A look back at 2023

As I reflect on 2023, I’m filled with gratitude. It’s been a year of big changes for me.

I welcomed my first grandchild  (Oliver), changed job for the first time in 33 years and on the homefront, our beloved Australian Shepard (Nalla)  gave birth to 5 puppies!   It has been indeed an eventful and fruitful year for me.

I needed to get used to being a grandad, as well as a new work environment.

The grandad bit is incredibility rewarding and fun filled. The experience is easier to manage but navigating the telco space took some work. I’m extremely appreciative of the warmth Singtel has shown me as I got to know the business and colleagues. Am amazed by how the organisation is fueled by its purpose to empower people and businesses, and help close digital divides.

Singtel has a longstanding history with a clear north star to use technology to improve lives – continuously adapting to the times and preparing for the future needs of Singapore.

Brand, History, & People

When I first came to Singtel, I was surprised to meet employees who’d spent three or even four decades here. Many of our employees have such an affinity to the brand and I quickly discovered why.

Singtel has kept Singapore connected for more than a century, evolving from operator-assisted calls to pagers to 5G today. Our employees appreciate the impact they’re making every day in the lives of millions. As one of Singtel’s newest employees, I’m proud to be part of this team as we continue to pave new ground for innovation.

Breaking New Frontiers with Technology

2023 was filled with network advancements – in particular, around 5G.

Singapore became the first country in the world to deploy 5G standalone nationwide, turning us into the ideal testbed for 5G applications. We’ve conducted more than 30 5G trials from healthcare to smart manufacturing and aviation with organisations like National University Health System , DSTA , HTX (Home Team Science & Technology Agency) , the Changi Airport Group – pushing the boundaries of the new technology.

One such area is network slicing. If you think of 5G as a highway, network slicing is like having a VIP lane for the customer, with added bandwidth and boosted connectivity – perfect for specific uses like HD video, industrial sensors, augmented reality, and gaming that require fast, stable and lag-free connectivity.

We’ve successfully tested this at high-profile events like the National Day parade and F1, that typically may cause network congestion due to the sheer volume of users performing high data consuming activities. But I thought the coolest activation was the livestreaming of a rock concert from an underground MRT cabin – another first in Singapore!  

Empowering Communities

In an increasingly digital society, the vulnerable often get left behind. We want them, namely the elderly, to enjoy the benefits of a digital lifestyle so they can feel a sense of belonging and be engaged in society. This requires ensuring they have the tools and confidence to use technology.

We worked across multiple fronts to ensure they have everything they need to be plugged into a digital economy:

1)     We worked with 3,000 seniors via the Singtel Digital Silvers programme over the past 18 months, teaching seniors how to go online safely and use indispensable apps like Singpass.

2)     About 36,000 of our GOMO customers have also donated 1 million GB of unused data to nearly 6,000 seniors since early last year.

3)     With our partner, Engineering Good, we refurbished about 957kg of electronic devices that came through our device donation programme for low-income families and the elderly.

But sometimes, it’s not about technology. It’s about being seen and included.

For the first time, I had the privilege of being part of a day of rides and games for over 2,000 special needs students – specially set up for them to develop interpersonal skills and build self-confidence while having fun. It was hosted by over 2,000 volunteers from Singtel and 300 more from our partners. The joy on the students’ faces and the energy they brought to the event was one of the biggest highlights of my year.

Forging Ahead

As we wind down for the year, I’m reminded of the words of former Head of Civil Service, Mr. Lim Siong Guan, on how to be a good leader. We need to do it “with a strong heart, strong head and strong hands”.

I hold these words dear – to be kind, compassionate and steadfast – at home and at work.

I wish everyone Happy Holidays – May the year ahead be filled with happiness, passion and the courage to try something new. I know I have and you can too!