17 Nov 2020
KUALA LUMPUR – Axiata Group Berhad (“Axiata” or “the Group”) today announced that its Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer (Deputy GCEO) and GCEO Designate Dato’ Izzaddin Idris, has been appointed to the Board of the GSMA for a two-year period beginning January 2021 through December 2022.
The GSMA is a global organisation representing the interests of mobile operators worldwide, uniting more than 750 operators and nearly 400 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem. Among others, its advocacy work brings together the public and private sector to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges such as expanding digital inclusion and literacy, improving access to spectrum, modernising regulation, protecting privacy, and aligning the industry on climate action.
The GSMA Board comprises 26 members from the world’s largest operator groups and smaller independent operators with global reach, each bringing to the table unique voices, views and perspectives to achieve a unified sense of direction for the mobile industry as the industry adapts to a new operating landscape across the globe.
Dato’ Izzaddin Idris
Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer (Deputy GCEO) and GCEO Designate
I am honoured and privileged for the opportunity to serve and contribute towards the advancement of the industry through this appointment to the GSMA Board. It certainly reflects the continued confidence and recognition that GSMA has in the work that we have achieved across our footprint of 11 countries across Southeast Asia and ASEAN where we operate digital telcos, digital businesses and a regional infrastructure company.
We recognise that the role of the telecommunications industry has evolved from being a provider of connectivity into a digital growth engine critical to rebuilding economies and societies worldwide. Whilst carrying this important responsibility in partnering governments and businesses towards digital-led recovery, there is also a need to ensure sustainable business models that continue to benefit our customers and communities over the long term.
As we face new challenges, the industry is bound to benefit from the diverse and collective perspectives and leadership of the GSMA Board members, and I look forward to bringing Axiata’s learnings on board as we contribute towards progressing the industry and Advancing Asia.
Mats Granryd
GSMA Director General
We thank the GSMA Board for its exceptional support during what has been a challenging year. The Board’s insight, direction and support were integral as we navigated difficult decisions. There has never been a more crucial moment for the mobile ecosystem to work together, unlocking the full power of connectivity so that people, industry and society thrive.
About Axiata
As one of the leading telecommunications groups in Asia in pursuit of its vision to be the New Generation Digital Champion by 2022, Axiata has transformed itself from a holding entity with a portfolio of pure-play mobile assets into a Triple Core Strategy driven business focusing on Digital Telco, Digital Businesses and Infrastructure.
Within ASEAN and South Asia, the Group has controlling stakes in market-leading mobile and fixed operators in the region including 'Celcom' in Malaysia, 'XL' in Indonesia, 'Dialog' in Sri Lanka, 'Robi' in Bangladesh, 'Smart' in Cambodia and 'Ncell' in Nepal. Axiata is actively spearheading efforts to transform its mobile-centric operations into digital converged companies.
Axiata Digital, the digital services arm of Axiata is focused on two digital business verticals namely Digital Financial Services ('Boost', ‘Aspirasi’) and Digital Advertising ('ADA').
'edotco', the Group's infrastructure company, operates in six countries to deliver telecommunications infrastructure services, amassing approximately 32,300 towers. Presently the 16th largest independent tower companies globally, it aims to be one of the top regional telecommunications tower companies and is committed to responsible and sustainable business operations.
As a committed and long-term investor, and in line with its sustainability goals, the Group actively supports and drives young talent development; disaster response and recovery; as well as green initiatives. Axiata's broader goal of Advancing Asia aims to piece together the best in the region in terms of innovation, connectivity and talent. For further information on Axiata visit www.axiata.com
Issued By
Corporate Communications
Axiata Group Berhad
Level 30, Axiata Tower,
9 Jalan Stesen Sentral 5, Kuala Lumpur Sentral 50470 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
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