Industry News

Kuehne+Nagel and SATS Ltd. have launched an expedited delivery service for urgent aircraft parts in Singapore, enhancing their strategic partnership to bolster air logistics resilience. This initiative, part of a 2023 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aims to optimise value chains and improve sustainability in global air cargo logistics.

The new service, introduced at Singapore Changi Airport, addresses Aircraft-on-Ground (AOG) emergencies, where aircraft are grounded due to technical issues. These situations can lead to significant operational and financial impacts, making rapid access to spare parts crucial. The solution promises reduced delivery times and improved real-time shipment visibility, facilitating quicker aircraft returns to service.

Beyond Singapore, Kuehne+Nagel and SATS are expanding their collaboration to improve warehouse and lorry efficiency and optimise multi-modal Sea-Air logistics. A pilot project at Frankfurt Airport, involving Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), a SATS company, and Kuehne+Nagel, aims to accelerate import cargo clearances by streamlining cargo pick-up and delivery processes.

Additionally, the companies have launched Sea-Air logistics services in Los Angeles and Singapore, enhancing connectivity and reducing transit times, costs, and carbon emissions. Yngve Ruud, EVP Air Logistics at Kuehne+Nagel, highlighted the partnership’s role during the Red Sea crisis, stating, “We’re excited to expand this collaboration with SATS to enhance value in supply chains through lorrying, warehousing, and time-critical shipment solutions.”

Francois Mirallie, Deputy CEO Gateway Services Global at SATS, emphasised the shared commitment to building resilient supply chains, noting, “Together, we are delivering agile, customer-centric solutions that meet the evolving needs of our ecosystem partners.” The companies plan to extend their collaboration to include healthcare and aerospace sector solutions.
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The Singapore Institute of Purchasing and Materials Management (SIPMM) has released the May 2025 Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), revealing a contraction in the manufacturing sector. The PMI, a key indicator of manufacturing health, fell to 49.8, down from 50.2 in April. A reading below 50 signifies a contraction, highlighting the sector’s struggle amidst global economic uncertainties.

The decline in the PMI is attributed to several factors, including a decrease in new orders and exports. This downturn suggests that manufacturers are facing challenges in maintaining demand levels, both domestically and internationally. The SIPMM report noted that the electronics sector, a significant component of Singapore’s manufacturing industry, also experienced a contraction, with its PMI dropping to 49.5.

The contraction in the PMI is significant as it reflects broader economic pressures impacting Singapore’s manufacturing landscape. The sector has been grappling with supply chain disruptions and fluctuating demand, exacerbated by global economic conditions. The SIPMM emphasised the importance of monitoring these trends closely, as they could have long-term implications for the industry.

Looking ahead, the manufacturing sector will need to adapt to these challenges to stabilise and potentially return to growth. The SIPMM’s report serves as a crucial barometer for policymakers and industry leaders as they navigate the complexities of the current economic environment.
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City Developments Limited (CDL) has emerged as the top bidder for the Lakeside Drive Government Land Sales (GLS) mixed-use site, offering $1,132 per square foot per plot ratio (psf ppr). This bid represents the highest level of participation and price for a site in the Outside Central Region (OCR) since November 2023, when Clementi Avenue 1 was sold.

CDL, known for its expertise in developing mixed-use projects with retail components, previously saw success with its Piccadilly Grand development. The strong interest in the Lakeside Drive site is attributed to several factors, including a pause in tariffs between major global economies, the need to replenish landbanks, and the area’s robust upgrading demand.

The site, which has not seen a land sale since 2015, is strategically located with convenient access to Lakeside MRT station and is a mere 250 metres from Rulang Primary School. This proximity is expected to attract potential buyers, particularly those from the more than 2,500 flats in the vicinity that have met their minimum occupation period and are eligible for upgrading.

The commercial space on the first storey of the development will enhance the limited retail offerings currently available at Lakeside MRT station and the nearby HDB neighbourhood. This addition is anticipated to provide residents with greater convenience, reducing the need for travel to meet daily needs.

Mark Yip, CEO of Huttons Asia, commented on the development, highlighting the potential pent-up demand and the site’s appeal due to its strategic location and amenities.
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Jobseeker interest in Singapore’s hospitality and tourism sector has soared by 130% since 2021, according to new data from Indeed, a global hiring platform. This surge coincides with a 48.7% increase in job postings, reflecting the sector’s robust recovery post-pandemic. The rise in interest is attributed to improved perceptions of job security, pay, and working conditions, alongside contributions from skilled talent, including returning alumni and recent graduates.

Indeed spokesperson Shannon Peter Pang highlighted the importance of aligning this influx of talent with appropriate roles to ensure long-term growth. “Thriving jobseeker interest is a good sign of the hospitality and tourism sector’s recovery, but employers must ensure that this influx of talent is matched to the right roles to nurture the industry for long-term growth and resilience,” Pang stated.

The sector’s job postings grew by 14.6% from April 2024 to April 2025, driven by increased travel demand and investments in workforce development. Singapore’s status as a premier travel destination in the Asia Pacific is bolstered by hosting global events and sporting spectacles.

Pang emphasised the need for employers to invest in upskilling programmes and retention strategies, such as competitive benefits and clear career pathways, to maintain workforce motivation and commitment. As Singapore’s hospitality and tourism sector continues to recover, businesses are urged to focus on building meaningful career pathways rather than merely filling positions.
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UNIQLO Singapore has unveiled its first Touchpoint Concept Store at Velocity @ Novena Square, marking a strategic shift in its retail approach. This new store, occupying just 10% of the space of a typical UNIQLO outlet, aims to address the challenges of rising rent prices and moderate consumer demand whilst enhancing the Online-to-Offline (O2O) shopping experience.

The Touchpoint Concept Store is designed to optimise floor space and expand UNIQLO’s reach without compromising on product range or service. Cecilia Tan, e-commerce director at UNIQLO Singapore, emphasised the store’s role in reimagining the in-store experience. “We are committed to scaling our presence and reaching more consumers by seamlessly integrating digital convenience with in-store engagement,” she stated.

Key features of the new store include the Click & Collect service, which enhances the O2O retail experience by allowing customers to enjoy the convenience of online shopping combined with the efficiency of in-store pickup. This service is part of UNIQLO’s broader retail strategy in Singapore, reflecting its MADE FOR ALL philosophy.

The launch of the Touchpoint Concept Store signifies UNIQLO’s commitment to adapting to the evolving retail landscape. By focusing on innovative solutions, the brand aims to maintain its competitive edge and continue meeting consumer needs effectively. As the retail sector faces ongoing challenges, UNIQLO’s approach could set a precedent for other retailers looking to optimise their operations and enhance customer experiences.
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Leading Singaporean brands such as StarHub, Singapore Airlines, DBS, and NETS are navigating the delicate balance between artificial intelligence (AI) innovation and maintaining a human touch in customer interactions. According to the KPMG Global Customer Experience Excellence Report, these brands are leveraging the Six Pillars of customer experience—Personalisation, Time & Effort, Expectation, Integrity, Resolution, and Empathy—to meet evolving customer expectations.

The report highlights the increasing importance of empathy, trust, and integrity as AI becomes more prevalent in brand interactions. Guillaume Sachet, partner at KPMG in Singapore, emphasises that these elements are crucial as customer experience becomes a key differentiator in an uncertain economic climate. “The rising importance of empathy, trust, and integrity in customer expectations is evident as AI becomes more integrated in brand interactions,” Sachet stated.

KPMG’s report offers four actionable steps for brands to respond to emerging customer experience trends, focusing on balancing automation with personalisation. These insights are particularly relevant as generative AI takes centre stage in the evolution of customer experience.

The report underscores that leading brands in Singapore are setting benchmarks in customer experience, which is increasingly becoming a critical factor for success. As businesses continue to integrate AI, maintaining a balance with human elements will be essential for delivering world-class customer experiences.
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Skechers has launched the Singapore edition of its SkechVibe initiative, a regional project aimed at showcasing local artists through limited-edition wearable art. This latest collaboration features homegrown illustrator Erika Tay, who has designed a collection that includes three unisex oversized T-shirts and two tote bags, each reflecting Singapore’s vibrant culture and iconic wildlife.

The SkechVibe collection, which follows a successful debut in Malaysia, offers a playful and dynamic take on Singapore’s national symbols and community spirit. Priced at $39, the collection is available at various Skechers Concept stores across Singapore, including Bugis Junction, Jem, and Jewel Changi Airport, as well as online.

To celebrate the launch, Skechers is hosting interactive in-store experiences at its Bugis Junction location, which officially opens on 18 June 2025. Shoppers can enjoy customisation of shoe or bag charms and live drawing sessions with Erika Tay, receiving personalised gifts featuring her artwork.

This initiative not only highlights local talent but also provides a platform for Singaporeans to express their cultural pride through fashion. The SkechVibe collection is expected to attract both locals and tourists looking for unique, artistic apparel that embodies the essence of Singapore.
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Astellas Pharma has announced the approval of VEOZA (fezolinetant) 45mg in Singapore, marking it as the first non-hormonal treatment for moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS) associated with menopause. This approval follows the BRIGHT SKY programme, which involved three Phase 3 clinical trials with over 3,000 participants across Europe, the US, and Canada.

VMS, commonly known as hot flushes and night sweats, affects over 50% of women globally and 19% of women in Singapore. The imbalance between oestrogens and neurokinin B during menopause leads to these symptoms. A 2023 study highlighted that more than 60% of Singaporean women experience at least one moderate to severe menopausal symptom, with VMS being a significant concern.

Aycin Oguz, general manager for Malaysia and Singapore, stated, “This approval marks yet another significant milestone for our company, fezolinetant and women’s health.” Rebecca Chng, head of Medical Affairs at Astellas Pharma Singapore and Malaysia, added, “VEOZA represents a meaningful advancement in how we address vasomotor symptoms.”

Fezolinetant was initially approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in May 2023. With its recent authorisation in Singapore, women are encouraged to consult healthcare providers to determine if VEOZA is suitable for them.

This development not only expands treatment options for menopausal women but also underscores Astellas’ commitment to addressing unmet medical needs.
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Singapore’s Frasers Hospitality has announced the expansion of its Modena by Fraser brand with the opening of two new properties in Mainland China: Modena by Fraser Shenzhen and Modena by Fraser Wujiaochang Shanghai. These openings, strategically located in two of China’s most dynamic cities, underscore the company’s commitment to providing contemporary, design-led accommodation for modern travellers.

The new properties offer flexible living spaces tailored to residents’ needs, featuring dedicated areas for activities such as yoga and gaming, practical kitchenettes, and communal spaces designed to foster social interaction. Regular community programmes further enhance the sense of belonging and intuitive living that Modena by Fraser aims to provide.

“The China market is central to our long-term strategy for Asia,” said Eu Chin Fen, CEO of Frasers Hospitality. “Our two new Modena by Fraser properties represent a significant step in strengthening our presence in this region.”

Modena by Fraser Shenzhen, which soft opened on 29 March 2025, is located in the Luohu District and features 325 contemporary flats. The property offers direct connectivity to Hong Kong and is well-connected to the Shenzhen Metro. Amenities include a pickleball court, gym, yoga studio, and outdoor barbecue area.

Meanwhile, Modena by Fraser Wujiaochang Shanghai, which soft opened on 20 May 2025, is situated in the Yangpu District. It offers 307 fully furnished flats and features facilities such as a landscaped garden, relaxation room, and a restaurant serving Cantonese and local Shanghai cuisine.

These additions mark the seventh and eighth Modena by Fraser properties in China, reinforcing Frasers Hospitality’s leadership in the extended-stay segment and its commitment to delivering lifestyle-driven residences across the region.
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A recent survey by Robert Walters Singapore has unveiled that 88% of jobseekers in Singapore feel their applications are often ignored, as companies struggle with a shortage of candidates with relevant experience. The survey, which polled 308 employers and professionals, highlights the challenges faced by both jobseekers and employers amidst an influx of applications.

The findings show that 58% of jobseekers submit more than five applications weekly, with 19% sending over 20. This surge in applications is overwhelming employers, with 54% reporting slowed hiring processes. A significant 69% of employers cite a lack of relevant experience as the primary reason for rejecting candidates, whilst 24% encounter overqualified applicants.

Kirsty Poltock, country manager at Robert Walters Singapore, commented on the strain faced by both parties: “Candidates are using AI to help them submit applications, which may make it difficult for them to stand out from the competition. They need to put themselves out there, look towards recruitment agencies for help, connect with hiring managers via social media platforms or get a referral to get an edge.”

The report also highlights that 61% of jobseekers are deterred by lengthy application processes. To address these challenges, companies are encouraged to adopt strategies such as increasing transparency and offering flexible work arrangements to attract and retain talent. Additionally, the report suggests that companies focus on skills-based hiring and adapt to the evolving expectations of the workforce, particularly Gen Z.
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