This just in. According to PC.com, CEO of Packet One Networks (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (“P1”), Michael Lai, has resigned, citing personal reasons. Taking over the helm of the 4G operator, is Green Packet Group Founder, CC Puan.
Under Lai’s stewardship, P1 has grown from its humble beginnings as the first Malaysian WIMAX operator in 2008, to serving over 517,000 subscribers across Malaysia today. P1 recently expanded its operations to Sabah.
P1 is set to rollout its 4G LTE network in the second half of this year. P1 has established itself as a leading 4G player in South East Asia and also one of nine Steering Committee Members of Global TD-LTE Initiative (GTI), representing Malaysia and South East Asia. The GTI now has a membership of over 50 operators, with a total of 12 with TD-LTE networks available globally.
P1 has consistently won accolades for its service since its inception including the Red Herring Asia’s Most Innovative Private Technology Company (2008), Frost & Sullivan Malaysia Telecom Awards – Most Promising Service Provider of the Year (2010) and GoMobile – Best Home Broadband award (2012). And who can forget the brilliant “Sudah Potong?” Campaign which won a Gold award at the Malaysia Effie Awards.
“I had the great pleasure to carry out the first part of P1, CC Puan and the Board’s vision to see P1 take its place as one of Malaysia’s leading 4G telco serving converged fixed and wireless broadband, and voice services with next generation technology. I pass the baton now to CC to assume the P1 CEO role. I believe he will be the best person to see P1 through to its ultimate goal,” says Lai.
CC Puan said, “Lai has been a big figure at P1. It will take awhile for us to get used to not having him here as the face of P1 anymore. I really am grateful for his efforts for all these years.”
The shocking announcement follows the recent departures of senior executives in rival telco, Maxis, as well.
Just as Steve Jobs was to Apple, Lai has been the friendly, familiar face of P1. The nicest guy in the telco space as I always say, will be certainly be missed, I reckon. I personally wish Michael Lai all the best as he moves on to other endeavours and challenges.
Good luck, Michael. Keep rocking!
