Malaysia’s Mobile Operators to Launch New Federated Network Service to Help Online Businesses Combat Fraud and Digital Identity Theft
CelcomDigi, Maxis, U Mobile, Telekom Malaysia and YTL Communications announce plans to launch Number Verification API, as part of GSMA Open Gateway initiative
Malaysia’s leading mobile operators, CelcomDigi Berhad, Maxis, U Mobile, Telekom Malaysia (TM) and YTL Communications today unveiled plans to launch a new federated network service for online businesses to help them combat fraud and digital identity theft, through the GSMA Open Gateway initiative.
Speaking at the Digital Nation Summit, Kuala Lumpur ASEAN Edition, the operators outlined plans to provide enterprise developers at banks and online retailers with federated access to a service called Number Verification API (Application Programmable Interface). Federated Open Gateway helps developers build a service that can work with every participating operator, while allowing each operator to keep control of its data, policy and revenue. The software provides an interface, interoperability and cross-market coverage, so companies can easily connect their services to the rich, intelligent functionality that mobile operator networks can provide.
This collaboration builds on the innovative progress already being made in Malaysia, where operators are ready to roll out API-enabled services, starting with the Number Verification API for enterprises and ecosystem partners. Working with Malaysia’s mobile operators, developers will be able to use Number Verification to verify a customer’s mobile number to improve strong authentication and user experience. This API is a groundbreaking innovation and a potential more secure replacement for SMS OTPs (One-Time Passwords). It allows businesses to verify a mobile user’s identity by matching their phone number against real-time network data to protect Malaysians against digital scams, simultaneously ensuring a seamless user experience.
Albern Murty, CelcomDigi’s Acting CEO said: “This collaboration is a technological milestone that represents how Malaysia’s operators can collectively lead in shaping a trusted and inclusive digital future. It marks a pivotal step towards building a safer, seamless digital ecosystem for businesses and consumers – one that protects Malaysians from scams, inspires confidence in digital services, and fuels innovation across ASEAN. We are pleased to join forces with industry peers in pioneering secure, API-driven solutions that strengthen trust and open new pathways for the region’s digital economy to grow.”
Goh Seow Eng, Chief Executive Officer of Maxis said: “As an early supporter of the GSMA Open Gateway initiative, Maxis has been a key driver in the adoption of telco APIs in Malaysia. We have already demonstrated the power of the Number Verification API to combat digital fraud through two key initiatives: our Mobile Identity solution for Malaysian enterprises, and a landmark regional collaboration with operators in Thailand and Singapore. Building on this foundation, we are fully committed to this industry-wide collaboration to accelerate API-driven innovation, creating a more seamless mobile experience and building a more secure digital Malaysia for everyone.”
Neil Tomkinson, Chief Information Officer of U Mobile, said: “U Mobile is the nation’s newest 5G network provider, and we are committed to enabling safer digital spaces for all Malaysians to thrive and reap the benefits of next generation technologies. Apart from being the first telco in Malaysia to launch Open Gateway developer portal with two GSMA-certified APIs, today we are proud to also be part of the federated access launch of Number Verification API with industry peers. We believe this latest initiative is key to combating digital scam and fraud as multi-party engagement, information sharing as well as strategic policy enforcement will definitely enhance customer experience as well as safety online.”
Amar Huzaimi Md Deris, TM Group Chief Executive Officer said: “TM is firmly committed to this collaboration. With our mobile core network ready, and through close partnership with GSMA and other telcos, we will ensure a seamless and secure experience for enterprises in Malaysia and across our global customer base through federated access. This is a key step in our journey to provide trusted, sovereign and secure digital solutions, protecting businesses and consumers from fraud while powering growth in the digital economy.”
Wing K. Lee, Chief Executive Officer of YTL Communications said “YTL Communications is proud to collaborate with global industry leaders through the GSMA Open Gateway Programme to combat fraud and redefine customer experience. As a champion of Malaysia’s digital future, we are committed to building a trusted digital economy—from our class-leading AI Cloud infrastructure to pioneering Malaysia’s first sovereign LLM, ILMU, which powers Ryt, our AI-native digital bank. Our participation in the GSMA Open Gateway Programme will accelerate these investments and enable SMEs and enterprises alike to thrive in an inclusive, secure, and innovation-driven digital ecosystem.”
Julian Gorman, Head of Asia Pacific, GSMA, said: “Online scams and fraud are a growing concern for everyone across the ASEAN region and unless tackled properly could erode public trust in the digital economy. So, we commend this proactive initiative by Malaysia’s leading operators, which is a milestone for the GSMA Open Gateway programme. By providing banks and online commerce sites with standardized, seamless access to the rich mobile functionality available in networks we can help accelerate industry’s efforts to tackle online crime.”
The Malaysian initiative forms part of the global GSMA Open Gateway programme, which now includes more than 79 mobile operator groups representing 291 networks and nearly 80% of mobile connections worldwide. By bringing together operators from around the world, the GSMA Open Gateway initiative facilitates the design of digital products capable of operating seamlessly on all devices, regardless of the country or operator. The service APIs are available through the CAMARA repository, an open-source project by the Linux Foundation and a fundamental part of the GSMA Open Gateway initiative.
