XOX targets a million more users

KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 21, 2014): XOX Bhd, the only listed mobile virtual network operator in Malaysia, aims to increase its subscriber base by one million users this year from the 300,000 active subscribers it currently has, said its group CEO Ng Kok Heng.
"There are two factors to growing our business that is, subscribers and average revenue per user (ARPU). We want to increase our ARPU but we will announce the target later. We are also finally ready to go to the mass market," he told SunBiz on the sidelines of a signing ceremony with the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) yesterday.
Ng said it is widening its subscriber base to include all young and technology-savvy Malaysians with more "techy" packages that are "cool, classy and convenient" which would appeal to a wider base. The company first started off by targeting predominantly young Chinese Malaysians.
"We are also targeting to go global and this Friday, we are having a product launch which will be available globally," he said, adding that it has a total of three product launches this year.
Out of its 300,000 active subscribers, 95% are prepaid customers. XOX's current ARPU is RM20 to RM23 for the prepaid segment and RM70 to RM75 for the postpaid segment.
Yesterday, the company signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with BAM as its official mobile technology sponsor. Under the MOU, XOX will support BAM in the development of the sports in Malaysia.
In return, the XOX logo will be featured on the national badminton team's kit and in A-boards in selected tournaments. National badminton team players may also be featured in XOX's promotional and publicity activities and materials.
"For the XOX brand, this sponsorship will introduce us to the large pool of Malaysians who follow the national badminton team and to a global audience of badminton fans who will associate XOX with the talent, skill and determination of our shuttlers," said XOX group managing director Datuk Eddie Chai Woon Chet, who is son to timber tycoon Tan Sri Chai Kin Kong. Kin Kong is executive director at Penang-based Sanbumi Holdings Bhd.
Woon Chet said the two-year deal with BAM is the first sports development initiative by the XOX brand.
According to Ng, while the sponsorship is more for branding purposes, it would also help widen its subscriber base as badminton fans comprise all ages, races and income groups.
He said it is also in talks with a few parties for more collaborations, including in the form of sponsorships and working partnerships.
XOX was established in 2005 and listed on the main market of Bursa Malaysia in 2011. Chai was appointed as its group managing director last Monday.