Robi’s data leadership to drive TechCo transition with Axiata’s AI backing: Group CEO

Axiata Berhad Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Nik Rizal Kamil has said Robi's leadership in the data business is the foundation of its transition into a technology company (TechCo), with the group's AI capabilities set to support the shift.

In an interview with BSS, Nik Rizal Kamil said Robi has been trying to take on the identity of a TechCo, and its market leadership in data is the biggest measurable success so far in this regard.

"I think the biggest measurable success in this regard is our market leadership in data because it is the data business that creates the foundation of TechCo," he said.

Axiata, a Malaysian telecoms and technology group, is the parent company of mobile operator Robi and tower company Edotco, which owns and manages approximately 54,000 towers across Southeast and South Asia. The group says its portfolio serves more than 190 million customers.

The Axiata Group CEO said Robi is well poised as the market leader in the data business, which he described as the outcome of focused investment in 4G from the very beginning in 2018, when it was launched in Bangladesh.

Robi is eager to maintain this lead by ensuring 4G coverage and capacity throughout the country, he said, adding that the focus will remain on raising data speed for customers, whether on 4G or 5G.

Explaining how the data business opens the way for new services, he said, "When you have earned the trust of the customers, you naturally are in a position to leverage your position to introduce innovative products and services."

He said businesses such as cloud, data centre and IoT will follow, but everything will hinge on how capable Robi is in leveraging AI, which in turn is premised on the amount of data a company deals with.

"So our data leadership serves as the building block to our emergence as a TechCo in future," he said.

On the role of AI, the Axiata chief said the group increasingly views it as more than a technology initiative.

"Across Axiata, we increasingly view AI not just as a technology initiative, but as a strategic enabler of productivity, growth and value creation," he said.

He said one advantage of being part of Axiata is the ability to share successful AI use cases and capabilities across markets, allowing operating companies to scale innovation faster and more effectively.

Within Robi, AI is already being applied in areas such as network planning, customer engagement, operational efficiency and business analytics, and its role is expected to expand significantly over time, he said.

Nik Rizal Kamil said Axiata now has cross-company taskforces focusing on priority areas such as AI-native customer lifecycle management, AI-enabled customer experience, data monetisation and autonomous networks. Robi benefits directly from these group-wide initiatives, he said.

He said Robi can also benefit from innovations that have already demonstrated success elsewhere in the group's portfolio, including advanced analytics, enterprise solutions and digital monetisation models.

Beyond traditional telecoms, Axiata has developed a technology portfolio comprising Boost, ADA and Axonect. Boost is the group's fintech and digital financial services business and includes Boost Bank, operated with RHB Banking Group in Malaysia.

ADA focuses on data analytics and artificial intelligence, while Axonect provides software and digital solutions.

Describing Axiata as a Smart Asset Manager, he said the group's role goes beyond that of a traditional holding company. For Robi, this means access to regional talent, proven operating models, AI capabilities and successful initiatives from across Asia, he said.

Axiata is an active asset manager with operations and investments across Southeast and South Asia, and its key markets are Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Pakistan and the Philippines.

Its core telecommunications portfolio comprises Celcom Digi in Malaysia, XLSMART in Indonesia, Dialog in Sri Lanka, Robi in Bangladesh and Smart in Cambodia. The group has controlling stakes in Dialog, Robi and Smart, while Celcom Digi and XLSMART are jointly controlled entities.

Its infrastructure portfolio also includes Linknet in Indonesia, which focuses on wholesale fibre and Fibre-to-the-Home connectivity.

On cybersecurity, he said trust is fundamental to the digital economy and cybersecurity and data privacy must be embedded into the design of networks, digital platforms and customer services from the outset. Axiata and Robi continue to invest in strengthening cybersecurity capabilities, governance frameworks and risk management practices, he added.

Nik Rizal Kamil said Robi has long supported entrepreneurship and innovation in Bangladesh and will continue working with stakeholders to strengthen the environment needed for startups and digital businesses to scale and succeed.

Under Axiata28: Advancing Asia, he said, the group's ambition is to realise Robi's full potential as a leading digital connectivity and technology player while continuing to create long-term value for customers, the country and shareholders.

The strategy focuses on portfolio optimisation, disciplined capital allocation, AI-driven operational efficiency and stronger returns, as the group transforms from a connectivity-led telecom group into an increasingly technology-oriented business.