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
Mr Michael Mun, Executive Chairman (right) and CEO, as well as Mr Jeremy Mun, Executive Director and COO for Aztech Global.
Photo: The Business Times
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. igloohome
Anthony Chow, Igloo CEO
Photo: The Straits Times
Founded in 2015 by Anthony Chow and Kelvin Ho, who were AirBnB hosts frustrated with the inconvenience of physical key exchanges, igloohome 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.
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, igloohome has 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
The OSIM storefront at Lotte World Shopping Mall in Seoul, South Korea.
Photo: Osim International
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.
