Trying to 'challenge' the status quo or the norm, that's the general picture of one of these local digital mobile service provider companies. But what is it? It is none other than Yoodo, which is also a digital telecommunications brand supervised under the CelcomDigi company for the time being.
As a user or not, we're sure you already know there are things different about Yoodo's offerings compared to other telecommunication companies. Where they give freedom to users in determining the products or services provided according to taste and ability. This is seen as interesting compared to fixed plans or contracts where not all products are provided for the needs of users.
Through our exclusive interview session with Yoodo Chief, Chow Tuck Mun discussed various topics covering new developments, directions and current focus. At the same time, he also shared Yoodo's future plans in an effort to create a truly unexpected user experience. Let's follow this special conversation to know more.
Thecekodok: Yoodo is a telecommunications company that is still "young" in Malaysia. How has it developed so far, and what is the uniqueness applied in giving Yoodo an advantage over others?
CTM, Yoodo: Before going into the deeper sharing, it's good for me to tell you a little about Yoodo. As many know, Yoodo is a local digital mobile service provider that provides the ability to self-modify data plans as needed. This means that users can modify the products provided whether it is data, calls or sms, which in turn also provides an ideal space for them to make a choice.
For example, a user wants to buy 20GB of data this month. Then you can choose whether you want to add anything or otherwise in the future depending on each individual's needs. So this is the main purpose and mission of Yoodo. This at the same time makes our offer quite unique with a combination of plans amounting to millions of options - making Yoodo even more unique because it is different from other telecommunication companies that set options and simply offer around a few options of plans that users are forced to subscribe to, even if they are not completely suitable for them.
Therefore when we launch any new product, it must have the same value proposition element which is digital and can be modified. In fact, this approach has also been used on existing products, then users can purchase any add-on through the Yoodo application dashboard such as spotify, PUBG, Nextflix and so on.
Likewise with Yoodo's new product that is expected to be available in the coming months, where Yoodo will allow users to change their respective billing cycles. That is, if now the billing cycle is fixed up to 30 days, later users will be given the option to change it according to their own convenience, for example reaching 90 days or more. Of course, it is interesting and the longer the billing cyle, the more rewards and discounts may be available.
Thecekodok: What about the 5G era which is now the focus for all telecommunications companies?
CTM, Yoodo : 5G is not only something interesting but also has many benefits. To summarize, 5G is able to offer a better connection experience for users including increased speed, reduced latency and consistent network quality. So how does it provide value to consumers?
Well for a simple example, let's say Yoodo now has an add on option for Netflix. This means you can watch videos through your smartphone and theoretically stream Netflix in 4K with ease. Indirectly, this can open opportunities for Yoodo to design products with various 5G offers that are able to meet the needs of streaming that are expanding for example.
The same process also applies to mobile games (first), which as we know Yoodo is heavily involved in the segment. If you are a hardcore gamer, you must know about all game terms such as low ping, low latency and others. Here, 5G will make for an enhanced gaming experience which means that Yoodo will also be present with products focusing on the corresponding first elements.
At the same time, if you are aware, the evolution of 5G has also contributed towards the increasing use of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies. But not many applications support it at the moment. Even if you have one of them, it needs a stable and fast network to work properly.
So I feel 5G has the potential to facilitate the growth of new industries like AR and VR. In addition to enabling better connectivity in the future for example such as humans with machines and also machines with machines.
Yoodoo
In addition, 5G also enables the use of more sophisticated technology in various industrial fields such as automotive for example. What I mean here is that we as a telecommunications company can be the backbone in providing technology that requires better connectivity.
In simple terms, 5G can enhance new collaborations that can be explored together by various industry sectors and telecommunications companies including automotive, medicine and agriculture.
Thecekodok: Yoodo also offers 5G right? How is it so far?
CTM, Yoodo : True, Yoodo itself has also provided a free trial of 5G services for a limited time. Where internet coverage uses the Celcom network which is now known as CelcomDigi since we are also part of it. It is not automatically available, instead users need to purchase data or re-subscribe at least 10GB to access 5G.
Users only need to open the application to purchase or re-subscribe data, then tick in the 5G trial pass section indicating that they agree to try. But they also need to ensure that smartphones are used that support 5G to enjoy it.
As long as it supports 5G, then it can only be used in areas or zones that have that service. This trial has been given since mid-February, but we are still waiting for the right time to launch the actual plan for 5G.
Thecekodok: Unlike some other companies, Yoodo is quite active in the sports arena. Why is this arena the choice?
CTM, Yoodo : As a digital mobile service provider company, Yoodo also targets modern style users. What this means here are users who are literate and skilled with the latest technology, where they can manage various things through applications for example. In this situation, it usually also involves a lot of the younger generation (Gen Y & Z). In simple terms, we at Yoodo do not target generational groups but rather behaviours. What they are interested in and like.
If, for example, users are interested in the K-POP genre, we also try to get involved. It's a matter of noticing that digital users also involve a lot of electronic sports or sports that can be described as sports activities without borders. Therefore, this is what drives Yoodo to get involved in the segment. Here Yoodo will provide quality network as well as good products for a pleasant gaming experience. In addition, Yoodo is also always officially involved in e-sports tournaments, at the same time also effective in building brand awareness.
Thecekodok: Speaking of sports, how has the Yoodo sports team progressed so far?
CTM, Yoodo : As for the development of the Yoodo sports team, we have announced the new Yoodo Alliance team before. Yoodo collaborated with Alliance, an international sports organization in Sweden to introduce the PUBG Mobile game. They also showed an impressive performance when they managed to take third place in the PUBG Mobile Pro League (PMPL) SEA Season 4 and the PUBG Mobile Pro League – MYSG Season 4: Final.
In addition, Yoodo is also actively involved in the Mobile Legend Bang Bang (MLBB) game through the 'Yodoo Red Giants' squad. For additional context behind the name, it's interesting because the Red Giants are the nickname of Selangor FC, which is the Selangor football club – and the association with Yoodo as one of the main sponsors of the squad.
After discussing, both parties have a common goal, in addition to having abilities and talents that can be transferred to the sports arena. At the same time, we also have sports experts who can help increase engagement in the segment.
Thecekodok: We have also noticed recently, that Yoodo is also interested in the vtubers arena. Can you comment on it?
CTM, Yoodo : Speaking of Vtubers (Virtual YouTubers), we haven't fully launched yet. Therefore I cannot comment further on it. Yoodo is generally an innovative company, so we will always be involved in many new things.
This includes new digital products, and even how we do marketing also requires new innovation. Back to Vtubers, it's a new innovation to be a virtual influencer and we want to try it out. But we haven't fully launched because we are still in the development of the project that has not yet had the final result.
Thecekodok: How does Yoodo ensure that customers are always satisfied with the services offered?
CTM, Yoodo : As a telecommunications company, we need to ensure that the service provided is good. Whether it involves network services or connections. We also work with the parent company Celcom to ensure that the services offered can exhibit satisfactory quality among users.
Then of course there is customer service. For example if a customer has a problem we should help and solve it quickly. This action also only indirectly makes customers feel valued and enjoy using our services. At the same time, they will always be there to help, no matter what difficulties are encountered.
The next priority is to ensure that customers remain loyal by providing many attractive offers and discounts. For example, right now we are making an attractive offer for the MLBB game, where users can choose an add on for only RM1 for 20GB of data. This is one of the attractive offers more economical than the original price which is RM3. We provide such attractive offers for a certain time and see what the results are.
Furthermore, we are also committed to meeting the ever-changing needs of consumers by providing new products and ideas. For example, like what I explained at the beginning of this conversation about the billing cycle. Where users can extend the payment time cycle which we feel will be an attractive offer. We also promise more exciting offers for those who remain loyal.
We at Yoodo also always appreciate our customers by providing various attractive gifts through the giveaway campaign, Yoodo Belanja. This campaign is usually held every month by offering various vouchers, tickets and so on for free. We have also worked with partners in various ways to have the opportunity to offer users attractive discounts whether for travel, relaxation and so on.
For example, a user buys 10 add ons and we add another add on that is given for free. In my opinion, this is what makes Yoodo stand out from the rest.
Thecekodok: So, what other innovations and innovations can we see?
CTM, Yoodo : The next plan is of course that we will continue to launch new products. Then we also want to make the application more user-friendly, where more improvements can be made over time. For example now the SIM registration process requires the user to scan the given code, then the time taken is around 5 to 6 minutes. It's already fast compared to the industry, and Yoodo continues to look to improve and speed up the process even more.
We at Yoodo are looking for ways to shorten that time, perhaps by upgrading the scanning capabilities of these codes. At the same time, we have also changed the design for customer bill invoices to be simpler. The reason is that before there were customers who complained about it and now it has been modified to make it simpler and easier to understand. At Yoodo, customers are important and a good experience should be provided.
One more thing, Yoodo will also continue to improve the lifestyle marketing landscape related to the user's lifestyle by providing more activities involving the community. It includes activities involving sports, entertainment and others.
Touching a bit on ChatGPT which is now widely discussed, it seems to have neither effect nor affect so far. In fact, it has given us new ideas. For now, we are not implementing any further usage in operation. But, the use of artificial intelligence and so on opens up room for better services, for example in the provision of customer service and others.
For now too, I cannot comment on CelcomDigi. Many may already be aware of the instructions issued by MCMC regarding the consolidation of CelcomDigi, and its effect on Yoodo. Further processes regarding business operations are still ongoing, and we are unable to share about them at this time. But, I can say that Yoodo will stay for now. The only thing that users will see is that Yoodo will continue to grow in the field of telecommunications by offering more and more interesting new products from time to time.