Singpost is replacing its current mail sorting machines with a new system that can process mail items faster. The new machines are part of a $45million investment to upgrade its mail sorting infrastructure. This will reduce the time needed to sort mail, and allow postmen to focus more on delivering mail accurately and quickly, Singpost said in a press release on Tuesday.

The new machines can sort outgoing international mail according to countries and forward redirected mail to the new address, two functions that are currently done manually and are labour-intensive. They can also read QR codes to access tracking information and details.

Chairman of SingPost, Mr Lim Ho Kee, said: "Over the 155-year history of postal service in Singapore, we have seen the mail profile changing - from aerogrammes to envelopes, and now to packages carrying the latest online purchase. It is important that SingPost remains nimble and in tune with the changing needs."

He added that investing in increased automation and upgraded technology helps the mature workforce adapt to a changing work environment.