Industry News

CapitaLand Investment Limited (CLI) has announced strategic investments to bolster its logistics capabilities across the Asia Pacific region. The company is making a minority investment in Ally Logistic Property (ALP), a leader in smart logistics infrastructure, and an existing capital partner in the CapitaLand Southeast Asia Logistics Fund (CSLF).

CSLF is committing S$260m to develop OMEGA 1 Singapore, its first automated logistics facility in the city-state. These initiatives are part of CLI’s strategy to expand its logistics platform in high-growth markets such as Australia, Japan, and the United States.

CLI’s investment in ALP aims to leverage ALP’s expertise in logistics automation, enhancing CLI’s fund management and capital-raising capabilities. Patricia Goh, CEO of Southeast Asia and Global Head of Logistics & Self-Storage at CLI, highlighted the region’s rapid growth, stating, “APAC remains the fastest-growing logistics region, with a projected compound annual growth rate of 15.2% between 2024 and 2030.”

The OMEGA 1 Singapore facility, located in Jurong Industrial Estate, will feature advanced technologies like robotics and automated storage systems. Scheduled for completion in 2028, it will offer 71,000 square metres of space and accommodate 60,000 pallet positions. The facility aims to achieve Green Mark GoldPLUS certification for its sustainable design.

CSLF was launched in 2022 and it is expanding its portfolio with projects in Thailand and Vietnam. The fund’s diversification strategy includes a significant site in Thailand and a ready-built factory in Vietnam, both set to enhance regional logistics infrastructure.

Credit card spending in November 2025 increased by 11.5% year-on-year, according to a report by CareEdge Ratings. This growth was largely driven by increased card penetration and a surge in e-commerce transactions. Despite a sequential decline of 11.9% to Rs 1.89 lakh crore, attributed to the normalisation of post-festive demand, the growth rate doubled from the 5% observed in the same period last year.

Private Sector Banks (PVBs) continued to lead the market with a 73.8% share, although this represented a 160-basis point decline from the previous year. Public Sector Banks (PSBs), on the other hand, increased their market share to 20.8% from 17.8%. The credit card market remains concentrated, with three large PVBs and five large PSBs accounting for approximately 80% of the market share.

The total number of outstanding credit cards rose from 10.7 crore in November 2024 to 11.5 crore in November 2025, reflecting a steady increase in card penetration. PVBs reported an average spending per card of Rs 17,128, a marginal 2% increase year-on-year, whilst PSBs saw a significant 21% rise to Rs 14,323.

Online transactions continue to dominate, making up around 60% of total credit card usage. PSBs recorded a remarkable 41.8% year-on-year growth in online transactions, outpacing PVBs’ 8.5% increase. The report highlights a structural shift towards digital spending, with offline transactions showing more moderate growth.

The report concludes that whilst credit card spending has moderated in absolute terms, the underlying usage remains robust, driven by increased digital adoption and strategic market positioning by major banks.

Southeast Asia’s tech sector saw a stabilisation in funding at $5.2b in 2025, according to the Tracxn Geo Funding Trends Report. This marks a 7% increase from 2024 but remains 31% below 2023 levels. The report highlights a shift towards capital discipline, with late-stage investments dominating as investors prioritise scale and downside protection over early-stage risks.

Funding flows were heavily concentrated in late-stage rounds, which accounted for $3.9b, a significant rise from $1.3b in 2024. In contrast, seed-stage funding plummeted by 57% to $214m, and early-stage funding fell by 64% to $1.1b. This trend underscores a preference for mature companies with robust operating scales.

Enterprise Infrastructure, FinTech, and Enterprise Applications emerged as the top-performing sectors. Enterprise Infrastructure alone attracted $2.3b, a 70% increase from 2024. Meanwhile, FinTech and Enterprise Applications saw declines in funding compared to the previous year.

Singapore maintained its dominance, capturing 91% of the region’s total funding, highlighting its role as a hub for tech investments. The city-state’s governance stability and cross-border operability were key factors in attracting capital.

Despite a slowdown in unicorn creation, with only two new unicorns in 2025, the region saw an increase in IPOs, with 15 companies going public. Acquisition activity moderated, with 57 acquisitions recorded, led by NinjaOne’s $270m acquisition of Dropsuite.

The report indicates a strategic shift in investor behaviour, focusing on long-duration, enterprise-anchored assets, reflecting a post-2023 risk reset. As the SEA tech ecosystem evolves, the emphasis on scale and stability is expected to shape future funding dynamics.

UOB Asset Management (UOBAM) is set to launch the UOBAM Ping An FTSE ASEAN Dividend Index ETF on 29 January 2026. This exchange-traded fund (ETF) will be the only dividend-focused ASEAN ETF listed on the Singapore Exchange and is part of the Singapore Exchange-Shenzhen Stock Exchange (SGX-SSE) ETF Product Link. The ETF tracks the FTSE ASEAN ex REITs Target Dividend Index, aiming for a 100% dividend yield increase compared to its underlying index.

The ETF will invest in leading companies across five key ASEAN markets—Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines—providing exposure to the region’s growth potential. Notable constituents include Singapore’s DBS Group, OCBC, and UOB, as well as Malaysia’s Malayan Banking and Thailand’s PTT. The ETF aims to pay dividends of at least 6% per annum in 2026 and 2027, one of the highest among Singapore-listed ETFs.

Thio Boon Kiat, Group CEO of UOBAM, highlighted the importance of dividend strategies amidst declining interest rates, stating, “ASEAN is not only a source of strong dividend opportunities but also a region of enduring growth potential.”

The initial offering period for the ETF opened on 7 January 2026, with subscriptions available through various platforms, including UOB’s and OCBC’s ATMs and internet banking. Once listed, the ETF will be tradable in both SGD and USD. This initiative is part of a collaboration with FTSE Russell and Ping An Fund Management, aiming to offer investors a cost-efficient way to access ASEAN markets.

Marriott International and BBH Singapore have launched a new advertising campaign for Marriott Bonvoy, aiming to redefine perceptions of loyalty programmes. Titled “Loyalty’s Just That Easy,” the campaign seeks to demonstrate that Marriott Bonvoy is accessible to all travellers, not just frequent flyers or business elites. The initiative showcases how members can effortlessly earn and redeem points across more than 30 hotel brands, including through everyday activities like dining and spa visits.

The campaign’s centrepiece is a hero film directed by Emmy Award-winner Rhys Thomas, produced by Stink London. It follows a traveller’s journey, illustrating how even small moments of relaxation can accumulate points. The film is available in three versions, featuring protagonists from India, Japan, and Korea, and is complemented by shorter 30- and 15-second clips.

Xue Ying Mei, Vice President Marketing for Marriott International Asia Pacific excluding China, stated, “This campaign aims to correct these perceptions, showing how loyalty with Marriott Bonvoy is effortless.” Khairul Mondzi, Executive Creative Director at BBH Singapore, added, “We started with a simple question. What if loyalty didn’t feel like effort at all?”

Launched on 5 January, the campaign will run across the Asia Pacific region, including India, Japan, Korea, and Indonesia. It forms part of an integrated marketing strategy encompassing out-of-home, digital, and social media channels, with further activations planned throughout the first half of 2026.

Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has bolstered its aviation practice with the appointment of Leo Fattorini as Head of Aircraft Finance for Asia and the Middle East, based in Singapore. Joining him are five other legal professionals, including counsel Chris Healy and senior associate Adam Smart, who will initially operate from Singapore and Hong Kong, enhancing the firm’s presence in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East markets.

Fattorini, previously leading Bird & Bird’s global aviation practice, brings extensive experience in aircraft finance and leasing, recognised by Chambers Global. His decade-long tenure in Singapore has fostered strong regional connections, particularly in India, where he has facilitated over 250 aircraft deliveries. His insights into airline operations and strategy, gained from a senior role at a major UK airline, are expected to further strengthen Norton Rose Fulbright’s global aviation services.

Duncan Batchelor, Global Head of Aviation at Norton Rose Fulbright, expressed enthusiasm about the new appointments, stating, “Leo’s vast experience—spanning private practice, in-house airline counsel, and international aircraft transactions—makes him the perfect fit for our firm.” Yu-En Ong, Head of Singapore, highlighted the significance of Fattorini’s arrival, noting his commercial acumen and leadership as valuable assets to clients.

Fattorini himself is eager to leverage Norton Rose Fulbright’s global platform, saying, “The firm’s international reach and collaborative culture make it an ideal environment to continue supporting clients across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East.”

Norton Rose Fulbright’s aviation team collaborates with airlines, banks, lessors, and regulatory bodies, offering comprehensive legal services, including financing, leasing, and restructuring. The firm’s strategic expansion aims to deliver market-leading aviation finance advice across key global hubs.

Citi has reported its strongest investment banking client revenues in the Asia Pacific region in over a decade, with 2025 figures reaching US$514m, a 33% increase from the previous year, according to Dealogic. Key growth areas included mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and equity capital markets, driven by robust cross-border M&A and active listing years in Hong Kong and India. The bank facilitated over US$250b in capital raising for Asian clients from global markets in 2025.

Jan Metzger, Co-Head of Japan, Asia North, and Australia, noted, “The investment banking pipeline across this region is one of the strongest I have seen on record.” Kaustubh Kulkarni, Co-Head of JANA and Asia South Pacific IB, highlighted the diverse sectoral mix, including consumer, healthcare, and technology, media, and telecom (TMT), as key themes for 2026.

Colin Banfield, Head of Asia M&A, expects M&A activity to remain robust in 2026, particularly in China and India, driven by multinational-led cross-border deals. The Asia Pacific region continues to be a focal point for multinational corporations’ strategic planning.

Citi forecasts several key themes for 2026, including increased M&A activity from the Gulf Cooperation Council into China and Asia, a focus on healthcare, TMT, and artificial intelligence in financing, and a continued revival of Hong Kong’s market. Additionally, India is set for another strong year of initial public offerings, with larger average deal sizes anticipated.

The bank also predicts a rise in private credit across Asia, supporting increased high-yield issuance, and expects ASEAN to see heightened equity capital market activity.

Ensign InfoSecurity has secured the 7th position in the 2025 MSSP Alert Top 250 Managed Security Service Providers list, marking its fourth consecutive year in the global top 10. This achievement reaffirms Ensign’s status as the highest-ranked MSSP from the Asia Pacific region. The MSSP Alert Top 250 list is an annual benchmark that evaluates managed security service providers worldwide based on service breadth, capability, revenue, and innovation.

The company’s sustained recognition highlights its commitment to delivering cutting-edge managed security services amidst escalating global cyber threats. Charles Ng, CEO of Ensign InfoSecurity, stated, “The continued recognition in the MSSP Alert Top 250 highlights our unwavering commitment to delivering world-class managed security services that keep pace with the evolving threat landscape.”

In a strategic move to enhance its offerings, Ensign launched the Agentic Security Operations Centre (SOC) at GovWare 2025. This centre, the first of its kind in Asia, is powered by autonomous AI agents and integrates adaptive intelligence, regional threat insights, and human expertise. It aims to enable organisations to detect, triage, and respond to cyber threats swiftly. Chua Zong Fu, Executive Vice President of International Business at Ensign, noted, “The Agentic SOC represents a fundamental shift in how organisations defend themselves, combining adaptive AI with expert human oversight to stay ahead of adversaries.”

Ensign InfoSecurity, headquartered in Singapore, continues to lead in cybersecurity services, offering bespoke solutions across the Asia Pacific region.

Global logistics provider J&T Express has announced a significant milestone, delivering 30.13 billion parcels in 2025 globally, marking a 22.2% increase from the previous year. This achievement was largely fuelled by robust growth in Southeast Asia and New Markets, alongside stable contributions from China.

In the fourth quarter of 2025, J&T Express handled 8.46 billion parcels, a 14.5% year-on-year increase, with an average daily volume of 92 million parcels. The company’s success in Southeast Asia was particularly notable, with parcel volumes reaching 7.66 billion for the year, up 67.8% from 2024. The introduction of industrial-grade automated sorting equipment in Thailand and similar advancements in Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines have been pivotal in supporting this growth.

J&T Express also expanded its operations in New Markets, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Mexico, Brazil, and Egypt, where parcel volumes grew by 79.7% in Q4 2025. The company recorded a total of 400 million parcels delivered in these regions throughout the year.

In China, J&T Express focused on enhancing operational efficiency through automation and cloud warehouse expansion, resulting in a 26% increase in automated equipment and the deployment of 1,000 unmanned vehicles. By the end of 2025, the company operated 19,300 outlets and 246 sorting centres globally, with 413 automated sorting machines.

Charles Junyi Hou, Group Vice President of J&T Express, stated, “Benefiting from the rapid development of e-commerce and a diversified customer base, J&T maintained robust growth in Southeast Asia and New Markets. Looking ahead, we will continue to strengthen our global network, drive growth through innovation, and consistently meet market demands.”

J&T Express’s strategic investments and technological advancements position the company for continued growth and innovation in the global logistics sector.

Sun Life, in collaboration with Aflatoun International, has launched “Brighter Financial Futures”, a programme aimed at enhancing financial literacy among domestic workers in Asia. This initiative, announced on 6 January 2026, targets over 30,000 workers in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam, offering workshops, toolkits, and training sessions to improve their financial skills.

David Broom, Chief Client and Distribution Officer at Sun Life Asia, emphasised the importance of financial literacy in achieving lifetime financial security. “Our partnership with Aflatoun International ensures we’re reaching underserved communities,” he stated. The programme, lasting 12 months, is tailored to different employment stages and delivered through local organisations, ensuring a positive impact across various markets.

The initiative builds on the success of Sun Life’s previous collaboration with Uplifters, a Hong Kong-based charity supporting migrant domestic workers. Broom highlighted the economic and social significance of domestic workers, aiming to provide them with the resources needed for informed financial decisions. “This collaboration creates a lasting ripple effect for stronger, more sustainable communities,” he added.

The programme’s curriculum, available online and in-person, focuses on practical financial knowledge, including emergency savings, future planning, and protection against scams. Kirsten Theuns, Director of Strategic Partnerships & Development at Aflatoun, remarked, “Financial education empowers communities from the ground up, unlocking new opportunities for domestic workers and their families.”

Further local partnerships will be announced throughout 2026, expanding the programme’s reach and impact. Interested individuals can register for the Brighter Financial Futures programme online.