Industry News

A recent survey by FWD Group Holdings Limited has highlighted significant financial anxiety among Asia’s middle class, with over 70% expressing concerns about their financial wellbeing. Rising living costs and increasing family responsibilities are reshaping financial priorities across generations, according to the survey conducted with Ipsos, which included over 9,000 middle-class consumers aged 21 to 65 across 10 Asian markets.

The survey revealed that 71% of respondents are anxious about their financial wellbeing, with the top concerns being the rising cost of living (71%), high healthcare costs (43%), and unexpected job loss or income reduction (37%). Consequently, many are focusing on short-term financial goals, with 44% aiming to build a basic safety net for their families and 37% seeking financial independence.

Lee Yen Ho, Group Chief Distribution and Proposition Officer at FWD Group, noted, “It’s clear that there is a shared sense of financial vulnerability across generations of middle classes in Asia.” The survey also highlighted generational pressures, with Generation X facing challenges in funding education, paying mortgages, and preparing for retirement. Meanwhile, Generation Y is juggling multiple financial responsibilities, and Generation Z anticipates financial difficulties due to rising expenses.

FWD Group offers various products to address these concerns, such as the OneAll medical insurance plan in Hong Kong and the FWD Sure pension plan in Thailand and Singapore, aiming to strengthen protection and long-term financial security. As the company continues to innovate, it seeks to change the way people feel about insurance, providing solutions that build resilience and secure income for retirement.

Fullerton Fund Management has announced that its Carbon Action Fund has completed an investment in Pyro Energie, Thailand’s leading recycler of end-of-life tyres. This marks the fund’s first investment in Southeast Asia, aligning with its strategy to partner with established businesses that combine robust financials with scalable decarbonisation outcomes across the region and India.

The Fullerton Carbon Action Fund targets mid-market leaders in transition-critical sectors such as industrials, manufacturing, circular economy, energy, and mobility. It prioritises companies with proven operational histories and clear value-creation pathways, steering clear of early-stage technologies and capital-intensive infrastructure projects.

Founded in 2016, Pyro Energie operates commercial-scale pyrolysis facilities that convert waste tyres into pyrolysis oil, recovered carbon black, and wire scrap. The company has established itself as a market leader in Thailand, with an annual capacity of over 40 million litres of pyrolysis oil and over 30 million tonnes of recovered carbon black. The investment will support Pyro Energie’s expansion into higher-value, premium-grade products through the construction of a new production facility.

Anisa Keeratiworanan, Director of Alternatives at Fullerton Fund Management, stated: “We look forward to working with Pyro Energie following the investment. The company is a market-leading business with strong operating fundamentals, defensible positioning, and a clear role in enabling industrial decarbonisation.”

Peerapon Ourapeepon, CEO of Pyro Energie, expressed confidence in the partnership, noting the alignment with sustainability priorities and values. This collaboration aims to responsibly scale the business and focus on long-term value.

Mastercard has launched its Fleet Next Gen portfolio in the Asia Pacific, offering innovative payment solutions designed to support the diverse needs of fleet operators. This new suite of services extends beyond traditional fuel payments, addressing the full spectrum of mobility requirements for both small and large fleet operators. The launch comes as the region’s fleet management market is projected to grow at an 18% compound annual growth rate through 2030.

The Mastercard Fleet Next Gen solutions are crafted to provide operators with enhanced visibility and control over their spending. By unifying payment data, the solutions transform transactions into actionable insights, embedded within fleet management workflows. This integration is crucial for operators facing cost pressures, evolving sustainability mandates, and increased security and compliance expectations.

Key features of the Mastercard Fleet Next Gen include global acceptance across millions of locations, network-based data capture aligned with global standards, and market-specific solutions for enhanced data capture. Additionally, the portfolio offers digitally assigned fleet cards for seamless payments and integration with existing mobility platforms and fleet management tools.

Anouska Ladds, Head of Commercial New Payment Flows Asia Pacific at Mastercard, highlighted the importance of connecting payments data into a single experience, stating, “Mastercard’s fleet solutions are designed to help specialist fleet issuers and payment providers bring advanced fleet capabilities to market faster.”

The launch underscores Mastercard’s commitment to simplifying B2B payments by connecting fragmented commercial flows through a single trusted infrastructure, ultimately aiding businesses in navigating complex operating environments.

Savills Singapore has announced the launch of Sky City Osaka, a new freehold boutique bed and breakfast (B&B) investment opportunity located near Umeda, one of Osaka’s major commercial and transport centres. The development, set to be fully refurbished by TY-Properties, offers a unique chance for investors to enter Japan’s hospitality-led real estate market through a professionally managed, short-stay investment model.

Sky City Osaka, situated in Osaka’s Kita Ward, features studio to two-bedroom flats designed for short-stay guests and urban travellers. The property is strategically located within walking distance of Ōsakatemmangū and Minami-morimachi Stations, providing convenient access to Umeda and Kansai International Airport. The development is also near popular attractions such as Osaka Tenmangu Shrine and Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street, enhancing its appeal to both domestic and international tourists.

Osaka is becoming an attractive investment destination due to strong tourism demand, limited supply of centrally located short-stay accommodation, and favourable ownership structures for foreign buyers. The city’s allure is expected to grow with the upcoming Osaka Integrated Resort, slated for completion by 2030, which is anticipated to boost international visitor arrivals and long-term accommodation demand.

Adrian Lim, Senior Director and Head of International Residential Sales at Savills Singapore, stated, “Osaka continues to benefit from robust tourism demand and a shortage of well-located short-stay accommodation.” He highlighted that Sky City Osaka offers freehold ownership, zero additional buyer’s taxes, and an accessible entry price point, making it an attractive option for Singapore-based investors.

The launch event for Sky City Osaka is scheduled for 7 and 8 February 2026 at Voco Orchard Hotel. Investors are offered freehold rights, a hassle-free ownership structure, and full management, providing a hands-off approach to overseas property ownership.

Real-time payments (RTPs) are rapidly becoming a staple in Southeast Asia’s financial landscape, according to a study by Visa in collaboration with the Global Finance & Technology Network, Nextrade Group, and the Visa Economic Empowerment Institute. The research, which surveyed 5,500 consumers and 2,100 small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) across six countries, reveals that RTPs now constitute 26% of transactions for SMBs, trailing only behind credit, debit, and prepaid card payments.

Despite the growing adoption, the study underscores the need for enhanced security measures to maintain consumer trust. Concerns about sending money to incorrect accounts, inability to earn rewards, and fears of fraud were prevalent among respondents in Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. Specifically, 47% of Singaporeans worry about misdirected funds, whilst 52% of Malaysians share this concern.

The report also highlights the challenges faced by SMBs, with 60% citing customer-related issues such as incorrect payment amounts and transaction delays. Fraud and scams remain significant pain points, particularly in Singapore, where 38% of businesses express concern.

Visa emphasises the importance of collaboration between governments, regulators, and industry players to address these challenges. Serene Gay, Visa’s Group Country Manager for Regional Southeast Asia, stated, “Real-time payments are transforming the way people and businesses move money, but speed must go hand-in-hand with security.”

Visa is actively working with partners to bolster security and interoperability, employing advanced fraud prevention technologies like Featurespace and AI-driven risk detection. These efforts aim to build trust and ensure the continued growth of RTPs across the region.

DHL Group has announced significant strides in its sustainability efforts across the Asia Pacific, focusing on decarbonisation and meeting the rising demand for eco-friendly logistics solutions. In 2025, the company signed strategic sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) agreements with partners such as Cathay, Cosmo Energy, and Neste, aiming for 30% SAF usage by 2030. These agreements will supply nearly 20 million litres of SAF to flights from Narita, Incheon, and Singapore.

DHL’s commitment extends beyond aviation. The company has deployed over 1,800 electric vehicles across the region, with plans to operate two-thirds of its last-mile fleet with electric vehicles by 2030. This includes the introduction of hydrogen-powered lorries in Japan and a fully electric fleet in Thailand for Boots stores. In the Philippines, DHL Summit Solutions, Inc. launched 23 electric vehicles and 22 electric prime movers.

In Thailand, DHL Supply Chain unveiled its first fully renewable energy warehouse, powered by a 4.2 MWp solar array, marking a global milestone for the company. Javier Bilbao, CEO of Asia Pacific, DHL Supply Chain, stated, “Our carbon-neutral buildings and EV fleet developments reflect a long-term vision to reimagine logistics infrastructure for a low-carbon world.”

These initiatives underscore DHL’s ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, setting a benchmark for the logistics industry and supporting customers’ decarbonisation goals.

IBM has unveiled its latest innovation, IBM Sovereign Core, designed to help enterprises and governments manage AI-ready environments whilst maintaining operational control. This announcement comes as organisations face increasing pressure to comply with complex regulatory and data sovereignty requirements. The software, launched on 2 February 2026, is built to embed sovereignty directly into its architecture, allowing users to maintain authority over software deployments across various infrastructures.

IBM Sovereign Core offers several key features, including the ability to keep identity, access management, and encryption keys within jurisdictional boundaries. It also provides secure AI workload management under local governance, complete with traceable audit trails and continuous compliance evidence. This approach enables organisations to deploy sovereign environments swiftly, with flexibility in hardware and infrastructure choices.

Catherine Lian, General Manager and Technology Leader at IBM ASEAN, highlighted the urgency for sovereign, AI-ready environments, stating that businesses need greater control over sensitive data and AI workloads. “With IBM Sovereign Core, clients can advance AI initiatives with confidence, balancing openness and agility with the compliance and operational autonomy required for sovereignty,” she said.

The software is designed to offer operational independence, allowing deployment in on-premises data centres, supported in-region cloud infrastructure, or through IT service providers. IBM is collaborating with global IT service providers, starting with Cegeka in Belgium and the Netherlands, and Computacenter in Germany, to ensure local operational independence and compliance management.

As digital sovereignty becomes a critical concern, IBM Sovereign Core aims to provide a comprehensive solution that addresses the need for control over technology infrastructure, data access, and governance. This initiative is expected to accelerate trusted AI adoption whilst reducing regulatory risks for organisations worldwide.

Cushman & Wakefield has announced a significant enhancement to its data centre leadership in the Asia Pacific region, as the market is expected to triple in size over the next five years. Andrew Green, Head of Data Centre Group, Asia Pacific, will lead an expanded team to deliver comprehensive data centre solutions, combining advisory, transactions, technical, and managed services under one platform.

The move comes as the region experiences a surge in demand for cloud and AI infrastructure, driven by rapid digital transformation. Green, based in Hong Kong, brings over 30 years of experience in real estate and digital infrastructure, positioning him to drive innovation and operational excellence. He leads a team of 250 specialists servicing clients across 12 markets.

Tom Gibson, President of Data Centre Group, Asia Pacific & EMEA, highlighted the importance of investing in talent to maintain high standards of service. “By harnessing collective expertise, we can meet evolving client needs and maintain our commitment to outstanding service across the region,” he stated.

According to Cushman & Wakefield’s report, ‘Six for 2026: Real Estate Trends to Watch in Asia Pacific’, the top four data centre markets—Australia, India, Japan, and Malaysia—are projected to grow at an average of 26% annually. This expansion is expected to increase their share of the region’s operational capacity from 38% to 52% by 2030. The report also notes emerging opportunities in Thailand and Vietnam due to power and water constraints in traditional locations.

CapitaLand India Trust (CLINT) has announced a 22% year-on-year increase in its distribution per unit (DPU) for the second half of 2025, reaching 3.90 Singapore cents. This growth is attributed to successful developments, improved operating performance, and strategic portfolio reconstitution. Unitholders are set to receive their 2H 2025 DPU on 19 March 2026.

The Trust’s income available for distribution surged by 33% year-on-year to INR 3,990m during the period from 1 July to 31 December 2025. This was driven by contributions from newly completed developments and higher interest income from six forward purchases under development. Total property income for 2H 2025 grew by 10% to INR 9.8b, whilst net property income increased by 17% to INR 7.6b.

Chairman Manohar Khiatani highlighted the strategic focus and execution capabilities that led to these robust results. “The team’s disciplined efforts to strengthen operating margins, optimise capital management, and unlock value through strategic divestments have been instrumental,” he stated.

CEO Gauri Shankar Nagabhushanam noted the momentum generated across multiple growth engines, emphasising the importance of strengthening the portfolio and balance sheet through forward purchases and capital recycling.

CLINT’s proactive capital management included diversifying funding sources and issuing its first bond in India, rated AAA by Crisil Ratings Limited. The Trust also signed two onshore sustainability-linked loans totalling INR 21b, enhancing long-term cost savings.

Looking ahead, CLINT is focused on sustaining growth through strategic developments and portfolio reconstitution, including the redevelopment of the Orion building in Hyderabad and ongoing projects in Bangalore. With a committed portfolio occupancy of 91% and strong rental reversions, CLINT is well-positioned for future opportunities.

Singaporeans are gearing up for the Lunar New Year with travel plans to popular destinations such as Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, and Tokyo, according to Trip.com data. This year, 53% of bookings were made over 60 days in advance, a 3% rise from 2025, indicating a trend towards earlier planning. Additionally, there is a notable 10% increase in flights booked for mid to long-haul destinations compared to last year.

The demand for inbound travel to Singapore remains robust, with China, Malaysia, and Indonesia leading as the top source markets. Universal Studios Singapore emerges as the most booked attraction for visitors, followed by Night Safari and Singapore DUCKtours.

Edmund Ong, General Manager of Trip.com Singapore, noted, “This Lunar New Year is truly igniting the spirit of reunion and discovery. We’re seeing more Singapore families embracing the opportunity to travel together, using the long holiday and attractive exchange rates to create cherished memories in new places abroad.”

Singaporeans continue to favour nearby cities for their getaways, with Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, and Tokyo topping the list. However, there is a growing interest in Mainland China, with travel bookings to Guangzhou and Shanghai increasing by nearly 200% year-on-year.

Trip.com offers over 300,000 bookable activities and experiences across 2,000 cities, enhancing travel options for users. The platform’s recent partnerships with Live Nation and DreamUs aim to expand its offerings further. As the Lunar New Year approaches, the travel landscape reflects a blend of tradition and new explorations.