Astro inks deal with Amazon Web Services as part of its digital strategy

Astro Malaysia Holdings Berhad and its group of companies (Astro) have signed an agreement with Amazon Web Services and its affiliates (AWS).The agreement allows Astro to use AWS cloud computing services and leverage AWS Professional Services for its group-wide digital and business transformation. Astro aims to digitalise at least 75% of its current technology infrastructure, applications and processes by year end.With a “Cloud First” approach, new services in video OTT such as Astro GO in Malaysia, and Tribe in Indonesia and Philippines, as well as e-commerce services like Go Shop in Malaysia and Singapore, will operate on AWS infrastructure. Meanwhile, legacy back end applications are also being aggressively migrated to the AWS Cloud.Astro is currently building on its analytics capabilities and customer intelligence to better serve its connected and mobile customers. To accelerate its transformation journey, Astro is hiring more software engineers and data scientists across various disciplines, and is engaging AWS training services for skill enablement.Dato’ Rohana Rozhan, group CEO, Astro, emphasised the need for the brand to uphold its position. She said, “Accelerating our ambition to better serve the increasingly digital lifestyle of today’s consumers is a key pillar for Astro. Our collaboration with AWS comes at a critical time, as we prepare ourselves to serve the next generation of consumers through products and services that best suit their needs.”The transformation journey involves all 5,000 employees of Astro’s employees, primarily by inculcating a “digital mindset” and creating a “culture of innovation”. Astro believes that these are the essential steps towards driving internal efficiency so that the organisation can be more agile in building its reach and relevance.“Astro’s commitment to digital transformation with AWS reflects their focus in providing the best experience for their customers. Their long term strategic approach in building a solid foundation with AWS gives them a business edge in the fast changing dynamic world of media,” said Nick Walton, head of ASEAN, Amazon Web Services. “We are thrilled to be working with the Astro team in their transformation journey to create innovative new services. This will enable them to capitalise on the emerging opportunities quickly and improve speed-to-market for new products.”