Singtel Group pledges to keep supporting Singapore’s development

Source: Singtel YouTube channel. Beyond Connection is Singtel's National Day film for 2026. 

Singtel Group has launched its 2026 National Day film, Beyond Connection. The film is a tribute to the spirit of progress that has shaped Singapore over 61 years, charting the country's journey from a resource-poor island in 1965 to today’s global economic success story before looking ahead to how digital infrastructure and AI will support Singapore's next lap as a Smart Nation and regional AI hub.

Beyond Connection also tells the story of Singtel's own evolution and the role it has played in nation building, showing how its investments in subsea cables, satellite communications, advanced mobile networks and AI-ready data centres have supported the nation's progress and continue to lay the foundations for Singapore's next chapter.

Yuen Kuan Moon, Group CEO, Singtel, said: “The story of Singapore has always been one of looking beyond the horizon and building for the future. Every generation has played a part in building a stronger foundation for the next and this includes investing in the infrastructure and capabilities that have helped us dream bigger. 

"As AI reshapes economies and societies, we are entering another defining chapter. As national telco to today's digital infrastructure and services group, we feel privileged that we can continue playing a part in driving Singapore's Smart Nation ambitions and continued success by building the digital backbone that will help Singapore seize new opportunities in the AI era."

The film blends archival footage with present-day scenes to bring Singapore’s development and progress to life, capturing how Singtel’s technology and services played a role in transforming Singapore’s airport and port, healthcare and manufacturing sectors. 

Shots of Singtel's National Day Parade marching contingents, past and present, highlight the company’s longstanding role in supporting this journey. True to the spirit of AI, selected historical images were enhanced through AI-assisted production tools to improve their visual quality and introduce subtle movement while respecting their authenticity and original context.

Accelerating industry transformation

Beyond Connection illustrates how Singtel’s investments in digital infrastructure are unleashing fresh innovation in Singapore’s world-class healthcare sector while breathing new life into old industries. Singtel’s nationwide 5G standalone network and the resultant network slicing which creates dedicated and secure networks with ultra-low latency are helping enterprises do more for less and in less time, improving competitiveness and resiliency.

A case in point is the manufacture of Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 and 6 in Singapore. More than four decades after Ford closed its vehicle assembly plant, Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center has brought car production back with a 5G-enabled smart factory where humans, robots and AI run the show, producing cars in a matter of hours.

Separately, at National University Health System, surgical teams are using holomedicine to plan complex procedures through interactive 3D images, with advanced connectivity enabling critical information to be transmitted in real time.

Lian Pek, VP, Group Corporate Affairs & Investor Relations, Singtel said: “Dare I say this is not our typical National Day celebration. With the world on the cusp of an AI-driven revolution, it is even more critical that a company with our DNA helps Singapore make its way in the brave new world while leaving no one behind. We know Singaporeans’ determination and resilience will always prevail and we celebrate that in the film while also reaffirming our support for the nation through innovation, partnerships and community.”

The industries featured in Beyond Connection include:

Healthcare

At National University Health System, Singtel is supporting the use of holomedicine, which has been applied in about 50 complex surgeries ranging from liver transplants to facial reconstruction. In one case involving rib tumour localisation, the technology reduced operating times by up to 30 minutes while helping to minimise post-operative risks. The programme demonstrates how advanced connectivity is supporting more precise surgical planning, improved patient outcomes and new models of healthcare delivery.

Manufacturing

More than 40 years after Singapore’s last car factory closed, technology is empowering the return of car manufacturing. Singtel's 5G network supports real-time collaboration between humans, robotics and AI systems at the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore, which serves as a testbed for future manufacturing technologies across Hyundai Motor Group. Its establishment highlights Singapore's continued attractiveness as a location for high-value manufacturing and globally impactful industrial innovation.

Aviation

As one of the world's busiest international airports, Changi Airport is using Singtel's 5G Standalone network to support new ways of managing the airport’s ground operations. The network enables autonomous baggage vehicles to transport baggage while remaining connected to a central control centre, where operators receive live video and sensor data and can take remote control when needed. 

Separately, the iFerret system allows staff to monitor for foreign objects and debris on runways, empowering them to respond quickly when needed. Together, these applications help improve productivity while maintaining the safety and reliability of airport operations.

Maritime

At PSA's Tuas Port, Singtel's advanced 5G connectivity supports the world's largest fully automated container terminal. The port consolidates Singapore's container operations into a single next-generation facility, where automation and digital technologies depend on reliable, real-time connectivity to keep operations running smoothly. As Tuas Port expands towards a capacity of 65 million TEUs* annually by the 2040s, these technologies will support Singapore's growing role as one of the world's leading maritime hubs.

Construction

THE GEAR, Kajima’s Lab for Global Engineering, Architecture & Real Estate, is the company's first overseas headquarters, first overseas R&D facility and global innovation hub. Singtel's purpose-built 5G network transforms THE GEAR into a connected robotics ecosystem where researchers, technology partners and industry leaders can explore, test and co-create future construction solutions. 

As a living laboratory for the built environment, THE GEAR serves as a springboard for innovations that improve productivity and safety across Kajima's global operations and the wider construction industry. 

Explore 

Beyond Connection can be viewed on Singtel’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WErIVWHn91g

It will also air on screens at the National Day Parade, Singtel TV and various social media channels. 

*A TEU or twenty-foot equivalent unit is a standard of measurement used for cargo capacity.