Industry News

StarHub is celebrating its 25th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its journey as a key player in Singapore’s digital landscape. Since its inception in 2000, StarHub has been instrumental in connecting millions, supporting businesses, and enhancing everyday life with cutting-edge technology. The celebrations kicked off with a balloon hunt at StarHub Green and surprise pop-ups across Singapore, offering customers a chance to win one of 75 prizes, including gadgets and unique experiences.

The anniversary festivities underscore StarHub’s commitment to delivering premium entertainment. The 2025 NBA Postseason is now available on StarHub TV via the Sports+ pass, allowing basketball fans to enjoy live or on-demand games. Additionally, the “Football for All” Carnival in May promises to be another highlight for sports enthusiasts.

Nikhil Eapen, CEO of StarHub, emphasised the importance of the company’s relationship with its customers, employees, and partners. “This milestone is about the people who have been part of our story,” he stated. “Over the last 25 years, we’ve grown by staying close to the people we serve and adapting to what matters most.”

StarHub’s journey has been marked by several firsts, including the introduction of mobile and broadband services and the rollout of 5G technology. The company has also established itself as a trusted digital partner for enterprises, helping organisations navigate the digital-first world.

As StarHub looks to the future, it aims to continue delivering impactful and delightful experiences tailored to the everyday needs of its customers. The anniversary celebrations, running from 1 April to 30 June, invite both new and existing customers to join in the festivities, reinforcing StarHub’s gratitude and commitment to its community.
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Singapore-based Agoda, the digital travel platform, is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a major sales campaign from 7 to 20 May, culminating in exclusive discounts of up to 70% on 21 May. This initiative invites hoteliers and accommodation providers to engage with millions of travellers through attractive deals on accommodations, flights, and activities. The campaign aims to enhance property visibility and occupancy rates by leveraging Agoda’s extensive market insights and technology.

The campaign comes at a time when 87% of Agoda’s customers plan to maintain or increase their travel frequency compared to 2024, with 52% of these trips expected to cross international borders. Andrew Smith, Vice President of Supply at Agoda, emphasised the campaign’s dual purpose: “This campaign is not just a celebration, it’s another way for our hotelier partners to connect with international travellers through our world-class technology and deep understanding of local markets.”

Agoda’s growth over the past two decades has been marked by strong partnerships, with the platform now hosting over 5 million accommodation listings worldwide. The company has developed tools such as the PartnerHub platform, which helps partners secure 30% more bookings on average. Daren Lee, Director of Revenue at Sunway Putra Hotel, highlighted Agoda’s impact, stating, “Agoda’s consistent performance, data-driven campaigns and dedicated local team support have helped us scale significantly.”

Agoda’s digital infrastructure supports its partners with 1 trillion daily price checks and analyses over 2 billion user interactions daily. This milestone campaign not only celebrates Agoda’s legacy but also aims to convert the excitement into tangible results for its partners. Hoteliers interested in participating can enrol through Agoda’s platform.
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The Ascott Limited, a lodging business unit of CapitaLand Investment, is accelerating its global expansion with a new multi-typology strategy, adding three new properties in 2025. This brings the Ascott brand’s portfolio to over 80 properties and more than 17,400 units across 43 cities. The latest additions include Ascott Ortigas Manila in the Philippines, Ascott Shenton Way Singapore, and the first Ascott property in Wenzhou, China.

Ascott’s strategy involves diversifying beyond serviced residences to include hotels with MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) facilities and branded residences. This approach aims to cater to a wider range of guests, particularly C-suite executives, by offering a comprehensive suite of high-quality living solutions.

Kevin Goh, CEO of Ascott, highlighted the brand’s ability to adapt to changing market demands. “Ascott’s flex-hybrid operating model, reinforced with a multi-typology brand strategy, allows us to respond dynamically to demand shifts,” he said. This model supports both short and long stays, enhancing operational efficiency and brand loyalty.

The expansion also includes Ascott’s first branded residence, Ascott Residences Batu Ferringhi Penang in Malaysia, set to launch for sale this year. This development will feature 99 residential flats, showcasing refined architectural design.

Ascott’s commitment to enhancing guest experiences is further demonstrated through initiatives like the Ascott Soiree, which integrates arts programming into the guest experience. This strategic expansion positions Ascott to capture growth opportunities and adapt to the evolving travel landscape.
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ASUS, a global technology leader, and JustCo, Asia’s leading premium flexible workspace provider, have expanded their partnership to introduce ASUS Experience Zones in Singapore. Located at Changi Airport Terminal 3 and International Plaza, these zones offer business travellers and modern workers access to high-performance ASUS products designed to enhance productivity and comfort.

The new experience zones feature a range of ASUS products tailored to diverse professional needs. For those requiring portability, the ASUS ZenScreen MB249C and MB229CF portable monitors are available. Creative professionals can benefit from the ASUS ProArt PA329CRV and PA279CRV monitors, known for their high colour accuracy. Casual gamers are catered for with the ROG Strix XG27UCS and XG27ACSW gaming monitors, alongside ergonomic chairs like the ROG Destrier Core and ROG Chariot X Core.

An exclusive launch event at JustCo’s International Plaza marked the collaboration, featuring a Productivity Masterclass by Pratik Ranadive, Solutions Architect at Intel Singapore. The event provided attendees with strategies to boost efficiency and opportunities to network.

Andre Chong, Vice President and Head of Marketing at JustCo Singapore, stated, “Our partnership with ASUS embodies innovation, integrating cutting-edge technology into our centres.” Michelle Lim, Deputy Marketing Director of ASUS Singapore, added, “This collaboration underscores our commitment to creating environments that foster wellness and efficiency.”

To celebrate the launch, ASUS is offering up to 15% off selected items until 30 June 2025.
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Singapore’s manufacturing output experienced a 3.6% decline in March 2025 on a seasonally adjusted month-on-month basis, according to the latest data released by the Department of Statistics.

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Singapore-headquartered Mooreast Holdings has announced the successful completion of its multi-buoy mooring system upgrade project in the Gulf of Thailand, a significant milestone expected to contribute approximately $88 million to its revenue in the first half of 2025. This achievement highlights Mooreast’s expertise in handling large-scale projects within the oil and gas sector, with current orders matching those at the end of 2024, indicating a promising revenue outlook for the company.

The company, led by newly appointed CEO Eirik Ellingsen, is also making strides in the floating wind energy sector. Ellingsen, who joined Mooreast in January, has been actively engaging with stakeholders in Europe and North Asia, regions poised for substantial growth in floating wind projects. The Environmental Resources Management’s Q3 2024 report highlights over 390 gigawatts of floating wind projects in development, with significant portions expected to reach final investment decisions by 2027.

Mooreast is strategically positioned to capitalise on this growth, given its status as Asia’s sole ultra-high power anchor designer and manufacturer. The company has expanded its presence in Asia with new offices in Taiwan and Malaysia, enhancing its ability to serve the burgeoning market. As the demand for anchors and mooring components increases, Mooreast is assessing its production capabilities and may seek additional capacity to meet future needs.

The company remains committed to updating shareholders on developments in the floating renewable energy sector, as it continues to refine its supply chain and production strategies to support global projects.
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Popular Singaporean podcast Yah Lah But is taking a novel approach to the upcoming General Election 2025 (GE2025) by launching the APolitical Party Bus, a mobile podcast studio.

From 24 April, hosts Haresh Tilani and Terence Chia will release daily episodes recorded across all 33 Group Representation Constituencies (GRCs) and Single Member Constituencies (SMCs) in Singapore. This initiative aims to bring transparency, humour, and authentic local voices to the national conversation.

The APolitical Party Bus will serve as a platform for unfiltered discussions, capturing the on-ground sentiment and offering listeners a real-time pulse of the election atmosphere. “We’re not affiliated with any political party. This is our way of giving Singaporeans the mic whilst bringing a touch of good ol’ humour to election coverage,” said co-host Terence Chia.

Supported by fintech platform Lendela, the campaign seeks to promote transparency and balanced discourse. Bryan Tay, Singapore country manager at Lendela, emphasised the importance of transparent discourse, stating, “It’s more important than ever for Singaporeans to engage in transparent discourse and expect clear answers.”

The Yah Lah But APolitical Party Bus will cover 33 constituencies, with episodes available on Spotify, YouTube, and other major podcast platforms. As the bus traverses Singapore, it will provide a platform for all perspectives to be heard, helping Singaporeans make informed decisions in an uncertain world.
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Singapore’s office rental market has shown signs of recovery in Q1 2025, with the URA office rental index for the Central Region rising by 0.3% quarter-on-quarter. This follows consecutive declines in the latter half of 2024.

According to CBRE Research, the Core CBD (Grade A) submarket experienced a 0.8% increase in rents, reaching $12.05 per square foot per month. This growth is attributed to a strong demand for premium office spaces, particularly from sectors like private wealth and asset management.

The absorption of more space in IOI Central Boulevard Towers, which now boasts an occupancy rate exceeding 80%, has contributed to this positive trend. However, the islandwide vacancy rate increased to 11.7% in Q1 2025, up from 10.6% in Q4 2024, due to new completions such as Keppel South Central and Paya Lebar Green.

Retail spaces in the Central Region saw a 0.5% decline in rents, reversing the previous quarter’s gains. The retail market remains two-tiered, with prime spaces in demand whilst secondary locations face softer leasing interest. Despite this, prime floor rents increased by 0.6% quarter-on-quarter.

In the residential sector, private housing prices rose by 0.8% in Q1 2025, driven by non-landed properties. The RCR segment led the growth with a 1.7% increase. Primary sales remained robust, with 3,375 new private homes sold, although secondary sales slowed.

Looking ahead, CBRE Research anticipates continued rental growth in the Core CBD (Grade A) office market, supported by limited new supply and interest rate cuts. The retail sector may face challenges from e-commerce and rising costs, but tourism recovery could bolster demand for prime retail spaces.
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Dom Pérignon has launched its latest creation, the White Luminous Vintage 2015, designed to transform nightlife experiences in Singapore. This new release, featuring an illuminated ‘Vintage 2015’ label, is set to captivate a new generation of discerning tastemakers by blending the brand’s storied heritage with modern celebration.

The White Luminous Vintage 2015 is available exclusively at HighHouse, SUSHISAMBA, and Wonder Room, reinforcing Dom Pérignon’s position at the forefront of high-energy moments in Singapore’s iconic venues. The release is not just a new product but a curated Vibe Dining experience that combines fine dining and music into a singular, sensorial moment.

To celebrate the launch, Dom Pérignon will host a Black & White themed event on 14 May at HighHouse. This exclusive, one-night-only celebration will offer guests a first glimpse of the White Luminous Vintage 2015 in its full splendour. With limited availability, the event promises to be an unforgettable evening for those who attend.

The White Luminous Vintage 2015 aims to be a beacon of celebration and a statement of theatrical flair, marking a significant moment in Dom Pérignon’s legacy. As the brand continues to innovate, this release highlights its commitment to creating memorable experiences that resonate culturally and sensorially.
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Jewel Changi Airport has launched Southeast Asia’s first Mario Kart-themed installations, alongside the return of the exclusive Nintendo pop-up store. Running until 24 July, the pop-up store offers over 500 items, including 150 new and exclusive merchandise from beloved Nintendo games such as Super Mario, Animal Crossing, and The Legend of Zelda. This pop-up is the only one of its kind outside Japan, providing fans with a rare shopping opportunity.

The Mario Kart Jewel Circuit Challenge transforms Jewel into a real-life Rainbow Road, inspired by the Mario Kart 8 game series. Visitors can explore dynamic installations featuring Mario, Luigi, and other characters amidst the lush Forest Valley and the Jewel Rain Vortex. A centrepiece installation, measuring 5 by 4 metres, recreates the thrill of Rainbow Road with vibrant lights and the iconic Mario Kart soundtrack.

Visitors can participate in a stamp rally to collect an exclusive Mario Kart sticker pack, featuring four characters and five power-ups. Additionally, the Gachapon machines offer a chance to win prizes, including merchant vouchers and attraction tickets, with a minimum spend of $59 (S$80) at participating stores.

Faith Tan, Head of Leasing at Jewel Changi Airport Development, expressed excitement about the collaboration with Nintendo, stating, “The first Nintendo pop-up at Jewel in 2023 was a success, and we are thrilled to bring this exciting experience back to our visitors.” The installations and pop-up store are expected to draw families and travellers, especially during the June school holidays.
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