UOB Kay Hian’s latest research report reveals that Malaysia’s telecommunications sector experienced a 2% quarter-on-quarter service revenue growth in Q2 2025, largely driven by a shift from prepaid to postpaid services and a strong demand for fibre. Despite this growth, the report highlights that earnings forecasts for Axiata and CelcomDigi have been cut by 6% following their Q2 results.

The report notes that the sector’s core earnings rose by 8% year-on-year and 14% quarter-on-quarter to RM1,552m. However, CelcomDigi’s earnings were impacted by weak prepaid revenues and higher provisions for doubtful debts. Axiata also faced challenges, with a 36% year-on-year decline in earnings due to integration costs and lower associate earnings.

Key drivers for the quarter included cost discipline, a promising enterprise business pipeline, and the continued demand for home fibre services. The expanded sales and services tax, effective from July 2025, has marginally compressed EBITDA margins, with CelcomDigi and Maxis anticipating a 1% impact on their full-year EBITDA.

Looking ahead, the sector is expected to maintain stable operations, with potential catalysts including Axiata’s infrastructure asset monetisation and CelcomDigi’s synergistic savings by 2027. The report maintains a “Market Weight” recommendation for the sector, citing uncertainties around the shareholding structure of Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) and the potential exit of the Ministry of Finance from DNB.

UOB Kay Hian’s top picks in the sector are CelcomDigi, TIME, and Axiata, with expectations of continued growth and strategic developments in the coming quarters.
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In a landmark move, Zetrix AI Berhad and the Government of Malaysia have signed a Letter of Intent to develop a global framework for Shariah-compliant artificial intelligence (AI). The collaboration, witnessed by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, aims to establish certification and governance standards for AI systems aligned with Islamic principles.

Zetrix AI, known for its Shariah-aligned Large Language Model, NurAI, will work closely with Malaysia’s Department of Islamic Development (JAKIM) to ensure the ethical and religious compliance of AI technologies. JAKIM, a leader in halal certification, will guide the certification and governance of NurAI, reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a global leader in ethical AI.

The initiative highlights the need for AI systems that reflect Islamic ethics, moving beyond secular worldviews. It aligns with Malaysia’s halal and digitalisation agendas, aiming to serve over 2 billion people globally. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasised the importance of integrating digitalisation and AI with Islamic values.

The collaboration focuses on three key areas: developing Shariah certification and governance frameworks, promoting Malaysia as a global centre for Islamic AI, and creating a trusted platform for Islamic legal rulings via NurAI. This partnership positions Malaysia as a key player in the global Islamic digital economy, projected to reach $574t by 2030.

NurAI, developed in Malaysia, supports multiple languages and complies with national data sovereignty policies, ensuring secure and localised AI solutions. This collaboration underscores Malaysia’s commitment to setting international benchmarks for Shariah-compliant AI.
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The Australian High Commission and Malaysia’s Ministry of Higher Education celebrated the achievements of ten Malaysian PhD scholars who recently completed a 12-week virtual research placement with Australian university supervisors. This initiative, part of the Australia-Malaysia Virtual PhD Internship Programme, aims to enhance international research exposure and foster academic networks.

Each participating scholar received an AU$500 stipend to aid their research collaboration. During the Symposium, Acting High Commissioner to Malaysia, Simon Fellows, highlighted the 70th anniversary of Australia’s diplomatic presence in Malaysia, stating, “This programme reflects the modern and dynamic partnership between Australia and Malaysia. By connecting our scholars and researchers, we’re building ties that deliver positive impact for both countries.”

YBhg Datin Noorazah Omar, Undersecretary of the International Relations Division at Malaysia’s Ministry of Higher Education, noted that the programme supports intellectual exchange and builds research capabilities, paving the way for future collaborations in science, technology, and innovation.

The event also featured Three Minute Thesis presentations and guest sessions on academic wellbeing by Dr Theresa Dicke from Australian Catholic University, as well as cross-cultural insights by Dr Show Ying Xin from the Australian National University Malaysia Institute.

The programme has successfully strengthened early career researcher capacity and established enduring research ties between Malaysia and Australia. For more information on the scholars, visit the Australian High Commission’s website.
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