Industry News

Singapore’s burgeoning beauty and personal care sector is drawing attention from potential new businesses. As demand for cosmetic products continues to rise, Dentons Rodyk & Davidson LLP has released a guide detailing the essential legal requirements for importers, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers looking to enter this lucrative market. The guide aims to equip businesses with the necessary knowledge to navigate the regulatory landscape effectively.

The guide highlights several key legal considerations that must be addressed before launching cosmetic products in Singapore. These include compliance with the Health Sciences Authority’s regulations, which oversee the safety and efficacy of cosmetic products. Additionally, businesses must ensure proper labelling and advertising practices to avoid misleading consumers.

Marian Ho, a senior partner at Dentons, emphasised the importance of understanding these legal frameworks. “Navigating the regulatory environment is crucial for any business looking to succeed in Singapore’s competitive cosmetic market,” she stated.

The guide also addresses the need for businesses to be aware of intellectual property rights to protect their brands and products. This is particularly relevant in a market where innovation and brand differentiation are key to capturing consumer interest.

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Singapore’s technology sector experienced a notable increase in funding during March, with a 30% rise compared to the previous month, according to the latest data from Tracxn. This surge is attributed to heightened investor interest in the region’s burgeoning tech industry.

The data, compiled by Tracxn, highlights a significant uptick in investment activity, with several high-profile deals contributing to the overall growth. Notably, the fintech and healthtech sectors attracted the most attention, securing substantial funding rounds that underscored their potential for innovation and growth.

Ruchira Kondepudi from Tracxn commented on the findings, stating, “The increase in funding reflects the growing confidence investors have in Singapore’s tech ecosystem. The region’s strategic location and supportive regulatory environment make it an attractive destination for tech investments.”

Looking ahead, the sustained interest from investors is expected to fuel further growth in Singapore’s tech landscape, potentially positioning the city-state as a leading hub for technological advancements in Asia.
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Antica Foundation officially launched on 5 April 2025 during the SiGlap 60 Carnival, an event attended by Dr Maliki Osman, Second Minister for Education and Foreign Affairs. The foundation is committed to empowering seniors and ex-offenders in Singapore through innovative programmes and strategic partnerships.

The foundation’s initiatives include Project GUARDIAN, which installs fall detection sensors in the homes of low-income seniors at high risk of falls, ensuring their safety and well-being. Another key programme, Project SECOND WINGS, supports ex-offenders with vocational training, career development, and mentoring to aid their reintegration into society. Additionally, Antica Foundation promotes intergenerational dialogue through workshops and community activities, fostering empathy and strengthening community bonds.

Executive Director Dixon Lim emphasised the foundation’s mission to create a supportive environment where individuals from diverse backgrounds can learn, grow, and rebuild their lives. “Our goal is to drive positive social change by integrating technology, community partnerships, and holistic resources,” Lim stated.

The foundation collaborates with partners such as Yellow Ribbon Singapore, Temasek Polytechnic, and the Silver Generation Office to enhance the quality of life for vulnerable communities. Chaired by Andre Tanoto, Antica Foundation aims to raise awareness of how different communities can be supported through its impactful initiatives.

As the foundation embarks on its mission, it seeks to bring more awareness to its causes and efforts, hoping to inspire further social responsibility and community empowerment across Singapore.
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Jobstreet by SEEK has unveiled a new approach to recruitment in Singapore, launching holistic hiring solutions that aim to address the evolving challenges faced by employers. Moving away from the traditional “pay to post” model, Jobstreet now offers unlimited free ads, allowing customers to pay based on performance. This shift is complemented by the introduction of SmartHire, an AI-driven recruiting service, and SEEK Pass, a platform developed in partnership with the Ministry of Manpower and SkillsFuture Singapore to verify work credentials.

Singapore’s recruitment landscape in 2025 is marked by budget constraints and a competitive labour market, with nearly half of job vacancies being new roles. Jobstreet’s innovations are designed to help employers navigate these challenges, particularly as the company has seen a 146% year-over-year increase in job applications per ad, far exceeding the Asian average of 57%.

The new solutions include:

– **Pay for Performance**: Employers can post unlimited job listings and pay for premium features to enhance visibility, with access to over 3 million registered jobseekers.
– **SmartHire**: This service uses AI to match employers with suitable candidates, reducing time-to-hire and improving match quality. Fees are charged only upon successful hiring, offering a 50% cost-saving compared to traditional methods.
– **SEEK Pass**: This platform allows jobseekers to verify their credentials, making them 16% more likely to be shortlisted by employers.

Vic Sithasanan, Managing Director of Jobstreet by SEEK in Singapore, stated, “The recruitment landscape is undergoing a fundamental transformation, driven by the increasing use of AI in hiring and a growing emphasis on skills-based hiring.” These innovations are set to empower employers and jobseekers alike, fostering transparency, trust, and efficiency in the hiring process.
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Morrison, a global infrastructure manager, has announced its expansion into Singapore with the appointment of former New Zealand Climate Change Minister, James Shaw, to spearhead its renewable energy and decarbonisation initiatives in the region. Shaw, who played a pivotal role in New Zealand’s climate policy, will focus on next-generation decarbonisation investments and nature-based solutions as part of Morrison’s strategic growth in South-East Asia.

The decision to base Shaw in Singapore aligns with Morrison’s aim to leverage the city-state’s status as a leading green finance hub. Morrison’s CEO, Paul Newfield, highlighted the firm’s commitment to renewable energy projects across Asia, noting the region’s dedication to sustainability and reducing reliance on imported fuels. “James Shaw will expand our presence into Asia as the region transitions to renewables,” Newfield stated, emphasising the growing demand for resilient energy solutions.

Shaw’s extensive experience includes crafting New Zealand’s net-zero framework and securing bipartisan support for significant climate legislation. He expressed enthusiasm about his new role, stating, “I’m excited about being based in Singapore, where there is so much support for and investment in the development of wind and solar PV energy projects.”

Morrison, which manages over $28b (£22b) in assets globally, sees Asia as a diverse market offering significant opportunities for investors. The firm aims to enhance its impact in the region by focusing on large-scale solar PV generation and energy storage technologies, crucial for the shift from fossil fuels. As Morrison strengthens its presence in Singapore, it seeks to play a significant role in the region’s decarbonisation efforts.
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Lady Gaga’s announcement on 10 March that Singapore would be her sole Asian tour stop has led to a significant increase in travel interest, according to Amadeus data. The pop icon’s concerts, scheduled for 18, 19, 21, and 24 May, have prompted a 57% rise in flight search queries to Singapore on the day of the announcement, with further growth of 41% during the presale ticket period from 18 to 20 March.

The surge in interest is not limited to flights. Amadeus Demand360 data indicates that hotel bookings in Singapore have increased by at least 10% on the concert nights compared to the previous year. Fans, affectionately known as “Little Monsters,” are booking flights from cities worldwide, including Seoul, Tokyo, Mumbai, and London.

Paul Wilson, Vice President of Hospitality for Asia Pacific at Amadeus, highlighted the importance for hoteliers to leverage this data to optimise marketing strategies. “As we witness a significant surge in flight searches for Lady Gaga’s concerts in Singapore, it’s imperative for hoteliers to leverage forward-looking data to optimise their marketing strategies,” he stated.

This trend aligns with Amadeus’ 2024 and 2025 Travel Trends reports, which highlight the rise of music tourism and the desire for spontaneous travel experiences that foster genuine connections. As Lady Gaga’s fans prepare to travel, the concerts are set to create lasting memories and boost Singapore’s tourism sector.
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Colliers has released its Q1 2025 Singapore Office Market Report, revealing that whilst Core CBD Premium and Grade A office rents saw a slight decline of 0.1% quarter-on-quarter, they held steady at S$11.67 per square foot. Despite this marginal dip, some premium buildings experienced rental growth, highlighting the resilience of the market amidst tightening supply.

The report indicates a vacancy rate increase to 7.6%, attributed to the addition of Keppel South Central, which is nearing 50% occupancy. However, with limited new supply expected over the next two years, vacancies are anticipated to decrease, potentially leading to rental growth. Colliers advises tenants to act swiftly to secure space as options dwindle, whilst landlords of older buildings are encouraged to upgrade to remain competitive.

Tridiana Ong, Executive Director and Head of Tenant Representation at Colliers Singapore, noted, “The core CBD Premium and Grade A segment is expected to outperform due to limited supply and resilient demand for quality spaces in the CBD.”

The report also highlights that office demand will likely remain broad-based in 2025, with non-bank financial firms and technology firms continuing to drive space requirements. Catherine He, Head of Research at Colliers Singapore, added, “The office sector holds significant potential for investors to value-add due to the widening gap between older buildings and modern spaces.”

As the market evolves, the focus is expected to remain on renewals and flight-to-quality moves, with companies seeking modern spaces that align with new workplace trends and employee expectations.
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Singapore-headquartered MyRepublic, a leading digital-first telecom operator in the Asia-Pacific region, has unveiled Pocket Rocket Adventures, a pioneering gamified customer experience for its broadband and mobile subscribers. Available from April via the MyRepublic mobile app, this space-themed game aims to boost customer engagement and loyalty by offering rewards such as MyRepublic merchandise and gaming consoles.

Pocket Rocket Adventures allows subscribers to participate in an idle-style game where they can upgrade in-game equipment, craft companions, and complete challenges. Players earn points, digital rewards, and exclusive merchandise, with additional benefits for long-standing subscribers who link their game account to the MyRepublic app. This tiered experience is designed to enhance customer retention and lifecycle management.

Terry Williams, Vice President Consumer at MyRepublic, stated, “Pocket Rocket Adventures is more than just a game—it’s a strategic extension of how we view customer experience in the digital age.” The initiative represents a shift in telecom operators’ approach by integrating game mechanics to create a more interactive relationship with customers.

The game also functions as a data-driven loyalty programme, enabling MyRepublic to better understand customer behaviours and preferences. This aligns with the company’s strategy to differentiate itself in a competitive market by leveraging its roots in the gaming community and leading innovation in customer experience transformation.

By embedding gamification into its core customer engagement model, MyRepublic aims to evolve beyond transactional models and create emotionally engaging experiences. This initiative marks the beginning of a long-term transformation in designing and delivering customer value.
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Singapore is emerging as a pivotal player in the global green economy, according to insights from FTSE Russell’s Global Investment Research team. Lee Clements, Head of Applied Sustainable Investment Research, emphasised Singapore’s position as a hub for technology innovation and capital markets in the region, making it an attractive destination for sustainable equity investors.

Clements highlighted that Singapore’s green revenue share within the Straits Times Index (STI) is noteworthy when compared to global averages and other Asian markets. This positions Singapore as a leader in sustainable investment opportunities, particularly for those looking to capitalise on the growing green economy.

The STI, Singapore’s benchmark stock index, features sectors with significant green revenue exposure, further enhancing its appeal to investors focused on sustainability. These sectors are increasingly becoming focal points for investors seeking to align their portfolios with environmentally responsible practices.

The insights from FTSE Russell underscore the importance of Singapore’s strategic initiatives in fostering a sustainable economic environment. As the global demand for green investments continues to rise, Singapore’s proactive approach in integrating sustainability into its economic framework positions it as a key player in the region.

Looking ahead, Singapore’s commitment to sustainability is expected to drive further interest from investors worldwide, reinforcing its status as a leading hub for sustainable finance and innovation.
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Singapore-headquartered EdgePoint Towers, a leading telecommunications infrastructure company in ASEAN, has announced the appointment of Ravin Vickneswaran as Chief Operating Officer. With over 25 years of experience in the telecommunications industry, Ravin has been with EdgePoint since 2021. In his new role, he will oversee various departments, including Engineering, Implementation, and Operations, to drive the company’s vision and enhance service offerings.

Ravin expressed his enthusiasm for the role, stating, “I am thankful to step into this new role at such a transformative time for the industry. As Malaysia accelerates its 5G rollout, EdgePoint Towers remains committed to delivering future-ready infrastructure that enables seamless connectivity.”

Muniff Kamaruddin, CEO of EdgePoint Towers, highlighted Ravin’s significant contributions, noting, “His proven leadership, operational expertise, and strong execution capabilities will be instrumental in ensuring the company’s continued success.”

Ravin’s previous roles include Vice President of In-Building Coverage and Innovation at EdgePoint, where he expanded the company’s IBC and small cells portfolio. His career also spans senior positions at Celcom Axiata Berhad, Flexenclosure AB, and Maxis Communications Berhad.

EdgePoint Towers, with 1,800 sites, is the second-largest independent telecommunications infrastructure company in Malaysia. The company is part of EdgePoint Infrastructure, which operates across Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, focusing on innovative telecom solutions.
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