESALE strengthened its partnership ecosystem with more global telcos and hyperscalers for International Data services. TM WHOLESALE also secured more deals with global telcos and hyperscalers for International Ethernet services. It also expanded its digital media delivery network ecosystem with growth from domestic and international digital content players. Focused on value creation and ESG for sustainable growth TM continues to focus on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles of sustainable and ethical business practices in serving the nation: Governance: TM is committed to uncompromising integrity. All its suppliers have signed the TM Integrity Pledge and more than 90% of Warga TM have progressively completed the Uncompromising Integrity e-learning module. TM also ensures that its corruption mitigation practices are independently certified - having completed the Anti-Bribery Management System (ABMS) certification and the Organisational Anti-Corruption Plan (OACP). Social: TM aims to deliver social impact by ensuring the wellbeing of its Warga TM and the nation. TM is committed to bridging connectivity through the JENDELA plan. TM remains fully supportive of the Government's recovery plan - "Pelan Pemulihan Negara" - via its connectivity, digital infrastructure and solutions as well as various social contributions. Environment: TM continuously strives to reduce its annual carbon emissions from electricity usage through the retirement of old networks, implementation of an Energy Management System and improvement of energy-saving practices. TM is continuously improving these sustainability efforts while at the same time upholding its commitment to its stakeholders. Imri Mokhtar, Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of TM commenting on the results: "I am pleased to report that we have recorded a solid performance in the first half of the year and we are on track to meet our 2021 targets in line with market guidance. Coming off an exceptional first quarter, we recorded notable improvements in our 1H 2021 revenue and profitability against the same period last year. "This was driven by higher revenue achieved by all of our customer segments – unifi, TM ONE & TM WHOLESALE and better cost efficiency. The current nationwide movement control order (MCO) has certainly influenced our business landscape and customer operations, but we are delighted with the momentum of our value programmes and the commitment of our frontliners. "Our revenue in 1H2021 recorded an increase of 8.2% at RM5.57 billion against RM5.15 billion in the same period last year, driven by revenue growth from all customer segments. Our EBIT has increased by 29.9% from RM752.4 million to RM977.3 million. Malaysia's economic growth outlook for 2021 continues to be challenging with the prolonged movement restrictions brought about by Covid-19. Notwithstanding the headwinds, our role remains. We will continue to serve the nation by meeting the demand for internet and data, both at the retail and wholesale fronts. This is evident through the acceleration of the number of ports deployed and the fibre network expansion under our Jalinan Digital Negara (JENDELA) commitment, which is well ahead of schedule. We remain steadfast and will leverage our comprehensive connectivity, digital infrastructure and other smart solutions to support the nation's digital aspirations under the MyDIGITAL blueprint.
NEWSLETTER
Just drop your details and stay updated with the world of Telekom Malaysia. We promise – no spam!