Industry News

Pasture Holdings has signed a non-binding term sheet with the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation of Thailand to exclusively distribute its Oral Disintegrating Strips (ODS) in the country. This agreement marks a significant step in the commercialisation of Pasture’s proprietary drug delivery system, with a formal distribution agreement anticipated to follow.

The ODS, known as HART-S, contains sildenafil 50mg and offers a discreet, fast-acting alternative to conventional tablets for treating erectile dysfunction. The strips dissolve quickly in the mouth without the need for water, providing enhanced convenience for patients. A clinical trial conducted by Thailand’s Government Pharmaceutical Organisation confirmed the strips’ effectiveness and safety, with a faster onset of action compared to traditional tablets.

Lloyd Soong, Executive Chairman and CEO of Pasture Holdings, highlighted the strategic importance of this agreement, stating, “Our ODS was a cornerstone of our growth story during the IPO. This strategic step with GPO Thailand opens new revenue opportunities and strengthens our regional presence.”

The signing of the term sheet follows extensive negotiations and due diligence, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing innovative healthcare solutions. Pasture Holdings, a Singapore-based global pharmaceutical company, continues to focus on developing accessible drug delivery systems across the region.

As Pasture moves towards a formal distribution agreement, the company aims to expand its presence and offer scalable healthcare solutions that meet evolving market needs.
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SIA Engineering Company Limited (SIAEC) has announced the signing of new Comprehensive Services Agreements with Singapore Airlines (SIA) and its low-cost subsidiary, Scoot. These agreements, effective from 1 April 2025, replace previous contracts from April 2023 and are set to run for two years, with an option for a one-year extension. The agreements are expected to generate a total labour revenue of $1.3b over the initial term.

The agreements cover a wide range of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, as well as fleet management support for the SIA and Scoot fleets. This development is significant for SIAEC, as it strengthens its business relationship with two major airlines in the region.

SIAEC is a leading provider of MRO services in the Asia-Pacific region, serving over 80 international carriers and aerospace equipment manufacturers. The company operates line maintenance services at more than 30 airports across nine countries and offers comprehensive airframe, engine, and component services.

The company also benefits from 25 subsidiaries and joint ventures with original equipment manufacturers and strategic partners in various countries, including Singapore, Cambodia, Hong Kong, and the United States. These partnerships enhance SIAEC’s service offerings and capabilities.

No directors or controlling shareholders of SIA and SIAEC have any direct or indirect interest in the transaction, aside from their respective interests in the companies.
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Singtel is considering reducing its stake in Bharti Airtel by an additional 5% over the next three to five years. The proceeds from this potential sale are expected to be reinvested into Singtel’s core business or distributed as dividends. This strategic move aims to optimise Singtel’s investment portfolio and enhance shareholder value.

The report suggests that the HoldCo discount, which refers to the difference between the market value of Singtel’s holdings and its actual market capitalisation, is likely to narrow to below 15%. This is anticipated as Singtel continues to monetise its associate stakes, bringing the discount back to levels seen before the financial year 2018.

Analysts have maintained a “BUY” recommendation for Singtel, with a revised target price of SGD4.27. This adjustment is based on the anticipated reduction in the HoldCo discount from the previous 20% to 15%.

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Taiwan’s burgeoning semiconductor relationship with Singapore is set to deepen further as the Taiwan International Trade Administration (TITA) hosts the “Taiwan Semiconductor Innovation Product Launch” at SEMICON Southeast Asia. The event, taking place from 20 to 21 May 2025 at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Singapore, aims to highlight Taiwan’s technological prowess and foster industrial integration with Southeast Asia.

In 2024, Singapore emerged as Taiwan’s second-largest export market for semiconductor equipment, with exports totalling $0.83b, representing nearly 17% of global shipments. Concurrently, Taiwan’s investment in Singapore reached a record $5.81 billion, underscoring the robust industrial ties between the two economies.

The product launch will feature eight Taiwanese companies showcasing cutting-edge technologies. Highlights include Manz Taiwan’s RDL process equipment, Gallant Precision’s packaging inspection solutions, and Hanbell’s compressors and vacuum pumps. Other notable innovations come from Jumbo Laser, Contrel Technology, Delta Electronics, Shuz Tung, and Bossmen Inc., each presenting advancements in areas such as laser micromachining, smart manufacturing, and automation.

The event, themed “Sharing, Collaboration and Mutual Success – Connecting Taiwan’s Semiconductor Industry with Global Opportunities,” will gather government officials, industry leaders, and global buyers. It aims to strengthen Taiwan’s position as a key player in the global semiconductor ecosystem and enhance collaboration with Southeast Asian enterprises.

The Taiwan Pavilion is located at booth B2717, Level B2, Sands Expo and Convention Centre. Registration for the event is available online.
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Goodsleep Singapore has entered the local sleep market with a promise of customisable sleep solutions at wallet-friendly prices. Founded in 2020, the brand is challenging established players by offering premium features such as enhanced zonal support, GlacierCool technology, and individual pocket springs, typically found in high-end mattresses, at a more accessible price point. By adopting a direct-to-consumer model, Goodsleep eliminates middlemen, allowing significant savings to be passed on to customers.

Understanding the unique needs of Singapore’s climate, Goodsleep has incorporated GlacierCool technology into its Signature Mattress. This breathable, cool-to-touch fabric is designed to dissipate heat, making it ideal for tropical nights. The mattress is fully customisable with three firmness levels—Soft, Medium, and Firm—allowing users to tailor their sleep experience. Additionally, motion-isolating pocket springs ensure an uninterrupted night’s rest.

Beyond mattresses, Goodsleep offers a range of sleep-enhancing accessories, including Ergonomic Cloud Memory Foam Pillows and the Forest 2-in-1 Dehumidifier and Air Purifier, aimed at improving air quality and humidity for optimal sleep conditions. All products are researched and designed in Singapore, reflecting a commitment to local needs.

With a focus on innovative, customer-centric design, Goodsleep is quickly establishing itself as a standout in Singapore’s bedding industry. The brand’s affordable, high-quality offerings make it a compelling choice for those seeking to enhance their sleep without breaking the bank.
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CapitaLand Investment Limited (CLI), a prominent global real asset manager, has announced the establishment of its first onshore master fund in China, the CLI RMB Master Fund, with an equity commitment of RMB5 billion (S$921m). This strategic move involves a partnership with a major domestic insurance company, which will hold a majority stake in the fund, aligning with CLI’s asset-light strategy to expand its funds under management (FUM). The master fund is projected to contribute RMB20 billion (S$3.7b) to CLI’s FUM upon full deployment.

The master fund will channel investments into sub-funds targeting high-quality, income-generating assets with long-term growth potential. These sub-funds will focus on business parks, retail, rental housing, and serviced residences across Tier one and top Tier two cities. Future investments may also explore sectors such as data centres, logistics parks, and offices.

Puah Tze Shyang, CEO of CLI China, highlighted the significance of this development, stating, “Leveraging our over 30 years of experience in China and deep on-the-ground expertise, our first master fund in China demonstrates CLI’s capabilities in structuring and launching a diversified suite of RMB funds tailored to domestic investors’ needs.”

Kara Wang, Chief Investment Officer of CLI China, added, “CLI’s strong balance sheet enables us to co-invest in our private funds, aligning our interests with those of our capital partners.”

CLI’s portfolio in China spans over 300 properties across more than 40 cities, including office, retail, lodging, and business parks. This initiative follows CLI’s recent application to list its first real estate investment trust in China, CapitaLand Commercial C-REIT, further broadening its access to domestic capital and enhancing its recurring fee income.
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The National Heart Centre Singapore (NHCS) has unveiled SENSE, an artificial intelligence (AI) system designed to revolutionise the detection and prediction of coronary artery disease (CAD). This cutting-edge technology reduces the time required to analyse cardiac scans from two to four hours to mere minutes, significantly enhancing diagnostic efficiency and treatment speed. SENSE will be deployed across major public hospitals by the third quarter of 2025.

SENSE is spearheaded by the NHCS CardioVascular Systems Imaging and Artificial Intelligence (CVS.AI) Research Laboratory, in collaboration with the A*STAR Institute for Infocomm Research. The initiative builds on the success of the APOLLO project, which developed AI models for CT coronary angiography. SENSE leverages a vast database of three million cardiac images to power its advanced AI modules.

The new AI system will be implemented at NHCS, National University Hospital, and Tan Tock Seng Hospital. It promises a 30-fold increase in efficiency, allowing clinicians to receive results within 10 minutes. This rapid analysis is expected to lead to earlier disease detection and more timely interventions, addressing CAD, which accounts for nearly one-third of cardiovascular-related deaths in Singapore.

Assistant Professor Lohendran Baskaran, Director of CVS.AI, stated, “SENSE represents a major leap forward in both efficiency and diagnostic accuracy.” The initiative is supported by SingHealth and A*STAR’s Healthcare Translation Partnership, marking a significant step towards improved healthcare delivery in Singapore.
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Singapore is making strides in programmatic advertising, yet it falls short in key attention metrics, according to Integral Ad Science’s 20th Media Quality Report. The report, which compares digital ad performance across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region and global markets, reveals that whilst Singapore excels in programmatic ad buying, it trails behind in viewability and time-in-view—factors crucial for return on investment (ROI) in today’s performance-driven market.

The report indicates that Singapore’s viewability rates are 69.1% on desktop and 75.1% on mobile apps, both below global averages. Time-in-view for desktop ads stands at 17.25 seconds, with mobile web ads at 12.95 seconds. Despite these figures, programmatic desktop ads in Singapore are viewed longer at 19.3 seconds compared to direct buys at 15.6 seconds, showcasing the effectiveness of programmatic execution.

Laura Quigley, Senior Vice President APAC at Integral Ad Science, notes that Singapore lags behind markets like Australia and Indonesia in attention metrics. She suggests that businesses focus on improving media outcomes ahead of the second half of the year’s retail activity to enhance their advertising performance.

The report also highlights brand safety concerns, with 2.0% of mobile web ads appearing next to risky content. Notably, violence constitutes 69.3% of desktop ad risks, marking the highest in Asia. These insights underscore the need for Singaporean businesses to refine their digital advertising strategies to maximise effectiveness and safety.
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The Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) and the Brabant Development Agency (BOM) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance economic relations between Singapore and Brabant, the Netherlands. This agreement, announced on 20 May 2025, aims to develop complementary business ecosystems by facilitating knowledge exchanges, talent development, and joint research initiatives.

The collaboration will focus on several key sectors, including deeptech, digital technologies, climate-neutral energy solutions, health, and sustainable food systems. These areas encompass semiconductors, artificial intelligence, cleaner energy systems, medtech, and agritech, among others. The MOU leverages Singapore’s status as a business hub in Asia and the Netherlands’ position as a gateway to Europe, providing a platform for mutual growth and innovation.

Jermaine Loy, Managing Director of EDB, highlighted the significance of the partnership, stating, “This new MOU between Singapore and the Netherlands paves the way for closer collaboration between our business and innovation ecosystems.” Daan de Cloe, Managing Director of Foreign Investments & International Trade at BOM, added, “This MOU strengthens this relationship and offers a unique perspective on a common development of futureproof and game-changing industries.”

The agreement also includes plans to establish discussion platforms involving academic institutions, public-private partnerships, and investors to foster open innovation. Additionally, there will be opportunities for cross-border learning for students and academic staff from both regions.

This MOU marks a significant step in the 60-year trade relationship between Singapore and the Netherlands, promising to nurture competitive industries and talent in both countries.
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Skechers is set to unveil its newly revamped flagship store at Bugis Junction, Singapore, on 18 June 2025, with a special appearance by MINNIE from the global K-pop group i-dle. The event marks a significant milestone for the footwear giant as it expands its retail presence with a 4,112-square-foot space designed to enhance the shopping experience.

The Thai-born K-pop sensation, known for her trendsetting style and powerful vocals, will be the star attraction at the launch. Fans will have the opportunity to meet MINNIE through an exclusive giveaway, with over 100 slots available via in-store purchases and online contests. Details of the giveaway will be announced on Skechers Singapore’s Instagram page on 21 May 2025.

The revamped store promises a modern layout featuring an expanded range of performance and lifestyle products. Shoppers can expect exclusive zones and interactive elements that highlight Skechers’ commitment to innovation and comfort. The relaunch aims to provide a stylish and immersive shopping experience, reflecting the brand’s trendsetting flair.

The event will take place at Bugis Square, Level 1, Outdoor Area, starting at 5:30 PM. Fans and fashion enthusiasts are encouraged to follow Skechers Singapore on social media for further updates and details about the launch event.
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