MAXIS LAUNCHES MALAYSIA’S FIRST INTEGRATED EBOOK SERVICE

Kuala Lumpur, 12 April 2012

Malaysia's leading integrated communications service provider, Maxis Berhad (“Maxis”), today launched Maxis ebooks, Malaysia’s first integrated digital book service which can be used across devices. With the service, Maxis customers will have access to a selection of over 300,000 international and local ebooks from over 40 categories. Maxis ebooks features a user-friendly interface and runs on a cloud-based digital bookstore, where customers can download books for free onto their iPads or Android tablets, anytime and anywhere they want. For the future, Maxis is working closely with the relevant authorities and bodies to extend the current available ebook selection by offering digital versions of school books for children.

T. Kugan, Maxis’ Vice President and Head of Product, Device, Innovation & Roaming, said, “Maxis has recognised the shift towards digital content and with the launch of Maxis ebooks, we are looking at providing Malaysian readers with the hassle-free experience of browsing, purchasing and reading their favourite local and international books on their tablets or PCs. This will also provide local publishers, authors and educational institutions with a formidable platform that makes it possible for them to reach a larger audience.”
T. Kugan, Maxis’ Vice President and Head of Product, Device, Innovation & Roaming, sharing with the media the details on Maxis ebooks, during the launch event at Menara Maxis.

Maxis ebooks is available on devices using Apple and Android operating systems, such as iPads and Samsung Galaxy tabs, where users can sync their ebooks with up to six of their devices. The service also allows consumers to build their personal library of favourite titles and includes features like a dictionary, tagging and a notes function. The titles available include books that range from best-sellers and novels to lifestyle and self-help categories.

Prices for the digital books downloaded through Maxis ebooks range from RM8 to RM99 each in local languages including English, BM and Chinese, as well as international languages. There are also 45 free titles which are available to customers. Purchases will be reflected in customers’ Maxis bills or deducted from their Hotlink accounts.

As an added incentive, customers can download a free ebook from a selection of titles without incurring data charges until 31 May for those who download the books over Maxis’ 3G network.

As part of this service, Maxis is also looking to nurture the growth of local books and content by partnering with local publishers, authors and educational institutions to grow the amount of local content in its digital library. Todate, Maxis has already partnered with Cempaka Schools to eventually distribute learning content comprising publications and reference materials by its teachers through Maxis ebooks, enabling students to digitally access such content. Cempaka Schools is the first school with which Maxis is collaborating on this service, with plans to work with more schools in the future.

For more information on Maxis ebooks, please visit www.ebuuk.com.my or download the app for free from Google Play and Apple’s App Store.