Singtel

Singtel helps to make access to digital technologies affordable through an innovative initiative of its subsidiary, Optus, that allows mobile subscribers to donate their unused data to disadvantaged youth. Singtel is a leader in terms of its support for users with disabilities, co chairing the Singapore Business Network on Disability, which aims to advance equitable employment opportunities for this vulnerable group. The company is transparent about how it distributes the value it creates among its stakeholders.

Singtel educates senior citizens on how to use smartphones and social media apps through its Silver Mobile Workshops – which is quite relevant considering Singapore has one of the fastest ageing populations in Asia. The company’s #DQEveryChild programme teaches primary schoolchildren digital skills, including how to protect themselves online.

Singtel follows best practice for cybersecurity, with high level oversight, a security incident response team, information security management certification and reporting data breaches. It is also one of the leading companies in its approach to enhancing child online safety, supporting the Singapore Government with mechanisms to report child online harm and partnering in global initiatives on child online safety.

Singtel contributes to the digital innovation ecosystem through its venture capital investments and other support for start-ups.

While Singtel’s programme to increase internet access for disadvantaged youth is considered a leading practice, a third-party impact assessment would help to judge its potential for scaling and replication. Singtel could also consider a digital inclusion initiative focused on women and girls.

Although Singtel has a basic skills programme for the elderly, the company could consider supporting initiatives to increase the intermediate and technical digital skills of vulnerable and under-represented populations.

Singtel’s privacy policy could disclose more information on the ease of obtaining user information, the scope and format of information users can obtain, government requests for user information, and the names of third parties with whom the company shares user information.

When it comes to promoting open and inclusive innovation, Singtel might consider a high-level policy commitment to open source and standards, backed with activities in those areas. The company also has an opportunity to support sustainability research and enhance transparency by reporting on the number of women working in technical roles and disclosing how it evaluates ethical implications in its research and development activities.