Singtel reported a 9 per cent rise in full-year underlying net profit on Thursday (May 22), boosted by strong performances from unit Optus and regional associates Airtel and AIS. Southeast Asia’s largest telecom firm also announced a new S$2 billion (US$1.55 billion) share buyback over the next three years. Singtel’s group chief financial officer Arthur Lang tells CNA’s Asia First what led to the rise in profits and how the company is building resilience amid a volatile environment.