SingPost launched the flagship of a new Smart Post Office network at the centre on World Post Day on Monday.
As quoted by Business Times, the General Post Office (GPO) is its first Smart Post Office, "augmented by a digital network that offers anytime and anywhere access to postal and other essential services" and will serve the Republic's postal needs in the digital age.
The GPO, along with the systems powering the future island-wide Smart Post Office network, is estimated to cost as much as $16 million, as reported by The Edge Singapore.
The 5,328 sq space in the SingPost Centre at Paya Lebar is currently the largest in Singapore and is the first in a series of smart post offices that the group hopes to launch across the island. As quoted by Channel News Asia, SingPost described the facility as the future of the post office.
It offers automated systems that improve operational efficiency and provide round-the-clock access to postal and other essential services.
These include the largest POPStation of 143 lockers, giving customers flexibility to collect and drop off parcels at any time of the day.
The new kiosks, located in the post office’s 24-hour self-service section, are powered by Apple iPads, to give users a “modern, user-friendly interface on high resolution, responsive touch-screens,” said SingPost.
The GPO also has SingPost's first dedicated philatelic retail store, which offers the full range of national stamps, and associated merchandise.
Both the GPO and the philatelic store were officially opened by Minister of Communications and Information Yaacob Ibrahim.
SingPost group chief executive Paul Coutts said to Business Times, "While the things we deliver are changing, our commitment remains the same: We deliver, come rain or shine."
Mr Coutts added that in line with Singapore's Smart Nation drive, SingPost is harnessing technology in its Smart Post Office and SmartPost initiatives to deliver with greater efficiency, and a better experience for all customers, "whether they are Web savvy eCommerce shoppers or more traditional mail users".
Noting the country's Smart Nation drive, SingPost's deputy group CEO Mervyn Lim said to Channel News Asia, “The launch of SingPost Centre underscores SingPost’s transformation for a future where technology is changing how people shop, dine and play."
"The opening of the GPO is a significant milestone in SingPost's transformation and a fitting celebration of World Post Day," said group chief executive Paul Coutts to Channel News Asia.
