Latest news with #AstroOne
The Star
31-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Local football season is back and official broadcaster Astro injects fresh energy into Liga Malaysia - from the field to the fans
Astro returns for the third consecutive season as the official broadcaster of the Malaysia League 2025-2026, delivering a closer and fresher viewing experience through Arena Bola (CH 803 & 804) and the sooka streaming platform. With 229 matches to be broadcast LIVE in high definition (HD), supporters can follow every goal, dramatic moment, and the best actions from anywhere — whether at home, in the stadium, or on the go via the Astro One pack and sooka. Nicholas John, Head of Sports, Astro said, 'Football is the heartbeat of millions of Malaysians, and Astro is proud to lead the way in fuelling this passion. Over the past two seasons, we've seen viewership grow by over 20%, with nearly 24 million views in total. "This proves that the interest for the local football league is thriving, and it resonates well with fans. For this season, Astro is taking a fresher approach by spotlighting a lineup of football experts. "These experts, formerly professional players, will now share their insights in the studio, offering authentic perspectives from the field to the screen. We are also committed to supporting grassroots development through our 'Ini Padang Kita' campaign, which aims to restore and reactivate community fields as hubs for nurturing talent and fostering community unity.' Further strengthening its commitment to Malaysian football, Astro also announced its partnership with U Mobile as the Official Broadcast Sponsor of the Malaysia League for the second consecutive year. This strategic collaboration expands the reach of local leagues and strengthens the passion for local football. Datuk Abdul Ghani Hassan, President, Malaysian Football League (MFL), added, 'This new season promises to be even more exciting and full of surprises, with clubs stepping up their pre-season preparations for their squads. "The addition of three new clubs - Melaka FC, Imigresen FC, and the return of Brunei-based DPMM FC - will add flavour to this season's competition." To make it more special, for the 2025–2026 Malaysia League season, Astro is strengthening its broadcast team with two seasoned football figures who will bring fresh insights to match analysis and coverage. The two new pundits are Akmal Rizal Ahmad Rakhli, a prolific national striker of the 2000s, and Farizal Marlias, the former national team's No. 1 goalkeeper. They join an existing lineup that includes Zaquan Adha, Safee Sali, Razman Roslan, Nizaruddin Yusof, Norshahrul Idlan Talaha (Mat Yo), and Dato' Zainal Abidin Hassan. Their presence enriches match analysis not only from tactical and technical angles, but also from the lens of former players who truly understand the heartbeat and rhythm of the game. This season, Astro also launches the 'Ini Padang Kita' campaign – a tribute and honour to the local football fields that have played an instrumental role in developing Malaysian football. "These fields are more than just patches of grass; they are the birthplace of dreams, the earliest battlegrounds, and spaces where players and supporters from diverse backgrounds come together," said Astro in an official press release. "Through this sustainability initiative, Astro is prioritising the restoration of community fields not just in terms of infrastructure but also as safe, inclusive spaces for the younger generation to train, play, and build their dreams. "More than just a campaign, 'Ini Padang Kita' reflects a strong commitment towards football development at the grassroot level that begins small within communities and not just in large stadiums." Astro also intends to elevate the local football viewing experience with a comprehensive approach that goes beyond the 90 minutes on the field. In addition to exclusive on-ground and post-match coverage, supporters at the stadium will also enjoy performances by popular artists, pre-match carnivals, and a variety of interactive activities. (Subscription for Astro One Sports Pack is priced at RM99.99/month or the sooka Sports & Entertainment Plan at RM29.60/month. Fans can also upgrade to Astro Fibre 500Mbps with the Sports Pack for RM189.99/month for a better streaming experience. To subscribe or upgrade to Astro One, visit or WhatsApp at 03 - 95433838.)
New Straits Times
20-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
HLIB cuts Astro forecasts after weak Q1 results, maintains 'sell' at 13 sen
KUALA LUMPUR: Astro Malaysia Holdings Bhd is expected to face limited near-term catalysts amidst a challenging macroeconomic environment and ongoing structural shifts in the media industry, according to Hong Leong Investment Bank Bhd (HLIB). HLIB said Astro continues to grapple with mounting structural challenges, particularly due to cord-cutting trends and intensifying competition from over-the-top platforms. The firm noted that the recent launch of the rebranded "Astro One", which offers simplified and lower-priced bundles such as entertainment, sports, and epic packs starting at RM49.90, aims to improve affordability and value perception. "While this initiative may support subscriber acquisition, it has also led to average revenue per user dilution, which declined to RM98," HLIB said. HLIB highlighted that subscription revenue has historically contributed between 62 per cent and 77 per cent of group revenue. "As such, although the new pricing strategy may be tactically sound, it introduces near-term pressure on top-line performance and profitability. "Despite Astro's strong position in local content creation, advertising expenditure (adex) remains muted, and revenue headwinds continue to persist," it added. HLIB has maintained a "sell" rating on Astro, with a target price of 13 sen. The firm believes that Astro's earnings visibility remains clouded in light of persistent subscription decline with cord-cutting behaviour and softening adex. For the first quarter ended April 30, 2025, Astro recorded core profit after tax and minority interest of RM700,000, which only made up one per cent of HLIB's and consensus full-year forecasts. The negative deviation was due to lower revenue caused by a decline in advertising and subscription revenue. Meanwhile, year-on-year top-line was down by nine per cent on the back of the reduction in subscription and advertising revenue. Segment-wise, both TV and radio fell by eight per cent and 28 per cent respectively. The contraction in TV was due to lower subscription and advertising revenue, while radio was impacted by soft consumer sentiment leading to lower advertising spend. In view of the results shortfall, HLIB has cut its financial year 2025 (FY25) and FY26 forecasts by 51 per cent and 58 per cent respectively.
The Star
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Exclusive Astro One packs for civil servants
Civil servants will get to enjoy special discounts on Astro One packages with complimentary channels. ASTRO, Malaysia's leading content and entertainment company, has launched a special, value-driven entertainment package, exclusively created to express appreciation for the dedicated service of Malaysia's civil servants. The Exclusive Civil Servants offer (Tawaran Eksklusif untuk Penjawat Awam) is immediately available to over 1.6 million civil servants in Malaysia. It is a testament to Astro's recognition of the vital role government employees play in the progress and well-being of the nation. The exclusive offer consists of Astro One packs, offering a variety of Astro's premium content including a wide selection of channels, Astro's signature local programmes, Astro Originals, on demand entertainment and Astro GO access. The packages include options for streaming services, news, education, sports, movies, local and international entertainment for civil servants and their families with diverse preferences while also maximising their entertainment budget. 'As a homegrown company deeply rooted in the fabric of Malaysian society, Astro has been a part of the nation's story for many years, connecting families and communities through our diverse content and services. 'We understand the vital role civil servants play in shaping our nation, and this special package reflects our gratitude, offering valuable entertainment at a more affordable price. 'We understand the importance of providing accessible and enjoyable content, and we believe this package delivers exceptional value,' said Astro chief sales and marketing officer Tai Kam Leong. Enhanced value As part of the package, all civil servants will also enjoy exclusive offers and discounts for the Astro One Entertainment and Sports packs. These offers make Astro's most popular packs more affordable and accessible for civil servants. Highlights include substantial savings of up to RM960 along with complimentary viewing of the Kids Add-On and free installation via Plug and Play. Full details on the offer are as below: The Astro One Entertainment Pack provides access to more than 100 channels with a captivating array of both local and international content designed to cater to every member in the family. Exclusive for civil servants at RM39.99/month (RRP: RM49.99), customers can indulge in popular shows like Big Stage Alpha, Dia Bukan Syurga, Seribu Tahun, Astro Originals' First Wives and many more. In addition, with free access to Astro GO, customers can stream their favourite content anytime, anywhere. Sports fans can opt for the Astro One Sports Pack, which has everything in the Astro One Entertainment Pack in addition to a sports-filled fiesta of live sports including the Premier League, Badminton World Federation (BWF) events, Liga Malaysia, Sepak Takraw League, Formula 1, MotoGP, cricket, tennis and more at only RM69.99/month (RRP: RM99.99). All customers on the civil servants offer will also enjoy complimentary Kids Add-On (RRP: RM9.99) with access to six channels for children such as Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, CBeebies and more. Astro is committed to supporting the well-being of the Malaysian community and recognises the indispensable contributions of civil servants to the nation's development. It believes that this initiative will not only provide value to civil servants but also strengthen the bond between Astro and the community it serves. Civil servants can visit the website or WhatsApp 03-9543 3838 to sign up for the "Tawaran Eksklusif untuk Penjawat Awam" packs. Proof of civil service employment or pension card (for retirees) will be required during the sign-up process. *Terms and conditions apply. Monthly discounted pricing and complimentary viewing valid for 24 months.
Barnama
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Barnama
Astro Salutes Malaysia's Civil Servants, Offering Savings Up To RM960
KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 (Bernama) -- In recognition of civil servants as the backbone of Malaysia's development, Astro, the nation's leading content and entertainment provider, launched a special value-driven entertainment package with savings of up to RM960 for them. In a statement released today, Astro said the 'Exclusive Civil Servants Offer' consists of Astro One packs, offering a variety of premium content, including a wide selection of channels, Astro's signature local programmes, Astro Originals, on-demand entertainment and Astro GO access. It said the offer, which is available immediately to over 1.6 million civil servants in Malaysia, is a testament to Astro's recognition of the vital role government employees play in the nation's progress and well-being. 'Recognising the diverse preferences of civil servants and their families, the packages include options for streaming services, news, education, sports, films, and local and international entertainment while also maximising their entertainment budget,' the statement said. As part of the exclusive offer, all civil servants will enjoy exclusive offers and discounts for the Astro One Entertainment and Sports packs, making Astro's most popular packages more affordable and accessible. 'Highlights include substantial savings of up to RM960 along with complimentary viewing of the Kids Add-On and free installation via Plug and Play,' it said. According to Astro, the Astro One Entertainment Pack provides access to more than 100 channels, featuring a captivating array of local and international content designed for all family members. For civil servants, Astro is offering an exclusive monthly rate of RM39.99 compared to the recommended retail price (RRP) of RM49.99 per month, with customers able to enjoy popular shows including Big Stage Alpha, Dia Bukan Syurga, Seribu Tahun, and Astro Originals' First Wives and many more. "In addition, with free access to Astro GO, customers can stream their favourite content anytime, anywhere," it said.
