Singtel (Singapore Telecommunications Limited)

Singapore Telecommunications Limited (Singtel) is a leading communications technology group headquartered in Singapore. Established over 140 years ago, it has evolved from a traditional telecom provider into a digital transformation leader, offering services in mobile, broadband, ICT, cloud, cybersecurity, and digital banking.

Operating across 21 countries, Singtel serves over 770 million mobile customers through its network of regional associates, including AIS (Thailand), Globe Telecom (Philippines), Telkomsel (Indonesia), and Airtel (India & Africa).

With its tagline “Leading in the Digital Age,” Singtel continues to play a crucial role in shaping Singapore’s Smart Nation vision and driving Asia’s 5G, AI, and digital connectivity revolution.

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Historical Background

• 1879: Singapore’s first telephone exchange established, laying the foundation for Singtel.
• 1955: Telecoms operations consolidated under the Telecommunication Authority of Singapore (TAS).
• 1992: Corporatized and listed as Singapore Telecommunications Limited (Singtel) on the Singapore Exchange (SGX).
• 2000s: Expanded internationally through strategic investments in Asia’s top mobile operators.
• 2010s: Diversified into digital media, cybersecurity, and enterprise cloud services.
• 2020s: A global leader in 5G, AI-driven networks, and digital infrastructure innovation.

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Vision and Mission

Vision: “To be Asia’s leading communications technology group, empowering every generation through technology.”

Mission: To create sustainable growth through connectivity, digital services, and responsible innovation, enriching lives and businesses globally.

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Core Business Segments

1. Consumer Services

• Mobile and Broadband: Singtel offers the fastest and most reliable 4G and 5G mobile networks in Singapore.
• Home Services: Fiber broadband, Wi-Fi mesh, and TV streaming solutions.
• Entertainment: Owns CAST and SingTel TV platforms with live sports, movies, and streaming content.
• 5G Innovation: Launched Singapore’s first standalone nationwide 5G network in 2022.
• Digital Lifestyle Apps: mySingtel, Dash (mobile wallet), and hi! prepaid ecosystem.

Singtel remains the #1 mobile operator in Singapore, renowned for its network reliability and customer satisfaction.

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2. Group Enterprise

Singtel’s Group Enterprise division provides end-to-end ICT and digital transformation solutions for businesses and governments.

Key Offerings:

• Cloud Computing & Data Centers: Through partnerships with AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.
• Cybersecurity: Managed under Trustwave, a global cybersecurity arm headquartered in Singapore.
• 5G and IoT Solutions: Empowering industries such as logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, and smart cities.
• Unified Communications: Cloud-based collaboration tools and secure video conferencing.
• Government Solutions: Supports Smart Nation initiatives and critical infrastructure projects.

This segment makes Singtel a top regional player in enterprise digital transformation.

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3. Regional Associates and Global Investments

Singtel’s success is powered by its strategic investments in leading telcos across Asia and beyond:

Partner	Country	Ownership	Subscribers (approx.)
Airtel	India & Africa	29.7%	400+ million
Telkomsel	Indonesia	35%	170+ million
AIS	Thailand	23%	45+ million
Globe Telecom	Philippines	44%	85+ million

These partnerships make Singtel one of the largest telecom groups in Asia by customer base, spanning over 770 million users.

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4. NCS Group (Technology Services)

NCS, a wholly owned Singtel subsidiary, is a leading digital, cloud, and IT services firm.

• Works with governments and enterprises across Asia-Pacific.
• Specializes in AI, digital engineering, and cloud transformation.
• Expanding regional presence in Australia, China, and the Middle East.

NCS plays a vital role in driving Singtel’s shift from telco to techco.

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5. Digital Businesses (Amobee, DataSpark, and Trustwave)

• Amobee: Global digital marketing and data analytics platform.
• DataSpark: Specializes in mobility intelligence, providing insights using anonymized network data.
• Trustwave: Provides advanced cybersecurity solutions to global clients.

These entities collectively anchor Singtel’s digital ecosystem focused on analytics, cybersecurity, and data-driven services.

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Digital Banking and Fintech

In 2022, Singtel entered the digital banking space through a joint venture with Grab Holdings, launching GXS Bank (Singapore) — one of the first digital full banks licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).

GXS Bank Highlights:

• Serves gig economy workers, digital natives, and small businesses.
• Offers savings accounts, microloans, and digital wallets.
• Integrates with Grab and Singtel ecosystems for seamless financial access.

This marks Singtel’s expansion into financial inclusion and digital finance, strengthening its ecosystem strategy.

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Sustainability and ESG Leadership

Singtel is a pioneer in sustainable business practices and a leader in ESG reporting in Asia.

Key ESG Goals:

1. Net Zero by 2050: Aligned with Singapore’s Green Plan 2030.
2. Green Networks: Reducing carbon emissions from network operations through renewable energy.
3. Digital Inclusion: Supporting vulnerable communities through digital literacy programs.
4. Responsible Innovation: Ethical AI and cybersecurity governance.
5. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Through the Singtel Touching Lives Fund, raising millions annually for education and youth development.

Singtel is consistently listed on global sustainability indices like FTSE4Good, MSCI ESG Leaders, and Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI).

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Financial Strength

• Market Capitalization: ~S$40 billion (2025).
• Revenue: Over S$15 billion annually.
• Net Profit (FY2024): Approx. S$2.3 billion, with steady growth.
• Credit Rating: A+ (S&P) / Aa3 (Moody’s) — among the highest in the telecom sector.
• Listed: Singapore Exchange (SGX: Z74).

Singtel’s diversified operations and regional partnerships make it one of Asia’s most financially resilient telecom and tech groups.

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Leadership

• Group CEO: Yuen Kuan Moon (since 2021) — driving Singtel’s digital transformation and sustainability agenda.
• Chairman: Lee Theng Kiat.
• Key Vision: Transform Singtel into a technology-led, sustainable digital services group.

Under their leadership, Singtel has transitioned from a telco to a digital innovation powerhouse, integrating 5G, cloud, cybersecurity, and fintech under one ecosystem.

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Awards and Recognition

🏆 Asia’s Best Managed Telco (2024) – FinanceAsia

🏆 World’s Most Ethical Companies (2023) – Ethisphere Institute

🏆 Best 5G Network in Singapore – Opensignal Awards 2024

🏆 Best Sustainable Telco in Asia-Pacific – Global Telecoms Awards

🏆 Best Employer in Singapore – LinkedIn Top Companies 2024

These accolades reinforce Singtel’s leadership in technology, governance, and social responsibility.

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Community Engagement

Singtel is deeply embedded in Singapore’s community development efforts:

• Singtel Touching Lives Fund: Raises millions yearly for special-needs children and education programs.
• Digital Literacy for Seniors: Helps older citizens adopt digital technologies safely.
• Employee Volunteering: Over 30,000 volunteer hours annually under its “Better Together” initiative.
• Youth Development: Supports STEM education and startup incubation through partnerships with local institutions.

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Conclusion

Singtel (Singapore Telecommunications Limited) is far more than a telecom provider — it is a technology enabler, sustainability champion, and digital ecosystem leader. From pioneering 5G to shaping digital banking and AI innovation, Singtel continues to empower businesses, communities, and individuals across Asia.

With its heritage of trust and its focus on connectivity, innovation, and sustainability, Singtel stands at the forefront of Asia’s digital transformation journey.

“Empowering every generation through technology — that’s the Singtel way.”