Singtel Celebrates 145th Anniversary with Launch of “Voices from Comcentre” Book

To mark its 145th anniversary, Singtel has launched Voices from Comcentre, a book chronicling the rich legacy of Comcentre, the iconic building that served as the company’s headquarters for 45 years. This release comes as Singtel embarks on an exciting redevelopment of Comcentre, partnering with real estate firm Lendlease to transform the site into a cutting-edge, sustainable office space designed for the digital age.

The book, Voices from Comcentre, takes readers on a journey through Singapore’s communications history, starting with the establishment of the first telephone exchange in 1879. It highlights key milestones, including the 1979 opening of Comcentre, which coincided with Singapore’s 100th year of telephone service. Through the personal stories of Singtel staff, the book captures the evolution of telecommunications in Singapore, from the analogue era to today’s 5G networks.

Among the personal accounts shared in the book is that of associate engineer Lim Siew Meng, who recalls the rollout of Singapore’s first 1G mobile network in 1987, and the strategic role Comcentre played in that project. Senior director Edmund Quek also reflects on how Comcentre became the launch site for Apple’s iPhone 3G in 2008, thanks to its superior network quality.

Looking ahead, the book offers a glimpse into Comcentre’s future. The building was vacated in April 2024 for redevelopment and is expected to reopen in 2028 as a state-of-the-art, eco-friendly office complex, aligned with Singtel’s sustainability goals.

Voices from Comcentre will be available for purchase from 7 to 27 October 2024 at select Singtel stores, with proceeds going to the Singtel Touching Lives Fund in support of special education schools and the Community Chest. A matching donation from Singtel will double the impact of every sale. Additionally, a 35-minute documentary accompanying the book will premiere on the Singtel YouTube channel on 7 October.