Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) and Aspen Vision All Sdn Bhd (AVA), a subsidiary company of Aspen Group today inked a Collaboration Agreement to facilitate the deployment of Smart Services, converged telecommunications as well as information and communication technology (ICT) services for the Aspen Vision City development in Batu Kawan, Penang.

This agreement is the first collaborative agreement between TM and Aspen Group to enable Aspen Vision City to become a progressive business model for Smart City Services in the real estate development segment. This business model will be replicated to more property developments enabled by TM in the future.

Giorgio Migliarina, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer, TM and Wan Ahmad Kamal Wan Halim, Executive Vice President, Enterprise Sales, TM signed the Collaboration Agreement on behalf of TM while Aspen Group was represented by Dato’ M. Murly, Group Chief Executive Officer, Aspen Group and Oh Kim Sun, Director of Aspen Group. Present to witness the signing ceremony were Tan Sri Zamzamzairani Mohd Isa, Group Chief Executive Officer, TM and Dato’ Seri Nazir Ariff, Group Chairman & Executive Director, Aspen Group.

Commenting on the latest collaboration, Giorgio Migliarina said, “We are pleased and excited that Aspen Group has entrusted us with the deployment of a comprehensive Smart City services ecosystem for their development projects. We recognise the growth of the Real Estate vertical segment as well as the increasing need for Smart Services so this collaboration provides the opportunity to demonstrate our capabilities and expertise in the development of Smart City Services. With the availability of telecommunications and connectivity services, as well as ICT and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions integrated into local property developments and townships, we will be able to deliver an enhanced digital lifestyle to more Malaysians. At TM, we constantly look for ways to bring more innovations to further improve our customer experience through TM’s integrated Business Solutions, true to our promise, “Life and Business Made Easier”.”

“In line with digitalisation, this strategic collaboration will synergise the strength of both companies in offering integrated solutions and services that are uniquely designed for consumers and businesses. As Malaysia’s Convergence Champion, TM will continue to explore more opportunities to work with other strategic partners in delivering this smart city ecosystem,” reiterate Giorgio.

Meanwhile, commenting on this agreement, Dato’ M. Murly said, “We have been sharing with TM our ideologies and aspirations. I am exhilarated that both parties will be collaborating closely in our effort to infuse intelligence and innovation into every fibre of Aspen Vision City. It is our shared goal to transform Aspen Vision City into the first Smart City in the northern region of Malaysia. And beyond that, into the most advanced urbanisation development in the country, in terms of infrastructure and IOT.”

“Our vision, since the beginning is to transform and enrich the lives of the people we are building for. And today, this vision becomes a reality. With this milestone collaboration between Aspen Group and TM, we will continue to make this a reality in every Aspen Group project,” added Dato’ Murly.

Under this agreement, TM will be collaborating with Aspen Group to offer various smart solutions and services to the residents of Aspen Vision City. These include security surveillance solutions, car sharing, digital signage, smart parking, energy, waste management and many more, in line with TM’s aspiration of “Life and Business Made Easier” for real estate developers, property owners, local councils, as well as the local community through its integrated Business Solutions.

Aspen Vision City is a long term development project undertaken by Aspen Group and Ikano Pte Ltd with aspirations to become a smart metropolis providing sustainable, comfortable and luxurious living for the community. Spanning across 245 acres in the heart of Batu Kawan, it is strategically located right at the landing point of the Second Penang Bridge and poised to emerge as a leading integrated and sustainable city in the Northern Region. Masterfully planned to be a thriving metropolis, Aspen Vision City is the home to the first IKEA Store and a regional integrated shopping centre, both managed by Ikano Pte Ltd. Among other key components include a Columbia Asia Hospital, a gated and guarded commercial enclave, residential and mixed developments, exclusive landed property, financial hub, a 4-star business hotel, an international school and a 25-acre central park in the midst of this vision city.

“Beyond all these physical components, we are also infusing intelligence through smart solutions and innovative services. With all these smart lifestyle conveniences, Aspen Vision City will become an attractive business location for international organisations and companies, an important centre for innovation in smart technologies, wellness, and a destination for smart business solutions in the region. With all these in place, it is expected to bring in multi-billion ringgit investments, create thousands of quality job opportunities and further strengthen the region’s economy, employment and international competitive edge,” added Dato’ Murly.

Apart from the converged telecommunications, ICT and Smart Services, both parties will further explore the creation of an Aspen Vision City portal or interactive channel using TM’s available platforms. In addition, a TM One-Stop Centre will be established in Aspen Vision City as the point of contact for all business telecommunications, ICT and BPO requirements, and other Smart Services as agreed by both parties.