Kuala Lumpur, 19 September 2012 - Axiata Group Berhad (“Axiata”) was accorded the “Emas” status by Bank Negara Malaysia for the issuance of its inaugural issuance of a 2 year RMB1.0 billion sukuk. The “Emas”, accorded to foreign denominated bonds and sukuk originating from Malaysia in the global capital market, was conferred today at the Global Islamic Finance Forum 2012, hosted by Bank Negara Malaysia.

Axiata's RMB1.0 billion sukuk issuance represents the world's largest RMB denominated sukuk issued in Malaysia, after the first which was issued by Khazanah Nasional Berhad amounting to RMB500 million. The Axiata sukuk which was issued on 18 September 2012 was upsized to RMB1 billion from RMB500 million due to strong demand from global investors, accounting for an over-subscription of seven times of the original size.

Dato' Sri Jamaludin Ibrahim, President & Group Chief Executive Officer of Axiata said, "We are deeply honoured by the conferment by Bank Negara. Axiata's Sukuk Programme, the first multi-currency sukuk programme by an Asian telecommunication company, saw strong demand and is in line with Axiata's commitment to support the Government's ongoing initiatives and efforts in positioning Malaysia as an international Islamic financial centre”.

 

About Axiata

Axiata is one of the largest Asian telecommunication companies. Axiata has controlling interests in mobile operators in Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Cambodia with significant strategic stakes in India and Singapore. India represents one of the fastest growing markets in the world. In addition, the Malaysian-grown holding company has a stake in mobile telecommunication operations in Thailand.

The Group's mobile subsidiaries and associates operate under the brand name ‘Celcom' in Malaysia, ‘XL' in Indonesia, ‘Dialog' in Sri Lanka, ‘Robi' in Bangladesh, ‘HELLO' in Cambodia, ‘Idea' in India and ‘M1' in Singapore.

The Group's, including its subsidiaries and associates, has over 200 million mobile subscribers in Asia. The Group revenue for 2011 was USD5.4 billion. The Group provides employment to over 20,000 people across Asia. Axiata's vision is to be a regional champion by 2015 by piecing together the best throughout the region in connectivity, technology and talent, uniting them towards a single goal: Advancing Asia.

Axiata was awarded the Frost & Sullivan 2009, 2010 and 2011 Asia Pacific ICT Award for Best Telecom Group and the Telecom Asia Best Regional Mobile Group 2010 and 2011 for its operations in multiple Asian markets.