Essential local tech companies in smart home and broadband

HardwareZone celebrates Singapore’s 60th birthday with a series of articles showcasing local tech brands that have helped build our nation and put us on the world stage. Some of these brands have become household names, while others lesser known but no less innovative. You might even be surprised to learn of some popular technologies that got its start right here in Singapore.

(This article is one of 7 parts in our SG60 Tech Special series.)

Singapore’s broadband Internet has its roots way back in 1996, when the government launched the Singapore ONE project to connect the island with a high-speed broadband network. Fast forward to today, Singapore has already rolled the Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network (Next Gen NBN) for more than a decade with fibre broadband speeds going up to 10Gbps.

Along with the way, Singapore’s home tech and broadband industry has undergone transformative changes over the decades, driven by a mix of pioneering companies and emerging disruptors. These brands have not only revolutionised the way we live but also set new standards in connectivity and convenience.

1. Aztech

Founded in 1986, Aztech started as a manufacturer of computer peripherals including sound cards and DECT phones, before expanding into networking devices and home automation. If you are old enough, you will remember Aztech’s dial-up modems (along with its iconic dial-up tone) being a staple in many Singaporean households during the early 2000s.

Over the years, Aztech diversified into smart home, and IoT devices with its Kyla-brand products cementing its reputation as a leader in smart home solutions. Today, Aztech has three research and development centres in Singapore, Hong Kong and Shenzhen. Interestingly, Aztech paid S$4 million to buy over Kay Lee Roast Meat Joint in 2014 with hopes of expanding the restaurant around the island but today, only one stall remains. 

Key Events:

• 2000: Releases their first DSL modem, which gained widespread use in Singapore.
• 2015: Launches their Smart Home product range, including Wi-Fi smart plugs and cameras.
• 2018: First Kyla range of smart home automation devices, including smart switches, sensors and security products, introduced to the market.

2. igloo

Founded in 2015 by Anthony Chow and Kelvin Ho, who were AirBnB hosts frustrated with the inconvenience of physical key exchanges, igloohome (now known as just ‘igloo’) initially started as a company focused on keyless access solutions for short-term rentals.

In 2016, the company developed its proprietary algoPIN technology to create secure, time-sensitive access without needing continuous Wi-Fi. This allows the company to come up with more user-friendly products. You can check out more interesting facts about their journey and their first smart lock that doesn’t require Wi-Fi in our interview with Anthony Chow.

In 2019, the company launched an enterprise-focused division called iglooworks for large-scale access management. It later offered iglooaccess for API and SDK integrations as well as iglooconnect for all-in-one integration with its 40 partners.

By 2022, igloo had entered the big US market with a North America headquarters in Austin, Texas. Today, it provides a range of smart locks and access solutions for consumers, businesses, and property owners.

Key Events:

• 2015: Launches its first smart lock prototype in New York and Philadelphia.
• 2020: Restructures and announces its new parent company, igloocompany. This change brought its consumer (igloohome) and enterprise (iglooworks) businesses under one brand.
• 2024: Shipped over 500,000 devices and 25 million access credentials issued annually.

3. OSIM

OSIM started life in 1979 as R Sim Trading founded by Ron Sim, as a distributor of household goods in Chinatown. A decade later, Mr Sim saw a gap in healthcare and wellness products, and rebranded the company as Health Check and Care to focus on these categories. In 1994, the company was rebranded again as OSIM, derived from the founder’s surname, with the “O” representing the globe, signifying the brand’s global ambitions.

The brand is now synonymous with luxury massage chairs and has expanded its offerings to include a wide range of wellness products, from neck massagers to air purifiers. OSIM’s massage chairs are designed with cutting-edge technology, integrating AI, body-mapping sensors, and even health monitoring features.

Today, OSIM has an extensive global presence with over 400 stores in 100 cities worldwide, as well as winning multiple design and innovation awards including Red Dot Design Awards and CES Innovation Award.

In case you are wondering, OSIM is now under Mr Sim’s holding company, V3 Group, which also owns LAC, Bacha Coffee and TWG Tea.

Key Events:

• 1979: Founded as R Sim Trading as a distributor of household goods.
• 1989: Renamed as Health Check and Care to focus on health and wellness products.
• 1994: Rebrands as OSIM, for global expansion.
• 1996: Launches its first OSIM-branded massage chair.
• 2000: Lists on the Singapore Exchange (SGX) with a valuation of S$120 million.
• 2016: Mr. Sim takes OSIM private again.
• 2021: Wins first CES Innovation Award for Smart DIY Massage Chair.

4. PRISM+

PRISM+ entered the market in 2017 as a disruptor in the display space, offering high-performance gaming monitors at competitive prices. It was founded by Jonathan Tan and two partners as a subsidiary of AfterShock PC. Its selling point is its direct-to-consumer model to lower prices by eliminating traditional retail markups.

It gained popularity and enjoyed massive growth during the Covid-19 pandemic, when work from home arrangements sparked frantic buying of monitors. Over time, the brand expanded into smart TVs and soundbars, catering to Singaporean households looking for affordable yet high-quality home entertainment options. It has also expanded overseas into Malaysia and Australia since 2021.

In 2022, PRISM+ opened its first brick-and-mortar shop in Suntec City. This is followed by several stores in various shopping malls around Singapore. The same year, PRISM+ entered the home appliances market with its own smart air conditioners, smart locks, air purifiers and refrigerators.

Key Events:

• 2017: Launches its first gaming monitor, quickly gaining traction among tech-savvy consumers.
• 2019: Expands into smart TVs, becoming a household name for budget-friendly 4K Smart TVs.
• 2022: Ventures into home appliances market by launching smart air conditioners, smart ceiling fans, smart locks and refrigerators.

5. Singtel

Do you know Singtel started life as just a trial telegraph connection between Raffles Square and Tanjong Pagar in 1879? It was later managed by Oriental Telephone and Electric Company until 1955 when it was taken over by Singapore Telephone Board (STB), set up to oversee Singapore’s domestic phone network.

When Singapore gained independence in 1965, Singapore Telecommunications Department (STD) was formed to oversee international services. In 1974, STB and STB merged to form Telecommunications Authority of Singapore (TAS), more commonly known as Telecoms, to oversee both domestic and international telecom services. Singapore Postal Services Department was merged with TAS in 1982.

In 1989, Telecoms was renamed Singapore Telecom. But in 1992, TAS was split into three entities: the reconstituted Telecommunication Authority of Singapore (TAS, now part of the Info-communications Development Authority), Singapore Post and Singapore Telecommunications, aka Singtel. From here, Singtel went public in 1993 and embarked on overseas expansion when it lost its monopoly in Singapore.

In 1994, Singtel was the first in Singapore to offer broadband internet services with SingNet. The ADSL Magix system, introduced in the late 1990s, was revolutionary, offering faster internet speeds compared to traditional dial-up. In 2020, Singtel was awarded a 5G license to roll out nationwide 5G services by 2025. Singtel is now a global player, with operations in over 20 countries, including Australia and India.

Key Events:

• 1879: Telephone trial connection between Raffles Square and Tanjong Pagar by Eastern Exchange Telegraph Company.
• 1882: Oriental Telephone and Electric Company operates Singapore’s first public phone exchange.
• 1992: Singtel is born.
• 1993: Public listed on SGX.
• 1994: Launches SingNet, and Singtel became Singapore’s first internet service provider (ISP).
• 1997: Introduces ADSL (Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line) broadband technology under the Magix brand.
• 2018: Launches first 5G pilot network.
• 2020: Begins offering 5G non-standalone (NSA) services.
• 2022: Announces its standalone 5G network has reach over 95% coverage nationwide.

6. M1

M1 was founded as MobileOne in 1994 by a consortium of Keppel Telecommunications, Singapore Press Holdings, Cable & Wireless, and Hong Kong Telecom. In 1997, it became the second telco in Singapore when it launched mobile services, breaking Singtel’s monopoly. It quickly gained market share in the next five years with around 1 million subscribers, and went public in 2002.

In 2005, M1 was the first Singapore operator to launch consumer 3G services. It was also the first to introduce prepaid mobile services in Singapore the same year. And in 2008, M1 entered the fixed broadband market.

The company initially gained popularity for its competitive pricing and innovative mobile plans. Its “Sunsurf” brand was synonymous with early mobile internet services. However, since 2016, M1’s performance dipped with the entry of fourth telco TPG Telecom (later rebranded as Simba) as well as the emergence of numerous mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs). Even local Internet Service Provider (ISP) MyRepublic entered the telco space as a virtual telco in 2018.

By 2019, M1 was delisted from Singapore Exchange and underwent a major transformation under Keppel’s ownership. It then partnered with StarHub to launch a 5G network in 2020. M1 also expanded its enterprise business to include cloud, cybersecurity and IOT. They were also one of the earlier ones to embark on their 5G SA journey, and we spoke to their CTO to capture the merits and expectations.

In August 2025, Keppel announced it will sell M1’s telco business to Simba for S$1 billion. But Keppel will retain M1’s enterprise business, including data centres and subsea cables.

Key Events:

• 1997: Launches operations as Singapore’s second telco.
• 2002: Becomes a public listed company on SGX.
• 2008: Introduces fibre broadband services.
• 2020: Becomes one of the first telcos to offer 5G services in Singapore.
• 2021: World’s first Voice over 5G NR deployment.
• 2022: Launches Maxine, an AI VoiceBot to augment Mindy the chatbot.
• 2025: Sells its consumer telecommunications business to Simba Telecom.

7. StarHub

StarHub was founded in 1998 and awarded the license to provide fixed network and mobile services the same year. In 1999, it acquired local ISP CyberWay and renamed it StarHub Internet. Two years later, StarHub merged with Singapore Cable Vision (SCV), Singapore’s sole cable television operator, to become a full-fledged telecom provider, bundling mobile, broadband, and entertainment services. In 2004, Starhub became a listed company on SGX and launched a nationwide 100Mbps residential broadband service in 2006.

StarHub pioneered the bundling of cable TV, broadband, and mobile services in Singapore, making it a one-stop shop for consumers. It was also the first to offer free incoming calls for mobile users, a game-changing move in the local telecom industry.

In 2013, StarHub started offering commercial pay-TV customers via a digital Internet Protocol television (IPTV) service. By 2015, the IPTV service was rolled out to its residential customers. In 2019, StarHub’s subsidiary Nucleus Connect was chosen to build the infrastructure for Singapore’s Next Generation NBN.

Today, StarHub remains a key player in the local broadband and entertainment space, especially with its Hub Bundle packages. Last month (Aug 2025), StarHub announced it has fully acquired the broadband business of MyRepublic for S$105 million further consolidating its leading position.

Key Events:

• 1998: Awarded fixed network and mobile services license.
• 1999: Buys local ISP CyberWay.
• 2001: Merges with SCV.
• 2004: Becomes listed on SGX.
• 2019: Subsidiary Nucleus Connect chosen to build the infrastructure for Next Generation NBN.  
• 2020: Rolls out 5G services in joint venture with M1 (Antina).
• 2025: Fully acquires MyRepublic’s broadband business.

8. MyRepublic

Founded in 2011 by former StarHub executives, MyRepublic entered the broadband market in 2011 as a disruptor, offering affordable fibre broadband plans tailored to gamers and heavy internet users. The company’s gamer-focused broadband plans are optimised for low latency and high speeds.

Known for its focus on innovation and customer-centric services, MyRepublic was the first in Singapore to announce a 1Gbps home broadband plan at an affordable price in 2014, setting a new industry benchmark. It sparked a price war in the broadband market for years to come.

MyRepublic also expanded its broadband operations overseas, first into New Zealand in 2014 and then into Indonesia the next year. It also entered the Australian market in 2016. In 2018, MyRepublic has expanded into mobile services, offering SIM-only plans with no-contract options.

However, in recent years, MyRepublic has scaled down its overseas operations. It has exited both New Zealand and Australia, but licensed its platform to a local operator in Brunei.

In August this year, it fully sold its Singapore’s broadband business to StarHub for S$105 million. It previously sold 50.1% stake of the broadband business to StarHub for S$70.8 million in 2021.

Key Events:

• 2011: Launches operations with competitive fibre broadband plans.
• 2014-16: Expands into regional markets, including Australia, Indonesia and New Zealand.
• 2018: Enters the mobile market with disruptive SIM-only plans.
• 2025: Sells its entire broadband business to StarHub.

(This article is one of 7 parts in our SG60 Tech Special series.)