China Mobile Enters Malaysian Market with CMLink MVNO
Maxis and China Mobile International (CMI) have launched CMLink, a new MVNO in Malaysia.
The Malaysian telecom operator Maxis, has partnered with China Mobile International (CMI) to launch a new mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) service called CMLink.
The collaboration marks CMI’s first MVNO venture in Malaysia, following launches in other key international markets, including the UK, Singapore, Japan, Italy, and a “quasi MVNO” setup in Thailand via the operator TRUE, in which China Mobile is a shareholder.
The MVNO partnership was formally announced during the 2025 China Mobile SEA Cooperation Conference held in Kuala Lumpur. The unveiling was officiated by key executives, including China Mobile’s Executive Vice President Li Huidi and Maxis CEO Goh Seow Eng.
CMLink is specifically designed to meet the needs of students and professionals who frequently travel or live between China and Malaysia.
The service’s features include a China-Malaysia data-sharing plan, which allows users to stay connected in both countries, under the “one card, multiple numbers” feature.
The service enables users to manage multiple phone numbers (Multi IMSI) from different regions on a single SIM card, simplifying communication and connectivity.
According to a statement from Maxis, the partnership reinforces their commitment to fostering the MVNO ecosystem in Malaysia and builds upon a longstanding relationship with CMI.
The two companies previously signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in August 2024 to accelerate 5G initiatives and drive digital innovation in the telecommunications sector.
Following this introduction, we’ll delve into the historical context of telecommunications in the region, examining how government policies and technological advancements have shaped the current environment.
