| Taking responsible procurement forward |
In late FY2014, we conducted a trial for ‘Paperless Tender Pack’. Our original process required preparing multiple sets of tender pack document for suppliers. The new process provides suppliers with tender pack document electronically. Total paper usage in a tender exercise is expected to decrease by at least 25% with the new process. Since the tender documents are sent electronically to suppliers, no travel is required to send or collect tender documents, thereby reducing their carbon footprint.
We embrace responsible procurement by establishing Singtel’s sustainable procurement policy and standards, and adopting a key vendor engagement framework. We are currently in the process of aligning our Group-wide procurement strategies and policies covering Singtel, NCS and Optus. |
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| Audit and supply chain survey |
We developed a supplier CSR management plan for our key vendors. Surveys were sent to them to ascertain whether a CSR policy – covering areas like environment, labour rights, health and safety, and child labour – has been implemented in their company, as well as the level of implementation.
We also developed an audit programme in an effort to engage our suppliers. We want to work with responsible, transparent and ethical business partners. To understand the CSR policy and practices of our key vendors, we have sent the survey to all of our key vendors. |
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| Regulatory compliance |
As a leading communications group in Singapore and Asia Pacific, we abide by the local laws and regulations. We also have an obligation to demonstrate ethical behaviour that encourages fair competition in our market that is in line with regulatory expectations.
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| In FY2014, Singtel paid a total of 5 fines imposed by IDA and MDA totalling S$295,650. These included: |
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A S$220,000 fine for an island-wide service disruption on our mio TV service on
15 May 2013. |
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A S$50,000 fine for a service difficulty incident which affected 4,000 fixed lines on 23 November 2012. |
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| Bukit Panjang Exchange fire |
On 9 October 2013, a fire at the Bukit Panjang Exchange caused service disruptions to 60,000 fixed-line customers. We recognised the impact on businesses and customers, and had apologised for the inconvenience caused.
We promptly established an independent Board Committee of Inquiry to review the incident and make recommendations to further enhance our network resilience. These findings and recommendations were also made public.
It has been our priority to make the improvements necessary to prevent a recurrence and to ensure that our network remains resilient. We have made good progress in the area of fire prevention, network design and stakeholder engagement. These include enhancing our fire suppression and operations support systems, and actively participating in an industry taskforce to develop a Next Generation Broadband Network business continuity plan.
Singtel is committed to offering the highest quality network and services to our customers. And we are working hard to regain the trust from our customers.
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* In May 2014, IDA fined Singtel S$6 million over this incident. |
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