Project Details


WSIS Prizes Contest 2025 Nominee

REFSYNCH: Paperless Reference Document Management Portal for TM's Content Censorship Operation


Go Paperless! Go Green!

Description

At the heart of every environmental challenge lies the urgent need to preserve our precious natural resource, our TREES - currently depleting at an alarming rate. To help preserve these vital resources, RefSynch was developed as a sustainable, paperless solution to transform the TM Content Censorship Operation, which once relied heavily on printed reference documents.

The operation consumed over 157,000 sheets of paper annually, contributing to 786.63kg of CO2 emissions, and required 4,620 AHT of employee time each year for manual printing, delivery and document management. This outdated process not only wasted resources but also affected operational efficiency.

RefSynch addresses these challenges by digitizing and centralizing reference documents into a single, accessible digital portal. The solution eliminates the need for physical printing, reducing paper consumption and operational costs. Additionally, automated reporting and data processing improve overall productivity.

By implementing RefSynch, operational costs dropped by 63%, from RM439,365 to RM159,000 annually. Productivity increased by 29%, freeing employees from manual tasks. The paperless solution saves approximately 17 trees per year and supports a greener, more efficient future.

RefSynch is more than just a technological advancement—it is a commitment to sustainability, making every action count in the fight to save our environment.

Project website

https://ejaz.tm.com.my/refsynch/auth/login.php


Images

Action lines related to this project
  • AL C6. Enabling environment 2025
Sustainable development goals related to this project
  • Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth
  • Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure
  • Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production
  • Goal 13: Climate action

Coverage
  • Selangor, Malaysia

Status

Completed

Start date

February 2024

End date

October 2024


Replicability

RefSynch is highly replicable across various sectors where paper-based processes and document management are prevalent. Its core functionality—digitizing and centralizing reference documents—makes it adaptable to several industries:

Government Agencies & Public Services: Many government departments still rely on printed forms and manual document handling. RefSynch can help digitize workflows, reduce paper usage, and improve operational efficiency, particularly for official documents and records.

Educational Institutions: Schools, colleges, and universities can use RefSynch to manage course materials, research papers, and administrative documents. Centralizing educational resources digitally would cut paper consumption, improve collaboration, and streamline access to materials for both students and staff.

Corporate Environments: Large companies often struggle with managing reference documents, reports, and internal communications. RefSynch can help businesses digitize their operations, reduce storage costs, and promote a more sustainable workplace by eliminating paper-based processes.

Healthcare Sector: Hospitals and clinics can benefit from RefSynch by digitizing patient records, medical references, and research documents. This improves access, ensures data security, and reduces administrative burdens while complying with regulatory standards.

Nonprofit Organizations: RefSynch helps nonprofits manage large volumes of printed materials for outreach, reporting, and communication, enabling them to reduce their environmental footprint and enhance efficiency.

In all these sectors, RefSynch improves productivity, cuts costs, and supports sustainability.


Sustainability

Yes, RefSynch is a sustainable project. Developed in-house by TM with zero external costs, it utilizes open-source technologies such as Python for data processing and PHP for web development. These languages are cost-effective, widely supported, and flexible, ensuring long-term sustainability without requiring heavy ongoing development. The project’s simplicity and reliance on accessible technologies reduce the need for costly upgrades or external dependencies. This makes RefSynch not only a low-cost solution but also one that can easily scale and adapt over time, maintaining its effectiveness and eco-friendly impact without draining resources


WSIS values promotion

RefSynch promotes WSIS values, particularly in C2 - Enabling Environment, by creating a digital ecosystem that fosters collaboration, innovation, and accessibility within the community. By transforming paper-based processes into a paperless, digital workflow, RefSynch enhances operational efficiency and creates an environment where employees have easy access to real-time information. This not only empowers staff but also ensures that critical reference materials are readily available, supporting informed decision-making. Moreover, RefSynch’s reliance on open-source technologies like Python and PHP reduces costs, ensuring that a sustainable and inclusive digital infrastructure is in place. This aligns with WSIS's goal of creating an enabling environment where ICT is used to improve productivity, enhance communication, and contribute to overall development. The project demonstrates how ICT can be leveraged to create a more efficient, collaborative, and innovative work environment, while supporting the broader goals of sustainable digital transformation within the community.


Entity name

TM Technology Services Sdn. Bhd. (Group Network Technology) (TM Tech)

Entity country—type

Malaysia Private Sector

Entity website

https://tm.com.my/