Axiata Group Berhad has recognized the outstanding contribution made by Robi towards development of the ICT sector in Bangladesh in 2015. The company was conferred the National Contribution award 2015 at the Axiata Senior Leadership Forum held recently. Among other awards, Robi was also recognized with the Best People Management Award for the 4th consecutive year for demonstrating excellence in People Management in Axiata Group.
Robi’s National Contribution award reflects the lead role played by the company in partnering with the government for the rapid realization of the Digital Bangladesh aspiration.
It may be noted that as one of the largest Asian telecommunication companies, Axiata today 
operates in ten countries, servicing approximately 290 million subscribers. With a diverse portfolio in mobile network operations, communications infrastructure services and digital services, the Group pieces together the best in connectivity, technology and people in its vision of Advancing Asia.
In 2015, Robi’s operations in Bangladesh supported the employment of more than 120,000 people through direct and indirect means. Out of this, 1,824 employees were directly employed by Robi. Robi is also committed to a robust corporate responsibility framework with focus on ICT-Education, Environment and Health. Besides, approximately 74 per cent of Robi’s procurement activities in 2015 were done through local suppliers; providing a big boost to the local economy.
In terms of the company’s ever expanding role in the social uplift, 2015 was certainly a milestone year. Having the privilege of becoming the proud sponsor for the national cricket team was one such achievement. But perhaps the biggest Corporate Responsibility (CR) initiative of the year for Robi has been the launch of Internet.org in partnership with Facebook.
Initiatives to enable Digital Bangladesh
- Internet.org/ Free Basics: Robi was the first operator in Bangladesh to pioneer the introduction of free internet platform of Facebook known as Internet.org or Free Basics The initiative in true sense had allowed basic internet connectivity for all in the country.
- Dhaka University e-Library: The inauguration of the e-Library at the Dhaka University ushered in a new era of quality education. Connecting 35 libraries worldwide, the e-Library is benefitting 800+ students and 200+ teachers every day.
- Internet4U: Robi took up another CR project titled “Internet4U” with a view to raise awareness among the youth on the effective and appropriate use of internet. Daylong sessions were organized at the divisional public libraries in Rangpur, Rajshahi, Khulna, Sylhet and Barisal in 2015.
Supporting High School Programming Contest: Robi also supported the National High School Programming Contest organized by the ICT Division of the Ministry of Posts & Telecommunications in 2015. The unique initiative encouraged the budding young talents to devote their attention to programming for solving problems affecting the society.
EducationEnglish in School through the englishinschools project, Robi has worked with the English teachers of the 100 selected schools in Sylhet, Rajshahi, Khulna and Chittagong. In partnership with The Daily Star newspaper, Robi endeavored to introduce modern teaching methods in the selected schools of the four regions with a view to raise the standard of education in English. : In partnership with UCEP Bangladesh, Robi has taken up a CR Project named “Gori Nijer Bhobishshot”, to help 500 underprivileged young male and females by giving them training on RMG, Electronics and the fast evolving field of Mobile Servicing.
Disaster Response: Having adopted the global principles for disaster response “Humanitarian Connectivity Charter”, Robi has been swift in its response in the wake of the devastating earthquake hitting Nepal and the tragic incidence taking place at the Hajj. On both occasions, Robi announced 48 hours of free incoming and outgoing calls to Saudi Arab and Nepal.
ABOUT ROBI:
Robi Axiata Limited is a joint venture between Axiata Group Berhad, of Malaysia and NTT DoCoMo Inc., of Japan. Robi is the second largest mobile phone operator in Bangladesh in terms of revenue, with 27.6 million subscribers, as of February 2016. Robi network provides nationwide coverage to 99% of the population with 13,444 BTSs and over 3,951 3.5G sites. Robi proudly claims to have the widest international roaming service in the market, connecting about 385 operators across more than 145 countries. It is also the first operator to introduce GPRS and 3.5G services in Bangladesh. The Company has introduced many first of its kind digital services in the country and has invested heavily in taking mobile financial services to the underserved communities in the rural and semi-urban areas.
About Axiata
As one of the largest Asian telecommunication companies, Axiata today operates in ten countries, servicing approximately 290 million subscribers. With a diverse portfolio in mobile network operations, communications infrastructure services and digital services, the Group pieces together the best in connectivity, technology and people in its vision of Advancing Asia.
Axiata has controlling stakes in market leading mobile operators in South East Asia and South Asia. Axiata Group of companies operate under the brand name of ‘Celcom’ in Malaysia, ‘XL’ in Indonesia, ‘Dialog’ in Sri Lanka, ‘Robi’ in Bangladesh, ‘Smart’ in Cambodia and ‘Ncell’ in Nepal. Further to this, the Group also holds strategic interests in ‘Idea’ in India and ‘M1’ in Singapore.
‘edotco’, the Group’s infrastructure company, operates in six countries to deliver telecommunications infrastructure services, amassing a portfolio of over 16,000 towers and 12,000 km of fibre. It aims to be one of the top regional tower companies and is committed to responsible and sustainable business operations.
Axiata Digital (AD), its digital services arm, captures the rapid growth in internet-based businesses through its portfolio of 24 digital brands, servicing growing demands in mobile money, mobile adverting, e-commerce, entertainment and education.
As a committed and long-term investor, Axiata provides employment to 25,000 people within its operations. In line with its sustainability goals, the Group actively supports and drives young talent development; disaster response and recovery; as well as green initiatives.
