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Axiata Sustainability

ADVANCING DIGITAL ECONOMIES

How we are becoming The Next Generation Digital Champion

Network Quality & Coverage

Delivering high-quality connectivity over a wide coverage area is at the very core of our proposition as a business, and is the foundation upon which any and all additional digital services and tools can be delivered to our customers.

It is therefore vital that we continuously invest in our networks and ensure their resilience and reliability even amidst the most destructive of crises.

In 2021, we took a big leap in enhancing our networks by embarking on an ambitious Network Transformation Programme. This was enabled by the introduction of Open RAN technology, which will accelerate 4G expansions, support the introduction of 5G and help bridge the digital divide in rural and underserved areas.

Outlook
  • Strengthening 4G

Our OpCos continue to invest in strengthening 4G coverage and quality across our operating markets, enabling higher bandwidth for speed of transfer, faster response rates and improved spectrum efficiency. At the human level, this means that more applications can be used at any given time and that data can be delivered almost immediately to meet the needs of our increasingly digital lifestyles and work processes.

  • Becoming A Top 5 Global Towerco

Supporting our efforts in delivering connectivity to all, edotco’s continued expansion saw its tower portfolio rise to more than 44,900 across 8 countries during 2021, increasing its tower market share from 21% to 25%. This brings it closer to its 2023 goal of becoming a Top 5 Global TowerCo.

Advancing Tower Network Planning Capabilities

edotco works to ensure continuous high quality connectivity across its tower portfolio. By operationalising Network and Planning Analytics (NAPA) across five of their markets, they are better equipped than ever to select sites which deliver maximum reach and connectivity, while also improving their ability to monetise their towers through colocation and build-to-suit arrangements.

  • Leading In 5G Readiness

Being future-ready means being ready for 5G, and here our OpCos have taken on a leadership role in their respective markets by forging strategic partnerships and introducing leading-edge technological solutions.
For detailed information on how our OpCos are driving 5G readiness, please read the Network Quality & Coverage topic within our Sustainability and National Contribution Report 2021.

Conducting 5G trials,
test runs and proof of
concepts

Deploying 4G updates
that are 5G-ready

Upgrading infrastructure
to support deployments

Conducting 5G trials,
test runs and proof of
concepts

Deploying 4G updates
that are 5G-ready

Upgrading infrastructure
to support deployments

Technology

How our OpCos are building 5G ecosystems

Partnerships

Collaborating with
device providers and
network vendors

Developing 5G use cases
in collaboration with
universities and think
tanks

Engaging governments
and regulatory
authorities

Collaborating with device providers and network vendors

Developing 5G use cases in collaboration with universities and think tanks

Engaging governments and regulatory authorities

Description of our material matters

Our material matters are determined through a bi-yearly process of materiality assessment, detailed below:

1. Review Of Material Matters

We review and update our material matters in response to changes in our business landscape, risk environment, internal policies, KPIs, emerging local and global sustainability trends, regulatory developments and stakeholder opinions. Our review also incorporates peer benchmarking.

2. Stakeholder Engagement

We conducted a structured stakeholder prioritisation exercise by leveraging insights from our dialogue with various stakeholders on our material matters. This allows us to identify the influence and dependence of key stakeholders on the Group. We then engage with the prioritised stakeholders to obtain their feedback on material matters.

3. Sustainability Impact Assessment

Upon identification of our material matters, we conducted workshops within the Group to further prioritise materiality matters from the business perspective.

Description of sustainability material matters - Next Generation Digital Champion

Material matter

Description

Material matter

Description

Sustainable Business Growth

Consideration of Economic, Environmental and Social (EES), and positive direct and indirect value creation in our strategic investment decisions to enhance our shareholder returns

Network Quality & Coverage

Enhancing network quality and coverage through continuous improvements in efficiency, availability and reliability

Digital Inclusion

Providing affordable and innovative products and services in bridging the digital gap

Digitisation & Modernisation

Technological innovation to enhance key internal business functions, improve process efficiency and effectiveness, and promote innovation and business continuity

Description of sustainability material matters - Environment

Material matter

Description

Material matter

Description

Climate Action

Internal controls and monitoring mechanisms to manage environmental impacts

Resource & Waste Management

Towards circular economy within our operations as well as the solutions we can provide our customers and supply chains waste management

Description of sustainability material matters - Social

Material matter

Description

Material matter

Description

Fair Employment & Welfare

Fostering fair recruitment practices by embracing diversity and inclusion in the workforce, and offering employees fair compensation and benefits

Talent Development

Promote development and uplift competencies of employees to respond to the rapidly changing and complex business environment

Employee Health, Safety & Wellbeing

Providing for the health, safety and wellbeing of our employees in ways that address key challenges and bring value to their livelihood in the workplace

Customer Service

Delivering a differentiated user experience for customers, and offering the most affordable products and services relative to customer promise in our highly competitive markets

Supply Chain Management

Consideration of EES factors across supply chain management and processes

Community Development

Financial and non-financial contributions to support local communities, underprivileged and underserved groups

Emergency & Disaster Response

Providing society in times of emergency and disaster, through the contribution of our business streams in disaster response

Description of sustainability material matters - Governance

Material matter

Description

Material matter

Description

Business Ethics & Compliance

Enhance business integrity compliance within the ambit of Malaysian and international laws on bribery and corruption

Data Privacy & Cyber Security

Protection of all data, information and intellectual property against cyber security breaches

Regulatory & Political Risk

Management of the evolving changes in the regulatory landscape and political context