SingTel Group and Samsung had just entered an agreement which was aimed to boost next-generation mobile communication, infotainment and technology services in Australia and other countries in Asia - Optus (Australia), Advanced Info Service (Thailand), Airtel, Globe Telecom (Philippines), SingTel (Singapore) and Telkomsel (Indonesia).

Optus, contributing almost two-thirds to SingTel's revenue, is the largest company under the SingTel group. The SingTel-Samsung partnership will improve customer experience with products and services that Optus make available with its customers. Australians should expect a more integrated digital services platform from both companies by 2014.

"SingTel Group and Samsung will deliver an exciting mobile experience for customers, through brilliant mobile and innovative devices. Not only will our companies mutually benefit, but our combined 400 million mobile customers will be able to take advantage of the unique offerings that will be provided in the future," Mark Chong, CEO International-SingTel Group Consumer, stated through SingTel's official announcement of the "strategic partnership".

"We are honoured by this opportunity to provide our customers with advanced mobile experiences. In order to introduce Samsung's next generation mobile communications, we continue to fully support and work closely with leading mobile operators," DJ Lee, president and head of sales 7 marketing, added.

The SingTel group-Samsung strategic partnership is targeted to commence within October as the companies start their joint projects from the fourth quarter of 2013.

On Sept 13, 2013, SingTel also announced that its sustainability effort was included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Australia Index and the CDP Global 500 Climate Change Report 2013.

SingTel was one among the 55 companies included on the Australia Index. It was also one of the ten newest entrants listed on the index.

"The Dow Jones Sustainability Indices evaluate the performance of leading companies from each industry on a global and regional level, and involve thorough analyses of corporate governance, innovation, environmental standards, marketing practices, risk management, and other sustainability topics," according to SingTel's official announcement.

"Corporate sustainability is core to the way the SingTel Group operates our business. We are very encouraged to have earned recognition by these prestigious organisations. We will continue to drive our sustainability strategy focusing on the four key pillars of marketplace, people, environment and community," stated Andrew Buay, SingTel's vice presidnet of Group Corporate Social Responsibility.