Rapid advances in technology, the proliferation of smartphones and a surge in demand for mobile internet services are changing customer behaviour and expectations. With the convergence of technology and communications industries, digital companies are competing with us in the telco space.
Singtel's response to these trends led to the establishment of Group Digital L!fe in 2012, marking our evolution from a traditional telco into a digital communications provider.
The mobile internet is a game changer; it has altered how people live, work and play in developed markets. Similar trends are playing out in the emerging markets, where limited fixed-line infrastructure means that many users' first contact with the internet is through their mobile devices. This opens the door to a new world of media consumption, shopping and TV experiences for users in these markets.
Group Digital L!fe's focus is to create new growth opportunities and revenue platforms in mobile-led internet usage.
By doing so, we are deepening Singtel's relationships with customers through new products and services to inspire, delight and engage our customers in the digital space. Our solutions are developed through an understanding and anticipation of our customers' behaviour and expectations.
We are making investments directly and through partnerships to gain access to new technology and talent. In our investments, we balance implementation risks with opportunity. We are confident that we have in place the right structures, capabilities and initiatives to succeed.
Our most valuable asset is the half a billion mobile customers whose lives are touched by Singtel every day in the developed and emerging markets. These relationships are the foundation of our future growth as we broaden our services.
In the emerging markets, where credit card adoption is still low, our billing relationships are especially important in bringing people into the digital world. These billing relationships give us significant opportunities to build long-term customer loyalty.
Group Digital L!fe's strength also comes from our network of partnerships around the world. These allow us to accelerate service adoption as we team up with specialised vendors and research institutes, and work with start-ups through our corporate venture capital arm, Singtel Innov8.