Singapore Volume 9

8 4 | S U P E R B R A N D S V O L U M E I X MARKET Singtel is Asia’s leading communications group, with operations and investments around the world. The company has significant market share in Singapore and Australia through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Singtel Optus, and has more than half a billion mobile customers in 25 countries across Asia and Africa. The group provides a comprehensive portfolio of services that includes voice and data solutions over fixed, wireless and internet platforms, as well as infocomm technology, and pay TV. To serve the needs of multi-national corporations, Singtel also has a vast network of offices throughout Asia Pacific, Europe and the United States. These offices enable Singtel to deliver reliable and quality network solutions, either on its own, or jointly with local partners. Singtel employs more than 23,000 people worldwide, has a registered turnover of S$18.83 billion, and net profit after tax of S$3.65 billion for the year ended 31 March 2014. ACHIEVEMENTS Well recognised across industries and markets for its innovative products and solutions; quality service; high standards of corporate governance; and its corporate social responsibility, Singtel continues to excel in one of the fastest changing industries. Its Singtel Mobile and Singtel Broadband services have been respectively recognised as the ‘Best Telco (Singapore)’, ‘Best 4G Network (Singapore)’ and ‘Best Fibre Broadband Service (Singapore)’, in the HardwareZone Readers’ Choice Awards. At various international Contact Centre Awards held worldwide, Singtel has also earned the industry’s recognition with gold awards for delivering sterling customer experiences. Acknowledging its excellence in Asian t e l ecoms and commun i ca t i ons , S i ng t e l was awarded the Technical Best Brand Campaign, and Project of the Year at the Asia Communications Awards 2014. It was also the only telecommunications company in Singapore and Asia to receive the 2014 World’s Most Ethical Companies award. HISTORY Singtel’s heritage dates back to 1879 when Singapore became one of the first cities in Asia to have a telephone service. At the time, the first private telephone exchange served just 50 lines. In 1955, Singtel became a statutory board, called Singapore Telephone Board, which held exclusive rights to operate telephone services within Singapore. This was later followed by a merger with the Telecommunications Authority of Singapore (TAS) that introduced the availability of international telephony services. Singtel was corporatised in 1992 and issued its Initial Public Offering (IPO) a year later, which to date, remains one of Singapore’s largest IPOs. It has since built a regional footprint – founded on strategic investments and partnerships - with leading operators in the region. Its biggest overseas investment, in 2001, amounted to S$13 billion to fully acquire Optus in Australia. In January 2015, Singtel launched a new brand identity with a promise to make the everyday experiences in life better for customers. The new Singtel aims to celebrate customers’ everyday achievements and help them discover effortless and seamless experiences at work, at home or when doing their favourite things. This statement is a commitment to enrich lives with better service, technology and content. PRODUCT Singtel understands the importance of staying connected, and the company’s suite of products is tailored to provide consumers and businesses with solutions that meet their needs. From mobile and broadband services to pay TV and cutting-edge multimedia applications, Singtel’s products and services have transformed the way people live, work and play. As an industry breakthrough, Singtel launched Easy Mobile in June 2014, the first postpaid mobile service in Asia that allows users to customise tariff plans every month, to suit individual lifestyle needs and budgets. This innovation enables customers to tailor a plan that meets their exact needs, and adjust the plan as needs change; it puts complete control in the hands of the consumer. Singtel also provides high-speed access, via internet broadband, for both home and on-the-go users. Through its Fibre bundled services, Singtel connects families to all their entertainment and telecommunication needs. This includes crystal clear fixed line services for local and overseas IDD calls, internet broadband, and Singtel TV.