Archive for the ‘SingTel’ Category

Seminar: i.luminate 2012 by SingTel at RWS – Powering the Future

Tuesday, November 6th, 2012

The future landscape of technology will be VUCA – Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous. That’s according to Peter Hinssen, one of Europe’s thought leaders on the impact of technology on our society.

Bill Chang, CEO of SingTel Group Enterprise, concurred as he outlined how his group is already developing the essential building blocks to equip businesses, education, transportation and healthcare in an increasingly urbanised future.

i.luminate 2012 by SingTel is now ongoing at the Resorts World Sentosa Convention Centre

i.luminate 2012 by SingTel is now ongoing at the Resorts World Sentosa Convention Centre

The biennial i.Luminate business innovations forum is being held right now at the Resorts World Sentosa Convention Centre in Singapore.

Bill Chang, CEO, Group Enterprise, SingTel

Bill Chang, CEO, Group Enterprise, SingTel

More than 6,000 key IT managers and CIOs applied for 3,000 seats at the seminar which was put together by SingTel Group Enterprise and its “ecosystem” of partners for enterprise ICT solutions.

The forward-looking event examines the challenges and opportunities created by rapidly changing technologies and workforce trends which are redefining the business and technology landscape.

Peter Hinssen, Managing Partner, Across Technology

Peter Hinssen, Managing Partner, Across Technology

It also puts forth the real-world intelligent and scalable information & communications technology (ICT) breakthroughs that are critical to drive growth.

These ICT solutions will help businesses, consumers and governments sustain growth, enhance agility, increase productivity, lower costs and improve profitability.

The morning session has just ended, and what I’ve heard so far have been informative and refreshing.

There were more than 60 renowned business and thought leaders at the keynotes this morning.

In the afternoon, there will be 16 discussion tracks and workshops, with an exhibition of some 200 ICT innovations at the many demo booths.

Architecture diagram for SURF (click to enlarge)

Architecture diagram for SURF (click to enlarge)

this WEEK in TECH – a selection of interesting events

Sunday, November 4th, 2012

Here’s a selection of interesting tech events happening this week (4-10 November 2012). It is not an exhaustive list and represents only a sampling of events that gives a taste of the tech pulse in Singapore.

What are some of the more interesting tech events happening in Singapore this week?

What are some of the more interesting tech events happening in Singapore this week?

This looks like a relatively quieter week after all the buildup of launches for Windows 8, Windows Phone 8 and iPad mini over the past few weeks. It’ll be a good breather before SITEX 2012 rolls into town towards the end of the month.

SingTel kicks off its exhibition of ICT innovations in its repositioning as an ICT solutions provider.

For those marvelling at how marvellous Skyfall is, Datasat RS20i is the audio & video processor that delivers the impact in high-end private cinemas in Singapore.

Mid-week, VMware delves into Cloud computing in its vForum 2012 in Singapore, discussing key findings from the annual VMware Cloud Index. We’ll also get to hear Veeam’s insights and reactions to the report.

Below is the event listing for the week.

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SingTel thrills K-Pop fans with surprise performance by 2NE1

Friday, November 2nd, 2012

Live footage was streamed to smartphones, giant outdoor screens, mio TV and Facebook. Join in the fans on hashtag #SingTel2NE1.

Surprise performance by KPOP supergroup 2NE1 at Clarke Quay in Singapore.

You might have heard via the grapevine and even read in the papers about K-Pop supergroup being spotted in Singapore.

Well they are in Singapore – right now.

Sensuous Dara

Sensuous Dara

Fun-loving CL

Fun-loving CL

“At SingTel, we aim to bring joy to our customers through amazing experiences, which we amplify through the use of innovative multimedia and mobile technologies,” said Allen Lew, SingTel’s Country Chief Officer Singapore.

They are giving a surprise performance on Read Bridge in Clarke Quay, Singapore – courtesy of SingTel, who organised the stunt as part of its brand campaign.

2NE1 is performing their smash hits: I Love You, Fire, I Don’t Care, Can’t Nobody and Clap Your Hands.

Crowds also gathered to watch the performance live on giant outdoor screens at Knightsbridge, Bugis Junction, JCube and Toa Payoh Hub.

Colourful Minzy

Colourful Minzy

Doll-like Bom

Doll-like Bom

“We know Singaporeans love K-Pop music. So, we are thrilled to organise this surprise performance to bring fans up close and personal with their favourite stars. With our multimedia capabilities, we are able to bring the performance to every corner of Singapore,” he said.

To ensure that no fans missed out, SingTel leveraged its multimedia capabilities to stream live footage of the performance through its new Amazapp mobile app.

The app also offers exclusive unreleased videos that give fans a behind-the-scenes peek into the lives of band members.

SingTel also aired the showcase live via mio TV, as well as its website and Facebook page, thus providing fans with several ways to experience the event.

CL and Dara at Clarke Quay, Singapore

CL and Dara at Clarke Quay, Singapore

Fans can download recordings of the performance through SingTel’s AMPed music service, as well as a variety of mobile ringtones and wallpaper.

Bom taking in the atmosphere at Read Bridge in Clarke Quay

Bom taking in the atmosphere at Read Bridge in Clarke Quay

“Through our understanding of what our customers want and prefer, we are able to come up with innovative apps, content and technology for everyone. Our vision is summed up in our new motto: Let’s Make It Amazing Together and Bring Joy to Our Customers,” Lew added.

The showcase was part of a new brand campaign to demonstrate SingTel’s transformation into a multimedia and ICT company that goes beyond traditional telco services to offer content-rich services that enhance and simplify customers’ lives.

The performance was the first of a series of technology-enhanced events organised by SingTel to delight its customers and showcase its multimedia capabilities.

CL and Dara performing to capacity crowds at Clarke Quay, Singapore

CL and Dara performing to capacity crowds at Clarke Quay, Singapore

K-Pop supergroup 2NE1 saying goodbye to fans at Clarke Quay

K-Pop supergroup 2NE1 saying goodbye to fans at Clarke Quay

this WEEK in TECH – a selection of interesting events

Sunday, October 28th, 2012

Here’s a selection of interesting tech events happening this week (28 October – 3 November 2012). It is not an exhaustive list and represents only a sampling of events that gives a taste of the tech pulse in Singapore.

What are some of the more interesting tech events happening in Singapore this week?

What are some of the more interesting tech events happening in Singapore this week?

Lenovo is showing off its exciting lineup of convertible notebook/tablet hybrids for Windows 8 this week. I played with some of the models during the Windows 8 launch in Singapore last week, and they are amazing. Watch this space for the hands-on.

This week sees Microsoft move its focus from the launch of Windows 8 to the formal launch of Windows Phone 8, which shares a common core with its bigger sibling.

Will the Metro-based new smartphone operating system increase its market share from a meagre 3.5% (for the second quarter according to IDC).

Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android dominate with 17% and 68% respectively. Windows Phone 8 smartphones announced thus far include Nokia Lumia 920 and Lumia 820, HTC 8S and 8X, and Samsung ATIV S. We might actually see the HTC models showcased in Singapore this Friday!

Midweek, Brother is launching a new printer while A*STAR Data Storage Institute will show off the world’s thinnest 2.5-inch 5mm hybrid drive for consumer and business devices.

Oracle Day 2012: Simpor Ballroom, Level 4, Marina Bay Sands Exhibition and Convention Centre

For those interested in the latest trends in Cloud, Mobile, Social and Big Data, be sure to register for Oracle Day 2012 at Marina Bay Sands. Get the hottest updates on critical business drivers, meet Oracle experts and experience their latest technologies at the Demo booths.

And for photography buffs, the Singapore leg of Canon’s annual PhotoMarathon Asia 2012 takes place at the Marina Bay Sands this Saturday. To be guaranteed a participation slot do register online prior to the event.

Below is the events listing for the week.

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New social app: SingTel Loop & Meet organises your social life

Friday, September 14th, 2012

This free app for iOS and Android smartphones and tablets helps users to discover fun things to do and organise outings with friends.

Screenshots from SingTel's free Loop & Meet app for iOS and Android mobile devices.

Screenshots from SingTel’s free Loop & Meet app for iOS and Android mobile devices.

SingTel has launched Loop & Meet, a mobile app that enables mobile users to send event invitations quickly and easily, and tracks responses without having to sort through dozens of email and text messages.

Discover things to do. Send and track invitations. Meet up and have fun!

With Loop & Meet, users can browse through hundreds of events that are refreshed daily from inSing.com.

“We know that it is sometimes difficult to plan new activities or think of new places to visit,” said Cheong Hai Thoo, SingTel’s Head of Multimedia.

These events have been categorised for easy browsing into: movies, music, leisure, night out, arts, festivals and family.

The service allows users to invite their friends via SMS or email.

The app was developed in collaboration with app developer, Goba.

“Loop & Meet makes this process a breeze so that users will never be short of leisure and entertainment options,” Cheong enthused.

Recipients can use the SMS and web platforms to confirm attendance and chat with registered users, even if they have not installed the app.

Loop & Meet will help to track the responses and send invitees reminders if they do not respond.

This makes it easier for all users to keep track of the full event itinerary, time, place and attendees.

Free SingTel Loop & Meet app for iOS and Android smartphones and tablets.Loop & Meet is an important addition to SingTel’s growing suite of multimedia offerings, which includes the skoob e-Books service, AMPed music service and deF!ND digital concierge.

Loop & Meet is available for free download from the Apple App Store and Google Play store.

SingTel aims to be leading regional mCommerce hub in 5 years

Thursday, September 13th, 2012

SingTel will provide customers with a  suite of mobile payment and marketing services to make it a leading mobile commerce hub in the Asia Pacific region in five years.

Yuen Kuan Moon, SingTel's CEO Consumer Singapore presenting SingTel's roadmap for mCommerce.

Yuen Kuan Moon, SingTel’s CEO Consumer Singapore presenting SingTel’s roadmap for mCommerce.

First it is opening a remittance centre in Lucky Plaza at Orchard road on next Monday.

“Mobile money is rapidly emerging as an alternative to cash,” said Yuen Kuan Moon, SingTel’s CEO Consumer Singapore.

By the end of 2012, SingTel aims to launch Singapore’s first mobile-to-mobile remittance service

It will also progressively launch a wide range of consumer mobile commerce services throughout the year that will complement its existing Near Field Communications (NFC) contactless mobile payment services.

SingTel mRemit

“With more than 462 million mobile subscribers in 26 countries across Asia and Africa, SingTel is in a unique position to serve as a one-stop mobile commerce hub for the region. We aim to leverage the SingTel Group’s scale to reduce the costs of offering mobile commerce services for our regional associates,” added Yuen.

SingTel’s mobile remittance service, named mRemit, will be the first service of its kind in Singapore to allow consumers to use their mobile phones to remit funds to an overseas recipient’s mobile wallet account.

The sending and receiving parties will both be notified by SMS once transactions have been successfully completed.

Unlike traditional remittance services, SingTel mRemit will enable secure fund transfers at competitive rates, in seconds rather than days, thus allowing recipients to enjoy immediate access to their money.

In addition, exchange rates will be transparent and easily verifiable for customers, saving them time and effort.

From 17 September, over-the-counter remittance will be available via the Lucky Plaza store, with the mobile service launching in the coming months.

At launch, customers will be able to remit funds to the Philippines, in collaboration with GCASH, the mobile commerce service offered by SingTel’s regional associate, Globe Telecom.

Recipients can claim the remitted funds through 6,000 designated locations or 9,000 ATMS across the Philippines.

Alternatively, they can use the funds, via their mobile wallet, to purchase goods and services, top-up prepaid mobile services, pay their credit card and utility bills, renew insurance policies and repay loans.

SingTel plans to leverage its regional scale to extend the service quickly to countries in which the SingTel group affiliates operate, and where remittance services are in high demand.

Apple launches iPhone 5 with 4-inch Retina display, A6 chip and new connector

Wednesday, September 12th, 2012

No surprises as to the features of the iPhone 5 except that there’s no NFC. Most of the enhancements are evolutionary rather than revolutionary. As with its predecessors, iPhone 5 will come in 16 GB (S$948), 32 GB (S$1,088) and 64 GB (S$1,238) configurations.

It will arrive in 9 countries, including Singapore, on 21 September.

The iPhone 5 comes in Black & Slate or White & Silver.

The iPhone 5 comes in Black & Slate or White & Silver.

The iPhone 5 will run on iOS 6, which will be released as a free software update two days before the smartphone itself hits the shelves.

Apple iPhone 5
OS iOS 6
Screen 4″ Retina display
Resolution 1136 x 640
Battery mAh rating not revealed
Processor A6
Features LTE
Camera Rear: 8 MP
Front: 1.2 MP
Video Rear: 1080p30
Front: 720p30
Video Info not available
Memory Int: 16, 32, 64 GB
Ext: Nil
Size /mm 123.8 x 58.6 x 7.6
Weight 112 g
Price (w GST)
  • 16 GB: S$948
  • 32 GB: S$1,088
  • 64 GB: S$1,238

The new operating system features 200 new features but will notably be foregoing Google’s Maps and YouTube apps.

The 4-inch Retina display is now taller, with 1136 x 640 pixels at a high 326 ppi resolution.

All these will run off the new Apple-designed A6 chip and 4G LTE network.

Design-wise, the iPhone 5 is a stunner, with a selection of Black & Slate and White & Silver.

The former has most of my friends salivating although the white is beginning to become somewhat commonplace by now.

And the body is only 7.6mm thin.

The rear camera now has 8 megapixels while the front 1.2-megapixel camera shoots 720p video at up to 30 fps for FaceTime HD video calls.

A new panorama feature stitches photos of up to 28 megapixels simply by moving the camera across a scene in one smooth motion – like the sweep panorama in Sony cameras.

Available in 9 countries on 21 September.

Available in 9 countries on 21 Sep.

As expected, Apple has replaced the 30-pin connector with a new 9-pin Lightning connector.

A Lightning-to-30-pin Adapter (sold separately) is available to connect the iPhone 5 to legacy 30-pin accessories.

Due to the variation in LTE networks in different countries, the iPhone 5 will come in 3 variants in terms of LTE frequencies.

The first model (A1428 GSM) works only in the US and Canada, while the second (A1429 CDMA) works for US carriers Sprint and Verizon, as well as KDDI in Japan.

9-pin Lightning connector replaces 30-pin connector.

9-pin Lightning connector replaces 30-pin connector.

The third model (A1429 GSM) runs on 850MHz, 1800MHz and 2100Mz.

This is the most international version – compatible with the most number of countries.

Note that although the iPhone 5 runs on 1800MHz for LTE, Singapore operates its LTE network on 1800MHz and 2600MHz.

So in areas where 1800MHz is not available, the iPhone 5 will fall back onto 3G.

Likewise, in countries where the 4G is not compatible with your version of iPhone 5, you will still be able to use in on 3G.

The iPhone 4S will also be available for a suggested retail price of SGD$788 (incl GST) and iPhone 4 for a suggested retail price SGD$588 (incl GST).

The first nine countries getting the iPhone 5 on 21 September are Singapore, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, the US and the UK.

The iPhone 5 will be available in 9 countries on 21 Sep and another 22 countries on 28 Sep.

The iPhone 5 will be available in 9 countries on 21 Sep and another 22 countries on 28 Sep.

Customers from these countries can pre-order the iPhone 5 beginning 14 September.

All three major Telcos in Singapore, SingTel, StarHub and M1, will be selling the iPhone 5 on 21 September.

The iPhone 5 will next hit the shelves worldwide at 22 more countries a week later on 22 September.

These countries are Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

Top 3 SingTel Grid Girls for Singapore Formula 1

Sunday, September 2nd, 2012

In the finale to SingTel’s series of roadshows leading up to the Singapore Grand Prix, SingTel has unveiled the Singapore Grand Prix trophy, the top three SingTel Grid Girls, Singapore’s fastest electric go-kart racer, and the champions of the F1 in Schools programme.

SingTel Grid Girls finalists waiting with bated breath for the results of the competition.

SingTel Grid Girls finalists waiting with bated breath for the results of the competition.

Fifth time title sponsor of the Formula 1 SingTel Singapore Grand Prix had teamed up with race promoter, Singapore GP to organise the “F1 for Everyone” roadshows across Singapore.

Unveiling of the new FORMULA 1 SingTel Singapore Grand Prix trophy.

Unveiling of the new FORMULA 1 SingTel Singapore Grand Prix trophy. This photo courtesy of SingTel.

The weekend finale at Big Splash saw the unveiling of a new FORMULA 1 SingTel Singapore Grand Prix trophy.

Arrian North and Esther Leong at the roadshow.

Arrian North and Esther Leong at the roadshow.

The new trophy was crafted by local designer Nathan Yong.

It  resembles the interlocking branches and leaves of the laurel wreath, traditionally worn as a symbol of victory at sporting events in ancient Greece.

The circular shape of the trophy also represents Speed, Connection and Unity, symbolising the coming together of top international drivers in the Formula 1 races around the world.

The event was officiated by Mr S Iswaran, Minister in Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister for Home Affairs & Trade and Industry.

Ashvin Sandhu and Rebecca Ly Dia Dore at the roadshow.

Ashvin Sandhu and Rebecca Ly Dia Dore, two of the top 8 finalists at the roadshow.

The highlight of the event was the unveiling of the top three 2012 SingTel Grid Girls.

Top Grid Girl in 2012 is 21-year-old Ashvin Sandhu.

Top Grid Girl in 2012 is 21-year-old Ashvin Sandhu.

This is the first time that the top three SingTel Grid Girls have been selected based purely on public SMS and online voting.

1st Runner-up Emily Chia.

1st Runner-up Emily Chia

The top three girls, who were crowned at the event, will get to hold the Singapore, Formula One and Singapore GP flags at the Singapore Grand Prix this year.

The Top Grid Girl this year is 21-year old Ashvin Sandhu, an avid F1 fan who has watched almost every race over the past few years.

In second place is 21-year old Emily Chia, a lover of fast cars.

In third place is 23-year old Esther Leong who thrives on the adrenaline of the race and extreme sports.

In order to reach out to everyone in Singapore, including families, youths and people with special needs, SingTel invited students from APSN Tanglin School to experience the electric go-karts at the first roadshow in the series.

Emily Chia, one of top 8 finalists of the SingTel Grid Girl competition.

Emily Chia, looking like a doll … Barbie?

F1 excitement was also brought to the schools.

2nd Runner-up Esther Leong

2nd Runner-up Esther Leong

Displaying finesse on the circuit, students from the “F1 in Schools” programme tried their hand at Singapore’s first ever electric go-kart experience in a bid to clock the fastest race time.

The “F1 in Schools” is an international competition where school children aged nine to 19 design, manufacture and race their miniature cars.

In another thrilling speed race but on a much smaller track, students put their self-made gas-powered miniature F1 cars to the test in an exciting time-based competition.

In addition, the public enjoyed their version of the “mini” race, setting off gas-powered miniature F1 cars in a bid to achieve the fastest possible reaction timings within 0.18 of a second to win attractive prizes.

If eyes could smile ...

If eyes could smile …

To encourage more people to embrace the F1 experience both on and off the track, SingTel and Singapore GP have launched two new applications, for iPhone and Android users, to be available on the App Store and Google Play.

If eyes could talk ...

If eyes could talk …

The SingTel application is a social app that acts as a guide to inform F1 fans of the exciting activities taking place this race season.

In addition, app users can share their favorite F1 moments, activities and photos with their friends.

The Singapore GP app is meant for serious F1 fans, and has the latest news on the 2012 FORMULA 1 SINGTEL SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX.

It will keep users up to speed with the current driver and team standings, allowing them to take part in Singapore GP contests as well as purchase tickets to the night race.

Progress Software collaborates with SingTel to launch cloud platform for application development

Saturday, September 1st, 2012

Progress Software is collaborating with SingTel to launch cloud-based infrastructure for ISVs to build, test, manage and deploy cloud-based applications.

MoU signing. Keith Budge, Vice President and Managing Director (Asia Pacific & Japan), Progress Software (Left) with Alvin Kok, Head of Infocomm Services, SingTel (right).

MoU signing. Keith Budge, Vice President and Managing Director (Asia Pacific & Japan), Progress Software (Left) with Alvin Kok, Head of Infocomm Services, SingTel (right).

From the brief that Budge and Kok gave me, I can see how the collaboration will enable ISVs to mature from providing on-premise one-to-one solutions; to cloud-enabled, single-source, multi-tenanted, pay-per-use solutions.

Essentially, SingTel will provide the foundation with its PowerON IaaS, Progress Software will provide the enabler in the form of OpenEdge PaaS, so that ISVs can quickly and cost-effectively deploy cloud-based applications for their clients’ businesses.

Progress Software Corporation is a global software company that aims to be a leading platform provider for the next-generation, context-aware applications in the Cloud.

“… this [collaboration with SingTel] bolsters our strategy to provide new and existing application partners a singular, unified platform to build and deploy applications in the cloud,” said Keith Budge, Vice President and Managing Director for Asia Pacific and Japan, Progress Software.

Its collaboration with Singapore Telecommunications Ltd (SingTel) will enable software developers from Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) to deploy, access and analyze applications in the Cloud using the Progress OpenEdge application development platform.

The Asia Pacific Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) market is attracting considerable interest from businesses due to the flexibility it brings to application development and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS).

Frost & Sullivan projects that the market will grow to reach $523 million in 2016.

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COMEX 2012 promotions: SingTel

Thursday, August 30th, 2012

SingTel will be at COMEX 2012 at Suntec Singapore at Level 3 Rooms 301-306, 11am to 9pm.

Click to view or download SingTel promotions during COMEX 2012.

Click to view or download SingTel promotions during COMEX 2012.

SingTel will also start their COMEX 2012 days earlier at 11am instead of noon. Check out their smartphone, tablets and broadband deals here, as well as their bundled packages.

Below are some highlights to check out.

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