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CRAFTING

a CULTURE

With diversity as a key tenet across operations,
Axiata resolved to stay united in its mission to transform lives across Asia.

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OVERVIEW OF
‘CRAFTING A CULTURE’

Axiata’s workforce has always been imperative to its regional expansion. The vision was to inspire people to build a successful company, while developing their professional strengths. This is reflected in Axiata’s hiring practices, Board selection and the Axiata Young Talent Programme (AYTP).

With diversity as the foundation of Axiata’s development, cultural exchange and knowledge-sharing has only prompted new ways of working.

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It was a rare opportunity for me to be in the company of such distinguished personalities.

TAN SRI GHAZZALI
SHEIKH ABDUL KHALID

Chairman, Axiata, 2018 – present
Founding Board Member, Axiata, 2008 – 2018
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There was no doubt in my mind that the newly de-merged company would be shepherded by a Board dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of good governance and operational efficiency.

Apart from its impressive financial strides over the last eleven years, Axiata has also carved out an enduring reputation for its management professionalism, long-term commitment to employee career development, and contribution to the national development agenda.

The experience of being an Axiata Board member has been one of continuous learning, in every aspect of the duties and responsibilities of the role, particularly with the rapidly evolving industry cycles and continuous re-invention of Axiata over the years.

GOING FORWARD, AS WE CRUISE FURTHER INTO THESE TRYING TIMES, MY FAITH AND CONFIDENCE IN AXIATA IS UNSHAKEABLE.Stroke

Tan Sri Jamal has built a formidable team who cut their teeth through both good and trying times, a battle-tested force ready to face any surprises. My optimism is grounded firmly on the demonstrated strength of our band of diverse identities that make up the stellar Axiata team.

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Seeing how our work was empowering Sri Lankan lives and enterprises fuelled my passion for the organisation, and thus began this amazing journey.

SUPUN
WEERASINGHE

Director/Group CEO, Dialog, 2017 – present
CEO and MD, Robi, 2014 – 2016
Group Chief Strategy Officer, Axiata Group Berhad, 2013 - present
Served in various roles at Dialog, 1999 – 2012
Wacom
Wacom Pen

Dialog began with a singular vision to make mobile communications affordable and available to every Sri Lankan. During my first decade at Dialog, it evolved into a quad-play telecommunications giant, and I grew from a fresh graduate into a business leader. In Bangladesh we transformed Robi into a strong number-two player through a challenging merger with Airtel.

Two decades ago, critics were vocal about Dialog’s business viability, and its focus on technology leadership as a sustainable strategy.

TODAY, DIALOG HAS BECOME SRI LANKA’S MOST
VALUABLE BRAND.Stroke

We are now at the forefront of building a digital Sri Lanka through affordable yet world-class connectivity solutions. I have grown so much alongside Dialog and Axiata, owing to our passion for enriching Sri Lankan lives and enterprises.

To be in a great big Asian company is sometimes like being in a great big Asian family – full of drama, but also laughter. You know you are alive!

SURESH SIDHU

CEO, edotco Group, 2014 – 2020
Served in various roles in Celcom, Dialog and Axiata, 2009 – 2014
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Adventure is a big part of my memories - and the sense that we are here to help nations.

I consider myself very lucky to be a part of four experiences, each one unique, in my time here. Corporate Centre, Dialog, Celcom and now finally edotco. Perhaps, the best part for me has been the ability to help create and establish edotco. Many of us have had opportunities like this at Axiata.

HOW MANY OTHER COMPANIES WOULD ENTRUST US WITH SUCH OPPORTUNITIES AND EXPERIENCES?

While I joined for the opportunity to create an Asian champion and have been privileged to be able to do that twice, with Axiata and edotco, the true take-away is the passion of all the people I have worked, and continue to work with.

Through it all, the constant has been Tan Sri Jamal’s calm and unflappable style, while continuing to hold us to high standards. I hope when the history of Axiata is settled, this will be the way we all remember him best.

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We have no choice but to move faster through project implementation by a central development team, drawing on best resources from all operating companies.

DAVID LAU

Founding Board Member
Axiata, 2008 – 2020
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I was really taken aback at the last Axiata AGM when a shareholder pointed out that I have remained on Axiata’s board for too many years.

HOW TIME FLIES WHEN YOU ENJOY THE CHALLENGES AND FUN IN MORE THAN 150 AXIATA BOARD MEETINGS ATTENDED OVER THE YEARS.Stroke

In the early days, Axiata grew very fast. Our Chairman then, Tan Sri Azman, always reminded us not to be complacent when times are good. He insisted on us thinking about “What are the 10 things that could go wrong?” and to prepare for hard times to hit.

The most important lesson I learnt was that, it is important to create a safe atmosphere so that staff do not feel afraid to report bad news quickly, not after we have lost 40% of our sales.

These days, with the speed of digitalisation and the increasing risk of cybersecurity attacks (something we never spoke about 10 years ago), we have no choice but to move faster through project implementation by a central development team, drawing on best resources and ideas from all operating companies.

This sharing is also a big driver in reducing our operating costs, something every company must address in view of the current trend of flat or negative revenue growth.

Phone Drawing
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The glue that sticks all of us together, not only in the way we think, but also in the way we act – in short, the working culture – is ourTan Sri Jamal.

ANNIS
SHEIK MOHAMED

Group Chief Corporate Development Officer
Axiata, 2011 – 2020
CFO, edotco Group, 2020 – present

At the end of my first day at Axiata, the first few words to my wife when I returned home were, ‘Very nice biryani in Bangladesh. Superb. But I doubt if I made the right choice to move out of banking.’

More than eight years and two contracts later (hopefully with the third on its way), hundreds of proposals reviewed, successful closure of multiple acquisitions, mergers and disposal of assets, I have enjoyed every single minute of my time spent here.

I am now able to tell my wife, ‘I have made the right choice.’ The past ten years have been great with their ups and downs.

I KNOW FOR CERTAIN THAT THE NEXT TEN YEARS WILL BE EQUALLY INTERESTING AND CHALLENGING.
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It is only appropriate that the culture and values of this company continue to change. If we do not change with the times, we’ll be irrelevant.

MAH YONG SUN

Board Member
Celcom, 2010 – 2018
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Axiata must be brave enough to meet the constant changes and challenging disruptions that’ll keep coming its way. Hence, it is only appropriate that the culture and vision of this company continue to change. The only way to do so is through nurturing and maintaining the best talent pool.

BY KEEPING OUR EYES ON THE RIGHT MATRIX, LED BY A POOL OF THE BEST IN THE MARKETPLACE, OUR FUTURE WILL BE NOTHING SHORT OF TREMENDOUS.

During my tenure in Axiata, the key point from my observation is the tremendous focus on people and talent.

My greatest satisfaction has been seeing one of Malaysia’s jewel GLCs operating to its capacity, for me to be able to contribute to its tremendous growth and, most importantly, give our people the opportunity to be successful.

Phone Drawing
When we look back to this time from the future, we will all be able to stand tall and proudly say, We have done it!

YAP WAI YIP

CFO, Dialog, 2019 – Present
Served in various roles in Robi, Smart and Axiata, 2008 - 2019
Phone Drawing

A typical conversation from 10 years ago would go...
“Where are you working now? TMI? That’s Telekom, right?”
“No, I am working in TM International.”
“Oh, Telekom-lah.”
“No…” (sigh)
Today, a conversation would go...
“Where are you working now?”
“I am working in Axiata.”
“Wow! That’s a great company! One of the top 10 in Bursa Malaysia. Axiata runs the famous AYTP – Axiata Young Talent Programme. Axiata is one great homegrown Malaysian MNC…” (no sigh)

Over ten years is short, timeline-wise, yet for many of us it has been a long journey.

WE HAD TO BUILD AN MNC CORPORATE CENTRE FROM
GROUND ZEROStroke

The recognition we receive today makes it worth all the effort.

I fondly remember the town halls and festive occasions, where all of us came together to celebrate the spirit of one team.

AMANDEEP SINGH

Group Chief Technology Officer
Axiata, 2012 – 2019
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Over the years at Axiata, I learnt many key lessons, including mutual respect, humility and teamwork, empowerment and focus on sustainability.

Some of my most memorable events were the acquisition of Smart Cambodia and rebranding it from ‘Hello’ to ‘Smart’, the creation of Axiata Procurement Center (APC), leading to the development of the first-ever Global Price Book (GPB), and putting together the Network Vision 2020 document.

I fondly remember the town halls, the Diwali Bhangra performances, dragon dances for Chinese New Year and Hari Raya open houses, where all of us came together to celebrate the spirit of one team. From my colleagues, I have learnt many things like slang phrases - especially during Teh Tarik sessions - and numerous thought-up excuses.

IN SUMMARY, THESE YEARS WERE ONE OF THE BEST PERIODS OF LIFE FOR MY FAMILY AND ME.
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The dream of being one of the few Malaysian corporations to build a globally competitive business regionally remained central throughout the organisation.

DATUK ABDUL
RAHMAN AHMAD

Board Member
Axiata, 2013 – 2016
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Throughout my time here in Axiata, three things struck me.

The first was how talented, smart and diversified the Axiata team was. Their motivation and enthusiasm to help build Axiata as a leading telco organisation was palpable and infectious.

Secondly, I realised how challenging the telco industry proved to be. The speed of change within the industry is immense, the capital investment required is highly significant and necessary for survival and the difficulty of managing different countries at certain times, appeared insurmountable.

WHAT STRUCK ME THE MOST WAS THAT, DESPITE THE CHALLENGES, THE AXIATA TEAM REMAINED FULLY COMMITTED TO THEIR GOAL.

The dream of being one of the very few Malaysian corporations to build a globally competitive business regionally remained central throughout the organisation, from the Board of Directors and senior management to the typical Axiata talent.

And that is the essence of Axiata.

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The respect and civility of dealings and the drive for diversity and high standards was notable.

BELLA
ANN ALMEIDA

Board Member
Axiata, 2011 – 2017
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All businesses compete for success and the leading benchmark is maintaining high global standards. This inevitably requires honesty, ambition, change and – most importantly – humility and good values. As a Board member, and given my human capital focus, I have had the privilege to observe and contribute to this.

MY ABIDING MEMORY OF AXIATA IS THE GRACE AND PROFESSIONALISM OF THE BOARD AND TEAM MEMBERS.Stroke

Axiata’s senior management development programmes, in particular, are world-class as is the encouraged mobility of talent into relevant roles to groom them.

On a lighter note, the standard of local kueh snacks was equally high and the ability of my male colleagues to joget at an Indonesian offsite was memorable!

The best part is that the company is still hungry to grow and has the right vision, strategy and – most importantly – the people in place to make it happen.

MAHTAB
UDDIN AHMED

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer
Robi, 2016 – present
Served in various roles in Robi and Ncell, 2010 – 2016
Phone Drawing

When I first heard of Axiata’s tagline, “Advancing Asia”, I thought to myself that they had probably picked the wrong continent to advance. But, as I started my journey with Axiata, I realised that the company is sincere about its promise.

AXIATA’S SOLEMN FOCUS ON DEVELOPING ITS PEOPLE CONVINCED ME THAT THE COMPANY MEANS BUSINESS.

I was inducted into the Group Accelerated Development Programme and given a clear career pathway. Many top corporations cut their training budget but not Axiata.

The best part of this company is that it is still hungry to grow and has the right vision, strategy and – most importantly – the people in place to make it happen.

This University of Life called Axiata offered many opportunities to experience the whole rollercoaster corporate ride.

SURYANI HUSSEIN

Group Company Secretary, Axiata, 2008 – present
Head of Legal & Secretarial, Celcom, 2002 – 2008
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It was hard in the beginning, starting from ground zero as a new Group. For a while there was a clear distinction between the ‘old/classic TMI’ employees and new ones click-clacking in our heels on the wooden floors of
Menara TM.

Circa March 2009 TMI found its new identity: Axiata Group Berhad. That same year, we found a home in KL Sentral. ‘Advancing Asia’ became our tagline.

As we faced new challenges and celebrated new achievements together, the difficulties of the past became slowly irrelevant.Stroke

As a Group operating in a competitive and challenging environment in many different jurisdictions, this University of Life called Axiata offered many opportunities to experience the whole roller coaster corporate ride. There certainly is never a dull moment!

READ
‘MEMORIES’

Get deeper insights into Axiata’s journey over the years through these first-hand accounts of the individuals who were there.

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Gallery 1

Curating
A Company

in the early years.

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Gallery 3

Charting
Continuity

towards becoming a
New
Generation Digital Company.

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