Industry News

Huawei Cloud hosted the Singapore Summit 2025, themed “Accelerate Intelligence, Ignite Smarter Future,” gathering over 500 representatives from government, business, and technology sectors. The summit focused on transitioning from basic cloud adoption to full-scale intelligence to enhance enterprise productivity. Sunny Shang, President of Huawei Cloud Asia Pacific, emphasised Singapore’s pivotal role as a global innovation hub, particularly in the intelligent era, highlighting Huawei Cloud’s unique five local Available Zones (AZ) deployment for service continuity.

Maxi Wang, CEO of Huawei International, stated that Singapore values practical innovation that boosts productivity and empowers individuals. Huawei aims to bring global best practices to help Singapore enterprises scale and modernise. Wang added, “We will continue working with our industry and higher education partners to equip the local workforce with globally competitive skills.”

Huawei Cloud’s Managing Director, Gigi Hu, outlined plans to invest in consulting, planning, solution design, and R&D support to assist major enterprises in implementing multicloud strategies. The company aims to support over 50 Singaporean companies in upgrading from cloud adoption to intelligent transformation.

The summit featured workshops showcasing industry practices across sectors. Huawei Cloud collaborates with public sectors to enhance government services and partners with companies like Grab and Minimax for cloud-native innovations. In fintech, Huawei Cloud shared trends in credit risk management and digital asset hosting.

Aka Dai, Director of Huawei Cloud Marketing, introduced Huawei Cloud’s full-stack innovation, enabling customers to leverage data and intelligence effectively. Huawei Cloud’s initiatives, such as Tech4City, promote digital talent and innovation, with projects like SafeGuardSG and the Sign Language Virtual Assistant SiLVia enhancing community safety and accessibility.

Huawei Cloud’s commitment to integrating technological innovation in everyday life and sustainable development was highlighted by Frank Guo, Managing Director of Huawei International. The summit also featured exhibitions of cutting-edge technologies and collaborative innovation with partners.
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WeRide, a leader in autonomous driving technology, has launched Southeast Asia’s first fully driverless Robobus at Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore. This significant development follows a year of successful operations with a safety officer on board and approval from the Land Transport Authority (LTA) of Singapore. The Robobus, which operates without a steering wheel or pedals, has already transported tens of thousands of passengers and completed numerous trips safely.

The Robobus connects key locations within Resorts World Sentosa, including Equarius Hotel, Hotel Michael, Hotel Ora, and The Galleria, on a 12-minute loop. Jennifer Li, CFO and Head of International at WeRide, highlighted the importance of Singapore’s regulatory support and collaboration with local partners in achieving this milestone. “Deploying the region’s first fully driverless Robobus demonstrates that our vehicles are safe, reliable, and ready to transform public transportation at scale,” she stated.

The Robobus is equipped with LIDARs, cameras, and sensors, enabling it to detect obstacles over 200 metres away within a 360-degree range. This technology has ensured a zero-incident safety record since its launch. The initiative aligns with Singapore’s national vision to integrate autonomous vehicles (AVs) into the public transport network by the end of 2025, as announced by Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow.

WeRide has also established a research and development centre in Singapore, supported by the Singapore Economic Development Board, to advance AV innovation. Cindy Koh, Executive Vice President of EDB, expressed enthusiasm for the potential of AV technology to shape the future of mobility and create new job opportunities.

Looking ahead, WeRide plans to strengthen collaborations with LTA and other stakeholders to introduce more validated products and scalable business models across Singapore and Southeast Asia.
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Vinamilk, Vietnam’s leading dairy brand, made a significant impact at the Growth Asia Summit 2025 in Singapore by introducing its pioneering 6HMO infant formula. This innovation marks a new era in paediatric nutrition, offering a solution that closely mimics the benefits of breast milk, particularly in a region where exclusive breastfeeding rates are modest.

Vinamilk’s Chief Marketing Officer, Nguyen Quang Tri, highlighted the importance of the 6HMO formula, which includes six human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) that support infant gut and immune health. This breakthrough is particularly crucial in Vietnam, where 55% of infants are not exclusively breastfed during their first six months. The formula aims to bridge this nutritional gap, especially for working mothers who face challenges balancing work and family commitments.

The company’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. Vinamilk ranks sixth globally for dairy brand value and was recognised as the most valuable food and beverage brand in Southeast Asia by Brand Finance in 2023. It is also the only Vietnamese dairy company featured in the Fortune Southeast Asia 500 ranking 2024.

Vinamilk’s innovation is the result of strategic partnerships with six global nutrition companies, enhancing its scientific capabilities. The 6HMO formula, which includes rare oligosaccharides like difucosyllactose and 3-fucosyllactose, fosters beneficial gut bacteria and protects against pathogens.

Nguyen Quang Tri stated, “Our 6HMO breakthrough not only raises nutritional standards but also helps support parents navigating breastfeeding challenges.” This development signifies Vietnam’s transformation into a nutrition powerhouse, with Vinamilk leading the charge in setting new standards in paediatric care.
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Hyphens Pharma Pte. Ltd., a subsidiary of Hyphens Pharma International Limited, has launched Winlevi® (clascoterone) cream 1% in Singapore and Malaysia, marking its first entry into Southeast Asia. This innovative topical acne treatment is now available via prescription through clinics and hospitals in these countries, with plans for further rollout across the region.

Winlevi® is the first new class of molecule in acne treatment in over 40 years, targeting the androgen-sebum pathway directly within the skin. Its active ingredient, clascoterone, is the first commercially available topical androgen receptor inhibitor for acne, reducing sebum production and inflammation without systemic anti-androgen side effects. This makes it a safe option for both male and female patients.

The launch is part of Hyphens Pharma’s strategic expansion in dermatology, a core focus area that includes treatments for acne, atopic dermatitis, hyperpigmentation, and hair loss. The company has secured an exclusive licence and supply agreement with Cassiopea S.p.A., a subsidiary of Cosmo Pharmaceuticals, covering Winlevi® and its future product extensions across 10 Southeast Asian countries.

Lim See Wah, Executive Chairman and CEO of Hyphens Pharma, stated, “We’re proud to be the first to introduce Winlevi® to Southeast Asia. Acne affects millions in the region, yet for decades, patients have had limited treatment options. This launch marks a significant advancement in acne care.”

Winlevi® has already been approved and launched in several countries, including the US, where it has become the most prescribed branded topical acne treatment since its 2021 debut. The introduction of Winlevi® in Southeast Asia represents a significant step in addressing unmet needs in acne care, with a multinational Advisory Board of dermatologists supporting its integration into clinical practice.
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NTT Finance Corporation has successfully completed a monumental $17.5 billion notes offering, marking the largest issuance by an Asian corporate in the global debt market. The financing subsidiary of the NTT Group issued both US dollar- and euro-denominated notes, with the US dollar notes spread across seven tranches and the euro notes across four. The offering was finalised on 16 July 2025 and the notes are listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange.

The US dollar-denominated notes include tranches such as $1.25 billion of 4.567% senior notes due 2027 and $2.5 billion of 5.502% senior notes due 2035. Meanwhile, the euro-denominated notes feature €1.5 billion of senior floating rate notes due 2027 and €1.5 billion of 4.091% senior notes due 2037. This issuance is also the second largest dollar-denominated notes offering in the US high-grade market this year, according to Bloomberg data.

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, a prominent law firm, advised NTT Finance on this transaction. The Skadden team was led by Corporate Partner Kenji Taneda, with support from Counsellor Ken Kiyota, Asia Pacific Counsellor Yuko Ozaki, and associate Spencer Rauner, all based in Tokyo. Skadden has a history of advising NTT Finance and NTT Group on over $12 billion in international notes offerings since 2021.

This significant financial move not only underscores NTT Finance’s robust position in the market but also highlights the growing influence of Asian corporates in global finance. The successful completion of this offering could pave the way for future large-scale issuances by Asian companies.
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The Pair’d Margaret River Region festival is set to return from 20 to 23 November 2025, promising an extraordinary blend of culinary, cultural, and sensory experiences. This year’s event will feature world-class chefs, including Singapore’s Michelin-starred talents Julien Royer, Rishi Naleendra, and Dave Pynt, alongside international culinary icon Francis Mallmann. The festival, which debuted successfully in 2024, will offer over 30 unique events, including the world-first sonic wine experience, “Tasting Notes: The Sound of a Region.”

The festival’s highlights include the Grand Tasting presented by Singapore Airlines, offering unlimited wine tastings and rare vintages, and the atmospheric Ngilgi Reverie, a cultural collaboration featuring performances in Ngilgi Cave. The event will also host the Pair’d Beach Club at Meelup Beach, with a surf-and-turf feast by Michelin-starred chef Nathan Outlaw.

Western Australia’s Acting Tourism Minister, Don Punch, expressed excitement about the festival’s return, noting its role in attracting visitors to the region. “Pair’d is a celebration of the incredible wine and food of the Margaret River Region,” he said.

Festival Director Hannah Pike emphasised the event’s unique offerings, stating, “Pair’d is not just a festival; it’s a region-wide sensory experience that celebrates what makes this part of the world so special.”

With direct flights now available to Busselton-Margaret River Airport, the festival is more accessible than ever. Tickets are on sale from 16 July, and attendees are encouraged to book early due to high demand.
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SleekFlow, an AI-native omnichannel platform, has launched AgentFlow, a sales-first AI tool designed to enhance revenue outcomes from customer interactions. This innovative solution is now available to businesses in Singapore and Southeast Asia, aiming to bridge the gap between automated customer engagement and tangible business results.

AgentFlow is part of SleekFlow’s broader vision of “AI that converts,” focusing on helping businesses sell smarter. The tool functions like a digital sales assistant, using advanced AI to qualify, prioritise, and convert leads in real time. It supports multilingual conversations and processes complex data, ensuring context-rich responses. Asnawi Jufrie, Vice President & General Manager, Southeast Asia at SleekFlow, stated, “AI adoption is no longer about keeping up; it’s about driving measurable growth.”

The launch is supported by findings from SleekFlow’s whitepaper, which surveyed 1,100 respondents across Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. It revealed that 70% of Southeast Asian consumers are likely to make purchases with AI support, yet only 23% of Singapore consumers find AI effective in completing purchases. Businesses highlighted cost concerns as a barrier to AI adoption, with 40% indicating that proven return on investment would change their stance.

Early testing of AgentFlow has shown promising results, including faster response times and more effective lead qualification. SleekFlow offers onboarding support to ensure smooth implementation, aiming to empower sales teams to close deals more efficiently.
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A recent study by MetaComp, a major payment institution licenced by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, has highlighted significant vulnerabilities in the detection of financial crime risks within blockchain transactions. The research, focusing on stablecoin flows, analysed 7,000 transactions on Ethereum and Tron using four leading Know Your Transactions (KYT) tools: Chainalysis, Elliptic, Merkle Science, and Beosin. Findings revealed that up to 25% of high-risk transactions were not flagged when relying on only one or two KYT tools.

The study underscores the importance of a multilayered KYT approach for effective Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter Financing of Terrorism (CFT) compliance. Tin Pei Ling, Co-President of MetaComp, stated, “For institutions operating in a regulated environment, especially those dealing with stablecoin flows, it is no longer sufficient to rely on a single tool for transaction screening.”

MetaComp’s analysis demonstrated that a three-tool screening model significantly improves risk detection whilst maintaining processing speed, making it suitable for real-time environments. This approach reduced the false clean rate to below 0.10%, ensuring near-instant results. The study also identified systemic weaknesses, such as fragmented risk coverage and inconsistent risk categorisation, contributing to screening inconsistencies.

The research focused on USDT and USDC stablecoins, given their prominence in institutional use cases. MetaComp recommends using at least three KYT tools per transaction to balance AML/CFT effectiveness, cost, and processing efficiency. The study’s findings aim to elevate industry standards for on-chain risk monitoring and support the development of a more trusted digital finance environment.
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A recent survey by Robert Walters Singapore reveals that 93% of employers have observed increased staff turnover or disengagement following delays in pay rises. The survey, which included nearly 200 professionals and employers, highlights the significant impact of monetary compensation on employee retention and engagement in Singapore.

The findings show that 45% of employers have either reduced or postponed pay rises, whilst 17% did not offer any pay increases this year. Consequently, 64% of employers noticed employee disengagement, and 29% reported higher turnover rates. Among professionals, 72% are actively seeking new jobs after not receiving their expected pay rise, and 58% of those who did receive a raise found it lower than anticipated. Furthermore, 92% of professionals feel underpaid compared to the market rate.

Kirsty Poltock, Country Manager at Robert Walters Singapore, commented on the financial pressures businesses face, stating, “Businesses are under immense pressure to keep costs down, and for many, salary increases just haven’t been feasible this year.” She emphasised the consequences of these decisions, noting the rise in turnover and drop in motivation.

The survey underscores a disconnect between employer decisions and employee expectations, with unmet expectations driving employees to explore new opportunities. Poltock advises employers to consider non-monetary perks such as career development and flexible working arrangements to retain talent. The Robert Walters 2025 Salary Survey offers insights into pay levels and hiring trends, aiding leaders in having transparent discussions about compensation.
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Skechers, renowned for its comfort technology and lifestyle footwear, is marking Singapore’s 60th birthday with the launch of the Skechers x Mr. Merlion & Friends collection. Set to debut on 18 July, this exclusive collection will be available only in Singapore and features a range of unisex short-sleeve tees for both adults and children, a tote bag, and Cali Bits accessories. The designs highlight Mr. Merlion engaging in popular sports alongside his food-inspired companions, Loti Bread, Chilli Krabby, and Kopi-O, embodying the vibrant spirit of Singapore.

The collection aims to blend playful local charm with Skechers’ signature performance innovation. To further celebrate the launch, Skechers is offering a special in-store promotion from 24 July to 11 August, allowing customers to purchase any two Mr. Merlion & Friends items for $60, excluding Cali Bits.

Available at selected Skechers concept stores and online, the tees and tote bags can be found at locations such as Bugis Junction, Century Square, and Jewel Changi Airport, among others. Meanwhile, the Cali Bits accessories will be offered at a curated list of stores, including Causeway Point and VivoCity.

This collaboration not only highlights Skechers’ commitment to local culture but also provides a unique way for Singaporeans to celebrate their nation’s milestone. As the collection launches, it promises to bring a touch of local flair to Skechers’ global brand.
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