Bisaya Astig (2024)

08/11/2024

Do you want to exercise and yet feels like you are playing games, and you can even get rewards for all the “hard work”? ACTIVELY: Step Tracker & Rewards app, a location-based fitness and rewards platform, can just do that.

I have checked. It is currently available on app store. Just download it and get rewarded. BTW, in the screenshot below, it spells Tampines wrongly. Have you spotted it?

Key Features of ACTIVELY: Step Tracker, Rewards, and More

Charming Interface: One of the app’s most popular features is its vibrantly designed step counter. This user-friendly and visually appealing tool enhances the fitness journey, providing an interactive element to staying active. Its intuitive design makes it easy for users to explore the app and stay motivated in their fitness goals.

Immersive Map: The interactive map guides users through Singapore’s popular attractions, including the Merlion, Sentosa Island, and the Botanic Gardens. Users can collect exclusive stickers as they visit these iconic locations, making every step of their journey rewarding.

Engaging Social Experience: ACTIVELY provides an integral social element, by allowing users to discover and connect with each other in real time. By pinning stickers and sharing fitness achievements, the app helps foster a sense of community among its users.

Shop & Gift: Users can redeem their earned rewards for a variety of local goods, services, and experiences, supporting Singapore’s F&B and retail businesses while offering tangible benefits for staying active.

Check out the Press Release below for more information.

Press Release

Life Festa Launches ACTIVELY in Singapore: A Gamified Fitness Platform for Staying Active

SINGAPORE, 29 October 2024 – Life Festa, a South Korea-based company developing an innovative hyper-local platform, is thrilled to announce the international debut of ACTIVELY: Step Tracker & Rewards—a location-based fitness and rewards platform— now available in Singapore. This AI-powered app gamifies physical activity, turning daily movement into an engaging, adventure-filled journey. By tracking steps on an immersive map, ACTIVELY guides users through Singapore’s iconic attractions, offering rewards from local F&B and retail businesses along the way.

After achieving tenfold growth since its MVP release in South Korea in October 2023, ACTIVELY is now ready to captivate the Singaporean market. With its compact geography, fitness-conscious population, and strategic position as a gateway to global markets, Singapore is the ideal location for ACTIVELY’s first international expansion—an important milestone in Life Festa’s global growth strategy.

In partnership with JCDecaux, the Global #1 Out-of-Home Media Company, ACTIVELY aims to revolutionise brand engagement. By blending augmented reality (AR) and AI technology, the app inspires users to embrace the joy in movement, turning physical activity into an engaging and rewarding experience.

Key Features of ACTIVELY: Step Tracker, Rewards, and More

Charming Interface: One of the app’s most popular features is its vibrantly designed step counter. This user-friendly and visually appealing tool enhances the fitness journey, providing an interactive element to staying active. Its intuitive design makes it easy for users to explore the app and stay motivated in their fitness goals.

Immersive Map: The interactive map guides users through Singapore’s popular attractions, including the Merlion, Sentosa Island, and the Botanic Gardens. Users can collect exclusive stickers as they visit these iconic locations, making every step of their journey rewarding.

Engaging Social Experience: ACTIVELY provides an integral social element, by allowing users to discover and connect with each other in real time. By pinning stickers and sharing fitness achievements, the app helps foster a sense of community among its users.

Shop & Gift: Users can redeem their earned rewards for a variety of local goods, services, and experiences, supporting Singapore’s F&B and retail businesses while offering tangible benefits for staying active.

“We are building ACTIVELY as a Hyper-Local omni-channel super app, allowing users to explore the world in a fun and engaging way—earning rewards while connecting with nearby people through text, images, and 3D objects on the map,” said Jae Chan Shin, CEO and Co-Founder of Life Festa. “We are excited to see how Singaporeans engage with ACTIVELY and welcome local merchants to join our platform, offering more exciting rewards to our Activers. We look forward to receiving user feedback that will help us enhance the experience for users worldwide.”

Singapore as the Gateway to International Expansion

Singapore was strategically chosen as ACTIVELY’s first international market for geographic layout, fitness-driven population, and its potential as a gateway to global markets. Ranked as the 5th most walkable city in Asia by a recent Preply study in August 2024, Singapore offers the perfect urban infrastructure with covered walkways, pedestrian bridges, and abundant green spaces, making it an ideal environment for walking.

The city also advocates a strong fitness culture, supported by national health initiatives promoting active lifestyles, which attracts the health-conscious population to ACTIVELY.

Singapore’s strategic geo-location serves as a key hub connecting Asian and Western markets makes it an ideal launchpad for ACTIVELY’s global expansion. Success here will provide a strong foundation for Life Festa’s broader growth, starting with Southeast Asia.

Future Expansion Plans

Following its Singapore launch, Life Festa plans to expand ACTIVELY into other Southeast Asian markets, including Thailand and Vietnam, and into Canada and Australia for Western markets.

Since its Seed funding round in 2021, Life Festa welcomes discussions on new partnerships and funding opportunities as part of its continued expansion efforts.

“Now that our core features are in place, we’re beginning our global expansion, step by step,” said Jae Chan Shin. “Starting with Singapore, we’re focused on gradually entering key markets, learning from each region, and continuously enhancing our platform to meet the needs of users worldwide.”

Download ACTIVELY Now

ACTIVELY: Step Tracker, Rewards is available for download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. For a limited time, users can take advantage of a special referral program — invite friends to join ACTIVELY and earn extra rewards as a thank you for spreading the word! About Life Festa

Life Festa, Inc. is a tech company that blends augmented reality, geo-location, and lifelogging to create unique, immersive experiences that gamify real life and connect people to their environment and communities through social engagement. Their flagship platform, ACTIVELY, turns physical activity into an adventure, rewarding users for staying active while exploring their surroundings and engaging with others in meaningful ways. For more information, visit 라이프페스타.

The post Get Rewarded for Playing Games and Exercise first appeared on TechieLobang.

Do you want to exercise and yet feels like you are playing games, and you can even get rewards for all the “hard work”? ACTIVELY: Step Track...

05/11/2024

If you have been watching the growth of humanoid robots over the years, you will notice that they have become fast learners with AI. I have selected 4 of them which I think will one day make a difference in our lives.

Surprisingly or not surprisingly, all of them are electric driven. Previously, Boston Dynamics’ Atlas is hydraulic driven but has been “upgraded” to an electric one. It is also one of the most versatile robots. Check out the video.

What is amazing is the speed of progress for these robots. One of the new contenders is the EngineAI SE01. Its main feature is the ability to walk naturally. It looks like Iron Man. Check it out.

As for the next one, it is my personal favorite. The Unitree G1 humanoid robot is the first one that is commercially available at USD16,000. It has become more versatile and agile and can even standing jump up to 1.4 meters. Check out the video that also showcases the Go2 Robot dog.

Finally, this might be the favorite amongst tech people. The Tesla Optimus has come a long way (but very fast) from concept to reality. Check out it can be used in a working environment.

Here is one that I am watching closely. The Figure 02. I am impressed with its initial model that incorporated AI speech into it. Now, it seems to be able to perform some work.

There are more humanoids. Do you have your personal favorites?

The post These Humanoid Robots Might Change The World first appeared on TechieLobang.

If you have been watching the growth of humanoid robots over the years, you will notice that they have become fast learners with AI. I have ...

16/10/2024

The DJI Air 3S is available in Singapore now. You can get it online or at all authorized retail partners. Thanks to DJI, I had the chance to fly it before its launch.

Check out my experience with the DJI Air 3S during the event in Singapore.

Do note that since this drone is more than 250g, it needs to be registered with CAAS.

On the features, I love that it has sensors that allows it to be flown safely. And with its new forward-facing LiDAR, environmental awareness is enhanced.

Forward-facing LiDAR

Downward infrared time-of-flight (TOF) sensors

Six vision sensors (two at the front, rear, and bottom)

And with the precise next-gen Smart RTH (Return-to-Home), you don’t have to worry a lot on getting the DJI Air 3S to return to base in adverse situation.

The Primary camera is now upgraded to 1-inch sensor with 50 MPX. And as with latest DJI products, the DJI Air 3S has an internal storage of 42GB. Quite a decent storage for capturing videos.

If you are unsure which drone is for you, here is a comparison table of the different DJI drones available (DJI Air 3S, DJI Air 3, DJI Mavic 3 Pro).

Pricing and Availability

The DJI Air 3S is available to order from all authorized retail partners and online e-stores, with shipping starting today, in the following configurations:

The DJI Air 3S (DJI RC-N3) retails for $1399 and allows pilots to check the live feed and flight status using their smartphone.

The DJI Air 3S Fly More Combo (DJI RC-N3) retails for $1729 and includes the DJI RC-N3 remote controller, an ND filter set, two additional batteries, a battery charging hub, a shoulder bag, and more.

The DJI Air 3S Fly More Combo (DJI RC 2) retails for $1959 and includes the DJI RC 2 remote controller with a 5.5-inch 1080p 700-nit high-bright screen, an ND filter set, two additional batteries, a battery charging hub, a shoulder bag, and more.

Click Here to Check out the official Website for DJI Air 3S

You can find out more details in the Press Release below.

Press Release

DJI Enhances Dual-Camera Drone for Unmatched Aerial Travel Photography

New DJI Air 3S captures landscapes, portraits, and more in stunning detail day or night using a 1-inch-CMOS camera, 70mm medium tele camera and nightscape omni obstacle sensing

Singapore, October 15 – DJI, the global leader in civilian drones and creative camera technology, today announces the DJI Air 3S, an advanced dual-camera drone designed for travel photography. Featuring a 1-inch-CMOS primary camera and a 70mm medium tele camera, each with up to 14 stops of dynamic range1 that both support the new Free panorama feature, the Air 3S allows for flexible shooting-range selections to capture landscapes, architecture, and more in stunning detail. The drone’s new nightscape obstacle sensing1 and precise next-gen Smart RTH (Return-to-Home) features ensure effortless peace of mind to safely capture perfect cinematic photography at night.

“The DJI Air 3S takes our Air Series to new heights by offering professional features like dual primary cameras and omnidirectional obstacle sensing while retaining its light weight of just 724g for boundless freedom and flexibility,” said Ferdinand Wolf, Product Experience Director at DJI. “The Air 3S is the perfect all-rounder for travel photography – capturing all your special moments during vacation while also providing safety and security if operating at night.”

Take Unmatched Imagery with Enhanced Dual-Camera

The Air 3S’s dual cameras improve on the 10-bit and ISO image quality, capturing photos and videos with even more breathtaking details than the current DJI Mavic 3 Pro. Even in normal color mode, Air 3S dual cameras can record 10-bit video using H.265 encoding, delivering refined color performance and greater flexibility in post, with the maximum ISO raised to 12,800. In D-Log M and HLG color modes, the maximum ISO is raised to 3,200, allowing for greater brightness and more details in urban night scenes.

Compared with the previous-generation DJI Air 3, DJI Air 3S employs a more advanced video encoding compression algorithm that reduces video file sizes by over 30% without compromising image quality, saving valuable storage space for creators.

Free panorama mode in both cameras enables the seamless creation of panoramic shots by stitching together multiple images with a manually selected subject or area. The wide-angle camera offers a broader Field of Vision (FOV), greatly improving efficiency when capturing panorama photos. The medium tele camera significantly reduces image distortion, crafting expansive shots with a wide perspective from multiple photos and rich details captured by its superior focal length. Both cameras are capable of shooting video with a maximum dynamic range of 14 stops, capturing cinematic footage in high-contrast scenes.

Air 3S Dual Cameras Include:

Primary 50MP, 1-inch-CMOS camera and 24mm lens supports 4K/60fps HDR and 4K/120fps video recording1 as well as 10-bit D-Log M color mode. This large sensor, enhanced by advanced image-processing technology and intelligent algorithms, preserves even minuscule details in low-light conditions such as sunsets and nightscapes.

Secondary 70mm medium tele camera with a 3x optical zoom excels at portrait and vehicle shots, offering compressed depth of field to highlight any subject with a bolder, more cinematic look. With its 48MP 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor, this camera supports the same video specs and color modes as the primary camera. This ensures visually consistent footage for streamlined post-processing.

Expand Creativity with Safer Night-time Flying

Offering unrivaled environmental awareness, the Air 3S is the first DJI drone to feature forward-facing LiDAR, while also featuring downward infrared time-of-flight (TOF) sensors and six vision sensors (two at the front, rear, and bottom) to achieve nightscape omnidirectional obstacle sensing1. This advanced technology enables the Air 3S to automatically identify and circumvent obstacles during its flight and return paths, ensuring trouble-free safety during nighttime photography.

The Air 3S is designed to be the perfect easy to use all-rounder drone. Powered by real-time vision positioning and map construction technologies, the DJI Air 3S memorizes flight paths when adequate lighting is available. This ensures a safe return when taking off from locations without a satellite signal1.

Stay in Focus with ActiveTrack 360°

The DJI Air 3S features ActiveTrack 360° to keep any subject in the frame. Based on the surrounding flight environment, the optimized tracking performance automatically plans a flight path. It adjusts the framing to guarantee more dynamic shots that keep the subject the center of attention even if the lower half of their body is partially obscured such as standing behind bushes or on a bridge.

Air 3S also introduces a new Subject Focusing feature that keeps the subject in sharp focus, even during manual flight or when the subject moves off-center. This feature allows the pilot to fully concentrate on the more creative aspects of perfecting a shot like composition and camera movement.

Other Standout Features

45-Min Max Flight Time: With up to 45 minutes of flight time1, the Air 3S offers adequate time to scout locations, compose, capture cinematic shots, and repeat.

10-bit O4 Video Transmission: Powered by DJI O4 HD video transmission technology, the Air 3S delivers 10-bit video transmission at 1080p/60fps over distances of up to 20 kilometers1.

42-GB Built-in Storage: Setting a new standard, the Air 3S allows creators to film without needing to deal with microSD cards.

Off-State QuickTransfer: Files can be sent from the Air 3S to a smartphone even when the drone is powered off1. Transfers to a computer can also be done with the drone powered off by simply connecting Air 3S via a compatible USB cable. It supports the latest low power Bluetooth mode, with a power drop of no more than 2% over 6 hours. After users have finished shooting, they can simply power off the drone and place it in a backpack or trunk. Within 12 hours of shutdown, they can open the DJI Fly app to view and download the photo/videos from the drone.

Charging Hub with Power Accumulation1: The Charging Hub supports PD fast charging and a power accumulation function, allowing users to transfer the remaining power of multiple low-power batteries into the battery with the highest remaining power1.

Pricing and Availability

The DJI Air 3S is available to order from all authorized retail partners and online e-stores, with shipping starting today, in the following configurations:

The DJI Air 3S (DJI RC-N3) retails for $1399 and allows pilots to check the live feed and flight status using their smartphone.

The DJI Air 3S Fly More Combo (DJI RC-N3) retails for $1729 and includes the DJI RC-N3 remote controller, an ND filter set, two additional batteries, a battery charging hub, a shoulder bag, and more.

The DJI Air 3S Fly More Combo (DJI RC 2) retails for $1959 and includes the DJI RC 2 remote controller with a 5.5-inch 1080p 700-nit high-bright screen, an ND filter set, two additional batteries, a battery charging hub, a shoulder bag, and more.

For more information about DJI Air 3S, please visit: https://ift.tt/JO6TxC4

1 All data was tested in controlled conditions. Actual experience may vary. For more details, please refer to the product page on the official DJI website.

About DJI

Since 2006, DJI has led the world with civilian drone innovations that have empowered individuals to take flight for the first time, visionaries to turn their imagination into reality, and professionals to transform their work entirely. Today, DJI serves to build a better world by continuously promoting human advancement. With a solution-oriented mindset and genuine curiosity, DJI has expanded its ambitions into areas such as cycling, renewable energy, agriculture, public safety, surveying and mapping, and infrastructure inspection. In every application, DJI products deliver experiences that add value to lives around the world in more profound ways than ever before.

For more information, visit our:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DJISingaporeOfficial/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dji_singapore/

Lazada: https://bit.ly/DJI-Lazada

Shopee: https://bit.ly/DJI-Shopee

DJI ARS Stores: Jewel Changi Airport, #04-226, S819666

DJI ARS Stores: VivoCity, #02-154/155, S098585

DJI ARS Stores: Funan, #03-22 Funan, Singapore 179105

The post DJI Announces DJI Air 3S, Check Out Actual Footage first appeared on TechieLobang.

The DJI Air 3S is available in Singapore now. You can get it online or at all authorized retail partners. Thanks to DJI, I had the chance to...

11/10/2024

We have a critical problem in Singapore: critical illness (CI) coverage, or a lack of it, even in 2024. Many Singaporeans are vulnerable to financial strain from critical illnesses as they are underinsured. Why?

HL Assurance Early Protect360 Plus is an affordable way to address critical illness coverage gaps in your insurance portfolio.

The Life Insurance Association (LIA) of Singapore, which promotes financial literacy and sets industry standards, published a Protection Gap Study in 2023 and found these to be the reasons:

The complexity and wide variety of CI policies make it confusing for consumers.

Many people deprioritise CI insurance, thinking they won’t be affected.

High premium costs.

Standalone CI policies typically do not offer cash value upon surrender or maturity.

It is difficult to assess what adequate coverage is due to the wide range of critical illnesses.

What people don’t realise about CI coverage

LIA found that the CI protection gap was 74% as of 2022. This number represents the average shortfall between the money needed for a critical illness event and an individual’s insurance coverage.

The average critical illness coverage needed for an economically productive adult in Singapore is around S$316,603, but the average existing coverage is only S$59,776, a substantial shortfall of S$264,586.

Recovering from a critical illness goes beyond immediate medical expenses: ongoing household expenses, debt repayments, and other daily costs. LIA’s study estimates that it takes about five years to recover financially without insurance coverage. The sheer sum of these expenses can be emotionally distressing and lead to long-term financial instability for patients and their families.

How Early Protect360 Plus addresses these issues

While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, as everyone’s needs are unique, Early Protect360 Plus is an affordable, inclusive solution designed to cover as many key areas as possible. Here are reasons why you should consider Early Protect360 Plus for your CI needs:

Comprehensive early and advanced-stage coverage

Early Protect360 Plus offers comprehensive coverage for both early and advanced stages of critical illnesses and checks the essential boxes for severe conditions, including coverage for life-threatening conditions like:

all major cancers

advanced stage heart attacks

strokes with lasting effects

end-stage kidney failure, and

coronary artery bypass surgery

But this plan also includes early-stage conditions such as:

early thyroid or prostate cancers

heart valve surgery

brain aneurysm surgery, and

keyhole coronary bypass surgery

Prioritising early detection aligns with Singapore’s Healthier SG movement, which encourages Singaporeans to manage their healthcare proactively. There’s a good incentive here: Early-stage critical illness expenses are significantly cheaper than late-stage critical illness treatment costs, and adopting a proactive approach to health might pay off handsomely in the long run.

For example, based on the Ministry of Health (MOH) fee benchmarks, early-stage colon cancer treatments can cost approximately S$14,000, while late-stage interventions can cost up to S$48,000. These are ballpark figures, of course, but they show how much more expensive late-stage treatments are. Moreover, the chances of effective and quicker recovery are significantly higher at the early stage.

The bottom line is that comprehensive coverage for early and late-stage conditions at an affordable premium is a win-win.

High-benefit payouts and unique ICU coverage

One of Early Protect360 Plus’s standout features is its high-benefit payouts. The policy offers up to $300,000 coverage, with a 100% benefit payout for covered critical illnesses. Additionally, it provides an extra 20% payout for intensive care unit (ICU) stays, up to $25,000. This payout does not reduce the CI benefit limit and is unique to Early Protect360 Plus.

This thoughtful provision ensures that policyholders have additional financial support during extended hospital stays while retaining the full benefit limit for critical illness treatments.

Ease of enrollment and renewal

By simplifying qualifications, Early Protect360 Plus ensures more people can access critical illness coverage. This policy removes a barrier for those put off by the expense and time needed for mandatory medical examinations. All you need is to answer three simple health declaration questions.

Unlike many competitors, the policy is also renewable up to age 99, providing many seniors with long-term protection now that life expectancy and retirement age have risen significantly.

Affordable premiums and flexible payments to fit your budgeting

Early Protect360 Plus offers flexible payment options and attractive limited-period discounts to encourage Singaporeans to bolster their insurance coverage. Policyholders have options for monthly, annual, or lump sum payments, allowing them to manage their finances according to their preferences and financial situation.

The ongoing launch discounts are also an added incentive, with a 20% discount on the base premium. Policyholders can enjoy additional discounts, with another 5% discount if they pay annually or a further 10% off with a lump sum payment. Even if you sign up after the launch offer expires, you are still eligible for a 10% discount on the base premium.

Broad eligibility to get more people covered

Early Protect360 Plus has broad eligibility criteria and is available to Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents, and holders of various valid passes (employment pass, work permit, dependent pass, long-term visit pass). So long as you are between the ages of 18 and 65 upon application, the policy is renewable up to age 99, ensuring that many individuals benefit from its comprehensive coverage.

How to sign up for Early Protect360 Plus

In the face of rising healthcare costs and the financial challenges posed by critical illnesses, Early Protect360 Plus is a handy shield against unforeseen circumstances with a robust safety net. Its comprehensive coverage, high benefit payouts, ease of enrollment, flexibility, and broad eligibility make it a compelling choice for anyone seeking easily accessible, thorough protection.

Whether you are a young professional, a breadwinner with dependents, or someone with a family history of critical illnesses, consider Early Protect360 Plus to secure your health and financial well-being today. Visit the Early Protect360 page for more information, or sign up here.

(Sponsored Post)

The post New Critical Illness Plan by HL Assurance Aims to Bridge Insurance Gaps for Singaporeans first appeared on TechieLobang.

We have a critical problem in Singapore: critical illness (CI) coverage, or a lack of it, even in 2024. Many Singaporeans are vulnerable to ...

09/10/2024

Singtel Comcentre is being demolished as we speak. As you may or may not know, Singtel is building a new building on its existing site. In commemorating the long history of Singtel Comcentre, Singtel has launched the “Voices from Comcentre” book chronicling the legacy of the iconic building that served as Singtel’s headquarters for 45 years.

In my personal opinion, I think this book is really for those who had or have been working with Singtel for a long time. You can check out this 35-minute video showcasing the Comcentre and the people that grow with it.

As a person who has been in this kind of situation, I can fully understand the emotion going through them when they are packing to leave the place. I suspect the book are being bought by current and ex-employees rather than the public.

However, if you want to get a hand on it, here is the information.

The “Voices from Comcentre” book will be available for $25 from 7 – 27 October 2024 at select Singtel stores in 313@somerset, Jurong Point, and Tampines Mall. All purchases will be equally matched by Singtel, with proceeds going to the Singtel Touching Lives Fund, which supports the Community Chest and special education schools – Singtel’s chosen cause.

Congrats to Singtel for the milestone and the building of the new Singtel Comcentre.

Here is the Press Release for more information.

Press Release

Singtel launches “Voices from Comcentre” to mark 145th anniversary

The interconnected history of Singtel, its headquarters, and Singapore as a nation is told as the iconic Comcentre is redeveloped.

Singapore, 4 October 2024 – Singtel today launched “Voices from Comcentre”, a book chronicling the legacy of the iconic building that served as Singtel’s headquarters for 45 years. This comes as Singtel commemorates 145 years of telephony in Singapore, tracing its journey from local monopoly to Southeast Asia’s largest telecoms group. Central to this journey is the story of Comcentre which is being redeveloped for the digital age. Singtel has partnered leading real estate company Lendlease to transform Comcentre into a state-of-the-art office development that will provide a greener, smarter and more collaborative work environment that meets Singtel’s evolving business needs.

Mr Yuen Kuan Moon, Singtel Group CEO, said, “Comcentre holds many special memories for generations of Singtel staff, having been the site of many company milestones, and we wanted to preserve those memories through ‘Voices from Comcentre’. Besides commemorating the building, this book pays tribute to our employees who have made Singtel what it is today.”

He added, “As Singtel celebrates its 145th anniversary, it is also timely to take stock of how far we’ve come and where we are headed. Comcentre has served as innovation central for decades and its redevelopment is a strategic move that will ensure Singtel continues to lead in the 5G era and beyond. By reflecting on the journey that Singtel has travelled so far, we can better plot the direction that we need to take to continue achieving the company’s purpose of empowering every generation.”

“Voices” traces 145 years of Singapore’s communications history, beginning with an account of Singapore’s first telephone exchange set up in 1879. These early events provide historical context for the 1979 opening of Comcentre, which coincided with Singapore’s 100th year of telephone service. The book also captures Singtel’s and Singapore’s key technological milestones and firsts, told by Singtel staff who were instrumental in helping to shape and make that history.

Singtel staff offer personal and unique perspectives

“Voices from Comcentre” is told by Singtel staff who offer personal and unique perspectives into the building’s history and the technological advancements that transformed telecommunications in Singapore – from analogue to digital, 1G to 5G, submarine cables to satellites. Their stories shed light on how Singtel’s enduring culture of innovation and resilience has driven its expansion from local to global powerhouse.

Ms Lian Pek, Singtel’s Vice President of Group Strategic Communications and Brand, says, “With Comcentre bearing witness to over four decades of change in Singtel’s journey, we felt that the job of telling this story was best done by Singtel pioneers and staff. For many, Comcentre had become a topography of their working lives, a repository of milestones, memory and meaning – an emotional space, in short. We sought to capture this emotional relationship between Comcentre and its occupants because these inner landscapes and workings help pave the way for new worlds to be made – a new Comcentre development that will continue to be synonymous with the Singtel brand.”

One profile is that of associate engineer Lim Siew Meng, who reminisces about his time in the networks team which launched Singapore’s first-generation (1G) mobile network in 1987. He recounts how Singtel rolled out the technology and commissioned the 61 base stations for the network in 1988 – one of the first being Comcentre, which was chosen for its strategic height and central location.

Another profile is that of senior director Edmund Quek who was part of the team equipping Comcentre with outdoor and indoor antennas in 2005 to ensure good 3G coverage on each floor. He shares that Apple eventually chose to launch its iPhone 3G at Comcentre in 2008 due to the building’s superior 3G network quality.

Writing the next chapter

The book also provides a look into the future of Comcentre, which was vacated in April 2024 for redevelopment. Slated for completion in 2028, Comcentre will incorporate sustainable designs and digital solutions that will help Singtel meet its environmental, social, and governance goals.

The “Voices from Comcentre” book will be available for $25 from 7 – 27 October 2024 at select Singtel stores in 313@somerset, Jurong Point, and Tampines Mall. All purchases will be equally matched by Singtel, with proceeds going to the Singtel Touching Lives Fund, which supports the Community Chest and special education schools – Singtel’s chosen cause.

A 35-minute documentary with the same title serves as a companion piece to the book and will be concurrently released on the Singtel YouTube channel on 7 October.

# # #

ANNEX – Book reviews of “Voices”

Yong Ying-I, CPF Board Chairman, former IDA Chairman and CEO: “Voices from Comcentre sheds light on how Singtel’s groundbreaking work within its iconic headquarters propelled the advancement of telecommunications in Singapore, allowing not just the company but the country to stay firmly ahead. A fascinating read about Singtel’s strong legacy as a national institution and the central role it has played in everyday Singaporean life since 1965.”

Ravi Velloor, Veteran Straits Times editor and columnist: “If Singapore’s existential mantra is great connectivity, Comcentre has stood for decades as its enduring totem pole; aptly for the island’s history and ambitions, soaring into the sky not far from the detritus of erstwhile hawker markets. This book, complete with tales of secret caverns underground and matriarchal secretaries fussing protectively on the top floor is a true tribute to one of the grandest of Singapore’s early skyscrapers.”

Koh Buck Song, Country brand adviser and author of Brand Singapore: “Brands are all about attributes

– which are shaped by an organisation’s work environment, and sustained by its staff. For Singtel, the key brand attributes are vision, drive and loyalty; the pioneering, productive location is Comcentre; and here in this book are the formative memories, and realised dreams, of its people.”

Devadas Krishnadas, Public policy specialist and CEO, Future Moves: “A necessary and readable account of the place in Singapore’s history of the iconic Singtel Comcentre and how it has been a physical representation of the criticality of communications connectivity to the country’s economic growth and social maturation.”

About Singtel

Singtel is a leading Asian communications technology group, operating next-generation connectivity, digital infrastructure and digital businesses including regional data centre arm Nxera and regional IT services arm NCS. The Group has presence in Asia, Australia and Africa and reaches over 780 million mobile customers in 21 countries.

For consumers, Singtel delivers a complete and integrated suite of services, including mobile, broadband and TV. For enterprises, Singtel offers a complementary array of workforce mobility solutions, data hosting, cloud, network infrastructure, analytics and cyber security capabilities.

Singtel is dedicated to continuous innovation, harnessing technology to create new and exciting customer experiences, support enterprises in their digital transformation and shape a more sustainable, digital future.

For more information, visit www.singtel.com.

About Singtel Touching Lives Fund

Launched in 2002, the Singtel Touching Lives Fund (STLF) is Singtel’s flagship corporate philanthropy programme to help the less privileged children and young people in Singapore, in particular those with special needs – by equipping them with the skills needed to lead independent and meaningful lives. Since its inception, the STLF has raised over S$57million for charities under the auspices of the National Council of Social Service

The post Singtel Launches “Voices from Comcentre” Book first appeared on TechieLobang.

Singtel Comcentre is being demolished as we speak. As you may or may not know, Singtel is building a new building on its existing site. In c...

Bisaya Astig

08/11/2024

05/11/2024

16/10/2024

11/10/2024

09/10/2024

Address

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share