It might be trailing Maxis in sheer mobile subscriber numbers, but DiGi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd (DiGi) has been recognised by Forbes Magazine as one of the world’s most innovative companies, ranked alongside such global business giants as Amazon.com, Starbucks, Coca-Cola, Colgate-Palmolive and H&M.
Just slipping in at 100th place, DiGi is also the only Malaysian company to make it on the list, which was dominated by American ventures. From Southeast Asia, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia had one company making the Forbes list each. Eight Japanese companies made it onto the list, as did six from China and five from India. US companies took up 39 spots on this year’s rankings.
Forbes states that the companies on its list were ranked on what it calls “innovation premium”, a benchmark designed by business school professors Jeff Dyer and Hal Gregersen. “Innovation premium” measures “how much the stock market thinks a company will come up with fresh, money-making ideas over and above its existing businesses over the next several years”.
Lowyat.net reports that DiGi CEO Lars Norling said in response to the telco’s inclusion in the list thusly:
“We’re proud to be recognised by Forbes for our deep track record on driving innovation in all areas of our business… Over the years, we have gained a reputation not only for being one of Malaysian’s favourite brands but for consistently driving growth through innovation.”
