Industry News

Novo Holdings, a prominent global investor in life sciences and sustainability, has announced its investment in Blue Planet, a rapidly expanding waste management platform operating in India, Southeast Asia, and New Zealand. This strategic move aligns with Novo Holdings’ Planetary Health strategy, which focuses on supporting scalable businesses that tackle pressing environmental challenges and promote a circular economy.

Blue Planet is renowned for its waste valorisation, transforming various types of waste, including municipal, commercial, industrial, and electronic, into valuable materials and energy resources. The company’s operations include landfill reclamation, recycling, biofuels, and e-waste processing through its subsidiaries such as Zigma in India, Wah Hua in Singapore, and Smart Environmental in New Zealand.

The investment from Novo Holdings will enable Blue Planet to accelerate its growth, enhance synergies across its operations, and expand its leadership in sustainable waste management. The company plans to advance recycling, energy recovery, and carbon credit initiatives whilst strengthening its presence in high-growth Asian markets.

Deepa Hingorani, Partner and Head of Asia Planetary Health Investments at Novo Holdings, highlighted the urgent need for sustainable waste management solutions due to rapid urbanisation. “Blue Planet exemplifies our focus on knowledge-driven solutions that promote resource efficiency and circularity,” Hingorani stated.

Madhujeet Chimni, Founder and Chairman of Blue Planet, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting Novo Holdings’ expertise in sustainability and long-term investment philosophy. “Together, we aim to advance waste valorisation technologies and build a truly circular business that delivers value to communities and the environment,” Chimni said.

Blue Planet’s mission is to reduce the environmental impact of waste by creating scalable, sustainable waste-to-resource ecosystems. With this investment, the company is poised to enhance its capabilities and contribute significantly to a cleaner, more resource-efficient planet.

Bridge Alliance, a leading mobile alliance, has announced a significant expansion of its telco API ecosystem, now covering Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Thailand. By partnering with top local operators, the alliance has achieved over 90% API market coverage in these regions. This expansion allows enterprises and developers to create and monetise new digital services using secure, standardised telco APIs available on the Bridge Alliance API Exchange (BAEx).

The integration of APIs such as Number Verify and SIM Swap will enable seamless verification services crucial for financial and retail sectors. “Lighting up key markets is a pivotal moment in our journey to democratise access to telecom network capabilities,” said Dr Ong Geok Chwee, CEO of Bridge Alliance. The expansion positions Bridge Alliance at the forefront of the region’s telco API ecosystem, promoting open innovation.

Bridge Alliance is also collaborating with new API channel partners, including Alibaba, Infobip, and 8×8, to accelerate enterprise adoption. These partnerships aim to enhance developer engagement and commercialisation across specific enterprise verticals. Alibaba will offer telco APIs to address Artificially Inflated Traffic fraud, whilst Infobip and 8×8 will focus on secure authentication and fraud prevention.

Looking ahead, Bridge Alliance plans to expand BAEx into additional markets in 2026 and introduce new API categories like Know Your Customer and fraud prevention signals. This ongoing expansion will drive open innovation and deliver more value to operators, enterprises, and developers across the Asia Pacific region.

Asia Pacific’s commercial real estate investment reached US$39.5b in the third quarter of 2025, marking a 2% increase from the previous year and a significant 26% rise from the previous quarter, according to JLL. Year-to-date, the investment totalled US$106.6b, up 11% compared to 2024, as markets adapt to changing interest rates and geopolitical challenges.

Hong Kong’s investment volumes stood at US$1.2b, a 10% year-over-year decline, yet consistent with 2024 averages. The office sector led with US$460m in transactions, driven by owner-occupiers. Retail followed with US$330m, as investors were drawn by high yields and stabilising sales. The industrial and logistics sector saw US$230m, highlighted by Uni-China Group’s US$95m acquisition of a Tsing Yi property.

Oscar Chan from JLL noted, “Hong Kong’s GDP grew by 3.1% in the second quarter, with consumer sentiment stabilising. Lower interest rates and government property acquisitions have bolstered investor confidence.”

India recorded a historic US$2.6b in Q3, a 511% year-over-year surge, driven by strong office fundamentals. Japan maintained its lead with US$10.3b, a 23% increase, supported by multifamily investments.

Stuart Crow of JLL remarked, “Asia Pacific’s real estate market shows resilience despite macroeconomic challenges. India’s growth and Japan’s momentum highlight the region’s potential.”

Cross-border investments reached US$12b, a 60% rise, with Japan and Korea attracting significant foreign capital. Private wealth investments grew 35% to US$6b, with Australia and Japan leading the way.

Global logistics provider J&T Express has announced a significant achievement in its year-end peak season performance, surpassing the 100-million daily parcel mark on 11 November. This milestone represents a 9% year-on-year increase, driven by global e-commerce events such as Double 11 and Black Friday.

J&T Express reported an average daily global parcel volume of 94.59 million from 1 to 12 November, marking a 15% increase compared to the previous year. The Southeast Asia market, in particular, saw remarkable growth, with parcel volumes rising by 78% year-on-year. The Philippines experienced a 55% increase in daily parcel volumes during Double 11, whilst Vietnam’s cumulative parcel volume soared by 211% year-on-year from 1 to 11 November.

In preparation for the peak season, J&T Express undertook 18 capacity expansions and upgrades in Thailand, enhancing site capacity by 80%. This included improvements at 10 hubs and 8 distribution centres, alongside the deployment of automated sorting equipment.

In China, J&T Express continued to support small and medium-sized enterprises with flexible logistics solutions, achieving a 15% year-on-year growth in parcel volume in the Zhangzhou Longhai district. The company also upgraded 57 sorting centres and deployed over 1,000 unmanned delivery vehicles to address last-mile delivery challenges.

J&T Express’s performance in new markets was equally impressive, with Brazil’s daily order parcel volume exceeding 1 million items on 11-12 November. In Egypt, parcel volume from the local platform noon increased by 41% compared to the same period in 2024.

Looking ahead, J&T Express plans to deepen its global presence, focusing on customer-centric services and leveraging advanced technologies to support the growth of the global e-commerce economy.

Federal Express Corporation, a leading express transportation company, has expanded its intra-Asia network to meet the rising trade demand in Southeast Asia. This strategic move enhances connectivity, capacity, and agility for businesses across the region.

FedEx has introduced nonstop cargo flights connecting its Asia Pacific hub at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport with Penang International Airport. Operating five times a week, these Boeing B767 freighters provide dedicated inbound capacity to Penang, enabling importers to benefit from deliveries that are one hour earlier, thus improving supply chain efficiency.

In addition, FedEx has extended the pick-up cut-off time in Malaysia’s Klang Valley by one hour for Asia-bound shipments departing Kuala Lumpur, offering greater flexibility to local businesses. This is part of FedEx’s broader commitment to strengthening logistics capabilities in Southeast Asia.

The company has also increased its cargo capacity in Thailand by adding five weekly Boeing 767 freighter flights between Guangzhou and Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. This expansion facilitates reliable access to markets across the Asia Pacific and beyond, via the South Pacific Hub in Singapore.

Salil Chari, senior vice president of Marketing and Customer Experience at FedEx, stated, “Asia Pacific is emerging as the powerhouse of global trade growth, with Southeast Asia fuelling some of the world’s most dynamic trade corridors.”

These enhancements come as ASEAN’s total merchandise trade reached $3.8t in 2024, with exports from ASEAN countries, China, Japan, and South Korea growing by 7% year-on-year in the first half of 2025. As Southeast Asia solidifies its role as a global manufacturing hub, FedEx’s network improvements are crucial in supporting the region’s trade momentum.

HSBC and Google Cloud have unveiled the Digital Frontiers 2030 report, forecasting that Southeast Asia’s digital economy could reach US$1t by 2030, potentially doubling to US$2t. This growth is expected to be driven by regional integration and the adoption of real-time payments. The report, developed in collaboration with Payments and Commerce Market Intelligence (PCMI), highlights the transformative impact of programmable money, embedded credit, and AI-driven automation on the region’s financial landscape.

The study identifies four major trends reshaping the digital economy in Southeast Asia. Firstly, digital seller platforms are expanding, with 75 million digital entrepreneurs already contributing US$175b in gross transaction volume, projected to reach US$580b by 2030. Secondly, there is a rising demand for embedded, personalised credit, with 77% of ASEAN consumers using embedded finance solutions like Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL), which is expected to account for 25% of online transactions by 2027.

Additionally, speed and security are crucial for consumer payment choices, with 67% of ASEAN consumers prioritising speed and 57% prioritising security. The report predicts that regional cross-border payment volumes will double by 2030, facilitated by instant payment networks and stablecoin adoption. Lastly, agentic commerce and programmable money are on the horizon, with AI agents poised to manage payments and transactions autonomously.

The report underscores Singapore’s leadership as a financial and innovation hub, ranking first globally in the International Institute for Management Development World Digital Competitiveness Index 2024 and attracting significant foreign direct investment. As ASEAN economies further integrate, the digitalisation of commerce and finance is set to redefine business models and partnerships across the region.

Ant International has announced a collaboration with TNG Digital, operator of TNG eWallet, and easypaisa, Pakistan’s first digital bank, to enhance customer experiences using its AI-as-a-Service platform. The partnership leverages the Alipay+ GenAI Cockpit, an AI innovation platform designed to help financial services businesses build generative AI-driven applications. This initiative aims to improve customer service efficiency and streamline user interactions.

The Alipay+ GenAI Cockpit supports the development of generative AI-powered agents that autonomously handle tasks common in financial services, such as customer service and fraud detection. Farhan Hassan, Chief Digital Officer at easypaisa Digital Bank, highlighted the collaboration’s impact, stating that it “democratises access to easy and convenient digital financial services for millions nationwide,” offering hyper-personalised financial experiences and enhanced security.

Launched in June 2025, the AI platform is built on Ant International’s expertise in financial services, focusing on security and compliance. Jiang-Ming Yang, Chief Innovation Officer at Ant International, expressed enthusiasm for the platform’s potential, noting that it empowers fintechs to automate decisions and deliver smarter financial solutions.

The platform integrates over 20 leading large language models, including Ant International’s Falcon TST AI Model, to build specialised fintech agents. Additionally, Ant International’s AI SHIELD toolkit ensures security and compliance, reducing AI service risks by 90% through continuous monitoring and testing. This collaboration marks a significant step in making digital financial services more accessible and secure.

LynkiD has announced a strategic partnership with Singapore Airlines, allowing its users to convert their reward points into KrisFlyer miles. This collaboration, revealed on 14 November 2025, aims to enhance the travel experiences of LynkiD’s 8 million users by providing access to international travel services and experiences.

For years, loyalty programmes in Vietnam have been limited to domestic rewards. However, LynkiD’s partnership with KrisFlyer, the frequent flyer programme of Singapore Airlines, marks a significant milestone for the Vietnamese loyalty industry. This new alliance enables LynkiD users to redeem their points for a variety of benefits, including international flight tickets, seat upgrades, and duty-free shopping at airports.

Every 550 LynkiD points can now be exchanged for 1 KrisFlyer mile. This opens up a world of possibilities for users, such as redeeming flights or seat upgrades with Singapore Airlines, Scoot, and Star Alliance member airlines. Additionally, users can book hotel stays at global chains like Marriott and Accor and access exclusive travel deals.

The partnership not only elevates the value of LynkiD points but also positions the Vietnamese loyalty brand on a global stage. By transcending geographic boundaries, LynkiD aims to bring Vietnamese loyalty experiences closer to international standards, offering its users world-class travel opportunities.

Consumers across Asia are becoming increasingly discerning about the ingredients in their food, with a recent study by Cargill revealing that over 70% of them now check labels before making a purchase. The Cargill APAC IngredienTracker™ 2025, which surveyed 2,000 respondents in China, Indonesia, Australia, and Japan, highlights a growing trend towards healthier and more familiar ingredients, driven by a 101% increase in immune system-related concerns from 2017 to 2024.

The study underscores a significant shift in consumer behaviour, with more than 58% willing to pay 10% more for premium ingredients such as dark chocolate and sustainably sourced products. Local sourcing and sustainable production are particularly valued in the Chocolate & Cocoa category, where ethical consumption is on the rise. Consumers are also showing a preference for natural sweeteners, with the percentage of drink launches containing additive sweeteners rising from 18% to 29% across the Asia-Pacific region.

Plant-based texturisers, like pectin from fruit peels, are gaining popularity, whilst consumers are increasingly interested in fats and oils that offer functional benefits, such as supporting cardiovascular health. Yuchu Zhang, Vice President of R&D at Cargill Food APAC, noted, “Consumer choices today are increasingly shaped not just by taste, but by how ingredients are perceived across categories.”

Cargill has responded to these insights with innovative product offerings, including high cocoa content chocolates and zero-calorie beverages. With 10 innovation centres across Asia-Pacific, Cargill continues to leverage market insights to drive product innovation and meet evolving consumer demands.

GP Industries, the world’s second-largest producer of consumer batteries, is relocating its production capacity to Southeast Asia to better serve the US market amidst rising tariffs and geopolitical tensions. The company, celebrating its 30th anniversary of incorporation and public listing in Singapore, aims to maintain competitiveness by leveraging its facilities in Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand.

The strategic move will see Southeast Asian plants focusing on the US market, whilst the company’s China facility will cater to Europe and Asia. This shift is designed to streamline supply chains and meet country-of-origin requirements, ensuring cost efficiency. Victor Lo, Chairman and CEO of GP Industries, highlighted the company’s resilience and adaptability over the past three decades, stating, “We are confident that we will continue to demonstrate the same strength, adaptability, and commitment to innovation that have sustained our growth and performance through times of change.”

GP Industries, owned 86.18% by Hong Kong-listed Gold Peak Technology Group, is also planning significant investments in Johor to produce next-generation batteries for data centres. The company has seen its FY2025 gross margin for batteries rise to 25% due to improved utilisation and optimised supply chains.

Looking forward, GP Industries plans to invest in research and development, enhance operational efficiency, and expand its global network of audio experience centres. The company is also focused on nurturing future leaders to sustain its legacy, with Lo emphasising the importance of succession planning.