Industry News

Global management consultancy Kearney has announced significant leadership appointments across the Asia Pacific region, aiming to bolster its strategic operations and digital capabilities. The appointments, effective from 2025, are part of Kearney’s ongoing leadership rotation strategy, designed to foster a purpose-driven culture and empower its diverse talent pool.

In Singapore, Hemanth Peyyeti has been named Co-Lead of the Operations and Performance practice in APAC. With a robust background in consumer goods, Hemanth is set to drive sustainable client impact. Joining him as Co-Lead is Nori Hamaguchi from Tokyo, who brings expertise in operational and digital transformations, particularly in the consumer goods and retail sectors.

Anshuman Sengar, based in Sydney, has been appointed as the Global Lead of Data & Artificial Intelligence, whilst continuing his role as APAC Lead for Digital & Analytics. His dual role will focus on enhancing the firm’s data-driven solutions to boost client competitiveness.

In Kuala Lumpur, Keat Yap will lead Kearney’s Product Excellence and Renewal Lab (PERLab), which aims to accelerate growth through product and service innovation.

Shigeru Sekinada, Region Chair of Asia Pacific, commented on the appointments: “Leadership rotations are key to growing a stronger, more connected firm. They bring fresh perspectives, build diverse leadership, and help us shape the next generation of leaders.”

These strategic appointments are expected to deepen Kearney’s capabilities in AI, emerging technologies, and product innovation, positioning the firm to deliver meaningful impact for clients across the region.
“`

OA Group of Companies, based in Singapore, and Malaysia’s Chia Ka Partners PLT (CKP) have announced a strategic alliance to drive small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) growth across Southeast Asia. This collaboration focuses on leveraging digital transformation and regional advisory services to help SMEs expand beyond their domestic markets.

The alliance combines the strengths of two award-winning firms known for their innovation and client-centric approaches in the accounting and advisory sectors. Alan Chang, CEO of OA Group, highlighted the challenges SMEs face in navigating regulatory frameworks and integrating digital solutions across borders. He stated, “This alliance creates a trusted bridge between Singapore and Malaysia, giving business owners practical support to expand into new markets without the usual guesswork, delays, or compliance headaches.”

Both firms have a strong relationship with Xero, a global leader in cloud accounting, which enhances their ability to provide comprehensive support. Jeremy Chia, Managing Director of CKP, noted that the collaboration extends beyond compliance and bookkeeping into regional strategy and growth execution.

The partnership is further strengthened by the launch of a new book, “Why Breakeven,” co-authored by Chang and Chia. The book challenges traditional profit-focused thinking and promotes data-driven strategies for long-term success. Industry leaders have praised the publication, with Ang Yuit, President of ASME, emphasising the importance of shared knowledge and partnerships for SME growth.

With offices in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and China, OA Group’s regional reach complements CKP’s digital expertise, marking a significant step towards building an integrated cross-border ecosystem for SMEs. This initiative aims to help businesses navigate complexity, seize new market opportunities, and scale sustainably.
“`

Singapore’s vibrant dining culture, with residents eating out five to six times a week, is increasingly influencing the shift towards sustainable packaging. As the demand for eco-friendly options grows, APP Group has introduced Foopak Bio Natura, a compostable and biodegradable food packaging solution. This innovation aligns with the nation’s fast-paced lifestyle and environmental goals, addressing the rising concern over packaging waste.

Foopak Bio Natura is designed to meet the needs of Singapore’s food and beverage scene, offering a food-safe, grease-resistant, and heat-stable material. It is suitable for various dining establishments, from hawker centres to artisanal cafés. Ricca Windysari, Foopak SEA Regional Sales Head, stated, “Consumers want their meals fast, tasty, and Instagram-worthy, but also better for the planet, and that’s where Foopak Bio Natura steps in.”

The packaging solution supports Singapore’s Green Plan 2030 by reducing single-use plastics and food packaging waste. Its adaptability makes it ideal for eateries adopting sustainable practices, including farm-to-table restaurants and delivery-focused cloud kitchens. Windysari added, “Packaging is no longer just about function but brand values. When a business chooses Foopak, it signals to customers that they care about both the product and the planet.”

As Singapore continues to lead in food innovation and green transformation, Foopak Bio Natura offers a practical way for food businesses to embrace sustainability, one meal at a time. APP Group, a leading pulp, paper, and forestry company, prioritises sustainability and ethical practices, aligning with its Sustainability Roadmap Vision 2030.
“`

Ginger.Lily at Hilton Singapore Orchard is set to elevate the afternoon tea experience with its latest offering, A Symphony of Origins: Terroir and Bloom, starting 3 July 2025. This unique collaboration features Michelin-starred Chef Adrien Descouls, known for his eco-responsible gastronomy, alongside Hilton’s Executive Sous Chef Cindy Khoo. The duo aims to blend fine dining elegance with the traditional teatime ritual.

Chef Adrien, celebrated for his commitment to sustainability and local ingredients, brings a selection of savoury dishes inspired by the rich terroir of his native Auvergne. Highlights include freshly-shucked oysters with floral tea jelly, Tartare de Bœuf with roasted artichoke sabayon, and Slow-cooked Veal baked in hay. Chef Cindy complements these with her French-Japanese fusion desserts, such as Hakuto Peach Chouquettes and Tarte aux Amandes.

The afternoon tea is priced at $78++ per person, including a welcome cocktail or mocktail and two coffee or tea beverages. Hilton Honors members can enjoy up to 25% off and earn bonus points.

This collaboration not only enhances the culinary offerings at Hilton Singapore Orchard but also showcases the innovative approaches of both chefs. With two daily seatings, guests can indulge in this gourmet experience whilst enjoying discounts through the Hilton Honors programme.
“`

Knight Frank Singapore and CBRE have announced the sale of a unique portfolio of four large-format Housing & Development Board (HDB) retail units through an Expression of Interest (EOI) exercise. Located in the bustling town centres of Ang Mo Kio, Bukit Merah, Clementi, and Toa Payoh, these fully-tenanted units present a rare investment opportunity in Singapore’s competitive retail market.

The portfolio, with a combined strata area of approximately 104,808 sq ft, includes properties with prominent street frontages and high footfall. Each unit spans two levels within standalone HDB commercial blocks, offering substantial income-generating potential. The properties are anchored by established tenants such as NTUC FairPrice and COURTS, ensuring a stable rental income.

Galven Tan, CEO of Knight Frank Singapore, highlighted the scarcity of such assets, stating, “With only approximately 8,500 HDB commercial units available for private ownership, this portfolio represents a truly scarce and highly sought-after investment opportunity.” Michael Tay, Executive Director of Capital Markets at CBRE Singapore, added that HDB town centres are vital for daily life in Singapore, serving as key destinations for dining, shopping, and leisure.

The properties are not subject to Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty and Seller Stamp Duty, making them eligible for foreign purchase. The EOI exercise will close on 23 July 2025 at 3pm. This sale offers investors a chance to acquire prime retail assets in mature residential hubs, with potential for future repositioning and rent reversions.
“`

Beautique is setting a new benchmark in the beauty industry by merging scientific precision with luxury, offering personalised skincare and hair treatments across its four locations in Singapore. With outlets in Orchard, Toa Payoh, and Ang Mo Kio, Beautique provides accessible yet premium beauty care, ensuring clients receive consistent excellence and trusted solutions.

Founded on the principle that beauty should be both effective and elevated, Beautique offers a comprehensive range of advanced treatments for skin, body, hair, and scalp. Each service is meticulously crafted, combining clinical expertise with world-class skincare formulations to deliver visible improvements and long-term transformations. Clients are guided through a personalised journey, starting with expert consultations and continuing with treatments tailored to their individual needs.

Beautique’s offerings include a selection of globally renowned skincare brands, known for their performance-driven ingredients. These are paired with cutting-edge techniques such as microcurrent lifting and oxygen infusion, ensuring results that are both immediate and sustainable. Additionally, specialised hair and scalp treatments address concerns like thinning hair and oily scalps, using deep-cleansing and microcirculation-boosting methods.

The team at Beautique consists of highly experienced therapists and specialists, committed to a collaborative and transparent approach. This makes Beautique not just a beauty destination, but a long-term partner in self-care. For those seeking performance without compromising on experience, Beautique offers an intelligent and indulgent beauty philosophy.
“`

International law firm Withers has announced the appointment of Mohammed Reza as a Partner and Head of International Arbitration at Withers KhattarWong LLP, its Singapore branch. Reza, an experienced commercial disputes lawyer, brings a wealth of expertise in litigation and arbitration, particularly in cross-border disputes across sectors such as banking, energy, and insurance.

Reza’s move to Withers follows his leadership role in the dispute resolution practice at another leading international firm. His appointment is part of Withers’ strategic expansion in Asia, as the region continues to grow as a hub for international arbitration.

Peter Wood, CEO of Withers’ global dispute resolution division, highlighted the importance of resolving complex, cross-border disputes, stating, “Reza’s arrival enhances our international offering and reflects our continued commitment to providing market-leading dispute resolution services across key global centres.”

Chenthil Kumarasingam, Regional Division Leader for Dispute Resolution in Asia, praised Reza as an “outstanding lawyer” and noted the firm’s efforts to strengthen its disputes team in Singapore. Reza himself expressed enthusiasm about joining Withers, citing the firm’s investment in Asian disputes capabilities and the transformative period for international arbitration in the region.

Reza is a Fellow of the Singapore Institute of Arbitrators and serves as a Specialist Mediator with the Singapore International Mediation Centre. His roles in the legal community include membership on the Appeals Board of the Council for Estate Agencies and contributions to the Law Society of Singapore and Pro Bono SG.
“`

Amazon Singapore has announced that Prime Day 2025 will be its longest yet, spanning seven days from 8 to 14 July. This extension allows Prime members more time to explore deals across categories such as Home & Kitchen, Health and Personal Care, and Beauty on Amazon.sg. Exclusive discounts include up to 50% off on brands like FOREO, Sukin, and Dettol.

The event will feature Amazon.sg’s Everyday Essentials store, which offers over 100,000 frequently shopped items, including groceries and personal care products. This initiative aims to meet the growing demand for convenient online shopping in Singapore. Peter Li, Director of China & Singapore, International Stores at Amazon, stated, “We’re pleased to bring Prime Day back to Singapore with our longest event yet filled with incredible savings and exciting deals.”

Prime members can sign up for personalised deal alerts and enjoy benefits such as free one-day delivery on eligible items. New customers can start a 30-day free trial of Prime, which costs $3.65 (S$4.99) per month or $36.50 (S$49.90) per year. Additional perks include discounts on Amazon Fresh orders and Amazon.sg Gift Cards.

Amazon Singapore has also redesigned its homepage for a more personalised shopping experience, featuring easier navigation and quicker access to frequently repurchased items. As part of its Shop for Good initiative, Amazon invites customers to support local non-profit organisations by purchasing items from their wishlists during Prime Day.
“`

KFin Technologies, in collaboration with Ascent Fund Services and the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) Association, hosted the Tech Transformation and Portfolio Construction in Alternative Investments and Private Wealth summit in May 2025 at M Hotel Singapore. The event gathered over 30 industry stakeholders to discuss the impact of technology on investment strategies.

The summit highlighted how artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, and digital platforms are revolutionising portfolio construction across traditional and alternative asset classes. Sreekanth Nadella, Managing Director and CEO of KFin Technologies, introduced the company’s next-generation integrated platform aimed at modernising fund administration. Nadella stated, “At KFintech, we’re not just looking at fund administration as a back-office task—we see it as a powerful tool that can help investment firms work smarter, manage risk better, and connect more closely with their clients.”

A central panel discussion, “The Contrast of Public and Private Assets in the Portfolio Mix,” was moderated by Senthil Gunasekaran, Chief Business Development Officer at KFin Technologies. Panellists, including Alexandra McGuigan, Head of APAC at Qblue Balanced, and Steve Knabl, Managing Partner at Wealth Management Alliance, explored the influence of trade dynamics, regulatory frameworks, and investor behaviour on capital flow between asset classes.

Key topics addressed included the role of digital infrastructure in fund administration, interactions between public and private markets, and leveraging AI for asset-level analysis. The event concluded with a networking session, fostering partnerships within the regional investment community.
“`

Arctic Wolf, a leader in security operations, has announced significant enhancements to its Aurora Platform, aiming to alleviate the challenges faced by security teams in Singapore and beyond. The new features, unveiled on 17 June 2025, include self-service tools that eliminate the need for traditional Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tuning, offering improved visibility, flexibility, and detection response.

The enhancements address the operational limitations of legacy SIEMs, which often require specialised staffing and manual tuning. These systems have become cumbersome, particularly in hybrid and cloud-first environments, due to long deployment timelines and high alert volumes. Arctic Wolf’s updated Data Explorer module allows security teams to build custom detection rules, run intuitive queries, and search historical data without the complexity of traditional SIEMs.

Chris Kraft, chief product officer at Arctic Wolf, stated, “Security teams shouldn’t need to fight with their SIEM to get fast answers to important questions. With Data Explorer, we’re enabling fast, intuitive access to critical insights, backed by the scale and intelligence of the Aurora Platform.”

The new capabilities include simplifying custom detections, advancing search capabilities, and enabling advanced queries across historical data. These updates provide a more intuitive way for teams to investigate threats and answer high-priority security questions, empowering them to act quickly and confidently.

Arctic Wolf’s enhancements are designed to offer a scalable alternative to legacy SIEMs, helping organisations operate with the agility needed to stay ahead of evolving threats. As security teams continue to face resource constraints and mounting threats, these tools promise to streamline operations and improve security outcomes.
“`