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FROM THE EDITOR
Indonesia is upgrading its wireless infrastructure with the rollout of Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7, a move expected to expand access for over a million users and generate an estimated US$187.6b in economic value by 2031. Full report on page 14.
Also from Indonesia, Indosat’s wasteto-credit programme has turned plastic bottles into mobile credits for more than a thousand users. CEO Vikram Sinha explains how this effort supports the company’s ESG objectives on page 8.
In the Philippines, Globe Telecom’s new CEO Carl Raymond Cruz sets out his plans to expand the company’s portfolio beyond traditional telecom services. His interview appears on page 10.
Meanwhile, Singapore-based Truely is streamlining mobile connectivity for long-term travellers with a single eSIM offering local rates across multiple countries. Details on its operating model and upcoming pricing changes are on page 12.
This issue also covers the energy demands of AI-driven data centres (page 6), the shift from traditional voice to OTT apps in Asia’s mobile markets (page 7), and how Indonesia’s local content mandate (TKDN) is being used to support telecom investment and localisation (page 32).
This issue also celebrates the achievements of leading telecom companies through the Asian Telecom Awards 2025. We honour the trailblazers who are driving the industry forward with their resilience and innovation. Detailed coverage of the award winners starts on is on pages 16 to 19.
Read on and enjoy!
Tim Charlton
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MOST READ
Clunky communication channels drive customers away
The rapid expansion and adoption of 5G in Asia Pacific (APAC) is expected to boost the mobile services market in the region until 2028, GlobalData said. Mobile data services will remain the largest revenue-contributing segment to the overall mobile services market in APAC during the years 2023 to 2028.
Online scams have become increasingly prevalent across Asia, as cybercriminals exploit the rapid digital transformation and widespread internet adoption across the continent. Singapore receives about 1.6 billion calls annually, with a substantial portion coming from scammers operating overseas.
In an era defined by the relentless march of technology, telecom giant Indosat Ooredo Hutchison is transitioning from a traditional telecommunications powerhouse to a nimble and innovative “techco.” The man at the helm of the company, CEO Vikram Sinha, says this shift is propelled by a broader vision of growth.
XL Axiata, which has pioneered Fixed Mobile Convergence services in Indonesia, introduced its XL SATU which is a step-up for seamless mobile data and on-the-go entertainment. In a nutshell, XL SATU combines home internet (fixed broadband) and mobile connectivity (mobile broadband) in a single package.
To this day, persistent communication challenges linger, only leaving customers with an unsolved problem. Vonage’s 2024 report revealed that the primary sources of customers’ frustrations include “long wait times to speak to an agent,” and “contacting customer service multiple times to resolve an issue.”
5G drives energy efficiency by cutting emissions by 90%
As industries mitigate their environmental impact and align with decarbonisation goals, the integration of faster and more innovative technologies such as 5G emerges as a powerful ally. This technology stands out as the first mobile standard to prioritise energy efficiency right from its standardisation phase.
Mobile data revenues in Asia to hit $388.7b by 2028
IOH targets 20% revenue from nonconnectivity services by 2026
New laws target call and text scammers in Singapore
XL Axiata unites home and mobile with XL SATU
APAC
INDONESIA
SINGAPORE
INDONESIA
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FIRST SG–US SUBSEA CABLE SYSTEM GETS GREEN LIGHT
Keppel Ltd. has received regulatory approval for its Bifrost Cable System, a subsea cable system it is jointly developing with Edge Cable Holdings USA, LLC (Meta) and PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia International (Telin).
In a statement, Keppel said the subsea cable landing license was granted by the United States Federal Communications Commission (USFCC). The project, spanning 20,000 kilometres, will be the world’s first that directly connects Singapore to the west coast of North America via Indonesia through the Java Sea and Celebes Sea.
“The achievement of the USFCC cable landing license marks the final approval in an extensive transnational regulatory approval process, paving the way for Bifrost’s successful deployment,” Keppel said.
Bifrost, which commenced system commissioning and acceptance testing on 21 January, is expected to be ready for commercial service in the second half of 2025. Its cable landing station in Singapore will be sited at Keppel DC REIT’s SGP 5 data centre in Jurong.
End-to-end ecosystem
The project is also part of Keppel’s end-to-end connectivity ecosystem, spanning power, off-grid solutions, green energy, cooling, subsea cable connectivity and data centre solutions.
In March 2021, Keppel initiated the Bifrost project with its partners Meta and Telin. It was assigned five out of a total of 12 fibre pairs that it jointly owns with its private fund co-investors through a 40-60 joint venture. Of these, two fibre pairs have since been committed to customers through Indefeasible Rights of Use (IRU) for 25 years, whilst IRUs for the remaining pairs are currently being negotiated with potential customers.
After Bifrost’s completion, Keppel will continue to operate and maintain its five fibre pairs over a period of 25 years.
AI data centres strain telcos in energy crisis
Telecom operators across Asia are being pushed to the brink by the soaring energy demands of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered data centres, prompting a strategic rethink on how to scale sustainably.
According to PwC’s 2025 outlook, the rapid build-out of data centres is putting immense pressure on energy and resource management. High consumption rates have shifted attention towards alternative power sources—especially nuclear energy.
“The ability to use nuclear power for data centers is much more dependent on the country’s ability to have nuclear power,” said Abhishek Srivastava, principal at Arthur D. Little Southeast Asia. “We see that the advanced countries in Asia which already have nuclear power in place can support the upcoming growth… whereas others, such as Indonesia, Malaysia, would
have to be lagging behind.”
“The countries that would develop it fast would be China, South Korea and Japan, and, to some extent, India,” Srivastava added. “It’s not because nuclear power is difficult. It’s because there are geopolitical constraints regarding nuclear—that’s how the market is expected to evolve.”
Dustin Kehoe, APAC head of Tech Research at GlobalData, noted that nuclear is already gaining traction globally. “There are 20 countries that are also looking at this option, and there are small nuclear reactors already in discussion,” he said. “They give you very high energy density… they’re not weather dependent. So nuclear power really is an option that should be talked about. It’s reliable, it scales.”
Challenges
Yet for Asian telcos, challenges remain. “What member of the public wants to live next door to [a nuclear site]?” Kehoe added. “There’s the perception, there’s waste, and there’s regulation.”
Beyond sourcing cleaner power, telecom firms are also grappling with structural emissions issues.
“The fundamental challenge in Asia for the Asian operators is the fact that we have super high CO₂ emission and intensity,” said Srivastava. “If you look at the main Asian operators, they are amongst the highest polluters in the world, primarily because their revenues are much lower. So the role has to be a very efficient path, a path of efficiency rather than massive investments.”
Srivastava recommends a threestep strategy: “Our approach… is towards reducing, optimising and monetising. Through careful reduction in terms of diversifying their energy sources, optimising them, as well as by monetising it is the path forward.”
Meanwhile, telcos are investing in purpose-built infrastructure. “Most telcos have sold their data centres, and these were really very inefficient kilowatt sort of facilities,” said Kehoe. “You build the data centres from the ground up… with renewable energy sources in mind… these are like Greenfield facilities.”
He added, “SK Telecom, for example, is really big in building these next-gen AI data centers, and I think we’re going to see more of that in all new builds.”
Data centres put pressure on national grids
Abhishek Srivastava
Dustin Kehoe
INFRASTRUCTURE
SUBSEA CABLES
OTT voice apps and free calls drive revenue decrease
More mobile users in Japan are turning to over-thetop (OTT) voice apps like LINE and Viber, bypassing traditional phone calls in favour of internet-based options. This shift is cutting into mobile voice service revenues, which are projected to drop 7% annually through the year 2028.
“Traditional mobile voice service revenue was the major revenue contributor to the overall mobile services market,” Hrushikesh Mahananda, telecom research analyst at GlobalData, said in an exclusive interview with Asian Telecom. “Yet, over the years, smartphones and mobile broadband subscribers have been significantly shifting their
Tpreference to using OTT voice applications,” he added.
Rakuten Mobile surpassed 8.5 million total subscribers as of February 2025. It reported an increase in contracts for users 18 and under, and a 40% increase for 25 and under.
Contributing factors
Mahananda attributes this change to OTT apps offering more engaging features than traditional mobile voice services, such as group calls and file sharing. Further, mobile network operators have been offering internet packages with free voice call minutes.
In contrast, Japan’s mobile data service revenue is expected to see
he mobile broadband services market in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is projected to garner a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2%, with revenue rising from $229.6b in 2024 to $296.2b in 2029, according to GlobalData.
This growth can be attributed to the increasing availability and adoption of 5G services, the report added.
GlobalData reported that unique mobile user penetration in APAC will reach 82.9% by 2029, supported by expanding network coverage in underserved countries and promotional offers from operators to attract subscribers.
In developed APAC, mobile user growth will be slow, at a CAGR of just 0.4%, due to market saturation. In contrast, emerging markets will see faster growth, aided by affordable handsets and government initiatives
significant growth, with a projected compound annual growth rate of 5.7% through 2028. This growth is attributed to the widespread adoption of IT services and the continuous expansion of 5G networks. “Japan is an advanced market when it comes to adoption of mobile broadband services, given the widespread availability and higher adoption of IT services,” Mahananda said.
Expanding networks
to expand network coverage.
Japan is an advanced market when it comes to adoption of mobile broadband services, given the widespread availability and higher adoption of IT services
“With 5G services already available in most of the developed countries like China, Japan, Australia, Hong Kong, India, and Korea, and set to be launched soon in emerging markets like Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, revenue prospects for the mobile data segment will remain strong throughout the forecast period,” according to Sarwat Zeeshan, a telecom analyst at GlobalData.
Beyond operator-led initiatives, GlobalData said government support for 5G expansion will further strengthen the mobile data market, similar to national regulation strategies in South Korea, Japan, Australia, China, and Taiwan.
For instance, Japan aims to expand 5G coverage to 97% of its population by 2025 and 99% by 2030. This expansion has increased the demand for high-speed mobile broadband connectivity.
Mobile operators in Japan are making concerted efforts to expand their 5G networks, aiming to reach 95% to 97% of the population in 2025 and cover 99% by 2030. This expansion, coupled with the growth of smartphones and machine-to-machine subscriptions, has increased the demand for highspeed mobile broadband connectivity. Japan’s monthly mobile data usage is also notable on a global scale. The country ranks fourth amongst developed markets in the Asia-Pacific region for mobile data usage, trailing behind Taiwan, South Korea, and Australia. “Japan is a highly connected and technology-driven society,” Mahananda stated.
“That just explains the reason why there’s a tremendous increase in mobile data usage,” the analyst added. Despite ranking fourth, Japan is expected to see higher growth in mobile data usage compared to its peers. This growth is boosted by operators offering data-centric plans bundled with OTT services.
Mobile subscriptions by technology generation, 2024-2029
Source: GlobalData
Hrushikesh Mahananda
MOBILE
Indosat converts clients’ waste into mobile credits
Customers claim credits by dropping used plastic bottles into reverse vending machines.
Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison has collected 23,000 plastic bottles from customers under a reward programme that converts their waste into mobile load credits.
The Indonesian telecommunication company’s waste-for-credit initiative, which started in 2022, has helped collect 437 kilos of plastic waste, reducing carbon emissions by 1.5 metric tonnes.
“For us, this initiative is about more than just collecting plastic — it’s about empowering our customers,” Vikram Sinha, president-director and CEO at Indosat, said in an exclusive interview with Asian Telecom.
“We wanted to give something back to the communities we serve whilst encouraging eco-friendly behaviour. By turning waste into a resource, we’re helping people stay connected and making a tangible impact on the environment,” he added.
Vending machines for plastic bottles
The programme has rewarded 1,032 Indosat clients who have collectively received $890 (Rp14m) worth of mobile credits in exchange for their plastic waste.
“In underserved areas, the economic benefits of [the programme] are clear,” Vikram said. “It’s an innovative solution to both environmental and economic challenges. We are proud to help these communities reduce their communication costs whilst empowering them to contribute to a more sustainable future.”
At the core of the programme is the use of reverse vending machines (RVM) where people can deposit their plastic bottles. Every exchange of one plastic bottle can get IM3 and Tri credit of ten thousand Rupiah through the PlasticPay app, which can be used directly to buy data quota, telephone, SMS and other services such as music and movie streaming applications.
The first machine was launched in Bogor, and since then, it has expanded to 10 key locations across Indonesia, including Semarang, Medan, Makassar, and Mandalika, where high-profile events like MotoGP Mandalika 2024 have highlighted its importance.
“The response from our customers has been overwhelming,” Vikram said. “The simplicity and effectiveness of the RVM technology have made it easy for people to participate. It’s not just about technology; it’s about creating a seamless experience where customers feel they are part of something bigger, something that makes a difference,” he added.
The donated plastic bottles are then recycled into backpacks, totes, office bags, and travel pouches created by partner micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises
(MSMEs), according to PlasticPay.
Vikram said they are tracking every milestone of the programme — from the amount of plastics collected to the reduction in carbon emissions. “These numbers tell a story of how small, individual actions can lead to significant environmental and social change. The success of this programme is a testament to the power of collective effort,” according to the CEO.
He said Indosat plans to roll out more reverse vending machines in more cities across the country under the programme, which is a critical part of its long-term ESG (environmental, social and governance) strategy — one that will continue to evolve as new technologies and community needs emerge.
By turning waste into a resource, we’re helping people stay connected and making a tangible impact on the environment
The programme is also expected to help the government reduce the amount of waste that has not been managed properly, which is 34.29% of the total national waste production, based on data from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry in 2022.
“Our mission is clear,” Vikram told Asian Telecom. “To empower, to innovate, and to create value — not just for our shareholders, but for our customers and the planet. We are proud of what we’ve achieved so far, but there’s so much more to come.”
Vikram Sinha, president-director and CEO at Indosat
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SCAN ME
Globe Telecom looks beyond telco
to be No. 1
It is banking on tech to overtake its main rival in revenue within five years.
Globe Telecom, Inc. is expanding its portfolio beyond mobile and finance amidst diminishing returns from its traditional telecommunication business, as it tries to become Philippines’ biggest telco by revenue.
“The long-term goal, from my side personally, is to be the largest, most profitable and most admired telco operator in the country,” new CEO Carl Raymond Cruz told Asian Telecom in an exclusive interview.
He wants to hit that goal in five years, banking on the growth of units that are now trailing key rival PLDT, Inc., he separately told reporters on the sidelines of the company’s annual stockholders’ meeting on 22 April.
The company is banking on the technology side of its business, including data centres, and may partner with or form its own startup to drive innovation in the telecommunication space, Cruz said.
“The focus in the next couple of months and years will be to bring the focus back on innovation on core telco, at the same time, making sure that we continue to be the thought leaders in the techco (technology company) space,” he added.
Globe is the Philippines’ biggest telecommunication company by market value, but rival PLDT, which has a bigger enterprise business, is still No. 1 by revenue and profit.
Cruz said he expects revenue to grow by a “low single digit” this year, adding that he still sees room for growth on the telecommunication side by expanding their 5G and broadband fibre infrastructure.
Growth plans
“About the penetration of 5G. we are still behind in terms of potential, compared with markets like Thailand and Indonesia,” said Cruz, who previously led Airtel Nigeria and managed Unilever Plc’s West Africa business.
The Philippines was the fourth-lowest out of 39 countries across the world in terms of 5G connectivity, according to a 2024 study by GSMA Intelligence.
“We will continue to look at opportunities, whether in the connectivity, telco space or within the adjacencies of the industry to enable nation-building through digital and financial inclusion,” Cruz said.
Amongst his priorities as CEO is the initial public offering (IPO) of GCash, Globe’s pervasive mobile wallet, that he said could happen in late 2025 or in the first half of 2026. The listing on the Philippine Stock Exchange has been delayed due to geopolitical uncertainty from a global trade war spurred by US President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariff increases.
“We did mention a few months ago that hopefully, we would be able to list sometime in 2025,” Cruz said. “But of course, due to the uncertainties of the geopolitical scenario at this point in time, we are still on a wait-and-see mode to
The focus in the next couple of months and years will be to bring the focus back on innovation on core telco
ensure that when the right time comes, we will do the IPO.”
“We want it to be really successful for the business, and of course, for the market to really benefit from,” he added.
News on GCash going public was first reported in as early as 2023. “The marching orders, the push button: we are ready for an IPO,” G-Xchange CEO and President Ren-Ren Reyes had earlier told Asian Telecom in an interview last November 2023. “It all depends on the market conditions.”
Cruz said that the current geopolitical scenario has put them in a “wait-and-see” mode. In April 2025, US President Donald Trump rolled out “reciprocal tariffs” affecting 60 nations globally. The Philippines was not spared, with its exports to the US getting a 17% tariff before Trump announced a 90 day suspension.
Looking ahead, Cruz is optimistic for Globe’s capacity to grow its businesses. “The business stands on two very strong legs: globe for connectivity, GCash for financial inclusion. We will continue to look at opportunities, whether in the connectivity, telco space or within the adjacencies of the industry,” the CEO told the magazine.
They will also explore opportunities for innovation, such as working with a startup or putting up a startup of their own, for example, through Kickstart Ventures or 917 Ventures.
“We cannot remain stagnant or not moving. We need to continue to evolve with the customers they industry in the country,” Cruz told Asian Telecom.
Carl Raymond Cruz, Globe Telecom CEO
PHILIPPINES
Truely ends the SIM swap routine
The eSIM offers local rates for travellers staying 20 to 30 days abroad.
Truely, a Singapore-based startup, is improving global connectivity for frequent travellers by offering a single eSIM with access to a network of about 700 partner providers.
“What sets us apart is that our eSIM only needs to be installed once and can be managed entirely through our app,” Simon Landsheer, co-founder and CEO at Truely, told Asian Telecom in an interview.
“Our service is designed primarily for frequent travellers — they simply keep our app on their phone, and every time they visit a new country, they can access local internet at local rates directly through the app,” he added.
According to a report by Juniper Research, a UK-based telecom research firm, the rising cost of international roaming is expected to drive the adoption of travel eSIM packages, with global users projected to grow from 40 million in 2024 to over 215 million by the year 2028.
“In 2024, mobile subscribers will spend an average of $8.57 per gigabyte (GB) of data when roaming, whereas travel eSIM users will spend $5.50 per GB. This will result in a 35% saving; creating a substantial value proposition for international travellers,” according to the firm.
How it works
Landsheer noted that before eSIMs became popular, travellers had to get into a queue to buy a local physical SIM card upon arrival at a foreign destination. Now, they can buy an eSIM online and install it from anywhere in the world, as long as the phone hardware supports the tech.
Users can select and pay for their preferred data plan through a website at local provider rates. The seller then emails a QR code that lets them install the eSIM on the phone.
Truely mainly targets travellers staying abroad for extended periods, typically 20 to 30 days, including business travellers, global backpackers, and vacationing families. The eSIM also supports hotspots and tethering.
“With our service, they just have our app in their pocket, and every time they travel to another country, they can access local internet at local rates through the app,” Landsheer said. “Our customers also receive a reminder when they are running low on data, prompting them to top up through the app by purchasing another data pack.”
“Despite the growing number of eSIM-capable devices, maximising the number of effective distribution channels by creating a seamless purchasing journey for consumers will be essential to growing travel eSIM package spend,” Molly Gatford, senior research analyst at Juniper Research said.
Truely has partnered with one or two local providers in each country to ensure travellers always get the fastest and strongest signal, the CEO told the magazine.
“In our first year of development, we had a lot of catching up to do,” Landsheer said. “There are great competitors out there with strong branding and a solid set of features, so we had to reach parity with them in terms of functionality, and craft a better experience.”
The startup is developing a new business model that lets users buy unlimited connectivity for a number of days.
Landsheer said most market rivals are still selling data by the gigabyte and asking users how much they would need when travelling. “But we’ve realised that many people have no idea how much data they use, making it a difficult question to answer. Some choose the smallest plan — one gigabyte — whilst others opt for the largest — 20 gigabytes — just to avoid running out,” he pointed out. Truely will soon only ask its users how many days they are travelling and provide unlimited data.
“So we decided to make it unlimited because, ultimately, we already know the average data usage, and we can price it accordingly. In the next few months, I can see us pulling ahead with some new features mainly focused on convenience and pricing,” he added.
What sets us apart is that our eSIM only needs to be installed once and can be managed entirely through our app
Landsheer said the startup plans to offer a simple daily rate for internet access to its users when travelling abroad with a fixed and affordable price.
“On top of that, we’re introducing additional services relevant to travellers, such as travel insurance and virtual phone numbers, which are especially useful for digital nomads,” he said. “This way, they can avoid paying another provider for a separate SIM card.”
Simon Landsheer, co-founder and CEO at Truely
Indonesia adopts faster Wi-Fi to drive growth
The government added 24 new 20 MHz channels in January.
Indonesia has entered a new era of wireless technology with the launch of Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7, as part of a government push to fast-track the nation’s digital transformation that is expected to unlock $187.6b in economic potential in the next six years.
Its Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs added 24 new 20 MHz channels in January to expand broadband access, reduce Wi-Fi congestion, and enhance connectivity. The expansion project will also connect 1.14 million more people to the internet whilst lowering enterprise costs and boosting productivity.
Economic value
The Indonesia Technology Alliance (ITA) estimates almost $200b in economic value between 2022 and 2031 associated with allocating the 1200 MHz in the 6 GHz band —
$126.4b in economic output, $37.7b in producer surplus to enterprises, and $23.4b in consumer surplus.
“The total economic value increases over time with significant acceleration towards the end of the period due to the value leverage capability of 6 GHz,” it said in an October 2021 report.
Ismail, director general of Resources and Postal and Informatics Devices at the Ministry of Communication, said Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 are crucial as Indonesia enters the gigabit-speed internet era.
“Various modern applications, including artificial intelligence (AI), require high speeds, especially for home use,” he told Asian Telecom during the launch. “With Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7, Indonesia is now part of that era,” he continued.
“Now, it’s a matter of strengthening supporting
infrastructure such as fibre optics,” the director general added.
Implementation challenges
By opening the 6 GHz spectrum, Indonesia can implement faster, low-latency, and more reliable Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7, benefiting businesses, the public, and basic services.
This technology also allows more devices to connect simultaneously whilst maintaining a stable connection. “This is ideal for highdensity areas like stadiums,” Ismail told Asian Telecom
He said a key challenge in implementing Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 is the availability of digital infrastructure, particularly fibre optic networks.
Still, Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 are expected to improve internet quality in Indonesia, especially for fixed broadband networks. “However, mobile networks still require further improvements,” he said.
Major enhancements
In a statement, the ITA, an alliance of companies and people that seek to accelerate technological innovation and progress in Indonesia, said the new spectrum aligns with the approach adopted by 81% of countries that have implemented Wi-Fi 6 GHz.
The maximum 80 MHz channel width ensures optimal performance for high-density deployments, making it ideal for both residential and enterprise use, it pointed out.
One of the major enhancements is the Very Low Power (VLP) category, which allows indoor and outdoor operations for portable devices in the 5925-6425 MHz range.
The initiative supports various applications, including ultra-fast file transfers, seamless video conferencing, and high-quality streaming in 8K.
Ismail noted that whilst the government does not directly partner with specific companies, it works with various stakeholders, including global firms like Cisco Systems, Inc., HP, Inc., Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., and Samsung Group, as well as telecommunication operators.
“We are working together to develop technical specifications and regulations to support the implementation of this technology,” the director general added.
The nation’s government added 24 new 20 MHz channels in January
EVENT: ASIAN TELECOM AWARDS
Excellence in telecom innovation celebrated at Asian Telecom Awards 2025
As the telecom industry continues to evolve, it remains at the forefront of connectivity and digital transformation. The Asian Telecom Awards, now in its fourth year, has once again honoured companies within this industry for their remarkable achievements and commitment to setting new benchmarks for innovation in the sector.
This year’s awards ceremony, presented by Asian Telecom, took place on 20 February 2025 and brought together industry leaders, innovators, and trailblazers to honour their contributions to advancing the telecom landscape.
Amongst the winning companies is Singtel, which won B2B Client Initiative of the Year - Singapore and Cybersecurity Initiative of the Year - Singapore.
“Winning the award for our Singtel Quantum Safe-Network as well as SingVerify is a testimony to our commitment to innovation and securing this digital landscape. We will remain dedicated to protecting
ASIANTELECOMAWARDS 2025WINNERS
6D Technologies
• Digital Initiative of the Year - Singapore
• IoT Initiative of the Year - India
afina (IVT Communications FZC LLC)
• A2P SMS Monetization of the Year - United Arab Emirates
ALTEL/TELE2
• AI Initiative of the Year - Kazakhstan
Air Link Communication PVT LTD
• Mobile Phone Company of the Year - Pakistan
ATOM Myanmar Limited
• Digital Initiative of the Year - Myanmar
• Telecom Company of the Year - Myanmar
Axiata Group Berhad
• Cybersecurity Initiative of the Year - Malaysia
B’yond Platforms Pte Ltd
• Customer Service Initiative of the Year - Singapore
Banglalink Digital Communications Limited
• AI Initiative of the Year - Bangladesh
CBC Tech
• Telecom Solutions Provider of the Year - China
China Telecom (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd
• Infrastructure Initiative of the Year - Singapore
• Submarine Telecom Company of the Year - Singapore
• Telecom Solutions Provider of the Year - Singapore
Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd
• Technology Innovation of the Year - Taiwan
CMC Telecom
• Cybersecurity Initiative of the Year - Vietnam
Comarch S.A
• Digital Initiative of the Year - United Arab Emirates
Converge ICT Solutions. Inc
• Broadband Telecom Company of the Year - Philippines
critical data networks through our network-centric solutions. This is just a beginning and together, we hope to build a safer, smarter future,” said Dennis Lam, Director, Enterprise & Specialist Architects, Singtel.
With roots tracing back to the renowned Asian Mobile News since 2003, the awards programme carries forward a proud legacy of recognising outstanding contributions within the telecom industry. It shines a spotlight on those shaping the future of telecommunications across the Asia-Pacific region.
An esteemed panel of judges played a pivotal role in evaluating nominees and ensuring the most deserving winners were recognised. This year’s panel included Joongshik Wang, EY-Parthenon Asia-Pacific Leader; EY Asean TMT Sector Leader, EY; Wilson Chow, Global TMT Industry Leader & China AI Leader, PwC China; and Yang Chi Chih, Technology, Media & Telecommunications Industry Leader, Deloitte Southeast Asia.
Congratulations to all the winners!
Cypress Telecom Limited
• Technology Innovation of the Year - China
DITO Telecommunity
• Cybersecurity Initiative of the Year - Philippines
• Mobile App of the Year - Philippines
e&
• AI Initiative of the Year - United Arab Emirates
• Customer Service Initiative of the Year - United Arab Emirates
Eastern Communications
• Cloud Initiative of the Year - Philippines
• Infrastructure Initiative of the Year - Philippines
EdgePoint Towers Sdn Bhd
• Technology Innovation of the Year - Malaysia
Epsilon Telecommunications
• Cloud Initiative of the Year - Singapore
Fiber@Home Limited
• Digital Initiative of the Year - Bangladesh
FPT Corporation
• Telecom Solutions Provider of the Year - Vietnam
Grameenphone
• ESG Initiative of the Year - Bangladesh
• Mobile Operator of the Year - Bangladesh
Imagine Sdn Bhd
• Mobile Operator of the Year - Brunei Darussalam
• Broadband Telecom Company of the Year - Brunei Darussalam
Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison
• HR Initiative of the Year - Indonesia
Kacific Broadband Satellites Ltd
• Satellite Telecom Company of the Year - Singapore
• CEO of the Year - Christian Patouraux
KDDI Digital Life Corporation
• Marketing & Brand Initiative of the Year - Japan
Lao Telecommunication Public Company
• Telecom Company of the Year - Laos
Lightstorm
• Infrastructure Initiative of the Year - India
Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission
• HR Initiative of the Year - Malaysia
Maxis Berhad
• Wholesale Company Initiative of the Year - Malaysia
Mobile Telecom-Service LLP
• Marketing & Brand Initiative of the Year - Kazakhstan
Ooredoo Kuwait
• HR Initiative of the Year - Kuwait
• Telecom Company of the Year - Kuwait
Optus Pty Ltd
• Mobile App of the Year - Australia
PLINTRON
• Technology Innovation of the Year - India
• Cloud Initiative of the Year - India
PLN Icon Plus
• Customer Service Initiative of the Year - Indonesia
• Digital Initiative of the Year - Indonesia
PT Eka Mas Republik
• Broadband Telecom Company of the Year - Indonesia
• Infrastructure Initiative of the Year - Indonesia
Robi Axiata PLC.
• HR Initiative of the Year - Bangladesh
• Telecom Company of the Year - Bangladesh
Saudi Telecom Company
• Mobile Operator of the Year - Saudi Arabia
Simplify Networks Sdn Bhd
• Telecom Solutions Provider of the Year - Malaysia
Singtel
• B2B Client Initiative of the Year - Singapore
• Cybersecurity Initiative of the Year - Singapore
Smart Axiata Co., Ltd.
• Cybersecurity Initiative of the Year - Cambodia
• HR Initiative of the Year - Cambodia
SPTel
• Network and Security Integration of the Year - Singapore
• Technology Innovation of the Year - Singapore
stc
• AI Initiative of the Year - Saudi Arabia
• Cloud Initiative of the Year - Saudi Arabia
STL Global Services Business
• B2B Client Initiative of the Year - India
Tecnotree
• Telecom Solutions Provider of the Year - United Arab Emirates
Tele2 / Altel
• B2C Client Initiative of the Year - Kazakhstan
• Digital Initiative of the Year - Kazakhstan
Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM)
• Customer Service Initiative of the Year - Malaysia
• Infrastructure Initiative of the Year - Malaysia
• Telecom Company of the Year - Malaysia
Telin
• A2P SMS Monetization of the Year - Indonesia
• Submarine Telecom Company of the Year - Indonesia
Telkomsel
• IoT Initiative of the Year - Indonesia
Tri Indonesia
• Marketing & Brand Initiative of the Year - Indonesia
Unified National Networks Sdn Bhd
• ESG Initiative of the Year - Brunei Darussalam
VIETTEL (CAMBODIA) PTE. LTD.
• Telecom Company of the Year - Cambodia
ViewQwest Pte Ltd
• Broadband Telecom Company of the Year - Singapore
• Marketing & Brand Initiative of the Year - Singapore
vivo Indonesia
• Mobile Phone Company of the Year - Indonesia
Vodafone Fiji Pte Limited
• Digital Initiative of the Year - Fiji
Vodafone Idea Business
• Digital Initiative of the Year - India
WorldLink Communication
• Broadband Telecom Company of the Year - Nepal
• Customer Service Initiative of the Year - Nepal
XAD Technologies
• Telecom Company of the Year - United Arab Emirates
YTL Communications Sdn Bhd
• B2B Client Initiative of the Year - Malaysia
• Innovative Connectivity Solution of the Year - Malaysia
Zain Bahrain
• Mobile Operator of the Year - Bahrain
6D Technologies afina
EVENT: ASIAN TELECOM AWARDS
ATOM Myanmar Limited Axiata Group Berhad
B’yond Platforms Pte Ltd
China Telecom (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd
Converge ICT Solutions Inc.
EdgePoint Towers Sdn Bhd
Imagine Sdn Bhd
Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison Lightstorm
Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd
Comarch S.A
KDDI Digital Life Corporation
Optus Pty Ltd
Plintron
PT Eka Mas Republik
SPTel
Telin
Telkomsel
Unified National Networks Sdn Bhd
ViewQwest Pte Ltd
Vodafone Fiji Pte Limited
YTL Communications Sdn Bhd
vivo Indonesia
stc
Telekom Malaysia Berhad
Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM)
Robi Axiata PLC. Singtel
Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission
Chunghwa Telecom wins Technology Innovation of the Year - Taiwan at Asian Telecom Awards 2025
The integrated telecommunications service provider received the recognition for driving innovation with its 5G SMART PORT System.
Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd, Taiwan’s largest integrated telecommunications service provider, has proven its efficiency as it bagged an award for its 5G SMART PORT System at the Asian Telecom Awards 2025.
The company launched its innovative 5G SMART PORT System, which is designed to transform port inspections across aerial, maritime, and terrestrial environments. This system provides real-time and comprehensive insights into port operations by using the power of 5G communication, unmanned vehicles, and AI-driven intelligent analysis. AI-based intelligent analysis processes inspection data to identify potential issues and optimise management decisions. This approach also boosts the company’s operational efficiency whilst ensuring port infrastructure safety and reliability.
broadband access and internet services. The company also provides ICT services to enterprise customers using its resources in artificial intelligence (AI), big data, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and network data centres. Moreover, it is developing emerging technology services such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and satellite communication to create a high-quality communication environment and an exciting and convenient digital life for its customers.
Chunghwa Telecom is also actively promoting globalisation by developing partnerships with international telecommunications operators.
to expand the integrated application of telecommunications networks and information technology, making its services a helpful companion for the public’s daily lives and a valuable business partner for many enterprises.
In recent years, Chunghwa Telecom has actively engaged in various corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, earning recognition from domestic and international professional organisations. By establishing CSR practice guidelines and legalising governance structures, the company has demonstrated its grand ambition and commitment to fulfilling comprehensive corporate social responsibility.
Chunghwa Telecom, to fulfil its corporate social responsibility, will demonstrate corporate citizenship that goes beyond regulatory requirements by focussing on creating digital opportunities, promoting environmental sustainability, caring for consumers, and showing concern for employees.
and
The company continues to strengthen its core competencies to enhance personal lifestyles and upgrade business operations from the widespread use of mobile phones and the internet. Through alliances and collaborations, it actively develops innovative services such as mobile commerce, internet applications, and broadband multimedia
Chunghwa Telecom is committed to creating the highest-quality and most resilient communication environment, enabling a seamless and connected digital life, whilst striving to become a trusted digital transformation partner for enterprises and governments. These efforts make the company a well-deserving recipient of this award.
The Asia Telecom Awards recognises exceptional accomplishments within the telecom industry in the Asia Pacific region. It also highlights the journey of telecom companies that have driven progress and ignited transformative shifts within the sector.
CHT Vision: To be the most valuable and trusted information and communication technology company, with leading offerings in domestic and international fixed communication, mobile communication, broadband, and internet services
Chunghwa Telecom is the largest integrated telecommunications operator in Taiwan. Its main businesses include fixed-line communication, mobile communication,
Chunghwa Telecom focuses on digital resilience, intelligent empowerment and a sustainable future. Leveraging AI and broadband technologies to highlight AI-based smart applications, and smart city management . Demonstrating digital innovation and cutting-edge technologies, CHT aims to propel smart cities toward a new realm of sustainable development.
CMC Telecom: Comprehensive cybersecurity protection for a more resilient digital future
The company bagged the Cybersecurity Initiative of the Year - Vietnam accolade at the Asian Telecom Awards.
In today’s digital landscape, organisations across industries have become increasingly dependent on technology. From marketing to administration, sales, accounting, finance, and even manufacturing, there is no aspect of business that technology has not touched. With the advantages that it brings, technology has also made organisations increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats.
Standing at the forefront of cybersecurity
To mitigate threats, organisations need more robust security solutions whilst focussing on its positive potential.
One company on such a mission is CMC Telecom, a premier digital infrastructure provider in Vietnam that offers a comprehensive suite of security solutions. These solutions are dedicated to safeguarding clients’ assets and businesses whilst also enabling growth and innovation.
At the heart of CMC Telecom’s security solutions is the Comprehensive Operation Center (COC), where skilled cybersecurity professionals work 24/7 to monitor and defend the clients’ IT environments whilst delivering high-quality connectivity, cloud services, data centre oversight, managed services, and enhanced security controls.
Secure SD-WAN
CMC Telecom recently launched Secure SDWAN services to enhance cybersecurity for clients with distributed networks, especially in highly regulated industries such as finance and banking. This solution combines advanced security with optimised connectivity to ensure seamless, secure communication. Secure SDWAN addresses the need to reduce latency, control data flow, and mitigate security risks in remote branches and distributed sites.
One of the successful implementations of Secure SD-WAN is at ABBank, a leading financial institution in Vietnam that needed secure and high-performance connectivity across its branches whilst meeting strict compliance requirements. CMC Telecom’s Secure SD-WAN solution provided ABBank with an enhanced, security-integrated network architecture, enabling secure
Over the past 16 years, CMC Telecom has built a legacy of excellence in cybersecurity
internet access directly from branch offices without overloading the data centre. CMC Telecom also combined malware protection, intrusion prevention system, and web filtering to monitor and respond to unusual security events in real-time. As a result of this collaboration, the Secure SD-WAN solution allowed ABBank to reduce network latency, decrease system load on its data centre, and strengthen network security in all its branches.
A proven track record in cybersecurity
Over the past 16 years, CMC Telecom has built a legacy of excellence in cybersecurity, providing trusted services to over 10,000 clients, particularly businesses in the financial and banking sectors, multinational corporations, and OTT/Hyperscale service providers. One key factor in CMC Telecom’s success is its top-skilled personnel.
The foundation of CMC Telecom’s
cybersecurity
services lies in its highly skilled team of professionals, holding prestigious international certifications They also have a proven track record in identifying security vulnerabilities, with multiple acknowledgments in Apple’s Hall of Fame for their contributions to cybersecurity.
Additionally, CMC Telecom is the first company in Vietnam to achieve a full suite of Uptime Tier III certifications for its Data Centers. The company has also obtained PCI DSS certification for financial data security and SOC Type 2 certification, ensuring compliance with five strict principles: Security, Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality, and Privacy. Furthermore, CMC Telecom’s Data Center is the first in Vietnam to receive Level 4 Information Security certification, the highest security classification for enterprises.
These successes, alongside partnerships with over 20 international cybersecurity firms, have cemented CMC Telecom’s reputation as a trusted leader in the cybersecurity field.
Building a secure digital ecosystem
For its accomplishments, CMC Telecom has won the top prize in the Cybersecurity Initiative of the Year - Vietnam category at the Asian Telecom Awards 2025.
Dang Tung Son, who serves as DCEO/CMO of CMC Telecom, emphasised: “With a DataCentric philosophy, where data is at the core, CMC Telecom regards information security not simply as an option but as an essential requirement for all businesses in the digital era. CMC Telecom is committed to continuing substantial investments in technology, infrastructure, and human resources to deliver leading security solutions that enable sustainable business growth. Being honoured at the Asian Telecom Awards 2025 serves as a testament to our relentless efforts in building a modern and secure digital infrastructure.”
CMC Telecom: The comprehensive service provider
CMC Telecom offers high-quality connectivity, cloud services, data centre oversight, managed services, and enhanced security controls
MCMC wins HR Initiative of the Year - Malaysia at Asian Telecom Awards 2025
MetaHRise revolutionised the company’s onboarding and talent development with metaverse technology.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) was honoured with the HR Initiative of the Year - Malaysia accolade at the Asian Telecom Awards 2025, recognising its groundbreaking MetaHRise programme.
MCMC plays a pivotal role in driving digital innovation and workforce development. Its latest initiative, MetaHRise, integrates virtual reality and augmented reality into the employee onboarding experience, ensuring that new hires are well-prepared and deeply engaged from day one.
Seamless onboarding
MetaHRise introduces a fully immersive experience that allows new employees to explore MCMC’s roles, functions, and workplace culture through virtual simulations and gamified activities.
By incorporating interactive learning spaces such as the MCMC Virtual Lobby and
Connect Hub Learning Centre, the MetaHRise programme enables new hires to gain handson experience.
To date, 145 new employees have participated in the MetaHRise programme, reporting a 93% satisfaction rate. Moreover, the programme improved onboarding efficiency by 40%, enabling new hires to achieve full operational readiness within their first month.
MCMC is also expanding MetaHRise beyond onboarding to include micro-
credential learning programmes. These modules will equip employees with job-ready skills whilst also promoting responsible digital behaviour.
Addressing cyberbullying
MCMC is set to include micro-credential learning programmes into MetaHRise. A key focus of this expansion is cyberbullying awareness. Through MetaHRise’s new learning modules, participants will be trained to recognise, respond to, and prevent online harassment. Through initiatives like MetaHRise, MCMC is not only enhancing employee experiences but also shaping the future of work in Malaysia and beyond.
MCMC plays a pivotal role in driving digital innovation and workforce development
Dr Murugappan, Chief Human Resources Officer at MCMC, proudly holding MCMC’s trophy at the Asian Telecom Awards 2025
PURWA MANGGALA
How TKDN rewards telcos that co-invest with strong local partners
MUHAMMAD PURWA MANGGALA
Digital Telecommunications Regulatory Strategist
Telkom Indonesia
Indonesia’s digital economy is not just expanding, it is reshaping Southeast Asia’s competitive landscape. With a market projected to exceed $130b by 2025 and over 355 million mobile subscriptions, Indonesia is emerging as a critical node in the global digital economy.
Yet, beneath this growth lies a bold experiment, Tingkat Komponen Dalam Negeri (TKDN), a local content mandate requiring around 40% domestic sourcing for electronic and telecom products (in case of Apple Indonesia). Once viewed as an obstacle, TKDN is now poised to become Indonesia’s most strategic industrial policy lever.
Recognising the need for a pragmatic shift, President Prabowo Subianto has championed a “realistic and flexible” approach to TKDN. The new direction is clear: fast-track approvals, sector-specific incentives, and strategic partnerships. It tiered incentives tied to deeper localisation, clearer sectoral TKDN targets, especially for 5G, artificial intelligence, digital hardware, and government-industry matching platform to connect foreign capital with capable local partners. The future belongs to companies that see TKDN not as a compliance burden, but as a gateway into Southeast Asia’s largest digital market.
Turning policy into opportunity: Partnership as TKDN TKDN is evolving from protectionism to partnership architecture. It rewards companies that embed themselves into Indonesia’s value chain, invest alongside local players, and co-create sustainable growth.
Rather than a rigid mandate, TKDN now acts as a market filter, distinguishing committed investors from opportunistic entrants. Global firms that align early with TKDN strategies will secure regulatory goodwill, faster market access, and a first-mover advantage in a consumer base larger than the US mobile market.
Picture this: a $200m plant for 5G base stations or Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Too large for a single investor? Yes. But co-invested by an Indonesian telco, enabled by fiscal incentives, and supported by regional financing? I believe it is absolutely doable.
If even 20% of this could be localised via small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) participation, it could create over hundred thousand jobs in industrial zones. These businesses may not yet be globally competitive, but through structured partnerships and procurement quotas, they become part of a national upgrading process.
Furthermore, foreign firms involved in TKDN partnership projects with 5% to 20% shareholders from Indonesian companies, should be incentivised to allocate a portion of their capital expenditure, with let’s say 5% to 20%, towards transfer of technology.
The case of Apple’s iPhone ban in 2024 exposed this dynamic. Despite years of market presence, Apple faced TKDN barriers that temporarily blocked new product sales. Only after committing $300m in local facilities and research and development for handphone, tablet, and computers, was access restored.
Had Apple formed an equity-based partnership with a local telco, approximately 5% to 20% ownership in a shared entity, the path could
have been smoother, with faster regulatory approval and embedded local trust. This illustrates how Tingkat Komponen Dalam Negeri partnerships are not only about compliance, but about expediting investment through institutional collaboration.
Co-investment: The smart playbook for investors
Co-investment might be the strategic shift in response to postTrump trade realignment, where rising import tariffs and economic nationalism have diminished the viability of pure import-export models. For Indonesia, the answer lies in localising value creation, not just importing devices or exporting raw goods. TKDN provides the policy platform to do exactly that.
For TKDN to realise its full potential, Indonesia must move beyond regulation and build a place for investment enablement. This means aligning the TKDN framework with instruments that actively de-risk and incentivise strategic collaboration.
Tax incentives, a unified digital gate system, land and utility support, and and a technology-driven approach should not just support compliance, but should also reward co-investment and technology transfer. TKDN-aligned joint ventures, particularly those involving local telcos and global partners, should be able to receive prioritised access to these enablers, turning Indonesia’s industrial ambition into a bankable business proposition.
The objective is clear, TKDN should not repel foreign capital, it should embed it. The strategic value lies not in exclusion, but in cocreation. When designed as a partnership platform, TKDN allows Indonesia to win not just infrastructure, but also institutional capacity, ecosystem depth, and long-term competitiveness.
From compliance to co-creation: The strategic payoff of TKDN
These partnerships yield tangible dividends including revenue participation (structuring shared equity models and digital monetisation), talent mobility (embedded technology transfer), and supply chain resilience (localised production and catalysing SME integration into regional value chains).
In a post-globalisation world marked by realignment, redundancy, and resilience, Indonesia’s edge lies not in scale, but in structure. The country’s content mandate can become the architecture of that structure, a framework not of restriction, but of trust and transformation. For investors willing to localise with commitment, the opportunity is not just to enter Indonesia, but to co-build the infrastructure of Southeast Asia’s digital future.
Indonesia is not building walls. It is building bridges of trust. Tingkat Komponen Dalam Negeri, if embraced strategically, becomes the infrastructure for resilience, growth, and regional leadership. Tech companies are looking for alternatives to China.
Indonesia should position the mandate not as a hurdle, but as an invitation: “Invest with us, and gain the region.”
