Axiata Makes Virtual Alliance

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia -- Axiata Group Berhad (formerly known as TM International Berhad) (“Axiata”), entered into a Collaboration Agreement with Dubai-based Mobile Virtual Network Operator (“MVNO”), FRiENDi Group FZ-LLC (“FRiENDi”), with the intention of collaborating to address expatriates working in the markets Axiata and FRiENDi operate in. Amongst the areas of collaboration to be explored is the possibility of setting up co-branding and MVNO relationships between the two Groups. The terms of the Collaboration Agreement will also look at the provision of content and services to this group of people working in the Middle East as well as to their families.

President and Group Chief Executive Officer of Axiata, Dato’ Sri Jamaludin Ibrahim said “Axiata with its pan Asian footprint has a presence in all the targeted countries. The agreement will allow subscribers to reap the benefits of discounted call rates and value added services such as mobile money transfer, remote recharge and content from home. This is aligned to Axiata’s broader purpose, that of advancing Asia, offering unmatched, affordable and relevant services to consumers”.

The agreement will also have the added benefit of allowing Axiata access to the lucrative Middle East market with its high influx of foreign workers, currently numbering at more than 13 million. Axiata OpCos will be able to reach out and capture the market and do business with their own nationals who are living overseas.

Chief Executive Officer of FRiENDi, Mr. Mikkel Vinter added “Signing the Collaboration Agreement is a mutually beneficial strategic step for both Axiata and FRiENDi as the Agreement will provide FRiENDi preferred partner status with the Axiata subsidiaries across Asia, as well as enable the Axiata mobile operating companies a unique opportunity to engage millions of their nationals that live and work in the geographical region of FRiENDi”.

Axiata Group Berhad