Singapore Telecommunications posted a 14 per cent increase in first-quarter underlying profit on Wednesday (Aug 13), driven by strong results from its Australian unit Optus and contributions from regional associates, including India's Bharti Airtel. Singtel's improved performance highlighted price hikes for telecom services in key markets and resilient growth from its regional associates, led by Bharti Airtel, whose post-tax contribution from India and South Asia more than doubled during the