&
SingTel
Annual Report 2014
Annual Report 2014
This Year's Report
CoNTENTS
overview
buSineSS review
SuSTainabiliTy and governance
an overview of our business, providing
details on how we performed, key events
and achievements from the past year,
as well as our strategy moving forward
insight into each of our business units
information on our organisation structure,
management team, corporate governance,
risk management and sustainability efforts
Our Vision and Mission
Our Mobile Reach
What Differentiates Us
Our Strategy
An Exciting Year
Chairman's Statement
GCEO Review
01
02
04
05
06
08
10
12
Group Consumer
Group Enterprise
Group Digital L!fe
Key Awards and Accolades
16
24
30
36
Board of Directors
Organisation Structure
Management Committee
Senior Management
Sustainability and
Governance Philosophy
Corporate Governance
Investor Relations
Risk Management Philosophy
and Approach
Sustainability
39
44
45
48
49
50
70
72
80
performance
financialS
addiTional informaTion
our performance at a glance
audited financial statements for the
year ended 31 march 2014
Group Five-year Financial Summary
Group Value Added Statements
Management Discussion
and Analysis
89
91
92
Directors’ Report
Statement of Directors
Independent Auditors’ Report
Consolidated Income Statement
Consolidated Statement of
Comprehensive Income
Statements of Financial Position
Statements of Changes in Equity
Consolidated Statement
of Cash Flows
Notes to the Financial Statements
102
110
111
112
113
114
116
120
123
Shareholder and corporate information,
as well as contact points for our offices
worldwide
Interested Person Transactions
Shareholder Information
Corporate Information
Contact Points
205
206
208
209
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1
ANNUAL REPORT 2014
our vision
To be Asia Pacific’s best
multimedia solutions group
we aim to shape
communications and much
more by unlocking the
possibilities of the digital
world for our customers.
our mission
Breaking
Barriers,
Building
Bonds
we believe that the world
is a better place when
technology is used to help
people and businesses
communicate effortlessly.
we make communication
easier, faster and more
reliable for customers,
while delivering value
to our stakeholders.
&
SingTel
gr o w i n g
T o g eT He r
For more than 100 years,
SingTel has been growing with
you. we connected the very
first voice call in Singapore,
and today we continue to
connect you with the rest of the
world. As technology evolves,
SingTel remains committed
to improving the way you live,
work and play in the digital era.
2
Our Mobile Reach
SingTel and optus, together with our regional mobile associates,
serve over half a billion mobile customers in 25 countries across
Asia and Africa. with a mobile data penetration rate of less than 30%,
the associates’ markets have tremendous potential for growth.
with our experience in the developed markets in Singapore
and Australia, we are helping our associates capture these
opportunities as they transition from a voice-centric to
a mobile- and data-centric world.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Together, we serve over
500 million
mobile customers across 3 continents
4
What
Differentiates
Us
1
2
3
4
cuSTomer focuS
we put our customers first in everything we do.
Passion for our customers is part of our DNA.
Superior neTworkS
our extensive and resilient networks power the
digital revolution. we are continually increasing
speed and capacity, expanding coverage and
investing to build new functionalities.
deep digiTal commiTmenT
we are forward thinking in our strategy,
constantly innovating to ensure we continue
to lead and shape the communications industry.
STrong financial performance
The strength of our business and assets continues
to shine through, even with the weakening of the
Australian Dollar and regional currencies against
the Singapore Dollar.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Our
Strategy
our
goal
our
STraTegy
key
performance
indicaTorS
To thrive in the digital era, we have put
in place a dual transformation strategy
to strengthen our core communications
business and build new growth engines.
create sustainable long-term growth
to deliver superior returns to shareholders
Strengthen the
core business
build new
growth
engines
improve the
economics of
core consumer
& enterprise
businesses
lift
customer
experience
enhance
collaboration
with our
regional mobile
associates
create
innovative &
differentiated
digital
services
Average revenue
per user
Customer
satisfaction
scores
Associates:
Average revenue
per user
Innovations
adopted by the
core businesses
Revenue from
data usage
Network
quality
Revenue from
data usage
Monthly
active users
Subscriber
acquisition and
retention costs
Cost
efficiencies
Churn
rate
Smartphone
penetration
Revenue from
digital services
3G/4G network
rollout
• Market share position
• Return on invested capital
• Total shareholder returns
6
Financial Highlights
of the Year
Singapore TelecommunicaTionS limiTed and SubSidiary companieS
2013: S$18,183m
S$16,848m
operaTing
revenue
Lower mobile revenue
from Australia
2013: S$5,200m
S$5,155m
ebiTda
Stable amid adverse currency
movements, with an improved cost
structure and strong yield focus
2013: S$3,508m
S$3,652m
neT profiT
Strong performance
from associates
and consumer business
2013: S$3,759m
S$3,391m
2013: S$3,611m
free caSH flow
S$3,610m
Declined on weaker Australian
Dollar, higher taxes in Australia and
working capital movements
underlying
neT profiT
Stable despite adverse
currency movements
2013: S 16.8
S 16.8
dividend per SHare
74% of underlying net profit
paid as dividends
2013: 11.8%
2013: 14.8%
11.6%
reTurn on
inveSTed capiTal
Declined on higher taxes
15.3%
reTurn on equiTy
Higher net profit
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
proporTionaTe ebiTda
neT profiT
neT profiT (conSTanT currency)
(%)
(S$m)
2014
2013
3,652
3,508
(S$m)
2014
2013
3,864
3,508
underlying neT profiT
underlying neT profiT
(conSTanT currency)
(S$m)
2014
2013
3,610
3,611
(S$m)
2014
2013
2013
3,825
3,611
SINGAPORE
AUSTRALIA
REGIONAL MOBILE
ASSOCIATES
OTHERS
24
30
45
1
SHare price
(%)
20
15
10
5
0
-5
-10
Between April 2013 and March 2014, the
SingTel (SGX) share price gained 2% and
the SingTel (ASX) share price gained 14%.
SINGTEL (ASX)
MSCI1
SINGTEL (SGX)
STRAITS TIMES INDEX
Source: Bloomberg
14%
10%
2%
(4%)
14%
10%
2%
(4%)
Jun 13
Sep 13
Dec 13
Mar 14
note:
1 MSCI Asia Pacific Telecommunications Index.
SHareHolder payouT
(S$B)
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2.3
2.0
2.0
1.8
1.7
2.7
2.7
2.5
2.5
1.6
1.5
ORDINARY DIVIDEND
2.3
SPECIAL DIVIDEND
2005 1.3
0.8
CAPITAL REDUCTION
SingTel has a track record of generous
shareholder returns.
Since May 2013, SingTel’s dividend policy
has been to pay between 60% and 75%
of underlying net profit.
The Board has recommended a final
ordinary dividend of 10.0 Singapore
cents a share for the financial year
ended 31 March 2014. Together with the
interim dividend of 6.8 Singapore cents
a share, the total ordinary dividend for
the year is 16.8 Singapore cents a share,
which represents a payout ratio of 74%
of underlying earnings for the year.
8
An
Exciting
Year
aiS launched
3g
ServiceS
in may 2013.
As at march 2014,
its network covered
90% of the population
optus
expanded coverage
and capacity, with the
mobile network now
covering 98.5% of the
Australian population
amobee
acquired
gradient X
– a digital marketing
platform for advertisers
to bid for multiple ad
channels in real-time
SingTel
1st
in Singapore to
provide mobile data
speeds of up to
150 Mbps
SingTel-led consortium
completed Southeast
asia-Japan cable,
a new generation
submarine cable
system to strengthen
regional connectivity
Telkomsel
successfully
completed
LTE trial
in Indonesia
SingTel and optus signed
a 5-year iCT contract
with anZ worth
a$530 million
globe
completed Phase 1
of its network
modernisation
programme. its 3g
footprint reached 90%
and 4g services
commenced in
the Philippines
optus signed a
a$60 million
5-year ICT
contract with
virgin australia
*2013 iDA results on average international
download speeds (US) for 100mbps plans.
94.7Mbps81.2Mbps70.5Mbps45.6Mbps SingTel ovERviEw
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
SingTel rallied a
nation proud of
its hawker food
tradition and
garnered 2.5
million votes for its
favourite dishes
optus
re-energised its
brand and reaffirmed
its commitment to
customers with a
“declaration of yes!”
airtel crossed the
200 million
mobile customer
milestone in india
optus
tackled bill shock
with tiered data and
travel plans
SingTel
expanded unlimited data
roaming to 52 countries and
introduced Network Lock
to protect customers from
unintended charges
airtel africa
offers 3g across
15 countries.
Full-year mobile
data revenue
grew by
86%
HungryGoWhere
Singapore’s leading
food portal expanded
into malaysia, and
set a guinness world
Record for the longest
line of nasi lemak
mio Tv’s
1st original
production gives
an insider look
into Hokkien
culture
*2013 iDA results on average international
download speeds (US) for 100mbps plans.
Secured the rights to bring
the 2013/14–2015/16
Barclays Premier League
and the 2014 FIFA World
Cup Brazil™ to Singapore
10
Chairman's
Statement
Singapore TelecommunicaTionS limiTed and SubSidiary companieS
In our core business, we have
restructured our voice-centric price plans
to capture the growth in mobile data
consumption. The new plans are a big
step towards delivering returns on our
network and spectrum investments.
We also streamlined our distribution,
touchpoints, systems and processes
to enhance operations efficiency and
customer experience. SingTel is now
stronger and more agile than ever to deal
with the challenges ahead.
Our regional mobile associates are
similarly reinventing themselves to
capture the growth in mobile internet,
with significant investments in mobile
networks, spectrum and data-focused
offerings targeted at emerging market
consumers.
Group Digital L!fe is delivering to
expectations, giving us the confidence
to expand further into the digital space.
However, with valuations of internet
companies at record-high levels, we
have been cautious in our investments.
We are focused on investments with
proven business models and cash
returns, as well as businesses that
can leverage the Group’s scale of over
half a billion mobile customers.
financial performance
The Group turned in a resilient
performance despite significant
investments to support our business
transformation and strong currency
headwinds. Net profit for FY2014 rose
10% in constant currency terms. With the
sharp declines in the Australian Dollar,
Indian Rupee and Indonesian Rupiah,
reported net profit grew 4%.
Dear Shareholders,
The industry trends we discussed last
year continued to unfold in FY2014.
living in THe mobile inTerneT era
People are consuming and co-creating
increasing amounts of information,
photos and videos on the internet
with their smartphones, tablets and,
in the emerging markets, feature
phones. They are increasingly turning
to cloud applications that provide easy
storage and retrieval over multiple
devices. Enterprises are similarly
taking advantage of advances in cloud
computing and enterprise mobility
services to manage their massive and
complex data over the internet.
opporTuniTieS and THreaTS
The increasing volume and variety
of data are carried through telcos’
networks. The changes in customer
behaviour have also brought new
competition into the telecommunications
space. Digital or over-the-top (OTT)
companies now offer a myriad of online
services and mobile applications, which
threaten telcos’ traditional revenue
streams from voice, SMS, TV and
data services.
The good news: the relevance of our
network cannot be ignored – it is the
highway for mobile data traffic, and puts
us in an enviable position to address the
growing demand for mobile data. We are
in the right business and have the right
assets to capture and monetise
this growth.
Our goal is simple – we want to generate
profitable returns by helping customers
do more on their connected devices
and networks. With this goal firmly in
sight, we made good progress on our
transformation plans in FY2014.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
"
our goal is simple – we want to
generate profitable returns by
helping customers do more on their
"
connected devices and networks.
In October 2013, the Board visited AIS in
Thailand and experienced first-hand the
game-changing developments that 3G
networks are bringing to the country.
We have established a Technology
Advisory Panel, chaired by Mr Koh Boon
Hwee, a former SingTel Chairman and
a respected investor in the technology
sector, to advise the Board in the area of
digital technology.
I would like to thank my fellow Directors
for their contribution throughout a busy
year in FY2014. My sincere appreciation
goes to Mr Dominic Ho, who will be
stepping down from the Board after
serving for six years. At the same
time, we welcome Mrs Christina Ong,
a leading banking and finance lawyer.
Her appointment will bring an increased
diversity of experience and skills to
the Board.
Finally, I look forward to welcoming you
to our Annual General Meeting in July.
The Board has recommended a final
ordinary dividend of 10 Singapore
cents per share, bringing the total
ordinary dividend for the full year to
16.8 Singapore cents. This represents a
payout ratio of 74% of our underlying
net profit.
our commiTmenT
To STakeHolderS
We play an important role in society by
facilitating consumer interaction and
business communications. These in turn
power economic growth and improve
people’s lives. We are committed to
building better networks and bringing
quality services to more people.
In October 2013, lapses in maintenance
procedures led to a fire in an exchange
facility in Singapore. It caused major
service disruption to customers. Our
independent Board Committee of
Inquiry gave us a critical review of our
operations and made recommendations
to prevent a recurrence and ensure our
network remains resilient. These have
largely been implemented, and we are
determined to raise our standards and
ensure we continue to offer world-
leading services to our customers.
In our community, we actively support
vulnerable children and youths so
that they can thrive and contribute to
tomorrow’s society. Our SingTel Touching
Lives Fund has raised close to
S$28 million to support children and
youth with special needs over the
last 12 years.
We have also chosen to focus on
cyber wellness. While the internet has
brought numerous benefits, it also
has risks. Children are increasingly
vulnerable to cyber bullying, loss of
privacy and access to inappropriate
content. We recognise we can play a
significant role in promoting online
safety among vulnerable children and
youth in this digital age and will launch
relevant education programmes on
cyber wellness. In Australia, together
with education experts, we developed
the Digital Thumbprint programme
to educate students to be savvy,
responsible and proactive members
of the online community.
I want to thank the employees of the
SingTel Group, whose efforts have helped
us achieve so much in the past year.
They remain the key driving force for
our ongoing transformation and will be
guided by an experienced and visionary
management team.
Naturally, the strength of our executive
team and management succession is a
topic my fellow Board members and I
spend considerable time on. Be assured
that we have in place a comprehensive
succession plan for key management
roles, and diligently review it every year.
The Board is committed to the highest
standards in corporate governance, and
was recognised for its efforts when it
was awarded The Best Managed Board
at the Singapore Corporate Awards in
August 2013.
Simon iSrael
CHAiRmAN
12
GCEO
Review
Singapore TelecommunicaTionS limiTed and SubSidiary companieS
reSilienT financial performance
The SingTel Group reported strong
growth in net profit and continued
to make investments in the core
telecommunications business and
new digital businesses in FY2014. We
achieved this performance against
ongoing shifts in our broader industry
and customer demand, as well as
continuing foreign currency volatility. This
showed the strength of our businesses.
Two-thirds of our earnings are
derived from operations outside of
Singapore. While this gives us earnings
diversification, the sharp declines in
the Australian Dollar, Indian Rupee and
Indonesian Rupiah against our reporting
currency in Singapore Dollars impacted
our results. Net profit rose 4% to
S$3.7 billion. On a constant currency
basis, net profit increased 10%.
We are focused on delivering on
our core business. We achieved cost
improvements, increased productivity
and launched new and innovative
services and price plans. Our
investments in the digital space
are at an early growth phase and
registered start-up losses.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
STaying aHead
our story continues to centre on the
digital revolution that is dramatically
changing our lives. Better technologies,
as well as a wider range of devices and
content, have fed customers’ appetite
for doing more over the internet,
anytime, anywhere. The mobile
internet in particular has brought about
many over-the-top (oTT) services,
some of which compete directly with
our traditional communication services.
At the same time, the underlying
connectivity provided by telcos remains
the glue that binds oTT providers to
their customers. To keep up with the
growing data traffic, we continue to
invest in our networks to improve the
speed and capacity of this connectivity.
we recognised this profound industry
shift early on and have responded with
our dual transformation strategy.
STrengTHening
THe core
we are re-engineering and
repositioning our core connectivity
business, including our voice and
data services, to thrive in the new
mobile internet world. we are building
new networks and iT functionalities,
and making massive changes to lift
customer experience. in addition, we
are driving improvements in our cost
structures and implementing new
pricing and revenue models.
creaTing
neXT-generaTion
growTH engineS
in THe
digiTal Space
we are leveraging our unique
telco assets to develop new digital
businesses and services that take
advantage of the industry changes
underway. we are engaging our
customers differently with new
services for their work, play, social
interaction and other needs.
we are now two years into our transformation
journey and have made progress in both areas.
Success in our digital business must be anchored
by our strong core business – building on its unique
capabilities, scale and strong cash flow generation.
Concurrently, our digital initiatives help our core
business maintain its relevance with our customers
and differentiate our services from competitors’.
14
GCEO
Review
Singapore TelecommunicaTionS limiTed and SubSidiary companieS
STrong and growing
core buSineSS
Our networks are what make the
internet possible. To meet the insatiable
demand for mobile data services, we
have increased our investments in
spectrum and mobile infrastructure,
significantly boosting our network
capacity, speeds and capabilities.
Across Singapore and Australia, we have
invested S$2.1 billion in our networks
in FY2014 and expect to spend around
S$2.3 billion in the next financial year.
Our customers’ feedback showed
we have 4G network leadership in
Singapore. In Australia, we will expand
our 4G coverage and capacity with
existing and newly acquired spectrum
across multiple bands to drive growth
in customer and data revenue.
The challenge our industry faces is not
from any lack of demand for mobile
data. The challenge is to put in place
sustainable business and pricing
models that enable telcos to continue
to make the necessary investments in
network capacity, speed and coverage.
Revenue must keep pace with the cost
of continued investment for better
customer experience.
In our operations in Singapore and
Australia, we have already introduced
tiered data plans so that customers
are charged fairly based on their data
usage, while putting in place safeguards
to remove bill shock. We will continue
to refine our plans to achieve a more
balanced distribution of scarce network
and spectrum resources.
We are exploring various business
models that will bring benefits to both
OTT providers and end customers who
use such OTT services. Our aim is to
become the preferred network partner
to customers and OTT providers alike.
Our efforts to lift customer experience
have been rewarding. The positive
results in our Net Promoter Scores
across Singapore and Australia tell us
that more customers are willing to
recommend our services to their
families and friends.
We are focused on extending our
leadership in enterprise mobility,
connectivity and managed network
services. With strategic investments
in data centres and international
connectivity, we can better meet
enterprise customers’ increasing
need for cloud computing and cyber
security services.
Helping our regional mobile
aSSociaTeS prepare for
THe fuTure
In the emerging markets, mobile data
usage is expected to grow significantly.
With limited fixed-line infrastructure
in these countries, the majority of the
people’s first and main contact with
the internet will be through the
mobile networks.
As such, our regional mobile associates
have been focused on acquiring
spectrum resources and are aggressively
rolling out data networks in their
respective countries. By working
together as part of the SingTel Group,
our associates can move more quickly
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
"
There is no doubt that the future is a
digital one, and those who are fast to
adapt to the new reality stand to gain the
most. we have been quick to recognise
"
and respond to these changes.
to build the necessary data-centric
capabilities, and create better products
and operating models.
clients. Amobee’s revenue more than
doubled during the year, with revenues
from America, Europe and Asia.
The Group’s billing capabilities in
the largely prepaid markets and our
combined reach of over half a billion
mobile customers provide a great
platform for our digital services to take
off and gain scale. Not only will these
services bring new revenue streams,
they will also help our associates
differentiate themselves in their
local markets.
We have announced plans to allocate
up to S$2 billion for investments in the
digital business. However, we note that
valuations of internet companies are
at record-high levels, and we will
remain disciplined about how we
acquire new capabilities to build these
digital businesses.
geTTing THe beST from our people
a brigHT fuTure
There is no doubt that the future is a
digital one, and those who are fast to
adapt to the new reality stand to gain the
most. We have been quick to recognise
and respond to these changes – as we
grow our core business and execute our
strategy in the digital space.
We have come a long way. I am confident
of our prospects. I look forward to
updating you on the next leg of our
exciting transformation journey.
digiTal ServiceS differenTiaTe uS
We have made the decision to boldly
venture into the digital space. As a
telco, we have unique assets and
capabilities to make our digital services
better than many of the OTT players.
Many customers prefer to do business
with brands they know and trust. We
hope our familiar brands and pervasive
customer touchpoints, both physical and
virtual, can contribute to a better digital
customer experience.
We cannot do it alone, and have been
actively partnering other providers in the
digital ecosystem – OTT players, network
vendors and handset manufacturers
– to discover new technologies, share
investment costs and accelerate take-up
of our digital services.
Amobee, our major investment in mobile
advertising, creates and delivers highly
targeted mobile advertisements to
help brands increase the efficiency and
effectiveness of their advertising spend.
It counts major global brands among its
We have made good progress since
we started on our transformation.
To succeed, we need our people to put
in their best.
To help achieve this, we have made
key changes to our compensation
structures and aligned our staff behind
a common set of core values and
leadership behaviours. These changes
affect all our staff, whether they are
from the traditional core business or
are digital natives who have been hired
or have joined the Group following
recent acquisitions.
We strive to provide a working
environment that fosters creativity
and innovation. Our staff engagement
scores showed positive improvements,
and continue to be at healthy levels. For
our digital talents, we also introduced
a different risk-reward balance, with
remuneration schemes not unlike those
in the Silicon Valley, which are typically
tied to the value of the business and
involve shares in the investee company.
cHua Sock koong
gRoUP CHiEF ExECUTivE oFFiCER
&
SingTel
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Business
Review
group consumer
a
quick
read
markeT TrendS
Customers’ relationships with their
telcos have been redefined by the
proliferation of mobile devices, richer
content and apps by over-the-top
(OTT) players. Telcos are seeking new
ways to maintain their relevance with
customers who are less reliant on
traditional call and text services. Yet,
the role of telcos in providing access
to the internet puts them at the
centre of this digital revolution.
We are transforming ourselves
to ensure our services allow
customers to do more with advances
in technology, particularly over
the mobile internet. This goal is
supported by significant investments
in networks to ensure quality
coverage, speeds and capabilities
as well as simplified price plans,
customer touchpoints and processes,
geared to maximise customer
experience as they make use of
mobile internet services.
Worldwide, the industry recognises
that traditional pricing models for
mobile services need to evolve to
better match mobile data revenue
with the corresponding use of
mobile networks and spectrum. This
will help to promote the necessary
infrastructural investments.
In FY2014, we invested S$2.1 billion
in our networks in Singapore and
Australia, and this amount will
increase to S$2.3 billion as we make
further network enhancements for
FY2015. Payments for spectrum
costs will also rise to S$900 million
in FY2015.
STraTegic prioriTieS
Our priorities are to create a more
efficient and productive business with
scale, and drive value from our
core telecommunications operations
by providing a differentiated and
outstanding customer experience
that deepens relationships with our
customers and builds brand loyalty.
We continue to invest in
superior networks and solutions to
help customers stay connected in
more places, all the time. We will also
intelligently analyse our rich sources
of data to create innovative and
compelling products and services
for customers.
We will work closely with our
regional mobile associates to further
unlock value and drive growth in
their markets.
our aSSeTS/STrengTHS
Group Consumer comprises a number
of consumer-related brands in both
developed and emerging markets:
• As a Group, we serve over half
a billion mobile customers across
Asia and Africa
• In Singapore, SingTel is the
leading mobile and fixed operator,
with a share of more than half
of the revenue in the country’s
telco sector
• In Australia, Optus is the number
two mobile operator with a
market share of 30%, as at
31 December 2013
• Our regional mobile associates
remain the leading mobile
operators in Thailand (AIS),
India (Airtel) and Indonesia
(Telkomsel), and number two in
the Philippines (Globe). Through
Airtel, we also have presence in
17 African countries
• Our regional mobile associates
have been rolling out 3G networks
and advanced 4G networks as
more of their customers become
mobile data users
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operaTionS in
Singapore
1
mobile markeT poSiTion
1ST
mobile cuSTomer baSe
3.98 million
mobile markeT SHare
47%
1 These figures include both enterprise and consumer mobile customers.
We are the market leader in Singapore.
Our business continues to grow even as
our industry becomes more challenging.
We are facing intensifying competition
and, at the same time, customers are
constantly wanting more and seeking
better value.
Our strategy is to differentiate ourselves
with superior networks, customer
experience and home bundling plans.
We are also using data analytics to
better understand our customers’
preferences to develop customised
experiences for them.
In FY2014, we improved all areas of our
business from network coverage, speeds
and price plans to customer service, and
reported a 4% increase in revenue.
inveSTing in Superior neTworkS
We are the leader with a 47% share
of the Singapore mobile market. It is
our goal to give our customers the
best, seamless internet experience by
continuing to invest in our networks.
In mobile networks, we were the first to
roll out nationwide dual-band long-term
evolution (LTE) or 4G coverage with
speeds of up to 150Mbps. Today, our
coverage is 97%, with almost 1 million
SingTel users enjoying fast speeds.
The superiority of our speeds has been
recognised in blind speed tests, where
eight out of ten Singaporeans surveyed
cited our 4G speeds as being the fastest,
as well as in independent tests by
HardwareZone and Straits Times Digital
Life. Starting from June 2014, we will
ramp up 4G speeds to 300Mbps.
We are also enhancing our mobile
networks with state-of-the-art Self
Organising Networks technology.
It automatically detects areas of
congestion and immediately reassigns
capacity from neighbouring cells that
are underused. This way, customers
enjoy optimal network performance
at all times.
We set in motion an industry shift by
introducing new data price plans aimed
at encouraging fair use of our networks.
Our tiered data mobile plans allow us to
keep prices of our services competitive
despite rising network and spectrum
costs. Our customers have responded
positively with more than 50% of our
postpaid customers now on tiered plans,
and 16% have exceeded their data caps.
In the fibre broadband market, we are
undisputedly the leader. We delivered
the fastest broadband internet
speeds 12 months in a row according
to an Infocomm Development Authority
of Singapore report, helped by
significant investments into overseas
bandwidth capacity.
deligHTing cuSTomerS
We are lifting customer experience
by ensuring every interaction customers
have with us is truly satisfying as
well as delivering innovative products
and services.
As smartphones become more central
to our lives, our customers want ready
internet access even while travelling
abroad, without fear of bill shock. We
recognised this need early and launched
our DataRoam Saver plan. We have gone
one step further with our enhanced
Easy DataRoam plan. This automatically
registers customers onto roaming
data plans and locks their mobile
devices onto our partners’ network.
This way, we deliver a truly worry-free
roaming experience.
Customers who connect with us online
are supported with more options
including web chat and social networking
that promise an enhanced interactive
experience. We also extended self-
service options with the My SingTel
app, which allows customers to track
their use of mobile data and check their
account balances. In SingTel shops,
we have also streamlined our
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CASE STUDy:
creaTing
STronger
cuSTomer bondS
wiTH Hawker
HeroeS
Recognising Singapore’s food
obsession, we invited celebrity chef
gordon Ramsay to pit his culinary
skills against the best food hawkers
in the country for the SingTel Hawker
Heroes Challenge.
The competition started with a bang
as the nation cast their votes online
for the top three food hawkers –
from a group of 12 – who would
take on Chef Ramsay. more than
2.5 million votes were cast over eight
days, with the three chosen hawkers
garnering approximately 320,000
votes each.
The campaign generated enormous
buzz on mainstream and social
media, including the nation’s
most popular blogs. over 400,000
Singaporeans visited the campaign
website over a 17-day period, with
over half of them new to SingTel.
on the day of the finals, over 1,000
Singaporeans turned up for a chance
to taste Chef Ramsay’s take on
chicken rice, laksa and chilli crab.
Diners were then asked to vote for
their preferred version of each dish.
The Singapore hawker heroes
narrowly edged out Chef Ramsay by
6% of the total votes in the closely
contested battle. in each dish
category, Tian Tian Chicken Rice won
by 6%, 328 Katong Laksa by 19%
while Chef Ramsay’s version of chilli
crab triumphed by 5% of the votes.
The campaign was a huge
success and helped us connect
with customers and grow brand
affinity. it created warmth and an
interaction that complemented our
traditional strengths as a trusted
and respected brand.
processes to shorten transaction
time for customers.
Our various initiatives have been
recognised. In the 2013 Customer
Satisfaction Index of Singapore, SingTel
registered significant improvements
and was ranked the number one mobile
and internet service provider. We have
also improved our Net Promoter Score
(NPS), which is an indication of customer
loyalty as well as their willingness to
recommend our services to others.
delivering To HomeS
Our pay TV service, mio TV, is a
significant part of our overall consumer
strategy, allowing us to offer a full suite
of products, including entertainment,
on all screens – mobile devices, TVs
and computers.
Our strategy has been successful,
delivering a 6% increase in household
revenue, which bucked the declining
industry trend. The number of
households on triple and quadruple
bundles grew by 21,000 to 368,000.
mio TV’s revenue and customer base
continued to grow. This was in spite of
having to share our Barclays Premier
League (BPL) content under the
government’s cross carriage measures.
These measures require pay
TV operators to make content
deemed to be exclusive available
on rival platforms.
To reach a wider group of customers,
we introduced new channels on
mio TV, including a suite of Disney
channels. We also secured the rights
to the 2014 World Cup, adding to our
extensive sports coverage, which
includes the BPL. Our mio TV Go
app, a unique differentiator, allows
our customers to watch popular
channels including BPL on-the-go
and use their mobile device as a
remote control.
In the fibre broadband market, we
are encouraging customers on ADSL
to migrate onto fibre to experience
faster speeds and better customer
experience. Our initiatives are
succeeding. We now have more
customers on fibre and are the
market leader with a 58% market
share even as new entrants emerge
as a result of the government-
initiated Next Generation Nationwide
Broadband Network, which has
lowered the barriers of entry.
20
operaTionS in
auSTralia
auSTralia
1
mobile markeT poSiTion
2nd
mobile cuSTomer baSe
9.43 million
mobile markeT SHare
30%2
1 These figures include both enterprise and consumer mobile customers.
2 As at 31 December 2013.
Optus is Australia’s second-largest
telecommunications group. Two years
ago, Optus embarked on a complete
business transformation to clearly
differentiate its brand to lead in superior
customer experience and to reshape the
business to deliver future profit growth.
Over the last 12 months, Optus has
made significant progress as it aspired
to become Australia’s most loved and
recommended service brand. Optus
kicked off the financial year with a public
pledge to focus on addressing the issues
that matter most to customers: offering
simple products, delivering brilliant
customer service and continuing to
build a great network.
offering Simple producTS
Nothing upsets customers more than
hidden charges or receiving a large,
unexpected bill as a result of exceeding
their voice or data caps. Optus
acknowledged this frustration and led
the market with the introduction of
My Plan on 1 July 2013.
My Plan helps to protect customers
from bill shock if they exceed their
monthly voice or data plan inclusions
by automatically giving them a block of
extra minutes or data to use in that billing
month at a cost of between A$5 to A$10.
delivering brillianT Service
The removal of large excess usage fees
for voice and data has been critical in
eliminating bill shock and providing Optus
mobile customers with the certainty they
need to use their mobile phones the way
they want. My Plan also contributed to
increased data revenues, with 31% of
the My Plan customer base temporarily
moving to a higher data tier each month
as at 31 March 2014.
Optus also took action to reduce bill
shock from high international data and
voice roaming charges with a range
of simple products with flat rates for
customers travelling overseas. For
example, the Optus Travel Pack offers
customers an affordable A$10 per day
plan, on top of their normal mobile
plan charges, so that they can connect
overseas without worry.
Optus also streamlined its products for
its broadband customers with My Home
and My Office Plans in November 2013.
These plans target common broadband
customer pain points by removing hidden
fees and charges, eliminating compulsory
contracts and making it easier for
customers to increase their data when
the need arises.
Over the past 12 months, Optus has
made significant progress by improving
the way customers shop and interact
with us through two critical channels:
in-store and online.
Since July 2013, Optus has rebranded
more than 100 stores by creating open
and friendly spaces where customers
can easily interact with products and
service staff. Optus also took back
control of the customer experience from
third-party providers, distributors and
stores. In the last year, Optus ended retail
distribution arrangements with many
third-party providers.
An increasing number of Optus
customers are choosing to engage online,
prompting a redesign of Optus’ website.
The new site incorporates artificial
intelligence technology to answer
customers’ questions using instant
messaging. The feature is proving popular
with customers, and received 3 million
questions in the site’s first six months
of operation.
Optus is on track to become Australia’s
most loved and recommended service
brand. Customers are responding
positively to the changes. This is
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CASE STUDy:
THe promoTer
reSponSe Team
An important part of our vision to
make optus the most loved and
recommended service brand in
Australia is to value and act on
customer feedback.
we set up our Promoter Response
Team in 2013 to contact customers
who had a poor experience and
rated us six or less out of ten in
their Touch-point NPS survey. The
team members were asked to call
our detractors and try to improve
their NPS rating by resolving any
outstanding issues, and more
importantly, gain insight into
the issues that led to their poor
experiences.
Since may 2013, the team has
successfully contacted 63% of
the customers referred to them.
it has resolved over 90% of customer
issues and achieved an average NPS
of +30. Churn currently sits at less
than half of the rate for the rest of
the business.
The success of the Promoter
Response Team has resonated
across the organisation. we are
currently looking at opportunities
to expand this incredibly successful
model across our business.
we continue to focus on driving
advocacy and using our NPS data
to make meaningful changes to the
way we deliver customer experience
and create long-term, sustainable
profitability for our business.
700 MHz spectrum bands means we
are preparing our network to provide
4G services on those frequencies to
more customers, including those in
regional areas in early 2015.
Optus constantly invests in
technology and data analytics
capacity to enhance the customer
experience. By crowdsourcing
data on black spots, call drop out
locations, signal strength and
in-building coverage, Optus continues
to tailor its network improvements to
cater to customers’ needs and real-
time experiences.
Optus is proactive in working closely
with the Australian Government to
ensure it can offer customers the
best possible experience on the
National Broadband Network (NBN).
The NBN will provide Optus with a
great opportunity in the coming year
and will be a core focus for Optus’
fixed product offerings.
reflected by an industry-leading decline
in the number of new complaints to
the Telecommunications Industry
Ombudsman over the last 12 months.
Optus has also seen significant
improvements in its NPS.
building a greaT neTwork
Optus is committed to building a
strong and diverse network that meets
customers’ needs. Throughout the year,
Optus made improvements to its mobile
network including completing the largest
upgrade of its 3G network and the rapid
rollout of its multi-band 4G network over
both the LTE 1800 MHz spectrum and
the LTE 2300 MHz spectrum. As at
31 March 2014, the Optus mobile
network reached 98.5% of the population,
while our 4G network reached 75% of
the metro population.
Bringing 4G to more Australians is
the number one network priority for
Optus. With a multi-band 4G strategy
that combines low-band 700 MHz 4G
frequency for strong coverage with high
band 2300 MHz spectrum for increased
network capacity, Optus is positioning
itself to meet customers’ demand
for superfast 4G in more places. The
upcoming availability of 2600 MHz and
22
regional
mobile
aSSociaTeS
mobile markeT poSiTion
1ST in THailand1
mobile cuSTomer baSe
42.36 million1
mobile markeT SHare
45%1
SingTel’S effecTive
SHareHolding:
23.3%
mobile markeT poSiTion
1ST in india1
mobile cuSTomer baSe
205.52 million1
mobile markeT SHare
23% in india1
SingTel’S effecTive
SHareHolding:
32.4%
mobile markeT poSiTion
2nd in pHilippineS1
mobile cuSTomer baSe
40.75 million1
mobile markeT SHare
37%1
SingTel’S effecTive
SHareHolding:
47.2%
1 These figures include both enterprise and consumer mobile customers.
operaTionS in
17 counTrieS
in africa, bangladeSH,
Sri lanka
mobile cuSTomer baSe
78.06 million1
mobile markeT poSiTion
1ST or 2nd
in 14 of THe 17
african markeTS1
mobile markeT poSiTion
1ST in indoneSia1
mobile cuSTomer baSe
132.65 million1
mobile markeT SHare
44%1
SingTel’S effecTive
SHareHolding:
35.0%
We are a long-term strategic investor in
our regional mobile associates, and have
played a significant role in developing
the telecommunications industry of their
respective countries.
In the last two decades, our associates
have made massive investments in
mobile infrastructure, boosted mobile
penetration levels and, in the process,
created employment and contributed
to their countries’ economic development.
As our associates have grown, they
have become major contributors to their
respective countries’ economies,
and are also a major component of
SingTel’s growth.
Our associates are now transitioning
from traditionally voice- and text-heavy
businesses to expand into data-centric
services. By drawing on the rich
experience of our operations in Singapore
and Australia in mobile data as well as
the collective expertise of the group,
we are now helping our associates
embark on the next phase of growth.
We are achieving this with closer
engagement with our associates and
deriving greater synergistic benefits from
technology, product development and
customer offerings.
TranSforming inTo
daTa-cenTric operaTorS
The current average internet penetration
in the associate countries is between
12% and 36%, significantly below the
level of more developed countries such
as Singapore or Australia, where internet
penetration levels have reached about
78%, according to statistics from The
World Bank.
In these emerging markets, the majority
of the population will be experiencing
the internet for the first time via their
mobile phones, due to the lack of
fixed-line infrastructure. There is huge
potential for our associates to grow as
the mobile internet penetration rate is
set to rise in these markets. To capture
these opportunities, our associates are
transforming their businesses.
They are investing heavily to acquire
additional spectrum, roll out high-speed
mobile data networks, drive smartphone
adoption and offer new products and
services to serve the needs of their
customers, thus transforming the way
people live, work and play.
Next year, our associates will collectively
invest S$7 billion in capital expenditure,
of which a large percentage will be used
to install mobile data networks to serve
more people.
AIS, our associate in Thailand, launched
3G services in May 2013 after acquiring
the necessary spectrum in late 2012. As
at 31 March 2014, its network covered
90% of the population. AIS will achieve 95%
coverage of the population by end 2014.
Currently, 62% of its customers are on 3G.
AIS will continue to strengthen its network
quality and expand network capacity in
dense areas by adding small cells and
accelerating fibre optic expansion. Its fibre
transmission will support growing mobile
data demand, as well as new potential
wired-broadband services.
In February 2014, Airtel acquired
115 MHz of mobile spectrum for
US$3 billion to ensure business continuity
as well as additional network capacity
to support the phenomenal mobile data
growth into the next 20 years. Airtel
has launched commercial LTE in four
major cities to serve the increasing data
demand from customers. By March 2014,
Airtel Africa had grown its mobile data
customer base to 22.3 million, accounting
for 32% of its total customer base. In its
African markets, Airtel offers 3G services
in 15 countries across the continent.
Similarly, Globe’s network has significantly
expanded in terms of capacity, coverage
and capabilities since it started its
network transformation programme
in 2011. Over the last two years, Globe
has invested over US$790 million in its
network and completed the change out of
its legacy network with more than 22,000
base stations nationwide. Its 3G footprint
now covers 90% of the population. Globe
is the first operator to launch LTE in the
Philippines and has since completed the
pilot deployment of LTE in key commercial
business districts and tourist destinations.
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In Indonesia, Telkomsel continued to
allocate more capital expenditure to 3G
mobile base stations. It will have more
than 36,000 3G mobile base stations
by the end of 2014, accounting for 41%
of its total stations. Telkomsel is the
first Indonesian operator to successfully
complete an LTE trial. The trial, carried out
during the 2013 Asia Pacific Economic
Cooperation meeting in Bali, recorded
download speeds of 61Mbps.
delivering a compreHenSive
mobile eXperience
Our associates have also introduced a
range of innovative products and services
to help customers fully experience the
power of mobile data in the digital world.
This has led to more customers using the
faster networks and consuming more
mobile data.
Thanks to the faster speeds of its 3G
2100 MHz network, AIS can now support a
wider range of applications including video
streaming. Its AIS Mobile Barclays Premier
League app allows football fans to enjoy
live broadcasts of matches through their
smart devices. In addition, its mPay Rabbit
enables customers to conveniently pay
for their Bus Rapid Transit and Bangkok
Mass Transit System fares, as well as food
items, at well-known shops via Near Field
Communication technology.
Globe initiated an industry breakthrough
with a suite of mix-and-match postpaid
plans that allow customers to tailor their
own combination of calls, texts and data
allowance. GoSAKTO was introduced
to prepaid customers, allowing them to
customise their voice, SMS and mobile
data usage to best suit their lifestyle.
GoSAKTO has won the Global Mobile
Awards 2014 for the Best Network-based
Solution for Serving Customers.
Mobile commerce is another area with
growth potential in the emerging markets.
Airtel rolled out Airtel Money to all 17
African countries it operates in, to enable
transactions for customers in rural areas
where banking facilities are not widely
available. As at 31 March 2014, Airtel
Africa registered an increase of 800,000
Airtel Money active customers from a
quarter ago to reach a total of 3.5 million
active customers. This boosted the total
quarterly value of transactions from
US$1.7 billion to US$2.2 billion.
deriving group benefiTS
There are significant scale benefits we drive
as a collective group. Together, we share
business insights and experiences that
help shorten the learning curves for our
associates and lead them to compete more
effectively in their respective markets.
At the end of 2013, we set up Centres of
Excellence (COEs) to help our associates
acquire capabilities in areas of customer
loyalty, analytics, carriage of mobile
video, innovative products and data
monetisation in their markets.
In April 2014, the COE on Innovative
Products announced a partnership with
Samsung to bring a seamless and richer
data experience to the Group’s customers.
SingTel and its associates came together
on 11 April 2014 to launch Samsung’s
flagship mobile device, the Galaxy S5.
In the near future, our associates’
customers will be able to pay for their
apps from Samsung’s application store by
deducting the amount from their prepaid
credit balance or through their monthly
postpaid bills. In the emerging markets,
where credit card use is still low, this brings
convenience to customers and provides a
differentiating advantage over competitors.
Since 2013, we have been providing
technical expertise and support to
help Airtel Africa expedite 3G network
implementation in several African
countries. This has significantly lifted its
network performance and data revenue.
For other examples of collaboration
efforts, refer to pages 34 and 35.
Our associates are an important part of
the Group, and we remain committed to
working closely with them to deliver the
best experience for our customers in the
digital age.
&
SingTel
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Business
Review
group enterprise
a
quick
read
markeT TrendS
STraTegic prioriTieS
our aSSeTS/STrengTHS
Revolutionary technologies
continue to transform our world
and the way enterprises operate.
The convergence of mobile, fixed
and cloud computing, together
with emerging developments in
social and analytics technologies,
is driving change and creating new
opportunities for businesses. With
these breakthroughs, enterprises are
establishing new markets, developing
new products and realising new
growth areas.
Enterprises are seeking ways to
eliminate the complexities of working
with multiple vendors. They are also
looking to reduce significant upfront
investments and the risk to their
competitiveness from rapid
changes in technology. Enterprises
want their infocomm technology (ICT)
providers to deliver secure, reliable
and resilient solutions that help them
meet their customers’ needs.
Group Enterprise is strengthening
its position as Asia’s leading ICT
solutions provider. We are providing
a seamless experience based on
the quality of our people, products,
networks, platforms, processes
and operations.
Our constant drive for innovation
ensures that enterprises working
with us have access to the
latest technologies to keep their
businesses ahead. Our partnerships
are founded on growing together
with our customers.
We are focused on extending our
leadership in enterprise mobility,
connectivity and network services,
as well as in managed and data
centre services. We are also
developing new opportunities
in the areas of cloud computing,
cyber security and solutions for
smart cities.
Central to all our efforts in this
space is the drive to continue
enhancing customer experience
for our enterprise customers.
Group Enterprise provides fixed,
mobile, cloud, managed services,
IT services and consulting to a
customer base that ranges from
small and medium enterprises to
large multinational corporations
and governments.
As a market leader in Asia Pacific,
our comprehensive suite of smart ICT
solutions is backed by an extensive
data network and infrastructure that
span across key business cities and
markets in the region. We also have
offices in 40 cities in 22 countries
worldwide.
26
Business
Review
group enterprise
preSence in
40 ciTieS in
22 counTrieS
more THan
375,000
buSineSS
cloud uSerS
group
enTerpriSe
enTerpriSe
mobiliTy
delivered To
more THan
70 counTrieS
more THan
30 governmenT
agencieS in
Singapore
migraTed
To g-cloud
e-governmenT
ServiceS
delivered in
over 30 ciTieS
over 200 poinTS
of preSence (pops)
in 160 global
ciTieS, of wHicH
over 100 pops are
in 60 aSian ciTieS
Singapore TelecommunicaTionS limiTed and SubSidiary companieS
SHaping THe icT landScape
Our extensive data infrastructure is the
backbone of our solutions. To deliver
unrivalled and end-to-end connectivity across
the world, it is important for us to continually
invest in and enhance our infrastructures.
Our global coverage was expanded during the
year by deepening our presence in China, India
and the US. We now have over 200 points
of presence (POPs) in 160 cities. SingTel was
also part of the consortium that launched the
Southeast Asia Japan Cable system, which,
together with the Unity cable system, offers
the fastest available transmission speed
to deliver the lowest latency connectivity
between Asia and the US.
To enhance our infocomm technology (ICT)
solutions, we introduced a comprehensive
managed mobility service to deliver
consistency in solutions, services and support
for enterprises across Asia Pacific. Our
one-stop service allows enterprises to
simplify regional procurement, contract
negotiation, policy and spend management,
mobile application services and roaming.
We continued to be the leader for
International Internet Protocol Virtual
Private Network (IP VPN) and International
Ethernet-Line in Asia Pacific, excluding Japan,
from January to June 20131. We were also
recognised as a leader for Datacenter and
Hosted Cloud Services in Asia Pacific, scoring
highest in capabilities according to the IDC
2013 MarketScape report.2
Notes:
1 IDC Asia/Pacific (Excluding Japan) Telecom Service
Tracker, Jan-Jun 2013.
2 IDC MarketScape: Asia/Pacific Next-Generation Telcos
— Datacenter and Hosted Cloud Services 2013–2014
Vendor Analysis, Dec 2013.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
CUSTomER CASE STUDy:
auSTralia and new Zealand banking group limiTed
Australia and New Zealand Banking group
Limited (ANZ) was looking to expand its
presence in Asia Pacific and needed an
iCT provider to deliver end-to-end managed
services. in 2009, ANZ signed a
A$500 million agreement with SingTel
to deliver these services, leveraging our
international network reach and capabilities.
in 2013, ANZ renewed the contract, valued
at A$530 million, for another five years.
SingTel is transforming ANZ’s infrastructure
to support enhanced global communication,
providing a single platform for the delivery
of voice, data network services and services
managed by a dedicated global Enterprise
management Centre. The contract also
includes the deployment of over 5,000 routers
and switches, as well as 12,000 mobile
services, among various other solutions.
Photo courtesy of ANZ
"
We are now entering our second services
outsourcing partnership with SingTel. In this
phase, SingTel is helping ANZ’s progress in
becoming a super-regional bank by enabling
the connectivity of our business and the
delivery of ICT services to our customers in
Australia, Asia and the Pacific. This strategic
partnership offers increased value in service
quality, management control and increased
capability to connect and support our
"
accelerated business growth into the region.
MR AlISTAIR CuRRIE
GROUP CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER OF ANZ
28
Business
Review
group enterprise
Singapore TelecommunicaTionS limiTed and SubSidiary companieS
innovaTing To creaTe
buSineSS advanTage
connect and exchange information more
cost effectively.
with one of the most efficient and secure
public service systems worldwide.
Innovation is a constant for Group
Enterprise. It is key to ensuring that
we deliver solutions that give our
customers a competitive advantage.
The aggregation of leading-edge
technologies, including sensing, social,
analytics, security, cloud and networks,
is the foundation of our offering to small
and medium enterprises (SMEs), large
multinational corporations (MNCs)
and governments.
Our strategy in the increasingly complex
cyber security environment is based
on next-generation predictive,
responsive and recovery capabilities.
Our ability to apply the best technologies
is critical to scalable security services.
We also aim to become the preferred
cloud computing partner in the region,
with an expanded suite of multi-
tenanted private cloud, hybrid cloud and
cloud professional services capabilities.
In FY2013, we introduced Unified
Communications-as-a-Service in
Asia Pacific to deliver seamless
communications and collaboration
services. The pay-per-user solution
is cost-effective for enterprises, and
its rich media collaboration tools allow
for faster decision making, leading to
greater productivity.
We joined the Bridge Machine-to-
Machine (M2M) alliance, and can now
provide MNCs with quick worldwide
deployment of connected devices and
machines. This delivers an uninterrupted
platform, allowing MNCs in the retail,
electronics, transportation, health,
energy and manufacturing sectors to
For MNCs in the shipping industry,
we introduced VoiceLink, an award-
winning innovation that allows crew
members to connect with loved ones
through Facebook and e-greetings,
and gain access to the latest news.
For enterprises in the retail industry,
our Video Analytics-as-a-Service
solution converts videos into real-
time data. This helps retailers better
understand shopper behaviour and
manage their storefronts.
For SMEs, we introduced our new
cloud-based Fibre Broadband Security
Suite, which protects the IT networks
of SMEs from online threats. This suite
is unique as it intercepts and eliminates
security threats in the internet cloud
before they even have the chance to
reach a company’s IT network. We
are also working with the Infocomm
Development Authority of Singapore
to help SMEs manage their home-based
workforce and increase their
productivity through technology
solutions and services.
Our award-winning myBusiness
portal for SMEs in Singapore has
expanded its capabilities. With the
new group buy function, SMEs gain
economies of scale and enjoy deeper
discounts. The portal was also improved
with an experts online section, where
SMEs can gain business insights from
industry practitioners.
For governments, we led efforts to
establish Singapore as a regional
computing hub. We worked with the
Singapore government to offer G-Cloud,
bringing an entire nation onto the cloud
We are also working with Singapore’s
Ministry of Education to deliver a
web-based interactive mother tongue
language portal that uses cloud-based
voice analytics technologies to help
students from primary to junior college
levels improve their mother tongue
language skills.
creaTing Safer, SmarTer ciTieS
As the world becomes more connected,
enterprises and government agencies
are incorporating new technologies into
a complete service delivery network for
their customers. At Group Enterprise,
we help shape future urban cities that
respond to the needs of customers,
citizens and city administrators.
Our Solutions for an Urbanised Future
(SURF) initiative was developed for that
purpose. Utilising new technologies
such as big data and analytics, M2M
communications, sensing technology,
social networking and mobility
technologies, SURF aims to enhance
services in education, healthcare,
transport and other key industry sectors.
These new technologies complement
and enhance our solution offerings to
customers. Since introducing SURF in
2012, we have made good progress
towards this vision.
In Singapore, we participated in various
Call-for-Collaboration projects with the
government, significantly enhancing
operational efficiency and effectiveness
through our intelligent platform of
automated sensors and aggregated
information, which allow analytical
insights and complex event processing
in real time.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
CUSTomER CASE STUDy:
reSorTS world SenToSa
Resorts world Sentosa (RwS) is an award-winning, family-centric destination
resort in Asia.
RwS requires a robust network for high-speed internet access and strong
mobile coverage as it operates 24/7. Today, RwS uses SingTel’s wireless
solutions with secured access, which provides round-the-clock monitoring via
the SingTel Network operation Centre. in addition, a Network Access Controller
system is deployed to provide RwS with an authentication process for its
guests to access the internet.
visitors to RwS can stay connected, and hotel guests get to enjoy the wide
variety of in-room entertainment with SingTel iPTv and mio Tv content.
"
SingTel’s tailored suite of services and solutions
for RWS gives us peace-of-mind, enabling smooth
operations and ensuring that our teams stay
connected across multiple locations. This means we
can now focus on what we do best – creating and
delivering exceptional experiences for all our guests.
"
MR YAP ChEE YuEN
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT,
CORPORATE SERVICES,
GENTING SINGAPORE PLC,
WHICH OWNS RWS
In China, we are providing e-government
solutions across various provinces and
cities. We have also identified potential
development areas in smart education
campuses, digital hospitals and
intelligent transport systems.
To further develop our data analytics
capability, we collaborated with the
Institute for Infocomm Research, a
member of the Agency for Science,
Technology and Research of Singapore,
to build our business intelligence
capabilities for harnessing enterprise
data for actionable, timely and
predictive insights.
enHancing cuSTomer eXperience
Enterprise customers require their
operations across different locations to
be interconnected. They also prefer to
have a single point of contact regardless
of where they are or which office
they are from. To enhance our global
customer service delivery commitment,
we introduced the one-stop Technical
Assistance Centre. The centre is a single
point of contact for our customers’ IT
and communications support across
the region for faster post-sale support.
We also introduced a web-based portal
for customers to manage and track the
status of reported incidents.
Our customer-centric culture and
absolute focus on an enhanced customer
experience are pursued relentlessly, and
we are inspired to always do better.
&
SingTel
ovERviEw
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AND govERNANCE
PERFoRmANCE
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31
ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Business
Review
group digital l!fe
a
quick
read
markeT TrendS
STraTegic prioriTieS
our aSSeTS/STrengTHS
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.
32
Business
Review
group digital l!fe
Group Digital L!fe is a key driver in the
ongoing dual transformation across the
SingTel Group. To create value for the
Group, we are executing on two
strategic priorities.
Firstly, we are focused on creating new
growth avenues and revenue platforms
for the Group. We have already identified
growth areas such as digital advertising
and big data, where our telco assets give
us a competitive advantage. We will
continue to explore other opportunities.
Secondly, Group Digital L!fe is
responsible for enhancing SingTel’s core
communications offerings with products
and services that are not only essential to
our customers’ daily lives, but also inspire
and delight them.
Instead of trying to out-innovate the
many entrepreneurs in the digital space,
our approach is to collaborate with other
telcos, specialised vendors and research
institutes, and to invest in start-ups
that have the potential to disrupt
adjacent industries and their traditional
operating models.
Group Digital L!fe’s activities in Singapore
and Australia are also crucial in helping
our regional mobile associates continue
to be successful in the digital era. The
average smartphone penetration rate
for our associates’ markets is low at
15% as they transition from a voice-
centric market to a data-centric one. Our
expertise and knowledge in the digital
space is a real asset to them and their
customers as they drive this transition.
We understand that to innovate in the
digital space, we must try many things
and that there will be successes and
failures along the way. While we have
been making good progress, our attitude
Singapore TelecommunicaTionS limiTed and SubSidiary companieS
group digital l!fe creates value in Two ways
creaTe new
growTH avenueS
and revenue
plaTformS
enHance
core
communicaTionS
ServiceS
our Telco
aSSeTS give uS
a compeTiTive
advanTage
over Half a
billion mobile
cuSTomerS
acroSS aSia
and africa
billing
relaTionSHipS
and eXTenSive
cuSTomer
ToucHpoinTS
cuSTomer
knowledge
locaTion
paTTernS
towards failure is also guided by an
important principle – “fail fast and
fail cheap”.
eXpanding our fooTHold
in digiTal adverTiSing
The exponential growth in smartphone
users and mobile data usage has
changed the dynamics of marketing, with
advertising expenditure shifting from
traditional to digital media.
The acquisition of Amobee – our digital
advertising arm – in 2012, equips us with
the necessary tools to capture this new
and growing revenue stream. Just two
years on, revenue at Amobee has grown
by four times. Amobee has also expanded
to Australia, China, India, Indonesia, the
Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.
Amobee recently invested in a data
centre in Singapore to support its regional
growth. This was made possible through
the close relationship between SingTel
and its partners in the common adoption
of the Amobee platform. Amobee’s client
list has expanded to include premier
global brands such as Ford, H&M, Lexus,
McDonald’s, the Wall Street Journal and
many others.
Amobee is strengthening its capabilities
through acquisitions, notably the
purchase of Gradient X, the developer of
a real-time bidding platform for mobile
advertising. The platform now offers
advanced real-time bidding that includes
support for multiple advertising channels
and formats such as video and HTML5.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
CASE STUDy: amobee
bringing THe ford f-150 To life wiTH
an innovaTive 3d mobile ad eXperience
To build on 36 years of success, Ford tapped Amobee
to develop a best-of-breed creative execution on
mobile devices to drive brand awareness and user
engagement for its latest vehicle, the Ford F-150.
By using Amobee’s ground-breaking mobile 3D
technology Amobee 3D, Ford was able to bring the
F-150 brand to life in new ways by pushing the
creative boundaries with the most realistic virtual
showroom experience ever.
Customer engagement achieved by the Amobee
3D F-150 mobile ad campaign far exceeded Ford’s
expectations, achieving up to two times the industry
average of time-spent per ad. Across all measured
categories, the 3D F-150 mobile campaign delivered
significant increases in brand metrics.
Key findings included:
• BRAND FAVOuRABIlITY:
• “WE OWN WORk”
MESSAGE ASSOCIATION:
20%
(2 times higher than
industry average)
71.1%
(4 times higher than
industry average)
• PuRChASE
CONSIDERATION:
• AIDED BRAND
AWARENESS:
40.4%
(2.5 times higher than
industry average)
11.4%
(higher than industry
average)
"
A majority of mobile campaigns are focused
on targeting and big data, which are
important. however, the difference between
a good mobile campaign and a great one
is delivering an amazing interactive and
creative experience.
Amobee 3D gives us a brand new creative
palette to develop a more engaging ad
experience and tell brand stories in ways
that are different from what we can
do through linear video and traditional
expandable mobile-rich media ad units.
It’s by far the coolest thing I’ve seen in mobile
advertising in the last three years.
"
MR BRIAN BOS
FORD’S SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & GROUP DIRECTOR
OF EMERGING MEDIA FOR TEAM DETROIT
34
Business
Review
group digital l!fe
Singapore TelecommunicaTionS limiTed and SubSidiary companieS
building big daTa capabiliTieS
Our rich database of customer
information presents us with a valuable
opportunity to provide customers
with real-time data analytics and data
visualisation solutions.
We have set up DataSpark to help
businesses and governments make
better informed decisions that drive
strong business outcomes. The key
elements to a great data analytics
service are the ability to understand
and predict lifestyle and behavioural
patterns, and intuitive data visualisation.
Together with our associates, our
operations give us richness of data that
cuts across different markets, while our
combined customer reach provides ready
scale for our data analytics solutions. We
also have unique technology that allows
real-time, continuous data collection,
while ensuring all data provided remains
anonymous and the privacy of individuals
is respected at all times.
enHancing core
communicaTionS offeringS
To enhance the offerings from Group
Consumer, Group Digital L!fe is
developing a suite of next-generation
digital products and services to create
differentiation factors that inspire,
delight and engage our customers.
Mobile devices have become our
customers’ constant companions. We
have, therefore, been aggressively
growing our suite of apps and services
to meet customer expectations of access
to products and services that touch
various aspects of their lives.
We have identified five major areas of
focus for our mobile internet businesses:
Hyperlocal content
Hyperlocal content lets people know
what is going on around them with
the most up-to-date information.
The content we provide is enhanced
creating value
with analytics
alwayS on,
alwayS connecTed
Locating mobile
customers
lifeSTyle &
beHaviour
paTTernS over Time
inTeracTive
viSualiSaTion aT
your fingerTipS
privacy
& SecuriTy
Reliably analysing
data relationships
Simplifying processes with
an intuitive dashboard
Anonymously aggregating
data without violating
individuals’ privacy
by our extensive Asia experience in
localising products and services that
cater to our customers’ needs. We gain a
clear competitive advantage over global
competitors by applying this in-depth,
local knowledge.
inSing.com is a robust portal that
connects users in Singapore to
hyperlocal information. A large part
of this portal is the HungryGoWhere site
and app, which were also introduced
in Malaysia this year. HungryGoWhere
remembers customers’ preferences and
makes relevant recommendations on
where and what to eat. With the food
obsession in these two countries, the
app has gained a tremendous amount
of traction.
We are also sharpening NewsLoop to
deliver the most relevant news updates
to our customers. Users in Australia,
Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines,
Singapore and Thailand can already
access localised content.
video
One of the highlights of the year was our
partnership with Vuclip, a SingTel Innov8
investment. Vuclip is a mobile video
service provider, specialising in delivering
videos to feature phones, as well as
low-cost smartphones on constrained
data networks.
Our mio TV Go app, introduced this
year, differentiates our pay TV service
in Singapore by offering our customers
on-the-go convenience. In addition to
live streaming of shows on the move,
customers can use the app to discover
new content and control their
set-top box.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
gaming
During the year, we boosted our gaming
presence with the introduction of the
WePlay app. WePlay is an alternative
social gaming platform that recommends
games based on customers’ preferences.
It also connects them to a gaming
community where they have access to
hundreds of free and paid games. All
purchases can be billed directly to the
customers’ SingTel bill. We plan to roll
out localised versions for India, Indonesia
and the Philippines in FY2015.
WePlay followed our investment in
TheMobileGamer (TMG). TMG provides
a device-neutral gaming experience
as its games can be played on any
mobile browser with no downloads
or installations required.
music
We enhanced our music streaming
service AMPedTM with a fresh new look
for the best entertainment experience.
AMPed carries the catalogues of all
major international music labels, as
well as a comprehensive range of music
from local and regional artistes. It offers
a repository of over 5 million songs in
addition to money-can’t-buy experiences
such as exclusive showcases, autograph
sessions and concerts by top artistes.
ecommerce
During the year, we partnered Shopify,
a successful North American eCommerce
company, to bring its solutions to India,
Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.
We worked with payment providers in
each country to enable transactions
in local currencies.
CASE STUDy: SingTel innov8
generaTing value THrougH SingTel innov8
SingTel innov8 (innov8), our corporate
venture capital fund, is a key facilitator
for creating win-win partnerships
between its investees and members
of the SingTel group.
it helps investees access the group’s
scale and market insights and, through
partnerships, it allows our regional
mobile associates to tap cutting-edge
technology with the opportunity to
make it relevant in their respective
markets. vuclip, a US-based mobile
video provider is, a prime example.
in April 2013, Airtel in india leveraged
vuclip’s technology and introduced
a revolutionary portal that serves
curated videos at one Rupee each.
The initiative was designed to
encourage mobile data usage in a
market where most users have yet to
experience the power of the mobile
internet. in less than 12 months,
the portal gained 20 million users,
more than 40% of whom were
first-time mobile internet users.
This service single-handedly enabled
more people to experience mobile
data than any other campaign by
a mobile carrier.
Following its success in india,
vuclip worked on a similar campaign
with Telkomsel in indonesia and
introduced the Telkomsel video
500 store in December 2013. in less
than three months, it garnered over
1 million users.
Since innov8’s investment in
August 2012, vuclip has grown
from 40 million monthly active
users (mAUs) to 120 million mAUs.
vuclip has also expanded its product
reach into indonesia, malaysia,
Thailand and the United Arab
Emirates, making it the world’s
largest independent mobile video
and media company.
"
Choosing SingTel Innov8 as an investor has been one of my best
decisions since founding Vuclip. Their value-add has provided
us with the best of both worlds: a comprehensive view of the
operator and media worlds because of their close collaboration
with the SingTel Group, as well as a top-tier institutional investor’s
"
view point when it comes to strategic and operational insights.
MR NICkhIl JAkATDAR
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, VUCLIP
36
Key Awards
and Accolades
Singapore TelecommunicaTionS limiTed and SubSidiary companieS
buSineSS
eXcellence
aSean icT awardS 2013
– SINGTEl
• myBusiness – Gold
aSia buSineSS conTinuiTy
awardS 2013 – SINGTEl
• Business Continuity Provider
of the Year for BCM Services
& Recovery Site
aSia communicaTionS award
2013 – SINGTEl
• Best Enterprise Service for
Connectivity-as-a-Service
• Best SME Service for myBusiness
aSia-pacific carrier eTHerneT
Service provider awardS 2013
– SINGTEl
• Best Carrier Ethernet Business
Applications
• Best Wholesale Ethernet Service
aSia-pacific cuSTomer Service
conSorTium awardS 2013 – AIS
• Contact Centre of the Year
auSTralia communicaTionS
awardS 2013 – OPTuS
• Satellite Provider of the Year
cneT aSia readerS’ cHoice
awardS 2013 – GlOBE
• Best Telco in the Philippines
cneT aSia readerS’ cHoice
award 2013 – TElkOMSEl
• Best Telco in Indonesia
communicaTionS alliance and
commSday awardS 2013
– OPTuS
• Satellite Provider of the Year
communicaTor awardS 2013
– AMOBEE
• Advertising Excellence
compuTerworld Hong kong
awardS 2013 – SINGTEl
• Best IT Outsourcing & Managed
Services Provider
compuTerworld Singapore
cuSTomer care award 2013
– SINGTEl
• Telecommunications Services &
Cloud Services
conTacT cenTre world aSia
pacific awardS 2013 – SINGTEl
• Best Outsourced Contact Centre
– Gold
conTacT cenTre world
awardS 2013 – OPTuS
• Best Technology Innovation for
Customer Call Back – Gold
• Best Use of Social Media in a
Contact Centre – Gold
cuSTomer SaTiSfacTion indeX
of Singapore 2013 – SINGTEl
• 1st in Broadband Service
• 1st in Mobile Service
eurofinance TreaSury
awardS for eXcellence in
aSia 2013 – AIRTEl INDIA
• Top Treasury Team, Asia
eXcellenT Service award 2013
– SINGTEl
• 1st in the Telco Category
idc Telecom Service provider
innovaTion awardS 2013
– SINGTEl
• Service Provider of the Future
inTeracTive media awardS
2013 – NCS
• Outstanding Achievement Award
for One.Motoring Portal & National
Service Life Microsite
froST & Sullivan aSia pacific
icT awardS 2013 – SINGTEl
• Service Provider CEO of the Year
– Chua Sock Koong
froST & Sullivan india icT
awardS 2013 – AIRTEl INDIA
• Enterprise Telecom Service
Provider of the Year
froST & Sullivan indoneSia
eXcellence awardS 2013
– TElkOMSEl
• Mobile Broadband Service Provider
of the Year
• Mobile Service Provider of the Year
froST & Sullivan pHilippineS
eXcellence awardS 2013
– GlOBE
• Mobile Service Provider of the Year
froST & Sullivan THailand
eXcellence awardS 2013 – AIS
• Telecom Service Provider of the
Year
iab miXX award 2013 – AMOBEE
• Best Custom Rich Media Display
for BMW Accelerates Engagement
with Immersive 3D Mobile Ads
markeTing eXcellence awardS
2013 – SINGTEl
• Marketer of the Year
mobile enTerTainmenT award
2013 – AMOBEE
• Best Rich Media Ad Platform
neTwork world aSia
informaTion managemenT
awardS 2013 – SINGTEl
• Best in Security-as-a-Service
piTcH brandS awardS 2013
– AIRTEl INDIA
• Globetrotters Award
premium Service gemS award
2013 – SINGTEl
• Premium Service GEM Award in
Telecommunications
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Singapore Human reSource
inSTiTuTe 2013 – SINGTEl
• Leading HR Practices in CSR
aSean corporaTe
SuSTainabiliTy SummiT
and awardS 2014 – GlOBE
• 1st in Integrated Communication
Category
eTHiSpHere inSTiTuTe 2014
– SINGTEl
• World’s Most Ethical Company
financeaSia 2014 – SINGTEl
• Best Corporate Governance
• Best CSR
• Most Committed to a Strong
Dividend Policy
Hrm awardS 2014 – SINGTEl
• HR Champion – Yuen Kuan Moon
• Social Media Award
corporaTe
ciTiZenSHip
SmarT awardS 2013 – OPTuS
• Excellence in Supply Chain &
Logistics
aiTd 2013 – SINGTEl
• Organisational Learning
Effectiveness Award
STraiTS TimeS digiTal life in
Singapore 2013 – SINGTEl
• Editor’s Choice for AMPed
auSTralia communicaTionS
awardS 2013 – OPTuS
• Community Contribution
auSTralian evenT awardS
2013 – OPTuS
• Best Charity or Cause-related
Event for Optus RockCorps
cdp (eX-Japan) climaTe
diScloSure leaderSHip indeX
award 2013 – SINGTEl
communiTy cHeST awardS 2013
– SINGTEl
• Corporate Platinum
• SHARE Corporate Gold
• Special Events Platinum
included in dow JoneS
SuSTainabiliTy indeX
auSTralia 2013 – SINGTEl
inveSTorS’ cHoice awardS
2013 – SINGTEl
• Board of Diversity Award
• Internal Audit Excellence Award
ir magaZine awardS 2013
– SINGTEl
• Best Corporate Literature
• Best Corporate Governance &
Disclosure
leading Hr pracTiceS award
2013 – SINGTEl
• Learning & Human Capital
Development
STuff readerS’ cHoice award
2013 – huNGRYGOWhERE
• Local App of the Year
THe creaTive circle awardS
2013 – SINGTEl
• Best Use or Integration of
Experiential Events for SingTel
Hawker Heroes – Gold
• Directed Integrated Campaign for
SingTel Hawker Heroes – Gold
froST & Sullivan cuSTomer
eXperience awardS 2014
– OPTuS
• Best Practice in Customer
Experience for Telecommunications
In-store
global mobile awardS 2014
– GlOBE
• Best Network-based Solution
for Serving Customers Award
(GoSakto)
global reviewS digiTal
cuSTomer eXperience indeX
(cei) 2014 – OPTuS
• Best Digital Customer Experience
for Telecommunications Websites
Hwm + HardwareZone.com
TecH awardS (readerS’ cHoice)
2014 – SINGTEl
• Best 4G Network
• Best Fibre Broadband Service
• Best Telco
kalaHari awardS 2014
– AIRTEl AFRICA
• Fastest Growth & Expansion in
Africa for Mobile Money
Sustainability
& Governance
Board of Directors
Organisation Structure
Management Committee
Senior Management
Sustainability and
Governance Philosophy
Corporate Governance
Investor Relations
Risk Management Philosophy
and Approach
Sustainability
39
44
45
48
49
50
70
72
80
ovERviEw
BUSiNESS
REviEw
SUSTAiNABiLiTy
AND govERNANCE
PERFoRmANCE
FiNANCiALS
ADDiTioNAL
iNFoRmATioN
39
ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Board of
Directors
Simon iSrael
cHua Sock koong
bobby cHin
fang ai lian
david gonSki ac (1)
dominic Ho
low cHeck kian
peTer maSon am (2)
kai nargolwala
cHriSTina ong
peTer ong
Notes:
(1) Companion of the Order of Australia.
(2) Member of the Order of Australia.
40
Board of
Directors
Singapore TelecommunicaTionS limiTed and SubSidiary companieS
Simon iSrael
• Non-executive and non-independent Director
• Chairman, SingTel Board
• Chairman, Finance and investment
Committee
• member, Corporate governance and
Nominations Committee
• member, Executive Resource and
Compensation Committee
• member, optus Advisory Committee
• Date of Appointment: Director on 4 Jul 2003
and Chairman on 29 Jul 2011
• Last Re-elected: 26 Jul 2013
Mr Israel, 61, is a Director of CapitaLand
Limited, Fonterra Co-operative Group
Limited and Stewardship and Corporate
Governance Centre Pte. Ltd. He is also a
member of the Governing Board of Lee
Kuan Yew School of Public Policy and
Westpac's Asia Advisory Board.
Mr Israel was an Executive Director and
President of Temasek Holdings (Private)
Limited before retiring on 1 July 2011.
Prior to that, he was Chairman Asia Pacific
of the Danone Group. Mr Israel also held
various positions in Sara Lee Corporation
before becoming President (Household
& Personal Care), Asia Pacific.
Mr Israel was conferred the Knight in
the Legion of Honour by the French
government in 2007 and awarded the
Public Service Medal at the Singapore
National Day Awards 2011. He holds
a Diploma in Business Studies from
The University of the South Pacific.
cHua Sock koong
• Executive and non-independent Director
• member, optus Advisory Committee
• Date of Appointment: Director on 12 oct 2006
and group Chief Executive officer (CEo)
on 1 Apr 2007
• Last Re-elected: 27 Jul 2012
Ms Chua, 56, was appointed Group CEO
on 1 April 2007. She is responsible for
SingTel’s three key businesses – Group
Consumer, Group Enterprise and Group
Digital L!fe.
Ms Chua joined SingTel in June 1989 as
Treasurer and was made CFO in April
1999. She held the positions of Group
CFO and CEO, International from February
2006 to 12 October 2006, when she was
appointed Deputy Group CEO.
Ms Chua sits on the boards of
Bharti Airtel Limited, Bharti Telecom
Limited and key subsidiaries of the
SingTel Group. She is also a member
of the Singapore Management
University Board of Trustees and
the Public Service Commission.
Ms Chua holds a Bachelor of
Accountancy (First Class Honours)
from the University of Singapore.
She is a Fellow Member of the Institute
of Singapore Chartered Accountants
and a CFA charterholder.
bobby cHin
• Non-executive and independent Director
• Chairman, Risk Committee
• member, Audit Committee
• Date of Appointment: 1 may 2012
• Last Re-elected: 27 Jul 2012
Mr Chin, 62, is a member of the
Council of Presidential Advisers and
serves on the boards of the Singapore
Labour Foundation, NTUC Enterprise
Co-operative Limited and NTUC Fairprice
Co-operative Limited. He is also a
Director of several listed companies
including Yeo Hiap Seng Limited, Ho Bee
Land Limited, SembCorp Industries Ltd
and AV Jennings Limited.
Mr Chin was the Managing Partner of
KPMG Singapore from 1992 until his
retirement in September 2005.
Mr Chin holds a Bachelor of Accountancy
from the University of Singapore. He
is a Fellow Chartered Accountant of
Singapore and an associate member of
the Institute of Chartered Accountants
in England and Wales.
fang ai lian
• Non-executive and independent Director
• Chairman, Audit Committee
• member, Executive Resource and
Compensation Committee
• Date of Appointment: 7 Aug 2008
• Last Re-elected: 27 Jul 2012
Mrs Fang, 64, was the Chairman of
Great Eastern Holdings Limited as well
as Chairman of its insurance subsidiaries
until her retirement in April 2014. Prior
to that, she was with Ernst & Young for
over 30 years, where she was appointed
Managing Partner in 1996 and Chairman
in 2005.
Mrs Fang is a Director of Banyan Tree
Holdings Limited, MediaCorp Pte Ltd
and Metro Holdings Limited and an
advisor to Far East Organization. She is
also the Chairman of the Charity Council
and the Tax Academy of Singapore.
Mrs Fang qualified as a Chartered
Accountant in London in 1973 and is
a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered
Accountants in England and Wales.
ovERviEw
BUSiNESS
REviEw
SUSTAiNABiLiTy
AND govERNANCE
PERFoRmANCE
FiNANCiALS
ADDiTioNAL
iNFoRmATioN
41
ANNUAL REPORT 2014
david gonSki ac (1)
• Non-executive and independent Director
• member, optus Advisory Committee
• member, Risk Committee
• Date of Appointment: 1 mar 2013
• Last Re-elected: 26 Jul 2013
(1) Companion of the order of Australia.
Mr Gonski, 60, is the Chairman of
Australia and New Zealand Banking
Group Limited and Coca-Cola Amatil
Limited and the Chancellor of
The University of New South Wales.
Mr Gonski is a lawyer by training and
has been involved in the financial
services industry in Australia for more
than 30 years.
He was appointed a Companion of the
Order of Australia in 2007 and received
the Centenary Medal in 2003. Mr Gonski
holds a Bachelor of Commerce and
Bachelor of Laws from The University
of New South Wales. He is a Life Fellow
of the Australian Institute of Company
Directors and a Fellow of the Certified
Practicing Accountants in Australia.
dominic Ho
• Non-executive and independent Director
• member, Audit Committee
• member, Corporate governance and
Nominations Committee
• Date of Appointment: 28 Nov 2007
• Last Re-elected: 29 Jul 2011
Mr Ho, 63, is a non-executive Director
of Underwriters Laboratories Inc.,
Hang Lung Properties Limited and
DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited. He is
also the non-executive Chairman of
DBS Bank (China) Limited.
Mr Ho joined KPMG US in Houston in
1975 and became a partner in 1985.
He was transferred to Beijing, China
to set up KPMG’s practice in 1984 and
resided in China until 1989 when he was
assigned to Hong Kong. Mr Ho became
the China firm’s Senior Partner based
in Beijing in 2000, and was elected
Chairman of KPMG in China and Hong
Kong SAR in April 2003. He retired in
April 2007.
Mr Ho holds a Bachelor of Business
Administration and a Master of Science
in Accountancy from the University of
Houston, US. He is a member of the
American Institute of Accountants and
the Hong Kong Institute of Certified
Public Accountants.
low cHeck kian
• Non-executive and independent Director
• member, Corporate governance and
Nominations Committee
• member, Finance and investment Committee
• Date of Appointment: 9 may 2011
• Last Re-elected: 29 Jul 2011
Mr Low, 55, was one of the founding
partners of NewSmith Capital Partners
LLP, an independent partnership
providing corporate finance advice and
investment management services, with
its headquarters based in London. Prior
to founding NewSmith, Mr Low was a
Senior Vice-President and Member of
the Executive Management Committee
of Merrill Lynch & Co., and its Chairman
for the Asia Pacific region.
Mr Low also sits on the boards of
Neptune Orient Lines Limited and the
Fullerton Fund Management Company
Ltd, and is a trustee of the Singapore
London School of Economics Trust and
the Nanyang Technological University.
Mr Low holds Bachelor and Master
degrees in Economics from the London
School of Economics.
peTer maSon am (2)
• Non-executive and independent Director
• Chairman, optus Advisory Committee
• member, Executive Resource and
Compensation Committee
• Date of Appointment: 21 Sep 2010
• Last Re-elected: 26 Jul 2013
(2) member of the order of Australia.
Mr Mason, 68, is a Senior Advisor to
UBS Australia. He is a Trustee of the
Sydney Opera House Trust and the
Chairman of the Centre for International
Finance and Regulation.
to this, he was Chairman and Chief
Executive of Schroders Australia and
Group Managing Director of Schroders’
investment banking businesses in the
Asia Pacific region.
Mr Mason has more than 40 years'
experience in investment banking. He
was Chairman of JP Morgan Chase Bank
in Australia from 2000 to 2005. Prior
Mr Mason holds a Bachelor of Commerce
(First Class Honours), an MBA and an
Honorary Doctorate from The University
of New South Wales.
42
Board of
Directors
Singapore TelecommunicaTionS limiTed and SubSidiary companieS
Notes:
(1) Mr Ong Peng Tsin retired from the SingTel
Board following the conclusion of the Annual
General Meeting held on 26 July 2013.
(2) Please see the next page for a summary of
the past chairmanships and directorships of
the members of the SingTel Board.
kai nargolwala
• Non-executive and Lead independent Director
• Chairman, Corporate governance and
Nominations Committee
• Chairman, Executive Resource and
Compensation Committee
• member, Finance and investment Committee
• Date of Appointment: Director on
29 Sep 2006 and Lead independent Director
on 13 may 2009
• Last Re-elected: 27 Jul 2012
cHriSTina ong
• Non-executive and independent Director
• member, Audit Committee
• member, Corporate governance and
Nominations Committee
• Date of Appointment: 7 Apr 2014
peTer ong
• Non-executive and non-independent Director
• member, Audit Committee
• member, Risk Committee
• Date of Appointment: 1 Sep 2010
• Last Re-elected: 29 Jul 2011
Mr Nargolwala, 64, is an independent
non-executive Director of the UK-based
Prudential plc., Credit Suisse Group AG
and PSA International Pte Ltd. He is the
Chairman of Clifford Capital Pte. Ltd. and
the Chairman of the Governing Board of
the Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School
of Singapore. He also serves on the
board of the Casino Regulatory Authority
of Singapore and is a member of the
Singapore Capital Markets Committee of
the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
Mr Nargolwala was the non-executive
Chairman of Credit Suisse Asia Pacific
from October 2010 to December 2011
and the CEO of Credit Suisse Asia Pacific
and a member of the Executive Board
of Credit Suisse AG from January 2008
to September 2010. He was a Group
Executive Director of Standard Chartered
PLC before joining Credit Suisse Asia
Pacific. Prior to that, he was the Group
Executive Vice President and Head of
Asia Wholesale Banking Group for Bank
of America, headquartered in Hong Kong.
Mr Nargolwala holds a Bachelor degree
in Economics (First Class Honours)
from the University of Delhi, India.
He is a Fellow of the Institute of
Chartered Accountants in England
and Wales as well as the Singapore
Institute of Directors.
Mrs Ong, 63, is a Partner of Allen &
Gledhill LLP as well as the Head of its
Financial Services Department. She is
a Director of SIA Engineering Company
Limited, Singapore Tourism Board and
Trailblazer Foundation Ltd. She also sits
on the boards of companies and entities
which are owned by Allen & Gledhill LLP.
Mrs Ong is a lawyer and her areas of
practice include banking, securities
offerings, securities regulations,
investment funds, capital markets
and corporate finance. She has been
involved in a broad range of international
transactions in Asia, including debt and
equity issues. She provides corporate
and corporate regulatory and compliance
advice, particularly to listed companies.
Mrs Ong holds a Bachelor of Laws
(Second Upper Class Honours) from the
University of Singapore. She is a member
of the Law Society of Singapore and the
International Bar Association.
Mr Ong, 52, is the Head of Singapore’s
Civil Service, Permanent Secretary of
the Ministry of Finance and Permanent
Secretary (Special Duties) in the Prime
Minister’s Office. He previously held
the positions of Permanent Secretary
(National Security and Intelligence
Co-ordination), Permanent Secretary
(Ministry of Trade and Industry),
Permanent Secretary (Ministry of
Transport) and 2nd Permanent Secretary
(Ministry of Defence). Prior to that, he
was an Executive Vice President of
Temasek Holdings (Private) Limited.
Mr Ong currently sits on the boards of
the Monetary Authority of Singapore, the
National Research Foundation and the
ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research
Office. He is also the Chairman of the
Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore
and Calvary Community Care.
Mr Ong was conferred the Meritorious
Service Medal (Pingat Jasa Gemilang)
at the Singapore National Day
Awards 2010. He was also conferred
the (Honorary) Knight of the Most
Distinguished Order of the Crown by the
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Malaysia XIV in
June 2012 (with the title of “Tan Sri”).
Mr Ong holds a Bachelor of Economics
(Honours) from the University of
Adelaide, Australia and an MBA from
Stanford University, US.
OvERvIEW
BUSINESS
REvIEW
SUSTAINABILITY
AND GOvERNANCE
PERFORMANCE
FINANCIALS
ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION
43
ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Past Chairmanships
and Directorships
The following is a summary of the past chairmanships and directorships of the
members of the SingTel Board (1):
simon israel
DominiC ho
• Asia Pacific Breweries Limited (Chairman)
• Temasek Holdings (Private) Limited
(Executive Director and President)
• KPMG
(Chairman, China and Hong Kong SAR)
• Hong Kong Mercantile Exchange Limited
(Director)
Chua soCk koong
• Casino Regulatory Authority
of Singapore (Board member)
• Corporate Governance Council
established by the Monetary
Authority of Singapore (Member)
bobby Chin
• Singapore Totalisator Board (Chairman)
• Neptune Orient Lines Limited (Director)
• Competition Commission of
Singapore (Board member)
• Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation
Limited (Director)
fang ai lian
• Great Eastern Holdings Limited (Chairman)
• Ernst & Young (Chairman)
• Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation
Limited (Board member)
• Public Utilities Board (Board member)
• International Enterprise Singapore
(Board member)
DaviD gonski aC (2)
• Australian Securities Exchange Limited
(Chairman)
• Singapore Airlines Ltd (Director)
• Westfield Group (Director)
• Guardians of the Future Fund of Australia
(Chairman)
• Investec Bank (Australia) Limited (Chairman)
• Investec Holdings Australia Limited
(Chairman)
• Investec Property Limited (Director)
• Swiss Re Life & Health Australia Ltd
(Chairman)
singtel
boarD
Diversity
tenure
(%)
male/female
(%)
0-2 YEARS
3-6 YEARS
7-9 YEARS
27
55
18
MALE
FEMALE
73
27
low CheCk kian
• Singapore Exchange Limited
(Lead Independent Director/Director)
• Fibrechem Technologies Limited
(Board member)
peter mason am (3)
• David Jones Limited (Chairman)
• AMP Limited (Chairman)
kai nargolwala
Nil
Christina ong
• ST Asset Management Ltd
exeCutive/non-exeCutive
(%)
peter ong
• MND Holdings Pte Ltd (Chairman)
EXECUTIVE
NON-
EXECUTIVE
9
91
geographiCal representation
Notes:
(1) Held over the preceding three years.
(2) Companion of the Order of Australia.
(3) Member of the Order of Australia.
44
Organisation
Structure
Singapore TelecommunicaTionS limiTed and SubSidiary companieS
group cHief
eXecuTive officer
ChuA SOCk kOONG
cHief eXecuTive officer
group conSumer
PAul O’SullIVAN
Consumer Australia
Consumer Singapore
international
group Chief Technology office
cHief eXecuTive officer
group enTerpriSe
BIll ChANG
Business group
Carrier Services
Digital Enterprise
Enterprise Data & managed Services
global Enterprise Business
global Products
NCS
optus Business
cHief eXecuTive officer
group digiTal l!fe (1)
AllEN lEW
Fun L!fe
L!fe Sense
Local L!fe
innov8
Amobee
Pixable
Note:
(1) Fun L!fe: Games, lifestyle and entertainment.
L!fe Sense: Mobile financial services.
Local L!fe: Hyperlocal services and eCommerce.
audiT
commiTTee
group cHief
inTernal audiTor
ChOR khEE YANG
group cHief
financial officer
JEANN lOW
group direcTor
Human reSourceS
AIlEEN TAN
group cHief
informaTion officer
Wu ChOY PENG
group cHief
STraTegy officer
ANThONY MAY
group general counSel
/ company SecreTary
ChAN Su ShAN
counTry cHief
officer auSTralia
PAul O'SullIVAN
counTry cHief
officer Singapore
AllEN lEW
ovERviEw
BUSiNESS
REviEw
SUSTAiNABiLiTy
AND govERNANCE
PERFoRmANCE
FiNANCiALS
ADDiTioNAL
iNFoRmATioN
45
ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Management
Committee
Ms Chua, 56, was appointed Group CEO
on 1 April 2007. She is responsible for
SingTel’s three key businesses – Group
Consumer, Group Enterprise and Group
Digital L!fe.
Ms Chua joined SingTel in June 1989 as
Treasurer and was made CFO in April
1999. She held the positions of Group
CFO and CEO, International from February
2006 to October 2006, when she was
appointed Deputy Group CEO.
Mr Chang, 47, was appointed CEO,
Group Enterprise on 16 July 2012.
He is responsible for providing
ICT solutions to serve the Group’s
enterprise customers, offering
innovative and comprehensive IT and
telecommunications solutions across
multiple geographies.
Mr Chang was previously Managing
Director, Business Group, and joined
SingTel in 2005 as Executive Vice
President of Corporate Business. Before
joining SingTel, he was the Managing
Director of Cisco Systems' Advanced
Services Group in Asia Pacific. His
Ms Chua sits on the Boards of
Bharti Airtel Limited, Bharti Telecom
Limited and key subsidiaries of the
SingTel Group. She is also a member
of the Singapore Management
University Board of Trustees and the
Public Service Commission.
Ms Chua holds a Bachelor of
Accountancy (First Class Honours)
from the University of Singapore.
She is a Fellow Member of the Institute
of Singapore Chartered Accountants
and a CFA charterholder.
earlier career included roles at various
multinational technology companies.
In 2014, Mr Chang was conferred
the honorary Fellow of the Singapore
Computer Society in recognition of his
pivotal role in advancing the Infocomm
Industry in Singapore. He is the
Chairman of the Singapore Polytechnic
Board of Governors and a Board
member of Singapore Post, serving
in their Compensation and Technology
Committees.
Mr Chang graduated with a Bachelor of
Engineering (Honours) in Electrical and
Computer Systems Engineering from
Monash University, Australia.
Mr Lew, 58, is CEO, Group Digital L!fe
and responsible for transforming the
Group into a leading player in the digital
ecosystem, shaping how people connect
and discover innovative and cutting-edge
digital services. As Country Chief Officer
Singapore, he is the principal liaison with
local and regulatory bodies. He assumed
these positions on 1 April 2012.
Mr Lew began his career with the
SingTel Group in November 1980 and has
served in various senior management
positions, including Chief Operating Officer
of Advanced Info Service Public Company
Limited (AIS) – the Group’s associate
in Thailand, Chief Operating Officer of
Singapore Telecom International Pte
Ltd and Managing Director of Optus
Consumer. He was CEO, Singapore from
February 2006 to March 2012.
Mr Lew is the Chairman of the AIS
Executive Committee and a Board
member of the Energy Market Authority
in Singapore.
He holds a Bachelor of Electrical
Engineering from the University
of Western Australia and a Master
of Science (Management) from
the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology, US.
cHua Sock koong
gRoUP CHiEF ExECUTivE oFFiCER
bill cHang
CHiEF ExECUTivE oFFiCER,
gRoUP ENTERPRiSE
allen lew
CHiEF ExECUTivE oFFiCER,
gRoUP DigiTAL L!FE
CoUNTRy CHiEF oFFiCER, SiNgAPoRE
46
Management
Committee
Singapore TelecommunicaTionS limiTed and SubSidiary companieS
Ms Low, 53, was appointed Group
CFO in September 2008. She oversees
the Group’s financial affairs, including
corporate finance, treasury and capital
management and investor relations.
Ms Low joined SingTel in 1998 as the
Group Financial Controller. In 2004,
she was promoted to Executive Vice
President of Strategic Investments,
managing the Group’s international
investments, and was appointed CFO
of Optus in 2006. Prior to SingTel,
Ms Low worked in the Singapore and
London practices of an international
accounting firm and thereafter at a
public listed electronics company in
Singapore.
Ms Low is a member of the Governing
Board of the Lee Kong Chian School
of Medicine. She is also a Director
of Advanced Info Service Public Company
Limited and was a Council Member
of the Institute of Singapore Chartered
Accountants from April 2010 to
April 2014.
She holds an Honours Degree in
Accountancy from the National
University of Singapore and is a
Chartered Accountant of Singapore.
Mr O'Sullivan, 53, was appointed CEO,
Group Consumer on 1 April 2012. He is
responsible for the Consumer businesses
across the Group, which include the
wholly owned operations in Singapore
and Australia as well as SingTel's
investments in Advanced Info Service
Public Company Limited, Bharti Airtel
Limited, Globe Telecom, Inc., Pacific
Bangladesh Telecom Limited and PT
Telekomunikasi Selular (Telkomsel).
Mr O’Sullivan was reappointed Country
Chief Officer Australia on 27 February
2014 to be the principal liaison with local
and regulatory bodies. He previously
assumed this role from April 2012 to
April 2013.
Mr O'Sullivan was CEO of Optus from
September 2004 to March 2012.
Prior to that, he held management
positions within Optus including Chief
Operating Officer and Managing Director
of Optus Mobile. He has also worked
in various international management
roles at the Colonial Group and the Royal
Dutch Shell Group in Canada, the Middle
East, Australia and the United Kingdom.
Mr O'Sullivan serves on the Board of
Commissioners of Telkomsel.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Mod)
Economics from Trinity College,
University of Dublin and is a graduate
of the Advanced Management Program
of Harvard University, US.
Jeann low
gRoUP CHiEF FiNANCiAL oFFiCER
paul o'Sullivan
CHiEF ExECUTivE oFFiCER,
gRoUP CoNSUmER
CoUNTRy CHiEF oFFiCER AUSTRALiA
ovERviEw
BUSiNESS
REviEw
SUSTAiNABiLiTy
AND govERNANCE
PERFoRmANCE
FiNANCiALS
ADDiTioNAL
iNFoRmATioN
47
ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Ms Tan, 47, joined SingTel in June 2008
as Group Director Human Resources.
She oversees the development of human
resources across the SingTel Group,
and also leads the Group’s corporate
sustainability function.
Ms Tan is a member of the Home
Nursing Foundation Board and the
Singapore Workforce Development
Agency’s Human Resource Workforce
Skills Qualifications (WSQ) Manpower,
Skills and Training Council.
Prior to joining SingTel, Ms Tan was
Group General Manager Human
Resources at WBL Corporation Limited
and Vice President, Centers of Excellence
with Abacus International Pte Ltd.
Her earlier career comprised human
resources roles in multinational
corporations and Singapore companies
across various industries.
She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts
majoring in Statistics and Japanese
Studies from the National University
of Singapore. She also holds a Master
of Science in Organisational
Behaviour from the California School
of Professional Psychology, Alliant
International University, US.
Ms Wu, 49, joined SingTel as Group CIO
in August 2012 and is responsible for
the development of the SingTel Group's
IT vision and roadmap. She also drives
synergies to establish excellence in
technology management.
Before joining SingTel, Ms Wu was the
Group CIO of Neptune Orient Lines Group
from 2006. She served as the Singapore
Government’s Chief Information Officer
from January 2000 to June 2006, after
holding a range of IT management roles
in the Singapore Civil Service, where she
started her career.
Ms Wu is the Deputy Chairman of IDA
International Pte Ltd, a wholly owned
subsidiary of the Infocomm Development
Authority of Singapore. Ms Wu also
serves on the Management Board of the
Institute of Systems Science, National
University of Singapore.
She holds a Bachelor of Science
(Honours with Highest Distinction) in
Computer/Communication Science and
Mathematics, and a Master of Science
in Computer Science/Engineering, both
from the University of Michigan, US.
aileen Tan
gRoUP DiRECToR HUmAN RESoURCES
wu cHoy peng
gRoUP CHiEF iNFoRmATioN oFFiCER
48
Senior
Management
Singapore TelecommunicaTionS limiTed and SubSidiary companieS
vicki brady
cHia wee boon
mark cHong
mANAgiNg DiRECToR, CUSTomER
gRoUP CoNSUmER
CHiEF ExECUTivE oFFiCER, NCS
gRoUP ENTERPRiSE
CHiEF ExECUTivE oFFiCER, iNTERNATioNAL
gRoUP CoNSUmER
Hui weng cHeong
murray king
CHiEF oPERATiNg oFFiCER
AiS
CHiEF FiNANCiAL oFFiCER
gRoUP CoNSUmER
Samba naTaraJan
mANAgiNg DiRECToR,
DigiTAL ENTERPRiSE
JoHn paiTaridiS
micHael SmiTH
mark STrecker
mANAgiNg DiRECToR, oPTUS BUSiNESS
gRoUP ENTERPRiSE
CHiEF CommERCiAL oFFiCER
gRoUP DigiTAL L!FE
CHiEF ExECUTivE oFFiCER, AmoBEE
gRoUP DigiTAL L!FE
Tay Soo meng
william woo
yuen kuan moon
gRoUP CHiEF TECHNoLogy oFFiCER
gRoUP CoNSUmER
mANAgiNg DiRECToR,
ENTERPRiSE DATA & mANAgED SERviCES
gRoUP ENTERPRiSE
CHiEF ExECUTivE oFFiCER,
CoNSUmER SiNgAPoRE
gRoUP CoNSUmER
ovERviEw
BUSiNESS
REviEw
SUSTAiNABiLiTy
AND govERNANCE
PERFoRmANCE
FiNANCiALS
ADDiTioNAL
iNFoRmATioN
49
ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Sustainability and
Governance Philosophy
Environmental, social and governance
performance are integral to SingTel’s success.
we strive to stay ahead of our competition
and build a sustainable future for all our
stakeholders by:
• Aspiring to the highest level of corporate
governance, increasing shareholder value
and embracing responsible business practices
• Supporting, investing and partnering
communities in the markets where we operate
• Being an employer of choice
• managing our environmental footprint
and impact
50
Corporate
Governance
our governance
framework
Singapore TelecommunicaTionS limiTed and SubSidiary companieS
cHairman
Simon iSrael
key obJecTiveS
Responsible for leadership of the Board
and for creating conditions for overall Board,
committee and individual effectiveness
THe board of SingTel
11 direcTorS:
1 executive Director
1 non-independent
Chairman
1 non-independent
non-executive Director
8 independent
non-executive Directors
key obJecTiveS
To create value for
shareholders and to
ensure the long-term
success of the Group
audiT
commiTTee
corporaTe
governance &
nominaTionS
commiTTee
eXecuTive
reSource &
compenSaTion
commiTTee
finance &
inveSTmenT
commiTTee
opTuS
adviSory
commiTTee
riSk
commiTTee
4 independent Directors
1 non-independent
Director
4 independent Directors
1 non-independent
Director
3 independent Directors
1 non-independent
Director
2 independent Directors
1 non-independent
Director
2 independent Directors
2 non-independent
Directors
2 independent Directors
1 non-independent
Director
cHairman
fang ai lian
cHairman
kai nargolwala
cHairman
kai nargolwala
cHairman
Simon iSrael
cHairman
peTer maSon
cHairman
bobby cHin
key obJecTiveS
To assist the Board
in discharging its
statutory and other
responsibilities relating
to internal controls,
financial and accounting
matters, compliance,
and business
and financial risk
management
key obJecTiveS
To establish and review
the profile of Board
members; to make
recommendations
to the Board on
the appointment,
renomination and
retirement of
Directors; to review
the independence of
DIrectors; to assist the
Board in evaluating
the performance of
the Board, Board
committees and
Directors; and to
develop and review the
Company’s corporate
governance practices
key obJecTiveS
To review strategic
business issues
relating to the
Australian business
key obJecTiveS
To oversee the
remuneration of the
Board and Senior
Management, and
to set appropriate
remuneration
framework and policies,
including long-term
incentive schemes,
to deliver annual and
long-term performance
of the Group
key obJecTiveS
To provide advisory
support on the
development of the
Group’s overall strategy;
review strategic issues;
approve investments
and divestments; review
the Group’s Investment
and Treasury Policies;
evaluate and approve
financial offers and
banking facilities; and
manage the Group’s
liabilities
key obJecTiveS
To ensure that
Management maintains
a sound system of
risk management and
internal controls to
safeguard shareholders’
interests and the
Group’s assets, and to
determine the nature
and extent of the
material risks that the
Board is willing to take
in achieving the Group’s
strategic objectives
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inTroducTion
SingTel aspires to the highest standards
of corporate governance and, to this end,
has in place a set of well-defined policies
and processes to enhance corporate
performance and accountability, as
well as protect the interests of key
stakeholders. The Board of Directors
is responsible for SingTel’s corporate
governance standards and policies,
and stresses their importance across
the Group.
As SingTel shares are listed on both
the Singapore Exchange Securities
Trading Limited (SGX) and ASX Limited
(ASX), SingTel seeks to comply with
two sets of listing rules, and is guided
in its corporate governance practices
by the Singapore Code of Corporate
Governance 2012 (Singapore Code), as
well as the ASX Corporate Governance
Principles and Recommendations with
2010 Amendments (ASX Code). Where
one Exchange has more stringent
requirements, SingTel will strive to
observe the stricter criteria. SingTel
complies with the Singapore Code and
the ASX Code. This report sets out
SingTel’s main corporate governance
practices with reference to the Singapore
Code and the ASX Code. Unless
otherwise stated, these practices were in
place for the entire financial year.
Initiatives/Enhancements
• The ASX issued the third edition of the
ASX Corporate Governance Principles
and Recommendations (revised ASX
Code) in March 2014. The revised
ASX Code will apply to SingTel for the
financial year ending 31 March 2016.
SingTel has reviewed its corporate
governance policies and practices
against the revised ASX Code and is
of the view that it is substantially in
compliance with the revised ASX Code,
and is taking steps to address areas
where enhancements may be made.
• In April 2014, the SingTel Board
established a Technology Advisory
Panel (Panel), comprised of
distinguished international members,
to advise the Board in the area of
digital technology. The Panel is
chaired by Mr Koh Boon Hwee, and
the members of the Panel are Messrs
Gregory Becker, Venky Ganesan,
Douglas Haynes, Lim Chuan Poh,
Jonathan Miller and Erez Ofer.
Recognition
SingTel has received accolades from the
investment community for excellence
in corporate governance. More details
are included in the “Key Awards and
Accolades” section on pages 36 and 37.
direcTorS’ aTTendance aT board meeTingS during THe financial year ended 31 marcH 2014 (1)
name of director
Simon Israel
Chua Sock Koong
Bobby Chin
Fang Ai Lian
David Gonski AC (2)
Dominic Ho
Low Check Kian
Peter Mason AM (3)
Kai Nargolwala
Christina Ong (4)
Peter Ong
Ong Peng Tsin (5)
Scheduled board meetings
ad Hoc board meetings
number of
meetings
Held
number of
meetings
attended
number of
meetings
Held
number of
meetings
attended
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
–
8
3
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
7
8
–
8
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
–
3
1
3
3
3
2
2
3
3
3
1
–
2
1
Notes:
(1) Refers to meetings held/attended while each Director was in office.
(2) Companion of the Order of Australia.
(3) Member of the Order of Australia.
(4) Mrs Christina Ong was appointed to the Board on 7 April 2014.
(5) Mr Ong Peng Tsin retired following the conclusion of the AGM held on 26 July 2013.
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board maTTerS
role of the board and conduct of
its affairs
The Board aims to create value
for shareholders and ensure the
long-term success of the Group by
focusing on the development of the
right strategy, business model, risk
appetite, management, succession
plan and compensation framework. It
also seeks to align the interests of the
Board and Management with that of
shareholders and balance the interests
of all stakeholders. In addition, the Board
sets the tone for the entire organisation
where ethics and values are concerned.
The Board oversees the business
affairs of the SingTel Group. It assumes
responsibility for the Group’s overall
strategic plans and performance
objectives, financial plans and annual
budget, key operational initiatives,
major funding and investment
proposals, financial performance
reviews, compliance and accountability
systems, and corporate governance
practices. The Board also appoints
the Group CEO, approves policies and
guidelines on remuneration as well as
the remuneration for the Board and
Senior Management, and approves
the appointment of Directors. In line
with best practices in corporate
governance, the Board also oversees
long-term succession planning for
Senior Management.
SingTel has established financial
authorisation and approval limits for
operating and capital expenditure, the
procurement of goods and services,
and the acquisition and disposal of
investments. Apart from matters
that specifically require the Board’s
approval, such as the issue of shares,
dividend distributions and other returns
to shareholders, the Board approves
transactions exceeding certain threshold
limits, while delegating authority for
transactions below those limits to Board
Committees and the Management
Committee to optimise operational
efficiency.
The Board meets regularly and sets aside
time at each scheduled meeting to meet
without the presence of Management.
Board meetings generally last a full day
and may include presentations by senior
executives and external consultants/
experts on strategic issues relating
to specific business areas, as well as
presentations by the Group’s associates.
This allows the Board to develop a good
understanding of the Group’s businesses
and to promote active engagement with
the Group’s partners and key executives.
Typically, at least one Board meeting a
year is held overseas, in a country where
the Group has a significant investment,
has an interest in investing, or where
Board members can be exposed to
new technology relevant to the Group’s
growth strategy.
On such occasions, the Board may
meet with local business leaders and
government officials so as to help Board
members gain greater insight into
such countries. The Board also meets
SingTel’s partners and key customers
in those countries to develop stronger
relationships with such partners and
customers. SingTel also arranges for the
Board to meet with renowned experts
in the technology/digital space to
enhance their knowledge in new growth
areas and enable the Board to make
more informed decisions. In addition to
approximately eight scheduled meetings
each year, the Board meets as and when
warranted by particular circumstances.
Eleven Board meetings were held in
the financial year ended 31 March
2014. Meetings via telephone or video
conference are permitted by SingTel’s
Articles of Association.
A record of the Directors’ attendance at
Board meetings during the financial year
ended 31 March 2014 is set out on
page 51.
Directors are required to act in good
faith and in the interests of SingTel. All
new Directors appointed to the Board
are briefed on the Group’s business
activities, strategic direction and policies,
key business risks, and the regulatory
environment in which the Group
operates, as well as their statutory
and other duties and responsibilities as
Directors. In line with best practices in
corporate governance, the Singapore
Code and the ASX Code, new Directors
also sign a letter of appointment from
the Company stating clearly the role of
the Board and non-executive Directors,
the time commitment that the Director
would be expected to allocate, and other
relevant matters.
board composition, diversity
and balance
The size and composition of the Board
are reviewed from time to time by the
Corporate Governance and Nominations
Committee (CGNC). The CGNC seeks
to ensure that the size of the Board is
conducive to effective discussion and
decision making, and that the Board has
an appropriate number of independent
Directors. The CGNC also aims to
maintain a diversity of expertise, skills
and attributes among the Directors,
including relevant core competencies
in areas such as accounting and
finance, business and management,
legal, industry knowledge, strategic
planning, customer-based experience
and knowledge, and regional business
expertise, and takes into account
broader diversity considerations such
as gender, age and nationality/ethnicity.
When a Board position becomes vacant
or additional Directors are required,
the CGNC will select and recommend
candidates on the basis of their skills,
experience and knowledge, taking into
account the need for board diversity. Any
potential conflicts of interest are taken
into consideration.
Reflecting the focus of the Group’s
business in the region, five of SingTel’s
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11 Directors are from, and have
extensive experience in, jurisdictions
outside Singapore, namely, the
Chairman, Mr Simon Israel, and non-
executive Directors, Messrs David
Gonski AC, Dominic Ho, Peter Mason
AM and Kai Nargolwala. In relation to
gender diversity, SingTel currently has
three female Directors, namely Ms Chua
Sock Koong, Mrs Fang Ai Lian and Mrs
Christina Ong. In this regard, SingTel is of
the view that gender is but one aspect
of diversity and SingTel Directors will
continue to be selected on the basis
of their experience, skills, knowledge,
insight and relevance to the Board.
In order to help attract high calibre
international directors to the SingTel
Board, especially in the case of
candidates who come from jurisdictions
where it is common practice for
companies to grant Deeds of Indemnity
to their directors, SingTel has adopted
a policy on the award of Deeds of
Indemnity to Directors to ensure that
they are adequately covered against
personal liability incurred in the course of
performing their professional duties.
The Board, taking into account the views
of the CGNC, assesses the independence
of each Director in accordance with the
guidance in the Singapore Code and
the ASX Code. A Director who has no
relationship with the Group or its officers
that could interfere, or be reasonably
perceived to interfere, with the exercise
of his independent business judgement
in the best interests of SingTel is
considered to be independent.
In line with the guidance in the Singapore
Code and the ASX Code, the Board
takes into account the existence of
relationships or circumstances that
are relevant in its determination as
to whether a Director is independent,
including the employment of a Director
by the Company or any of its related
corporations during the financial year
in question or any of the previous three
financial years; the acceptance by a
Director of any significant compensation
from the Company or any of its related
corporations for the provision of services
during the financial year in question
or the previous financial year, other
than compensation for board service;
and a Director being related to any
organisation from which SingTel or any
of its subsidiaries received significant
payments or material services during the
financial year in question or the previous
financial year. On this basis, Ms Chua Sock
Koong, SingTel’s Group CEO; Mr Simon
Israel, Chairman of the SingTel Board; and
Mr Peter Ong, Permanent Secretary of
the Ministry of Finance, Singapore are the
only non-independent Directors. All other
members of the Board are considered to
be independent Directors.
The Board has examined the different
relationships identified by the Singapore
Code and the ASX Code that might
impair the Directors’ independence
and objectivity, and is satisfied that
the Directors are able to act with
independent judgement. In particular,
the Board noted that while Mrs Christina
Ong is a partner at Allen & Gledhill LLP
(A&G) and A&G provides legal services
to, and receives fees from, the SingTel
Group, she has an interest of less than
5% in A&G. Mrs Ong is also a non-
executive director of SIA Engineering
Company Limited (SIAEC). The SIAEC
group obtains telecommunication
services from, and makes payments to,
the SingTel Group in the ordinary course
of business. The Board considers that
these relationships do not affect Mrs
Christina Ong’s ability and willingness to
operate independently.
The profile of each Director and other
relevant information are set out
under “Board of Directors” and “Past
Chairmanships and Directorships” from
pages 39 to 43.
The chairman and the group ceo
The Chairman of the Board is a non-
executive appointment and is separate
from the office of the Group CEO.
The Chairman leads the Board and is
responsible for ensuring the effectiveness
of the Board and its governance
processes, while the Group CEO is
responsible for implementing the Group’s
strategies and policies, and for conducting
the Group’s business. The Chairman and
the Group CEO are not related.
role of the chairman
The Chairman is responsible for
leadership of the Board and is pivotal
in creating the conditions for overall
Board, Committee and individual Director
effectiveness, both inside and outside
the boardroom. This includes setting
the agenda of the Board in consultation
with the Directors and the Group CEO,
and promoting active engagement and
an open dialogue among the Directors,
as well as between the Board and the
Group CEO.
The Chairman ensures that the
performance of the Board is evaluated
regularly, and guides the development
needs of the Board. The Chairman
leads the evaluation of the Group CEO’s
performance and works with the Group
CEO in overseeing talent management to
ensure that robust succession plans are in
place for the senior leadership team.
The Chairman works with the Board,
the relevant Board Committees and
Management to establish the boundaries
of risk undertaken by the Group
and ensure that governance systems
and processes are in place and
regularly evaluated.
The Chairman plays a significant
leadership role by providing clear
oversight, advice and guidance to the
Group CEO and Management on strategy
and the drive to transform SingTel’s
businesses. This involves developing
a keen understanding of the Group’s
diverse and complex businesses,
the industry, partners, regulators
and competitors.
54
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Singapore TelecommunicaTionS limiTed and SubSidiary companieS
The Chairman provides support and
advice to, and acts as a sounding board
for, the Group CEO, while respecting
executive responsibility. He engages with
other members of the senior leadership
regularly.
The Chairman also maintains effective
communications with large shareholders
and supports the Group CEO in engaging
with a wide range of other stakeholders
such as partners, governments and
regulators where the Group operates.
He travels overseas to visit the Group’s
key associates in the region and, in the
process, fosters strong relationships
with the Group’s partners and gathers
valuable feedback for Management to
consider and follow up on.
The scope and extent of the Chairman’s
and the Board’s responsibilities and
obligations have been expanding due
to the increased focus on corporate
governance, risk management,
regulation and compliance. Given the
increased demands on the Board and the
Chairman, the Chairman in particular has
been spending, and is expected to spend,
more time on, and be more hands-on in,
the affairs of the Group. The Board has
agreed with the Chairman that he will
commit a significant proportion of his
time to his role and will manage his other
time commitments accordingly.
role of the lead independent director
The Lead Independent Director is
appointed by the Board to serve in
a lead capacity to coordinate the
activities of the non-executive Directors
in circumstances where it would be
inappropriate for the Chairman to
serve in such capacity, and to assist
the Chairman and the Board to assure
effective corporate governance in
managing the affairs of the Board and
the Company.
The Lead Independent Director serves
as chairman of the CGNC. The role of
the Lead Independent Director includes
meeting with the non-executive
Directors without the Chairman
present at least annually to appraise
the Chairman’s performance and on
such other occasions as are deemed
appropriate. He will also be available
to shareholders if they have concerns
relating to matters that contact through
the Chairman, Group CEO or Group CFO
has failed to resolve, or where such
contact is inappropriate.
board membership
The CGNC establishes and reviews the
profile required of Board members and
makes recommendations to the Board
on the appointment, renomination and
retirement of Directors.
When an existing Director chooses
to retire or is required to retire from
office by rotation, or the need for a new
Director arises, the CGNC reviews the
range of expertise, skills and attributes
of the Board and the composition of the
Board. The CGNC then identifies SingTel’s
needs and prepares a shortlist of
candidates with the appropriate profile
for nomination or renomination. Where
necessary, the CGNC may seek advice
from external search consultants.
The CGNC takes factors such as
attendance, preparedness, participation
and candour into consideration when
evaluating the past performance
and contributions of a Director for
recommendation to the Board. However,
the renomination or replacement of a
Director does not necessarily reflect the
Director’s performance or contributions
to the Board. The CGNC may have to
consider the need to position and shape
the Board in line with the evolving needs
of SingTel and the business. In order to
ensure Board renewal, the Board has
in place guidelines on the tenure of the
Chairman and Directors.
Directors must ensure that they are
able to give sufficient time and attention
to the affairs of SingTel and, as part of
its review process, the CGNC decides
whether or not a Director is able to do
so and whether he has been adequately
carrying out his duties as a Director of
SingTel. The Board has also adopted an
internal guideline that seeks to address
the competing time commitments that
may be faced when a Director holds
multiple board appointments. The
guideline provides that, as a general
rule, each Director should hold no more
than six principal board appointments.
The guideline includes the following:
(1) in support of their candidature for
directorship or re-election, Directors
are to provide the CGNC with details of
other commitments and an indication of
the time involved; and (2) non-executive
Directors should consult the Chairman or
chairman of the CGNC before accepting
any new appointments as Directors.
A Director must retire from office at the
third Annual General Meeting (AGM)
after the Director was elected or last re-
elected. A retiring Director is eligible for
re-election by SingTel shareholders at the
AGM. In addition, a Director appointed
by the Board to fill a casual vacancy
or appointed as an additional Director
may only hold office until the next AGM,
at which time he will be eligible for
re-election by shareholders. If at any
AGM, fewer than three Directors would
retire pursuant to the requirements set
out above, the additional Directors to
retire at that AGM shall be those who
have been longest in office since their
last re-election or appointment. The
Group CEO, as a Director, is subject to the
same retirement by rotation, resignation
and removal provisions as the other
Directors, and such provisions will not
be subject to any contractual terms that
may have been entered into with the
Company. Shareholders are provided
with relevant information on the
candidates for election or re-election.
board performance
The Board and the CGNC strive to ensure
that Directors on the Board possess the
experience, knowledge and skills critical
to the Group’s business so as to enable
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
the Board to make sound and well-
considered decisions.
Directors also participate in an
annual offsite workshop with Senior
Management to strategise and plan
the Group’s longer term strategy.
Training and development programmes
for Directors include talks and
presentations by renowned experts
and professionals in various fields such
as telecommunications, technology,
regulatory matters and the economic/
business environment in relevant
markets. The Directors may also attend
other appropriate courses, conferences
and seminars. In addition, Board meetings
may be held in overseas locations where
Board members can be exposed to
new technology relevant to the Group’s
growth strategy. The Board may also hold
meetings in conjunction with key industry
events where relevant experts would be
invited to speak on issues relevant to the
Group’s businesses.
Each year, the CGNC undertakes a
process to assess the effectiveness of
the Board as a whole and the Board
Committees, as well as the contributions
by each Director. During the financial
year, an independent external
consultant was appointed to facilitate
the evaluation of the Board and Board
Committees, as well as the Directors’
peer appraisal exercise. Directors were
requested to complete appraisal forms
to assess the overall effectiveness of
the Board and the Board Committees,
as well as each individual Director’s
contributions to the Board and Board
Committees. The appraisal process
focused on the evaluation of factors
such as Board composition, information
management, Board processes, Board
Chairman, corporate social responsibility,
management of the Company’s
performance, Board priorities, Board
Committee effectiveness, CEO
performance and succession planning,
Director development and management,
risk management and overall perception
of the Board.
In addition to the appraisal exercise, the
contributions and performance of each
Director were assessed by the CGNC
as part of its periodic reviews of the
composition of the Board and the various
Board Committees. In the process, the
CGNC was able to identify areas for
improving the effectiveness of the Board
and its Committees. The Board was also
able to assess the Board Committees
through their regular reports to the
Board on their activities.
access to information
Prior to each Board meeting, SingTel’s
Management provides the Board with
information relevant to matters on the
agenda for the meeting. The Board also
receives regular reports pertaining to the
operational and financial performance
of the Group, as well as regular updates,
which include information on the
Group’s competitors, and industry and
technological developments. In addition,
Directors receive analysts’ reports on
SingTel and other telecommunications
and digital companies on a quarterly
basis. Such reports enable the Directors
to keep abreast of key issues and
developments in the industry, as well
as challenges and opportunities for the
Group. In line with SingTel’s commitment
to conservation of the environment,
as well as technology advancement,
SingTel has done away with hard copy
Board papers, and Directors are instead
provided with tablet devices to enable
them to access and read Board and
Board Committee papers prior to and
at meetings.
The Board has separate and independent
access to the Senior Management and
the Company Secretary at all times.
Procedures are in place for Directors and
Board Committees, where necessary, to
seek independent professional advice,
paid for by SingTel.
role of the company Secretary
The Company Secretary attends all
Board meetings and is accountable
directly to the Board, through the
Chairman, on all matters to do with the
proper functioning of the Board.
board and management committees
The following Board Committees assist
the Board in executing its duties:
• Audit Committee (AC)
• Corporate Governance and
Nominations Committee (CGNC)
• Executive Resource and Compensation
Committee (ERCC)
• Finance and Investment Committee (FIC)
• Optus Advisory Committee (OAC)
• Risk Committee (RC).
Each Board Committee may make
decisions on matters within its terms
of reference and applicable limits of
authority. The terms of reference of each
Committee are reviewed from time to
time, as are the Committee structure and
membership.
The selection of Board Committee
members requires careful management
to ensure that each Committee
comprises Directors with appropriate
qualifications and skills, and that
there is an equitable distribution of
responsibilities among Board members.
The need to maximise the effectiveness
of the Board, and encourage active
participation and contribution from
Board members, is also taken into
consideration.
A record of each Director’s Board
Committee memberships and
attendance at Board Committee
meetings during the financial year ended
31 March 2014 is set out on page 58.
audit committee
The AC comprises at least three
Directors, all of whom shall be non-
executive Directors and the majority
of whom, including the chairman, shall
be independent Directors. At least
two members of the AC, including the
AC chairman, must have recent and
relevant accounting or related financial
management expertise or experience.
As required by the terms of reference
56
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Singapore TelecommunicaTionS limiTed and SubSidiary companieS
of the AC, the chairman of the AC is a
Director other than the Chairman of the
Board. The AC members are all non-
executive Directors, and the majority of
the members, including the chairman,
are independent.
The AC has explicit authority to
investigate any matter within its terms
of reference, and has the full cooperation
of and access to Management. It has
direct access to the internal and external
auditors, and full discretion to invite any
Director or executive officer to attend
its meetings. It also has the authority to
review its terms of reference and its own
effectiveness annually and recommend
necessary changes to the Board.
The main responsibilities of the AC are
to assist the Board in discharging its
statutory and other responsibilities
relating to internal controls, financial and
accounting matters, compliance, and
business and financial risk management.
The AC reports to the Board on the
results of the audits undertaken by
the internal and external auditors, the
adequacy of disclosure of information,
and the appropriateness and quality of
the system of risk management and
internal controls. It reviews the quarterly
and annual financial statements with
Management and the external auditors,
reviews and approves the annual audit
plans for the internal and external
auditors, and reviews the internal and
external auditors’ evaluation of the
Group’s system of internal controls.
The AC is responsible for evaluating
the cost effectiveness of audits, the
independence and objectivity of the
external auditors, and the nature and
extent of the non-audit services provided
by the external auditors to ensure
that the independence of the external
auditors is not compromised. It also
makes recommendations to the Board
on the appointment or re-appointment
of the external auditors. In addition, the
AC reviews and approves the SingTel
Internal Audit Charter to ensure the
independence and effectiveness of the
internal audit function. At the same
time, it ensures that the internal audit
function is adequately resourced and
has appropriate standing within SingTel.
The AC also reviews the performance
of Internal Audit, including approving
decisions relating to appointment or
removal of Group Chief Internal Auditor
and approving the performance and
compensation of the Group Chief Internal
Auditor. A copy of the charter of the AC
is available on the corporate governance
page on the company’s website at
http://info.singtel.com/about-us/
corporate-governance.
During the financial year, the AC
reviewed the Management’s and
SingTel Internal Audit’s assessment
of fraud risk and held discussions
with the external auditors to obtain
reasonable assurance that adequate
measures were put in place to mitigate
fraud risk exposure in the Group. The
AC also reviewed the adequacy of the
whistle-blower arrangements instituted
by the Group through which staff and
external parties may, in confidence,
raise concerns about possible
improprieties in matters of financial
reporting or other matters. All whistle-
blower complaints were reviewed by the
AC at its quarterly meetings to ensure
independent and thorough investigation
and adequate follow-up.
The AC met four times during the
financial year. At these meetings,
the Group CEO, Group CFO, Vice
President (Group Finance), Group Chief
Internal Auditor and the respective
CEOs of the businesses were also in
attendance. During the financial year,
the AC reviewed and endorsed the
Group’s quarterly and full-year financial
statements to the Board for approval
and release. It reviewed the results of
audits performed by SingTel Internal
Audit based on the approved audit
plan, significant litigation and fraud
investigations, SingTel’s register of
interested person transactions and non-
audit services rendered by the external
auditors. The AC also met with the
internal and external auditors, without
the presence of Management, during the
financial year.
The external auditors provided regular
updates and periodic briefings to the
AC on changes or amendments to
accounting standards to enable the
members of the AC to keep abreast of
such changes and its corresponding
impact on the financial statements,
if any.
corporate governance and
nominations committee
The CGNC comprises at least
three Directors, the majority of
whom, including the chairman, shall
be independent.
The main functions of the CGNC are
outlined in the commentaries on
“Board Composition, Diversity and
Balance”, “Board Membership” and
“Board Performance” from pages 52
to 55. The CGNC is also responsible for
the development and review of SingTel’s
corporate governance principles and
practices, taking into account relevant
local and international developments in
the area of corporate governance.
executive resource and
compensation committee
The ERCC plays an important role in
helping to ensure that the Group is able
to attract, recruit, motivate and retain
the best talents through competitive
remuneration and progressive and
robust policies so as to achieve the
Group’s goals and deliver sustainable
shareholder value.
The ERCC comprises at least three
Directors, all of whom shall be non-
executive and the majority of whom shall
be independent. The ERCC is chaired by
an independent non-executive Director.
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The main responsibilities of the ERCC, as
delegated by the Board, are to oversee
the remuneration of the Board and
Senior Management. It sets appropriate
remuneration framework and policies,
including long-term incentive schemes,
to deliver annual and long-term
performance of the Group.
The ERCC has been tasked by the
Board to approve or recommend to the
Board the appointment, promotion and
remuneration of Senior Management.
The ERCC also recommends the
Directors’ compensation for the
Board’s endorsement. Directors’
compensation is subject to the approval
of shareholders at the AGM. The ERCC’s
recommendations cover all aspects of
remuneration for Directors and Senior
Management, including but not limited
to Director’s fees, salaries, allowances,
bonuses, options, share-based
incentives, management awards, and
benefits-in-kind.
The ERCC seeks expert advice and
views on remuneration and governance
matters from both within and outside
the Group as appropriate. The ERCC
draws on a pool of independent
consultants for diversified views and
specific expertise. The ERCC will ensure
that existing relationships, if any,
between the Group and its appointed
remuneration consultants will not affect
the independence and objectivity of the
remuneration consultants.
The ERCC approves or recommends
termination payments, retirement
payments, gratuities, ex-gratia
payments, severance payments and
other similar payments to Senior
Management. The ERCC ensures
that contracts of service for Senior
Management contain fair and
reasonable termination clauses that
are not overly generous.
The ERCC also ensures that appropriate
recruitment, development and
succession planning programmes are in
place for key executive roles, with the
objective of building strong and sound
leadership bench strength for long-
term sustainability of the business.
The ERCC conducts, on an annual basis,
a succession planning review of
Senior Management.
The Group CEO, who is not a member of
the ERCC, may attend meetings of the
ERCC but does not attend discussions
relating to her own performance and
remuneration. SingTel’s remuneration
policy and remuneration for Directors
and Senior Management are discussed in
this report from pages 62 to 69.
finance and investment committee
The FIC comprises at least three
Directors, the majority of whom shall be
independent Directors. Membership of
the AC and the FIC is mutually exclusive.
The main responsibilities of the FIC
include the provision of advisory
support on the development of the
SingTel Group’s overall strategy,
review of strategic issues, approval of
investments and divestments, review
of the Group’s Investment and Treasury
Policies, evaluation and approval of any
financial offers and banking facilities and
management of the Group’s liabilities
in accordance with the policies and
directives of the Board. In addition, the
FIC reviews and approves guarantees,
letters of comfort and letters of
awareness, and approves consultancy
fees, capital expenditure and write-off
of irrecoverable debts in accordance
with the SingTel Board’s policies and
directives.
The FIC also oversees any on-market
share repurchases pursuant to SingTel’s
share purchase mandate.
optus advisory committee
The OAC comprises at least three
Directors, the majority of whom shall be
non-executive Directors. The Committee
reviews strategic business issues
relating to the Australian business.
risk committee
The role of the RC is to assist the
Board in fulfilling its responsibilities
in relation to governance of material
risks in the Group’s business. These
responsibilities include ensuring that
Management maintains a sound system
of risk management and internal
controls to safeguard shareholders’
interests and the Group’s assets, and
determining the nature and extent of
the material risks that the Board is
willing to take in achieving the Group’s
strategic objectives.
The RC comprises at least three
members, the majority of whom,
including the chairman, shall be
independent. Members of the RC shall
be appointed by the Board, on the
recommendation of the CGNC. There
shall be at least one common member
between the RC and the AC.
The RC shall review the Group’s strategy,
policies, framework, processes and
procedures for the identification,
measurement, reporting and mitigation
of material risks in the Group’s business
and shall report any significant matters,
findings and recommendations in this
regard to the Board.
The RC shall meet at least three times
a year, with additional meetings to be
convened as deemed necessary by the
chairman of the RC.
management committee
In addition to the six Board Committees,
SingTel has a Management Committee
that comprises the Group CEO, CEO
Group Consumer, CEO Group Enterprise,
CEO Group Digital L!fe, Group CFO, Group
Chief Information Officer and Group
Director Human Resources.
The Management Committee meets
every week to review and direct
Management on operational policies
and activities.
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Singapore TelecommunicaTionS limiTed and SubSidiary companieS
direcTorS’ board commiTTee memberSHipS and aTTendance aT board commiTTee meeTingS during
THe financial year ended 31 marcH 2014 (1)
audit
committee
corporate
governance and
nominations
committee
executive
resource and
compensation
committee
finance and
investment
committee
optus advisory
committee
risk
committee
number of
meetings
Held
number of
meetings
attended
number of
meetings
Held
number of
meetings
attended
number of
meetings
Held
number of
meetings
attended
number of
meetings
Held
number of
meetings
attended
number of
meetings
Held
number of
meetings
attended
number of
meetings
Held
number of
meetings
attended
–
4
4
4
4
–
–
–
–
–
4
–
–
4
4
4
4
–
–
–
–
–
4
–
4
4
–
–
3
–
4
–
4
–
–
–
4
4
–
–
3
–
4
–
4
–
–
–
3
3
–
3
–
–
–
3
3
–
–
–
3
3
–
3
–
–
–
3
3
–
–
–
5
5
–
–
–
–
5
–
5
–
–
2
5
5
–
–
–
–
5
–
5
–
–
2
3
3
–
–
–
3
–
3
–
–
–
–
3
3
–
–
–
3
–
3
–
–
–
–
–
3
3
–
–
3
–
–
–
–
3
1
–
3
3
–
–
3
–
–
–
–
2
1
name of director
Simon Israel
Chua Sock Koong (2)
Bobby Chin
Fang Ai Lian
Dominic Ho
David Gonski AC
Low Check Kian
Peter Mason AM
Kai Nargolwala
Christina Ong (3)
Peter Ong
Ong Peng Tsin (4)
Notes:
(1) Refers to meetings held/attended while each Director was in office.
(2) Ms Chua Sock Koong is not a member of the Committees other than the Optus Advisory Committee although she was in attendance at meetings of those Committees
as appropriate.
(3) Mrs Christina Ong was appointed to the Board on 7 April 2014 and the Audit Committee and Corporate Governance and Nominations Committee on 2 May 2014.
(4) Mr Ong Peng Tsin retired following the conclusion of the AGM held on 26 July 2013.
accounTabiliTy and audiT
accountability
SingTel recognises the importance of
providing the Board with accurate and
relevant information on a timely basis.
Hence, Board members receive monthly
financial and business reports from
SingTel’s Management. Such reports
compare SingTel’s actual performance
against the budget, and highlight key
business drivers/indicators and major
issues that are relevant to SingTel’s
performance, position and prospects.
For the financial year ended 31 March
2014, SingTel’s Group CEO and Group
CFO have provided written confirmation
to the Board on the integrity of
SingTel’s financial statements and on
the adequacy and effectiveness of
SingTel’s risk management and internal
control systems, addressing financial,
operational and compliance risks
including information technology risks.
This certification covers SingTel and the
subsidiaries that are under SingTel’s
management control.
internal audit
SingTel Internal Audit comprises a team
of 54 staff members, including the Group
Chief Internal Auditor, who reports to the
AC functionally and to the Group CEO
administratively. SingTel Internal Audit
is a member of the Singapore chapter
of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA)
and adopts the International Standards
for the Professional Practice of Internal
Auditing (the IIA Standards) laid down in
the International Professional Practices
Framework issued by the IIA. SingTel
Internal Audit successfully completed
its external Quality Assurance Review in
2010 and continues to meet or exceed
the IIA Standards in all key aspects.
SingTel Internal Audit adopts a risk-
based approach in formulating the
annual audit plan that aligns its
activities to the key strategies and
risks across the Group’s business. This
plan is reviewed and approved by the
AC. The reviews performed by SingTel
Internal Audit are aimed at assisting
the Board in promoting sound risk
management, robust internal controls
and good corporate governance, through
assessing the design and operating
effectiveness of controls that govern key
business processes and risks identified
in the overall risk framework of the
Group. SingTel Internal Audit’s reviews
also focus on compliance with SingTel’s
policies, procedures and regulatory
responsibilities, performed in the
context of financial and operational,
revenue assurance and information
systems reviews.
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SingTel Internal Audit works closely with
Management in its internal consulting
and control advisory role to promote
effective risk management, internal
control and governance practices in the
development of new products/services,
and implementation of new/enhanced
systems and processes. SingTel Internal
Audit also collaborates with the internal
audit functions of SingTel’s associates to
promote joint reviews and the sharing of
knowledge and/or best practices.
To ensure that the internal audits are
performed effectively, SingTel Internal
Audit recruits and employs suitably
qualified professional staff with the
requisite skillsets and experience. SingTel
Internal Audit provides training and
development opportunities for its staff
to ensure their technical knowledge and
skillsets remain current and relevant.
external auditors
The Board is responsible for the initial
appointment of external auditors.
Shareholders then approve the
appointment at SingTel’s AGM. The
external auditors hold office until their
removal or resignation. The AC assesses
the external auditors based on factors
such as the performance and quality
of their audit and the independence of
the auditors, and recommends their
appointment to the Board. Pursuant
to the requirements of the SGX, an
audit partner may only be in charge of
a maximum of five consecutive annual
audits and may then return after two
years. Deloitte & Touche LLP has met
this requirement, and the current
Deloitte & Touche LLP audit partner for
SingTel took over from the previous audit
partner with effect from 26 July 2013.
SingTel has complied with Rules 712
and 715 of the Listing Manual issued
by SGX in relation to the appointment
of its auditors.
In order to maintain the independence
of the external auditors, SingTel has
developed policies regarding the types
of non-audit services that the external
auditors can provide to the SingTel Group
and the related approval processes.
The AC has also reviewed the non-
audit services provided by the external
auditors during the financial year and
the fees paid for such services. The AC
is satisfied that the independence of the
external auditors has not been impaired
by the provision of those services. The
external auditors have also provided
confirmation of their independence to
the AC.
risk management and internal controls
The Board has overall responsibility for
the governance of risk and exercises
oversight of the material risks in the
Group’s business. During the financial
year ended 31 March 2014, the Risk
Committee assisted the Board in the
oversight of the Group’s risk profile and
policies, adequacy and effectiveness of
the Group’s risk management system
including the framework and processes
for the identification and management
of significant risks, and reports to the
Board on material matters, findings
and recommendations pertaining to
risk management. The AC provides
oversight of the financial reporting risk
and the adequacy and effectiveness
of the Group’s internal control and
compliance systems.
The Board has approved a Group Risk
Framework for the identification of
key risks within the business. This
Framework defines 28 categories
of risks ranging from environmental
to operational and management
decision-making risks. The Group’s
risk management and internal control
framework is aligned with the ISO
31000:2009 Risk Management
framework and the Committee of
Sponsoring Organisations of the
Treadway Commission (COSO) Internal
Controls Integrated Framework. Major
incidents and violations, if any, are also
reported to the Board to facilitate the
Board’s oversight of the effectiveness
of crisis management and the adequacy
of mitigating measures taken by
Management to address the
underlying risks.
The identification and management of
risks are delegated to Management,
who assumes ownership and day-
to-day management of these risks.
Management is responsible for the
effective implementation of risk
management strategy, policies and
processes to facilitate the achievement
of business plans and goals within the
risk tolerance established by the Board.
Key business risks are proactively
identified, addressed and reviewed on
an ongoing basis.
The Risk Management Committee,
comprising relevant members from the
Senior Management team, is responsible
for setting the direction of corporate
risk management and monitoring the
implementation of risk management
policies and procedures including the
adequacy of the Group’s insurance
programme. The Risk Management
Committee reports to the RC on a
regular basis.
The Board has established a Risk
Appetite Statement and Risk Tolerance
Framework to provide guidance to the
Management on key risk parameters.
The significant risks in the Group’s
business, including mitigating
measures, were also reviewed by the
Risk Committee on a regular basis and
reported to the Board. Risk registers
are maintained by the business and
operational units that identify the key
risks facing the Group’s business and
the internal controls in place to manage
those risks.
Internal and external auditors conduct
audits that involve testing the
effectiveness of the material internal
control systems in the Group, addressing
financial, operational and compliance
risks. Any material non-compliance or
lapses in internal controls together with
remedial measures recommended by
internal and external auditors
60
Corporate
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Singapore TelecommunicaTionS limiTed and SubSidiary companieS
are reported to the AC. The AC also
reviews the adequacy and timeliness
of the actions taken by Management in
response to the recommendations made
by the internal and external auditors.
Control self-assessments in key areas
of the Group’s operations are conducted
by Management on a periodic basis to
evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness
of the risk management and internal
control systems, including quarterly and
annual certifications by Management to
the AC and the Board respectively, on
the integrity of financial reporting and
the adequacy and effectiveness of the
risk management, internal control and
compliance systems.
The Group has put in place a Board
Escalation Process, where major
incidents and violations, including
major/material operational loss events
and potential breaches of laws and
regulations by the Company and/or its
key officers, are required to be reported
by Management/Internal Audit to the
Board immediately to facilitate the
Board’s oversight of crisis management,
and adequacy and effectiveness of
follow-up actions taken by Management.
Through this process, the Board has
been kept informed promptly of any
incidents with potential material
financial, operational, compliance and
technology risk impact.
A major incident that was reported to
the Board under the Board Escalation
Process during the financial year was the
fire that broke out in the cable chamber
of the Bukit Panjang Exchange on
9 October 2013. SingTel had established
a Board Committee of Inquiry (BCOI) to
provide an objective and expert review
of the incident, focusing on key areas of
fire prevention, network reliability and
resiliency, and crisis communication
and management. The BCOI’s findings
and recommendations were released
to the public on 16 December 2013.
Management has accepted all the
findings and recommendations of the
BOCI and appropriate and timely follow-
up actions have been taken or are being
taken to prevent the recurrence of a
similar incident.
The Board has received assurance
from the Group CEO and Group CFO on
the adequacy and effectiveness of the
Group’s risk management and internal
control systems, and that the financial
records have been properly maintained
and the financial statements give a true
and fair view of the Group’s operations
and finances.
Based on the internal controls
established and maintained by the
Group, work performed by internal
and external auditors, and reviews
performed by Management and various
Board Committees, the Board, with
the concurrence of the AC, is of the
opinion that the Group’s internal controls
and risk management systems were
adequate and effective as at 31 March
2014 to address financial, operational
and compliance risks, including
information technology risks, which the
Group considers relevant and material to
its operations.
The system of internal control and
risk management established by
Management provides reasonable, but
not absolute, assurance that SingTel will
not be adversely affected by any event
that can be reasonably foreseen as it
strives to achieve its business objectives.
However, the Board also notes that
no system of internal controls and risk
management can provide absolute
assurance in this regard, or absolute
assurance against poor judgement in
decision making, human error, losses,
fraud or other irregularities.
non-discriminatory approach towards
our communications with shareholders,
the investment community and the
media. SingTel provides regular and
relevant information regarding the
Group’s performance, progress and
prospects to aid shareholders and
investors in their investment decisions.
Over the year, SingTel has won
recognition from leading business
journals and investor associations for
its strong emphasis and proactive
approach to shareholder communication
and engagement.
The SingTel Investor Relations website
is a key resource of information
for the investment community. It
contains a wealth of investor-related
information on SingTel, including investor
presentations, webcasts of earnings
presentations, transcripts of earnings
conference calls, annual reports,
upcoming events, shares and dividend
information, and investor factsheets.
SingTel makes timely disclosures of any
new material information to the SGX
and ASX. These filings are also posted
on the SingTel IR website, allowing
investors to keep abreast of strategic
and operational developments.
SingTel reports financial results on a
quarterly basis: typically within 45 days
from the end of each financial quarter
for the first three quarters, and within
60 days from the end of the financial
year. The quarterly financial results
announcements contain detailed
financial disclosures and in-depth
analyses of key value-drivers and
metrics for the Group’s businesses.
Further details of the Group’s Risk
Management Philosophy and Approach
can be found on pages 72 to 79.
communication with Shareholders
SingTel remains committed to delivering
high standards of corporate disclosure
and transparency through an open and
SingTel also provides financial guidance
for its businesses at the beginning of each
financial year, and may affirm or update
the guidance every quarter to accurately
reflect prevailing market conditions.
SingTel proactively engages shareholders
and the investment community through
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group and one-on-one meetings,
conference calls, email communications,
investor conferences and roadshows.
This year, SingTel engaged about 500
investors in over 280 meetings and
conference calls in Singapore, Australia
and other global financial centres to
share the Group’s business strategy,
operational and financial performance,
and business prospects. While these
meetings are largely undertaken by
SingTel’s Senior Management, the
Chairman and certain Board members
also meet with investors every year.
To ensure a two-way flow of
information, SingTel commissions an
annual survey of investors’ perceptions
to solicit feedback from the investment
community on a range of strategic and
topical issues. The survey provides the
SingTel Board and Management with
invaluable insights into investors’
views of the Group and helps SingTel
identify areas for improvement in
investor communication.
SingTel strongly encourages and
supports shareholder participation
at AGMs. SingTel delivers the Notice
of AGM and related information a
month ahead, providing ample time for
shareholders to review the Notice of
AGM and appoint proxies to attend the
AGM if they wish. The Notice of AGM
is also advertised in the Straits Times
for the benefit of shareholders. SingTel
holds its AGM at a central location in
Singapore with convenient access to
public transportation. A registered
shareholder who is unable to attend
may choose to appoint up to two proxies
to attend and vote on his behalf. Under
SingTel’s Articles of Association, the
Central Provident Fund Board and CHESS
Depositary Nominees Pty Ltd may each
appoint more than two proxies.
At each AGM, the Group CEO delivers
a presentation to update shareholders
on SingTel’s progress over the past year.
The Directors and Senior Management
are in attendance to address queries
and concerns about SingTel. SingTel’s
external auditors also attend to
help address shareholders’ queries
relating to the conduct of the audit
and the preparation and content of
the auditors’ reports. All resolutions
at SingTel’s AGM and Extraordinary
General Meeting are voted on by
electronic poll so as to better reflect
shareholders’ shareholding interests
and ensure greater transparency. The
poll voting results, in addition to the
proxy voting results, are presented to
the audience and subsequently filed
with the stock exchanges. Voting in
absentia by mail, facsimile or email
is currently not permitted to ensure
proper authentication of the identity of
shareholders and their voting intent.
Securities Transactions
SingTel has in place a Securities
Transactions Policy, which provides
that Directors and officers of the Group
should not deal in SingTel shares during
the period commencing two weeks
before the announcement of SingTel’s
financial statements for each of the
first three quarters of the financial year,
and during the period commencing
one month before the announcement
of the financial statements for the full
financial year and ending on the date
of the announcement of the relevant
results. The policy also discourages
trading on short-term considerations
and reminds Directors and officers of
their obligations under insider trading
laws. Directors and officers of the
Group wishing to deal in SingTel shares
during a closed period must secure prior
written approval of the Chairman (in the
case of Directors of SingTel), the Lead
Independent Director (in the case of the
Chairman) or the Group CEO (in the case
of directors of SingTel subsidiaries, top
management members and persons
who are in attendance at Board and
top management meetings). Requests
for written approval must contain a
full explanation of the exceptional
circumstances and proposed dealing.
If approval is granted, trading must be
undertaken in accordance with the limits
set out in the written approval. Directors
are to inform the Company Secretary
before trading in SingTel shares. The
Board is kept informed when a Director
trades in SingTel securities. A summary
of SingTel’s Securities Transactions Policy
is available in the Corporate Governance
section of the SingTel corporate website.
In relation to shares of other companies,
Directors are prohibited from trading
in shares of SingTel’s listed associates
when in possession of material price-
sensitive information relating to such
associates. Directors are also to refrain
from having any direct or indirect
financial interest in SingTel’s competitors
that might or might appear to create a
conflict of interest or affect the decisions
Directors make on behalf of SingTel.
continuous disclosure
There are formal policies and procedures
to ensure that SingTel complies with its
disclosure obligations under the listing
rules of the SGX and ASX. A Market
Disclosure Committee is responsible
for SingTel’s Market Disclosure Policy.
The policy contains guidelines and
procedures for internal reporting and
decision-making with regard to the
disclosure of material information.
material contracts
There are no material contracts entered
into by SingTel or any of its subsidiaries
that involve the interests of the Group
CEO, any Director, or the controlling
shareholder, Temasek Holdings
(Private) Limited.
codes of conduct and practice
SingTel has a code of internal corporate
governance practices, policy statements
and standards as described in this report,
and makes this code available to Board
members as well as employees of the
Group. The processes and standards
in the code are intended to enhance
investor confidence and rapport, and to
ensure that decision-making is properly
carried out in the best interests of the
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Corporate
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Singapore TelecommunicaTionS limiTed and SubSidiary companieS
Group. The code is reviewed from time to
time and updated to reflect changes to
the existing systems or the environment
in which the Group operates.
SingTel also has a code of conduct
that applies to all employees. The
code sets out principles to guide
employees in carrying out their duties
and responsibilities to the highest
standards of personal and corporate
integrity when dealing with SingTel, its
competitors, customers, suppliers and
the community. The code of conduct
covers areas such as workplace health
and safety, conduct in the workplace,
business conduct, protection of SingTel’s
assets, proprietary information and
intellectual property, confidentiality,
conflict of interest, and non-solicitation
of customers and employees. The code is
posted on SingTel’s internal website and
a summarised version is accessible from
the SingTel corporate website. Policies
and standards are clearly stipulated to
guide employees in carrying out their
daily tasks.
SingTel has established an escalation
process so that the Board of Directors,
Senior Management, and internal and
external auditors are kept informed of
corporate crises in a timely manner,
according to their severity. Such crises
may include violations of the code of
conduct and/or applicable laws and
regulations, as well as loss events that
have or are expected to have a significant
impact, financial or otherwise, on the
Group’s business and operations.
whistle-blower policy
The Group is committed to a high
standard of ethical conduct and
adopts a zero tolerance approach to
fraud and corruption.
SingTel undertakes to investigate
complaints of suspected fraud and
corruption in an objective manner. To
this end, it has put in place a whistle-
blower policy and procedures that
provide employees and other external
parties with well-defined and accessible
channels within the Group. These include
a direct channel to SingTel Internal Audit
and a whistle-blower hotline service
independently managed by an external
service provider, for reporting suspected
fraud, corruption, unethical practices
or other similar matters. The policy
aims to encourage the reporting of
such matters in good faith, with the
confidence that employees and other
persons making such reports will be
treated fairly and, to the extent possible,
protected from reprisal.
On an ongoing basis, the whistle-blower
policy is covered during staff training and
periodic communication to all staff as
part of the Group’s efforts to promote
awareness of fraud control. All whistle-
blower complaints are investigated
independently by SingTel Internal Audit or
an independent investigation committee
as appropriate, and the outcome of
each investigation is reported to the
AC for review.
remuneraTion
The broad principles that guide the
ERCC in its administration of fees,
benefits, remuneration and incentives
for the Board of Directors and Senior
Management are set out below.
remuneration of non-executive
directors
SingTel’s Group CEO is an Executive
Director and is, therefore, remunerated
as part of Senior Management. She does
not receive Directors’ fees.
The ERCC recommends the non-
executive Directors’ fees for the
Board’s endorsement and approval by
shareholders. As SingTel has diverse and
complex operations and investments
internationally and is not just a
Singapore-based company, the fees
are benchmarked against fees paid
by other comparable companies in
Singapore and Australia.
SingTel seeks shareholders’ approval
at the AGM for Directors’ fees for
the current financial year so that
Directors’ fees can be paid on a half-
yearly basis in arrears. No Director
decides his own fees.
Save as mentioned below, there are no
retirement benefit schemes or share-
based compensation schemes in place
for non-executive Directors.
To align Directors with shareholders’
interests, Directors are encouraged to
acquire SingTel shares each year from
the open market until they hold the
equivalent of one year’s fees in shares,
and to continue to hold the equivalent
of one year’s fees in shares while they
remain on the Board.
Financial Year Ended 31 March 2014
For the financial year ended 31 March
2014, the fee for each of the chairmen
of the AC and the FIC was increased
from S$50,000 to S$60,000 per annum
and the fee for the chairman of the
ERCC was increased from S$35,000 to
S$45,000 per annum to align fees with
comparable benchmarks. These changes
were disclosed in the 2013 Annual
Report. The fees for non-executive
Directors comprised a basic retainer fee,
additional fees for appointment to
Board Committees, attendance fees
for ad hoc Board meetings and a
travel allowance for Directors who
were required to travel out of their
country or city of residence to attend
Board meetings and Board Committee
meetings that did not coincide with
Board meetings. The framework for
determining non-executive Directors’
fees for the financial year ended
31 March 2014 is set out on page 63.
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basic retainer fee
Board Chairman
Director
fee for appointment to audit
committee and finance and
investment committee
Committee chairman
Committee member
fee for appointment to executive
resource and compensation
committee
Committee chairman
Committee member
fee for appointment to any other
board committee
Committee chairman
Committee member
attendance fee per ad Hoc
board meeting
Travel allowance for board meetings
and board committee meetings
that do not coincide with
board meetings (per day of travel
required to attend meeting)
S$220,000 per annum
S$110,000 per annum
No employee of the Group who is an immediate family member
of a Director was paid remuneration that exceeded S$50,000
during the financial year ended 31 March 2014.
S$60,000 per annum
S$35,000 per annum
S$45,000 per annum
S$25,000 per annum
S$35,000 per annum
S$25,000 per annum
S$2,000
Financial Year Ending 31 March 2015
For the financial year ending 31 March 2015, it is proposed that
aggregate fees of up to S$2,950,000 be paid to the Directors,
representing an increase of S$240,000 over the fees of up to
S$2,710,000 approved by shareholders for the financial year
ended 31 March 2014. The increase in the maximum aggregate
Directors’ fees is due to an increase in the fees to be paid to
Chairman. It is proposed that the Chairman will receive an all-
inclusive fee of S$960,000 (save for car-related benefits), to be
paid two-thirds in cash and one-third in SingTel shares. There
will be no separate retainer fees, committee fees, attendance
fees or travel allowance to be paid to the Chairman. Save as
mentioned above in relation to the Chairman, it is proposed that
the remuneration framework for Directors remains unchanged
from the framework for the financial year ended 31 March 2014.
The new fee structure for the Chairman is proposed in view of:
(a) the significant leadership role played by the Chairman on
the Board, and in providing clear oversight and guidance to
management;
S$3,000
(b) the amount of time the Chairman spends on SingTel
The aggregate compensation paid to SingTel non-executive
Directors for services in all capacities for the financial year
ended 31 March 2014 was S$2,119,865 (details set out in the
table below.)
name of director
Simon Israel (1)
Bobby Chin
Fang Ai Lian
David Gonski AC
Dominic Ho
Low Check Kian
Peter Mason AM
Kai Nargolwala
Christina Ong (2)
Peter Ong (3)
Ong Peng Tsin (4)
director’s fees
(S$)
386,828
205,000
216,828
196,000
229,000
195,000
200,000
234,828
–
185,000
71,381
Notes:
(1) In addition to his fees, Mr Simon Israel also received car-related benefits with a
taxable value of S$16,511.
(2) Appointed to the Board on 7 April 2014.
(3) Fees for Singapore public sector Director are processed in accordance with
the framework of the Singapore Directorship and Consultancy Appointments
Council.
(4) Retired following the conclusion of the AGM held on 26 July 2013.
matters, including providing input and guidance on strategy
and supporting management in engaging with a wide
range of other stakeholders such as partners, governments
and regulators, as well as travelling to visit the Group’s
key associates in the region. In this regard, the Board has
agreed with the Chairman that he will commit a significant
proportion of his time to his role as Chairman of the SingTel
Board and will manage his other time commitments
accordingly; and
(c) comparable benchmarks from other large listed companies
in Singapore that have chairmen with similar roles and
responsibilities, as well as benchmarks from large listed
companies in Australia, where SingTel is also listed and
where SingTel has sizeable operations.
It is proposed that one-third of the fees payable to the
Chairman for the financial year ending 31 March 2015 be
delivered in the form of a share award to be granted under
the SingTel Performance Share Plan 2012 (SingTel PSP 2012),
subject to shareholders’ approvals being obtained at the
Extraordinary General Meeting to be held on 25 July 2014 for
alterations to the SingTel PSP 2012 and for the share award
to the Chairman. The actual number of shares proposed to be
awarded to the Chairman will be determined by reference to the
volume-weighted average price of a SingTel share on the SGX
over the 10 trading days immediately following the date of the
22nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Company. The share
award is proposed to be granted in August 2014 after the
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22nd AGM. The award will consist of
fully paid shares, with no performance
conditions attached and no vesting
periods imposed, but there will be a
moratorium on the sale of such shares
for a period of two years after the grant
of the award. The cash component of
the Chairman’s remuneration will be paid
half-yearly in arrears.
The SingTel PSP 2012 is proposed to
be altered to permit the grant of share
awards to non-executive Directors as
part of their remuneration in respect
of their office as such in lieu of cash.
Currently, the only non-executive
Director to whom awards are being
proposed to be made is the Chairman.
Further details of the proposed
alterations to the SingTel PSP 2012 are
set out in the Circular to Shareholders
and CUFS Holders dated 26 June 2014
issued by the Company.
remuneration of executive director
and Senior management
The remuneration framework and
policy is designed to support the
implementation of the Group’s strategy
and enhance shareholder value. The
ERCC adopts the following guiding
principles when determining the
remuneration arrangements for
Senior Management:
alignment with Shareholders’ interest
• Align interest between management
and shareholders
• Select appropriate performance
metrics for annual and long-term
incentive plans to support business
strategies and ongoing enhancement
of shareholder value
• Ensure targets are appropriately
set for threshold, target and stretch
performance levels
• Establish sound and structured
funding to ensure affordability
competitive remuneration
• Offer competitive packages to attract
and retain highly experienced and
talented individuals
• Link a significant proportion of
remuneration to performance, both on
an annual and long-term basis
pay-for-performance
• Measure performance based on a
holistic balanced scorecard approach,
comprising both financial and non-
financial metrics
• Structure a significant but appropriate
proportion of remuneration to be at
risk, taking into account risk policies of
the Group
• Build flexibility into the remuneration
package to allow for clawback if long-
term performance targets are not met
effective implementation
• Meet rigorous corporate governance
requirements
The ERCC recognises that the Group
operates in a multinational and
multifaceted environment and reviews
remuneration through a process that
considers Group, business unit and
individual performance as well as
relevant comparative remuneration
in the market. The performance
evaluations for Senior Management
have been conducted for the
financial year in accordance with
the above considerations.
In 2013/2014, the ERCC engaged
Aon Hewitt Singapore Pte Ltd (Aon
Hewitt) to provide valuation and vesting
computation for grants awarded under
the SingTel Performance Share Plan 2012
and Hay Group to conduct Executive
Remuneration Benchmarking for Senior
Management. Both Aon Hewitt and Hay
Group and their respective consultants
are independent and not related to
SingTel or any of its Directors.
In line with market practice, SingTel
may, under special circumstances,
compensate Senior Management for
their past contributions when their
services are no longer needed; for
example, due to redundancies arising
from reorganisation or restructuring of
the Group.
The ERCC has the discretion not to
award incentives in any year if an
executive is involved in misconduct
or fraud resulting in financial loss to
the company.
remuneration components
The remuneration structure for
Senior Management comprises five
components – fixed remuneration,
variable bonus, provident/
superannuation fund, benefits and
long-term incentives. The structure
is designed such that the percentage
of the variable component of Senior
Management’s remuneration increases
as they move up the organisation. On
an annual basis, the ERCC proposes
the compensation for the Group CEO,
CEO Group Consumer, CEO Group
Enterprise, CEO Group Digital L!fe and
Group CFO (collectively defined as “Key
Management”) for the Board’s approval
and approves compensation for the
other Senior Management.
• fixed remuneration
The fixed remuneration comprises
base salary and reflects the market
worth of the job but may vary
with responsibilities, performance,
qualifications and the experience that
the individual brings to the role.
In Australia, consistent with local
market practice, executives may opt
for a portion of their salaries to be
received in tax-effective benefits-
in-kind, such as superannuation
contributions and motor vehicles,
while maintaining the same overall
cost to the company.
• variable bonus
Variable bonus comprises the
Performance Bonus and the Value
Sharing Bonus. In determining the final
variable bonus payments, the ERCC
considers the overall Group, business
unit and individual performance as
well as relevant market remuneration
benchmarks.
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Performance Bonus
Performance bonus is designed to
support the Group’s business strategy
and the ongoing enhancement of
shareholder value through the delivery
of annual financial strategy and
operational objectives. On an individual
level, the performance bonus will vary
according to the actual achievement
against Group, business unit and
individual performance objectives.
While these objectives are different for
each executive, they are assessed on
the same principles across two broad
categories of targets: Business and
People. Business targets comprise
financials, strategy, customer and
business processes. People targets
comprise leadership competencies,
core values, people development and
staff engagement. In addition, the
executives are assessed on teamwork
and collaboration across the Group.
Value Sharing Bonus (VSB)
A portion of Senior Management’s
annual remuneration is tied to the
Economic Profit (EP) performance
of the Group in the form of the
Value Sharing Bonus (VSB), which is
also extended to top management
executives. VSB is used to defer
their bonuses over a time horizon to
ensure alignment with sustainable
value creation for the shareholders
over the longer term. A ‘VSB bank’
is created for each executive to hold
the VSB allocated to him or her in
any year. One-third of the ‘bank’
balance would be paid out in cash
provided it is positive. The remaining
balance will be carried forward and at
risk as it is subject to clawback and
could be reduced in the event of EP
underperformance in the future years.
• provident/Superannuation fund
This is made up of SingTel’s
contributions towards the Singapore
Central Provident Fund or the Optus
Superannuation Fund or any other
chosen fund, as applicable.
• benefits
SingTel provides benefits consistent
with local market practice, such as
an in-company medical scheme, club
membership, employee discounts
and other benefits that may incur
Australian Fringe Benefits Tax, where
applicable. Participation in such
benefits is dependent on the country
in which the executive is located.
For expatriates located away from
home, additional benefits such as
accommodation, children’s education
and tax equalisation may be provided.
• long-term incentives
Long-term incentives, with a focus on
encouraging the delivery of long-term
growth and shareholder value, are
delivered through equity plans, to
drive an ownership culture and retain
key talents. These are provisionally
granted to Senior Management based
on performance for the year ended
31 March 2014.
From 1 April 2012, SingTel ceased
to grant General Awards (GA) and
Senior Management Awards (SMA)
under the SingTel Performance Share
Plan (see description of GA and SMA
in previous annual reports). The
SingTel Performance Share Plan was
terminated in July 2012 with the
adoption of the SingTel Performance
Share Plan 2012. The termination of
the SingTel Performance Share Plan
is without prejudice to the rights of
holders of awards outstanding under
the SingTel Performance Share Plan as
at the date of termination of the plan.
of performance shares awarded is
determined using the valuation of
the shares based on a Monte-Carlo
simulation. The share awards are
conditional upon the achievement of
predetermined performance targets
over the performance period. These
performance conditions and targets
are approved by the ERCC at the
beginning of the performance period.
The final number of performance
shares vested to the recipient will
depend on the level of achievement
of these targets over the performance
period, subject to the approval of
the ERCC.
A significant portion of the
remuneration package for our Senior
Management is delivered in SingTel
shares to ensure that their interests
are aligned with shareholders. This
is further supported by significant
shareholding requirements in which
they are required to retain at least the
equivalent of their annual base salary
in shares.
The details of the vesting criteria for
the two awards granted in June 2014
are as follows:
Restricted Share Award (RSA)
The Restricted Share Award (RSA) has
a two-year performance period from
1 April 2014 to 31 March 2016.
Shares are allocated according to the
following performance conditions:
• 50% based on SingTel Group’s Net
Profit After Tax (NPAT) – SingTel
Group NPAT achieved against
predetermined targets; and
Two new types of award were
• 50% based on SingTel Group’s Free
introduced in 2012 – the Performance
Share Award (PSA) and the Restricted
Share Award (RSA) – with grants made
at the discretion of the ERCC. The
PSA is granted to top management
while a broader group of executives
are eligible for the RSA. The number
Cash Flow (FCF) – SingTel Group FCF
achieved against predetermined
targets.
Details of the RSA vesting schedule
are shown in Figure A on page 66.
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Performance Share Award (PSA)
The Performance Share Award (PSA)
has a three-year performance period
from 1 April 2014 to 31 March 2017.
Shares are allocated according to the
following performance conditions:
• 50% based on SingTel Group’s
Relative Total Shareholder
Return (Relative TSR) – TSR
relative to the MSCI Asia Pacific
Telecommunications Index; and
• 50% based on SingTel Group’s
Absolute Total Shareholder Return
(Absolute TSR) – Absolute TSR
achieved against predetermined
targets.
Details of the PSA vesting schedule
are shown in Figure B below.
The above performance conditions
were chosen as they are key drivers of
shareholder value creation and aligned
to the Group’s business objectives.
Special provisions for vesting
and lapsing of awards apply for
events such as the termination of
employment, misconduct, retirement
and any other events approved by the
ERCC. Upon occurrence of any of the
events, the ERCC will consider, at its
discretion, whether or not to release
any award, and will take into account
circumstances on a case-by-case
basis, including (but not limited to) the
contributions made by the employee.
SingTel employees are prohibited
from entering into transactions in
associated products which limit the
economic risk of participating in
unvested entitlements under SingTel’s
equity-based remuneration schemes.
Figure A: Restricted Share Award (RSA) Vesting Schedule
Group NPAT (50%)
Group FCF (50%)
Performance
Stretch
Target
Threshold
Below Threshold
Vesting Level ^
130%
100%
50%
0%
Performance
Stretch
Target
Threshold
Below Threshold
^ For achievement between these performance levels, the percentage of shares under this tranche that will vest would vary accordingly.
Figure B: Performance Share Award (PSA) Vesting Schedule
Relative TSR (50%)
Absolute TSR (50%)
Performance*
Vesting Level ^
–
≥ +7.00%
+2.00%
< +2.00%
–
100%
50%
0%
Performance
Stretch
Target
Threshold
Below Threshold
* Percentage outperformance against the MSCI Asia Pacific Telecommunications Index.
^ For achievement between these performance levels, the percentage of shares under this tranche that will vest would vary accordingly.
Vesting Level ^
130%
100%
50%
0%
Vesting Level ^
200%
100%
30%
0%
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remuneration of key management and Senior management
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014, there were no termination, retirement and post-employment benefits granted to
Directors and Key Management.
remuneration of executive director
The aggregate compensation paid to or accrued to Group CEO (Chua Sock Koong) for the financial year ended 31 March 2014 is set
out in the table below:
name
fixed
remuneration (1)
($)
variable
bonus (2)
($)
provident
fund (3)
($)
benefits (4)
($)
Total cash
& benefits (5)
($)
restricted
Share
award (rSa) (6)
(no. of shares)
performance
Share
award (pSa) (6)
(no. of shares)
Chua Sock Koong
S$1,647,100
S$2,980,000
S$8,925
S$74,820
S$4,710,845
102,097
1,422,663
Performance shares granted, vested and lapsed for Ms Chua as at 31 March 2014 are as follows:
general award (ga)
Senior management award (Sma)
vesting date
2011 Awards
1-Jun-14
granted
(‘000)
1,013
2012 Awards
2013 Awards (8)
2012 Awards (8)
2013 Awards (8)
Notes:
vested
(‘000)
608
granted
(‘000)
119
98
granted
(‘000)
1,273
1,418
lapsed
(‘000)
405
vested
(‘000)
155
granted
(‘000)
655
vested
(‘000)
655
lapsed
(‘000)
–
restricted Share award (rSa)
lapsed
(‘000)
–
released
date
(‘000)
1-Jun-14
1-Jun-15
1-Jun-15
1-Jun-16
39
116 (7)
performance Share award (pSa)
vested
(‘000)
lapsed
(‘000)
released
date
(‘000)
1-Jun-15
1-Jun-16
(1) Fixed Remuneration refers to base salary and Annual Wage Supplement earned for the year ended 31 March 2014.
(2) Variable Bonus comprises both the Performance Bonus and the Value Sharing Bonus (VSB). Performance bonus varies according to the actual achievement against
Group, business unit and individual performance objectives. The VSB is tied to the Economic Profit (EP) performance of the Group to ensure alignment with sustainable
value creation for shareholders over the longer term. For more details, please refer to page 65.
(3) Provident Fund in Singapore represents payments in respect of company statutory contributions to the Singapore Central Provident Fund.
(4) Benefits are stated on the basis of direct costs to the company and include car benefits, flexible benefits and other non-cash benefits such as medical cover and club
membership.
(5) Total Cash & Benefits is the sum of Fixed Remuneration, Variable Bonus, Provident Fund and Benefits for the year ended 31 March 2014.
(6) Long-term Incentives are awarded in the form of performance shares. Grants of the Restricted Share Award (RSA) and Performance Share Award (PSA) under the
SingTel Performance Share Plan 2012 were made in June 2014 for performance for the year ended 31 March 2014. The per unit fair values of the RSA and PSA are
S$3.239 and S$2.092 respectively. The performance conditions for the awards are detailed on pages 65 to 66.
(7) The second tranche of the vested 2012 RSA will be released in June 2015, subject to continued service of the employee.
(8) The vesting of the 2012 PSA, 2013 RSA and 2013 PSA are conditional upon the achievement of predetermined performance targets over the respective performance
periods, which are a 3-year period for PSA and a 2-year period for RSA.
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remuneration of other key management and Senior management
The aggregate compensation paid to or accrued to the other top five Key Management and Senior Management for the financial year
ended 31 March 2014 is set out in the table below:
name
fixed
remuneration (1)
($)
variable
bonus (2)
($)
provident/
Superannuation
fund (3)
($)
benefits (4)
($)
Total cash
& benefits (5)
($)
restricted
Share
award (rSa) (6)
(no. of shares)
performance
Share
award (pSa) (6)
(no. of shares)
S$663,000
S$910,000
The following are in alphabetical order:
Bill Chang
CEO Group
Enterprise
Hui Weng Cheong (7)
COO, AIS
Allen Lew
CEO Group
Digital L!fe/
Country Chief Officer
Singapore
Jeann Low
Group CFO
Paul O’Sullivan (8) (9)
CEO Group
Consumer/ Country
Chief Officer
Australia
A$1,235,355
S$1,170,000
S$910,000
S$950,000
S$13,600
S$64,649
S$1,938,249
36,617
510,230
S$850,000
S$9,450
S$214,652
S$1,737,102
52,486
325,048
S$2,065,000
S$8,925
S$63,563
S$3,307,488
60,822
847,515
S$1,150,000
S$11,900
S$61,894
S$2,133,794
32,418
451,721
A$1,372,998
A$241,648
A$157,046
A$3,007,046
69,190
964,286
Total
S$5,091,932
S$6,614,258
S$325,344
S$587,684
S$12,619,218
251,533
3,098,800
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Performance shares granted, vested and lapsed for the above five executives as at 31 March 2014 are as follows:
general award (ga)
Senior management award (Sma)
vesting date
2011 Awards
1-Jun-14
granted
(‘000)
2,459
2012 Awards
2013 Awards (11)
2012 Awards (11)
2013 Awards (11)
Notes:
vested
(‘000)
1,475
granted
(‘000)
337
20
256
granted
(‘000)
2,925
97
3,286
lapsed
(‘000)
984
vested
(‘000)
438
26
granted
(‘000)
1,590
vested
(‘000)
1,590
lapsed
(‘000)
–
restricted Share award (rSa)
lapsed
(‘000)
–
–
released
date
(‘000)
1-Jun-14
1-Jun-15
16-Jul-14
16-Jul-15
1-Jun-15
1-Jun-16
110
328 (10)
7
19 (10)
performance Share award (pSa)
vested
(‘000)
lapsed
(‘000)
released
date
(‘000)
1-Jun-15
16-Jul-15
1-Jun-16
(1) Fixed Remuneration refers to base salary and Annual Wage Supplement (if applicable) earned for the year ended 31 March 2014.
(2) Variable Bonus comprises both the Performance Bonus and the Value Sharing Bonus (VSB). Performance bonus varies according to the actual achievement against
Group, business unit and individual performance objectives. The VSB is tied to the Economic Profit (EP) performance of the Group to ensure alignment with sustainable
value creation for shareholders over the longer term. For more details, please refer to page 65.
(3) Provident Fund in Singapore represents payments in respect of company statutory contributions to the Singapore Central Provident Fund. Superannuation Fund in
Australia represents payments in respect of the superannuation guarantee levy to the superannuation scheme. Any contributions made by an individual may be salary
sacrificed, and are part of fixed remuneration.
(4) Benefits are stated on the basis of direct costs to the company and include overseas assignment benefits, tax equalisation, car benefits, flexible benefits and other
non-cash benefits such as medical cover, club membership and Australian Fringe Benefits Tax, where applicable.
(5) Total Cash & Benefits is the sum of Fixed Remuneration, Variable Bonus, Provident/Superannuation Fund and Benefits for the year ended 31 March 2014.
(6) Long-term Incentives are awarded in the form of performance shares. Grants of the Restricted Share Award (RSA) and Performance Share Award (PSA) under the
SingTel Performance Share Plan 2012 were made in June 2014 for performance for the year ended 31 March 2014. The per unit fair values of the RSA and PSA are
S$3.239 (A$2.775) and S$2.092 (A$1.792) respectively. The performance conditions for the awards are detailed on pages 65 to 66.
(7) Benefits for Mr Hui Weng Cheong include tax equalisation in relation to his assignment to AIS, Thailand.
(8) Mr Paul O’Sullivan is based in Australia and remunerated in Australian dollars.
(9) Mr Paul O’Sullivan was reappointed as Country Chief Officer Australia on 27 February 2014. He had previously assumed this role from April 2012 to April 2013.
(10) The second tranche of the vested 2012 RSA will be released in June/July 2015, subject to continued service of the employee.
(11) The vesting of the 2012 PSA, 2013 RSA and 2013 PSA are conditional upon the achievement of predetermined performance targets over the respective performance
periods, which are a 3-year period for PSA and a 2-year period for RSA.
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SingTel’s investor Relations (iR) team promotes
and facilitates communications with existing
and potential institutional investors, financial
analysts and retail shareholders. we are
committed to maintaining high standards
of disclosure and corporate transparency.
disseminate accurate
and relevant information
to the marketplace in a
timely manner to help
investors make informed
investment decisions
provide direct and regular
access to our management
through face-to-face meetings
(including investor days),
conferences, roadshows,
conference calls and webcasts
Balance investors’ expectations
for open and transparent
disclosure with commercial
sensitivities of SingTel’s
businesses
proacTive communicaTion
wiTH THe inveSTmenT communiTy
Since the Group announced its
transformation in March 2012, our
senior management and the IR team
have devoted significant effort towards
helping the investment community
better understand the rationale behind
our transformation, in particular the
key strategic priorities for the three
business units: Group Consumer, Group
Enterprise and Group Digital L!fe. SingTel
currently provides disclosures and
outlook on our three key business units,
supplemented by traditional disclosures
by geography – Singapore, Australia and
the regional mobile associates.
During the year, our management,
together with the IR team, engaged
about 500 investors in over 280
meetings and conference calls to
discuss the Group’s business strategy,
operational and financial performance,
and prospects. SingTel participated in
investor conferences and roadshows
in Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, US and
Europe. Such events facilitate access
to potential new shareholders and help
us deepen existing relationships with
long-term shareholders. The IR team
also arranged site visits to SingTel’s
business facilities to aid investors’
understanding of our key business
objectives and expansion plans in the
consumer, enterprise and digital spaces.
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ir
calendar
maJor
evenTS
mAR 2013
SingTel Investor Day,
Singapore
JUL 2013
21st Annual General
Meeting and
Extraordinary General
Meeting, Singapore
Nov 2013
Non-deal Equity
Roadshows,
US and Europe
mAy 2013
Non-deal Equity
Roadshows,
US and Europe
SEP 2013
CLSA Investors
Forum,
Hong Kong
JAN 2014
Non-deal Equity
Roadshow,
Japan
The IR team develops and maintains
strong links with sell-side research
analysts who play an important role in
educating the investment community.
More than 20 sell-side analysts based
in Australia, Hong Kong, Malaysia,
Singapore and UK currently cover
SingTel. We keep a close watch on
analyst and media reports in our efforts
to continuously improve our investor
relations efforts.
Beyond conferences and roadshows,
SingTel holds an annual Investor Day
event during which the CEOs of Group
Consumer, Group Enterprise and
Group Digital L!fe, as well as the senior
management of AIS, Airtel, Globe and
Telkomsel share detailed insights
into their businesses and respond to
questions. The Investor Day typically
attracts more than 50 investors
and analysts, who have provided
positive feedback on the openness of
management in sharing strategic plans
and operational insights.
SingTel actively seeks investors’
feedback. During the year, SingTel
commissioned an investor perception
study, which is an independent report
involving in-depth interviews with
approximately 50 institutional investors
and financial analysts. Respondents
generously shared their views on
SingTel’s strategic direction and industry
issues such as mobile data growth and
dividend policy. Investors typically cite
the following reasons for investing
in SingTel: our commitment to capital
discipline, high level of corporate
governance, depth of experience at
both the board and management level,
and exposure to carriers in emerging
markets, which are either the number
one or number two operator in their
respective countries. Investors generally
view SingTel as a stock which offers both
capital growth and attractive yield.
inveSTor relaTionS reSourceS
The IR website is a key resource for
corporate information, financial data
and significant business developments.
It also houses SingTel’s stock exchange
announcements, quarterly results and
annual reports, upcoming investor
events, shares and dividend information,
fact sheets and investor presentation
slides.
SingTel produces a comprehensive
set of materials for its quarterly
financial results announcements,
including detailed financial statements,
management discussion and analysis,
and presentation slides. We hold an
investor conference call on the day
of the results announcement, during
which analysts and investors have the
opportunity to pose questions to our
management. A recording of the investor
presentation webcast is posted on the
IR website on the same day the results
are released, and the transcript of the
analyst conference call is posted on the
IR website the following day.
All new material announcements are
posted on the IR website immediately
following its release to the Singapore
and Australian exchanges (SGX and ASX
respectively) to ensure fair, equal and
prompt dissemination of information.
SHareHolder informaTion
As at 30 April 2014, Temasek Holdings
(Private) Limited remained the largest
shareholder, with 52.0% of issued share
capital. Other Singapore shareholders
held approximately 15% of ownership
interest. US/Canada and Europe held
approximately 17% and 11% of issued
share capital respectively.
SHare ownerSHip by
geograpHical poSiTion
(%)
TEMASEK HOLDINGS
US/CANADA
SINGAPORE EX TEMASEK
EUROPE
ASIA EX SINGAPORE
AUSTRALIA
52
17
15
11
4
1
72
Risk Management
Philosophy
and Approach
our risk framework
Singapore TelecommunicaTionS limiTed and SubSidiary companieS
THe board
• Instils culture and approach for risk governance
• Provides oversight of risk management
systems and internal controls
• Reviews key risks and mitigation plans
• Monitors exposure
• Defines how risk management
functions
• Aligns the Group’s strategy with
management of key risks
• Specifies role of the Board/
Management to fulfil risk appetite
and tolerances
• Identifies risks and determines
mitigation plans
our risk philosophy
• Three key principles underpinning
our Risk Management Approach
audiT commiTTee
board riSk commiTTee
• Reviews adequacy and effectiveness of the
• Reviews and recommends risk strategy
Group’s internal control framework
and policies
• Oversees financial reporting risk of the Group
• Oversees internal and external audit processes
• Oversees design, implementation and
monitoring of internal controls
• Reviews adequacy and effectiveness of
the Group’s risk framework
• Monitors the implementation of risk
mitigation plans
managemenT commiTTee
• Responsible for effective implementation of risk management practices at functional levels
riSk managemenT commiTTee
• Reviews the risk assessments carried out by the Business Units
• Reviews and assesses risk management systems and tools
• Reviews efficiency and effectiveness of mitigations and coverage of risk exposures
• Risk Centric Culture • Strong Corporate Governance • Proactive Risk Management Process
riSk
managemenT
framework
riSk
review
proceSS
alignmenT
wiTH group
STraTegy
buSineSS
conTinuiTy
managemenT
aSSurance
Review of risk
management policies
and processes on a
regular basis
Continuous process
of identification,
monitoring,
management and
reporting of risk
indicators
Risk assessment and
mitigation strategies
as integral parts of
the Group’s annual
business planning and
budgeting process
Business continuity,
disaster recovery,
crisis planning and
management as key risk
management activities
Self-assessment
programme over
risks and controls,
together with internal
and external audit
to provide assurance
to the Board
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The identification and management of
risks reduce the uncertainty associated
with the execution of our business
strategies and allow the Group to
maximise opportunities that may arise.
Risks take on many forms and can have
material adverse impacts on the Group’s
ability to achieve our stated objectives
by potentially impacting our reputation,
operations, human resources and
financial performance.
The Board is overall responsible for
determining the Group’s risk appetite and
tolerance, and risk profile, overseeing the
Group’s risk management framework,
reviewing the Group’s key risks and
mitigation strategies and ensuring the
effectiveness of risk management policies
and procedures. The Risk Committee (RC)
and the Audit Committee (AC) review
the management of these risks and
effectiveness of mitigation strategies
and controls. The Risk Management
Committee (RMC) supports the Board
and RC in terms of risk governance and
oversight, and sets the direction and
strategies for corporate risk management
to be in line with the Goup’s risk appetite
and risk tolerance thresholds.
The Board has approved the following
risk appetite statement:
The Group is committed to delivering
value to our shareholders achieved
through sustained profitable growth.
However, the Group shall not
compromise our integrity, values and
reputation by risking brand damage,
service delivery standards, severe
network disruption or regulatory
non-compliance.
The Group will defend our market
leadership position in Singapore and
strengthen our market position in
Australia and in Asia Pacific through
our regional mobile associates. The
Group will continue to pursue business
expansion in the emerging markets,
including acquiring controlling stakes
in the associates, and actively manage
the risks.
The Group is prepared to take measured
risks to seek new growth in the digital
space by providing global platforms and
enablers, targeted at a global footprint,
while leveraging our current scale and
core strengths.
The Group targets an investment grade
credit rating and dividend payout policy
consistent with our stated dividend
policy and guidance.
The Management has the primary
responsibility of identifying, managing
and reporting the key risks faced by the
Group to the Board. The Management is
also responsible for ensuring that the risk
management framework is effectively
implemented within all areas of the
respective business units. In addition,
specialised areas such as Regulatory,
Legal, Environment, Insurance, Treasury
and Credit support the Group in the
management of these risks.
The Group’s philosophy and approach
towards effective risk management are
underpinned by three key principles:
• culture
We seek to build a strong risk
management and control culture
by setting the appropriate tone
at the top, promoting awareness,
ownership and proactive
management of key risks, and
promoting accountability. In short,
we seek to promote a risk-conscious
workforce across the Group.
• Structure
We seek to put in place an
appropriate organisational structure
that promotes good corporate
governance, provides for proper
segregation of duties, clearly defines
risk-taking responsibility and
authority, and promotes ownership
and accountability for risk taking.
• process
We seek to implement robust
processes and systems for effective
identification, quantification,
monitoring, mitigation and
management of risks. We seek to
improve our risk management as
well as internal control policies and
procedures on an ongoing basis to
ensure that they remain sound and
relevant by benchmarking against
global best practices.
Based on the above principles, the
Group undertakes a continuous process
of risk identification, monitoring,
management and reporting of risks
throughout the organisation to provide
assurance to the Board and relevant
stakeholders. The effectiveness of risk
management policies and processes is
reviewed on a regular basis and, where
necessary, improved. Independent
reviews are conducted by third-
party consultants regularly to ensure
the appropriateness of the Group’s
risk management framework. The
consultants also report key risks to
the Board, as well as provide periodic
support and input when undertaking
specific risk assessments. Furthermore,
the risk management processes facilitate
alignment of the Group’s strategy
and annual operating plan with the
management of key risks.
74
Risk Management
Philosophy
and Approach
Singapore TelecommunicaTionS limiTed and SubSidiary companieS
Risk assessment and mitigation strategy
is an integral part of the Group’s annual
business planning and budgeting
process. The key risk management
activities include scenario planning,
business continuity/disaster recovery
management and crisis planning
and management. Close monitoring
and control processes, including the
establishment of appropriate key
risk indicators and key performance
indicators, are put in place to ensure
that risk profiles are managed within
policy limits. The Group has in place a
formal programme of risk and control
self-assessment whereby line personnel
are involved in the ongoing assessment
and improvement of risk management
and controls. Additionally, independent
specialist consultants are engaged from
time to time to review the Group’s risk
management framework and processes.
SingTel Internal Audit carries out
reviews and internal control advisory
activities aligned to the key risks in
the Group’s business. This provides
independent assurance to the AC on
the adequacy and effectiveness of our
risk management, financial reporting
processes, and internal control and
compliance systems. In order to provide
assurance to the Board, the CEOs of the
business groups submit a report on the
key risks and mitigation strategies for
their respective businesses to the RC on
a semi-annual basis. Annually, the Group
CEO and Group CFO provide a written
certification to the Board confirming
the integrity of financial reporting, and
the efficiency and effectiveness of the
risk management, internal control and
compliance systems.
In the course of their statutory audit,
SingTel’s external auditors carry out a
review of the Group’s material internal
controls to the extent of the scope as
laid out in their audit plans. Any material
non-compliance and internal control
weaknesses, together with the external
auditors’ recommendations to address
them, are reported to the AC. SingTel’s
Management, with the assistance of
SingTel Internal Audit, follows up on the
external auditors’ recommendations as
part of their role in reviewing the Group’s
system of internal controls.
The systems that are in place are
intended to provide reasonable but
not absolute assurance against
material misstatements or loss, as
well as to ensure the safeguarding
of assets, the maintenance of proper
accounting records, the reliability of
financial information, compliance with
applicable legislation, regulations and
best practices, and the identification and
management of business risks.
riSk facTorS
The Group’s financial performance and
operations are influenced by a vast range
of risk factors. Many of these risk factors
affect not just our businesses but also
other businesses in and outside of the
telecommunications industry. These risks
vary widely and many are beyond the
Group’s control. There may also be risks
that are either presently unknown or not
currently assessed as significant, which
may later prove to be material. However,
we aim to mitigate the exposures through
appropriate risk management strategies
and internal controls.
The section below sets out the principal
risk types.
economic riSkS
Changes in domestic, regional and
global economic conditions may have a
material adverse effect on the demand
for telecommunications, IT and related
services, digital services, and hence, on
the Group’s financial performance
and operations.
The global credit and equity markets
have experienced substantial
dislocations, liquidity disruptions
and market corrections. These and
other related events have had a
significant impact on economic
growth as a whole and consequently,
consumer and business demand for
telecommunications, IT and related
services, and digital services.
Our planning and management
review processes involve the periodic
monitoring of budgets and expenditures
to minimise the risk of over-investment.
Each of the business units in the Group
has continuing cost management
programmes to drive improvements
in their cost structures.
poliTical riSkS
Some of the countries in which Group
Consumer operates have experienced
or continue to experience political
instability. The continuation or re-
emergence of such political instability in
the future could have a material adverse
effect on economic or social conditions
in those countries, as well as the
ownership, control and condition of our
assets in those areas.
Group Consumer is geographically
diversified with operations in Singapore,
Australia and the emerging markets. We
work closely with the Management and
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our partners in the countries where we
operate to leverage the local expertise,
knowledge and ability. In this way,
we ensure compliance with the laws
and are able to implement risk
mitigation measures.
As Group Enterprise and Group Digital
L!fe expand their products and services
across the region and around the world,
exposure to similar political risks may
increase in the future.
regulaTory riSkS and
liTigaTion riSkS
regulatory risks
The Group’s global operations are subject
to extensive government regulations,
which may impact or limit our flexibility
to respond to market conditions,
competition, new technologies or
changes in cost structures. Governments
may alter their policies relating to the
telecommunications, IT and related
industries as well as the regulatory
environment (including taxation) in which
we operate. Such changes could have a
material adverse effect on the Group’s
financial performance and operations.
Group Consumer and Group Enterprise
are impacted by the implementation
of national broadband networks
in both Australia and Singapore. In
Singapore, the Infocomm Development
Authority of Singapore (IDA) has, in its
implementation of the Next Generation
Nationwide Broadband Network (Next
Gen NBN), designed a structure aimed
at levelling the playing field to allow
the benefits of the Next Gen NBN to be
available to all industry players. This has
significantly altered the existing cost
model of the industry and increased the
level of competition in the market with
new entrants.
In Australia, the government is currently
undertaking a significant reform of
the fixed-line telecommunications
sector, including the rollout of a
national broadband network to be
operated on a wholesale-only open-
access basis. It is possible that the
Australian government’s regulatory
reforms, including legislation and the
deployed national broadband network
and commercial transactions relating
to the national broadband network,
could ultimately lead to a sub-optimal
or negative outcome for Optus. Our
businesses depend on statutory licences
issued by governmental authorities.
Failure to meet regulatory requirements
could result in fines or other sanctions
including, ultimately, the revocation
of licences.
In Singapore, the Personal Data
Protection Act 2012 (PDPA), which came
into effect in January 2013, regulates
the collection, use, disclosure, transfer
and security of personal data. The Act
will be enforced in phases, with the
provisions relating to the Do-Not-Call
Registry coming into force in early 2014
and the provisions relating to the main
data protection coming into force in
July 2014. In Australia, The Privacy Act
introduced changes with effect from
March 2014 on a new set of Australian
Privacy Principles that will regulate
handling of personal information by
Australian government agencies and
some businesses. The Group has access
to appropriate regulatory expertise
and staffing resources in Singapore
and Australia. We regularly participate
in discussions and consultations with
the respective regulatory authorities
and the industry to propose changes
and provide feedback on regulatory
reforms and developments in the
telecommunications and media industry.
Our overseas investments are subject
to the risk of imposition of laws
and regulations restricting the level,
percentage and manner of foreign
ownership and investment, as well as
the risk of nationalisation, any of which
could materially and adversely affect our
overseas investments.
With regards to personal data protection,
the Group has established a PDPA
Steering Committee and Working
Committee to put in place PDPA policies
and procedures in Singapore to ensure
compliance. Similarly, in Australia, most
of the recent changes to the Privacy
Law existed under the previous Act, and
there are well-established mechanisms
in place to ensure compliance. The
inclusion of a new Australian Privacy
Principle – Direct Marketing – has meant
some change to ensure prevalent opt-
out mechanisms are in place. Overall,
the Group has also increased resources
and improved the support infrastructure
around information security.
access to Spectrum
The Group may need to access
additional spectrum to support both
organic growth and the development
of new services. Access to spectrum
is of critical importance to us in order
to support our business of providing
mobile voice and broadband services.
The use of spectrum in most countries
that we operate in is regulated by
governmental authorities and requires
licences. Failure to acquire access to
spectrum or new or additional spectrum
on reasonable terms or at all could have
a material adverse effect on the core
communications business, financial
performance and growth plans.
76
Risk Management
Philosophy
and Approach
Singapore TelecommunicaTionS limiTed and SubSidiary companieS
litigation risks
We are exposed to the risk of regulatory
or litigation action by regulators or other
parties. Such regulatory matters or
litigation actions may have a material
effect on our financial condition and
results of operations. Examples of such
actions which the Group is exposed
to are disclosed in Notes to the
Financial Statements under
“Contingent Liabilities”.
The Group has put in place standard
master supply agreements with vendors
and implemented contract policies to
manage contractual arrangements with
customers. The policies provide the
necessary empowerment framework
for the CEOs, the Management
Committee and the Board Committees
to approve any deviations from the
standard policies.
compeTiTive riSkS
The Group faces competitive risks in all
the markets and business segments in
which we operate.
group consumer business
The telecommunications market in
Singapore is highly competitive. As new
players enter the market and regulation
requires SingTel in Singapore to allow
our competitors to have access to our
networks, our market share in some
segments and prices for certain products
and services have declined. These trends
may continue and intensify for SingTel
in Singapore.
In the Australian mobile market, in
addition to the incumbent operator, a
number of participants are subsidiaries
of international groups and operators,
and have made large investments
which are now sunk costs. The Group
is, therefore, exposed to the risk of
irrational pricing being introduced by
such competitors. The consumer fixed-
line services market continues to be
dominated by the incumbent provider,
which can leverage its scale and market
position to restrict the development of
competition. With the deployment of the
Australian National Broadband Network,
competition is expected to increase as
new entrants enter the market.
The operations of our international
associates’ businesses are also subject
to highly competitive market conditions.
The growth of our associates depends
in part on increases in the mobile
penetration rate in the markets where
they operate. Some of these overseas
markets, including India and Indonesia,
have experienced and could continue to
experience an increase in the number
of competitors, leading to intense price
competition and potential loss of market
share for our associates. As these
markets mature, the pace of subscriber
growth may slow and new customers
may not be as profitable as existing
customers.
Our business models and profits are
also challenged by disintermediation
in the telecommunications industry by
handset providers and non-traditional
telecommunications service providers
who provide multimedia content,
applications and services directly
on demand.
Group Consumer continues to work
with Group Digital L!fe to invest in
innovation, technologies, new products
and services, transformational
initiatives in processes, new business
models and customer experience to
meet evolving customer needs and
strengthen customer loyalty.
group digital l!fe business
The digital products and services offered
by the Group face competition from
both traditional and non-traditional
competitors globally. The proliferation
of mobile applications and other content
delivered over the internet threaten
to disintermediate the relationships
between telcos and their customers.
The over-the-top operators which
provide these services are seeking
to grow scale through mergers and
acquisitions, which will allow them to
exert a stronger influence in customers’
usage of our services.
Against this environment, the Group
plans to leverage valuable assets we
already have, such as our extensive
customer knowledge, touchpoints,
intelligent networks and the scale of
the Group’s customer base, to create
relevant and personalised services
for our customers, such as digital
advertising, mCommerce and content.
group enterprise business
Business customers enjoy a wide range
of choices for many of the services that
we provide, particularly international
voice and data communications.
Competitors include multinational IT and
telecommunications companies, while
in Australia, the enterprise market is
dominated by the incumbent. The quality
and prices of these services can influence
a potential business customer’s decision.
Prices for some of these services have
declined significantly in recent years as
a result of capacity additions and price
competition. Such price declines are
expected to continue.
Group Enterprise continues to focus on
offering companies comprehensive and
integrated infocomm technology (ICT)
solutions and initiatives to strengthen
customer engagement.
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regional eXpanSion riSkS
Given the size of the Singapore and
Australian markets, the future growth
of the Group depends, to a large extent,
on our ability to grow our overseas
operations in both traditional and
new digital services. This comes with
considerable risks.
partnership relations
The success of our strategic investments
depends, to a large extent, on our
relationships with, and the strength of
our investment partners. There is no
assurance that the Group will be able
to maintain these relationships or that
our investment partners will remain
committed to their partnerships with
the Group.
acquisition risks
In acquisitions, the Group faces
challenges arising from integrating
newly acquired businesses with our
own operations, managing these
businesses in markets where we have
limited experience and financing these
acquisitions. The Group risks not being
able to generate synergies from these
acquisitions, and the acquisitions
become a drain on the Group’s
management and capital resources.
We continually look for investment
opportunities that can contribute to our
regional expansion strategy and for the
development of new revenue streams.
Our efforts are challenged by the limited
availability of opportunities, competition
for the available opportunities from other
potential investors, foreign ownership
restrictions, government and regulatory
policies, political considerations and the
specific preferences of sellers.
In addition, the business strategy of
some of our regional mobile associates
involves the expansion of operations
outside their home countries. These
associates may enter into joint ventures
and other arrangements with other
parties. Such joint ventures and other
arrangements involve risks, including
but not limited to the possibility that the
joint venture or investment partner may
have economic or business interests
or goals that are not consistent with
those of the associates. There is no
assurance that the regional mobile
associates can fully generate synergies
and successfully achieve their aims of
regional competitiveness and building a
competitive regional footprint.
Members of our management team
are also directors on the boards of our
associates. In addition to the sharing of
network and commercial experience,
best practices in the areas of corporate
governance and financial reporting are
also shared across the Group.
The Group adopts a disciplined approach
in our investment evaluation and
decision-making process.
proJecT riSkS
The Group incurs substantial capital
expenditure in constructing and
maintaining our networks and systems
infrastructure. These projects are subject
to risks associated with the construction,
supply, installation and operation of
equipment and systems.
project management
The projects the Group undertake as
contractors to roll out infrastructure
are subject to the risks of increased
project costs, disputes and unexpected
implementation delays, any of which can
result in an inability to meet projected
completion dates.
Group Enterprise is also a major IT
services provider to governments and
large enterprises in the region. We face
potential project execution risks when
projects are not accurately scoped or the
quality of service performance is not up
to customers’ specifications, resulting
in over-commitments to customers, as
well as inadequate resource allocation
and scheduling. These can lead to cost
overruns, project delays and losses.
The Group has a project risk
management framework in place,
with processes for regular risk
assessment, performance monitoring
and reporting of key projects.
Satellite business
The launch and operation of any satellite
is subject to the risk of launch delays,
cost overruns and the occurrence
of other unforeseeable events such
as satellite launch failures, satellite
failure to enter into designated orbital
locations, in-orbit failure or any other
events beyond the control of the Group.
We maintain and regularly review our
business continuity programme, including
restoration plans, for implementation in
the event of a catastrophic loss of all or
part of a satellite.
A key capital project undertaken by
Optus is the planned launch of a new
satellite, Optus 10. The build and
launch plan of Optus 10 is closely
monitored by the Management. The
satellite will be launched in mid-2014
and will also be part of the Group’s
business continuity plans.
new buSineSS riSkS
From a traditional carriage business
in Singapore and Australia, the Group
is now venturing into new growth
areas to create new revenue streams,
78
Risk Management
Philosophy
and Approach
Singapore TelecommunicaTionS limiTed and SubSidiary companieS
including mobile applications and
services, pay TV, managed services,
cloud services, content, ICT, and
new digital services such as digital
advertising. There is no assurance that
the Group will be successful in these
ventures, which may require substantial
capital, new expertise, substantial
process or systems changes, as well
as organisational cultural and mindset
changes. These businesses may also
expose the Group to new areas of
risks associated with the media and
online industries such as content rights
disputes and customer data privacy
and protection.
The Group’s organisation structure,
talent management and development
programme seeks to respond to
changing needs and new business
strategies. We continue to update
our policies and invest in processes
and technologies to support the
requirements of new businesses.
breacH of privacy riSkS
The Group seeks to protect the privacy
of voice and information on networks
and systems infrastructure. Significant
failure of encryption and security
measures may result in customer
confidence being undermined and
materially impact our businesses.
The Group may also be subject to the
imposition of additional regulatory
measures relating to the security and
privacy of customer data.
The Group has in place security
mechanisms such as firewalls and
encryption algorithms designed to
minimise the risk of privacy breaches.
We also implement and test antivirus
or intrusion prevention systems, based
on established security standards.
Aside from cyber security practices,
the Group has also established an
escalation process for major incidents,
which includes security breaches, to
ensure timely response, internally and
externally, to minimise impact.
infraSTrucTure and
TecHnology riSkS
Rapid and significant technological
changes are typical in the
telecommunications and ICT industry,
and these changes may materially affect
Group Consumer and Group Enterprise’s
capital expenditure and operating costs,
as well as the demand for the products
and services offered by all of our
business divisions.
We have invested substantial capital
and other resources in the development
and modernisation of our networks
and systems. Technological changes
continue to reduce costs and expand
the capacities of new infrastructure
able to deliver competing products
and services. Moreover, our associates
operate predominantly in emerging
markets, where the regulatory practices,
including spectrum availability, may
not synchronise with the technology
progression path and the market
demand for new technologies.
Such rapid advancements in technology
may leave the Group stranded with
investments that are technologically
obsolete before the end of their
expected useful life. These changes
may require us to replace and upgrade
our network infrastructure to remain
competitive and as a result, incur
additional capital expenditure.
Each of the business groups face the
continuing risk of market entry by
new operators and service providers
(including non-telecommunications
players) that, by using newer or lower-
cost technologies, may succeed in
rapidly attracting customers away from
established market participants.
Group Enterprise may have to incur
substantial development expenditure
to gain access to related or enabling
technologies so that we may pursue
new growth opportunities in the ICT
industry. The challenge is to modify
our network infrastructure in a timely
and cost-effective manner to facilitate
such implementation, failing which this
could adversely affect our quality of
service, financial condition and results
of operations.
The Group continues to invest in
upgrading, modernising and equipping our
systems with new capabilities to ensure
that we continue to deliver innovative and
relevant services to our customers.
vendor riSkS
The Group relies on third-party vendors
in many aspects of our business for
various purposes, including but not
limited to the construction of our
network, the supply of handsets and
equipment, systems and applications
development and services, content
provision and customer acquisition.
Accordingly, our operations may be
affected by third-party vendors failing
to perform their obligations. In addition,
the industry is dominated by a few
key vendors for such services and
equipment, and any failure or refusal
by a key vendor to provide such services
or equipment, or any consolidation of
the industry, may significantly affect
our business and operations.
The Group monitors closely our
relationships with strategic vendors
and develops new relationships to
mitigate supply risks.
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informaTion TecHnology riSkS
As the Group’s businesses and
operations rely heavily on information
technology, the Management has
established the IT & Network Security
Committee to provide oversight of all
IT and network security risks, including
cyber security threats and data privacy
breaches. The committee comprises
members from the various IT and
network domains, meets bi-monthly and
reports directly to the Risk Management
Committee. The committee develops
appropriate policies and frameworks
to ensure information system security,
reviews the projects and initiatives on IT
and network security, and reviews any IT
security incidents.
The Group has established the
Group Information Security Policy
for managing risks associated with
information security in a holistic manner.
The policy is developed based on
industry best practices and is aligned
with international standards such as
ISO27001. The policy covers various
aspects of IT risk governance including
change management, user access
management, database configuration
standards and disaster recovery
planning, and provides the cornerstone
for driving robust IT security controls
across the Group.
The Group has also established the
Project Management Methodology to
ensure that new systems are developed
with appropriate IT security controls and
are subjected to rigorous acceptance
tests, including penetration testing, prior
to implementation.
financial riSkS
The main risks arising from the Group’s
financial assets and liabilities are
foreign exchange, interest rate, market,
liquidity, access to financing sources
and increased credit risks. Financial
markets continue to be volatile and this
may heighten execution risk for funding
activities and credit risk premiums for
market participants.
The Group is exposed to foreign
exchange fluctuations from our
operations and through subsidiaries
as well as associated and joint
venture companies operating in
foreign countries. These relate to the
translation of the foreign currency
earnings and carrying values of the
overseas operation. Additionally, a
significant portion of associated and
joint venture company purchases and
liabilities are denominated in foreign
currencies, versus the local currency of
the respective operations, thereby giving
rise to changes in cost structures and
fair value gains or losses when marked
to market.
The Group has established policies,
guidelines and control procedures to
manage and report exposure to such
risks. Our financial risk management is
discussed in detail on page 187 in
Note 37 to the Financial Statements.
elecTromagneTic energy riSkS
Health concerns have been raised
regarding the potential exposure to
electromagnetic energy associated with
the operation of mobile communications
devices. While there is no substantiated
evidence of public health risks from
exposure to the levels of electromagnetic
energy typically emitted from mobile
communications devices, perceived
health risks can result in reduced
demand for mobile communications
services or worse, litigation against
the Group. In addition, government
environment controls may be introduced
to address this perceived risk, restricting
our ability to deploy our mobile
communications networks.
The Group is currently in compliance
with the leading global standard,
International Commission on Non-
Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP)
Electromagnetic Energy (EME), as well
as relevant standards and regulations
in Singapore and Australia on emission
of electromagnetic energy. We continue
to monitor research findings on
electromagnetic energy health risks and
their implications on relevant standards
and regulations in Singapore and
Australia, as well as the rest of the world.
neTwork failure and
caTaSTropHic riSkS
The provision of our services depends
on the quality, stability, resilience and
robustness of our integrated networks.
We face the risk of the malfunction
of, loss of, or damage to network
infrastructure from natural or man-made
causes. Some of the countries in which
we operate have experienced a number
of major natural catastrophes over the
years, including typhoons, droughts and
earthquakes. Such losses or damage
may significantly disrupt our operations,
which may materially adversely
affect our ability to deliver services
to customers.
The Group has insurance policies as
well as a defined crisis management
and escalation process involving
the CEOs and senior management
to respond to emergencies and/or
catastrophic events. However, our
inability to operate our networks or
customer support systems may have
a material impact on our business.
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our Sustainability
pillars
As a communications group, we are at the very
centre of our customers’ daily lives – be it at
home, work or play. We work hard to meet and
even exceed all stakeholders’ expectations to
earn their trust and confidence.
Our commitment is to be best-in-class in
terms of service quality, corporate governance,
corporate sustainability and community
commitment. As a signatory of the UN Global
Compact, we uphold its ten principles covering
human rights, labour practices, environment and
anti-corruption.
As a responsible corporate citizen, we continue
to look at ways to build a sustainable business
and grow together with all our stakeholders.
We also engage a diverse group of stakeholders
to understand their concerns and expectations,
so that we can anticipate and respond to their
needs. In FY2014, we completed the second
year of a three-year stakeholder engagement
programme in Singapore.
Every year, we benchmark our sustainability
efforts in Singapore and Australia against global
best practices. Our review over the past year
has affirmed our commitment to the four
pillars of Marketplace and Customer, People,
Community and the Environment.
We are also undertaking an extensive business
sustainability materiality review across the
SingTel Group in Singapore and Australia. The
findings will help us to refine our strategy and
continue to stay relevant in our rapidly changing
operating environment.
markeTplace
and cuSTomer
Increasing stakeholder
value and leading the market
with innovative ICT services
and care for our customers
communiTy
Driving positive and
sustainable changes to
disadvantaged communities,
focusing on vulnerable
young people and bridging
communities through ICT
people
Providing challenges
and opportunities for
our people and maintaining
a diverse, inclusive and
collaborative workplace
and culture
environmenT
Managing our environmental
footprint through resource
conservation and pollution
prevention
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marketplace
and customer
The SingTel Group is committed to
leading the market with care for our
customers and innovative infocomm
technology (ICT) services that help
them stay connected and improve their
personal and professional lives.
We adhere to the highest standards of
corporate governance and responsible
business practices. We also hold our
partners and suppliers to those same
high standards.
innovaTing for incluSion
In the digital age, we are leading the
way in delivering products and services
to customers – no matter where
they are and what devices they use.
To look after the well-being of our
community stakeholders, we also offer
solutions that are both socially and
digitally inclusive.
We want customers who do not have
credit cards to enjoy the same access to
the universe of mobile apps as others.
To this end, we created mCash, a stored
value facility. With mCash, customers
can pay for services such as prepaid
SIM card top-up, money remittance and
game credits purchase.
We also encouraged seniors to be part of
the digital world by introducing the first
mobile data plans in Singapore targeted
at users aged 55 and above. We offer a
20% discount on two of the most popular
4G data plans among seniors, with a
selection of handsets at no extra charge.
Innovation is a part of the SingTel Group’s
DNA, and we constantly improve our
products and processes. For more
details, please read our business reviews
from page 16 to 35 .
Taking reSponSibiliTy
The internet and mobile devices
have brought us many benefits such
as easy access to information and
entertainment. Youths and children have
also become more vulnerable to risks
such as cyber bullying and the loss
of privacy.
As service providers, we do not have
full control of the internet. However, we
are determined to play a pivotal role in
educating stakeholders and protecting
at-risk groups in this space.
In Australia, we developed and
introduced the Digital Thumbprint
programme in consultation with leading
education experts. The programme
offers high schools workshops
that educate students to be savvy,
responsible and proactive members of
the online community.
In partnership with Kids Helpline, the
country’s only free 24-hour phone and
online counselling service for the young,
we launched a new initiative called
Kids Helpline @ School. The initiative
connects primary school students to
counsellors via video or voice to discuss
topics such as cyber bullying. We deliver
both Digital Thumbprint and Kids
Helpline @ School to schools across
Australia at no charge.
1 The digital Thumbprint programme
educates high school students
to be savvy, responsible and proactive
online users
2 kids Helpline @ School, Australia’s only
free 24/7 phone and online counselling
service, connects primary school students
to counsellors via video or voice to discuss
topics such as cyber bullying
1
2
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community
our commiTmenT To
cuSTomer and daTa privacy
Our Group’s community mission is to enable the
inclusion and well-being of people through digital and
infocomm technologies.
we conduct our business in full compliance with
local laws and regulations, and have implemented
additional measures to protect our customers’
personal information. These include:
Going forward, we will continue to leverage our
core strengths and that of our staff, be it in specific
technological capabilities or skills or financial support, to
provide the most impactful support to our communities.
• Safeguards to prevent security breaches in our
Helping young people
networks and database systems
• Limits on access to information in our systems
and the systems of our business partners and
vendors
• Strict verification processes to prevent
unauthorised access to information
our approach goes beyond customer data
protection and is designed to ensure continued
engagement to encourage customers to deepen
their trust in us.
• We know that privacy is important to our
customers and we strive to be as open and
transparent as possible in how we serve them.
• We have always been mindful of engaging our
customers in a more targeted and relevant way.
we will provide our customers with control and
will seek their consent on how we collect, use
and disclose customer data.
we are determined to continue being recognised
as a trusted operator by both our customers
and partners.
For more than a decade, we have been championing
the cause of children and youths with special needs
in Singapore through the SingTel Touching Lives Fund
(STLF). Since the Fund’s inception in 2002, we have
raised close to S$28 million to help this community
segment.
This past year, we raised S$2.75 million through
activities supported by the company, our employees,
business partners and the public. In addition to cash
donations, our staff gave their time generously –
organising more than 20 activities and spending
more than 5,000 hours volunteering to support our
beneficiaries: APSN Chaoyang School, APSN Tanglin
School, Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore School,
Eden School, MINDS Lee Kong Chian Gardens School
and the Singapore Cancer Society’s Help the Children
and Youth Programme.
1
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Under our Optus Community Grants
programme, which provides up to
A$10,000 for projects providing
education, well-being or technology
access for young Australians, we have
disbursed almost A$1.2 million to 200
youth-focused community organisations
over the past six years.
Another key initiative is partnering The
Smith Family to improve young people’s
education in Australia. The Smith Family
Mobile Student2Student programme
helps students improve their reading
skills via mobile phone. This programme
targets disadvantaged young people
in remote areas without fixed-line
access. At the end of 2013, more than
93% of participating students showed
improvements in their reading abilities
since the start of the programme.
In September 2013, we introduced
yes4Good, a one-stop online portal
for Optus staff to donate their time
or money to charities and causes they
are passionate about. The company
supports our people’s giving by
matching up to A$100 per person
each year whether they give time
or money.
Providing skilled volunteering is one
way we can utilise our people’s skills to
build capacity in charity organisations
and assist them in achieving their goals.
As an experienced Lean Six Sigma
organisation, the Optus Customer
Experience team developed the Limelight
pathway to provide pro-bono services
to non-profit organisations that help
add value to their business. Optus staff
volunteered 153 hours through
the programme in FY2014.
Helping ouT in TougH TimeS
Disasters are unpredictable. But at the
SingTel Group, our coordinated efforts
are planned to be responsive and
effective to help our customers and the
local community in times of need.
After Typhoon Haiyan ripped through
the Philippines in November 2013,
SingTel made a combined corporate and
staff-funded donation of more than
S$170,000. Optus also contributed
150 satellite phones to our regional
mobile associate, Globe, to facilitate
communication. In April 2014, 20
volunteers from SingTel and Optus
travelled to the Philippines to help
rebuild a village that was destroyed by
Typhoon Haiyan, together with staff
volunteers from Globe.
We also promptly stepped up when
the bushfires in New South Wales,
Australia struck in October 2013 to
support customers in the affected
areas. We waived disconnection fees
and offered a call diversion service from
landlines to mobiles at no cost. Free
prepaid phones and SIM cards were
made available in the stricken Blue
Mountains and Richmond areas. We
also supported the Red Cross Disaster
Relief and Recovery effort by setting up
an SMS donation system, enabling the
public to make A$5 donations to support
the relief efforts.
1 Members of SingTel Management
spent a fun afternoon with children
from our beneficiaries
2 450 children from the STLF
beneficiaries were treated to an
exclusive carnival at the Marina
Barrage organised by 600 SingTel
volunteers
3 Globe paid for and handed
out 7,000 bags of relief goods
consisting of rice, noodles and
canned food to Filipinos affected
by Typhoon Haiyan
2
3
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people
Our people are the heart and soul of SingTel. It is their
talent and commitment that propel the business forward,
as we strive to be a company that they can be proud to be
a part of. We provide a diverse, inclusive and collaborative
workplace where each person is energised and engaged to
perform and develop to their fullest potential.
engaging acTively
SingTel has been measuring employee engagement
since 1998 because we know employee satisfaction is
fundamental to customer satisfaction, and ultimately to
business performance.
Results from each engagement survey are rigorously
analysed to guide meaningful action – from strategic
initiatives at the Group level to business unit plans
championed by employee Change Leaders in collaboration
with their colleagues and managers.
Our holistic approach to employee engagement
encompasses every aspect of their journey with us:
attraction, selection, development, performance and
even alumni initiatives should they leave the organisation.
At the heart of driving sustainable employee engagement
is SingTel’s Connect & Grow employee value proposition.
Connect & Grow underscores our commitment to building
strong relationships among our people, developing talent
and enabling employees to grow their career with us.
connecTing and growing aT SingTel
Sustainable business success entails ensuring a strong
pipeline of talent – having the right people in the right
roles at the right time.
We look out for strong candidates even before they join
the workforce. Through our Management Associate
Programme and various scholarship programmes, we
identify and coach young talent with leadership potential.
We have comprehensive processes in place to identify
high-potential employees starting at the team level and
rolling up to the SingTel Board Talent review. Our review
process was enhanced in 2013, enabling us to double the
size of talent identified in this pool.
our commiTmenT To
workforce diverSiTy
we believe that workforce diversity is essential
to building and sustaining our competitive
advantage. Such diversity fosters innovative
thinking and creative solutions to business
challenges, beyond any single individual employee
or department’s experience and capabilities.
Diversity at the group refers to the ways in
which we differ, including gender, age, ethnicity,
language, cultural background, physical ability
and lifestyle choice. we accept and respect these
differences, and leverage the richness of our
varied backgrounds, ideas and perspectives to
support the group in realising our potential in a
global market.
As a leading employer, we are committed to
developing and maintaining a diverse, inclusive
and collaborative workplace and culture. Through
our values, policies and behaviours, we aim
to promote an environment where individual
differences are recognised and valued. All
employees have the opportunity to realise their
potential and contribute to our overall success.
This commitment includes establishing
measurable diversity objectives, beginning with
gender diversity in our main employee populations
in Australia and Singapore. we will continuously
improve the proportion of women across all levels
of our workforce, ensuring that females are well
represented across the group throughout our
pipeline of talent.
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we are committed to workforce
diversity whereby each person is
energised and engaged to perform
and develop to their fullest potential.
ToTal STaff:
over
22,000
gender diSTribuTion
SiNgAPoRE
AUSTRALiA
operational Support
51%
49%
58%
42%
Professional
57%
43%
72%
28%
middle management
61%
39%
81%
19%
Top management
60%
40%
90%
10%
54%
46%
68%
32%
Total
Male
Female
Our flagship global executive development
programmes continue to be reviewed and
updated to build the leadership pipeline and
talent bench strength across the company. In
FY2014, our high-potential young executives
from SingTel, Optus and our regional mobile
associates attended the Regional Leadership
in Action programme, a learning experience
designed to stretch their thinking, provide
new concepts and support more regional
collaboration and peer learning.
providing THe rigHT ToolS
Our approach to learning and development takes
into account that our talent pool is truly global,
from diverse cultural backgrounds spanning
multiple generations – from Baby Boomers all
the way to Millennials.
One of the most popular events on our learning
calendar is the annual SingTel Learning Fiesta
(SLF), which has been growing from strength
to strength since its introduction in 2008.
It provides access to well-known keynote
speakers and new business showcases. It also
offers short courses and activities that cover
a wide range of topics such as innovation,
technology, health and well-being, and personal
development. Held over four days, SLF 2013
covered more than 70 topics and almost 15,000
training places across Singapore, Australia and,
for the first time, the US.
We further empower our people by providing
the tools to plan and take charge of their
own professional development. Career
development is embedded into our performance
management process so that employees can
track their growth.
working THe way we live
As a communications company in the digital
media business, the way we work and engage
with one another must reflect the ubiquity of
social media and mobile technology.
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A key resource for engaging and enabling
our people is ESPRESSO, our internal
social network that connects our global
workforce. ESPRESSO provides an
open and integrated forum for reading
company announcements, providing
feedback to leaders or just sharing
information.
To help our people stay connected on
the move, we developed mobile app
versions of ESPRESSO, our employee
directory and HR systems. Our learning
and development and recruitment
mobile apps provide a highly interactive
participant experience that includes
gamification.
celebraTing our workplace
We promote a fair, performance-based
culture anchored on our five core values
of Customer Focus, Challenger Spirit,
Teamwork, Integrity and Personal
Excellence.
We understand the importance of
flexible working arrangements, and
supplement our annual leave policies
with other forms of family leave. We also
provide paid time-off for studies and
volunteer activities.
Our reward policies are competitive
against industry peers with a strong
focus on paying for performance. We
remain relentlessly committed to a
safe, healthy work environment, and
foster a proactive and collaborative
partnership with employees directly,
as well as through the Union of
Telecoms Employees of Singapore. Our
Employment Partnership Agreement in
Australia, a collective agreement made
directly between Optus and employees
since 1994, was renewed in late 2012
for another three years.
We have progressed from defining
employee engagement in terms of how
our people think, feel and act, to also
asking if employees feel enabled and
energised. In 2013, we introduced a new
dimension to our employee engagement
survey to understand to what degree our
employees are also our advocates – for
instance, if they recommend SingTel
as a workplace and if they recommend
our products and services to friends
and family. Our goal is to instil and
strengthen pride in being part of SingTel.
age diSTribuTion
Singapore Fy2014
(%)
Boomers (Pre 1965)
Gen X (1965–1977)
Gen Y (1978 onwards)
23
37
40
Australia Fy2014
(%)
Boomers (Pre 1965)
Gen X (1965–1977)
Gen Y (1978 onwards)
16
40
44
Our people
come from
88
different
countries
SingTel staff ushering
in the Year of the
Horse together
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environment
SingTel continues to manage and
minimise the environmental impact
of our business and operations. We
focus on energy-efficient practices and
technologies, resource conservation and
pollution prevention.
Our early efforts to increase
environmental awareness and reporting
in this area have been recognised
regionally. SingTel was listed on the CDP
Asia (ex-Japan) 2013 Climate Disclosure
Leadership Index, where CDP recognised
SingTel for having the best disclosure
score in the category of Best New
Responding Companies in 2013.
In the coming year, we will continue to
strengthen our governance, improve
our programmes and enhance our
disclosure on the company’s impact on
the environment.
We are committed to adopting a holistic
approach to manage the environmental
impact across our value chain as we
engage our suppliers and customers in
these processes.
conTinuouS improvemenTS
aT work
cuSTomer, parTner and STaff
parTicipaTion
To reduce our environmental footprint,
we continue to implement various
initiatives such as the Managed Printing
System, which cuts wasteful printing by
holding print jobs until the user taps his
or her staff access card on the network
printer.
In FY2014, our Singapore office at
Serangoon North achieved the Green
Mark certification for existing buildings,
as well as the PUB Water Efficiency
Building Award, after undergoing a major
retrofitting exercise. In other premises
and work areas, energy efficiency and
management measures continue to be
rolled out. This includes overhauling and
replacing chillers to more energy efficient
ones and exploring the use of alternative
energy in our operations.
We are extending our Performance
Enhancement Lighting Management
System project to seven telephone
exchanges and two satellite earth
stations in Singapore as a result of a
successful conclusion of a trial in one
of our telephone exchanges.
We create opportunities for our
stakeholders to contribute to our
sustainability efforts.
Optus has been a member of
MobileMuster since 2007, the official
product stewardship programme for
Australia’s mobile phone industry. We
support the programme by recycling
mobile phones at our corporate offices
and retail stores nationwide. Last year,
we collected close to 20,000 phones and
worked to prevent phones, batteries and
accessories from ending up in landfills.
SingTel was the first to introduce an
operator-led mobile phone recycling
programme in Singapore via a
partnership with Nokia. Since 2011,
we have been providing a channel for
customers and the public to recycle
their old mobile phones, chargers and
accessories regardless of brand. More
than 5,000 handsets were collected
via post and our mobile phone
recycling bins.
More than 600 trees have
been planted in Singapore
since SingTel’s inception
of Plant-A-Tree Day
five years ago
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key environmenTal and Social performance indicaTorS
Singapore
australia
2014
2013
2014
2013
Energy use (GJ)
1,274,390
1,270,488
1,407,028
1,370,288
environmental
performance1
Carbon footprint (tonnes CO2e)
Water use (cubic metres)
186,303
705,886
189,107
788,726
346,102
344,997
91,955
97,872
Hazardous and non-hazardous waste
(tonnes)
4,124
4,293
1,271
Employee turnover (%)
12.9
15.4
8.4
658
10.0
Social
performance
- people
Employee turnover by gender (%)
Male
Female
Male
Female
Male
Female
Male
Female
11.5 15.1
15.6 15.1
9.0
10.0
9.0
14.0
Gender diversity (% female of total)
Average training hours
Workplace injury rate
(number of workplace injuries per
100,000 persons employed)
Accident frequency rate
(number of workplace accidents per
million man hours worked)
Accident severity rate
(number of man days lost to workplace
accidents per million man hours worked)
Community investment
Total volunteering hours
Social
performance
- community
38.0
31.0
38.0
31.6
32.0
28.5
31.0
25.7
143.7
164.4
146.5
158.7
0.3
7.7
0.5
6.4
0.7
0.8
19.8
13.5
S$9.3
million
12,144
S$4.0
million
10,935
a$9.7
million
8,724
A$9.4
million
6,835
note:
1 Please refer to the SingTel and Optus
sustainability reports for the reporting
scope of environmental indicators.
For more details, refer to our
Sustainability Report at:
singtel.com/sr2014
ovERviEw
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89
ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Group Five-year
Financial
Summary
income Statement (S$ million)
Group operating revenue
SingTel
Optus
Optus (A$ million)
Group EBITDA
SingTel
Optus
Optus (A$ million)
Share of associates' pre-tax profits
Group EBITDA and share of associates' pre-tax profits
Group EBIT
Net profit after tax
Underlying net profit (1)
Exchange rate (1 A$ against S$) (2)
cash flow (S$ million)
Group free cash flow (3)
Singapore
Optus
Optus (A$ million)
Associates' dividends (net of withholding tax)
Capital expenditure
balance Sheet (S$ million)
Total assets
Shareholders' funds
Net debt
key ratios
Proportionate EBITDA from outside Singapore (%)
Return on invested capital (%) (4)
Return on equity (%)
Return on total assets (%)
Net debt to EBITDA and share of associates’
pre-tax profits (number of times)
EBITDA and share of associates’ pre-tax profits
to net interest expense (number of times)
per Share information (S cents)
Earnings per share - basic
Earnings per share - underlying net profit (1)
Net assets per share
Dividend per share - ordinary
Dividend per share - special
“SingTel” refers to the SingTel Group excluding Optus.
financial year ended 31 march
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
16,848
6,912
9,936
8,466
5,155
2,223
2,932
2,502
2,201
7,357
5,224
3,652
3,610
1.174
3,249
1,181
1,020
903
1,048
2,102
39,320
23,868
7,534
76
11.6
15.3
9.2
1.0
28.7
22.92
22.65
149.80
16.8
–
18,183
6,732
11,451
8,934
5,200
2,147
3,053
2,381
2,106
7,306
5,178
3,508
3,611
1.282
3,759
1,491
1,367
1,068
900
2,059
39,984
23,965
7,477
77
11.8
14.8
8.7
1.0
24.5
22.02
22.66
150.42
16.8
–
18,825
6,551
12,275
9,368
5,219
2,128
3,091
2,357
2,005
7,223
5,222
3,989
3,676
1.310
3,462
1,170
1,451
1,111
841
2,249
40,418
23,428
7,860
78
12.0
16.7
10.0
1.1
20.7
25.04
23.07
147.08
15.8
–
18,071
6,401
11,670
9,284
5,119
2,183
2,937
2,334
2,141
7,260
5,291
3,825
3,800
1.257
4,038
1,436
1,519
1,206
1,084
2,005
39,282
24,328
6,023
76
12.5
16.0
9.9
0.8
21.8
24.02
23.86
152.75
15.8
10.0
16,871
5,995
10,876
8,949
4,847
2,224
2,623
2,153
2,410
7,257
5,379
3,907
3,910
1.215
3,406
1,290
1,258
1,015
858
1,923
37,952
23,493
6,311
74
14.0
17.8
11.0
0.9
23.5
24.55
24.56
147.55
14.2
–
Notes:
(1) Underlying net profit is defined as net profit before exceptional items and exchange differences on capital reductions of certain overseas subsidiaries, net of hedging,
as well as significant exceptional items of associates.
(2) Average A$ rate for translation of Optus’ operating revenue.
(3) Free cash flow refers to cash flow from operating activities, including dividends from associates, less cash capital expenditure.
(4) Return on invested capital is defined as EBIT (post-tax) divided by average capital.
90
Group Five-year
Financial
Summary
Singapore TelecommunicaTionS limiTed and SubSidiary companieS
five-year financial review
fy2014
The Group delivered a resilient
performance against industry challenges
and currency headwinds. Operating
revenue was S$16.85 billion, 7.3% lower
than FY2013 with the Australian Dollar
weakening 8% against the Singapore
Dollar. In constant currency terms,
revenue would have declined 2.3% with
lower mobile revenue in Australia and a
cautious business climate. EBITDA was
fy2013
relatively stable at S$5.16 billion but in
constant currency terms increased 4.5%
on an improved cost structure.
The associates’ pre-tax contributions
rose 4.5% to S$2.20 billion and would
have increased strongly by 13%
excluding the currency translation
impact. The regional mobile associates
registered robust demand for mobile
data services, with earnings growth led
by Airtel India.
Underlying net profit was stable at
S$3.61 billion and net profit including
exceptional items grew 4.1% to S$3.65
billion. In constant currency terms,
underlying net profit and net profit
would have increased 5.9% and 10%
respectively from FY2013.
The Group delivered resilient earnings
amid significant industry changes while
it continued to invest in transformational
initiatives to drive long-term growth.
Operating revenue was S$18.18 billion,
3.4% lower than FY2012 due to lower
mobile revenue in Australia. EBITDA
was stable at S$5.20 billion. In constant
currency terms, revenue declined 2.1%
but EBITDA grew 1.0% on strong cost
management.
The associates’ pre-tax contributions
grew 5.0% to S$2.11 billion. Excluding
the currency translation impact, the
associates’ pre-tax contributions
would have increased strongly by 12%,
underpinned by double-digit earnings
growth from Telkomsel and AIS.
Underlying net profit was S$3.61
billion, a decrease of 1.8% from FY2012.
Excluding currency translation impact,
underlying net profit rose 1.4%. Including
net exceptional losses mainly from
disposal of Warid Pakistan in FY2013,
net profit declined 12% to S$3.51 billion
in FY2013.
fy2012
The Group’s operating revenue grew
4.2% to S$18.83 billion, underpinned by
robust mobile growth in Singapore and
4% appreciation of the Australian Dollar.
EBITDA rose 1.9% to S$5.22 billion with
lower customer acquisition costs in
Australia partly offset by investments in
mio TV content and higher mobile
fy2011
The Group’s operating revenue grew 7.1%
to S$18.07 billion, led by a robust mobile
performance and a 3% strengthening
of the Australian Dollar. EBITDA
increased 5.6% to S$5.12 billion with
growth from Optus.
fy2010
acquisition and retention costs in
Singapore.
The associates’ pre-tax contributions
declined 6.4% to S$2.01 billion. Excluding
currency translation impact, the
associates’ pre-tax contributions would
have been stable, driven by strong profit
growth from Telkomsel and AIS partially
offset by Airtel’s lower earnings.
Underlying net profit was S$3.68 billion,
3.3% lower than FY2011. Including net
exceptional gains and an exceptional
net tax credit of S$270 million on the
increase in value of assets transferred
to an associate, net profit grew 4.3% to
S$3.99 billion.
The associates’ pre-tax contributions
declined 11% to S$2.14 billion. Both
Telkomsel and Globe reported lower
profits on increased competitive
pressures. Airtel’s earnings were
impacted by higher depreciation and
amortisation charges, and losses from
its newly acquired African operations in
June 2010, as well as related acquisition
financing and transaction costs.
Underlying net profit was S$3.80
billion, a decrease of 2.8% from FY2010.
Including net exceptional gains, net profit
declined 2.1% to S$3.83 billion.
The Group’s operating revenue grew
strongly by 13% to S$16.87 billion
and EBITDA increased 9.4% to S$4.85
billion, reflecting strong operational
performance and an 8% appreciation of
the Australian Dollar.
The associates’ pre-tax contributions
rose 18% to S$2.41 billion. The growth
was driven by strong turnaround in
Telkomsel’s operational performance and
the associates’ fair value gains on their
foreign currency liabilities.
The Group’s net profit grew 13% to
S$3.91 billion in FY2010.
ovERviEw
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91
ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Group
Value Added
Statements
group value added STaTemenTS
producTiviTy daTa
value added from:
Operating revenue
Less: Purchase of goods and services
Other income
Interest and investment income (net)
Share of results of associates (post-tax)
Exceptional items
2014
S$ million
2013
S$ million
16,848
(9,515)
7,333
108
125
1,393
114
1,739
18,183
(10,753)
7,430
117
47
1,397
(40)
1,521
value added
(S$m)
2014
2013
9,072
8,950
+122
value added per employee
Total value added
9,072
8,950
distribution of total value added
To employees in wages, salaries and benefits
To government in income and other taxes
To providers of capital on:
- Interest on borrowings
- Dividends to shareholders
Total distribution
retained in business
Depreciation and amortisation
Retained profits
Non-controlling interests
Total value added
2,285
691
306
2,678
5,960
2,133
974
5
3,112
9,072
2,347
621
345
2,518
5,830
2,127
991
2
3,120
8,950
(S$'000)
2014
2013
416
403
+13
value added per dollar
of employmenT coSTS
(S$)
2014
2013
3.97
3.81
+0.16
average number of employees
21,830
22,191
value added per dollar
of Turnover
(S$)
2014
2013
0.54
0.49
+0.05
Singapore TelecommunicaTionS limiTed and SubSidiary companieS
92
Management
Discussion
and Analysis
group review
group
operating revenue
ebiTda
EBITDA margin
financial year ended 31 march
2014
(S$ miilion)
2013
(S$ miilion)
16,848
18,183
5,155
5,200
30.6%
28.6%
change (%)
-7.3
-0.9
4.5
0.7
0.9
-1.6
Share of associates' pre-tax profits
2,201
2,106
ebiTda and share of associates' pre-tax profits
7,357
7,306
ebiT
(exclude share of associates' pre-tax profits)
5,224
3,023
5,178
3,072
Net finance expense
Taxation
(181)
(298)
-39.2
(1,428)
(1,267)
12.7
underlying net profit (2)
3,610
3,611
Underlying earnings per share (S cents)
Exceptional items (post-tax)
net profit
22.7
42
22.7
(103)
3,652
3,508
Basic earnings per share (S cents)
22.9
22.0
**
**
nm
4.1
4.1
Share of associates' post-tax profits
1,472
1,485
-0.8
“nm’’ denotes not meaningful. “**” denotes less than +/- 0.05%.
‘’Associate’’ refers to either an associate or a joint venture as defined under Singapore Financial Reporting Standards.
change in
constant
currency (1)
(%)
-2.3
4.5
13.2
7.0
7.2
3.1
-36.4
20.9
5.9
5.9
nm
10.1
10.1
7.2
Notes:
(1) Assuming constant exchange rates for the Australian Dollar and/or regional currencies (Indian Rupee, Indonesian Rupiah, Philippine Peso and Thai Baht) from the
previous year ended 31 March 2013 (FY2013).
(2) Underlying net profit refers to net profit before exceptional and other one-off items.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
The Group delivered a resilient
performance against industry challenges
and currency headwinds.
2.0% mainly due to declines in Data and
IP and Voice revenues partly offset by
growth in ICT and Managed Services.
of S$59 million (FY2013: Nil) of dividend
income from Southern Cross Consortium,
a joint venture of the Group.
Net profit grew 4.1% to S$3.65 billion
and in constant currency terms would
have increased 10% from last year.
Operating revenue declined 7.3% to
S$16.85 billion with the Australian Dollar
weakening 8% against the Singapore
Dollar. In constant currency terms,
revenue would have declined 2.3% with
lower mobile revenue in Australia and a
cautious business climate. EBITDA was
stable at S$5.16 billion but in constant
currency terms would have increased
4.5%, reflecting an improved cost
structure.
Group Consumer registered lower
revenue and stable EBITDA. In Singapore,
EBITDA rose strongly by 13% on 3.9%
increase in revenue, driven by growth
in Mobile Communications and Home
Services revenues. In Australia, EBITDA
grew 6.8% despite a decline in revenue
of 5.9%, with lower handset subsidy
costs and cost management. The lower
revenue in Australia was due to declines
in mobile service revenue, equipment
sales and fixed revenues. In constant
currency terms, Group Consumer’s
revenue would have declined 4.1% and
EBITDA would be up 8.0%.
Group Enterprise’s revenue and EBITDA
declined 2.7% and 1.5% respectively.
In constant currency terms, both
revenue and EBITDA would have been
stable, reflecting the cautious business
environment and keen competition. In
Singapore, revenue was stable with
growth in Mobile Communications and
Fibre rollout and maintenance revenues
partially offset by lower Managed
Services. In Australia, revenue declined
Group Digital L!fe achieved strong
revenue growth of 52%, with Amobee
delivering a significant increase in mobile
advertising revenue. Ongoing start-up
costs and higher investments in digital
businesses resulted in negative EBITDA
of S$170 million.
The associates’ pre-tax contributions
grew 4.5% to S$2.20 billion, and would
have increased strongly by 13% excluding
the currency translation impact. The
regional mobile associates registered
robust demand for mobile data services,
with earnings growth led by Airtel India.
Telkomsel recorded revenue and EBITDA
growth underpinned by strong data
momentum, which was partly offset
by higher network maintenance and
depreciation charges. Airtel delivered
sharply improved earnings on strong
data growth and higher margin in India
but losses in Africa increased due to
higher taxes. AIS reported stable profit
amid the unstable political situation
in Thailand and higher network costs
and depreciation from its 3G rollout.
Globe recorded higher profits with
growth across mobile and broadband
services partly offset by higher expenses
to drive customer acquisition and
transformation.
With higher depreciation and
amortisation charges from increased
investments in the mobile network,
the Group’s EBIT was stable at S$5.22
billion, and would have been up 7.2% in
constant currency terms.
Net finance expense decreased 39% on
lower interest expense and recognition
The increase in tax expense resulted
from higher withholding taxes on
increased dividends from the associates,
lower tax credits, as well as the share of
Airtel’s higher income taxes in Africa due
to higher withholding taxes on increased
income received from its subsidiaries and
various tax assessments.
Underlying net profit (before exceptional
items) was stable at S$3.61 billion and
in constant currency terms would have
increased 5.9% from last year.
The Group’s exceptional items for the
year mainly comprised S$150 million
of dilution gain on its equity interest
in Airtel, exceptional charges of S$61
million from the share of Globe’s
accelerated depreciation and impairment
charges of S$32 million for non-current
assets including venture investments.
The Group has successfully diversified
its earnings base through its expansion
and investments in overseas markets.
Consequently, the Group is exposed to
currency movements. On a proportionate
basis if the associates are consolidated
line-by-line, operations outside
Singapore accounted for 74% of the
Group’s proportionate revenue and 76%
of proportionate EBITDA.
94
Management
Discussion
and Analysis
buSineSS SegmenT ToTalS
operating revenue
- Group Consumer
- Group Enterprise
- Group Digital L!fe
group
ebiTda
- Group Consumer
- Group Enterprise
- Group Digital L!fe
- Corporate
group
EBITDA margin
- Group Consumer
- Group Enterprise
- Group
ebiT (exclude share of associates' pre-tax profits)
- Group Consumer
- Group Enterprise
- Group Digital L!fe
- Corporate
group
Note:
(1) Assuming constant exchange rate for the Australian Dollar from FY2013.
Singapore TelecommunicaTionS limiTed and SubSidiary companieS
financial year ended 31 march
2014
(S$ miilion)
2013
(S$ miilion)
change (%)
change in
constant
currency (1)
(%)
10,411
6,268
169
11,629
6,443
111
16,848
18,183
3,345
2,032
(170)
(52)
5,155
32.1%
32.4%
30.6%
1,941
1,352
(217)
(54)
3,023
3,331
2,063
(104)
(89)
5,200
28.6%
32.0%
28.6%
1,907
1,397
(146)
(86)
3,072
-10.5
-2.7
51.5
-7.3
0.4
-1.5
63.1
-41.8
-0.9
1.8
-3.2
49.3
-37.5
-1.6
-4.1
-0.1
53.0
-2.3
8.0
-0.2
63.9
-41.8
4.5
9.3
-2.9
50.1
-37.5
3.1
group conSumer
Group Consumer’s EBITDA margin
increased 3.5 percentage points to 32.1%
with margin expansion across Singapore
and Australia.
Singapore Consumer revenue grew
3.9% with continued growth in Mobile
Communications and mio TV partly
offsetting the decline in other services.
Mobile Communications revenue grew
6.1%, driven by increased take-up of
tiered 4G data plans and higher data
usage. mio TV revenue rose 43%,
boosted by strong demand for TV
bundles and an enhanced content suite.
Consumer Home Services revenue,
comprising residential mio TV, fixed
broadband and voice, grew 5.9% on
higher ARPU and a 6.1% increase in
the number of customers on bundled
plans. With lower handset subsidies and
decline in roaming traffic rates, EBITDA
and EBIT grew strongly by 13%
and 18% respectively.
Australia Consumer continued to
transform its business to drive profitable
growth, improve customer experience
and capitalise on mobile data usage
growth. EBITDA and EBIT grew 6.8% and
6.9% respectively, although operating
revenue declined 5.9%, reflecting cost
management and yield focus. The lower
revenue was due to lower equipment
sales from lower shipment volumes
and change in channel mix to Optus-
owned stores, lower mobile incoming
revenue from mandated declines in
mobile termination rate and lower fixed
revenues.
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95
ANNUAL REPORT 2014
group enTerpriSe
operaTing revenue
Group Enterprise’s EBITDA margin
was up slightly at 32.4%, despite lower
revenue.
In Singapore, operating revenue
was stable. Growth in Mobile
Communications and Fibre rollout and
maintenance revenues were offset
by lower Managed Services revenue
attributed partly to customers’ longer
procurement decision cycle in some
segments of the market. The order book
for Managed Services and Business
Solutions remained strong at S$2.1
billion as at end March 2014.
In Australia, operating revenue declined
2.0% as revenue last year was lifted
by the recognition of A$25 million of
one-off contract revenue. Excluding the
impact of this one-off contract revenue,
operating revenue would be stable. The
increase in ICT and Managed Services
revenue was offset by declines in Data
and IP and Voice revenues due to the
impact of price competition and declines
in legacy services as customers migrated
to lower cost IP-based solutions.
group digiTal l!fe
Group Digital L!fe achieved strong
revenue growth of 52% at S$169
million with growth momentum in
mobile advertising. Amobee’s revenue
more than doubled from a year ago
underpinned by customer wins, and
outperformed the growth rate of global
mobile advertising spend.
Group Digital L!fe continued to grow
and strengthen its digital content suite
through its apps and internet portals
such as NewsLoop, AMPed, Pixable and
HungryGoWhere, which has gained
10 million monthly active customers
globally. During the year, Amobee
expanded the capabilities of its digital
advertising platform by acquiring
Gradient X, a developer of market-
leading, real-time bidding platform
for mobile ads.
financial year ended 31 march
2014
(S$ miilion)
2013
(S$ miilion)
change (%)
by products and Services
Mobile Communications
Data and Internet
Managed Services
National Telephone
Sale of Equipment
International Telephone
Business Solutions
Pay Television
Digital Businesses (1)
Fibre rollout and maintenance
Others
7,250
3,141
1,698
1,503
1,244
689
568
252
165
154
186
7,837
3,434
1,744
1,723
1,486
760
560
218
111
117
194
-7.5
-8.5
-2.6
-12.8
-16.3
-9.3
1.4
15.5
48.2
31.3
-3.8
-7.3
Total
16,848
18,183
Note:
(1) Comprise revenues mainly from mobile advertising, eCommerce, concierge and hyper-local services. Exclude
TV advertising revenue under ‘Pay Television’ from 1 April 2013.
The decline in Sale of equipment
revenue was mainly due to lower sales
volume and a change in retail distribution
strategy in Australia.
Operating revenue trends of the Group
have been impacted by the weaker
Australian Dollar in the year. In constant
currency terms, revenue declined 2.3%
from last year.
mobile communications revenue
declined 7.5% on lower revenue in
Australia and weaker Australian Dollar.
In Singapore, SingTel’s mobile market
share was stable at 47.2% as at
31 March 2014. In Australia, Optus’
mobile market share was 30.4% based
on latest available published data as at
31 December 2013.
data and internet revenue was down
8.5%, reflecting the impact of price
competition and decline in legacy data
services.
Revenue from managed Services
declined 2.6% as the revenue last year
was lifted by the recognition of one-
off contract revenue of S$33 million.
Excluding the impact of this one-off
revenue, Managed Services revenue
was stable.
Singapore TelecommunicaTionS limiTed and SubSidiary companieS
96
Management
Discussion
and Analysis
aSSociaTeS
group share of associates' pre-tax profits
2,201
2,106
4.5
13.2
financial year ended 31 march
2014
(S$ miilion)
2013
(S$ miilion)
change (%)
change in
constant
currency (1)
(%)
Share of post-tax profits
Regional mobile associates
Telkomsel
AIS
Airtel (2)
- ordinary results (India)
- ordinary results (International) (3)
- exceptional items
Globe (4)
Warid Pakistan (5)
Other associates
705
335
479
(257)
(19)
203
159
–
1,402
71
754
338
366
(198)
–
169
150
(18)
1,393
92
group share of associates' post-tax profits
1,472
1,485
“nm” denotes not meaningful.
-6.5
-1.0
30.9
30.2
nm
20.6
5.7
nm
0.7
-23.4
-0.8
5.6
-0.1
44.6
43.6
nm
33.5
9.1
nm
9.3
-24.0
7.2
Notes:
(1) Assuming constant exchange rates for the regional currencies (Indian Rupee, Indonesian Rupiah, Philippine Peso and Thai Baht) from FY2013.
(2) Share of results for FY2014 excluded the Group’s share of Airtel’s exceptional tax expense of S$15 million, which has been classified as an exceptional item of the Group.
(3) With effect from 1 April 2013, Airtel reported the results of Africa, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka as part of its “International” segment. Comparatives have been restated
accordingly.
(4) Share of results for FY2014 excluded the Group’s share of Globe’s accelerated depreciation arising from its network modernisation and IT transformation, which has been
classified as an exceptional item of the Group.
(5) Warid Pakistan was disposed in March 2013.
Country mobile penetration rate
Market share, 31 March 2014 (2)
Market share, 31 March 2013 (2)
Market position (2)
Mobile customers ('000)
- Aggregate
- Proportionate
Growth in mobile customers (%) (3)
airtel (1)
Telkomsel
73%
22.7%
21.7%
#1
120%
44.1%
43.6%
#1
aiS
147%
45.2%
43.6%
#1
globe
112%
36.6%
32.9%
#2
pbTl
70%
1.2%
1.5%
#6
283,580
91,823
9.1%
132,651
46,428
10%
42,363
9,879
14%
40,749
19,242
16%
1,414
636
-2.5%
Notes:
(1) Mobile penetration rate, market share and market position pertain to India market only.
(2) Based on number of mobile customers.
(3) Compared against 31 March 2013 and based on aggregate mobile customers.
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FiNANCiALS
ADDiTioNAL
iNFoRmATioN
97
ANNUAL REPORT 2014
The Group’s share of the associates’
pre-tax profits grew 4.5%. However, the
Group’s share of post-tax profits was
stable with the higher taxes recorded
by Airtel. Strong earnings growth from
the associates was partially offset by
adverse currency movements and fair
value losses. If the regional currencies
had remained stable from a year ago, the
pre-tax and post-tax contributions from
the associates would have increased by
13% and 7.2% respectively.
The regional mobile associates
continued their strong customer growth
momentum. Telkomsel registered
10% increase in its customer base to
133 million, including 63 million data
customers at end of March 2014. Airtel’s
total mobile customer base, covering
India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and across
Africa, reached 284 million as at 31
March 2014, up 9.1% from a year ago.
The Group’s combined mobile customer
base reached 514 million in 25 countries,
a growth of 10% or 47 million from a
year ago.
Telkomsel accounted for 48% (FY2013:
51%) of the Group’s share of associates’
post-tax profits. Operating revenue grew
9%, boosted by growth across voice and
data with continued customer growth
and strong data adoption. EBITDA
grew 9% despite higher operation and
maintenance costs from increased
network deployment. Including higher
depreciation charges on the expanded
network rollout and increased fair value
losses, the Group’s share of Telkomsel’s
post-tax profit grew 5.6% in Indonesian
Rupiah terms. Telkomsel’s post-tax
contribution, however, declined 6.5%
to S$705 million after accounting for
the 13% depreciation of the Indonesian
Rupiah against the Singapore Dollar.
aiS’ service revenue (excluding
interconnect revenue) grew 4% amid the
unstable political situation and weak
consumer sentiment in Thailand. The
revenue growth was driven by strong
mobile data growth from 3G 2.1 GHz
services launched in May 2013 and
increased smartphone penetration.
EBITDA grew 3% as higher costs related
to the 3G expansion were mitigated by
lower regulatory fees. Including higher
depreciation and amortisation charges
from the 3G rollout, AIS’ post-tax
contribution was stable at S$335 million.
airtel reported strong operating
performance in India with revenue
growth of 10% underpinned by an
enlarged customer base and strong
mobile data growth. EBITDA grew
strongly by 20% and margin expanded
with higher effective call rates and
improved operational efficiency. In
Africa, with regulatory interventions
and political unrest in some parts of
Africa, revenue and EBITDA rose 2%
and 1% respectively in US Dollar terms
on a higher customer base and growth
in mobile data. However, with higher
withholding taxes on increased income
received from its subsidiaries and tax
charges from various tax assessments in
Africa, the share of Airtel International’s
losses increased from last year. Overall,
the Group’s share of Airtel’s total post-
tax profit grew 34% in Indian Rupee
terms despite higher fair value losses.
With the 10% weakening of the Indian
Rupee against the Singapore Dollar,
overall post-tax contribution from Airtel
grew 21% to S$203 million.
globe, the second-largest mobile phone
operator in the Philippines, recorded
service revenue growth of 10%, driven
by a higher mobile customer base and
strong data momentum. EBITDA rose
4% with higher subsidy and service
costs to drive customer acquisition
and transformation initiatives. Globe’s
post-tax contribution grew 5.7% to
S$159 million. This contribution excluded
Globe’s accelerated depreciation charges
related to its network modernisation
and IT transformation programmes.
The Group’s post-tax share of this
exceptional charge of S$61 million
(FY2013: S$83 million) has been
classified as an exceptional item of
the Group.
98
Management
Discussion
and Analysis
caSH flow
Net cash inflow from operating activities
Tax benefit payment to NetLink Trust
Net cash outflow for investing activities
Net cash outflow for financing activities
net decrease in cash balance
Exchange effects on cash balance
Cash balance at beginning of year
cash balance at end of year
Singapore (1)
Australia
Australia (in A$)
Associates (net dividends after withholding tax)
group free cash flow (1)
group free cash flow
Cash capital expenditure as a percentage of operating revenue
“nm’’ denotes not meaningful.
Singapore TelecommunicaTionS limiTed and SubSidiary companieS
financial year ended 31 march
2014
(S$ miilion)
2013
(S$ miilion)
5,493
5,818
(143)
-
5,350
5,818
(2,801)
(2,557)
(2,825)
(3,702)
(276)
(13)
911
623
1,324
1,020
903
1,048
3,391
3,249
12%
(442)
6
1,346
911
1,491
1,367
1,068
900
3,759
3,759
11%
change (%)
-5.6
nm
-8.0
9.6
-23.7
-37.6
nm
-32.3
-31.7
-11.2
-25.4
-15.4
16.4
-9.8
-13.6
Note:
(1) Adjusted to exclude payment of S$143 million to NetLink Trust in FY2014 in consideration of tax benefits utilised by the Group. The S$143 million was subsequently
applied by NetLink Trust towards its acquisition of OpenNet Pte. Ltd.
ovERviEw
BUSiNESS
REviEw
SUSTAiNABiLiTy
AND govERNANCE
PERFoRmANCE
FiNANCiALS
ADDiTioNAL
iNFoRmATioN
99
ANNUAL REPORT 2014
free caSH flow
inveSTing acTiviTieS
The Group’s free cash flow, excluding the
tax benefit payment to NetLink Trust,
declined by 9.8% or S$368 million to
S$3.39 billion due partly to translation
impact of a weaker Australian Dollar.
Free cash flow from Singapore declined
11% as a result of higher working capital
reflecting higher receivables mainly from
the fibre rollout contract with OpenNet.
Free cash flow from Australia declined
15% to A$903 million as strong operating
cash flow was offset by higher cash
tax payments and capital expenditure.
The dividends from the associates rose
16%, mainly on higher dividends from
Telkomsel and AIS.
operaTing acTiviTieS
The Group’s net cash inflow from
operating activities for the year
(excluding tax benefit payment to
NetLink Trust) was S$5.49 billion, down
5.6% or S$325 million. The tax benefit
payment to NetLink Trust was made in
consideration of tax benefits utilised by
the Group, and this was subsequently
applied towards acquisition of OpenNet
by NetLink Trust. The higher cash tax
payments in Australia of S$275 million
(A$236 million) and working capital
movements were partly offset by
increased dividends from the associates.
The investing cash outflow was S$2.80
billion. Capital expenditure totalled
S$2.10 billion, and represented 12%
of the Group’s operating revenue,
1 percentage point higher than last
year. Major capital investments were
made in mobile networks including LTE
deployment in Singapore and Australia
and in fixed and data infrastructure.
During the year, payments of S$384
million were also made for the
acquisition of an additional 3.6% equity
interest in Bharti Telecom Limited, and
S$276 million for the acquisition of
licences and intangibles including Optus’
renewal of the 1800 MHz spectrum and
GSM900 apparatus licences.
financing acTiviTieS
Net cash outflow of S$2.83 billion for
financing activities comprised mainly
the payments of S$1.59 billion for final
dividends in respect of the previous
financial year ended 31 March 2013,
and S$1.08 billion for interim dividends
in respect of the current financial year.
Other major financing cash flows
included a net increase in borrowings
of S$205 million and interest payments
of S$309 million.
Singapore TelecommunicaTionS limiTed and SubSidiary companieS
100
Management
Discussion
and Analysis
capiTal managemenT
group
Gross debt (S$ m)
Net debt (1) (S$ m)
Net debt gearing ratio (2) (%)
Net debt to EBITDA and share of associates’ pre-tax profits
(number of times)
Net debt to EBITDA and cash dividends from associates
(number of times)
Interest cover (3) (number of times)
Average maturity of borrowings (years)
financial year ended 31 march
2014
8,157
7,534
24.0
1.0
1.2
28.7
6.1
2013
8,388
7,477
23.8
1.0
1.2
24.5
6.8
As at 31 March 2014, the Group’s net
debt was S$7.53 billion, 0.8% higher
than a year ago.
The Group has one of the strongest
credit ratings among telecommunication
companies in the Asia Pacific region. SingTel
is currently rated Aa3 by Moody’s and A+
by Standard & Poor’s. The Group continues
to maintain a healthy capital structure.
SingTel maintained its dividend payout
ratio at between 60% and 75% of
underlying net profit. For the financial
year ended 31 March 2014, the total
dividend payout, including the proposed
final dividend, was 16.8 cents per share
or 74% of underlying earnings. The
dividend payout is influenced by
the Group’s cash flow generation,
including dividends from associates.
notes:
(1) Net debt is defined as gross debt less cash and
bank balances adjusted for related hedging
balances.
(2) Net debt gearing ratio is defined as the ratio of
net debt to net capitalisation. Net capitalisation
is the aggregate of net debt, shareholders’ funds
and minority interests.
(3) Interest cover refers to the ratio of EBITDA and
share of associates’ pre-tax profits to net interest
expense, where net interest expense is interest
expense less interest income.
The Group remains committed to an
optimal capital structure and investment
grade credit ratings, while maintaining
financial flexibility to pursue growth.
SenSiTiviTy analySiS for
currency TranSlaTion
If the relevant foreign currency
changes against SGD by 10% with
all other variables held constant, the
currency translation impact on the
Group’s net profit would be as follows:
optus’ net profit
1 AUD against SGD
- strengthened 10%
- weakened 10%
Share of Telkomsel’s net profit
IDR against SGD
- strengthened 10%
- weakened 10%
Share of airtel’s net profit
INR against SGD
- strengthened 10%
- weakened 10%
change in group's net profit
2014
S$ million
2013
S$ million
97.6
(97.6)
70.5
(70.5)
18.8
(18.8)
93.5
(93.5)
75.4
(75.4)
16.9
(16.9)
Financial
Statements
ContentS
Directors’ Report
Statement of Directors
Independent Auditors’ Report
Consolidated Income Statement
Consolidated Statement of
Comprehensive Income
Statements of Financial Position
Statements of Changes in Equity
Consolidated Statement of
Cash Flows
Notes to the Financial Statements
102
110
111
112
113
114
116
120
123
102
Directors’
Report
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
SInGAPoRe teLeCoMMUnICAtIonS LIMIteD AnD SUBSIDIARY CoMPAnIeS
The Directors present their report to the members together with the audited financial statements of the Company (“Singtel”) and its
subsidiaries (the “Group”) for the financial year ended 31 March 2014.
1.
DIReCtoRS
The Directors of the Company in office at the date of this report are -
Simon Claude Israel (Chairman)
Chua Sock Koong (Group Chief Executive Officer)
Bobby Chin Yoke Choong
Fang Ai Lian
David Michael Gonski AC (1)
Dominic Chiu Fai Ho
Christina Hon Kwee Fong (Christina Ong) (appointed on 7 April 2014)
Low Check Kian
Peter Edward Mason AM (2)
Kaikhushru Shiavax Nargolwala
Peter Ong Boon Kwee
Ong Peng Tsin, who served during the financial year, retired following the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting on 26 July
2013.
(1) Companion of the Order of Australia.
(2) Member of the Order of Australia.
2.
ARRAnGeMentS to enABLe DIReCtoRS to ACQUIRe BeneFItS BY MeAnS oF tHe ACQUISItIon oF SHAReS AnD
DeBentUReS
Neither at the end of nor at any time during the financial year was the Company a party to any arrangement whose object
is to enable the Directors of the Company to acquire benefits by means of the acquisition of shares in, or debentures of, the
Company or any other body corporate, except for performance shares granted under the SingTel Performance Share Plan
(the “Singtel PSP 2003”) and the SingTel Performance Share Plan 2012 (the “Singtel PSP 2012”).
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Directors’
Report
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
3.
DIReCtoRS’ InteReStS In SHAReS AnD DeBentUReS
The interests of the Directors holding office at the end of the financial year in the share capital of the Company and related
corporations according to the register of Directors’ shareholdings kept by the Company under Section 164 of the Singapore
Companies Act were as follows -
Singapore telecommunications Limited
(ordinary shares)
Simon Claude Israel
Chua Sock Koong
Bobby Chin Yoke Choong
Fang Ai Lian
David Michael Gonski AC
Dominic Chiu Fai Ho
Christina Ong
Low Check Kian
Peter Edward Mason AM
Kaikhushru Shiavax Nargolwala
Peter Ong Boon Kwee
Mapletree Commercial trust Management Ltd.
(Unit holdings in Mapletree Commercial trust)
Simon Claude Israel
Bobby Chin Yoke Choong
Mapletree Greater China Commercial trust
Management Ltd.
(Unit holdings in Mapletree Greater China
Commercial trust)
Simon Claude Israel
Chua Sock Koong
Peter Ong Boon Kwee
Mapletree Industrial trust Management Ltd.
(Unit holdings in Mapletree Industrial trust)
Simon Claude Israel
Chua Sock Koong
Bobby Chin Yoke Choong
Mapletree Logistics trust Management Ltd.
(Unit holdings in Mapletree Logistics trust)
Simon Claude Israel
(Perpetual securities issued by Mapletree
Logistics trust)
Kaikhushru Shiavax Nargolwala
Holdings registered in the name
of Director or nominee
Holdings in which Director is
deemed to have an interest
At 31 March 2014
At 1 April 2013
or date of
appointment,
if later
At 31 March 2014
At 1 April 2013
or date of
appointment,
if later
602,820 (1)
4,390,513
–
91,930
–
15,000
–
1,490
100,000 (4)
400,000 (5)
870
602,820
4,390,513
–
91,930
–
15,000
–
1,490
100,000
400,000
870
1,360 (2)
4,604,495 (3)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
1,537 (2)
1,360
4,652,675
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
1,537
3,456,000 (1)
–
3,056,000
–
–
100,000 (2)
–
100,000
1,000,000 (1)
430,000
–
1,000,000
–
–
–
50,000 (2)
32,000 (2)
–
–
32,000
990,160 (1)
11,000
129,600
990,160
11,000
129,600
1,000,000 (1)
648,000
5,000 (6)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
104
Directors’
Report
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
3.
DIReCtoRS’ InteReStS In SHAReS AnD DeBentUReS (Cont’d)
SInGAPoRe teLeCoMMUnICAtIonS LIMIteD AnD SUBSIDIARY CoMPAnIeS
Holdings registered in the name
of Director or nominee
Holdings in which Director is
deemed to have an interest
At 31 March 2014
At 1 April 2013
or date of
appointment,
if later
At 31 March 2014
At 1 April 2013
or date of
appointment,
if later
–
–
29,489 (2)
29,489
9,000 (1)
2,000
–
5,600
9,000
2,000
–
5,600
50,000
1
53,000 (6)
50,000
1
–
–
–
2,000 (2)
–
–
–
–
–
–
2,000
–
–
–
–
neptune orient Lines Limited
(ordinary shares)
Bobby Chin Yoke Choong
Singapore Airlines Limited
(ordinary shares)
Simon Claude Israel
Chua Sock Koong
Bobby Chin Yoke Choong
Low Check Kian
Singapore technologies engineering Limited
(ordinary shares)
Fang Ai Lian
Christina Ong
Kaikhushru Shiavax Nargolwala
notes:
(1) Held in the name of Citibank Nominees Singapore Pte. Ltd.
(2) Held by spouse.
(3) Chua Sock Koong’s deemed interest of 4,604,495 shares included -
(a)
(b)
28,137 ordinary shares held by Ms Chua’s spouse; and
an aggregate of up to 4,576,358 ordinary shares in SingTel awarded to Ms Chua pursuant to the SingTel PSP 2003 and the SingTel PSP 2012, subject to
certain performance criteria being met and other terms and conditions. Depending on the extent of the satisfaction of the relevant performance criteria, up
to an aggregate of 5,987,061 ordinary shares may be released pursuant to the conditional awards granted.
According to the Register of Directors’ Shareholdings, Ms Chua had a deemed interest in 10,836,742 shares held by DBS Trustee Limited, the trustee of a
trust established for the purposes of the SingTel PSP 2003 and the SingTel PSP 2012 for the benefit of eligible employees of the Group as at 19 November
2012 being the date on which the Securities and Futures (Disclosure of Interests) Regulations 2012 (the “SFA (DOI) Regulations”) came into operation.
Under regulation 6 of the SFA (DOI) Regulations, Ms Chua is exempted from reporting interests and changes in interests in shares held by the trust with
effect from 19 November 2012.
(4) Held by Burgoyne Investments Pty Ltd as trustee for Burgoyne Superannuation Fund. Both Peter Edward Mason AM and spouse are directors of Burgoyne
Investments Pty Ltd and beneficiaries of Burgoyne Superannuation Fund.
(5) Held in the name of HSBC (Singapore) Nominees Pte. Ltd.
(6) Held in the name of DBS Nominees Pte. Ltd.
According to the register of Directors’ shareholdings, there were no changes to any of the above-mentioned interests between
the end of the financial year and 21 April 2014.
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105
ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Directors’
Report
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
4.
DIReCtoRS’ ContRACtUAL BeneFItS
Since the end of the previous financial year, no Director has received or become entitled to receive a benefit by reason of a
contract made by the Company or a related corporation with the Director or with a firm of which he is a member, or with a
company in which he has a substantial financial interest except as disclosed in the notes to the financial statements and in
this report.
5.
PeRFoRMAnCe SHAReS
The Executive Resource and Compensation Committee (“eRCC”) is responsible for administering the SingTel performance share
plans. At the date of this report, the members of the ERCC are Kaikhushru Shiavax Nargolwala (Chairman of the ERCC), Simon
Claude Israel, Fang Ai Lian and Peter Edward Mason AM.
The SingTel PSP 2003 was implemented with the approval of shareholders at the Extraordinary General Meeting held on 29
August 2003. The duration of the SingTel PSP 2003 was 10 years commencing 29 August 2003.
At the Extraordinary General Meeting held on 27 July 2012, the shareholders approved the adoption of the SingTel Performance
Share Plan 2012. The duration of the SingTel PSP 2012 is 10 years commencing 27 July 2012. This plan gives the flexibility to
either allot and issue and deliver new SingTel shares or purchase and deliver existing SingTel shares upon the vesting of awards.
The SingTel PSP 2003 was terminated following the adoption of the SingTel PSP 2012, without prejudice to the rights of
holders of awards accepted and outstanding under the SingTel PSP 2003 as at the date of such termination.
The participants of the performance share plans will receive fully paid SingTel shares free of charge, the equivalent in cash, or
combinations thereof, provided that certain prescribed performance targets are met within a prescribed performance period.
The performance period for the awards granted is three years, except for Restricted Share Awards which have a performance
period of two years. The number of SingTel shares to be allocated to each participant or category of participants will be
determined at the end of the performance period based on the level of attainment of the performance targets.
From the commencement of the performance share plans to 31 March 2014, awards comprising an aggregate of 229,678,043
shares and 14,596,373 shares have been granted under the SingTel PSP 2003 and the SingTel PSP 2012 respectively.
106
Directors’
Report
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
5.
PeRFoRMAnCe SHAReS (Cont’d)
SInGAPoRe teLeCoMMUnICAtIonS LIMIteD AnD SUBSIDIARY CoMPAnIeS
Performance share awards granted, vested and cancelled during the financial year, and share awards outstanding at the end of
the financial year, were as follows –
Date of grant
Performance shares (General Awards)
For Group Chief executive officer
(Chua Sock Koong)
03.06.10
02.06.11
For other staff
03.06.10
01.09.10
02.12.10
02.03.11
02.06.11
01.09.11
10.01.12
15.03.12
Sub-total
Balance
as at
1 April 2013
(‘000)
Share
awards
granted
(‘000)
Share
awards
vested
(‘000)
Share
awards
cancelled
(‘000)
Balance
as at
31 March 2014
(‘000)
934
1,013
1,947
15,999
40
201
149
18,389
92
65
72
35,007
36,954
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(526)
–
(526)
(8,926)
(4)
(113)
(84)
(79)
–
–
–
(9,206)
(408)
–
(408)
–
1,013
1,013
(7,073)
(36)
(88)
(65)
(1,987)
(5)
–
(57)
(9,311)
–
–
–
–
16,323
87
65
15
16,490
(9,732)
(9,719)
17,503
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Directors’
Report
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
5.
PeRFoRMAnCe SHAReS (Cont’d)
Date of grant
Performance shares
(Senior Management Awards)
For Group Chief executive officer
(Chua Sock Koong)
03.06.10
02.06.11
For other staff
03.06.10
02.06.11
Sub-total
Performance shares
(Restricted Share Awards)
For Group Chief executive officer
(Chua Sock Koong)
26.06.12
21.06.13
For other staff
26.06.12
05.10.12
25.03.13
21.06.13
30.09.13
Sub-total
Balance
as at
1 April 2013
(‘000)
Share
awards
granted
(‘000)
Share
awards
vested
(‘000)
Share
awards
cancelled
(‘000)
Balance
as at
31 March 2014
(‘000)
630
655
1,285
2,518
2,267
4,785
6,070
119
–
119
5,202
30
39
–
–
5,271
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(558)
–
(558)
(2,240)
–
(2,240)
(72)
–
(72)
(278)
–
(278)
–
655
655
–
2,267
2,267
(2,798)
(350)
2,922
–
98
98
–
–
–
4,855
12
4,867
–
–
–
(58)
–
–
(23)
–
(81)
(81)
–
–
–
(603)
–
–
(209)
–
(812)
119
98
217
4,541
30
39
4,623
12
9,245
(812)
9,462
5,390
4,965
108
Directors’
Report
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
5.
PeRFoRMAnCe SHAReS (Cont’d)
Date of grant
Performance shares
(Performance Share Awards)
For Group Chief executive officer
(Chua Sock Koong)
26.06.12
21.06.13
For other staff
26.06.12
05.10.12
25.03.13
21.06.13
30.09.13
Sub-total
Total
SInGAPoRe teLeCoMMUnICAtIonS LIMIteD AnD SUBSIDIARY CoMPAnIeS
Balance
as at
1 April 2013
(‘000)
Share
awards
granted
(‘000)
Share
awards
vested
(‘000)
Share
awards
cancelled
(‘000)
Balance
as at
31 March 2014
(‘000)
1,273
–
1,273
6,197
146
11
–
–
6,354
–
1,418
1,418
–
–
–
7,973
15
7,988
7,627
9,406
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(412)
–
–
(205)
–
(617)
1,273
1,418
2,691
5,785
146
11
7,768
15
13,725
(617)
16,416
56,041
14,371
(12,611)
(11,498)
46,303
During the financial year, awards in respect of an aggregate of 12,587,199 and 23,494 shares granted under the SingTel PSP
2003 and the SingTel PSP 2012 respectively were vested. The awards were satisfied in part by the delivery of existing shares
purchased from the market and in part by the payment of cash in lieu of delivery of shares, as permitted under the SingTel PSP
2003 and the SingTel PSP 2012 respectively.
As at 31 March 2014, no participant has received shares pursuant to the vesting of awards granted under the SingTel PSP 2003
and the SingTel PSP 2012 which, in aggregate, represents five per cent or more of the aggregate of -
(i)
(ii)
the total number of new shares available under the SingTel PSP 2003 and the SingTel PSP 2012; and
the total number of existing shares purchased for delivery of awards released under the SingTel PSP 2003 and the
SingTel PSP 2012.
Non-executive Directors are currently not eligible to participate in the SingTel performance share plans.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Directors’
Report
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
6.
AUDIt CoMMIttee
At the date of this report, the Audit Committee comprises the following members, all of whom are non-executive and the
majority of whom, including the chairman, are independent -
Fang Ai Lian (Chairman of the Audit Committee)
Bobby Chin Yoke Choong
Dominic Chiu Fai Ho
Christina Ong (appointed on 2 May 2014)
Peter Ong Boon Kwee
The Audit Committee carried out its functions in accordance with Section 201B of the Singapore Companies Act, Chapter 50.
In performing its functions, the Committee reviewed the overall scope and results of both internal and external audits and the
assistance given by the Company’s officers to the auditors. It met with the Company’s internal auditors to discuss the results
of the respective examinations and their evaluation of the Company’s system of internal accounting controls. The Committee
also held discussions with the internal and external auditors and is satisfied that the processes put in place by management
provide reasonable assurance on mitigation of fraud risk exposure to the Group.
The Committee also reviewed the financial statements of the Company and the Group, as well as the Independent Auditors’
Report thereon.
In addition, the Committee had, with the assistance of the internal auditors, reviewed the procedures set up by the Company
and the Group to identify and report, and where necessary, sought appropriate approval for interested person transactions.
The Committee has full access to and has the co-operation of management and has been given the resources required for it to
discharge its function properly. It also has full discretion to invite any Director or executive officer to attend its meetings. The
external and internal auditors have unrestricted access to the Audit Committee.
The Committee has nominated Deloitte & Touche LLP for re-appointment as auditors of the Company at the forthcoming
Annual General Meeting.
7.
AUDItoRS
The auditors, Deloitte & Touche LLP, have expressed their willingness to accept re-appointment.
On behalf of the Directors
Simon Claude Israel
Chairman
Singapore
14 May 2014
Chua Sock Koong
Director
110
Statement
of Directors
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
In the opinion of the Directors,
SInGAPoRe teLeCoMMUnICAtIonS LIMIteD AnD SUBSIDIARY CoMPAnIeS
(a)
the consolidated financial statements of the Group and the statement of financial position and statement of changes in equity
of the Company as set out on pages 112 to 204 are drawn up so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the
Group and of the Company as at 31 March 2014 and of the results, changes in equity and cash flows of the Group and changes
in equity of the Company for the year then ended; and
(b)
at the date of this statement, there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Company will be able to pay its debts as and
when they fall due.
On behalf of the Directors
Simon Claude Israel
Chairman
Singapore
14 May 2014
Chua Sock Koong
Director
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111
ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Independent Auditors’ Report
To the Members of Singapore Telecommunications Limited
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
Report on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying financial statements of Singapore Telecommunications Limited (the “Company”) and its subsidiaries
(the “Group”) which comprise the statements of financial position of the Group and the Company as at 31 March 2014, the income
statement, statement of comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity and statement of cash flows of the Group and the
statement of changes in equity of the Company for the year then ended, and a summary of significant accounting policies and other
explanatory information, as set out on pages 112 to 204.
Management’s Responsibility for the Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation of financial statements that give a true and fair view in accordance with the provisions
of the Singapore Companies Act (the “Act”) and Singapore Financial Reporting Standards and for devising and maintaining a system of
internal accounting controls sufficient to provide a reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded against loss from unauthorised
use or disposition; and transactions are properly authorised and that they are recorded as necessary to permit the preparation of true
and fair income statement and balance sheets and to maintain accountability of assets.
Auditors’ Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with
Singapore Standards on Auditing. Those standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.
The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgement, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the
financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to
the entity’s preparation of financial statements that gives a true and fair view in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate
in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. An audit
also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that the audit evidence we have
obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.
opinion
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements of the Group and the statement of financial position and statement of changes in
equity of the Company are properly drawn up in accordance with the provisions of the Act and Singapore Financial Reporting Standards
so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and of the Company as at 31 March 2014 and of the results,
changes in equity and cash flows of the Group and changes in equity of the Company for the year ended on that date.
Report on other Legal and Regulatory Requirements
In our opinion, the accounting and other records required by the Act to be kept by the Company and by those subsidiaries incorporated
in Singapore of which we are the auditors have been properly kept in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Public Accountants and
Chartered Accountants
Singapore, 14 May 2014
112
Consolidated
Income Statement
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
Operating revenue
Operating expenses
Other income
Depreciation and amortisation
Exceptional items
Profit on operating activities
Share of results of associates and joint ventures
Profit before interest, investment income (net) and tax
Interest and investment income (net)
Finance costs
Profit before tax
Tax expense
Profit after tax
Attributable to -
Shareholders of the Company
Non-controlling interests
earnings per share attributable to shareholders of the Company
- basic (cents)
- diluted (cents)
SInGAPoRe teLeCoMMUnICAtIonS LIMIteD AnD SUBSIDIARY CoMPAnIeS
notes
2014
S$ Mil
2013
S$ Mil
4
5
6
7
8
9
16,848.1
18,183.0
(11,800.3)
(13,100.0)
107.6
116.8
5,155.4
5,199.8
(2,132.7)
(2,127.4)
114.0
(40.1)
3,136.7
3,032.3
1,392.6
1,397.2
4,529.3
4,429.5
10
11
124.5
(305.9)
46.9
(345.1)
4,347.9
4,131.3
12
(691.0)
(620.7)
3,656.9
3,510.6
3,652.0
4.9
3,508.3
2.3
3,656.9
3,510.6
13
13
22.92
22.87
22.02
21.96
The accompanying notes on pages 123 to 204 form an integral part of these financial statements.
Independent Auditors’ Report – page 111
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113
ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Consolidated Statement of
Comprehensive Income
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
Profit after tax
other comprehensive (loss)/ income:
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to income statement:
Exchange differences arising from translation of foreign operations
and other currency translation differences
Cash flow hedges
- Fair value changes during the year
- Tax effects
- Fair value changes transferred to income statement
- Tax effects
Available-for-sale investments
- Fair value changes during the year
Share of other comprehensive (loss)/ income
of associates and joint ventures
other comprehensive loss, net of tax
total comprehensive income
Attributable to -
Shareholders of the Company
Non-controlling interests
2014
S$ Mil
2013
S$ Mil
3,656.9
3,510.6
(1,127.5)
(413.9)
455.3
(102.7)
352.6
(334.1)
92.9
(241.2)
(108.4)
24.1
(84.3)
112.7
(16.7)
96.0
111.4
11.7
25.4
(67.9)
(72.6)
21.8
(1,063.3)
(448.3)
2,593.6
3,062.3
2,588.4
5.2
3,060.2
2.1
2,593.6
3,062.3
The accompanying notes on pages 123 to 204 form an integral part of these financial statements.
Independent Auditors’ Report – page 111
114
Statements of
Financial Position
As at 31 March 2014
SInGAPoRe teLeCoMMUnICAtIonS LIMIteD AnD SUBSIDIARY CoMPAnIeS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables
Derivative financial instruments
Inventories
non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Subsidiaries
Associates
Joint ventures
Available-for-sale ("AFS") investments
Derivative financial instruments
Deferred tax assets
Loan to an associate
Other non-current receivables
total assets
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Advance billings
Provision
Current tax liabilities
Borrowings (unsecured)
Borrowings (secured)
Derivative financial instruments
Net deferred gain
Group
Company
notes
2014
S$ Mil
2013
S$ Mil
2014
S$ Mil
2013
S$ Mil
15
16
25
17
18
19
20
21
22
24
25
12
26
27
28
29
30
31
25
26
622.5
3,555.8
3.4
169.6
4,351.3
911.0
3,680.0
1.1
213.7
4,805.8
105.0
2,585.8
2.5
19.5
2,712.8
11,096.3
10,739.7
–
178.3
9,949.9
291.3
298.0
828.5
1,330.5
256.2
34,968.7
11,724.9
10,709.4
–
195.5
9,691.0
240.4
131.0
945.2
1,330.5
209.8
35,177.7
2,037.5
1.0
13,484.5
603.5
24.1
54.9
160.5
–
1,330.5
198.5
17,895.0
167.8
2,374.8
3.2
27.7
2,573.5
2,043.6
1.3
12,971.1
592.1
24.1
66.4
247.1
–
1,330.5
221.9
17,498.1
39,320.0
39,983.5
20,607.8
20,071.6
3,796.3
643.6
1.6
366.0
774.6
38.9
11.5
57.5
5,690.0
4,221.9
671.0
5.8
429.0
350.0
41.8
14.8
57.5
5,791.8
1,834.1
66.0
–
59.1
–
1.5
2.3
–
1,963.0
2,045.4
86.8
4.3
139.3
–
0.2
5.2
–
2,281.2
The accompanying notes on pages 123 to 204 form an integral part of these financial statements.
Independent Auditors’ Report – page 111
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115
ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Statements of
Financial Position
As at 31 March 2014
non-current liabilities
Borrowings (unsecured)
Borrowings (secured)
Advance billings
Deferred income
Net deferred gain
Derivative financial instruments
Deferred tax liabilities
Other non-current liabilities
total liabilities
net assets
Share capital and reserves
Share capital
Reserves
Group
Company
notes
2014
S$ Mil
2013
S$ Mil
2014
S$ Mil
2013
S$ Mil
30
31
32
26
25
12
33
7,046.9
179.7
298.5
7.6
1,155.7
412.8
444.9
191.3
9,737.4
7,329.7
207.2
332.1
10.7
1,186.4
587.8
299.4
249.2
10,202.5
793.2
161.9
164.1
–
–
359.6
242.5
24.2
1,745.5
856.3
157.3
165.8
–
–
406.8
114.0
25.0
1,725.2
15,427.4
15,994.3
3,708.5
4,006.4
23,892.6
23,989.2
16,899.3
16,065.2
34
2,634.0
21,234.2
2,634.0
21,330.6
2,634.0
14,265.3
2,634.0
13,431.2
equity attributable to shareholders
of the Company
Non-controlling interests
23,868.2
24.4
23,964.6
24.6
16,899.3
–
16,065.2
–
total equity
23,892.6
23,989.2
16,899.3
16,065.2
The accompanying notes on pages 123 to 204 form an integral part of these financial statements.
Independent Auditors’ Report – page 111
116
Statements of
Changes in Equity
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
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Overview
business
review
sustainability
and gOvernance
perfOrmance
financials
additiOnal
infOrmatiOn
117
ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Statements of
Changes in Equity
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
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118
Statements of
Changes in Equity
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
SInGAPoRe teLeCoMMUnICAtIonS LIMIteD AnD SUBSIDIARY CoMPAnIeS
Company - 2014
Share
Capital
S$ Mil
treasury
Shares (1)
S$ Mil
Capital
Reserve -
Performance
Shares
S$ Mil
Hedging
Reserve
S$ Mil
Fair Value
Reserve
S$ Mil
Retained
earnings
S$ Mil
total
equity
S$ Mil
Balance as at 1 April 2013
2,634.0
–
(69.9)
(130.3)
56.8
13,574.6
16,065.2
Changes in equity for the year
Performance shares purchased by the Company
Performance shares vested
Equity-settled performance shares
Transfer of liability to equity
Cash paid to employees under
performance share plans
Contribution to Trust (4)
Final dividend paid (see note 35)
Interim dividend paid (see note 35)
Total comprehensive income/ (loss) for the year
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(4.5)
3.1
–
–
–
–
–
–
(1.4)
–
–
(3.1)
9.5
10.9
(0.2)
(14.6)
–
–
2.5
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(4.5)
–
9.5
10.9
–
–
(1,595.0)
(1,084.2)
(2,679.2)
(0.2)
(14.6)
(1,595.0)
(1,084.2)
(2,678.1)
–
25.8
(11.5)
3,497.9
3,512.2
Balance as at 31 March 2014
2,634.0
(1.4)
(67.4)
(104.5)
45.3 14,393.3 16,899.3
The accompanying notes on pages 123 to 204 form an integral part of these financial statements.
Independent Auditors’ Report – page 111
Overview
business
review
sustainability
and gOvernance
perfOrmance
financials
additiOnal
infOrmatiOn
119
ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Statements of
Changes in Equity
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
Company - 2013
Share
Capital
S$ Mil
treasury
Shares (1)
S$ Mil
Capital
Reserve -
Performance
Shares
S$ Mil
Hedging
Reserve
S$ Mil
Fair Value
Reserve
S$ Mil
Retained
earnings
S$ Mil
total
equity
S$ Mil
Balance as at 1 April 2012
2,632.2
–
(67.9)
(164.9)
32.1
7,415.4
9,846.9
Changes in equity for the year
Issue of new shares
Performance shares purchased by the Company
Performance shares vested
Equity-settled performance shares
Transfer of liability to equity
Contribution to Trust (4)
Final dividend paid (see note 35)
Interim dividend paid (see note 35)
Others
Total comprehensive income for the year
1.8
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
1.8
–
Balance as at 31 March 2013
2,634.0
notes:
–
(3.1)
3.1
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(3.1)
10.4
7.9
(17.2)
–
–
–
(2.0)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(1,434.9)
–
(1,084.4)
–
–
1.1
– (2,518.2)
1.8
(3.1)
–
10.4
7.9
(17.2)
(1,434.9)
(1,084.4)
1.1
(2,518.4)
–
34.6
24.7
8,677.4
8,736.7
(69.9)
(130.3)
56.8
13,574.6 16,065.2
(1) Treasury Shares’ are accounted for in accordance with Singapore Financial Reporting Standard (“FRS”) 32, Financial Instruments: Disclosure and Presentation.
(2)
‘Currency Translation Reserve’ relates mainly to the translation of the net assets of foreign subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures of the Group denominated mainly
in Australian Dollar, Indian Rupee, Indonesian Rupiah, Philippine Peso, Thai Baht and United States Dollar.
(3) ‘Other Reserves’ relate mainly to goodwill on acquisitions completed prior to 1 April 2001 and the share of other comprehensive loss or income of the associates and joint
ventures.
(4) DBS Trustee Limited (the “trust”) is the trustee of a trust established to administer the performance share plans.
The accompanying notes on pages 123 to 204 form an integral part of these financial statements.
Independent Auditors’ Report – page 111
120
SInGAPoRe teLeCoMMUnICAtIonS LIMIteD AnD SUBSIDIARY CoMPAnIeS
Consolidated Statement
of Cash Flows
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
Cash Flows From operating Activities
Profit before tax
Adjustments for -
Depreciation and amortisation
Exceptional items (non-cash)
Interest and investment income (net)
Finance costs
Share of results of associates and joint ventures
Other non-cash items
2014
S$ Mil
2013
S$ Mil
4,347.9
4,131.3
2,132.7
(129.3)
(124.5)
305.9
(1,392.6)
24.6
816.8
2,127.4
(30.5)
(46.9)
345.1
(1,397.2)
42.8
1,040.7
operating cash flow before working capital changes
5,164.7
5,172.0
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Trade and other receivables
Trade and other payables
Inventories
Currency translation adjustments
Cash generated from operations
Payment to employees in cash under performance share plans
Dividends received from associates and joint ventures
Tax benefit payment to an associate (note 1)
Income tax and withholding tax paid
net cash inflow from operating activities
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
Payment for purchase of property, plant and equipment
Purchase of intangible assets
Payment for acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired (note 2)
Investment in AFS investments
Investment in associates and joint ventures (note 3)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
Proceeds from sale of AFS investments
Proceeds from sale of associates and joint ventures
Proceeds from disposal of subsidiary, net of cash received
Dividends received from AFS investments (net of withholding tax paid)
Interest received
Contribution from non-controlling interests
Withholding tax paid on intra-group interest income
(136.2)
(195.3)
27.0
(0.7)
268.0
(350.2)
(6.9)
(2.7)
4,859.5
5,080.2
(4.9)
1,156.5
(142.6)
(518.2)
(3.3)
993.3
–
(252.7)
5,350.3
5,817.5
(2,101.5)
(276.4)
(50.7)
(49.6)
(400.4)
7.1
12.8
38.1
0.7
3.1
49.1
–
(33.5)
(2,058.6)
(166.6)
(697.9)
(56.0)
(8.3)
10.0
337.4
87.1
–
3.0
41.6
2.8
(51.3)
net cash outflow from investing activities
(2,801.2)
(2,556.8)
The accompanying notes on pages 123 to 204 form an integral part of these financial statements.
Independent Auditors’ Report – page 111
Overview
business
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and gOvernance
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additiOnal
infOrmatiOn
121
ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Consolidated Statement
of Cash Flows
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
Proceeds from term loans
Repayment of term loans
Proceeds from bond issue
Proceeds from finance lease liabilites
Finance lease payments
Net proceeds from/ (repayment of) borrowings
Final dividend paid to shareholders of the Company
Interim dividend paid to shareholders of the Company
Proceeds from issue of shares
Net interest paid on borrowings and swaps
Dividend paid to non-controlling interests
Purchase of performance shares
Others
net cash outflow from financing activities
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
Exchange effects on cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
note
2014
S$ Mil
2013
S$ Mil
2,993.9
(3,221.2)
467.0
14.4
(49.0)
205.1
(1,594.2)
(1,083.6)
–
(308.8)
(7.7)
(36.6)
1.2
3,806.2
(4,643.4)
–
76.4
(44.6)
(805.4)
(1,434.0)
(1,083.7)
1.8
(343.5)
(0.7)
(36.8)
–
(2,824.6)
(3,702.3)
(275.5)
(13.0)
911.0
(441.6)
6.2
1,346.4
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
15
622.5
911.0
The accompanying notes on pages 123 to 204 form an integral part of these financial statements.
Independent Auditors’ Report – page 111
122
SInGAPoRe teLeCoMMUnICAtIonS LIMIteD AnD SUBSIDIARY CoMPAnIeS
Consolidated Statement
of Cash Flows
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
note 1:
During the financial year ended 31 March 2014, the Group made payments of S$142.6 million to NetLink Trust in
consideration of its transfer of tax benefits utilised by the Group, and S$11.4 million for additional investment in NetLink
Trust. The monies were subsequently utilised by NetLink Trust for its acquisition of 100% equity interest in OpenNet Pte.
Ltd. (“opennet”). The Group received its share of the proceeds of S$37.8 million following the divestment of its 29.9%
equity interest in OpenNet to NetLink Trust.
note 2:
(a) During the financial year ended 31 March 2014, the Group paid S$18.2 million (US$15 million) for the acquisition of
Gradient X, Inc., and made deferred payments of S$32.5 million in respect of the acquisitions of Amobee, Inc. (“Amobee”),
Pixable, Inc. (“Pixable”) and Eatability Pty Limited (“eatability”).
(b) During the financial year ended 31 March 2013, the Group paid S$697.9 million for the acquisitions of Amobee, GTW
Holdings Private Limited and Pixable, as well as Vividwireless Group Limited and Eatability in Australia.
note 3:
In August 2013, the Group acquired additional equity interest of 3.62% in Bharti Telecom Limited from a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Temasek Holdings (Private) Limited, for S$383.6 million (see Note 14). Temasek Holdings (Private) Limited is
the holding company of Singapore Telecommunications Limited (“SingTel”).
The accompanying notes on pages 123 to 204 form an integral part of these financial statements.
Independent Auditors’ Report – page 111
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123
ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
These notes form an integral part of and should be read in conjunction with the accompanying financial statements.
1.
GeneRAL
SingTel is domiciled and incorporated in Singapore and is publicly traded on the Singapore Exchange and Australian Stock
Exchange. The address of its registered office is 31 Exeter Road, Comcentre, Singapore 239732.
The principal activities of the Company consist of the operation and provision of telecommunications systems and services,
and investment holding. The principal activities of the subsidiaries are disclosed in note 45.
Under a licence granted by the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (“IDA”), the Group had the exclusive rights to
provide fixed national and international telecommunications services through 31 March 2000 (with limited exceptions) and
public cellular mobile telephone services through 31 March 1997. From the expiry of the exclusive rights, the Group’s licences
for these telecommunications services continue on a non-exclusive basis to 31 March 2017.
In addition, the Group is licensed to offer Internet services and has also obtained frequency spectrum and licence rights from
IDA to install, operate and maintain 3G mobile communication systems and services respectively, as well as wireless broadband
systems and services. The Group also holds licences from the Media Development Authority of Singapore for the purpose of
providing subscription nationwide television services.
In Australia, Optus was granted telecommunication licences under the Telecommunications Act 1991. Pursuant to the
Telecommunications (Transitional Provisions and Consequential Amendments) Act 1997, the licences continued to have effect
after the deregulation of telecommunications in Australia in 1997. The licences do not have a finite term, but are of continuing
operation until cancelled under the Telecommunications Act 1997.
These financial statements were authorised and approved for issue in accordance with a Directors’ resolution dated 14 May 2014.
2.
SIGnIFICAnt ACCoUntInG PoLICIeS
2.1
Basis of Accounting
The financial statements are prepared in accordance with Singapore Financial Reporting Standards (“FRS”) including related
interpretations, and the provisions of the Singapore Companies Act. They have been prepared under the historical cost
convention, except as disclosed in the accounting policies below.
Historical cost is generally based on the fair value of the consideration given in exchange for goods and services.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with FRS requires management to exercise its judgement in the process
of applying the Group’s accounting policies. It also requires the use of accounting estimates and assumptions that affect
the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the financial year. Although these estimates are based
on management’s best knowledge of current events and actions, actual results may ultimately differ from those estimates.
Critical accounting estimates and assumptions used that are significant to the financial statements, and areas involving a
higher degree of judgement are disclosed in note 3.
The accounting policies have been consistently applied by the Group, and are consistent with those used in the previous
financial year. The adoption of the new or revised FRS and Interpretations to FRS (“Int FRS”) which were mandatory from
1 April 2013 had no significant impact on the financial statements of the Group or the Company in the current financial year.
2.2
Group Accounting
The accounting policy for investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures in the Company’s financial statements is
stated in note 2.4. The Group’s accounting policy on goodwill is stated in note 2.15.1.
124
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
SInGAPoRe teLeCoMMUnICAtIonS LIMIteD AnD SUBSIDIARY CoMPAnIeS
2.2
Group Accounting (Cont’d)
2.2.1 Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries are entities (including special purpose entities) controlled by the Group. Control exists when the Group has the
power, directly or indirectly, to govern the financial and operating policies of the entity, generally accompanying a shareholding
of more than one half of the voting rights. Subsidiaries are consolidated from the date that control commences until the date
that control ceases. All significant inter-company balances and transactions are eliminated on consolidation.
2.2.2 Associates
Associates are entities over which the Group has significant influence, and that is neither a subsidiary nor a joint venture.
Significant influence is the power to participate in the financial and operating policy decisions of the investee.
Investments in associates are accounted for in the consolidated financial statements using the equity method of accounting.
Equity accounting involves recording the investment in associates initially at cost, and recognising the Group’s share of the
post-acquisition results of associates in the consolidated income statement, and the Group’s share of post-acquisition
reserve movements in reserves. The cumulative post-acquisition movements are adjusted against the carrying amount of the
investments in the consolidated statement of financial position.
In the consolidated statement of financial position, investments in associates include goodwill on acquisition identified on
acquisitions completed on or after 1 April 2001, net of accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is assessed for impairment as
part of the investment in associates.
When the Group’s share of losses in an associate equals or exceeds its interest in the associate, including loans that are in
fact extensions of the Group’s investment, the Group does not recognise further losses, unless it has incurred or guaranteed
obligations in respect of the associate.
Unrealised gains resulting from transactions with associates are eliminated to the extent of the Group’s interest in the
associate. Unrealised losses are eliminated in the same way as unrealised gains, but only to the extent that there is no evidence
of impairment.
2.2.3
Joint ventures
Joint ventures are entities over which the Group has contractual arrangements to jointly share the control with one or more
parties, and none of the parties involved has unilateral control over the entities’ economic activities.
The Group’s interest in joint ventures is accounted for in the consolidated financial statements using the equity method of
accounting.
In the consolidated statement of financial position, investments in joint ventures include goodwill on acquisition identified on
acquisitions completed on or after 1 April 2001, net of accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is assessed for impairment as
part of the investment in joint ventures.
The Group’s interest in its unincorporated joint venture operations is accounted for by recognising the Group’s assets and
liabilities from the joint venture, as well as expenses incurred by the Group and the Group’s share of income earned from the
joint venture, in the consolidated financial statements.
Unrealised gains resulting from transactions with joint ventures are eliminated to the extent of the Group’s interest in the joint
venture. Unrealised losses are eliminated in the same way as unrealised gains, but only to the extent that there is no evidence
of impairment.
2.2.4 Dividends from associates and joint ventures
Dividends received from an associate or joint venture in excess of the Group’s carrying value of the equity accounted investee
are recognised as dividend income in the income statement where there is no legal or constructive obligation to refund the
dividend nor is there any commitment to provide financial support to the investee. Equity accounting is then suspended until
the investee has made sufficient profits to cover the income previously recognised for the excess cash distributions.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
2.2
Group Accounting (Cont’d)
2.2.5 Special purpose entity
The Trust has been consolidated in the consolidated financial statements under INT FRS 12, Consolidation – Special Purpose Entities.
2.2.6 Business combinations
Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method on and after 1 April 2010. The consideration for each
acquisition is measured at the aggregate of the fair values of assets given, liabilities incurred and equity interests issued by
the Group and any contingent consideration arrangement at acquisition date. Acquisition-related costs, other than those
associated with the issue of debt or equity, are expensed as incurred.
Any contingent consideration payable is recognised at fair value at the acquisition date. If the contingent consideration is
classified as equity, it is not re-measured and settlement is accounted for within equity. Otherwise, subsequent changes to the
fair value of the contingent consideration are recognised in the income statement.
For business combinations that are achieved in stages, any existing equity interests in the acquiree entity are re-measured to
their fair values at acquisition date and any changes are taken to the income statement.
Non-controlling interests in subsidiaries represent the equity in subsidiaries which are not attributable, directly or indirectly,
to the shareholders of the Company, and are presented separately in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income,
statement of changes in equity and within equity in the consolidated statement of financial position. The Group elects for each
individual business combination whether non-controlling interests in the acquiree entity are recognised at fair value, or at the
non-controlling interests’ proportionate share of the fair value of the acquiree entity’s identifiable net assets, at the acquisition
date. Total comprehensive income is attributed to non-controlling interests based on their respective interests in a subsidiary,
even if this results in the non-controlling interests having a debit balance.
Changes in the Group’s interest in subsidiaries that do not result in loss of control are accounted for as equity transactions.
When the Group loses control of a subsidiary, any interest retained in the former subsidiary is recorded at fair value with the
re-measurement gain or loss recognised in the income statement.
2.3
Share Capital
Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issuance of new equity shares are taken
to equity as a deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds.
When the Company purchases its own equity share capital, the consideration paid, including any directly attributable costs,
is recognised as ‘Treasury Shares’ within equity. When the shares are subsequently disposed, the realised gains or losses on
disposal of the treasury shares are included in ‘Other Reserves’ of the Company.
The Trust acquires shares in the Company from the open market for delivery to employees upon vesting of performance shares
awarded under SingTel performance share plans. Such shares are designated as ‘Treasury Shares’. In the consolidated financial
statements, the cost of unvested shares, including directly attributable costs, is recognised as ‘Treasury Shares’ within equity.
Upon vesting of the performance shares, the weighted average costs of the shares delivered to employees, whether held by
the Company or the Trust, are transferred to ‘Capital Reserve – Performance Shares’ within equity in the consolidated financial
statements.
2.4
Investments in Subsidiaries, Associates and Joint Ventures
In the Company’s statement of financial position, investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures, including loans
that meet the definition of equity instruments, are stated at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Where an indication of
impairment exists, the carrying amount of the investment is assessed and written down immediately to its recoverable value.
On disposal of investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures, the difference between the net disposal proceeds
and the carrying amount of the investment is recognised in the income statement of the Company.
126
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
2.5
Investments
SInGAPoRe teLeCoMMUnICAtIonS LIMIteD AnD SUBSIDIARY CoMPAnIeS
Purchases and sales of investments are recognised on trade date, which is the date that the Group commits to purchase or sell
the investment.
2.5.1 Available-for-sale (“AFS”) investments
AFS investments are initially recognised at fair value plus directly attributable transaction costs.
They are subsequently stated at fair value at the end of the reporting period, with all resulting gains and losses, including
currency translation differences, taken to the ‘Fair Value Reserve’ within equity. AFS investments for which fair values cannot
be reliably determined are stated at cost less accumulated impairment losses.
When AFS investments are sold or impaired, the accumulated fair value adjustments in the ‘Fair Value Reserve’ are included in
the income statement.
A significant or prolonged decline in fair value below the cost is objective evidence of impairment. Impairment loss is computed
as the difference between the acquisition cost and current fair value, less any impairment loss previously recognised in the
income statement. Impairment losses recognised in the income statement on equity investments are not reversed through the
income statement until the equity investments are disposed.
2.6
Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities
Derivative financial instruments are initially recognised at fair value on the date the derivative contract is entered into and are
subsequently re-measured at their fair values at the end of each reporting period.
A derivative financial instrument is carried as an asset when the fair value is positive and as a liability when the fair value is
negative.
Any gains or losses arising from changes in fair value are recognised immediately in the income statement, unless they qualify
for hedge accounting.
2.6.1 Hedge accounting
At the inception of a hedge relationship, the Group formally designates and documents the hedge relationship to which the
Group wishes to apply hedge accounting, as well as its risk management objectives and strategy for undertaking the hedge
transactions. The documentation includes identification of the hedging instrument, the hedged item or transaction, the nature
of the risk being hedged and how the entity will assess the hedging instrument’s effectiveness in offsetting the exposure to
changes in the hedged item’s fair value or cash flows attributable to the hedged risk. Such hedges are expected to be highly
effective in achieving offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows and are assessed on an ongoing basis to determine that
they actually have been highly effective throughout the financial reporting periods for which they are designated.
Fair value hedge
Designated derivative financial instruments that qualify for fair value hedge accounting are initially recognised at fair value on
the date that the contract is entered into. Changes in fair value of derivatives are recorded in the income statement together
with any changes in the fair value of the hedged items that are attributable to the hedged risks.
Hedge accounting is discontinued when the Group revokes the hedging relationship, the hedging instrument expires or is sold,
terminated, or exercised, or no longer qualifies for hedge accounting. The adjustment to the carrying amount of the hedged
item arising from the hedged risk is amortised to the income statement from that date.
Cash flow hedge
The effective portion of changes in the fair value of the designated derivative financial instruments that qualify as cash flow
hedges are recognised in ‘Other Comprehensive Income’. The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognised
immediately in the income statement. Amounts accumulated in the ‘Hedging Reserve’ are transferred to the income statement
in the periods when the hedged items affect the income statement.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
2.6
Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities (Cont’d)
2.6.1 Hedge accounting (Cont’d)
Cash flow hedge (Cont’d)
Hedge accounting is discontinued when the Group revokes the hedging relationship, the hedging instrument expires or is sold,
terminated, or exercised, or no longer qualifies for hedge accounting. Any cumulative gain or loss deferred in equity at that time
remains in equity and is recognised when the forecast transaction is ultimately recognised in the income statement. When
a forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur, the cumulative gain or loss that was deferred in equity is recognised
immediately in the income statement.
net investment hedge
Changes in the fair value of designated derivatives that qualify as net investment hedges, and which are highly effective,
are recognised in ‘Other Comprehensive Income’ in the consolidated financial statements and the amounts accumulated in
‘Currency Translation Reserve’ are transferred to the consolidated income statement in the period when the foreign operation
is disposed.
In the Company’s financial statements, the gain or loss on the financial instrument used to hedge a net investment in a foreign
operation of the Group is recognised in the income statement.
The Group has entered into the following derivative financial instruments to hedge its risks, namely -
Cross currency swaps and interest rate swaps are fair value hedges for the interest rate risk and cash flow hedges for the
currency risk arising from the Group’s issued bonds. The swaps involve the exchange of principal and floating or fixed interest
receipts in the foreign currency in which the issued bonds are denominated, for principal and floating or fixed interest payments
in the Group’s functional currency.
Certain cross currency swaps relate to net investment hedges for the foreign currency exchange risk on the Group’s Australia
operations.
Forward foreign exchange contracts are cash flow hedges for the Group’s exposure to foreign currency exchange risks arising
from forecasted or committed expenditure.
2.7
Fair Value estimation of Financial Instruments
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between
market participants at the measurement date, regardless of whether that price is directly observable or estimated using another
valuation technique. In estimating the fair value of an asset or a liability, the Group takes into account the characteristics of the
asset or liability which market participants would take into account when pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date.
The following methods and assumptions are used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument -
Bank balances, receivables and payables, current borrowings
The carrying amounts approximate fair values due to the relatively short term maturity of these instruments.
Quoted and unquoted investments
The fair value of investments traded in active markets is based on the market quoted mid-price (average of offer and bid price)
or the mid-price quoted by the market maker at the close of business at the end of the reporting period.
The fair values of unquoted investments are determined by using valuation techniques. These include the use of recent arm’s
length transactions, reference to the net asset values of the investee companies or discounted cash flow analysis.
128
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
2.7
Fair Value estimation of Financial Instruments (Cont’d)
SInGAPoRe teLeCoMMUnICAtIonS LIMIteD AnD SUBSIDIARY CoMPAnIeS
Cross currency and interest rate swaps
The fair value of a cross currency or an interest rate swap is the estimated amount that the swap contract can be exchanged for
or settled with under normal market conditions. This fair value can be estimated using the discounted cash flow method where
the future cash flows of the swap contract are discounted at the prevailing market foreign exchange rates and interest rates.
Market interest rates are actively quoted interest rates or interest rates computed by applying techniques to these actively
quoted interest rates.
Forward foreign currency contracts
The fair value of forward foreign exchange contracts is determined using forward exchange market rates for contracts with
similar maturity profiles at the end of the reporting period.
non-current borrowings
For disclosure purposes, the fair values of non-current borrowings which are traded in active markets are based on the market
quoted ask price. For other non-current borrowin]gs, the fair values are based on valuation provided by service providers or
estimated by discounting the future contractual cash flows using discount rates based on the borrowing rates which the Group
expects would be available at the end of the reporting period.
2.8
Financial Guarantee Contracts
Financial guarantees issued by the Company prior to 1 April 2010 are recorded initially at fair values plus transactions costs and
amortised in the income statement over the period of the guarantee. Financial guarantees issued by the Company on or after
1 April 2010 are directly charged to the subsidiary as guarantee fees based on fair values.
2.9
trade and other Receivables
Trade and other receivables, including loans given by the Company to subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures, are recognised
initially at fair values and, other than those that meet the definition of equity instruments, are subsequently measured at
amortised cost using the effective interest method, less allowance for impairment.
An allowance for impairment of trade and other receivables is established when there is objective evidence that the Group
will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the debts. Loss events include financial difficulty
or bankruptcy of the debtor, significant delay in payments and breaches of contracts. The impairment loss, measured as the
difference between the debt’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows discounted at the original
effective interest rate, is recognised in the income statement. When the debt becomes uncollectible, it is written off against the
allowance account. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are recognised in the income statement.
2.10 trade and other Payables
Trade and other payables are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective
interest method.
2.11 Borrowings
Borrowings are initially recognised at fair value of the consideration received less directly attributable transaction costs. After
initial recognition, unhedged borrowings are subsequently stated at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Hedged borrowings are accounted for in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 2.6.1.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
2.12 Cash and Cash equivalents
For the purpose of the consolidated statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand, balances with
banks and fixed deposits with original maturity of mainly three months or less, net of bank overdrafts which are repayable on
demand and which form an integral part of the Group’s cash management.
Bank overdrafts are included under borrowings in the statement of financial position.
2.13 Foreign Currencies
2.13.1 Functional and presentation currency
Items included in the financial statements of each entity in the Group are measured using the currency of the primary economic
environment in which the entity operates (the “functional currency”). The statement of financial position and statement of
changes in equity of the Company and consolidated financial statements of the Group are presented in Singapore Dollar, which
is the functional and presentation currency of the Company and the presentation currency of the Group.
2.13.2 transactions and balances
Transactions in a currency other than the functional currency (“foreign currency”) are translated into the functional currency at
the exchange rates prevailing at the date of the transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies
at the end of the reporting period are translated at exchange rates ruling at that date. Foreign exchange differences arising
from translation are recognised in the income statement.
2.13.3 translation of foreign operations’ financial statements
In the preparation of the consolidated financial statements, the assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated to
Singapore Dollar at exchange rates ruling at the end of the reporting period except for share capital and reserves which are
translated at historical rates of exchange (see note 2.13.4 for translation of goodwill and fair value adjustments).
Income and expenses in the income statement are translated using either the average exchange rates for the month or year,
which approximate the exchange rates at the dates of the transactions. All resulting translation differences are taken directly
to ‘Other Comprehensive Income’.
On loss of control of a subsidiary, loss of significant influence of an associate or loss of joint control of a joint venture, the
accumulated translation differences relating to that foreign operation are reclassified from equity to the consolidated income
statement as part of gain or loss on disposal.
On partial disposal where there is no loss of control of a subsidiary, the accumulated translation differences relating to the
disposal are reclassified to non-controlling interests. For partial disposals of associates or joint ventures, the accumulated
translation differences relating to the disposal are taken to the consolidated income statement.
2.13.4 translation of goodwill and fair value adjustments
Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of foreign entities completed on or after 1 April 2005 are treated
as assets and liabilities of the foreign entities and are recorded in the functional currencies of the foreign entities and translated
at the exchange rates prevailing at the end of the reporting period. However, for acquisitions of foreign entities completed prior
to 1 April 2005, goodwill and fair value adjustments continue to be recorded at the exchange rates at the respective dates of
the acquisitions.
2.13.5 net investment in a foreign entity
The exchange differences on loans from the Company to its subsidiaries, associates or joint ventures which form part of the
Company’s net investment in the subsidiaries, associates or joint ventures are included in ‘Currency Translation Reserve’.
On disposal of the foreign entity, the accumulated exchange differences deferred in the ‘Currency Translation Reserve’ are
reclassified to the consolidated income statement in a similar manner as described in note 2.13.3.
130
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
2.14 Provisions
SInGAPoRe teLeCoMMUnICAtIonS LIMIteD AnD SUBSIDIARY CoMPAnIeS
A provision is recognised when there is a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events, it is probable that
an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate can be
made of the amount of the obligation. No provision is recognised for future operating losses.
The provision for liquidated damages in respect of information technology contracts is made based on management’s best
estimate of the anticipated liability.
Provisions are reviewed at the end of each reporting period and adjusted to reflect the current best estimate.
2.15
Intangible Assets
2.15.1 Goodwill
Goodwill on acquisition of subsidiaries on and after 1 April 2010 represents the excess of the consideration transferred, the
recognised amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree entity and the fair value of any previous equity interest in the
acquiree entity over the fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired, including contingent liabilities, at the acquisition date.
Such goodwill is recognised separately as intangible asset and stated at cost less accumulated impairment losses.
Acquisitions completed prior to 1 April 2001
Goodwill on acquisitions of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures completed prior to 1 April 2001 had been adjusted in full
against ‘Other Reserves’ within equity. Such goodwill has not been retrospectively capitalised and amortised.
The Group also had acquisitions where the costs of acquisition were less than the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired.
Such differences (negative goodwill) were adjusted against ‘Other Reserves’ in the year of acquisition.
Goodwill which has been previously taken to ‘Other Reserves’, is not taken to income statement when the entity is disposed of
or when the goodwill is impaired.
Acquisitions completed on or after 1 April 2001
Prior to 1 April 2004, goodwill on acquisitions of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures completed on or after 1 April 2001
was capitalised and amortised on a straight-line basis in the consolidated income statement over its estimated useful life of
up to 20 years. In addition, goodwill was assessed for indications of impairment at the end of each reporting period.
Since 1 April 2004, goodwill is no longer amortised but is tested annually for impairment or whenever there is an indication
of impairment (see note 2.16). The accumulated amortisation for goodwill as at 1 April 2004 had been eliminated with a
corresponding decrease in the capitalised goodwill.
A bargain purchase gain is recognised directly in the consolidated income statement.
Gains or losses on disposal of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures include the carrying amount of capitalised goodwill
relating to the entity sold.
2.15.2 other intangible assets
Expenditure on telecommunication and spectrum licences is capitalised and amortised using the straight-line method over
their estimated useful lives of 12 to 25 years.
Other intangible assets which are acquired in business combinations are carried at fair values at the date of acquisition, and
amortised on a straight-line basis over the period of the expected benefits. Customer relationships or customer contracts,
brand, and technology have estimated useful lives of 5 to 10 years. Other intangible assets are stated at cost less accumulated
amortisation and accumulated impairment losses.
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131
ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
2.16
Impairment of non-financial Assets
Goodwill on acquisition of subsidiaries is subject to annual impairment test or is more frequently tested for impairment if
events or changes in circumstances indicate that it might be impaired. Goodwill is not amortised (see note 2.15.1).
Other intangible assets of the Group, which have finite useful lives and are subject to amortisation, as well as property, plant
and equipment and investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures, are reviewed at the end of each reporting period
to determine whether there is any indicator for impairment, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the
carrying amount may not be recoverable. If any such indication exists, the assets’ recoverable amounts are estimated.
For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable
cash flows (cash-generating units).
An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount.
The recoverable amount is the higher of the asset’s fair value less costs to sell and value-in-use.
An impairment loss for an asset, other than goodwill on acquisition of subsidiaries, is reversed if, and only if, there has been
a change in the estimates used to determine the asset’s recoverable amount since the last impairment loss was recognised.
Impairment loss on goodwill on acquisition of subsidiaries is not reversed in the subsequent period.
2.17
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is determined on the weighted average basis.
Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less the estimated cost of completion and
selling expenses.
Work-in-progress is stated at costs less progress payments received and receivable on uncompleted information technology
and engineering services, and fibre rollout. Costs include third party hardware and software costs, direct labour and other direct
expenses attributable to the project activity and associated profits recognised on projects-in-progress.
When it is probable that total contract costs will exceed total contract revenue, the expected loss is recognised as an expense
immediately.
In the consolidated statement of financial position, work-in-progress is included in “Trade and other receivables”, and excess of
progress billings over work-in-progress is included in “Trade and other payables” as applicable.
2.18 Property, Plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses, where
applicable. The cost of self-constructed assets includes the cost of material, direct labour, capitalised borrowing costs and an
appropriate proportion of production overheads.
Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis to write off the cost of the property, plant and equipment over its expected
useful life. Property, plant and equipment under finance lease is depreciated over the shorter of the lease term or useful life.
The estimated useful lives are as follows -
Buildings
Transmission plant and equipment
Switching equipment
Other plant and equipment
Other plant and equipment consist mainly of motor vehicles, office equipment, and furniture and fittings.
no. of years
5 - 40
5 - 25
3 - 10
3 - 20
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Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
2.18 Property, Plant and equipment (Cont’d)
SInGAPoRe teLeCoMMUnICAtIonS LIMIteD AnD SUBSIDIARY CoMPAnIeS
No depreciation is provided on freehold land, long-term leasehold land with a remaining lease period of more than 100
years and capital work-in-progress. Leasehold land with a remaining lease period of 100 years or less is depreciated in equal
installments over its remaining lease period.
In respect of capital work-in-progress, assets are depreciated from the month the asset is completed and ready for use.
Costs to acquire computer software which are an integral part of the related hardware are capitalised and recognised as assets
and included in property, plant and equipment when it is probable that the costs will generate economic benefits beyond one
year and the costs are associated with identifiable software products which can be reliably measured by the Group.
The cost of property, plant and equipment includes expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the items.
Dismantlement, removal or restoration costs are included as part of the cost if the obligation for dismantlement, removal or
restoration is incurred as a consequence of acquiring or using the asset. Costs may also include transfers from equity of any
gains or losses on qualifying cash flow hedges of foreign currency purchases of property, plant and equipment. Subsequent
expenditure is included in the carrying amount of an asset when it is probable that future economic benefits, in excess of the
originally assessed standard of performance of the existing asset, will flow to the Group.
The residual values and useful lives of property, plant and equipment are reviewed, and adjusted as appropriate, at the end of
each reporting period.
On disposal of property, plant and equipment, the difference between the disposal proceeds and its carrying value is taken to
the income statement.
2.19
Leases
2.19.1 Finance leases
Finance leases are those leasing agreements which effectively transfer to the Group substantially all the risks and benefits
incidental to ownership of the leased items. Assets financed under such leases are treated as if they had been purchased outright
at the lower of fair value and present value of the minimum lease payments and the corresponding leasing commitments are
shown as obligations to the lessors.
Lease payments are treated as consisting of capital repayments and interest elements. Interest is charged to the income
statement over the period of the lease to produce a constant rate of charge on the balance of capital repayments outstanding.
2.19.2 operating leases
Leases of assets in which a significant portion of the risks and rewards of ownership are retained by the lessor are classified as
operating leases. Operating lease payments are recognised as expenses in the income statement on a straight-line basis over
the period of the lease.
2.19.3 Sales of network capacity
Sales of network capacity are accounted as finance leases where -
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
the purchaser’s right of use is exclusive and irrevocable;
the asset is specific and separable;
the terms of the contract are for the major part of the asset’s economic useful life;
the attributable costs or carrying value can be measured reliably; and
no significant risks are retained by the Group.
Sales of network capacity that do not meet the above criteria are accounted for as operating leases.
2.19.4 Gains or losses from sale and leaseback
Gains on sale and leaseback transactions resulting in finance leases are deferred and amortised over the lease term on a
straight-line basis, while losses are recognised immediately in the income statement.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
2.19.4 Gains or losses from sale and leaseback (Cont’d)
Gains and losses on sale and leaseback transactions established at fair value which resulted in operating leases are recognised
immediately in the income statement.
2.19.5 Capacity swaps
The Group may exchange network capacity with other capacity or service providers. The exchange is regarded as a transaction
which generates revenue unless the transaction lacks commercial substance or the fair value of neither the capacity received
nor the capacity given up is reliably measurable.
2.20 Revenue Recognition
Revenue for the Group is recognised based on fair value for sale of goods and services rendered, net of goods and services
tax, rebates and discounts, and after eliminating sales within the Group. Revenue includes the gross income received and
receivable from revenue sharing arrangements entered into with overseas telecommunication companies in respect of traffic
exchanged. For device repayment plans, the consideration is allocated to its separate revenue-generating activities based on
the best estimate of the price of each activity in the arrangement. Handset sales are accounted for in accordance with the sale
of equipment accounting policy (see below) of the Group. As the service credits under the device repayment plans are provided
over time for services, they are recorded as a reduction of subscription revenue.
For prepaid cards which have been sold, provisions for unearned revenue are made for services which have not been rendered
as at the end of the reporting period. Expenses directly attributable to the unearned revenue are deferred until the revenue is
recognised.
Revenue from the provision of information technology and engineering services, and fibre rollout are recognised based on
the percentage of completion of the projects using cost-to-cost basis. Revenue from information technology and engineering
services where the services involve the procurement of computer equipment and third party software for installation is
recognised upon full completion of the project.
Revenue from the sale of equipment is recognised upon the transfer of significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods
to the customer which generally coincides with delivery and acceptance of the goods sold.
Revenue from mobile advertising services and solutions is recognised in the period when advertising services are delivered,
and when mobile advertising impressions are delivered or click-throughs occur. Revenue from selling advertising space is
recognised when the advertising space is filled and sold to customers.
Dividend income is recorded gross in the income statement when the right to receive payment is established.
Interest income is recognised on a time proportion basis using the effective interest method.
Rental income from operating leases is recognised on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.
2.21 employees’ Benefits
2.21.1 Defined contribution plans
Defined contribution plans are post-employment benefit plans under which the Group pays fixed contributions into separate
entities such as the Central Provident Fund. The Group has no legal or constructive obligation to pay further contributions if
any of the funds does not hold sufficient assets to pay all employee benefits relating to employee services in the current and
preceding financial years.
The Group’s contributions to the defined contribution plans are recognised in the income statement as expenses in the financial
year to which they relate.
134
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
SInGAPoRe teLeCoMMUnICAtIonS LIMIteD AnD SUBSIDIARY CoMPAnIeS
2.21.2 employees’ leave entitlements
Employees’ entitlements to annual leave and long service leave are recognised when they accrue to employees. A provision is
made for the estimated liability of annual leave and long service leave as a result of services rendered by employees up to the
end of the reporting period.
2.21.3 Share-based compensation
Performance shares
The performance share plans of the Group are accounted for either as equity-settled share-based payments or cash-settled
share-based payments. Equity-settled share-based payments are measured at fair value at the date of grant, whereas cash-
settled share-based payments are measured at current fair value at the end of each reporting period. The performance share
expense is amortised and recognised in the income statement on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.
At the end of each reporting period, the Group revises its estimates of the number of performance shares that the participants
are expected to receive based on non-market vesting conditions. The difference is charged or credited to the income statement,
with a corresponding adjustment to equity or liability for equity-settled and cash-settled share-based payments respectively.
The dilutive effects of the SingTel performance share plans are reflected as additional share dilution in the computation of
diluted earnings per share.
2.22 Borrowing Costs
Borrowing costs include interest, amortisation of discounts or premiums relating to borrowings, amortisation of ancillary costs
incurred in arranging borrowings, and finance lease charges. Borrowing costs are generally expensed as incurred, except to the
extent that they are capitalised if they are directly attributable to the acquisition, construction, or production of a qualifying asset.
2.23 Customer Acquisition and Retention Costs
Customer acquisition and retention costs, including related sales and promotion expenses and activation commissions, are
expensed as incurred.
2.24 Pre-incorporation expenses
Pre-incorporation expenses are expensed as incurred.
2.25 Government Grants
Grants in recognition of specific expenses are recognised in the income statement over the periods necessary to match them
with the relevant expenses they are intended to compensate. Grants related to depreciable assets are deferred and recognised
in the income statement over the period in which such assets are depreciated and used in the projects subsidised by the grants.
2.26 exceptional Items
Exceptional items refer to items of income or expense within the income statement from ordinary activities that are of such
size, nature or incidence that their separate disclosure is considered necessary to explain the performance for the financial year.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
2.27
Income tax
Income tax expense comprises current and deferred tax.
The current tax is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from profit as reported in the income statement as
it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further excludes items that are not
taxable or tax deductible. The Group’s liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted
or substantively enacted in countries where the Company and its subsidiaries operate by, at the end of the reporting period.
Deferred taxation is provided in full, using the liability method, on all temporary differences at the end of the reporting period
between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the financial statements. However, if the deferred
income tax arises from initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction other than a business combination that at the
time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss, it is not accounted for. Deferred income tax is also
not recognised for goodwill which is not deductible for tax purposes. The amount of deferred tax provided is based on the
expected manner of realisation or settlement of the carrying amount of assets and liabilities, using tax rates (and laws) enacted
or substantively enacted in countries where the Company and its subsidiaries operate by, at the end of the reporting period.
Deferred tax liabilities are provided on all taxable temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries, associates and
joint ventures, except where the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference can be controlled and it is probable that the
temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.
Deferred tax assets are recognised for all deductible temporary differences and carry forward of unutilised tax losses, to the
extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the deductible temporary differences and
carry forward of unused losses can be utilised.
At the end of each reporting period, the Group re-assesses unrecognised deferred tax assets and the carrying amount of
deferred tax assets. The Group recognises a previously unrecognised deferred tax asset to the extent that it is probable that
future taxable profit will allow the deferred tax asset to be recovered. The Group conversely reduces the carrying amount of a
deferred tax asset to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient future taxable profit will be available to allow the
benefit of all or part of the deferred tax asset to be utilised.
Current and deferred tax are charged or credited directly to equity if the tax relates to items that are credited or charged, in the
same or different period, directly to equity.
2.28 Dividends
Interim dividends are recorded in the financial year in which they are declared payable. Final dividends are recorded in the
financial year in which the dividends are approved by the shareholders.
2.29 Segment Reporting
An operating segment is identified as the component of the Group that is regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision
maker in order to allocate resources to the segment and to assess its performance.
2.30 non-current Assets (or Disposal Groups) Held for Sale
Non-current assets (or disposal groups) are classified as assets held for sale and stated at the lower of carrying amount and
fair value less costs to sell if their carrying amounts are recovered principally through sale transactions rather than through
continuing use.
136
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
3.
CRItICAL ACCoUntInG eStIMAteS AnD JUDGeMentS
SInGAPoRe teLeCoMMUnICAtIonS LIMIteD AnD SUBSIDIARY CoMPAnIeS
FRS 1, Presentation Of Financial Statements, requires disclosure of the judgements management has made in the process of
applying the accounting policies that have the most impact on the amounts recognised in the financial statements. It also
requires disclosure about the key assumptions concerning the future, and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the
end of the reporting period, that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and
liabilities within the next financial year. The estimates and assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors
that are considered relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The following presents a summary of the critical accounting estimates and judgements -
3.1
Impairment Reviews
The accounting policies for impairment of non-financial assets are stated in note 2.16.
During an impairment review, the Group assesses whether the carrying amount of an asset or cash-generating unit exceeds
its recoverable amount. Recoverable amount is defined as the higher of an asset’s or cash generating unit’s fair value less
costs to sell and its value-in-use. In making this judgement, the Group evaluates the value-in-use which is supported by the
net present value of future cash flows derived from such assets using cash flow projections which have been discounted at an
appropriate rate.
Forecasts of future cash flows are based on the Group’s estimates using historical, sector and industry trends, general market
and economic conditions, changes in technology and other available information.
The assumptions used by management to determine the value-in-use calculations of goodwill on acquisition of subsidiaries,
and carrying values of associates and joint ventures are stated in note 23.
3.2
Impairment of trade Receivables
The Group assesses at the end of each reporting period whether there is objective evidence that trade receivables have been
impaired. Impairment loss is calculated based on a review of the current status of existing receivables and historical collections
experience. Such provisions are adjusted periodically to reflect the actual and anticipated experience.
3.3
estimated Useful Lives of Property, Plant and equipment
The Group reviews annually the estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment based on factors such as business
plans and strategies, expected level of usage and future technological developments. It is possible that future results of
operations could be materially affected by changes in these estimates brought about by changes in the factors mentioned
above. A reduction in the estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment would increase the recorded depreciation and
decrease the carrying value of property, plant and equipment.
3.4
Investment in netLink trust
Based on facts and circumstances as disclosed in note 26, although the Company holds 100% of the units in NetLink Trust,
the Company does not control but has significant influence in the trust in accordance with FRS 28, Investments in Associates.
Therefore, NetLink Trust has been accounted for as an associate of the Group.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
3.5
taxation
3.5.1 Deferred tax asset
The Group reviews the carrying amount of deferred tax asset at the end of each reporting period. Deferred tax asset is
recognised to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the temporary differences
can be utilised. This involves judgement regarding the future financial performance of the particular legal entity or tax group in
which the deferred tax asset has been recognised.
3.5.2
Income taxes
The Group is subject to income taxes in numerous jurisdictions. Judgement is involved in determining the group-wide provision
for income taxes. There are certain transactions and computations for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain
during the ordinary course of business. The Group recognises liabilities for expected tax issues based on estimates of whether
additional taxes will be due. Where the final outcome of these matters is different from the amounts that were initially
recognised, such differences will impact the income tax and deferred tax provisions in the period in which such determination
is made.
3.6
Fair values of derivative financial instruments
The Group uses valuation techniques to determine the fair values of financial instruments. The valuation techniques used
for different financial instruments are selected to reflect how the market would be expected to price the instruments, using
inputs that reasonably reflect the risk-return factors inherent in the instruments. Depending upon the characteristics of the
financial instruments, observable market factors are available for use in most valuations, while others involve a greater degree
of judgment and estimation.
3.7
Share-based Payments
Equity-settled share-based payments are measured at fair value at the date of grant, whereas cash-settled share-based
payments are measured at current fair value at the end of each reporting period. In addition, the Group revises the estimated
number of performance shares that participants are expected to receive based on non-market vesting conditions at the end of
each reporting period.
The assumptions of the valuation model used to determine fair values are set out in note 5.3.
3.8
Contingent Liabilities
The Group consults with its legal counsel on matters related to litigation, and other experts both within and outside the Group
with respect to matters in the ordinary course of business.
As at 31 March 2014, the Group was involved in various legal proceedings where it has been vigorously defending its claims as
disclosed in note 41.
138
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
4.
oPeRAtInG ReVenUe
SInGAPoRe teLeCoMMUnICAtIonS LIMIteD AnD SUBSIDIARY CoMPAnIeS
Mobile communications
Data and Internet
Information technology and engineering
National telephone
Sale of equipment
International telephone
Pay television
Digital businesses
Fibre rollout and maintenance
Others
operating revenue
Operating revenue
Other income (see note 6)
Interest and investment income (see note 10)
total revenue
Group
2014
S$ Mil
2013
S$ Mil
7,249.9
3,414.1
1,992.0
1,502.5
1,244.0
688.9
251.7
164.6
154.1
186.3
7,836.6
3,714.8
2,023.0
1,723.3
1,485.7
759.5
217.9
111.1
117.4
193.7
16,848.1
18,183.0
16,848.1
107.6
113.0
18,183.0
116.8
52.3
17,068.7
18,352.1
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
5.
oPeRAtInG eXPenSeS
Selling and administrative costs (1)
Traffic expenses
Staff costs
Cost of equipment sold
Repairs and maintenance
Other cost of sales
Group
2014
S$ Mil
2013
S$ Mil
3,952.4
2,576.1
2,285.3
1,764.3
337.4
884.8
4,580.1
2,848.0
2,346.6
2,053.3
332.3
939.7
11,800.3
13,100.0
note:
(1) Included mobile and broadband subscriber acquisition and retention costs, supplies and services, as well as rentals of properties and mobile base stations.
5.1
Staff Costs
Staff costs included the following -
Contributions to defined contribution plans
Performance share expense
- equity-settled arrangements
- cash-settled arrangements
Group
2014
S$ Mil
2013
S$ Mil
208.2
215.2
22.1
11.0
24.2
20.7
140
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
5.2
Key Management Personnel Compensation
Key management personnel compensation (1)
Executive director (2)
Other key management personnel (3)
Directors' fees
notes:
SInGAPoRe teLeCoMMUnICAtIonS LIMIteD AnD SUBSIDIARY CoMPAnIeS
Group
2014
S$ Mil
2013
S$ Mil
4.7
10.9
15.6
2.1
17.7
4.6
10.6
15.2
2.0
17.2
(1) Comprise base salary, annual wage supplement, bonus, contributions to defined contribution plans and other cash benefits, but exclude performance share
expense disclosed below.
(2) The Group Chief Executive Officer, an executive director of SingTel, was awarded up to 1,516,229 (2013: 1,392,008) ordinary shares of SingTel pursuant to
SingTel performance share plans during the year, subject to certain performance criteria including other terms and conditions being met. The performance share
expense computed in accordance with FRS 102, Share-based Payment, was S$3.7 million (2013: S$4.3 million).
(3) The other key management personnel of the Group comprise the Group Chief Financial Officer, and the Chief Executive Officers of Group Consumer,
Group Enterprise and Group Digital L!fe.
The other key management personnel were awarded up to 3,152,785 (2013: 3,026,460) ordinary shares of SingTel pursuant to SingTel performance share plans
during the year, subject to certain performance criteria including other terms and conditions being met. The performance share expense computed in accordance
with FRS 102, Share-based Payment, was S$7.3 million (2013: S$8.0 million).
5.3
Share-based Payments
5.3.1 Share options
The Singapore Telecom Share Option Scheme 1999 was suspended with the implementation of the SingTel Executives’
Performance Share Plan, and expired in May 2012.
Group and Company
Outstanding as at 1 April
Cancelled
Exercised
Outstanding and exercisable as at 31 March
“NA” denotes not applicable
number of
share options
Weighted average
exercise price
per share
2014
‘000
–
–
–
–
2013
‘000
1,499
(167)
(1,332)
–
2014
‘000
nA
nA
nA
nA
2013
‘000
1.31
1.31
1.31
NA
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
5.3.2 Performance share plans
Prior to 1 April 2012, two categories of awards – General Awards and Senior Management Awards – were given to selected
employees of SingTel and its subsidiaries on an annual basis. The grants are conditional on the achievement of targets set for
a three-year performance period. The final number of performance shares to be released to the recipients will depend on the
level of achievement of the targets over the three-year performance period.
The General Awards are generally settled by delivery of SingTel shares, while the Senior Management Awards are settled by
SingTel shares or cash, at the option of the recipient.
With effect from 1 April 2012, the General Awards and Senior Management Awards are no longer given. Instead, Restricted
Share Awards and Performance Share Awards are given to selected employees of SingTel and its subsidiaries. The awards are
conditional upon the achievement of predetermined performance targets over the performance period, which is two years for
the Restricted Share Awards and three years for the Performance Share Awards. Both awards are generally settled by delivery
of SingTel shares, with the awards for certain senior employees to be settled by SingTel shares or cash, at the option of the
recipient.
Additionally, early vesting of the performance shares can also occur under special circumstances approved by the Executive
Resource and Compensation Committee such as retirement, redundancy, illness and death while in employment.
Though the performance shares are awarded by SingTel, the respective subsidiaries bear all costs and expenses in any way
arising out of, or connected with, the grant and vesting of the awards to their employees.
The fair value of the performance shares are estimated using a Monte-Carlo simulation methodology at the measurement
dates, which are grant value dates for equity-settled awards, and at the end of the reporting period for cash-settled awards.
General Awards
The movements of the number of performance shares for the General Awards during the financial year were as follows -
Group and Company
2014
Date of grant
Singtel PSP 2003
FY2011 (1)
3 June 2010
September 2010 to March 2011
FY2012
2 June 2011
September 2011 to March 2012
note:
(1) “FY2011” denotes financial year ended 31 March 2011.
outstanding
as at
1 April 2013
‘000
Vested
‘000
Cancelled
‘000
outstanding
as at
31 March 2014
‘000
16,933
390
(9,452)
(201)
(7,481)
(189)
–
–
19,402
229
(79)
–
(1,987)
(62)
17,336
167
36,954
(9,732)
(9,719)
17,503
142
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
5.3.2 Performance share plans (Cont’d)
Group and Company
2013
Date of grant
Singtel PSP 2003
FY2010
3 June 2009
September 2009 to March 2010
FY2011
3 June 2010
September 2010 to March 2011
FY2012
2 June 2011
September 2011 to March 2012
SInGAPoRe teLeCoMMUnICAtIonS LIMIteD AnD SUBSIDIARY CoMPAnIeS
outstanding
as at
1 April 2012
‘000
Vested
‘000
Cancelled
‘000
outstanding
as at
31 March 2013
‘000
18,588
177
(11,540)
(111)
(7,048)
(66)
–
–
17,769
616
20,501
229
–
–
–
–
(836)
(226)
16,933
390
(1,099)
–
19,402
229
57,880
(11,651)
(9,275)
36,954
The fair values of the significant General Awards at grant date and the assumptions of the fair value model for the equity-
settled grants were as follows -
General Awards
Fair value at grant date
Assumptions under Monte-Carlo Model
expected volatility
SingTel
MSCI Asia Pacific Telco Index
MSCI Asia Pacific Telco Component Stocks
Historical volatility period
From
To
Risk free interest rates
Yield of Singapore Government Securities on
Date of grant
Singtel PSP 2003
2 June 2011
S$1.81
30.3%
19.3%
July 2001
June 2011
2 June 2011
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143
ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
5.3.2 Performance share plans (Cont’d)
Senior Management Awards - cash-settled arrangements
The movements of the number of performance shares for the Senior Management Awards, the fair value of the grants at the
end of the reporting period and the assumptions of the fair value model for the relevant grants were as follows -
2014
Senior Management Awards
number of performance shares (‘000)
Outstanding as at 1 April 2013
Vested
Cancelled
Outstanding and unvested as at
31 March 2014
Fair value at 31 March 2014
Assumptions under Monte-Carlo Model
expected volatility
SingTel
MSCI Asia Pacific Telco Index
MSCI Asia Pacific Telco Component Stocks
Risk free interest rates
Yield of Singapore Government Securities on
Date of grant
Singtel PSP 2003
3 June 2010
2 June 2011
3,148
(2,798)
(350)
–
2,922
–
–
2,922
S$3.65
Group
And
Company
6,070
(2,798)
(350)
2,922
17.8%
12.9%
800 days
historical
volatility
preceding
March 2014
31 March 2014
144
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
5.3.2 Performance share plans (Cont’d)
SInGAPoRe teLeCoMMUnICAtIonS LIMIteD AnD SUBSIDIARY CoMPAnIeS
2013
3 June 2009
3 June 2010
2 June 2011
Date of grant
Singtel PSP 2003
Group
And
Company
Senior Management Awards
number of performance shares (‘000)
Outstanding as at 1 April 2012
Vested
Cancelled
Outstanding and unvested as at
31 March 2013
Fair value at 31 March 2013
Assumptions under Monte-Carlo Model
expected volatility
SingTel
MSCI Asia Pacific Telco Index
MSCI Asia Pacific Telco Component Stocks
2,919
(1,897)
(1,022)
–
3,168
–
(20)
3,148
S$3.59
2,922
–
–
9,009
(1,897)
(1,042)
2,922
6,070
S$3.40
17.9%
11.2%
17.9%
11.2%
800 days historical volatility
preceding March 2013
Risk free interest rates
Yield of Singapore Government Securities on
31 March 2013
31 March 2013
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
5.3.2 Performance share plans (Cont’d)
Restricted Share Awards
The movements of the number of performance shares for the Restricted Share Awards during the financial year were as
follows –
Group and Company
2014
Date of grant
FY2013
26 June 2012
October 2012 to March 2013
FY2014
21 June 2013
September 2013 to March 2014
Group and Company
2013
Date of grant
FY2013
26 June 2012
October 2012 to March 2013
outstanding
as at
1 April 2013
‘000
Granted
‘000
Vested
‘000
Cancelled
‘000
outstanding
as at
31 March 2014
‘000
5,321
69
–
–
–
–
4,953
12
5,390
4,965
(58)
–
(23)
–
(81)
(603)
–
(209)
–
(812)
4,660
69
4,721
12
9,462
Granted
‘000
Cancelled
‘000
outstanding
as at
31 March 2013
‘000
5,561
69
5,630
(240)
–
(240)
5,321
69
5,390
The fair values of the Restricted Share Awards and the assumptions of the fair value model for the grants were as follows -
equity-settled
Fair value at grant date
Assumptions under Monte-Carlo Model
expected volatility
SingTel
MSCI Asia Pacific Telco Index
MSCI Asia Pacific Telco Component Stocks
Date of grant
26 June 2012
21 June 2013
S$2.61
S$3.28
16.6%
7.2%
36 months historical
volatility preceding
May 2012
13.4%
8.2%
36 months historical
volatility preceding
May 2013
Risk free interest rates
Yield of Singapore Government Securities on
30 May 2012
5 June 2013
146
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
5.3.2 Performance share plans (Cont’d)
Cash-settled
2014
Fair value at 31 March 2014
Assumptions under Monte-Carlo Model
expected volatility
SingTel
MSCI Asia Pacific Telco Index
MSCI Asia Pacific Telco Component Stocks
SInGAPoRe teLeCoMMUnICAtIonS LIMIteD AnD SUBSIDIARY CoMPAnIeS
Date of grant
26 June 2012
21 June 2013
S$3.52
S$3.39
15.4%
9.6%
15.4%
9.6%
36 months historical volatility
preceding March 2014
Risk free interest rates
Yield of Singapore Government Securities on
31 March 2014
31 March 2014
Cash-settled
2013
Fair value at 31 March 2013
Assumptions under Monte-Carlo Model
expected volatility
SingTel
MSCI Asia Pacific Telco Index
MSCI Asia Pacific Telco Component Stocks
Risk free interest rates
Yield of Singapore Government Securities on
Date of grant
26 June 2012
S$3.31
12.7%
7.7%
36 months historical
volatility preceding
March 2013
31 March 2013
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
5.3.2 Performance share plans (Cont’d)
Performance Share Awards
The movements of the number of performance shares for the Performance Share Awards during the financial year were as
follows –
Group and Company
2014
Date of grant
FY2013
26 June 2012
October 2012 to March 2013
FY2014
21 June 2013
September 2013 to March 2014
Group and Company
2013
Date of grant
FY2013
26 June 2012
October 2012 to March 2013
outstanding
as at
1 April 2013
‘000
Granted
‘000
Cancelled
‘000
outstanding
as at
31 March 2014
‘000
7,470
157
–
–
–
–
9,391
15
7,627
9,406
(412)
–
(205)
–
(617)
7,058
157
9,186
15
16,416
outstanding
as at
1 April 2012
‘000
Granted
‘000
Cancelled
‘000
outstanding
as at
31 March 2013
‘000
–
–
–
7,722
157
7,879
(252)
–
(252)
7,470
157
7,627
The fair values of the Performance Share Awards and the assumptions of the fair value model for the grants were as follows -
equity-settled
Fair value at grant date
Assumptions under Monte-Carlo Model
expected volatility
SingTel
MSCI Asia Pacific Telco Index
MSCI Asia Pacific Telco Component Stocks
Date of grant
26 June 2012
21 June 2013
S$1.78
S$2.16
16.6%
7.2%
36 months historical
volatility preceding
May 2012
13.4%
8.2%
36 months historical
volatility preceding
May 2013
Risk free interest rates
Yield of Singapore Government Securities on
30 May 2012
5 June 2013
148
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
5.3.2 Performance share plans (Cont’d)
Cash-settled
2014
Fair value at 31 March 2014
Assumptions under Monte-Carlo Model
expected volatility
SingTel
MSCI Asia Pacific Telco Index
MSCI Asia Pacific Telco Component Stocks
SInGAPoRe teLeCoMMUnICAtIonS LIMIteD AnD SUBSIDIARY CoMPAnIeS
Date of grant
26 June 2012
21 June 2013
S$2.95
S$1.84
15.4%
9.6%
15.4%
9.6%
36 months historical volatility
preceding March 2014
Risk free interest rates
Yield of Singapore Government Securities on
31 March 2014
31 March 2014
Cash-settled
2013
Fair value at 31 March 2013
Assumptions under Monte-Carlo Model
expected volatility
SingTel
MSCI Asia Pacific Telco Index
MSCI Asia Pacific Telco Component Stocks
Risk free interest rates
Yield of Singapore Government Securities on
Date of grant
26 June 2012
S$3.14
12.7%
7.7%
36 months historical
volatility preceding
March 2013
31 March 2013
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
5.4
Special Purpose entity
The Trust’s purpose is to purchase the Company’s shares from the open market for delivery to the recipients upon vesting of
the share-based payments awards.
As at the end of the reporting period, the Trust held the following assets -
Cost of SingTel shares, net of vesting
Cash at bank
The details of SingTel shares held by the Trust were as follows –
Group
Balance as at 1 April
Purchase of SingTel shares
Vesting of shares
Balance as at 31 March
Group
Company
2014
S$ Mil
34.6
0.6
35.2
2013
S$ Mil
39.5
0.7
40.2
2014
S$ Mil
28.4
0.5
28.9
number of shares
Amount
2014
‘000
12,310
5,161
(7,344)
2013
‘000
13,696
7,332
(8,718)
10,127
12,310
2014
S$ Mil
39.5
19.0
(23.9)
34.6
2013
S$ Mil
31.1
0.6
31.7
2013
S$ Mil
42.3
24.1
(26.9)
39.5
Upon consolidation of the Trust in the consolidated financial statements, the weighted average cost of vested SingTel shares is
taken to ‘Capital Reserve - Performance Shares’ whereas the weighted average cost of unvested shares is taken to ‘Treasury
Shares’ within equity. See note 2.3.
150
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
5.5
other operating expense Items
Operating expenses included the following -
Auditors' remuneration
- Deloitte & Touche LLP, Singapore
- Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, Australia
- Other Deloitte & Touche offices
Non-audit fees paid to
- Deloitte & Touche LLP, Singapore (1)
- Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, Australia (1)
Impairment of trade receivables
Allowance for inventory obsolescence
Inventory written off
Provision for liquidated damages and warranties
Operating lease payments for properties and mobile base stations
note:
SInGAPoRe teLeCoMMUnICAtIonS LIMIteD AnD SUBSIDIARY CoMPAnIeS
Group
2014
S$ Mil
2013
S$ Mil
1.4
1.1
0.3
0.4
1.1
137.4
27.9
2.1
0.1
380.6
1.2
1.2
0.3
0.4
1.3
170.5
17.5
2.9
0.1
378.8
(1) The non-audit fees for the current financial year ended 31 March 2014 included S$0.2 million (2013: S$0.2 million) and S$0.4 million (2013: S$0.4 million) paid
to Deloitte & Touche LLP, Singapore, and Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, Australia, respectively in respect of certification and review for regulatory purposes.
The Audit Committee had undertaken a review of the non-audit services provided by the auditors, Deloitte & Touche LLP,
and in the opinion of the Audit Committee, these services did not affect the independence of the auditors.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
6.
otHeR InCoMe
Access fees from network facilities
Rental income
Bad trade receivables recovered
Net foreign exchange losses - trade related
Net gains on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Others
7.
DePReCIAtIon AnD AMoRtISAtIon
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Amortisation of intangible assets
Amortisation of sale and leaseback income
Amortisation of deferred gain on sale of a joint venture
Group
2014
S$ Mil
52.5
3.9
3.0
(10.3)
2.6
55.9
2013
S$ Mil
51.5
5.2
2.6
(7.4)
2.1
62.8
107.6
116.8
Group
2014
S$ Mil
2013
S$ Mil
1,964.4
171.4
–
(3.1)
1,971.3
162.8
(3.7)
(3.0)
2,132.7
2,127.4
152
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
8.
eXCePtIonAL IteMS
exceptional gains
Gain on dilution of interest in a joint venture (Bharti Airtel Limited)
Net dividend income from a joint venture (Southern Cross)
Gain on sale of AFS investments
Net income from legal disputes
Gain on dilution of interest in other associates and joint ventures
Gain on disposal of a subsidiary
exceptional losses
Loss on disposal of an associate (Warid Telecom (Private) Limited)
Ex-gratia costs on staff restructuring
Impairment of AFS investments
Impairment of other non-current assets
Accrued penalty charges for network incidents
SInGAPoRe teLeCoMMUnICAtIonS LIMIteD AnD SUBSIDIARY CoMPAnIeS
Group
2014
S$ Mil
2013
S$ Mil
149.7
–
6.6
–
5.3
1.0
162.6
–
(9.3)
(22.4)
(10.9)
(6.0)
(48.6)
–
148.8
119.2
35.8
0.8
–
304.6
(225.3)
(106.4)
(11.6)
(1.4)
–
(344.7)
114.0
(40.1)
The net dividend income from a joint venture in the previous year ended 31 March 2013 arose from the recognition of the
excess of dividends received from Southern Cross Cables Holdings Limited (“Southern Cross”), a joint venture in which the
Group has an equity interest of 39.99%, over the carrying value of Southern Cross which was equity accounted up to 31 March
2013. With effect from 1 April 2013, equity accounting of Southern Cross is suspended and dividend income from Southern
Cross is recognised in the income statement when the right to dividend is established.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
9.
SHARe oF ReSULtS oF ASSoCIAteS AnD JoInt VentUReS
Share of profits
- joint ventures
- associates
Share of tax expense
- joint ventures
- associates
10.
InteReSt AnD InVeStMent InCoMe (net)
Interest income from
- bank deposits
- others
Dividends from joint ventures
Gross dividends from AFS investments
Net foreign exchange losses - non-trade related
Other fair value gains
Fair value (losses)/ gains on fair value hedges
- hedged items
- hedging instruments
Group
2014
S$ Mil
2013
S$ Mil
2,035.4
75.1
2,110.5
1,952.7
39.4
1,992.1
(701.5)
(16.4)
(717.9)
(586.7)
(8.2)
(594.9)
1,392.6
1,397.2
Group
2014
S$ Mil
15.4
33.8
49.2
58.5
5.3
113.0
(0.1)
12.2
(186.9)
186.3
(0.6)
124.5
2013
S$ Mil
14.9
31.9
46.8
–
5.5
52.3
(8.4)
3.0
38.5
(38.5)
–
46.9
The above included a gain on cash flow hedges of S$334.1 million (2013: loss of S$112.7 million) reclassified from equity to the
income statement.
154
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
11.
FInAnCe CoStS
Interest expense
- bonds
- bank loans
- others
Less: Amounts capitalised
Effects of hedging using interest rate swaps
Unwinding of discount (including adjustments)
SInGAPoRe teLeCoMMUnICAtIonS LIMIteD AnD SUBSIDIARY CoMPAnIeS
Group
2014
S$ Mil
2013
S$ Mil
245.4
29.9
30.3
305.6
(18.1)
287.5
13.8
4.6
264.8
49.5
32.4
346.7
(16.8)
329.9
9.2
6.0
305.9
345.1
The interest rate applicable to the capitalised borrowings was 7.6 per cent as at 31 March 2014 (March 2013: 7.6 per cent).
12.
tAXAtIon
12.1 tax expense
Current tax
- Singapore
- Overseas
Deferred tax expense/ (credit)
Tax expense attributable to current year's profit
Adjustments in respect of prior year (1)
Current income tax
- over provision
Deferred income tax
- under/ (over) provision
note:
(1) This included certain tax credits upon finalisation of earlier years’ tax assessments.
Group
2014
S$ Mil
2013
S$ Mil
153.6
440.7
594.3
120.0
714.3
244.9
406.8
651.7
(12.0)
639.7
(41.3)
(16.5)
18.0
691.0
(2.5)
620.7
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
12.1 tax expense (Cont’d)
The tax expense on profits was different from the amount that would arise using the Singapore standard rate of income tax
due to the following -
Profit before tax
Less: Share of results of associates and joint ventures
Tax calculated at tax rate of 17 per cent (2013: 17 per cent)
Effects of -
Different tax rates of other countries
Income not subject to tax
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes
Deferred tax asset not recognised
Deferred tax asset previously not recognised now recognised
Others
Tax expense attributable to current year’s profit
Group
2014
S$ Mil
2013
S$ Mil
4,347.9
(1,392.6)
2,955.3
4,131.3
(1,397.2)
2,734.1
502.4
464.8
221.2
(59.4)
51.1
5.3
(2.2)
(4.1)
714.3
165.1
(60.1)
78.3
2.5
(8.0)
(2.9)
639.7
156
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
12.2 Deferred taxes
SInGAPoRe teLeCoMMUnICAtIonS LIMIteD AnD SUBSIDIARY CoMPAnIeS
The movements of the deferred tax assets and liabilities (prior to offsetting of balances within the same tax jurisdiction) during
the financial year were as follows -
Group - 2014
Deferred tax assets
Balance as at 1 April 2013
Charged to income statement
Charged to other comprehensive income
Transfer from current tax
Translation differences
Balance as at 31 March 2014
Group - 2014
Deferred tax liabilities
Balance as at 1 April 2013
Acquisition of subsidiaries
(Charged)/ Credited to income statement
Transfer from current tax
Translation differences
Balance as at 31 March 2014
tWDV (1) in
excess of nBV (2)
of depreciable
assets
S$ Mil
tax losses
and unutilised
capital
allowances
S$ Mil
Provisions
S$ Mil
81.4
(12.2)
–
0.8
(8.4)
61.6
324.1
(10.9)
–
–
(32.6)
280.6
20.5
–
–
0.1
(0.4)
20.2
Accelerated
tax
depreciation
S$ Mil
offshore
interest and
dividend not
remitted
S$ Mil
(255.5)
–
(104.7)
(40.5)
(0.6)
(401.3)
(5.3)
–
–
–
–
(5.3)
others
S$ Mil
529.1
(27.2)
(9.8)
3.1
(24.6)
470.6
others
S$ Mil
(48.5)
1.6
6.9
(3.1)
0.3
total
S$ Mil
955.1
(50.3)
(9.8)
4.0
(66.0)
833.0
total
S$ Mil
(309.3)
1.6
(97.8)
(43.6)
(0.3)
(42.8)
(449.4)
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
12.2 Deferred taxes (Cont’d)
Group - 2013
Deferred tax assets
Balance as at 1 April 2012
Acquisition of subsidiaries
Credited/ (Charged) to income statement
Credited to other comprehensive income
Transfer to current tax
Translation differences
Balance as at 31 March 2013
Group - 2013
Deferred tax liabilities
Balance as at 1 April 2012
Acquisition of subsidiaries
(Charged)/ Credited to income statement
Transfer from current tax
Translation differences
Balance as at 31 March 2013
tWDV (1) in
excess of nBV (2)
of depreciable
assets
S$ Mil
tax losses
and unutilised
capital
allowances
S$ Mil
Provisions
S$ Mil
81.9
–
8.0
–
(9.3)
0.8
81.4
359.7
–
(29.7)
–
(2.1)
(3.8)
324.1
0.1
20.1
–
–
–
0.3
20.5
Accelerated
tax
depreciation
S$ Mil
offshore
interest and
dividend not
remitted
S$ Mil
(239.8)
–
(0.7)
(15.0)
–
(255.5)
(5.3)
–
–
–
–
(5.3)
others
S$ Mil
532.2
2.7
(3.9)
7.4
(7.4)
(1.9)
529.1
others
S$ Mil
(9.6)
(68.3)
28.2
–
1.2
(48.5)
total
S$ Mil
973.9
22.8
(25.6)
7.4
(18.8)
(4.6)
955.1
total
S$ Mil
(254.7)
(68.3)
27.5
(15.0)
1.2
(309.3)
158
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
SInGAPoRe teLeCoMMUnICAtIonS LIMIteD AnD SUBSIDIARY CoMPAnIeS
12.2 Deferred taxes (Cont’d)
Company - 2014
Deferred tax assets
Balance as at 1 April 2013
Charged to income statement
Balance as at 31 March 2014
Company - 2014
Deferred tax liabilities
Balance as at 1 April 2013
Charged to income statement
Transfer from current tax
Balance as at 31 March 2014
Company - 2013
Deferred tax assets
Balance as at 1 April 2012
Charged to income statement
Balance as at 31 March 2013
Company - 2013
Deferred tax liabilities
Balance as at 1 April 2012
Credited to income statement
Transfer from current tax
Balance as at 31 March 2013
notes:
(1) TWDV – Tax written down value
(2) NBV – Net book value
Provisions
S$ Mil
others
S$ Mil
0.5
–
0.5
1.6
(0.2)
1.4
Accelerated tax
depreciation
S$ Mil
(116.1)
(66.3)
(62.0)
total
S$ Mil
2.1
(0.2)
1.9
total
S$ Mil
(116.1)
(66.3)
(62.0)
(244.4)
(244.4)
Deferred sale
and leaseback
income
S$ Mil
Provisions
S$ Mil
0.6
(0.1)
0.5
0.2
(0.2)
–
others
S$ Mil
1.6
–
1.6
Accelerated tax
depreciation
S$ Mil
(137.6)
38.6
(17.1)
(116.1)
total
S$ Mil
2.4
(0.3)
2.1
total
S$ Mil
(137.6)
38.6
(17.1)
(116.1)
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set-off current tax assets against
current tax liabilities, and when deferred income taxes relate to the same fiscal authority.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
12.2 Deferred taxes (Cont’d)
The amounts, determined after appropriate offsetting, are shown in the statements of financial position as follows -
Deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities
Group
Company
2014
S$ Mil
828.5
(444.9)
2013
S$ Mil
945.2
(299.4)
2014
S$ Mil
–
(242.5)
383.6
645.8
(242.5)
2013
S$ Mil
–
(114.0)
(114.0)
Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that realisation of the related tax benefits through future taxable profits is
probable.
As at 31 March 2014, the subsidiaries of the Group had estimated unutilised income tax losses of approximately S$112 million
(2013: S$72 million), unutilised investment allowances of S$56 million (2013: S$54 million), unutilised capital tax losses of
S$103 million (2013: S$114 million) and unabsorbed capital allowances of approximately S$16 million (2013: S$8.0 million).
These unutilised income tax losses and investment allowances, and unabsorbed capital allowances are available for set-off
against future taxable profits, subject to the agreement of the relevant tax authorities and compliance with certain provisions
of the income tax regulations of the respective countries in which the subsidiaries operate. The unutilised capital tax losses
are available for set-off against future capital gains of a similar nature subject to compliance with certain statutory tests in
Australia.
As at the end of the reporting period, the potential tax benefits arising from the following items were not recognised in the
financial statements due to uncertainty on their recoverability -
Unutilised income tax losses and investment allowances,
and unabsorbed capital allowances
Unutilised capital tax losses
Group
2014
S$ Mil
2013
S$ Mil
183.9
102.7
134.6
114.3
160
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
13.
eARnInGS PeR SHARe
Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue for
calculation of basic earnings per share (1)
Adjustment for dilutive effects of performance share plans
Weighted average number of ordinary shares for calculation of
diluted earnings per share
note:
(1) Adjusted to exclude the number of performance shares held by the Trust.
SInGAPoRe teLeCoMMUnICAtIonS LIMIteD AnD SUBSIDIARY CoMPAnIeS
Group
2014
‘000
2013
‘000
15,934,007
15,932,143
35,766
43,448
15,969,773
15,975,591
‘Basic earnings per share’ is calculated by dividing the Group’s profit attributable to shareholders of the Company by the
weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the financial year.
For ‘Diluted earnings per share’, the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue included the number of additional
shares outstanding if the potential dilutive ordinary shares arising from the share options and performance shares granted by
the Group were issued. Adjustment is made to earnings for the dilutive effect arising from the associates and joint ventures’
dilutive shares.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
14.
ReLAteD PARtY tRAnSACtIonS
In addition to the related party information disclosed elsewhere in the financial statements, the Group had the following
significant transactions and balances with related parties –
Income
Subsidiaries of ultimate holding company
Telecommunications
Rental and maintenance
Information technology and engineering
Associates and joint ventures
Telecommunications
Interest on loan
expenses
Subsidiaries of ultimate holding company
Telecommunications
Utilities
Associates and joint ventures
Telecommunications
Transmission capacity
Postal
Rental
Acquisition of shares in a joint venture
Due from subsidiaries of ultimate holding company
Due to subsidiaries of ultimate holding company
All the above transactions were on normal commercial terms and conditions and market rates.
Please refer to note 5.2 for information on key management personnel compensation.
Group
2014
S$ Mil
2013
S$ Mil
112.1
29.6
–
129.3
29.8
2.0
215.5
31.8
174.0
31.8
65.7
111.3
85.4
116.9
100.6
25.9
9.1
3.1
95.0
19.2
9.4
3.1
383.6
–
17.2
18.0
8.1
4.3
162
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
15.
CASH AnD CASH eQUIVALentS
Fixed deposits
Cash and bank balances
SInGAPoRe teLeCoMMUnICAtIonS LIMIteD AnD SUBSIDIARY CoMPAnIeS
Group
Company
2014
S$ Mil
89.3
533.2
622.5
2013
S$ Mil
526.5
384.5
911.0
2014
S$ Mil
26.2
78.8
105.0
2013
S$ Mil
67.0
100.8
167.8
The carrying amounts of the cash and cash equivalents approximate their fair values.
Cash and cash equivalents denominated in the non-functional currencies of the Group were as follows –
USD
AUD
JPY
The maturities of the fixed deposits were as follows -
Less than three months
Over three months
Group
Company
2013
S$ Mil
111.1
6.1
3.7
2014
S$ Mil
27.3
3.5
3.0
Group
Company
2013
S$ Mil
460.7
65.8
526.5
2014
S$ Mil
26.2
–
26.2
2013
S$ Mil
64.8
5.7
3.7
2013
S$ Mil
62.0
5.0
67.0
2014
S$ Mil
62.2
8.3
3.2
2014
S$ Mil
88.6
0.7
89.3
As at 31 March 2014, the weighted average effective interest rates of the fixed deposits of the Group and Company were
1.6 per cent (2013: 1.6 per cent) per annum and 0.3 per cent (2013: 0.4 per cent) per annum respectively.
The exposure of cash and cash equivalents to interest rate risks is disclosed in note 37.3.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
16.
tRADe AnD otHeR ReCeIVABLeS
Trade receivables
Less: Allowance for impairment of trade receivables
Other receivables
Loans to subsidiaries
Less: Allowance for impairment of loans due
Amount due from subsidiaries
- trade
- non-trade
Less: Allowance for impairment of amount due
Amount due from associates and joint ventures
- trade
- non-trade
Prepayments
Amount due from an associate for fibre rollout and maintenance
Interest receivable
Others
Group
Company
2014
S$ Mil
2,634.9
(274.7)
2,360.2
2013
S$ Mil
3,065.7
(318.3)
2,747.4
399.7
234.4
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
9.3
149.3
158.6
375.4
171.4
82.0
8.5
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
6.5
139.5
146.0
343.4
120.3
79.2
9.3
2014
S$ Mil
467.0
(82.8)
384.2
19.1
121.8
(12.9)
108.9
2013
S$ Mil
503.0
(75.6)
427.4
15.2
135.2
(12.9)
122.3
1,150.7
719.2
(45.4)
1,824.5
1,002.4
661.6
(45.7)
1,618.3
2.4
2.1
4.5
33.5
171.4
39.7
–
1.2
–
1.2
30.6
120.3
39.2
0.3
3,555.8
3,680.0
2,585.8
2,374.8
As at 31 March 2014, the effective interest rate of an amount due from a subsidiary of S$584.7 million (2013: S$501.9 million)
was 0.01 per cent (2013: 0.01 per cent) per annum. The loans to subsidiaries and amounts due from other subsidiaries,
associates and joint ventures were unsecured, interest-free and repayable on demand.
Trade receivables are non-interest bearing and are generally on 14-day to 30-day terms, while balances due from carriers are
on 60-day terms, and certain balances in respect of information technology and engineering services are on 90-day terms.
The maximum exposure to credit risk for trade receivables by type of customer is as follows -
Individuals
Corporations and others
Group
Company
2014
S$ Mil
741.3
1,618.9
2013
S$ Mil
922.8
1,824.6
2,360.2
2,747.4
2014
S$ Mil
158.0
226.2
384.2
2013
S$ Mil
157.3
270.1
427.4
164
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
SInGAPoRe teLeCoMMUnICAtIonS LIMIteD AnD SUBSIDIARY CoMPAnIeS
16.
tRADe AnD otHeR ReCeIVABLeS (Cont’d)
The age analysis of trade receivables before allowance for impairment is as follows -
Not past due or less than 60 days overdue
Past due
- 61 to 120 days
- more than 120 days
Group
Company
2014
S$ Mil
2013
S$ Mil
2014
S$ Mil
2013
S$ Mil
2,246.2
2,549.6
325.9
358.0
189.2
199.5
223.9
292.2
2,634.9
3,065.7
31.9
109.2
467.0
38.1
106.9
503.0
Based on historical collections experience, the Group believes that no allowance for impairment is necessary in respect of
certain trade receivables which are not past due as well as certain trade receivables which are past due but not impaired.
The movement in the allowance for impairment of trade receivables is as follows -
Balance as at 1 April
Allowance for impairment
Utilisation of allowance for impairment
Write-back
Translation differences
Balance as at 31 March
17.
InVentoRIeS
Equipment held for resale
Maintenance and capital works' inventories
Work-in-progress for fibre rollout and maintenance
Group
Company
2013
S$ Mil
288.8
203.9
(140.8)
(33.4)
(0.2)
318.3
2014
S$ Mil
75.6
33.5
(26.3)
–
–
82.8
Group
Company
2013
S$ Mil
187.7
20.7
5.3
213.7
2014
S$ Mil
2.5
16.8
0.2
19.5
2013
S$ Mil
83.2
33.0
(27.2)
(13.4)
–
75.6
2013
S$ Mil
2.0
20.4
5.3
27.7
2014
S$ Mil
318.3
150.7
(158.2)
(13.3)
(22.8)
274.7
2014
S$ Mil
152.5
16.9
0.2
169.6
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
18.
PRoPeRtY, PLAnt AnD eQUIPMent
Group - 2014
Cost
Balance as at 1 April 2013
Additions (net of rebates)
Disposals/ Write-offs
Disposal of subsidiary
Reclassifications/
Adjustments
Translation differences
Balance as at
31 March 2014
Accumulated depreciation
Balance as at 1 April 2013
Depreciation charge
for the year
Disposals/ Write-offs
Disposal of subsidiary
Reclassifications/
Adjustments
Translation differences
Balance as at
31 March 2014
Accumulated impairment
Balance as at 1 April 2013
Impairment charge
for the year
Disposals
Balance as at
31 March 2014
net Book Value as at
31 March 2014
Freehold
land
S$ Mil
Leasehold
land
S$ Mil
transmission
plant and
equipment
S$ Mil
Buildings
S$ Mil
Switching
equipment
S$ Mil
other
plant and
equipment
S$ Mil
Capital
work-in-
progress
S$ Mil
total
S$ Mil
27.3
–
–
–
–
(2.8)
248.8
0.2
–
–
798.5
1.8
–
–
18,606.0
205.5
(220.3)
–
2,970.8
81.7
(41.1)
–
5,937.6
139.0
(106.0)
(1.3)
1,172.9
1,783.3
(1.3)
–
29,761.9
2,211.5
(368.7)
(1.3)
–
0.2
25.3
(30.4)
1,223.2
(1,433.4)
135.7
(127.8)
408.9
(394.8)
(1,807.0)
(66.0)
(13.9)
(2,055.0)
24.5
249.2
795.2
18,381.0
3,019.3
5,983.4
1,081.9
29,534.5
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
60.1
263.2
11,648.0
2,121.7
3,916.7
–
18,009.7
4.1
–
–
–
0.2
19.0
–
–
1,162.4
(195.8)
–
176.6
(40.6)
–
602.3
(98.5)
(0.8)
–
0.9
1.3
(889.6)
0.1
(74.5)
(11.4)
(259.4)
–
–
–
–
–
1,964.4
(334.9)
(0.8)
(10.0)
(1,222.4)
64.4
283.1
11,726.3
2,183.3
4,148.9
–
18,406.0
2.0
7.3
8.4
5.2
4.4
–
–
–
–
–
(0.7)
–
–
7.0
(1.4)
2.0
7.3
7.7
5.2
10.0
–
–
–
–
27.3
7.0
(2.1)
32.2
24.5
182.8
504.8
6,647.0
830.8
1,824.5
1,081.9
11,096.3
166
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
18.
PRoPeRtY, PLAnt AnD eQUIPMent (Cont’d)
SInGAPoRe teLeCoMMUnICAtIonS LIMIteD AnD SUBSIDIARY CoMPAnIeS
Group - 2013
Cost
Balance as at 1 April 2012
Additions (net of rebates)
Disposals/ Write-offs
Acquisition of subsidiaries
Reclassifications/
Adjustments
Translation differences
Balance as at
31 March 2013
Accumulated depreciation
Balance as at 1 April 2012
Depreciation charge
for the year
Disposals/ Write-offs
Translation differences
Balance as at
31 March 2013
Accumulated impairment
Balance as at 1 April 2012
Impairment charge
for the year
Disposals
Balance as at
31 March 2013
net Book Value as at
31 March 2013
Freehold
land
S$ Mil
Leasehold
land
S$ Mil
transmission
plant and
equipment
S$ Mil
Buildings
S$ Mil
Switching
equipment
S$ Mil
other
plant and
equipment
S$ Mil
Capital
work-in-
progress
S$ Mil
total
S$ Mil
27.5
–
–
–
–
(0.2)
248.5
0.2
–
0.2
–
(0.1)
791.6
6.3
(57.3)
–
19,110.0
148.6
(1,397.8)
59.2
3,174.1
52.4
(306.8)
–
6,843.2
204.9
(1,602.8)
1.7
948.0
1,738.2
–
–
31,142.9
2,150.6
(3,364.7)
61.1
60.7
(2.8)
832.1
(146.1)
67.2
(16.1)
551.1
(60.5)
(1,511.1)
(2.2)
–
(228.0)
27.3
248.8
798.5
18,606.0
2,970.8
5,937.6
1,172.9
29,761.9
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
56.2
302.1
11,983.6
2,251.5
4,943.4
–
19,536.8
4.0
–
(0.1)
18.7
(56.6)
(1.0)
1,144.2
(1,389.9)
(89.9)
186.5
(306.3)
(10.0)
617.9
(1,598.1)
(46.5)
–
–
–
1,971.3
(3,350.9)
(147.5)
60.1
263.2
11,648.0
2,121.7
3,916.7
–
18,009.7
2.0
7.3
8.4
5.2
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
3.2
1.4
(0.2)
2.0
7.3
8.4
5.2
4.4
–
–
–
–
26.1
1.4
(0.2)
27.3
27.3
186.7
528.0
6,949.6
843.9
2,016.5
1,172.9
11,724.9
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
18.
PRoPeRtY, PLAnt AnD eQUIPMent (Cont’d)
Company - 2014
Cost
Freehold
land
S$ Mil
Leasehold
land
S$ Mil
transmission
plant and
equipment
S$ Mil
Buildings
S$ Mil
Switching
equipment
S$ Mil
other
plant and
equipment
S$ Mil
Capital
work-in-
progress
S$ Mil
total
S$ Mil
Balance as at 1 April 2013
Additions (net of rebates)
Disposals/ Write-offs
Reclassifications
0.4
–
–
–
212.5
–
–
–
431.6
–
–
–
3,004.4
86.9
(130.1)
152.1
1,036.3
28.4
(37.0)
35.5
1,263.0
76.4
(34.4)
103.8
347.7
161.2
–
(291.4)
6,295.9
352.9
(201.5)
–
Balance as at
31 March 2014
Accumulated depreciation
Balance as at 1 April 2013
Depreciation charge
for the year
Disposals/ Write-offs
Balance as at
31 March 2014
Accumulated impairment
Balance as at 1 April 2013
Additions
Disposals/ Write-offs
Balance as at
31 March 2014
net Book Value as at
31 March 2014
0.4
212.5
431.6
3,113.3
1,063.2
1,408.8
217.5
6,447.3
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
46.3
233.9
2,136.4
927.0
891.0
–
4,234.6
2.2
–
11.7
–
159.3
(110.2)
53.4
(36.6)
110.3
(33.1)
–
–
336.9
(179.9)
48.5
245.6
2,185.5
943.8
968.2
–
4,391.6
2.0
–
–
7.2
–
–
6.9
–
(0.7)
1.2
–
–
0.4
1.2
–
2.0
7.2
6.2
1.2
1.6
–
–
–
–
17.7
1.2
(0.7)
18.2
0.4
162.0
178.8
921.6
118.2
439.0
217.5
2,037.5
168
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
18.
PRoPeRtY, PLAnt AnD eQUIPMent (Cont’d)
SInGAPoRe teLeCoMMUnICAtIonS LIMIteD AnD SUBSIDIARY CoMPAnIeS
Company - 2013
Cost
Freehold
land
S$ Mil
Leasehold
land
S$ Mil
transmission
plant and
equipment
S$ Mil
Buildings
S$ Mil
Switching
equipment
S$ Mil
other
plant and
equipment
S$ Mil
Capital
work-in-
progress
S$ Mil
total
S$ Mil
Balance as at 1 April 2012
Additions (net of rebates)
Disposals/ Write-offs
Reclassifications
0.4
–
–
–
212.5
–
–
–
424.6
6.2
–
0.8
2,949.7
62.9
(81.9)
73.7
1,047.8
19.8
(61.8)
30.5
1,091.4
139.0
(45.4)
78.0
329.0
201.7
–
(183.0)
6,055.4
429.6
(189.1)
–
Balance as at
31 March 2013
Accumulated depreciation
Balance as at 1 April 2012
Depreciation charge
for the year
Disposals/ Write-offs
Balance as at
31 March 2013
Accumulated impairment
Balance as at 1 April 2012
and 31 March 2013
net Book Value as at
31 March 2013
0.4
212.5
431.6
3,004.4
1,036.3
1,263.0
347.7
6,295.9
–
–
–
44.2
222.0
2,058.4
940.4
847.2
–
4,112.2
2.1
–
11.9
–
157.8
(79.8)
48.0
(61.4)
86.4
(42.6)
–
–
306.2
(183.8)
–
46.3
233.9
2,136.4
927.0
891.0
–
4,234.6
–
2.0
7.2
6.9
1.2
0.4
–
17.7
0.4
164.2
190.5
861.1
108.1
371.6
347.7
2,043.6
Property, plant and equipment included the following -
net book value of property, plant and equipment
Assets acquired under finance leases
Interest charges capitalised during the year
Staff costs capitalised during the year
Group
Company
2014
S$ Mil
2013
S$ Mil
2014
S$ Mil
2013
S$ Mil
90.5
18.1
196.2
108.7
16.8
203.8
51.0
–
15.1
42.2
–
12.7
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
19.
IntAnGIBLe ASSetS
Goodwill on acquisition of subsidiaries
Telecommunications and spectrum licences
Technology and brand
Customer relationships and others
19.1 Goodwill on Acquisition of Subsidiaries
Balance as at 1 April
Movements during the year
Balance as at 31 March
19.2 telecommunications and Spectrum Licences
Balance as at 1 April
Acquisition of subsidiaries
Additions
Amortisation for the year
Disposals
Impairment charge for the year
Translation differences
Balance as at 31 March
Cost
Accumulated amortisation
Accumulated impairment
Net book value as at 31 March
Group
Company
2014
S$ Mil
9,703.6
832.3
160.4
43.4
2013
S$ Mil
9,699.2
824.5
182.6
3.1
10,739.7
10,709.4
2014
S$ Mil
–
1.0
–
–
1.0
2013
S$ Mil
–
1.3
–
–
1.3
Group
2014
S$ Mil
9,699.2
4.4
2013
S$ Mil
9,658.1
41.1
9,703.6
9,699.2
Group
Company
2014
S$ Mil
824.5
–
227.3
(136.4)
(3.7)
(3.9)
(75.5)
832.3
2013
S$ Mil
504.7
257.3
193.2
(131.1)
(0.1)
–
0.5
824.5
1,678.2
(839.7)
(6.2)
1,600.4
(773.6)
(2.3)
832.3
824.5
2014
S$ Mil
2013
S$ Mil
1.3
–
–
(0.3)
–
–
–
1.0
8.4
(7.4)
–
1.0
1.7
–
–
(0.4)
–
–
–
1.3
8.4
(7.1)
–
1.3
170
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
19.3 technology and Brand
SInGAPoRe teLeCoMMUnICAtIonS LIMIteD AnD SUBSIDIARY CoMPAnIeS
Balance as at 1 April
Additions
Amortisation for the year
Translation differences
Balance as at 31 March
Cost
Accumulated amortisation
Net book value as at 31 March
19.4 Customer Relationships and others
Balance as at 1 April
Additions
Amortisation for the year
Disposals
Translation differences
Balance as at 31 March
Cost
Accumulated amortisation
Net book value as at 31 March
Group
Group
2013
S$ Mil
203.9
3.7
(23.3)
(1.7)
182.6
205.9
(23.3)
182.6
2013
S$ Mil
11.3
0.2
(8.4)
–
–
3.1
53.0
(49.9)
3.1
2014
S$ Mil
182.6
4.3
(28.5)
2.0
160.4
212.2
(51.8)
160.4
2014
S$ Mil
3.1
47.2
(6.5)
(0.1)
(0.3)
43.4
97.6
(54.2)
43.4
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
20.
SUBSIDIARIeS
Unquoted equity shares, at cost
Shareholders' advances
Deemed investment in a subsidiary
Less: Allowance for impairment losses
Company
2014
S$ Mil
2013
S$ Mil
7,242.9
6,423.3
32.5
13,698.7
(214.2)
6,874.5
6,423.3
32.5
13,330.3
(359.2)
13,484.5
12,971.1
The advances given to subsidiaries were interest-free except for an amount of S$678.3 million (2013: S$678.3 million) where
the effective interest rate at the end of the reporting period was 0.6 per cent (2013: 0.7 per cent) per annum. The advances
were unsecured with settlement neither planned nor likely to occur in the foreseeable future.
The deemed investment in a subsidiary, SingTel Group Treasury Pte. Ltd. (“SGt”), arose from financial guarantees provided by
the Company for loans drawn down by SGT prior to 1 April 2010.
The significant subsidiaries of the Group are set out in note 45.
21.
ASSoCIAteS
Quoted equity shares, at cost
Unquoted equity shares, at cost
Shareholder's loan (unsecured)
Goodwill on consolidation adjusted
against shareholders’ equity
Share of post acquisition reserves
(net of dividends, and accumulated
amortisation of goodwill)
Translation differences
Less: Allowance for impairment losses
As at 31 March 2014,
Group
Company
2014
S$ Mil
74.3
143.2
1.7
219.2
2013
S$ Mil
74.3
172.9
1.7
248.9
2014
S$ Mil
24.7
578.8
–
603.5
(28.3)
(28.3)
45.2
(26.1)
(9.2)
(31.7)
34.4
(27.8)
(21.7)
(31.7)
–
–
–
–
–
2013
S$ Mil
24.7
567.4
–
592.1
–
–
–
–
–
178.3
195.5
603.5
592.1
(i) The market values of the quoted equity shares in associates held by the Group and Company were S$722.7 million
(2013: S$644.6 million) and S$671.8 million (2013: S$615.0 million) respectively.
(ii) The Group’s proportionate interest in the capital commitments of the associates was S$60.6 million (2013: S$2.7 million).
The details of associates are set out in note 45.4.
172
SInGAPoRe teLeCoMMUnICAtIonS LIMIteD AnD SUBSIDIARY CoMPAnIeS
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
21.
ASSoCIAteS (Cont’d)
The summarised financial information of associates were as follows –
Operating revenue
Net profit after tax
Total assets
Total liabilities
22.
JoInt VentUReS
Quoted equity shares, at cost
Unquoted equity shares, at cost
Goodwill on consolidation adjusted
against shareholders’ equity
Share of post acquisition reserves
(net of dividends, and accumulated
amortisation of goodwill)
Translation differences
Less: Allowance for impairment losses
As at 31 March 2014,
Group
2014
S$ Mil
2013
S$ Mil
1,388.4
1,218.8
284.5
190.7
2,795.5
3,674.5
(1,273.7)
(2,217.7)
Group
Company
2014
S$ Mil
2,798.4
4,185.3
6,983.7
2013
S$ Mil
2,798.4
3,801.7
6,600.1
(1,225.9)
(1,225.9)
7,509.3
(3,287.2)
2,996.2
6,948.0
(2,601.2)
3,120.9
(30.0)
(30.0)
2014
S$ Mil
–
24.1
24.1
–
–
–
–
–
2013
S$ Mil
–
24.1
24.1
–
–
–
–
–
9,949.9
9,691.0
24.1
24.1
(i) The market value of the quoted equity shares in joint ventures held by the Group was S$12.84 billion (2013: S$13.39 billion).
(ii) The Group’s proportionate interest in the capital commitments of joint ventures was S$2.55 billion (2013: S$1.78 billion).
(iii) The Group’s shares representing 24.8% (2013: 24.8%) equity interest in a joint venture are placed in an escrow account under
a deed of undertaking whereby under certain events of default, the joint venture partner could be entitled to these shares.
The details of joint ventures are set out in note 45.5.
Optus holds a 31.25% (2013: 31.25%) interest in an unincorporated joint venture to maintain an optical fibre submarine cable
between Western Australia and Indonesia.
In addition, Optus has an interest in an unincorporated joint venture to share certain 3G network sites and radio infrastructure
across Australia whereby it holds an interest of 50% (2013: 50%) in the assets, with access to the shared network and shares
50% (2013: 50%) of the cost of building and operating the network.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
22.
JoInt VentUReS (Cont’d)
The Group’s property, plant and equipment included the Group’s interest in the property, plant and equipment employed in the
unincorporated joint ventures of S$541.2 million (2013: S$421.2 million).
The Group’s share of certain items in the income statements and statements of financial position of the joint ventures were
as follows –
Operating revenue
Operating expenses
Net profit before tax
Net profit after tax
Non-current assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Net assets
Group
2014
S$ Mil
2013
S$ Mil
10,986.7
11,008.3
(6,624.0)
(6,705.6)
2,012.7
1,938.1
1,326.8
1,365.9
15,476.6
3,360.7
(5,797.3)
(5,748.1)
14,694.4
3,521.5
(5,042.9)
(6,040.1)
7,291.9
7,132.9
23.
IMPAIRMent ReVIeWS
Goodwill arising on acquisition of subsidiaries
The carrying values of the Group’s goodwill on acquisition of subsidiaries as at 31 March 2014 were assessed for impairment
during the financial year.
Goodwill is allocated for impairment testing purposes to the individual entity which is also the cash generating unit (“CGU”).
The Group is structured into three business segments, Group Consumer, Group Enterprise and Group Digital L!fe. Accordingly,
the goodwill of Optus was allocated to the new business segments. Based on the relative fair value approach, the goodwill of
Optus was fully allocated to the Consumer Australia segment for the purpose of goodwill impairment test.
2014
S$ Mil
2013
S$ Mil
terminal growth
rate (1)
Pre-tax
discount rate
2014
2013
2014
2013
Carrying value of goodwill in -
- Optus Group
9,298.8
9,318.2
- SCS Computer Systems Pte. Ltd.
82.2
82.2
- Amobee, Inc. and Pixable, Inc.
313.5
298.9
note:
(1) Weighted average growth rate used to extrapolate cash flows beyond the terminal year.
3.0%
2.0%
3.0%
2.0%
11.6%
8.1%
10.1%
7.2%
2.0%
to 3.5%
2.0%
to 3.0%
16.1%
to 16.3%
16.3%
to 16.5%
174
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
23.
IMPAIRMent ReVIeWS (Cont’d)
SInGAPoRe teLeCoMMUnICAtIonS LIMIteD AnD SUBSIDIARY CoMPAnIeS
The recoverable values of cash generating units including goodwill are determined based on value-in-use calculations.
The value-in-use calculations apply a discounted cash flow model using cash flow projections based on financial budgets
and forecasts approved by management. The Group has used cash flow projections of five years except for Amobee which
was based on cash flow projections of ten years, given that it is at the start-up phase of the business. Cash flows beyond
the terminal year are extrapolated using the estimated growth rates stated in the table above. Key assumptions used in the
calculation of value-in-use are growth rates, operating margins, capital expenditure and discount rates.
The terminal growth rates used do not exceed the long term average growth rates of the respective industry and country in
which the entity operates and are consistent with forecasts included in industry reports.
The discount rates applied to the cash flow projections are based on Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) where the cost
of a company’s debt and equity capital are weighted to reflect its capital structure.
As at 31 March 2014, no impairment charge was required for goodwill arising from acquisition of subsidiaries, with any reasonably
possible change to the key assumptions applied not likely to cause the recoverable values to be below their carrying values.
24.
AVAILABLe-FoR-SALe (“AFS”) InVeStMentS
Balance as at 1 April
Additions
Disposals
Provision for impairment
Utilisation of provision for impairment
Net fair value gains/ (losses) included in
‘Other Comprehensive Income’
Translation
Balance as at 31 March
AFS investments included the following –
Quoted equity securities
- Thailand
- United States
- Singapore
Unquoted
Equity securities
Others
Group
Company
2014
S$ Mil
240.4
55.0
(9.2)
(22.4)
–
26.3
1.2
2013
S$ Mil
148.7
56.0
(7.4)
(11.6)
5.6
49.1
–
291.3
240.4
2014
S$ Mil
66.4
–
–
–
–
(11.5)
–
54.9
Group
Company
2014
S$ Mil
34.6
19.2
9.1
62.9
181.7
46.7
228.4
2013
S$ Mil
46.0
34.2
9.7
89.9
105.1
45.4
150.5
291.3
240.4
2014
S$ Mil
34.6
0.7
9.1
44.4
10.5
–
10.5
54.9
2013
S$ Mil
41.7
–
–
–
–
24.7
–
66.4
2013
S$ Mil
46.0
0.6
9.7
56.3
10.1
–
10.1
66.4
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
25.
DeRIVAtIVe FInAnCIAL InStRUMentS
Balance as at 1 April
Fair value gains/ (losses)
- included in income statement
- included in 'Hedging Reserve'
Translation differences
Balance as at 31 March
Disclosed as -
Current asset
Non-current asset
Current liability
Non-current liability
Group
Company
2014
S$ Mil
2013
S$ Mil
2014
S$ Mil
2013
S$ Mil
(470.5)
(430.2)
(161.7)
(203.6)
196.8
120.0
30.8
(36.1)
(6.4)
2.2
(62.8)
25.6
–
7.6
34.3
–
(122.9)
(470.5)
(198.9)
(161.7)
3.4
298.0
(11.5)
(412.8)
(122.9)
1.1
131.0
(14.8)
(587.8)
(470.5)
2.5
160.5
(2.3)
(359.6)
(198.9)
3.2
247.1
(5.2)
(406.8)
(161.7)
25.1 Fair Values
The fair values of the currency and interest rate swap contracts exclude accrued interest of S$17.8 million (2013: S$19.0 million).
The accrued interest is separately disclosed in note 16 and note 28.
The fair value adjustments of the derivative financial instruments were as follows -
2014
Fair value and cash flow hedges
Cross currency swaps
Interest rate swaps
Forward foreign exchange
Derivatives that do not qualify
for hedge accounting
Cross currency swaps
Interest rate swaps
Forward foreign exchange
Disclosed as -
Current
Non-current
Group
Company
Fair value adjustments
Fair value adjustments
Assets
S$ Mil
Liabilities
S$ Mil
Assets
S$ Mil
Liabilities
S$ Mil
260.7
36.4
4.3
276.4
129.8
10.3
–
–
–
–
7.7
0.1
301.4
424.3
3.4
298.0
301.4
11.5
412.8
424.3
–
–
1.3
112.1
47.9
1.7
163.0
2.5
160.5
163.0
191.2
5.1
0.1
112.1
51.6
1.8
361.9
2.3
359.6
361.9
176
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
25.1 Fair Values (Cont’d)
2013
Fair value and cash flow hedges
Cross currency swaps
Interest rate swaps
Forward foreign exchange
Derivatives that do not qualify
for hedge accounting
Cross currency swaps
Interest rate swaps
Forward foreign exchange
Disclosed as -
Current
Non-current
SInGAPoRe teLeCoMMUnICAtIonS LIMIteD AnD SUBSIDIARY CoMPAnIeS
Group
Company
Fair value adjustments
Fair value adjustments
Assets
S$ Mil
Liabilities
S$ Mil
Assets
S$ Mil
Liabilities
S$ Mil
79.1
51.9
1.1
–
–
–
347.9
226.6
12.7
–
15.3
0.1
132.1
602.6
1.1
131.0
132.1
14.8
587.8
602.6
–
–
0.6
140.6
108.5
0.6
250.3
3.2
247.1
250.3
141.3
9.5
2.5
140.6
117.4
0.7
412.0
5.2
406.8
412.0
The cash flow hedges are designated for foreign currency commitments and repayments of principal and interest of the foreign
currency denominated bonds.
The forecasted transactions for the foreign currency commitments are expected to occur in the financial year ending
31 March 2015, while the forecasted transactions for the repayment of principal and interest of the foreign currency
denominated bonds will occur according to the timing disclosed in note 30.
As at 31 March 2014, the details of the outstanding derivative financial instruments were as follows -
Interest rate swaps
Notional principal (S$ million equivalent)
Fixed interest rates
Floating interest rates
Cross currency swaps
Notional principal (S$ million equivalent)
Fixed interest rates
Floating interest rates
Forward foreign exchange
Group
Company
2014
2013
2014
2013
4,013.9
0.5% to 6.2%
1.2% to 2.7%
4,336.7
4,485.2
0.5% to 6.2% 0.5% to 4.5%
1.4% to 3.1% 0.3% to 1.3%
4,774.1
0.5% to 4.5%
0.4% to 1.4%
5,182.9
1.8% to 7.5%
0.7% to 4.3%
5,244.6
5,830.7
1.8% to 7.5% 0.9% to 5.2%
0.8% to 4.8% 0.7% to 2.3%
5,520.0
0.9% to 5.2%
0.8% to 2.5%
Notional principal (S$ million equivalent)
1,069.8
705.5
550.4
365.0
The interest rate swaps entered into by the Group are re-priced at intervals ranging from monthly to six-monthly periods. The
interest rate swaps entered by the Company are re-priced every six months.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
26.
LoAn to An ASSoCIAte/ net DeFeRReD GAIn
Loan to an associate
1,330.5
1,330.5
1,330.5
1,330.5
Group
Company
2014
S$ Mil
2013
S$ Mil
2014
S$ Mil
2013
S$ Mil
Net deferred gain
Classified as -
Current
Non-current
57.5
1,155.7
57.5
1,186.4
1,213.2
1,243.9
–
–
–
–
–
–
In July 2011, SingTel established a business trust, NetLink Trust, as part of the IDA’s effective open access requirements
under Singapore’s Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network. In September 2011, SingTel sold certain infrastructure
assets, namely ducts and manholes used by OpenNet Pte. Ltd., a 29.9%-owned associate of SingTel, and 7 exchange buildings
(“Assets”), and SingTel’s business of providing duct and manhole services in relation to the Assets (“Business”) to NetLink
Trust, for an aggregate consideration of approximately S$1.89 billion. SingTel also completed its subscription for a further
567,380,000 units at S$1 each in NetLink Trust.
The aggregate consideration paid by NetLink Trust for the purchase of the Assets and Business was financed by the issue of
units to SingTel of S$567.4 million and loan from SingTel of S$1.33 billion.
Although currently 100% owned by SingTel, NetLink Trust is managed and operated by CityNet Infrastructure Management
Pte. Ltd. in its capacity as trustee-manager. SingTel does not have effective control in NetLink Trust, and hence it is equity
accounted as an associate at the Group.
At the consolidated level, the gain on disposal of Assets and Business recorded by SingTel was deferred in the Group’s
statement of financial position and is being amortised over the useful lives of the Assets. The unamortised deferred gain in
the Group’s statement of financial position will be released to the Group’s income statement when NetLink Trust is partially or
fully sold, based on the proportionate equity interest disposed. In addition, SingTel’s lease expenses paid to NetLink Trust and
interest income earned from NetLink Trust are not eliminated on a line-by-line basis in the Group.
The loan to NetLink Trust carries a fixed interest rate and is repayable on 22 April 2017. The loan is secured by a fixed and
floating charge over NetLink Trust’s assets and business undertakings. Under the loan agreement, unpaid interest are
capitalised as part of the loan principal. As at 31 March 2014, the interest capitalised was S$5.5 million (2013: S$5.5 million).
As at 31 March 2014, the unamortised gross deferred gain was S$1.52 billion (2013: S$1.58 billion), of which S$310.3 million
(2013: S$336.6 million) was applied to the Group’s carrying value of NetLink Trust and the remaining S$1.21 billion
(2013: S$1.24 billion) was classified as ‘Net deferred gain’ in the Group’s statement of financial position.
In November 2013, the Group paid S$142.6 million to NetLink Trust in consideration of its transfer of tax benefits utilised by the
Group, and S$11.4 million for additional investment in NetLink Trust. The monies were subsequently utilised by NetLink Trust
for its acquisition of 100% equity interest in OpenNet.
27.
otHeR non-CURRent ReCeIVABLeS
Prepayments
Other receivables
Group
Company
2014
S$ Mil
63.3
192.9
256.2
2013
S$ Mil
60.3
149.5
209.8
2014
S$ Mil
198.5
–
198.5
2013
S$ Mil
221.9
–
221.9
178
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
28.
tRADe AnD otHeR PAYABLeS
Trade payables
Accruals
Interest payable on borrowings
Due to subsidiaries
- trade
- non-trade
Due to associates and joint ventures
- trade
- non-trade
Deferred gain on sale of a joint venture
(see note 32)
Customers' deposits
Other deferred income
Other payables
SInGAPoRe teLeCoMMUnICAtIonS LIMIteD AnD SUBSIDIARY CoMPAnIeS
Group
Company
2014
S$ Mil
2013
S$ Mil
2,759.0
726.7
115.9
2,981.0
772.3
112.1
–
–
–
38.5
6.2
44.7
3.1
26.6
16.4
103.9
–
–
–
61.6
152.6
214.2
3.1
27.3
34.5
77.4
2014
S$ Mil
702.3
136.3
34.2
227.2
610.0
837.2
35.5
4.9
40.4
–
15.9
14.1
53.7
2013
S$ Mil
703.0
116.3
34.4
226.0
667.3
893.3
54.5
151.7
206.2
–
16.0
20.5
55.7
3,796.3
4,221.9
1,834.1
2,045.4
The trade payables are non-interest bearing and are generally settled on 30 to 60 days terms.
The interest payable on borrowings are generally settled on a half-year or annual basis except for interest payable on certain
bonds and syndicated loan facilities which are settled on quarterly and monthly basis respectively.
The amounts due to subsidiaries are repayable on demand and interest-free.
29.
PRoVISIon
The provision mainly relates to provision for liquidated damages and warranties. The movements were as follows -
Balance as at 1 April
Provision
Amount written off against provision
Balance as at 31 March
Group
Company
2014
S$ Mil
5.8
0.1
(4.3)
1.6
2013
S$ Mil
3.5
4.4
(2.1)
5.8
2014
S$ Mil
4.3
–
(4.3)
–
2013
S$ Mil
–
4.3
–
4.3
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
30.
BoRRoWInGS (UnSeCUReD)
Current
Bank loans
non-current
Bonds
Bank loans
total unsecured borrowings
30.1 Bonds
Principal
amount
US$500 million (1)(2)
US$1,300 million (2)
US$500 million (2)
US$400 million (2013: US$300 million)
€700 million (1)(2)
A$375 million (1) (2013: A$75 million)
S$250 million
S$600 million (2)
¥10,000 million
HK$1,450 million
HK$1,000 million (1)
Non-current
notes:
Group
Company
2014
S$ Mil
2013
S$ Mil
2014
S$ Mil
2013
S$ Mil
774.6
774.6
350.0
350.0
6,696.9
350.0
6,243.7
1,086.0
7,046.9
7,329.7
7,821.5
7,679.7
–
–
793.2
–
793.2
793.2
–
–
856.3
–
856.3
856.3
Group
Company
2014
S$ Mil
650.2
1,694.7
793.2
504.3
2013
S$ Mil
655.9
1,734.3
856.3
372.6
1,239.9
1,135.7
434.8
250.0
600.0
123.9
243.6
162.3
96.9
250.0
600.0
134.3
247.9
159.8
2014
S$ Mil
–
–
793.2
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
2013
S$ Mil
–
–
856.3
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
6,696.9
6,243.7
793.2
856.3
(1) The bonds, issued by Optus Group, are subject to a negative pledge that limits the amount of secured indebtedness of certain subsidiaries of Optus.
(2) The bonds are listed on Singapore Exchange.
180
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
SInGAPoRe teLeCoMMUnICAtIonS LIMIteD AnD SUBSIDIARY CoMPAnIeS
30.2 Bank Loans
Current
Non-current
30.3 Maturity
Group
2014
S$ Mil
774.6
350.0
2013
S$ Mil
350.0
1,086.0
1,124.6
1,436.0
The maturity periods of the non-current unsecured borrowings at the end of the reporting period were as follows -
Between one and two years
Between two and five years
Over five years
30.4
Interest Rates
Group
Company
2014
S$ Mil
–
2,790.5
4,256.4
2013
S$ Mil
1,086.0
1,274.9
4,968.8
7,046.9
7,329.7
2014
S$ Mil
–
–
793.2
793.2
2013
S$ Mil
–
–
856.3
856.3
The weighted average effective interest rates at the end of the reporting period were as follows -
Bonds (fixed rate)
Bonds (floating rate)
Bank loans (floating rate)
Group
Company
2014
%
4.0
1.3
1.0
2013
%
3.9
1.5
1.9
2014
%
7.4
–
–
2013
%
7.4
–
–
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
30.5 The tables below set out the maturity profile of borrowings and related swaps based on expected contractual undiscounted
cash flows.
Group
As at 31 March 2014
Net-settled interest rate swaps
Cross currency interest rate swaps (gross-settled)
- Inflow
- Outflow
Borrowings
As at 31 March 2013
Net-settled interest rate swaps
Cross currency interest rate swaps (gross-settled)
- Inflow
- Outflow
Borrowings
Company
As at 31 March 2014
Net-settled interest rate swaps
Cross currency interest rate swaps (gross-settled)
- Inflow
- Outflow
Borrowings
As at 31 March 2013
Net-settled interest rate swaps
Cross currency interest rate swaps (gross-settled)
- Inflow
- Outflow
Borrowings
Less than
1 year
S$ Mil
Between
1 and 2 years
S$ Mil
Between
2 and 5 years
S$ Mil
over
5 years
S$ Mil
52.4
41.0
69.2
29.7
(181.8)
147.9
18.5
1,019.8
(181.8)
155.7
14.9
242.7
(506.0)
503.2
66.4
3,061.6
(785.3)
485.0
(270.6)
5,045.1
1,038.3
257.6
3,128.0
4,774.5
62.3
48.0
94.2
56.9
(175.9)
167.0
53.4
592.5
(175.8)
169.0
41.2
1,309.4
(514.0)
538.1
118.3
1,896.1
(918.7)
696.8
(165.0)
6,182.7
645.9
1,350.6
2,014.4
6,017.7
Less than
1 year
S$ Mil
Between
1 and 2 years
S$ Mil
Between
2 and 5 years
S$ Mil
over
5 years
S$ Mil
6.3
3.2
5.5
23.6
(136.0)
112.9
(16.8)
46.5
(136.1)
113.1
(19.8)
46.5
(350.8)
281.9
(63.4)
139.4
(674.2)
375.0
(275.6)
1,485.6
29.7
26.7
76.0
1,210.0
6.8
5.5
6.3
23.8
(134.2)
113.5
(13.9)
45.8
(134.0)
113.3
(15.2)
45.8
(382.1)
320.4
(55.4)
137.4
(763.2)
474.8
(264.6)
1,522.5
31.9
30.6
82.0
1,257.9
SInGAPoRe teLeCoMMUnICAtIonS LIMIteD AnD SUBSIDIARY CoMPAnIeS
182
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
31.
BoRRoWInGS (SeCUReD)
31.1 Finance Lease Liabilities
The minimum lease payments under the finance lease liabilities were payable as follows -
Not later than one year
Later than one but not later than five years
Later than five years
Group
Company
2014
S$ Mil
54.1
69.6
636.3
760.0
2013
S$ Mil
58.7
99.7
647.9
806.3
2014
S$ Mil
13.0
51.2
636.3
700.5
2013
S$ Mil
11.6
46.5
647.9
706.0
Less: Future finance charges
(541.4)
(557.3)
(537.1)
(548.5)
Classified as -
Current
Non-current
31.2
Interest Rates
218.6
249.0
163.4
157.5
38.9
179.7
218.6
41.8
207.2
249.0
1.5
161.9
163.4
0.2
157.3
157.5
The weighted average effective interest rates per annum at the end of the reporting period were as follows -
Finance lease liabilities
32.
DeFeRReD InCoMe
Deferred gain on sale of a joint venture
Classified as -
Current (see note 28)
Non-current
Group
Company
2014
%
7.2
2013
%
7.1
2014
%
7.3
2013
%
7.3
Group
2013
S$ Mil
13.8
13.8
3.1
10.7
13.8
2014
S$ Mil
10.7
10.7
3.1
7.6
10.7
Deferred gain on sale of a joint venture is recognised as income on a straight-line basis over the remaining useful life of the joint
venture’s cable system of approximately 10 years.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
33.
otHeR non-CURRent LIABILItIeS
Performance share liability
Other payables
34.
SHARe CAPItAL
Balance as at 1 April
Issue of shares under share options
Group
Company
2014
S$ Mil
12.1
179.2
191.3
2013
S$ Mil
16.4
232.8
249.2
2014
S$ Mil
12.1
12.1
24.2
2013
S$ Mil
15.2
9.8
25.0
2014
2013
number of
shares
Mil
15,943.5
–
Share
capital
S$ Mil
number of
shares
Mil
Share
capital
S$ Mil
2,634.0
–
15,942.2
1.3
2,632.2
1.8
Balance as at 31 March
15,943.5
2,634.0
15,943.5
2,634.0
All issued shares are fully paid and have no par value. The issued shares carry one vote per share and a right to dividends as and
when declared by the Company.
The share options expired in May 2012. During the previous financial year ended 31 March 2013, the Company issued
1,332,000 shares upon the exercise of 1,332,000 share options at exercise price of S$1.31 per share. The newly issued shares
rank pari passu in all respects with the previously issued shares.
Capital Management
The Group is committed to an optimal capital structure while maintaining financial flexibility and investment grade credit
ratings. In order to achieve an optimal capital structure, the Group may adjust the amount of dividend payment, return capital
to shareholders, issue new shares, buy back issued shares, obtain new borrowings or reduce its borrowings.
The Group monitors capital based on gross and net gearing ratios, and the dividend payout ratio ranges from 60% to 75% of
underlying net profit. Underlying net profit is defined as net profit before exceptional and other one-off items.
From time to time, the Group purchases its own shares from the market. The shares purchased are primarily for delivery to
employees upon vesting of performance shares awarded under SingTel performance share plans. The Group can also cancel the
shares which are repurchased from the market.
There were no changes in the Group’s approach to capital management during the financial year.
The Company and its subsidiaries are not subject to any externally imposed capital requirement.
184
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
35.
DIVIDenDS
Final ordinary dividend of 10.0 cents
(2013: 9.0 cents) per share, paid
Interim dividend of 6.8 cents
(2013: 6.8 cents) per share, paid
SInGAPoRe teLeCoMMUnICAtIonS LIMIteD AnD SUBSIDIARY CoMPAnIeS
Group
Company
2014
S$ Mil
2013
S$ Mil
2014
S$ Mil
2013
S$ Mil
1,594.2
1,434.0
1,595.0
1,434.9
1,083.6
1,083.7
1,084.2
1,084.4
2,677.8
2,517.7
2,679.2
2,519.3
During the financial year, a final one-tier tax exempt ordinary dividend of 10.0 cents per share was paid in respect of the
previous financial year ended 31 March 2013, and an interim one-tier tax exempt ordinary dividend of 6.8 cents per share was
paid in respect of the current financial year ended 31 March 2014.
The amount paid by the Group differed from that paid by the Company due to dividends on performance shares held by the
Trust that were eliminated on consolidation of the Trust.
The Directors have proposed a final one-tier tax exempt ordinary dividend of 10.0 cents per share, totalling approximately
S$1.59 billion in respect of the current financial year ended 31 March 2014 for approval at the forthcoming Annual
General Meeting.
These financial statements do not reflect the above final dividend payable of approximately S$1.59 billion, which will
be accounted for in the shareholders’ equity as an appropriation of ‘Retained Earnings’ in the next financial year ending
31 March 2015.
36.
FAIR VALUeS oF FInAnCIAL ASSetS AnD LIABILItIeS
The Group classifies fair value measurements using a fair value hierarchy which reflects the significance of the inputs used in
making the measurements. The fair value hierarchy has the following levels -
(a) quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1);
(b) inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 which are observable for the asset or liability, either directly
(i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices) (Level 2); and
(c) inputs for the asset or liability which are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs) (Level 3).
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
36.1 Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value
Group
2014
Financial assets
AFS investments (1) (note 24)
- Quoted equity securities
- Unquoted investments
Derivative financial instruments (note 25.1)
Financial liabilities
Derivative financial instruments (note 25.1)
Group
2013
Financial assets
AFS investments (1) (note 24)
- Quoted equity securities
- Unquoted investments
Derivative financial instruments (note 25.1)
Financial liabilities
Derivative financial instruments (note 25.1)
Company
2014
Financial assets
AFS investments (note 24)
- Quoted equity securities
- Unquoted equity securities
Derivative financial instruments (note 25.1)
Financial liabilities
Derivative financial instruments (note 25.1)
Level 1
S$ Mil
Level 2
S$ Mil
Level 3
S$ Mil
total
S$ Mil
62.9
–
62.9
–
62.9
–
–
–
–
–
301.4
301.4
424.3
424.3
–
108.2
108.2
–
108.2
–
–
62.9
108.2
171.1
301.4
472.5
424.3
424.3
Level 1
S$ Mil
Level 2
S$ Mil
Level 3
S$ Mil
total
S$ Mil
89.9
–
89.9
–
89.9
–
–
–
–
–
132.1
132.1
602.6
602.6
–
14.1
14.1
–
14.1
–
–
89.9
14.1
104.0
132.1
236.1
602.6
602.6
Level 1
S$ Mil
Level 2
S$ Mil
Level 3
S$ Mil
total
S$ Mil
44.4
–
44.4
–
44.4
–
–
–
–
–
163.0
163.0
361.9
361.9
–
10.5
10.5
–
10.5
–
–
44.4
10.5
54.9
163.0
217.9
361.9
361.9
186
SInGAPoRe teLeCoMMUnICAtIonS LIMIteD AnD SUBSIDIARY CoMPAnIeS
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
36.1 Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value (Cont’d)
Company
2013
Financial assets
AFS investments (note 24)
- Quoted equity securities
- Unquoted equity securities
Derivative financial instruments (note 25.1)
Financial liabilities
Derivative financial instruments (note 25.1)
Level 1
S$ Mil
Level 2
S$ Mil
Level 3
S$ Mil
total
S$ Mil
56.3
–
56.3
–
56.3
–
–
–
–
–
250.3
250.3
412.0
412.0
–
10.1
10.1
–
10.1
–
–
56.3
10.1
66.4
250.3
316.7
412.0
412.0
note:
(1) Excluded AFS investments stated at cost of S$120.2 million (2013: S$136.4 million).
See note 2.7 for the policies on fair value estimation of the financial assets and liabilities.
The fair values of the unquoted AFS investments included within Level 3 were estimated using the net asset values as
reported in the statements of financial position in the management accounts of the AFS investments or the use of recent arm’s
length transactions.
The following table presents the reconciliation for the unquoted AFS investments measured at fair value based on unobservable
inputs (Level 3) -
AFS investments - unquoted
Balance as at 1 April
Total gains/ (losses) included in
‘Fair Value Reserve’
Additions
Provision for impairment
Disposals
Translation
Balance as at 31 March
Group
Company
2014
S$ Mil
2013
S$ Mil
2014
S$ Mil
2013
S$ Mil
14.1
44.2
52.8
(3.0)
–
0.1
16.6
10.1
10.5
(0.8)
–
(0.1)
(1.6)
–
0.4
–
–
–
–
(0.4)
–
–
–
–
108.2
14.1
10.5
10.1
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
36.2 Financial assets and liabilities not measured at fair value (but with fair value disclosed)
2014
Financial liabilities
Group
Bonds (note 30.1)
Company
Bonds (note 30.1)
2013
Financial liabilities
Group
Bonds (note 30.1)
Company
Bonds (note 30.1)
Carrying Value
Fair Value
S$ Mil
Level 1
S$ Mil
Level 2
S$ Mil
Level 3
S$ Mil
total
S$ Mil
6,696.9
5,189.1
1,745.7
–
6,934.8
793.2
835.6
–
–
835.6
Carrying Value
Fair Value
S$ Mil
Level 1
S$ Mil
Level 2
S$ Mil
Level 3
S$ Mil
total
S$ Mil
6,243.7
5,097.8
1,258.1
–
6,355.9
856.3
900.3
–
–
900.3
See note 2.7 on the basis of estimating the fair values and note 25 for information on the derivative financial instruments used
for hedging the risks associated with the borrowings.
Except as disclosed in the above tables, the carrying values of other financial assets and liabilities approximate their fair values.
37.
FInAnCIAL RISK MAnAGeMent oBJeCtIVeS AnD PoLICIeS
37.1 Financial Risk Factors
The Group’s activities are exposed to a variety of financial risks: foreign exchange risk, interest rate risk, credit risk, liquidity risk
and market risk. The Group’s overall risk management seeks to minimise the potential adverse effects of these risks on the
financial performance of the Group.
The Group uses financial instruments such as currency forwards, cross currency and interest rate swaps, and foreign currency
borrowings to hedge certain financial risk exposures. No financial derivatives are held or sold for speculative purposes.
The Directors assume responsibility for the overall financial risk management of the Group. For the financial year ended
31 March 2014, the Risk Committee and Finance and Investment Committee (“FIC”), which are committees of the Board,
assisted the Directors in reviewing and establishing policies relating to financial risk management in accordance with the
policies and directives of the Directors.
188
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
37.2 Foreign exchange Risk
SInGAPoRe teLeCoMMUnICAtIonS LIMIteD AnD SUBSIDIARY CoMPAnIeS
The foreign exchange risk of the Group arises from subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures operating in foreign countries,
mainly Australia, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand. Additionally, the Group’s joint venture in India, Bharti
Airtel Limited, is exposed to foreign exchange risks from its operations in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and 17 countries across Africa.
Translation risks of overseas net investments are not hedged unless approved by the FIC.
The Group has borrowings denominated in foreign currencies that have primarily been hedged into the functional currency
of the respective borrowing entities using cross currency swaps in order to reduce the foreign currency exposure on these
borrowings. As the hedges are perfect, any change in the fair value of the cross currency swaps has minimal impact on profit
and equity.
The Group Treasury Policy, as approved by the FIC, is to substantially hedge all known transactional currency exposures. The
Group generates revenue, receives foreign dividends and incurs costs in currencies which are other than the functional currencies
of the operating units, thus giving rise to foreign exchange risk. The currency exposures are primarily for the Australian Dollar,
Euro, Hong Kong Dollar, Indian Rupee, Indonesian Rupiah, Philippine Peso, Pound Sterling, Thai Baht, United States Dollar and
Japanese Yen.
Foreign currency purchases and forward currency contracts are used to reduce the Group’s transactional exposure to foreign
currency exchange rate fluctuations. The foreign exchange difference on trade balances is disclosed under note 6 and the
foreign exchange difference on non-trade balances is disclosed under note 10.
37.3
Interest Rate Risk
The Group has cash balances placed with reputable banks and financial institutions which generate interest income for the
Group. The Group manages its interest rate risks on its interest income by placing the cash balances on varying maturities and
interest rate terms.
The Group’s borrowings include bank borrowings and bonds. The borrowings expose the Group to interest rate risk. The Group
seeks to minimise its exposure to these risks by entering into interest rate swaps over the duration of its borrowings. Interest
rate swaps entail the Group agreeing to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between fixed and variable rate interest
amounts calculated by reference to an agreed-upon notional principal amount. As at 31 March 2014, after taking into account
the effect of interest rate swaps, approximately 78% (2013: 76%) of the Group’s borrowings were at fixed rates of interest.
As at 31 March 2014, assuming that the market interest rate is 50 basis points higher or lower and with no change to the other
variables, the annualised interest expense on borrowings would be higher or lower by S$11.6 million (2013: S$12.6 million).
37.4 Credit Risk
Financial assets that potentially subject the Group to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of trade receivables, cash
and cash equivalents, marketable securities and financial instruments used in hedging activities.
The Group has no significant concentration of credit risk from trade receivables due to its diverse customer base. Credit risk
is managed through the application of credit assessment and approvals, credit limits and monitoring procedures. Where
appropriate, the Group obtains deposits or bank guarantees from customers or enters into credit insurance arrangements.
The Group places its cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities with a number of major and high credit rating
commercial banks and other financial institutions. Derivative counter-parties are limited to high credit rating commercial banks
and other financial institutions. The Group has policies that limit the financial exposure to any one financial institution.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
37.5
Liquidity Risk
To manage liquidity risk, the Group monitors and maintains a level of cash and cash equivalents deemed adequate by the
management to finance the Group’s operations and mitigate the effects of fluctuations in cash flows. Due to the dynamic nature
of the underlying business, the Group aims at maintaining flexibility in funding by keeping both committed and uncommitted
credit lines available.
37.6 Market Risk
The Group has investments in quoted equity shares. The market value of these investments will fluctuate with market conditions.
38.
SeGMent InFoRMAtIon
Segment information is presented based on the information reviewed by senior management for performance measurement
and resource allocation.
SingTel Group is structured into three business segments, namely Group Consumer, Group Enterprise and Group Digital L!fe.
Group Consumer comprises the consumer businesses across Singapore and Australia, as well as Group’s investments,
namely Advanced Info Service Public Company Limited (“AIS”) in Thailand, Bharti Airtel Limited (“Airtel”) in India and Africa,
Globe Telecom, Inc. (“Globe”) in the Philippines, Pacific Bangladesh Telecom Limited in Bangladesh and PT Telekomunikasi
Selular (“telkomsel”) in Indonesia. It focuses on driving greater value and performance from the core carriage business including
mobile, residential pay TV, fixed as well as equipment sales.
Group Enterprise comprises the business groups across Singapore and Australia and focuses on growing the Group’s position
in the enterprise markets. Key services include mobile, voice and data infrastructure, managed services, cloud computing,
IT services and professional consulting.
Group Digital L!fe focuses on using the latest internet technologies and the assets of the Group’s operating companies to
develop new revenue and growth engines by entering adjacent businesses where it has a competitive advantage. It includes
e-commerce, concierge and hyper-local services, and mobile advertising.
Corporate comprises the costs of the Group functions not allocated to the three business segments.
The measurement of segment results which is before exceptional items, is in line with the basis of information presented
to management for internal management reporting purpose. The performance of each segment includes only transactions
external to the Group.
190
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
38.
SeGMent InFoRMAtIon (Cont’d)
SInGAPoRe teLeCoMMUnICAtIonS LIMIteD AnD SUBSIDIARY CoMPAnIeS
The Group’s reportable segments by the three business segments for the financial year ended 31 March 2014 and
31 March 2013 are as follows –
Group - 2014
operating revenue
Operating expenses
Other income
earnings before interest, tax,
Group
Consumer
S$ Mil
Group
enterprise
S$ Mil
Group
Digital L!fe
S$ Mil
Corporate
S$ Mil
Group
total
S$ Mil
10,411.2
6,268.4
168.5
–
16,848.1
(7,138.2)
72.2
(4,264.6)
28.4
(336.0)
(2.3)
(61.5)
9.3
(11,800.3)
107.6
depreciation and amortisation (“eBItDA”)
3,345.2
2,032.2
(169.8)
(52.2)
5,155.4
Share of pre-tax results of
associates and joint ventures
- Airtel
- Telkomsel
- Globe
- AIS
- Others
eBItDA and share of pre-tax results
of associates and joint ventures
512.1
937.1
230.5
427.7
0.5
2,107.9
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
93.3
93.3
512.1
937.1
230.5
427.7
93.8
2,201.2
5,453.1
2,032.2
(169.8)
41.1
7,356.6
Depreciation and amortisation
(1,403.9)
(679.7)
(47.5)
(1.6)
(2,132.7)
earnings before interest and tax (“eBIt”)
4,049.2
1,352.5
(217.3)
39.5
5,223.9
Segment assets
Investment in associates
and joint ventures
- Airtel
- Telkomsel
- Globe
- AIS
- Others
Goodwill on acquisition of subsidiaries
Other assets
4,889.6
3,433.8
900.0
624.2
24.8
9,872.4
9,232.2
9,981.0
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
255.8
255.8
148.8
5,364.2
322.6
542.7
–
3,600.3
4,889.6
3,433.8
900.0
624.2
280.6
10,128.2
9,703.6
19,488.2
29,085.6
5,513.0
865.3
3,856.1
39,320.0
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
38.
SeGMent InFoRMAtIon (Cont’d)
Group - 2013
operating revenue
Operating expenses
Other income
earnings before interest, tax,
Group
Consumer
S$ Mil
Group
enterprise
S$ Mil
Group
Digital L!fe
S$ Mil
Corporate
S$ Mil
Group
total
S$ Mil
11,629.7
6,442.1
111.2
–
18,183.0
(8,389.1)
90.0
(4,407.2)
27.7
(216.4)
1.2
(87.3)
(2.1)
(13,100.0)
116.8
depreciation and amortisation (“eBItDA”)
3,330.6
2,062.6
(104.0)
(89.4)
5,199.8
Share of pre-tax results of
associates and joint ventures
- Airtel
- Telkomsel
- Globe
- AIS
- Others
eBItDA and share of pre-tax results
of associates and joint ventures
368.5
1,003.7
210.0
437.6
(16.6)
2,003.2
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
102.6
102.6
368.5
1,003.7
210.0
437.6
86.0
2,105.8
5,333.8
2,062.6
(104.0)
13.2
7,305.6
Depreciation and amortisation
(1,423.9)
(665.7)
(41.3)
3.5
(2,127.4)
earnings before interest and tax (“eBIt”)
3,909.9
1,396.9
(145.3)
16.7
5,178.2
Segment assets
Investment in associates
and joint ventures
- Airtel
- Telkomsel
- Globe
- AIS
- Others
4,382.7
3,540.7
984.3
683.3
26.3
9,617.3
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
269.2
269.2
4,382.7
3,540.7
984.3
683.3
295.5
9,886.5
Goodwill on acquisition of subsidiaries
Other assets
9,244.1
10,587.2
156.3
5,478.7
298.8
479.6
–
3,852.3
9,699.2
20,397.8
29,448.6
5,635.0
778.4
4,121.5
39,983.5
192
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
38.
SeGMent InFoRMAtIon (Cont’d)
SInGAPoRe teLeCoMMUnICAtIonS LIMIteD AnD SUBSIDIARY CoMPAnIeS
A reconciliation of the total reportable segments’ EBIT to the Group’s profit before tax is as follows -
eBIt
Share of exceptional items of associates and joint ventures (pre-tax)
Share of tax expense of associates and joint ventures
Exceptional items
Profit before interest, investment income (net) and tax
Interest and investment income (net)
Finance costs
Profit before tax
Group
2014
S$ Mil
2013
S$ Mil
5,223.9
5,178.2
(90.7)
(717.9)
114.0
4,529.3
124.5
(305.9)
(113.7)
(594.9)
(40.1)
4,429.5
46.9
(345.1)
4,347.9
4,131.3
The Group’s revenue from its major products and services are disclosed in note 4.
The Group has a large and diversified customer base which consists of individuals and corporations. There was no
single customer that contributed 10% or more of the Group’s revenue for the financial years ended 31 March 2014 and
31 March 2013.
39.
oPeRAtInG LeASe CoMMItMentS
The future aggregate minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases contracted for at the end of the
reporting period but not recognised as liabilities, were as follows -
Not later than one year
Later than one but not later than five years
Later than five years
Group
Company
2014
S$ Mil
473.0
1,007.2
1,419.1
2013
S$ Mil
486.7
1,096.3
1,564.9
2014
S$ Mil
102.5
330.9
583.3
2013
S$ Mil
72.5
301.7
682.4
2,899.3
3,147.9
1,016.7
1,056.6
Sale and operating leaseback contracts were entered into for certain property, plant and equipment for a period of 20 years
commencing on 2 March 2005 and 1 November 2010. The above commitments included the minimum amounts payable of
S$40.8 million (2013: S$40.1 million) per annum under those contracts. The operating lease payments under such contracts
are subject to review every year with a general increase not exceeding the higher of 2% or Consumer Price Index percentage of
the preceding year.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
40.
CoMMItMentS
40.1 The commitments for capital and operating expenditures, and investments which had not been recognised in the financial
statements, excluding the commitments shown under note 40.2, were as follows -
Authorised and contracted for
1,807.5
924.3
262.9
243.0
The above included commitments to purchase spectrum of S$975 million (2013: S$383 million) and capacity in the cable
network of a joint venture of S$32 million (2013: S$41 million).
Group
Company
2014
S$ Mil
2013
S$ Mil
2014
S$ Mil
2013
S$ Mil
40.2 As at 31 March 2014, the Group’s commitments for the purchase of broadcasting program rights were S$474 million
(2013: S$586 million). The commitments included only the minimum guaranteed amounts payable under the respective
contracts and do not include amounts that may be payable based on revenue share arrangement which cannot be reliably
determined as at the end of the reporting period.
41.
ContInGent LIABILItIeS oF SInGteL AnD ItS SUBSIDIARIeS
(a)
Guarantees
As at 31 March 2014,
(i)
(ii)
The Group and Company provided bankers’ and other guarantees, and insurance bonds of S$648.2 million and
S$312.7 million (31 March 2013: S$730.1 million and S$473.1 million) respectively.
The Company provided guarantees for loans of S$950 million (31 March 2013: S$950 million) drawn down
under various loan facilities entered into by SingTel Group Treasury Pte. Ltd. (“SGt”) with maturities between
June 2014 and December 2016. The Company also provided guarantees for SGT’s notes issue of an aggregate
equivalent amount of S$3.40 billion due between July 2016 and September 2021.
Consistent with other large groups, Singapore Telecom Australia Investments Pty Limited (“StAI”), the head tax entity
in Australia, has been subject to information requests from the Australian Taxation Office (“Ato”). STAI has received
information requests in connection with the acquisition financing of Optus. STAI has been responding to the ATO’s
queries. In December 2013, STAI received a tax position paper from the ATO. STAI has received advice from external
experts in relation to this and has responded to the ATO. Accordingly, no provision has been made as at 31 March 2014.
Optus (and certain subsidiaries) is in dispute with third parties regarding certain transactions entered into in the
ordinary course of business. Some of these disputes involve legal proceedings relating to the contractual obligations
of the parties and/or representations made, including the amounts payable by Optus’ companies under the contracts
and claims against Optus’ companies for compensation for alleged breach of contract and/or representations. Optus is
vigorously defending all these claims.
(b)
(c)
194
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
42.
SIGnIFICAnt ContInGent LIABILItIeS oF JoInt VentUReS
SInGAPoRe teLeCoMMUnICAtIonS LIMIteD AnD SUBSIDIARY CoMPAnIeS
(a)
Airtel, a 32.4% joint venture of the Group, has disputes with various government authorities in the respective jurisdictions
where its operations are based, as well as with third parties regarding certain transactions entered into in the ordinary
course of business.
On 8 January 2013, the local regulator, Department of Telecommunications (“Dot”) issued a demand on Airtel Group
for Rs. 52.01 billion (SingTel’s share: S$354 million) towards levy of one time spectrum charge. The demand included
a retrospective charge of Rs. 9.09 billion (SingTel’s share: S$62 million) for holding GSM spectrum beyond 6.2 Mhz for
the period from 1 July 2008 to 31 December 2012 and also a prospective charge of Rs. 42.92 billion (SingTel’s share:
S$292 million) for GSM spectrum held beyond 4.4 Mhz for the period from 1 January 2013, till the expiry of the initial
terms of the respective licenses.
In the opinion of Airtel, inter-alia, the above demand amounts to alteration of the terms of the licenses issued
in the past. Airtel believes, based on independent legal opinion and its evaluation, that it is not probable that any
material part of the claim will be awarded against Airtel and therefore, pending outcome of this matter, no provision
has been recognised.
As at 31 March 2014, other taxes, custom duties and demands under adjudication, appeal or disputes amounted
to approximately Rs. 73.9 billion (SingTel’s share: S$503 million). In respect of some of the tax issues, pending final
decisions, Airtel had deposited amounts with statutory authorities.
Airtel Group has 79.05% shareholding in Airtel Networks Limited (“AnL”), whose principal activity is the provision of
mobile telecommunication services in Nigeria.
Econet Wireless Limited (“eWL”) has claimed for entitlement to a 5% stake in ANL in 2004 and a claim alleging breach
of a shareholders’ agreement between EWL and former shareholders of ANL in 2006. Airtel Group has filed appeals in
the Supreme Court of Nigeria on both matters.
Airtel is defending its positions vigorously. Under the terms of the acquisition by Airtel of these assets from Zain
International B.V. in 2010, Airtel has the benefit of seller’s indemnities in respect of such matters.
(b)
The Group holds an equity interest of 23.3% in AIS.
Revenue share disputes arising from abolishment of excise tax
In January 2008, TOT Public Company Limited (“tot”) and CAT Telecom Public Company Limited (“CAt”) demanded
additional payments of revenue share from AIS and its subsidiary, Digital Phone Company Limited (“DPC”) respectively.
CAT had submitted its case against DPC to arbitration and the Arbitral Tribunal has dismissed CAT’s case against
DPC on 1 March 2011. On 3 June 2011, CAT began proceedings to appeal against the Arbitral Tribunal’s decision in the
Central Administrative Court.
On 20 May 2011, the Arbitral Tribunal dismissed TOT’s claim against AIS for additional revenue share. On
22 September 2011, TOT submitted its case to the Central Administrative Court to appeal against the Arbitral
Tribunal’s award.
TOT’s demand for additional revenue share
On 26 January 2011, TOT sent a letter demanding AIS to pay additional revenue share based on gross interconnection
income received from 2007 to 2010 of THB 17,803 million (SingTel’s share: S$161 million) plus interest at the rate
of 1.25% per month. AIS sent a letter opposing the said claim to TOT on 21 February 2011. On 9 March 2011, AIS
submitted the dispute to arbitration. The said dispute is pending the arbitration procedures.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
42.
SIGnIFICAnt ContInGent LIABILItIeS oF JoInt VentUReS (Cont’d)
TOT’s demand for access charge
On 9 May 2011, TOT submitted a case to the Central Administrative Court against CAT as first defendant and DPC
as second defendant demanding access charge amounting to THB 2,954 million (SingTel’s share: S$27 million) plus
interest. This case is pending the Court’s decision.
AIS’ management believes that the case has no material impact to its financial statements because DPC has correctly
and fully complied with the law and the relevant agreements in all respects.
(c)
(d)
Globe, a 47.2% joint venture of the Group, is contingently liable for various claims arising in the ordinary conduct of
business and certain tax assessments which are either pending decision by the Courts or are being contested, the
outcome of which are not presently determinable. In the opinion of Globe’s management and legal counsel, the eventual
liability under these claims, if any, will not have a material or adverse effect on the Globe Group’s financial position and
results of operations.
The Group holds an equity interest of 35% in Telkomsel. As at 31 March 2014, Telkomsel has filed appeals and cross-
appeals amounting to approximately IDR 1,054 billion (SingTel’s share: S$41 million) for various tax claims arising in
certain tax assessments which are pending final decisions, the outcome of which are not presently determinable.
43.
SUBSeQUent eVent
On 6 May 2014, the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore imposed a financial penalty of S$6 million in respect of the
9 October 2013 fire incident at Bukit Panjang Exchange. This amount has been fully provided in the financial statements as of
31 March 2014.
44.
eFFeCtS oF FRS AnD Int FRS ISSUeD BUt not Yet ADoPteD
Certain new or revised FRS and INT FRS are mandatory for adoption by the Group for financial year beginning on or after
1 April 2014.
(a)
(b)
(c)
FRS 110 Consolidated Financial Statements and FRS 27 Separate Financial Statements
FRS 110 replaces the control assessment criteria and consolidation requirements currently in FRS 27 and INT FRS 12,
Consolidation - Special Purpose Entities. FRS 110 defines the principle of control and establishes control as the basis for
determining which entities are consolidated in the consolidated financial statements. FRS 27 remains as a standard
applicable only to separate financial statements. These will take effect from financial year beginning on 1 April 2014
with full retrospective application.
FRS 111 Joint Arrangements and FRS 28 Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures
FRS 111 supersedes FRS 31, Interests in Joint Ventures, and INT FRS 13, Jointly Controlled Entities – Non-Monetary
Contributions by Venturers. FRS 111 classifies a joint arrangement as either a joint operation or a joint venture based on
the parties’ rights and obligations under the arrangement. The joint venturer should use the equity method under the
revised FRS 28 to account for a joint venture. These will take effect from financial year beginning on 1 April 2014 with
full retrospective application.
FRS 112 Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities
FRS 112 requires an entity to provide more extensive disclosures regarding the nature of and risks associated with its
interest in subsidiaries, associates, joint arrangements and unconsolidated structured entities, and will take effect from
financial year beginning on 1 April 2014.
The new or revised FRS and INT FRS are not expected to have a significant impact on the financial statements of the Group and
the Company in the period of initial application.
196
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
45.
CoMPAnIeS In tHe GRoUP
SInGAPoRe teLeCoMMUnICAtIonS LIMIteD AnD SUBSIDIARY CoMPAnIeS
The Company’s immediate and ultimate holding company is Temasek Holdings (Private) Limited, a company incorporated
in Singapore. The following were the significant subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures as at 31 March 2014 and
31 March 2013.
45.1 Significant subsidiaries incorporated in Singapore
Percentage of effective
equity interest held by the Group
1.
2.
3.
name of subsidiary
Principal activities
Amobee Group Pte Ltd
Investment holding
Computer Systems Holdings Pte Ltd
Investment holding
NCS Communications Engineering Pte. Ltd. Provision of facilities management and
consultancy services, and distributor of
specialised telecommunications and data
communication products
4.
NCS Pte. Ltd.
Provision of information technology and
consultancy services
NCSI Holdings Pte. Ltd.
Investment holding
5.
6.
NCSI Solutions Pte. Ltd.
7.
SCS Computer Systems Pte. Ltd.
8.
Singapore Telecom Mobile Pte Ltd
9.
SingNet Pte Ltd
10.
Singapore Telecom International Pte Ltd
11.
SingTel Asia Pacific Investments Pte. Ltd.
Provision of information technology
services
Provision of information technology and
consultancy services
Investment holding and provision of
consultancy services
Provision of internet access and pay
television services
Holding of strategic investments and
provision of technical and management
consultancy services
Investment holding and provision of
consultancy services
12.
SingTel Asian Investments Pte Ltd
Investment holding
13.
SingTel Digital L!fe Pte. Ltd.
Investment holding
14.
SingTel Group Treasury Pte. Ltd.
15.
SingTel Idea Factory Pte. Ltd.
Provision of finance and treasury services
to SingTel and its subsidiaries
Engaged in research and development,
products and services development and
business partnership
2014
%
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
2013
%
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
45.1 Significant subsidiaries incorporated in Singapore (Cont’d)
name of subsidiary
Principal activities
16.
SingTel Innov8 Pte. Ltd.
Venture capital investment holding
17.
SingTel International Investments
Private Limited
Investment holding
18.
SingTel Mobile Singapore Pte. Ltd.
19.
SingTelSat Pte Ltd
20.
SingTel Singapore Pte. Ltd.
Operation and provision of cellular mobile
telecommunications systems and services,
resale of fixed line and broadband services
Provision of satellite capacity for
telecommunications and video
broadcasting services
Investment holding and provision of
business and management consultancy
services
21.
SingTel Strategic Investments Pte Ltd
Investment holding
22.
ST-2 Satellite Ventures Private Limited
23.
Subsea Network Services Pte Ltd
24.
Sembawang Cable Depot Pte Ltd
Provision of satellite capacity for
telecommunications and video
broadcasting services
Provision of storage facilities for
submarine telecommunication cables
and related equipment
Provision of storage facilities for
submarine telecommunication cables
and related equipment
Percentage of effective
equity interest held by the Group
2014
%
100
100
100
2013
%
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
61.9
100
61.9
100
100
60
60
25.
SingTel Digital Media Pte Ltd
Development and management of on-line
internet portal
95.6
95.6
26.
Telecom Equipment Pte Ltd
Engaged in the sale and maintenance of
telecommunications equipment, and
mobile finance services
100
100
45.2 Significant subsidiaries incorporated in Australia
name of subsidiary
Principal activities
1.
Alphawest Services Pty Ltd (1)
2.
Cable & Wireless Optus Satellites
Pty Limited (1)
Provision of information technology
services
C1 Satellite contracting party
Percentage of effective
equity interest held by the Group
2014
%
100
100
2013
%
100
100
198
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
45.2 Significant subsidiaries incorporated in Australia (Cont’d)
SInGAPoRe teLeCoMMUnICAtIonS LIMIteD AnD SUBSIDIARY CoMPAnIeS
name of subsidiary
Principal activities
3.
Eatability Pty Limited
4.
Inform Systems Australia Pty Ltd (1)
5.
NCSI (Australia) Pty Limited
6.
Optus Administration Pty Limited (1)
7.
Optus Backbone Investments Pty Limited
8.
Optus Billing Services Pty Limited (*)
9.
Optus Broadband Pty Limited (1)
Provision of restaurant review portal
and advertisements
Provision of information technology
services
Provision of information technology
services
Provision of management services to
the Optus Group
Investment in telecommunications
network infrastructure in Australia
Provision of billing services to the
Optus Group
Provision of high speed residential
internet service
10. Optus Data Centres Pty Limited (1)
Provision of data communication services
11. Optus Finance Pty Limited (1)
12. Optus Insurance Services Pty Limited
13. Optus Internet Pty Limited (1)
Provision of financial services to the
Optus Group
Provision of handset insurance and
related services
Provision of internet services to retail
customers
14. Optus Mobile Pty Limited (1)
Provision of mobile phone services
15. Optus Narrowband Pty Limited (*)
Provision of narrowband portal
content services
16. Optus Networks Pty Limited (1)
Provision of telecommunications services
17. Optus Rental & Leasing Pty Limited (*)
18. Optus Stockco Pty Limited (*)
19. Optus Systems Pty Limited (1)
Provision of equipment rental services
to customers
Purchases of Optus Group network
inventory
Provision of information technology
services to the Optus Group
20. Optus Vision Interactive Pty Limited (*)
Provision of interactive television service
Percentage of effective
equity interest held by the Group
2014
%
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
2013
%
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
45.2 Significant subsidiaries incorporated in Australia (Cont’d)
name of subsidiary
Principal activities
21. Optus Vision Media Pty Limited (*) (2)
Provision of broadcasting related services
22. Optus Vision Pty Limited (1)
Provision of telecommunications services
23.
Perpetual Systems Pty Ltd (1)
Provision of IT disaster recovery services
24.
Prepaid Services Pty Limited (1)
Distribution of prepaid mobile products
25. Reef Networks Pty Ltd (1)
Operation and maintenance of fibre optic
network between Brisbane and Cairns
26.
Singapore Telecom Australia Investments
Pty Limited
Investment holding
27.
Simplus Mobile Pty Limited (1)
Provision of mobile phone services
28.
SingTel Optus Pty Limited
Investment holding
29.
Source Integrated Networks Pty Limited (1) Provision of data communications and
network services
30. Uecomm Operations Pty Limited (1)
Provision of data communication services
31.
Virgin Mobile (Australia) Pty Limited (1)
Provision of mobile phone services
32.
Vividwireless Group Limited
Provision of wireless broadband services
33.
XYZed LMDS Pty Limited (*)
Holder of telecommunications licence
34.
XYZed Pty Limited (1)
Provision of telecommunications services
Percentage of effective
equity interest held by the Group
2014
%
20
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
2013
%
20
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
All companies are audited by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, Australia, except for those companies denoted (*) where no statutory
audit is required.
notes:
(1) These entities are relieved from the Australian Corporations Act 2001 requirements for preparation, audit and lodgement of financial reports pursuant to ASIC
Class Order 98/1418 (as amended) dated 13 August 1998.
(2) Optus Vision Media Pty Limited is deemed to be a subsidiary by virtue of control.
45.3 Significant subsidiaries incorporated outside Singapore and Australia
name of subsidiary
Principal activities
1.
Amobee, Inc.
2.
Aspira Digital India Private Limited
(formerly known as NCSI (India)
Private Limited)
Provision of mobile advertising
services
Provision of system integration
and networking services
Percentage of effective
equity interest held by the Group
2014
%
100
100
2013
%
100
100
Country of
incorporation
USA
India
200
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
SInGAPoRe teLeCoMMUnICAtIonS LIMIteD AnD SUBSIDIARY CoMPAnIeS
45.3 Significant subsidiaries incorporated outside Singapore and Australia (Cont’d)
name of subsidiary
Principal activities
3.
GB21 (Hong Kong) Limited
Provision of telecommunications
services and products
Information Network Services
Sdn Bhd
Provision of marketing and
administrative support
Percentage of effective
equity interest held by the Group
2014
%
100
100
2013
%
100
100
Country of
incorporation
Hong Kong
Malaysia
Lanka Communication Services
(Pvt) Limited
Provision of telecommunications
services
Sri Lanka
82.9
82.9
4.
5.
6.
NCS Information Technology
(Suzhou) Co., Ltd. (1)
Software development and
provision of information
technology services
7.
NCSI (Chengdu) Co., Ltd (1)
Provision of information
technology research and
development, and other information
technology related services
8.
NCSI (HK) Limited
Provision of information technology
services
Hong Kong
9.
NCSI (Korea) Co., Limited
10. NCSI Lanka (Private) Limited
Provision of information
technology consultancy and
system integration services
Provision of information
technology and communication
engineering services
People’s
Republic of
China
People’s
Republic of
China
South Korea
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
Sri Lanka
100
100
11. NCSI (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd
12. NCSI (ME) W.L.L.
13. NCSI (Philippines) Inc.
14. NCSI (Shanghai), Co. Ltd (1)
Provision of information technology
services
Malaysia
Provision of information technology
and communication engineering
services
Bahrain
100
100
100
100
Provision of information technology
and communication engineering
services
Philippines
100
100
Provision of system integration,
software research and
development and other information
technology-related services
People’s
Republic of
China
100
100
100
100
100
100
15.
Pastel Limited
Investment holding
Mauritius
16.
Pixable, Inc.
Provision of mobile photo search
and aggregation services
USA
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
45.3 Significant subsidiaries incorporated outside Singapore and Australia (Cont’d)
name of subsidiary
Principal activities
17.
Shanghai Zhong Sheng
Information Technology
Co., Ltd. (*) (1)
18.
SingTel Global Private Limited
Provision of information technology
training and software resale
Provision of infotainment
products and services, and
investment holding
19.
SingTel Global India Private Limited Provision of telecommunications
services and all related activities
20.
SingTel Mobile Marketing, Inc.
Investment holding
Country of
incorporation
People’s
Republic of
China
Mauritius
India
USA
Singapore Telecom
Hong Kong Limited
Provision of telecommunications
services and all related activities
Hong Kong
21.
22.
Singapore Telecom India Private
Limited
Engaged in general liaison and
support services
23.
Singapore Telecom Japan Co Ltd
Provision of telecommunications
services and all related activities
India
Japan
24.
Singapore Telecom Korea Limited
Provision of telecommunications
services and all related activities
South Korea
25.
Singapore Telecom USA, Inc.
Provision of telecommunications,
engineering and marketing services
USA
26.
SingTel Australia Investment Ltd
Investment holding
British Virgin
Islands
27.
SingTel (Europe) Limited
28.
SingTel (Philippines), Inc.
29.
SingTel Taiwan Limited
30.
SingTel Ventures (Cayman)
Pte Ltd
31.
Sudong Sdn. Bhd.
Provision of telecommunications
services and all related activities
United
Kingdom
Engaged in general liaison and
support services
Philippines
Provision of telecommunications
services and all related activities
Taiwan
Investment holding
Management, provision and
operations of a call centre for
telecommunications services
Cayman
Islands
Malaysia
Percentage of effective
equity interest held by the Group
2014
%
100
2013
%
100
100
100
74
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
74
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
32.
Viridian Limited
Investment holding
Mauritius
100
100
All companies are audited by a member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu LLP except for the company denoted (*) which is
audited by another firm.
note:
(1) Subsidiary’s financial year-end is 31 December.
202
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
45.4 Associates of the Group
SInGAPoRe teLeCoMMUnICAtIonS LIMIteD AnD SUBSIDIARY CoMPAnIeS
name of associate
Principal activities
ADSB Telecommunications B.V.
Dormant
Country of
incorporation
Netherlands
APT Satellite Holdings Limited (1)
Investment holding
Bermuda
APT Satellite International
Company Limited (1)
Investment holding
British Virgin
Islands
1.
2.
3.
Percentage of effective
equity interest held by the Group
2014
%
25.6
20.3
28.6
2013
%
25.6
20.3
28.6
4.
NetLink Trust (2) (3)
5.
OpenNet Pte. Ltd. (4)
6.
Singapore Post Limited (5)
To own, install, operate and
maintain the passive infrastructure
for Singapore’s Next Generation
Nationwide Broadband Network
To design, build and operate
the passive infrastructure for
Singapore’s Next Generation
Nationwide Broadband Network
Operation and provision of postal
and logistics services
Singapore
100.0
100.0
Singapore
–
29.9
Singapore
25.5
25.6
7.
Telescience Singapore Pte Ltd
Sale, distribution and installation of
telecommunications equipment
Singapore
50.0
50.0
8.
Viewers Choice Pte Ltd
Provision of services relating to
motor vehicle rental and retail of
general merchandise
Singapore
49.2
49.2
notes:
(1) The company has been equity accounted for in the consolidated financial statements based on results ended, or as at, 31 December 2013, the financial year-end
of the company.
(2) Audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, Singapore. NetLink Trust is a business trust established as part of IDA’s effective open access requirements under Singapore’s
Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network (“nextGen nBn”), and is currently 100% owned by SingTel. It is regarded as an associate as SingTel does not
have effective control in the trust.
(3) Following the 100% acquisition of OpenNet Pte. Ltd. (“opennet”) in November 2013, NetLink Trust’s principal activities include the deployment, implementation
and operation of the passive infrastructure of Singapore’s NextGen NBN.
(4) The company has been sold to NetLink Trust during the financial year. Accordingly, the Group has 100% effective equity interest in OpenNet through its interest
in NetLink Trust.
(5) Audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Singapore.
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ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
45.5
Joint ventures of the Group
name of joint venture
Principal activities
1.
Abacus Travel Systems Pte Ltd
Marketing and distributing certain
travel-related services through
on-line airline computerised
reservations systems
Percentage of effective
equity interest held by the Group
Country of
incorporation
Singapore
2014
%
30.0
2013
%
30.0
2.
Acasia Communications Sdn Bhd (1) Provision of networking services
to business customers operating
within and outside Malaysia
Malaysia
14.3
14.3
3.
ACPL Marine Pte Ltd
To own, operate and manage
maintenance-cum-laying cableships
Singapore
41.7
41.7
4.
Advanced Info Service Public
Company Limited (2)
5.
ASEAN Cableship Pte Ltd
Provision of mobile, broadband,
international telecommunications
services, call centre and data
transmission
Operation of cableships for laying,
repair and maintenance of
submarine telecommunication
cables
Thailand
23.3
23.3
Singapore
16.7
16.7
6.
7.
8.
ASEAN Telecom Holdings
Sdn Bhd (1)
Investment holding
Malaysia
14.3
14.3
Asiacom Philippines, Inc. (1)
Investment holding
Philippines
Bharti Airtel Limited (3)
Provision of mobile, long distance,
broadband and telephony
telecommunications services,
enterprise solutions, pay television
and passive infrastructure
India
40.0
32.4
40.0
32.3
9.
Bharti Telecom Limited (3)
Investment holding
India
39.8
36.2
10. Bridge Mobile Pte Ltd
Provision of regional mobile services Singapore
11. Globe Telecom, Inc. (4)
Provision of mobile, broadband,
international and fixed line
telecommunications services
Philippines
33.8
47.2
33.8
47.3
12. Grid Communications Pte Ltd (1)
Provision of public trunk radio
services
Singapore
50.0
50.0
13.
Indian Ocean Cableship Pte Ltd
Leasing, operating and managing of
maintenance-cum-laying cableship
Singapore
50.0
50.0
204
Notes to the
Financial Statements
For the financial year ended 31 March 2014
45.5
Joint ventures of the Group (Cont’d)
SInGAPoRe teLeCoMMUnICAtIonS LIMIteD AnD SUBSIDIARY CoMPAnIeS
name of joint venture
Principal activities
14.
International Cableship Pte Ltd
15. Main Event Television Pty Limited
Ownership and chartering of
cableships
Provision of cable television
programmes
16. OPEL Networks Pty Limited
Dormant
17.
Pacific Bangladesh Telecom
Limited (5)
18.
Pacific Carriage Holdings Limited
19.
PT Telekomunikasi Selular (6)
20. Radiance Communications
Pte Ltd (1)
21.
Southern Cross Cables Holdings
Limited (7)
22.
SSBI Pte. Ltd.
23.
VA Dynamics Sdn Bhd (1)
notes:
Provision of mobile
telecommunications, broadband
and data transmission services
Operation and provision of
telecommunications facilities
and services utilising a network of
submarine cable systems
Provision of mobile
telecommunications and
related services
Sale, distribution, installation
and maintenance of
telecommunications equipment
Operation and provision of
telecommunications facilities and
services utilising a network of
submarine cable systems
Provision of business and
management consultancy services
Distribution of networking cables
and related products
Percentage of effective
equity interest held by the Group
Country of
incorporation
Singapore
2014
%
45.0
2013
%
45.0
Australia
33.3
33.3
Australia
Bangladesh
50.0
45.0
50.0
45.0
Bermuda
39.99
39.99
Indonesia
35.0
35.0
Singapore
50.0
50.0
Bermuda
39.99
39.99
Singapore
50.0
50.0
Malaysia
49.0
49.0
(1) The company has been equity accounted for in the consolidated financial statements based on the results ended, or as at, 31 December 2013, the financial
year-end of the company.
(2) Audited by KPMG Phoomchai Audit Ltd, Bangkok.
(3) Audited by S.R.Batliboi & Associates, New Delhi (a member firm of Ernst & Young).
(4) Audited by SGV & Co. (a member firm of Ernst & Young).
(5) Audited by S. F. Ahmed & Co (SFACO) (an international associate firm of Ernst & Young).
(6) Audited by Purwantono, Suherman & Surja (a member firm of Ernst & Young).
(7) Audited by KPMG, Bermuda.
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205
ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Interested Person
Transactions
The aggregate value of all interested person transactions during the financial year ended 31 March 2014 (excluding transactions less
than S$100,000) were as follows -
name of interested person
Advanced Info Service Public Company Limited
Aetos Security Management Pte Ltd
Business Leadership Centre Pte Ltd
Certis Cisco Security Technology Pte Ltd
Grid Communications Pte Ltd
iDirect Asia Pte Ltd
iShopAero Pte Ltd
Keppel Land International Ltd
MacRitchie Investments Pte Ltd
MediaCorp TV Singapore Pte Ltd
MediaCorp Pte Ltd
NexWave Technologies Pte Ltd
Nucleus Connect Pte Ltd
OpenNet Pte. Ltd.(1)
Radiance Communications Pte Ltd
S & I Systems Pte Ltd
Singapore Airlines Limited
Singapore Technologies Electronics Ltd
Singapore Technologies Kinetics Ltd
SingEx Exhibition Ventures Pte Ltd
SMRT Trains Ltd
SP PowerAssets Limited
SPI Electricity Pty Ltd
StarHub Ltd
StarHub Cable Vision Ltd
StarHub Mobile Pte Ltd
STELOP Pte Ltd
Surbana Technologies Pte Ltd
Trusted Source Pte Ltd
S$ Mil
2.2
2.6
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.4
1.5
0.2
383.6
0.5
0.2
0.3
3.4
116.6
1.6
0.5
0.6
4.2
0.7
0.1
0.1
1.6
1.1
35.1
30.1
3.3
0.5
0.2
2.8
594.3
note:
(1) The transactions were for the period from 1 April 2013 to 28 November 2013, the date in which SingTel and the other shareholders complete the sale of shares in
OpenNet Pte. Ltd. to NetLink Trust.
206
Shareholder
Information
As at 30 May 2014
oRDInARY SHAReS
Number of ordinary shareholders
SInGAPoRe teLeCoMMUnICAtIonS LIMIteD AnD SUBSIDIARY CoMPAnIeS
304,141
Number of holders of CHESS Units of Foreign Securities relating to ordinary shares in the Company (CUFS)
19,245
Voting rights:
On a show of hands – every member present in person and each proxy shall have one vote
On a poll – every member present in person or by proxy shall have one vote for every share he holds or represents
(The Company cannot exercise any voting rights in respect of shares held by it as treasury shares)
SingTel shares are listed on Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited and ASX Limited (ASX) (in the form of CUFS).
SUBStAntIAL SHAReHoLDeRS
Temasek Holdings (Private) Limited
Note:
(1) Deemed through interests of an associated company and subsidiaries.
MAJoR SHAReHoLDeRS LISt – toP 20
name
Temasek Holdings (Private) Ltd
Citibank Nominees Singapore Pte Ltd
DBS Nominees Pte Ltd
DBSN Services Pte Ltd
Central Provident Fund Board
HSBC (Singapore) Nominees Pte Ltd
United Overseas Bank Nominees Pte Ltd
BNP Paribas Securities Services
Chess Depositary Nominees Pty Limited (3)
Raffles Nominees (Pte) Ltd
DB Nominees (Singapore) Pte Ltd
Societe Generale Singapore Branch
OCBC Nominees Singapore Private Limited
Bank Of Singapore Nominees Pte Ltd
Merrill Lynch (Singapore) Pte Ltd
Morgan Stanley Asia (Singapore)
Chen Chun Nan
Yeo Wei Ferng (Yang Weifeng)
Yeo Wei Yan
Chua Sock Koong
no.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
notes:
Direct
Interest
Deemed
Interest
8,271,325,982
10,364,738 (1)
no. of
shares held
% of issued
share capital (1)
8,271,325,982
1,651,219,412
1,591,279,319 (2)
1,588,185,852
899,771,545
566,630,840
296,247,816
200,694,931
138,043,174
117,041,021
32,744,965
19,863,790
16,649,934
11,348,617
7,266,991
5,565,489
3,900,000
3,800,000
3,762,000
3,700,403
15,429,042,081
51.88
10.36
9.98
9.96
5.64
3.55
1.86
1.26
0.87
0.73
0.21
0.13
0.10
0.07
0.05
0.04
0.02
0.02
0.02
0.02
96.77
(1) The percentage of issued ordinary shares is calculated based on the number of issued ordinary shares of the Company as at 30 May 2014, excluding 996,487 ordinary shares
held as treasury shares as at that date.
(2) Excludes 996,487 ordinary shares held by DBS Nominees Pte Ltd as treasury shares for the account of the Company.
(3) The shares held by CHESS Depositary Nominees Pty Limited are held on behalf of the persons entered in the register of CUFS holders.
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207
ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Shareholder
Information
As at 30 May 2014
MAJoR CUFS HoLDeRS LISt (1) – toP 20
name
National Nominees Limited
HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited
J P Morgan Nominees Australia Limited
BNP Paribas Noms Pty Ltd
Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited
CS Fourth Nominees Pty Ltd
UBS Nominees Pty Ltd
The Australian National University
Paul O'Sullivan
AMP Life Limited
HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited - A/C 3
RBC Investor Services Australia Nominees Pty Limited
National Nominees Limited
National Nominees Limited
Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited
Andrew Buay
Murray King
Vicki Brady
Peter Bithos
Jann Kohlman
no.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
notes:
no. of
CUFS held
% of issued
share capital (2)
17,964,814
17,694,421
14,816,144
10,038,470
3,219,069
2,828,601
2,581,862
1,800,000
1,371,519
1,129,182
1,079,920
882,990
716,652
504,298
343,086
330,191
322,635
283,294
265,441
263,818
78,436,407
0.11
0.11
0.09
0.06
0.02
0.02
0.02
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.01
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.49
(1) CUFS are CHESS Units of Foreign Securities relating to ordinary shares in the Company. The shares are held by CHESS Depositary Nominees Pty Limited on behalf of the
persons entered in the CUFS register.
(2) The percentage of issued ordinary shares is calculated based on the number of issued ordinary shares of the Company as at 30 May 2014, excluding 996,487 ordinary shares
held as treasury shares as at that date.
AnALYSIS oF SHAReHoLDeRS AnD CUFS HoLDeRS
Range of holdings
1 - 999
1,000 - 5,000
5,001 - 10,000
10,001 - 100,000
100,001 - 1,000,000
1,000,001 and above
Number of holders holding less than a marketable parcel
notes:
no. of
holders
258,665
47,708
9,069
7,421
472
51
323,386
% of
holders
79.99
14.75
2.80
2.29
0.15
0.02
100.00
no. of
shares/CUFS
% of issued
share capital
60,194,734
107,858,356
68,477,873
183,284,527
116,812,532
15,406,948,927
15,943,576,949
0.38
0.68
0.43
1.15
0.73
96.63
100.00
4,540
(1) This table is compiled on the basis that each holding of CUFS is a separate holding and, accordingly, the holding of shares by CHESS Depositary Nominees Pty Limited is
ignored.
(2) Based on information available to the Company as at 30 May 2014, approximately 48% of the issued ordinary shares of the Company is held by the public and, therefore,
Rule 723 of the Listing Manual issued by the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited is complied with. The percentage of issued ordinary shares held by the public is
calculated based on the number of issued ordinary shares of the Company as at 30 May 2014, excluding 996,487 ordinary shares held as treasury shares as at that date.
(3) A marketable parcel is defined in the ASX Listing Rules as a parcel of securities of not less than $500 in Australian dollars, based on the closing price of the securities on the ASX.
(4) As at 30 May 2014, the number of ordinary shares held in treasury is 996,487, and the percentage of such holding against the total number of issued ordinary shares
(excluding ordinary shares held as treasury shares) is 0.01%.
SHARe PURCHASe MAnDAte
At the Extraordinary General Meeting of the Company held on 26 July 2013 (2013 eGM), the shareholders approved the renewal of a
mandate to enable the Company to purchase or otherwise acquire not more than 5% of the issued ordinary share capital of the Company
as at the date of the 2013 EGM. As at 30 May 2014, there is no current on-market buy-back of shares pursuant to the mandate.
SInGAPoRe teLeCoMMUnICAtIonS LIMIteD AnD SUBSIDIARY CoMPAnIeS
208
Corporate
Information (1)
BoARD oF DIReCtoRS
CoMPAnY SeCRetARY
Simon Israel (Chairman)
Bobby Chin
Chua Sock Koong (Group CEO)
Fang Ai Lian
David Gonski AC (2)
Dominic Ho
Low Check Kian
Peter Mason AM (3)
Kai Nargolwala
Christina Ong
Peter Ong
AUDIt CoMMIttee
Fang Ai Lian (Chairman)
Bobby Chin
Dominic Ho
Christina Ong
Peter Ong
CoRPoRAte GoVeRnAnCe AnD
noMInAtIonS CoMMIttee
Kai Nargolwala (Chairman)
Dominic Ho
Simon Israel
Low Check Kian
Christina Ong
eXeCUtIVe ReSoURCe AnD
CoMPenSAtIon CoMMIttee
Kai Nargolwala (Chairman)
Fang Ai Lian
Simon Israel
Peter Mason AM (3)
FInAnCe AnD InVeStMent
CoMMIttee
Simon Israel (Chairman)
Low Check Kian
Kai Nargolwala
oPtUS ADVISoRY CoMMIttee
Peter Mason AM (3) (Chairman)
Chua Sock Koong
David Gonski AC (1)
Simon Israel
RISK CoMMIttee
Bobby Chin (Chairman)
David Gonski AC (2)
Peter Ong
Chan Su Shan
ASSIStAnt CoMPAnY SeCRetARY
Lim Li Ching
ReGISteReD oFFICeS
In Singapore:
31 Exeter Road
Comcentre
Singapore 239732
Republic of Singapore
Tel: +65 6838 3388
Fax: +65 6732 8428
Website: www.singtel.com
In Australia:
Level 4, Building C
1 Lyonpark Road, Macquarie Park
NSW 2113 Australia
Tel: +61 2 8082 7800
Fax: +61 2 8082 7100
Website: www.optus.com.au
SHARe ReGIStRARS
In Singapore:
M & C Services Private Limited
112 Robinson Road
#05-01
Singapore 068902
Republic of Singapore
Tel: +65 6228 0544
Fax: +65 6225 1452
Email: annualreports@mncsingapore.com
Website: www.mncsingapore.com
In Australia:
Computershare Investor Services
Pty Limited
Post: GPO Box 242
Melbourne VIC 8060, Australia
Hand delivery: Level 4, 60 Carrington Street
Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia
Tel: 1800 501 501
(Enquiries within Australia)
Tel: +61 3 9415 4029
(Outside Australia)
Fax: +61 3 9473 2555
Online Contact:
www.investorcentre.com/contact
Website: www.computershare.com.au
SInGteL AMeRICAn DePoSItARY
ReCeIPtS
Citibank Shareholder Services
PO Box 43077
Providence, Rhode Island 02940-3077
USA
Tel: 1 877 248 4237
(Toll free within USA)
Tel: +1 781 575 4555 (Outside USA)
Email: citibank@shareholders-online.com
Website: www.citi.com/dr
AUDItoRS
Deloitte & Touche LLP
(appointed on 28 July 2006)
6 Shenton Way
OUE Downtown 2
#32-00
Singapore 068809
Republic of Singapore
Tel: +65 6224 8288
Fax: +65 6538 6166
Audit Partner: Chaly Mah Chee Kheong
InVeStoR ReLAtIonS
31 Exeter Road
#19-00 Comcentre
Singapore 239732
Republic of Singapore
Tel: +65 6838 2123
Email: investor@singtel.com
notes:
(1) As at 8 May 2014.
(2) Companion of the Order of Australia.
(3) Member of the Order of Australia.
Overview
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209
ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Contact
Points
SInGAPoRe
Singtel Headquarters
31 Exeter Road, Comcentre
Singapore 239732
Singapore
Tel: +65 6838 3388
Fax: +65 6732 8428
Website: www.singtel.com
nCS Pte. Ltd.
5 Ang Mo Kio Street 62
NCS Hub, Singapore 569141
Singapore
Tel: +65 6556 8000
Fax: +65 6556 7000
Email: reachus@ncs.com.sg
AUStRALIA
Singtel optus Pty Limited
Sydney (Head office)
Optus Centre Sydney
1 Lyonpark Road
Macquarie Park, NSW 2113, Australia
Tel: +61 2 8082 7800
Fax: +61 2 8082 7100
Website: www.optus.com.au
Adelaide
Level 6, 108 North Terrace
Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
Tel: +61 87328 5114
Fax: +61 1800 500 261
Brisbane
15 Green Square Close,
Fortitude Valley, QLD 4006, Australia
Tel: +61 7 3174 7000
Fax: +61 7 3174 7087
Canberra
Level 3, 10 Moore Street
Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
Tel: +61 2 6222 3800
Fax: +61 2 6222 3838
Darwin
Optus Centre Darwin
49 Woods Street Darwin
NT 0800, Australia
Tel: +61 8 8901 4500
Fax: +61 8 8901 4505
Melbourne
367 Collins Street
Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
Tel: +61 3 9233 4000
Fax: +61 3 9233 4900
Perth
Level 3, 1260 Hay Street
West Perth, WA 6005, Australia
Tel: +61 8 9288 3000
Fax: +61 8 9288 3030
CHInA
Beijing
Unit 1503, Beijing Silver Tower 2
Dongsanhuanbei Road
Chaoyang District, Beijing 100027
China
Tel: +86 10 6410 6193 / 4 / 5
Fax: +86 10 6410 6196
Email: singtel-beij@singtel.com
Guangzhou
Room 3615,36F
BLK B, China Shine
No. 9, Lin He Xi Road
Tian He District, Guangzhou 510610
China
Tel: +86 20 3886 3887
Fax: +86 20 3882 5545
Shanghai
Unit 707, 7F, KIC Plaza
No. 333 Song Hu Road
Shanghai 200433
China
Tel: +86 21 3362 0388
Fax:+86 21 3362 0389
Email: singtel-sha@singtel.com
eURoPe
Frankfurt
Platz der Einheit 1
60327 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Tel: +49 69 975 03 445
Fax: +49 69 975 03 200
Email: singtel-germany@singtel.com
London
Birchin Court
20 Birchin Lane
London EC3V 9DU
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 7122 8000
Fax: +44 20 7122 8088
Email: singtel-uk@singtel.com
HonGKonG
tsimshatsui
Suites 2002-6, Tower 6
The Gateway, 9 Canton Road
Tsimshatsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2877 1500
Fax: +852 2802 1500
Email: singtel-hk@singtel.com
InDIA
Bangalore
Suite No. 304 DBS Business Centre
26 Cunningham Road
Bangalore 560052, India
Tel: +91 80 2226 7272
Fax: +91 80 2225 0509
Email: singtel-ind@singtel.com
Chennai
20/30, Paras Plaza
3rd Floor, Cathedral Garden Road
Nungambakkam, Chennai – 600 034
Tel: +91 44 4264 9410
Fax: +91 44 4264 9414
Email: singtel-ind@singtel.com
Hyderabad
Reliance Business Centre, 303
Swapna Lok Complex, 92
Sarojini Devi Road
Secunderabad - 500003, India
Tel: +91 40 2781 2699
Fax: +91 40 2781 2724
Email: singtel-ind@singtel.com
Mumbai
Sahar Plaza
111 Bonanza Wing B
Mathuradas Vasanji Road
Andheri East, Mumbai 400069, India
Tel: +91 22 2824 4999 / +91 22 4075 7777
Fax: +91 22 2824 4996
Email: singtel-ind@singtel.com
210
Contact
Points
new Delhi
5th Floor, A Wing, Statesman House
148 Barakhamba Road
New Delhi 110001, India
Tel: +91 11 4152 1199 / +91 11 4362 1199
Fax: +91 11 4152 1683
Email: singtel-ind@singtel.com
InDoneSIA
Jakarta
CIMB Niaga Plaza
15th Floor, Suite 1505
Jalan Jenderal, Sudirman Kavling 25
Jakarta 12920, Indonesia
Tel: +62 21 526 7937 / 8
Fax: +62 21 526 7939
Email: singtel-ina@singtel.com
JAPAn
osaka
A&S Building
4F, 2-6-11 Sonezaki Shinchi
Kita-ku, Osaka, 530-0002, Japan
Tel: +81 6 6458 1405
Fax: +81 6 6458 1401
Email: singtel-jpn@singtel.com
tokyo
Arco Tower 9F
1-8-1 Shimomeguro
Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-0064, Japan
Tel: +81 3 5437 7033
Fax: +81 3 5437 7066
Email: singtel-jpn@singtel.com
KoReA
Seoul
135-983, 11 Flr, Capital Tower
736-1, Yeoksam-dong, Kangnam-Gu
Seoul, Korea
Tel: 82 2 3287 7575
Fax: 82 2 3287 7589
Email: singtel-kor@singtel.com
SInGAPoRe teLeCoMMUnICAtIonS LIMIteD AnD SUBSIDIARY CoMPAnIeS
MALAYSIA
USA
San Francisco (Head office)
100 Marine Parkway
Suite 450
Redwood City, CA 94065, USA
Tel: +1 650 508 6800
Fax: +1 650 508 1578
Email: singtel-usa@singtel.com
Chicago
8770 West Bryn Mawr Avenue
Suite 1314
Chicago, IL 60631, USA
Tel: +1 773 867 8122
Fax: +1 773 867 8121
Email: singtel-usa@singtel.com
new York
140 Broadway
Suite 2110
New York, NY 10015, USA
Tel: +1 212 269 7920
Fax: +1 212 269 7939
Email: singtel-usa@singtel.com
VIetnAM
Hanoi
Suite 704, CMC Tower
7th Floor
Duy Tan Street
Dich Vong Hau Ward
Cau Giay District
Hanoi City, Vietnam
Tel: +84 4 3943 2161
Fax: +84 4 3943 2163
Email: singtel-vn@singtel.com
Kuala Lumpur
602B, Level 6, Tower B, Uptown 5
5 Jalan SS21/39, Damansara Uptown
47400 Petaling Jaya
Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
Tel: +603 7728 2813
Fax: +603 7727 6186
Email: sgomals@singtel.com
MIDDLe eASt
Dubai
Dubai Internet City Building #1
#1 Floor Office
#110 P O Box 502430
Dubai United Arab Emirates
Tel: +971 4363 6705
Fax: +971 4361 1063
Email: g-singtel-me@singtel.com
PHILIPPIneS
Manila
Unit 1504 Liberty Center
104 H V de la Costa Street
Salcedo Village, Makati City 1227
Philippines
Tel: +63 2 887 2791
Fax: + 63 2 887 2763
Email: singtel-phil@singtel.com
tAIWAn
taipei
2F, No. 290, Section 4
Chung Hsiao East Road, Taipei
Taiwan
Tel: +886 2 2741 1688
Fax: +886 2 2778 6083
Email: singtel-twn@singtel.com
tHAILAnD
Bangkok
9th Floor, Unit 6
500 Amarin Tower
Ploenchit Road, Lumpini
Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 256 9875 / 6
Fax: +66 2 256 9808
Email: Sophida@singtel.com
Singapore
TelecommunicaTionS
limiTed
31 ExETER RoAD
ComCENTRE
SiNgAPoRE 239732
REPUBLiC oF SiNgAPoRE
+65 6838 3388
+65 6732 8428
www.singtel.com
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Singapore Telecommunications Limited
(CRN:199201624D)
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