Can Singaporeans learn to pause? StarHub thinks so

StarHub is encouraging Singaporeans to rethink their relationship with technology through the launch of "The power of pause", the latest chapter of its "Digital wellbeing" initiative.

The campaign comes as new research commissioned by the telco and conducted by YouGov found that 70% of people in Singapore use screens to escape daily pressures, while more than 80% say prolonged screen time leaves them feeling mentally drained.

Building on last year's campaign addressing excessive screen time, this year's initiative shifts the conversation towards understanding why people turn to their devices and making more intentional decisions about when to stay connected and when to disconnect.

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Running throughout 2026, "The power of pause" will roll out through a refreshed Digital BMI (Balanced Media Index) microsite, corporate partnerships, creator collaborations and community activations. The initiative will culminate in the return of the StarHub 5G wellness festival in September.

As part of the campaign, StarHub has introduced an updated Digital BMI quiz designed to provide more personalised recommendations based on users' digital habits. The platform also features expert-backed resources developed with partners including the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), National Library Board (NLB) and digital mental health platform ThoughtFull.

"The conversation around screen time is increasingly about balancing that with creating meaningful, real-life moments with the people around us," said Tan Toi Chia, chief of people, organisation and communications at StarHub.

"As our lives become increasingly digital, choosing to pause creates opportunities to strengthen the connection between individuals, families and communities, one moment at a time," Tan added.

In support of Singapore's "Digital for life" movement, IMDA has contributed online safety resources aimed at helping parents and young people cultivate healthier digital habits.

Meanwhile, ThoughtFull will provide clinically informed content and support pathways through its app.

"The study findings reflect what we see in ThoughtFull's clinical data across the region every day: hyperconnectivity is becoming a measurable driver of psychological strain," said Dr John Pinto, head of counselling at ThoughtFull.

"Through our partnership with StarHub, Digital BMI users will be able to understand their emotional needs better with clinically backed content and a dedicated support journey within the ThoughtFull app," he added.

Beyond digital wellbeing, the refreshed Digital BMI microsite also offers guidance on improving focus through long-form reading, staying safe online and accessing trusted resources tailored to different life stages.

The latest campaign builds on StarHub's broader digital wellbeing efforts introduced last year. In 2025, the telco launched its Digital BMI (Balanced Media Index) quiz alongside the inaugural 5G Wellness Festival, encouraging Singaporeans to better understand the impact of their screen habits and reconnect through offline experiences such as mindful workshops, silent disco yoga and interactive activities. 

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