Edotco Group 2023

ACCELERATING DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT

EDOTCO GROUP TECHNOLOGY

T

he telecommunications industry is one of the fastest evolving fields, making the world considerably smaller. The main cause of the evolving technology is the vital work of telecommunications infrastructure companies (TowerCos) 2 | APAC Outlook Issue 62

alongside mobile network operators (MNOs), which provide greater coverage and expansive connectivity.

The increasing importance of and demand for mobile broadband has created a decisive opportunity for TowerCos, as they instil connectivity

to not just everyday users, but also aid governments in achieving their national digitalisation aspirations.

The burgeoning developments of the telecommunications industry have pointedly accelerated since the inception of 5G technologies.

T I TA N S O F T H E T E L E C O M M U N I C AT I O N S INDUSTRY We speak to Kevin Chong, Director of Group Digital and Analytics at EDOTCO Group, about its purpose in the 5G revolution and the vital role of telecommunications infrastructure companies Writer: Lucy Pilgrim | Project Manager: Dennis Morales

Subsequently, the position of TowerCos is instrumental in effectively utilising the potential of 5G connectivity.

“The onus is on TowerCos to enable a 4G/5G revolution, as they play an active role to be internally prepared

and externally advocatory to policymakers and the regulators. This ensures that regulators can enable the revolution to occur through TowerCos’ strategic relation to MNOs. “Without TowerCos, the evolution will still happen but at a materially

slower pace,” establishes Kevin Chong, Director of EDOTCO Group (EDOTCO) Digital and Analytics.

A 5G REVOLUTION EDOTCO is on hand to seize the opportunity presented by the advent APAC Outlook Issue 62 | 3

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of 5G, as it plays a pivotal role in the Malaysian digital economy, where the company first established its roots in 2012.

Since then, EDOTCO has become a leading integrated telecommunications infrastructure services company, with the capability to deliver end-to-end solutions from tower leasing, colocation, buildto-suit, energy, transmissions and maintenance. Through such varied responsibilities, it remains Asia’s first regional and integrated TowerCo. With a steadfast workforce of 2,000 employees, expansion is at the heart of the organisation. In the last decade, EDOTCO has grown beyond Malaysia’s borders to encompass nine establishments across Southeast Asia. Consequently, the company

EDOTCO – SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES Sustainability has been a cornerstone of EDOTCO since its establishment in 2012 as it is inextricably linked to its purpose and vision. The company has a key focus to become carbon neutral by 2030, which will be achieved through three strategic areas: • Environmental – managing the environmental impact of digitalisation and decarbonisation.

• Social - creating meaningful stakeholder relationships by focusing on labour and community.

• Governance - upholding diligent standards and best practices that go beyond shareholders and protect wider stakeholder interests.

4 | APAC Outlook Issue 62

has developed a regional portfolio of over 54,000 towers across Malaysia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, the Philippines, Myanmar, and Laos in just 10 years.

Such rapid and successful expansion has resulted in the company attaining the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) unicorn status, whilst also being named one of three Malaysian unicorns by Credit Suisse.

the precipice of a significant shift in progress. This, alongside the nation’s policies and blueprints, such as the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint (MyDigital), is key in spearheading the nation’s digital transformation journey,” Chong highlights.

In conjunction with the transformative effects of technology, EDOTCO has had a substantial socioeconomic impact. For example, the company can create value for MNOs by saving approximately 16 to 35 CONNECTING THE percent of capital expenditure (CapEx) UNCONNECTED and operational expenditure (OpEx) As an integrated TowerCo, whose potential, correlating to USD$10 billion socio-economic impact far exceeds savings in key Asian markets by 2025. that of an MNO, EDOCTO takes great As a result, consumers can access a responsibility in helping nations higher quality connection with faster accelerate digital transformation. network rollouts, all whilst enjoying a This is achieved with the principal price reduction. goal of helping its customers Furthermore, TowerCos are found accelerate equitable access to digital to have a positive impact on digital connectivity. development, as EDOTCO facilitates In order to navigate its way through higher internet penetration for uncharted waters of growth, EDOTCO underserved areas that results in strives to connect the unconnected. innovation and GDP growth, as it “With the introduction of 5G, presents the potential to create an Malaysia’s digital economy is on economic benefit of USD$67 billion

WHEN IT IS ABOUT DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION & SUSTAINABILITY GHG ACCOUNTING DG & FUEL MONITORING BATTERY MONITORING ENERGY MONITORING SOLAR MONITORING AIRCON CONTROLLING AI CCTV ACCESS CONTROL ENVIRONMENTAL SURVEILLANCE

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for Asia. Thus, the power of TowerCos cannot be underestimated, not only for their economic benefits, but also their sustainable effects. Indeed, TowerCos are expected to reduce carbon footprint by five to 17 million tonnes, due to infrastructure sharing in selected Asian markets.

The next-generation infrastructure implemented by EDOTCO has provided equitable access across markets since its inception.

“EDOTCO uses its proprietary Network and Planning Analytics (NaPA) tool to provide insights into potential locations for newer tower sites and reduced building time.

NaPa uses powerful geocoding and analytics to generate coordinates with granularity and accuracy,” Chong explains.

To select the most appropriate sites for MNOs, NaPA overlays three datasets. Firstly, the demand dataset identifies factors such as population

size, settlements, and points of interest. Secondly, the supply dataset provides each MNO with subscriber data and coverage signal strength.

Finally, NaPA’s matching module identifies whether there are nearby EDOTCO sites which can be used for site sharing.

Aligning with its strategised approach to technological innovations, EDOTCO also has a certified corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative which works to make connectivity accessible to remote communities and provide further support to those where the company operates.

This is conducted via threesubsects that have become a significant part of the company. For example, the Tower2Power, which was launched in 2016, has enhanced the lives of over 24,000 people, through the offering of electricity to homes and schools. Furthermore, the Tower2Community project

FIVE PILLARS OF EDOTCO’S LONG-TERM PEOPLE STRATEGY Cultivating a coopetition culture: Having the highest levels of emotional pride, collaboration and purpose whilst instilling an intrapreneurial and ownership mindset to win. This includes a focus on shifting an individual’s frame of mind from that of an employee, to an owner of a highperforming entrepreneurial sports team.

Supercharging a future workforce: Balanced integration of EQ, IQ and DQ (Digital and Data Quotient). It is important to have mastery of skills as an enabler to higher autonomy and a sense of purpose (intrinsic motivation) for the workforce.

Humanising the digital experience: Infusing digital tools into human interactions to drive the highest levels of engagement and efficiency. The company is currently in the midst of engineering distinct experience across the employee lifecycle via an in-house “Returns on Experience” tool (predictive ROIs for each initiative across the employee lifecycle).

Creating a ‘5R’ organisation: Right people, right competencies, right jobs, and right cost level at the right time to improve agility and speed of decision making.

Becoming the global people champion: Becoming responsible corporate citizens and setting the future people and organisation benchmarks, beyond maximising profits and shareholder value.

6 | APAC Outlook Issue 62

Domain Expertise with Tower Solutions Enterprise

Document Management

Asset Tracking System Landlord Lifecyle Management System

Spenta Tower Management

Driven By Domain Expertise

Tenancy and Energy Billing

Tower Intelligence Tower Maintenance and Operations

Order Management

We are:

S-Square Spenta Technologies LLP (SSTL)

• First to offer SAAS solutions for TowerCos

• Fastest growing tech start-up in Bengaluru (India).

• Three plus decades of industry experience.

• Clients spanning six countries

• Multiple product lines – energy management, landlord management, revenue management.

Since using our integrated solutions platform for tower management and process automation, our customers have experienced business growth and technology transformation. Our comprehensive, cost-effective, countryspecific solution using rules engine can configure complex MSA’s, charging models, and even dependent charging models.

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Domain Expertise with Tower Solutions

“ T R A D I T I O N A L LY, T O W E R C O S F O C U S E D O N T O W E R S , E N E R G Y A N D C O L O C AT I O N S , B U T T H E T O W E R C O O F T H E F U T U R E N E E D S T O LO O K B E YO N D PA S S I V E INFRASTRUCTURE AND FOCUS ON THE OPPORTUNITIES AVA I L A B L E I N T H E A C T I V E S P A C E T O O ” – K E V I N C H O N G , D I R E C T O R O F G R O U P D I G I TA L A N D A N A LY T I C S , E D O T C O G R O U P

aids disaster relief efforts which have benefitted approximately 50,000 lives since 2016. Lastly, the Tower2Water initiative provides clean water, sanitation, and awareness on hygiene, which has benefitted approximately 15,000 lives since 2018.

UNTOUCHABLE PROGRESSION Alongside the pioneering NaPA tool, 8 | APAC Outlook Issue 62

EDOTCO also has a close eye on prudent portfolio expansion for both organic and inorganic opportunities that carry the right scale, economics, and returns for its shareholders. As such, EDOTCO has been steadily building its portfolio from a mere 10,000 towers in four home markets to an excess of 50,000 towers in nine markets in just over eight years.

Evidently, with expansion as a focus of the company, EDOTCO announced the ambition to become the global top five TowerCo with aspirations to enter an initial public offering (IPO) by 2025 as part of its medium-term strategy. Subsequently, EDOTCO’s current target markets are in the ASEAN region and South Asia.

“After our recent foray into the

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Indonesian market, we are now looking to expand in Thailand and Vietnam as we believe these markets offer untapped growth opportunities,” Chong details.

Despite global uncertainties, 2022 was a key year for EDOTCO with two major acquisitions: Indonesia for IDR750 million (approximately USD$50.3 million) and the Philippines

for PHP42 billion (approximately USD$748.1 million), showcasing the sheer dominance that the company has within the telecommunications industry.

“EDOTCO will continuously remain committed to pushing the connectivity agenda throughout the region and beyond,” Chong concludes.

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