Industry News

Choco Up, a leading growth financing platform in Asia, has partnered with CHUAN, a tech-driven credit specialist, to introduce a $30 million private credit facility for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the Asia Pacific. This initiative seeks to address the region’s significant financing gap, estimated at $2.5t annually, as reported by the Alternative Investment Management Association.

The facility is designed to provide SMEs with timely and transparent access to capital, aligning with their operational pace. This approach marks a shift in SME financing in the region, focusing on speed, transparency, and performance alignment. The first drawdown from the facility has already been completed, indicating a promising start.

By leveraging CHUAN’s institutional capital and Choco Up’s data-driven credit assessment, the partnership offers a more efficient funding process. SMEs can expect funding approvals within hours, compared to traditional timelines of up to six months. This enables businesses to manage cash flow gaps and stabilise operations during payment delays without disrupting daily activities.

Percy Hung, CEO and Founder of Choco Up, stated, “SMEs today don’t just need access to capital. They need financing that keeps pace with how their businesses operate.” The collaboration combines Choco Up’s expertise in flexible, equity-free financing with CHUAN’s capital markets knowledge and global investor network.

Lin Tun, Founding Partner and Chief Investment Officer of CHUAN, added, “By combining our tech-driven approach with Choco Up’s expertise in SME financing, we can deliver scalable, transparent, and responsible working capital solutions that create meaningful impact among SMEs regionally.”

ZTE Corporation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CIMB Bank Berhad to establish a strategic cooperation framework aimed at advancing digital infrastructure across ASEAN. This partnership combines ZTE’s telecommunications expertise with CIMB’s financial solutions to support the deployment of next-generation digital infrastructure, particularly 5G networks.

The MoU, formalised in Kuala Lumpur, was signed by Kevin Xiao of ZTE and Freddy Ong of CIMB, with Steven Ge and Denise Wong witnessing the event. The collaboration will explore infrastructure financing, regional network expansion, and cross-border liquidity management. By integrating technical capabilities with strategic banking solutions, the partnership aims to create a holistic ecosystem involving operators, government agencies, regulators, and investors to drive digital transformation in the region.

This expanded partnership is expected to accelerate high-speed connectivity rollout in underserved and rural areas, helping bridge the urban-rural digital divide. It also aligns with regional frameworks like the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement, enhancing execution efficiency and scalability for infrastructure projects.

Steven Ge, Vice President of ZTE Corporation, stated, “This partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing ASEAN’s digital infrastructure and accelerating the deployment of 5G networks.” Kevin Xiao added that integrated financial solutions are crucial for large-scale telecommunications projects. Chu Kok Wei of CIMB highlighted the collaboration’s role in supporting ZTE’s regional expansion through integrated financing and banking solutions.

The partnership builds on an established collaboration in Malaysia, extending its reach to Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and Cambodia, with broader regional ambitions.

Bengaluru, India, has been identified as the world’s fastest-growing city by 2035, according to a new analysis by Savills. The report, part of Savills’ Impacts thought leadership programme, highlights that cities in Asia Pacific will make up 75% of the top 50 and 85% of the top 20 fastest-growing cities globally over the next decade. Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam follows Bengaluru, driven by infrastructure investment and a burgeoning middle class.

Savills’ study examined the economic prospects of 245 cities, focusing on factors such as GDP growth, personal wealth, and migration patterns. The findings suggest that cities in India, Vietnam, and China will be key growth hubs, with Manila and Kuala Lumpur also making the top 20 list. This anticipated growth is expected to spur rapid development in real estate markets, presenting opportunities for investors and developers.

Chris Marriott, CEO of Savills South East Asia, noted the demographic advantages of Southeast Asia, stating, “With a median age around 30 and a large portion of the population under 35, Southeast Asia’s growth hubs benefit from a powerful demographic tailwind.” This young workforce is expected to drive demand in sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and housing.

Paul Tostevin, Head of Savills World Research, added that the diversification of Western supply chains is elevating Asian manufacturing and expanding the middle class, thus creating new markets for retail and leisure. The report underscores the transformative economic shifts benefiting Asian cities, positioning them as pivotal players in global growth.

In the first quarter of 2026, the global market witnessed 232 initial public offerings (IPOs) raising $41b, according to EY’s latest report. This marks a 23% decrease in the number of deals but a significant 36% increase in proceeds compared to Q1 2025, which saw 300 IPOs raising $30b.

The Asia-Pacific region led the charge with 107 IPOs, generating $20b, a 75% increase in value despite a 9% drop in volume year-over-year. EMEIA (Europe, the Middle East, India, and Africa) followed with 93 IPOs raising $11b, reflecting a 9% rise in proceeds despite a 23% decrease in volume. Meanwhile, the Americas recorded 32 IPOs, also raising $11 billion, with a 17% increase in value despite a 49% drop in volume.

Southeast Asia experienced a notable shift, with 14 IPOs raising $1.8b, a 174% increase in proceeds despite a 48% decline in volume compared to Q1 2025. This surge was driven by significant listings on the Singapore Exchange and Bursa Malaysia.

EY Asean IPO Leader Chan Yew Kiang commented on the market dynamics, stating, “Despite the initial optimism towards IPO performance seen at the start of 2026, global IPO volume has come down significantly. The conflict in the Middle East has created energy security risks across Southeast Asia, impacting the broader macroeconomic landscape.”

Looking ahead, the trajectory of the IPO market will depend on various factors, including geopolitical tensions and energy prices. However, early preparation remains crucial for companies aiming to capitalise on market opportunities.

The 2026 Global Outsourcing Talent Index by Ataraxis has placed three Southeast Asian countries in the global top 10, highlighting the region’s competitive edge in the outsourcing industry. The Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia have emerged as leaders, with the Philippines securing the top spot globally.

The Philippines stands out as the only country among the 193 UN-recognised nations to score 90 or above in labour cost, English proficiency, and talent availability. Malaysia follows closely at second place, whilst Indonesia ranks eighth, surpassing all 27 EU member states and the G7 economies, including the UK and the US. Indonesia’s high scores in labour cost competitiveness and talent availability make it more competitive than major Western economies.

The report underscores Southeast Asia’s growing appeal as companies seek alternatives to China for supply chain diversification. The Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam all rank higher than China, which is positioned at 37th. These countries offer attractive labour cost scores, ranging from 92 to 96 out of 100, making them favourable outsourcing destinations.

Conversely, Singapore ranks 177th, the lowest among Southeast Asian nations, due to its high labour costs despite perfect English proficiency and its status as a financial hub.

The findings from the Ataraxis index provide a data-backed perspective on the shifting dynamics of global outsourcing, with Southeast Asia positioned as a key player. As businesses continue to navigate the complexities of global supply chains, the region’s competitive advantages are likely to attract further investment and interest.

Kearney’s 2026 Foreign Direct Investment Confidence Index (FDICI) reveals that Asia Pacific (APAC) has secured the largest share of ranked markets for the first time in over a decade. The region’s dominance in the index, which ranks markets likely to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) over the next three years, is attributed to its technological capabilities, economic growth potential, and geopolitical relevance.

Japan, China, and Singapore have made significant strides in the rankings, with Japan rising to third place, China to fourth, and Singapore making a notable leap from 15th to 8th. This shift is largely due to these countries’ focus on innovation and supportive industrial policies. Shigeru Sekinada, Region Chair for Asia Pacific at Kearney, noted, “The APAC region emerges as a winner as investors recalibrate how they make decisions in a more turbulent operating environment.”

The survey, conducted in January 2026 among over 500 senior executives, highlights that 88% of respondents plan to increase FDI over the next three years, despite global uncertainties. Technological and innovation capabilities have become the most important factors influencing investment decisions, surpassing traditional considerations like regulatory efficiency.

Geopolitical tensions and industrial policy are reshaping the investment landscape, with 84% of investors considering industrial policy as extremely important. APAC investors particularly favour infrastructure development and subsidies as effective policy tools. As the global investment environment evolves, APAC’s strong showing in the index underscores its growing appeal as a destination for foreign investment.

Urban consumers across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region are moving away from the traditional three-meal-a-day routine, opting instead for occasion-based eating formats. This shift is driven by changing lifestyles, time constraints, and a growing emphasis on nutrition and emotional satisfaction, according to a recent survey by GlobalData.

The 2025 Q4 global consumer survey found that 86% of APAC consumers consider convenience essential when purchasing products. Sainul Abidin, a Consumer Analyst at GlobalData, noted, “Urban consumers are increasingly redefining traditional meals through an ‘occasion-based’ lens—seeking flexible formats that align with changing schedules, moods, and nutritional priorities.”

This trend has prompted major brands to innovate. In May 2025, LT Foods launched “Krispy Hopu,” a gluten-free snack in India, whilst Singapore’s Sainhall introduced DeeFruit snacks in April 2024. These products cater to the demand for nutritious, portable, and convenient food options.

Natural ingredients and functionality are becoming crucial, with consumers favouring foods that are easy to transport, require minimal preparation, and offer health benefits like protein enrichment and probiotics. Abidin highlighted, “Single-serve portions, resealable packaging, and spill-resistant wrappers are rapidly becoming standard expectations.”

As urban lifestyles continue to evolve, the traditional meal structure is losing relevance. Brands that offer flexible, nutritious, and convenient options are well-positioned to capture market share in this changing landscape.

CapitaLand Investment (CLI) has released a new research report titled ‘Tracking AI’s Impact on Offices and Business Parks in APAC’, highlighting how artificial intelligence (AI) is altering occupier demand for office and business park spaces in Singapore, India, and China. The report reveals a shift towards high-specification, infrastructure-ready assets, driven by AI’s influence on workspace requirements.

The report identifies a significant “flight to quality” trend, where occupiers are increasingly selective, prioritising spaces that meet AI-driven needs. This shift is prompting investors to focus on assets with enduring demand visibility, whilst also exploring value-add opportunities through asset repositioning. CLI’s findings suggest that AI is not reducing overall demand but redistributing it, creating a divergence between high-quality and commoditised spaces.

According to the report, AI is transforming workspaces into platforms for decision-making and innovation, rather than just sites for routine tasks. This evolution is particularly evident in markets with substantial supply pipelines, where commoditised spaces face structural challenges. CLI notes that tenant requirements now emphasise infrastructure readiness and the ability to support data-intensive workflows.

In Singapore, the demand for premium, strategically located offices is rising, driven by both AI-native firms and traditional sectors integrating AI into their operations. The city-state’s strong AI infrastructure and skilled workforce make it an attractive hub for global AI leaders and start-ups. As AI adoption continues to grow, Singapore is well-positioned to accommodate these demand shifts, reinforcing its status as a high-quality office hub in the Asia-Pacific region.

Aberdeen Investments has announced the appointment of Vivian Tang as the Head of the APAC Client Group, a move aimed at strengthening its presence in the Asia-Pacific region. Tang, who joined Aberdeen in 2022 as Head of Institutional – Asia Pacific, will now oversee both institutional and wholesale distribution across the region. This strategic enhancement is intended to foster growth by deepening partnerships with financial intermediaries and asset owners.

John McCareins, Chief Client Officer at Aberdeen Investments, highlighted the importance of relationships in the industry, stating, “Enhancing our APAC Client Group and appointing Vivian to this expanded leadership role brings greater alignment and a more coordinated approach across all client touchpoints in the region.”

In addition to Tang’s appointment, Natalie Tan will manage wholesale distribution in Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, whilst Tina Tong will expand her remit to include Taiwan and cross-border China offshore business opportunities. Ian Macdonald, CEO – Asia Pacific, expressed confidence in the new leadership team, emphasising their role in positioning strategic partnerships at the core of Aberdeen’s future growth.

Aberdeen has been actively expanding its footprint in Asia Pacific, partnering with a leading digital bank in Singapore in 2025 to launch retail investment solutions. The firm also broadened access to its institutional-grade credit capabilities for various financial institutions across the region.

Vivian Tang commented on the region’s strategic importance, stating, “By bringing our institutional and wholesale capabilities closer together, we can better serve our clients with more tailored solutions and deeper, long-term partnerships.” Aberdeen’s recent organisational changes reflect its commitment to aligning product development with client needs, supporting long-term partnerships globally.

Velox Networks, a leading cloud telephony provider based in Singapore, has announced its expansion into the Philippines, marking its third Southeast Asian market after Singapore and Malaysia. This strategic move follows the enactment of the Konektadong Pinoy Act, a landmark telecommunications law aimed at modernising the country’s voice and data infrastructure. The legislation creates favourable conditions for cloud-native communications providers, allowing them to offer enterprise-grade voice infrastructure without significant physical network investments.

Martin Nygate, Founder and CEO of Velox Networks, stated, “The Philippines is at an inflection point. New legislation is finally creating the regulatory framework for modern telecommunications infrastructure.”

Velox Networks is not entering the market remotely; it has established a 12-person team across Manila, Cebu, and other key cities. This local presence underscores the company’s commitment to providing the same level of service and support as in Singapore and Malaysia. The Philippines’ telecommunications challenges, such as the notorious “spaghetti wires,” are being addressed through recent government actions, including the Metro Manila Council’s resolution for cable management and Cebu City’s underground cabling ordinances.

Velox’s platform offers cloud-based business phone numbers, automatic call recording, CRM integrations, and enterprise-grade security, catering to over one million micro, small, and medium enterprises in the Philippines. As regulatory scrutiny around data privacy increases, Velox aims to bridge the gap between consumer-grade tools and enterprise requirements, enhancing productivity and operational resilience.