TM’S ASIAN INVESTMENTS GROW 38 PERCENT OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS

Asia’s emerging communications leader intent on growing strong domestic brands Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM), an emerging leader in Asian communications with operations in nine Asian countries including Thailand, has recorded an average compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of some 38 percent in its Asian investments in revenue terms over the past five years (2001-2005). This growth has been led by its Bangladesh operations (at CAGR of 60.4 percent), followed closely by its Sri Lankan operations (at 41.2 percent). In terms of cellular subscribers, TM’s international investments have seen exponential growth - with just over 500,000 cellular subscribers as late as 2001, TM now has more than 15 million subscribers in nine countries – Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, India and Iran. This brings its total regional subscriber base, including its domestic operations, to some 24 million. TM, headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, attributes this significant growth to the pent-up demand for communications services from emerging countries throughout the region, which has started liberalizing the telecommunications sector, recording rapid gross domestic product (GDP) growth and enjoying higher purchasing power amongst its populations. They also say this growth is due to aggressive marketing and innovative products and services provided by its subsidiaries particularly in key markets such as Indonesia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Cambodia. In Thailand, TM is represented via a 24.42 percent stake in Samart I-Mobile Public Company Limited, an instant wireless information services and mobile content provider in the country. TM has an additional 19.23 percent in Samart Corporation Public Company Limited, which provides a wide range of value-added telecommunications services. TM has a string of other subsidiaries in Asia where it has substantial equity control over several key mobile operators such as Sri Lanka’s Dialog Telekom Limited (87.7 percent), TM International Bangladesh (70 percent) and Cambodia’s Hello (100 percent). TM has also successfully clinched a 49 percent equity stake in Indian network operator Spice Communications this year. Yusof Annuar Yaacob, Chief Executive Officer of TM’s international investments holding arm TM International (TMI) says the company is pleased with the progress of its international operations. TM via its local subsidiaries holds market leadership positions in key markets it is in – over the last 5 years, its Sri Lankan subsidiary Dialog Telekom has moved to the number 1 spot, whilst its Bangladesh subsidiary TMIB has captured the number 2 position. Both its Indonesian as well as Cambodian operations are in number 3 position. “We have performed credibly in competitive foreign markets closer to home. Our strategy of nurturing strong Asian communication brands across the breadth of the continent is beginning to show good results. We believe we are well-positioned to provide quality products and services to cater to the increasing demand for mobility in Asia,” Yusof told regional media present at a briefing on the sidelines of the ASEAN 100 Leadership Forum 2006 in Jakarta today, “TM is the emerging leader for Asian communications and has all the right ingredients for international success with strong domestic leadership and strategic presence across the region,” Yusof said, adding by 2015, TM aims to be the profitable leading regional communications company of choice With a combined population of nearly two billion across the nine Asian markets TM is present in, the company is confident of making further inroads where it has a presence and invested substantially in. Through its investment arm TMI, the company has invested more than USD1.3 billion in the communications business across Asia, and is focusing on quick and efficient execution of specific strategies catered for individual countries, so as to enhance the value of investments as well as boost returns. While commercial considerations are important, Yusof reaffirmed TM’s long-term commitment to all the markets it is present in, adding that “TM will continue to invest in our markets be it capital, technology transfer, telecommunications infrastructure development and in the community proper.” “The company understands that long-term relationships are only forged by sincere interactions with the local communities. This is an integral part of TM’s method of conducting business in Asia as TM understands the importance of community and how telecommunication tools can bring people and countries closer,” he adds. An Asian presence spanning more than 10 years has also equipped TM with a unique ability to work closely with regulators of various markets to bring forth products and services that best complement the national agendas for development. About Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) TM, an emerging leader in Asian communications, offers a comprehensive range of communication services and solutions in fixed-line, mobile, data and broadband. As one of the largest listed companies in Malaysia with a market capitalisation of USD8.38 billion, TM delivers value to its stakeholders in a highly competitive home environment. The Group places emphasis on continuing customer service quality enhancements and innovations. Currently, with investments and operations in 13 countries around Asia and globally, TM is focused on achieving sustainable growth in both the local and international markets. TM has interests in nine key markets within Asia – Indonesia, Singapore, Cambodia, Thailand, Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and Iran. TM has an impeccable track record of adding value to its investments, working closely with its subsidiaries to achieve strong market positions and profitability. For further information on TM, visit www.tm.com.my *Note: Based on live mid-market rates as of 2006.08.17 06:34:33 UTC (1 USD = 3.67825 MYR) Source: http://www.xe.com/ucc/ FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES Kamonwan Thansri/ Rungnapa Charnwiset Weber Shandwick Thailand Tel: 0 2287 1000 ext. 304, 279 Fax: 0 2287 3436 Email: [email protected] , [email protected]

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