Author: Mei Ling Tan

  • Chilean cherry prices plunge to less than $6 per kilogram

    Chilean cherry prices plunge to less than $6 per kilogram

    Cherries imported from Chile are at their lowest prices in years, with small-sized fruits selling for VND149,000 (US$5.9) per kilogram at markets and online retailers.

    Bigger ones cost VND180,000-220,000 per kilogram. These prices are 20-25% lower than a year ago and down from VND350,000 last month.

    Lan, a vendor at Ba Chieu Market in HCMC’s Binh Thanh District, said she has never seen Chilean cherries as cheap as this.

    Nguyen Van Thanh, a fruit importer in HCMC, said China, the main market for Chilean cherries, recently tightened quality regulations. As a result, exports to the market have been reduced, creating a supply overhang, causing exporters to offload the fruits to other markets, including Vietnam, at competitive prices.

    Saltoro, a ship that was delivering 1,300 containers of Chilean cherries to China, encountered a technical issue near Micronesia on Jan. 13, which delayed its journey until after the Lunar New Year.

    Demand for the fruit in China usually peaks during the holidays. This incident also contributed to the decline in prices.

    This year Chile’s cherry production was 60% higher than in 2024. According to customs data, Vietnamese im

  • Meta to Bring World’s Longest Undersea Cable to India

    Meta to Bring World’s Longest Undersea Cable to India

    The announcement, made in accordance with the recent U.S.-India joint leaders’ statement, highlights Meta’s focus on India’s expanding digital ecosystem. The undersea network will play a crucial role in global internet connectivity, linking countries and supporting local telecom operators in delivering services.

    “Meta is investing in India—one of its largest markets—bringing the world’s longest, highest capacity, and most technologically advanced subsea cable project to connect India, the U.S., and other locations,” a Meta spokesperson said.

    This investment comes amid growing calls from telecom operators for major tech firms, including Meta, to contribute to network infrastructure development and alleviate data traffic congestion.

    According to Meta, Project Waterworth will utilize advanced routing techniques and innovative cable burial strategies to safeguard the cable system against damage, particularly in high-risk coastal regions. The cable will reach depths of up to 7,000 meters in deep-sea areas.

    A Meta spokesperson said the investment reflects the company’s commitment to economic growth, resilient infrastructure, and digital inclusion, driven by India’s increasing demand for digital services.

    The U.S.-India joint statement, released following Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s visit to the U.S., also emphasized India’s plans to invest in undersea cable maintenance and financing in the Indian Ocean using trusted vendors.

    “This project will enable greater economic cooperation, facilitate digital inclusion, and open opportunities for technological development in these regions,” Meta noted. “In India, where we’ve already seen significant growth and investment, Waterworth will help accelerate progress and support the country’s digital economy ambitions.”

  • Vietnam electricity imports from China, Laos set to soar by 2030

    Vietnam electricity imports from China, Laos set to soar by 2030

    The Ministry of Industry and Trade plans to increase electricity imports from China and Laos by 1.6 to five times from between now and 2030.

    Vietnam’s electricity demand is set to rise by 12-14% annually as the government targets an ambitious double-digit growth rate annually to achieve high-income status for the country by 2045.

    This means by 2030 Vietnam’s power capacity would need to reach 210,000 megawatts, up 35% from the current nationwide power plan.

    Imports will therefore play an important role in meeting electricity demand.

    By 2030 imports might account for 5% of total supply as against 4% last year, according to the ministry.

    It wants to import up to 3,700 MW in capacity from China by 2030, a five-fold increase from now.

    But the two sides have made no agreement for this yet. “The governments need to negotiate and sign deals soon,” the ministry said.

    It also wants to buy 6,800 MW from Laos by 2030, 1.6 times the current import.

  • Alibaba Cloud Expands Thai Presence with New Data Center

    Alibaba Cloud Expands Thai Presence with New Data Center

    Sean Yuan, Vice President of International Business and General Manager of Thailand, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, and the South Pacific Region at Alibaba Cloud Intelligence, stated, “Our latest data center strengthens our commitment to providing reliable, secure, and high-performance cloud services tailored to the needs of local businesses. With enhanced local infrastructure, we aim to empower enterprises to leverage the full potential of cloud technology, especially in generative AI applications.”

    With the addition of this new data center, Alibaba Cloud now operates 86 availability zones across 28 regions globally, solidifying its position as a leading cloud service provider in Southeast Asia. The first data center in Thailand was launched in 2022. Alibaba Cloud has over 140 security and compliance accreditations worldwide, ensuring top-tier protection and resilience for its cloud services. With two data centers in Thailand, Alibaba Cloud can provide scalable, elastic, and highly available cloud computing products with enhanced disaster recovery capabilities, all while adhering to strict security and regulatory standards.

    Alibaba Cloud is expanding its range of services to support businesses in Thailand, including elastic computing, storage, database, security, network products, data analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI) services. These services are designed to address specific challenges faced by different industries. By leveraging AnalyticDB’s cloud-native vector engine, businesses in Thailand, especially in the fintech and retail sectors, can create solutions that enhance customer interactions through customized large language model (LLM) applications. This allows companies to efficiently manage structured and unstructured data, develop chatbots, and provide personalized product recommendations, ultimately improving the customer experience.

    Alibaba Cloud’s Container Compute Service (ACS) simplifies workload deployment using Kubernetes, offering a serverless container environment that helps businesses scale their operations efficiently and focus on innovation while managing costs effectively. Alibaba Cloud offers industry-specific solutions tailored to digital-native clients in sectors such as fintech, retail, and public services. These solutions include the Elastic Desktop Service (EDS), eKYC solutions, a SuperApp equipped with development capabilities, and AI-driven sustainability solutions.

    Through partnerships with local companies like True Digital Group, Yell Group, and Codium, Alibaba Cloud has helped enhance operations and services using cloud computing products. These collaborations aim to improve efficiency, scalability, and innovation in various industries. Alibaba Cloud is actively working with local partners and universities in Thailand to support the digital transformation of businesses and foster digital talent. Initiatives include workshops, certified courses, and collaborations with universities to provide training in cloud computing and generative AI, as well as the launch of a global skills center at Chulalongkorn University to offer free training courses, boot camps, AI competitions, and leadership development programs. These efforts aim to enhance educational resources and promote a thriving digital landscape in Thailand.

  • Chunghwa Telecom Expands Submarine Cable Investments

    Chunghwa Telecom Expands Submarine Cable Investments

    The company is increasing its investment in undersea cable infrastructure, allocating up to TWD 2 billion (USD 60.9 million) in 2025. The SJC2 system, spanning 10,500 kilometers, links 11 cable landing stations across Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, South Korea, and Japan.

    Meanwhile, the Apricot system, stretching 12,000 kilometers, will connect Taiwan to Japan, Guam, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Singapore. Chunghwa Telecom is part of the consortium overseeing the development of both cable projects.

    In addition to these deployments, the company is in discussing the possibility of other submarine cable projects with potential partners. Chunghwa Telecom Chairman, Alex Chien, indicated that the company is inclined to invest in undersea cables that connect Taiwan to Southeast Asia or Pacific nations. He also revealed that the company is considering launching more medium Earth orbit (MEO) and high Earth orbit (HEO) satellite internet services this year to bolster data security for the government and enterprises in case of undersea cable disruptions.

    Chunghwa Telecom is also addressing local connectivity issues. It has allocated funds to repair two damaged domestic submarine cables linking Taiwan and Lienchiang County (Matsu). These cables failed in late January due to natural wear and tear.

    Chunghwa Telecom’s increased investment in submarine cable systems comes amid heightened concerns over Taiwan’s digital infrastructure security due to ongoing geopolitical tensions with China.

    A quarter (25.2%) of the company’s 2025 capital expenditures (CapEx) will be directed toward non-mobile sectors, including submarine cable expansion,

  • Samsung to invest in AI, semiconductors in Vietnam

    Samsung to invest in AI, semiconductors in Vietnam

    South Korean electronics giant Samsung is set to expand into new areas in Vietnam such as AI, semiconductors and digital transformation.

    CEO Choi Joo Ho told Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at a meeting in Hanoi on Wednesday that the largest foreign direct investor in Vietnam expects support from the government in making investments in these areas.

    Samsung has so far invested $23.2 billion in Vietnam and exported $54.4 billion worth of products last year.

    Chinh promised continued support for the company in investing in efficient and successful businesses in Vietnam.

    Samsung needs to continue to maintain its leading position by developing supporting industries, chips, semiconductors and promoting digital transformation in Vietnam, he added.

    The government targets 8% GDP growth this year and double-digit expansion in the coming years.

    To achieve the goals, it needs to improve the investment environment and foster strategic breakthroughs.

    Chinh urged Samsung to set up training centers at the National Innovation Center, increase its investment in Vietnam and support start-up and innovation activities.

    He also suggested that the company should have more Vietnamese executives and increase the number of local digital technology enterprises in its ecosystem.

  • Gold prices plummet from peak

    Gold prices plummet from peak

    Vietnam gold bar price fell to VND90.2 million (US$3,524.13) per tael Wednesday morning, down 2.28% from the record high it reached the previous day.

    It reached an all-time high of VND92.3 million per tael on Tuesday morning before plunging to VND90.5 million that afternoon.

    Gold ring price dived to VND89.7 million per tael from Tuesday’s historic peak of VND91.7 million. A tael equals 37.5 grams or 1.2 ounces.

    Globally, gold prices retreated on Wednesday from an all-time high hit in the previous session, as Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s hawkish comment cemented views of slower rate cuts this year, while investors awaited a key U.S. inflation report.

    Spot gold fell 0.4% to $2,885.53 per ounce. Bullion climbed to a record high of $2,942.70 on Tuesday. U.S. gold futures eased 0.8% to $2,910.70.

    Powell said on Tuesday the economy is in a good place and the Fed isn’t rushing to cut interest rates further, but is prepared to do it if inflation drops or the job market weakens.

    Bullion is considered a hedge against inflation, but higher interest rates dampen the non-yielding asset’s appeal.

    “The bullish trend (in gold) remains intact given the tariff picture uncertainty and the resulting safe-haven flows, which could keep underpinning the precious metal,” said Tim Waterer, chief market analyst at KCM Trade.

  • Indosat Reports Strong Growth in 2024

    Indosat Reports Strong Growth in 2024

    Total revenue increased by 9.1% to IDR 55.9 trillion, driven by improvements in customer quality and contributions from all business lines. Cellular revenue grew by 7.5% due to increased revenue in the data and interconnection sector, while multimedia, data communication, and internet (MIDI) revenue rose by 23.4%, supported by increased revenue from IT services.

    EBITDA also grew by 10.2%, totaling IDR 26.4 trillion, demonstrating an EBITDA margin of 47.2% and Indosat’s efficiency in converting revenue into earnings. Profit for the period attributable to owners of the parent increased by 38.1%, totaling IDR 4.916 trillion, reinforcing the company’s financial health and ability to deliver returns to stakeholders.

    Vikram Sinha, President Director and CEO of Indosat, mentioned, “2024 was a challenging year. Despite this, we managed to secure a strong performance as a commitment to continue delivering value to our stakeholders. This strong financial and operational performance also underscores Indosat’s commitment to continuously drive the advancement in the telecommunications industry ecosystem in Indonesia.”

    Throughout 2024, data traffic increased by 12.2% year-over-year (YoY), reflecting the growing demand for Indosat’s services. The company expanded its network infrastructure by increasing the number of 4G BTS to 196,000 to enhance service quality for customers. This led to a 6.6% rise in mobile average revenue per user (ARPU), totaling nearly IDR 40,000 and showcasing the success of Indosat’s go-to-market strategy.

    In the final quarter of 2024, Indosat relaunched its postpaid service under the IM3 Platinum brand, integrating artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver a premium customer experience. The company is also embedding AI into its network operations through a partnership with Nokia, which aims to expand its 4G and 5G networks and provide smarter and more efficient connectivity.

    Indosat is also collaborating with UiPath to empower 100,000 Indonesians with enterprise automation skills by 2027, aligning with its mission to drive digital transformation and foster an AI-ready workforce in Indonesia.

    The company’s capital expenditure (CapEx) in 2024 totaled IDR 9.937 trillion. Indosat will focus on enhancing cellular networks to support the growing demand for AI-powered digital services.

    “By embedding AI across our operations and fostering collaborations rooted in the spirit of mutual cooperation, we are accelerating towards Indosat’s larger purpose of empowering Indonesia,” concluded Sinha.

  • Globe, GoTyme Bank Partner to Strengthen Anti-Scam Measures

    Globe, GoTyme Bank Partner to Strengthen Anti-Scam Measures

    This collaboration will comply with the Data Privacy Act and streamline the process of investigating suspected scammers by eliminating the need for warrants or subpoenas to access their information.

    Globe’s Chief Privacy Officer, Irish Salandanan-Almeida, emphasized, “This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to championing cybersecurity and protecting our customers from the growing threats in the digital world. Through collaborations, we can combine our expertise and resources to better safeguard the financial sector and our customers from cybercrime.”

    In the first half of last year, Globe blocked 2.7 million bank-related spam and scam messages, investing around USD 20 million in scam detection and prevention systems to protect consumers from deceptive messages. A study by Kaspersky revealed that Filipinos encountered 14.1 million web threats last year, a decrease from 26.6 million in 2023.

    Yeo Siang Tiong, Kaspersky’s General Manager for Southeast Asia, suggested that this decline in cyber threats could be due to improved detection and prevention methods. However, Tiong cautioned that hackers might be targeting specific high-value individuals rather than launching widespread cyberattacks.

  • Nespresso introduces Oatly Barista Edition Coffee capsules

    Nespresso introduces Oatly Barista Edition Coffee capsules

    Nespresso has partnered with Oatly to launch a limited-edition coffee capsule designed to “perfectly pair” with oat milk.

    The new product, called Oatly Barista Edition Coffee, is made exclusively for Nespresso Vertuo coffee machines. It features rich, biscuity notes that complement the creamy, cereal flavor of Oatly.

    Toby Weedon, barista development director at Oatly, said the neutral taste of Oatly brings out the best flavour in coffee.

    “It’s why it is used by professional baristas and embraced by coffee enthusiasts worldwide,” said Weedon.

    Karsten Ranitzch, global head of coffee for Nespresso, added that the company is on a mission to make sure every coffee lover can create their perfect cup.

    “We know more and more people are reaching for plant-based drinks when preparing their favourite coffee recipe, which is why we are thrilled about our partnership with Oatly,” said Ranitzch.

    “Bringing our two like-minded brands and expertise together has allowed us to craft an unforgettable new coffee blend.”

    Nespresso’s Oatly Barista Edition coffee is available worldwide.

  • Aldi US plans to open 225 more stores nationwide this year

    Aldi US plans to open 225 more stores nationwide this year

    Aldi US plans to open more than 225 stores across the country this year as part of the next phase of its five-year growth strategy.

    The openings will include organic growth and conversion of select Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores to the Aldi format.

    The company plans to convert approximately 220 Southeastern Grocers locations to Aldi through 2027. About 100 converted locations will re-open by the end of this year.

    About 170 Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores not affected by the conversion will be sold to a consortium including C&S Wholesale Grocers, Southeastern Grocers senior leadership and private investors.

    Aldi said this divestment allows it to create a focused portfolio in the Southeast as it progresses its expansion plans across the country. The company plans to expand its footprint in the Northeast and Midwest regions, grow presence in the West with more stores in Southern California and Arizona, and enter new communities like Las Vegas.

    “When we announced our acquisition of Southeastern Grocers, we shared that we intended for a meaningful number of Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarkets to continue to operate, and we’re delivering on that promise while also supporting Aldi growth,” said Jason Hart, CEO of Aldi.

    “Over the last year, we’ve seen firsthand how C&S Wholesale Grocers, Southeastern Grocers and their teams have continued to deliver great quality, service and value to their customers, and we are confident they will lead the company successfully into its next chapter,” he added.

    Last year, the chain opened nearly 120 stores, bringing its total store count to more than 2400.

  • Oatly Barista Edition rolls out in Circle K stores in Northern Europe

    Oatly Barista Edition rolls out in Circle K stores in Northern Europe

    Swedish plant-based alt-milk producer Oatly has partnered with the convenience store chain Circle K to introduce its Barista Edition beverage across stores in Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia.

    The Oatly Barista Edition is a plant-based, dairy-free alternative that the company claims provides the same creamy taste, frothy texture, and functionality as traditional coffee creamers.

    Skirmantas Maciukas, VP of Circle K Baltics, stated that the collaboration with Oatly is part of its mission to provide plant-based options for customers throughout the Baltics.

    “Our mission is to make our customers’ lives a little easier every day,” he added.

    Circle K is owned by Canadian convenience store giant Alimentation Couche-Tard, which operates the brand in more than 20 markets worldwide.

    Recently, Oatly also partnered with Nespresso for a limited-release Barista Edition coffee capsules.

  • Google plans to make it harder for teens to lie about their age

    Google plans to make it harder for teens to lie about their age

    Google recently announced new digital products that target kids, teens and parents. From additional family-focused controls to helpful experiences for kids and teens, Google is trying to protect youngsters and give parents control over the content they consume on a regular basis.

    The list of improvements to existing safeguards Google has in place for under-18 users also includes a new machine learning model that will make it harder for teens to lie about their age.

    The Mountain View company has taken some steps toward providing age-appropriate experiences to teens when they use its products, including a number of changes for all users under 18. For example, Google recently introduced a SafeSearch Filter, restricting sensitive ad content, gating age-restricted content on YouTube & Play, and implemented teen wellbeing protections on YouTube.

    But that’s not enough since Google has decided to use machine learning to determine the age of a user. The search giant announced this week that it plans to start testing a machine learning-based estimation model. The test will be limited to the United States at launch, but Google plans to bring the technology to more countries over time.The machine learning model Google is going to test this year is meant to help the company estimate whether a user is over or under 18 so that it can provide a more age-appropriate experience.

    Google hasn’t yet explained how this machine learning model will work, so it remains to be seen whether or not it will be more effective than the safeguards it has implemented right now.

    In related news, Google announced it’s rolling out a new sensitive content warning feature in Google Messages. This feature is opt-in for adults, but mandatory for kids and teens. It can be managed via Android Settings and features parental controls for supervised accounts.

    For those interested in learning more about Google’s teens experiences, we have an extensive article that explains how the company plans to empower parents to manage their kids’ devices.

  • 5 Ways to Practice Underarm Care This Spring

    5 Ways to Practice Underarm Care This Spring

    Spring is here, and that means lighter fabrics, warmer days, and, of course, more time outdoors. But with the change in seasons, your underarms can start feeling the effects—dryness, irritation, and even unwanted discoloration. If you’ve ever considered visiting a medical aesthetic clinic for treatments like armpit whitening, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with underarm concerns, especially during seasonal transitions.

    The good news? A few simple tweaks to your routine can make a big difference. Here’s how to care for your underarms this spring so you can stay fresh, smooth, and confident all season long.

    Common Underarm Concerns as the Seasons Change

    Spring brings warmer temperatures and higher humidity. That means your body naturally sweats more, leading to potential odor, irritation, and clogged pores. If you’re wearing sleeveless tops, you might also notice rough or darkened skin under your arms—a sign that dead skin cells are building up.

    Another issue? Hair removal irritation. Whether you shave, wax, or use other methods, your skin is extra sensitive in this area. Without proper care, you can end up with razor bumps, redness, and ingrown hairs.

    But don’t worry. A little extra attention will help you keep your underarms smooth, healthy, and irritation-free. Let’s get into it.

    How to Look After Your Underarms This Spring

    Exfoliate Regularly for Smooth Skin

    Think about it—your face and body get regular exfoliation, so why not your underarms? Dead skin cells, deodorant residue, and bacteria can build up over time, leading to rough texture and dark spots.

    Use a gentle exfoliant, like a mild scrub or a chemical exfoliant with lactic or glycolic acid, once or twice a week. This helps slough off dead skin, brighten the area, and even prevent ingrown hairs. But remember—gentleness is key. The underarm skin is delicate, so don’t overdo it with harsh scrubs.

    One quick tip? Try exfoliating in the evening, so your skin has time to recover overnight before applying deodorant in the morning.

    Switch to a Skin-Friendly Deodorant

    Deodorant is a daily essential, but not all formulas are created equal. Some contain harsh ingredients like alcohol or aluminum, which can clog pores, irritate sensitive skin, and contribute to underarm discoloration.

    If you often deal with irritation or itching, consider switching to a natural or hypoallergenic deodorant. Look for ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and arrowroot powder—these help keep your skin calm and dry without harsh chemicals.

    Not ready to ditch your antiperspirant completely? Try a hybrid approach. Use a natural deodorant on days when you don’t need heavy-duty sweat protection, and reserve antiperspirant for long days or workouts.

    Keep Your Underarms Hydrated

    Moisturizing your underarms might sound odd, but it’s just as important as keeping the rest of your body hydrated. Dry, flaky skin can lead to irritation and discomfort—especially if you shave regularly.

    Use a lightweight, fragrance-free moisturizer or an aloe-based gel to keep the skin soft and smooth. Some people even swear by using a little bit of their facial serum (like hyaluronic acid) under their arms to lock in moisture without clogging pores.

    Another hack? Apply moisturizer at night, so your skin has time to absorb it without being disturbed by deodorant or sweat during the day.

    Choose Hair Removal Methods Wisely

    Shaving is quick and convenient, but it can also cause razor burns, ingrown hairs, and dark spots. If you shave frequently, use a sharp razor and a moisturizing shaving gel to reduce irritation. And never shave dry—this is a fast track to redness and discomfort.

    Waxing is another option, but it can be harsh on sensitive skin. If you go this route, exfoliate beforehand to prevent ingrown hairs and soothe the area afterward with a calming lotion.

    For those looking for a longer-term solution, laser hair removal is a great choice. It reduces hair growth over time and can even help lighten dark patches caused by constant shaving. If you’re considering this, spring is a great time to start since you’ll need to avoid direct sun exposure during treatments.

    Prioritize Breathability & Hygiene

    What you wear matters more than you think. Tight, synthetic fabrics trap moisture, creating the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. If you want to keep your underarms fresh, stick to breathable fabrics like cotton or linen—especially when temperatures start rising.

    Daily hygiene is also key. Wash your underarms thoroughly with a mild, pH-balanced cleanser to remove sweat and bacteria. If you’re prone to odor, a gentle antibacterial soap can help.

    And a final tip? Give your underarms a break from deodorant once in a while. Going “bare” for a day or two lets your skin breathe and prevents product buildup.

    Build a Simple Routine for Healthy Underarms

    Underarm care doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few small changes—exfoliating, moisturizing, choosing gentle products, and prioritizing hygiene—you can keep your underarms looking and feeling their best this spring.

    Whether you’re prepping for a sleeveless season or just want to feel more comfortable in your skin, these tips will help. And if you’re dealing with persistent concerns like dark spots or irritation, a good dermatologist can offer professional solutions tailored to your needs.

    So go ahead—refresh your routine, embrace the warmer weather, and enjoy feeling confident all season long.

     

  • Singtel Launches 5G+ Using 700 MHz for Wider Coverage

    Singtel Launches 5G+ Using 700 MHz for Wider Coverage

    This upgraded 5G service, now called Singtel 5G+, will provide stronger signals (up to 40%) in indoor high-rise buildings, underground spaces, and remote areas in Singapore.

    The use of this low-frequency spectrum allows for wider coverage with fewer towers, ensuring a more reliable network for businesses needing constant connectivity and consumers wanting to make video calls or stream content in these locations. This development comes after the Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA) granted Singtel the rights to use the 700 MHz spectrum. Approximately 1.5 million subscribers, including Singtel’s mobile enterprise, postpaid, prepaid, and GOMO 5G customers, are expected to benefit from this expanded coverage at no extra cost.

    Mr. Ng Tian Chong, Chief Executive Officer of Singtel Singapore, stated that with the increasing digital lifestyles of consumers and the demand for innovative solutions by businesses, Singtel invested early in achieving 5G coverage to support Singapore’s Smart Nation goals. Singtel aims to set a new standard in 5G connectivity with 5G+, providing enhanced digital experiences for customers and enabling more opportunities for advancement.

    The use of the 700 MHz band allows signals to travel longer distances, extending coverage to areas like Tuas, Kranji, Sungei Kadut, Changi East, and Jurong Island, including locations with spatial constraints like military camps, factories, and warehouses. This wider coverage will provide consumers in these areas with seamless mobile experiences, while also boosting enterprise productivity in sectors like healthcare, public safety, and port operations. The 700 MHz band also improves signal transfer in dense urban environments like Singapore, ensuring uninterrupted calls and data services in places like basement carparks, HDB estates, and high-rise commercial developments.

    This enhancement will benefit sectors like security and manufacturing, which rely on smooth transmission of high-definition (HD) video footage for real-time threat detection and operational efficiency. Singtel’s early investments in 5G technology have allowed them to unlock new features and capabilities, positioning Singapore as a global testbed for innovation.

    Since achieving nationwide 5G coverage in 2022, Singtel has deployed 5G capabilities like network slicing for enterprise applications and at high-traffic events such as concerts and parades. The deployment of the 700 MHz spectrum is part of Singtel’s ongoing efforts to support individuals and future-proof businesses.