Industry News

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) is hosting the 12th International Safety@Sea Week from 15 to 18 July 2025, focusing on future maritime safety challenges. The event, themed ‘The Future of Maritime Safety: Navigating the Next Frontier’, gathers over 1,800 participants from more than 40 countries to discuss pressing issues in the maritime sector.

Senior Minister of State Murali Pillai highlighted the sector’s complex challenges, including geopolitical tensions and climate change, and emphasised the need for workforce readiness, collaboration, and technological innovation. Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation, stressed the importance of robust safety frameworks and government-industry collaboration.

A key highlight of the week is a multi-agency chemical spill exercise off Singapore’s southern coast, involving 11 vessels and over 150 personnel. The exercise simulated a methanol spill, using drone-enabled technologies and the Maritime Digital Twin to enhance situational awareness. This initiative is part of MPA’s preparations for methanol bunkering, with 13 applications for methanol bunker supplier licences currently under evaluation.

Additionally, MPA is conducting Singapore’s first shore-to-ship drone trials in collaboration with Skyports Drone Services, TFG Marine, and CBS Ventures. These trials aim to improve efficiency and reduce safety risks in port operations. Findings will inform the development of safety protocols for future drone operations.

MPA also plans to install smart buoys equipped with environmental sensors from 2026, enhancing navigational safety through real-time data transmission. The Safety@Sea Awards were presented to companies for their contributions to maritime safety, recognising efforts in search and rescue and innovative safety solutions.
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Wave Films, Shooting Gallery Asia, and True Colour Media have announced a strategic partnership aimed at bolstering Singapore’s production infrastructure. This collaboration, led by Wave Films’ founder and managing director Jerry Koedding, seeks to address the challenges of tighter production budgets whilst maintaining high-quality standards for various media projects.

The partnership is designed to create an “infrastructure layer” that offers comprehensive production support to advertising agencies, production houses, and solo content creators. “Production budgets are getting tighter, and we need to work more closely together with different partners in the industry to stay relevant,” Koedding stated. This initiative ensures that when projects exceed the capabilities of individual entities, the necessary resources are readily available.

By combining Wave Films’ production service expertise with Shooting Gallery Asia’s extensive studio space and True Colour Media’s technical capabilities, the partnership provides a robust support system. This includes access to additional crew members, advanced equipment, and special locations, without competing for client relationships. Koedding emphasised the importance of established networks, saying, “We’ve built strong relationships with freelance crew and talent over the years. We can simply pick up the phone and call people we trust to deliver quality work.”

The collaboration aims to reinforce Singapore’s status as a production hub by offering scalable support infrastructure whilst adhering to international production standards. This unified service approach is set to benefit agencies, production houses, brands, and solo creators alike, ensuring seamless production processes across the board.
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ComfortDelGro Corporation Limited has unveiled a new training initiative in Singapore, designed to equip professional drivers with the skills needed for the burgeoning autonomous vehicle (AV) industry. This programme is part of the company’s broader strategy to prepare the next generation of transport professionals for the future of mobility.

The initiative focuses on training safety operators for AVs developed by ComfortDelGro’s partner, Moovita, which operates autonomous shuttles in various locations across Singapore. Additionally, the company has commenced remote operator and fleet management training as part of its AV pilot in China.

Cheng Siak Kian, Managing Director and Group CEO of ComfortDelGro, emphasised the importance of these developments, stating, “AV-related training and development are key to building new capabilities and creating new roles for the next generation of mobility solutions.”

Looking forward, ComfortDelGro plans to expand its training and development programmes to include cross-training for safety operators with different AV technologies. The company also aims to develop roles unique to AV operations, such as remote operators, maintenance specialists, data analysts, and fleet management positions. This approach is intended to enhance career opportunities for participants whilst supporting the company’s broader AV initiatives.

ComfortDelGro’s commitment to these initiatives underscores its dedication to ensuring its workforce remains at the forefront of the industry’s transformation, as it continues to embrace AV technology.
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Shopee Singapore has announced a new initiative allowing families to maximise their Child LifeSG credits. By topping up $250 in Child LifeSG credits to ShopeePay by 31 July, families will receive $250 in Shopee vouchers, ShopeePay in-store vouchers, and a Mums Club Premium upgrade. This initiative supports the government’s disbursement of $500 in Child LifeSG credits to every Singapore Citizen child aged 0 to 12.

The reward bundle includes $250 worth of Shopee vouchers, in-store vouchers offering up to 20% off offline purchases, and a complimentary upgrade to Mums Club Premium Membership. Chua Kel Jin, Director of Shopee Singapore, stated, “This campaign is about standing alongside Singaporean families and helping them get the most out of their Child LifeSG credits.”

To participate, users must top up a minimum of $250 in Child LifeSG credits to their ShopeePay wallet in a single transaction by 31 July 2025. The top-up process involves using the LifeSG app to select PayNow and scan the QR code generated in the ShopeePay wallet. Verification of the top-up can take up to three business days, with rewards released every Friday for transactions verified by Wednesday of the same week.

The Mums Club Premium Membership, part of the Shopee for Families 2025 campaign, offers exclusive parenting deals and early-bird access to sales. The free upgrade is valid until 31 December 2025. For more details, visit Shopee’s official website.
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China Medical System Holdings Limited (CMS) has successfully completed its secondary listing on the Singapore Exchange (SGX) Mainboard, with shares closing at S$2.28, marking an 11.2% increase from the opening price of S$2.05. CGS International Securities Singapore acted as the issue manager for this significant listing under the ticker symbol 8A8.

The listing is a strategic move by CMS to expand its footprint across Southeast Asia, using Singapore as a base to enhance its visibility among regional stakeholders. This development underscores CGS International’s role as a key facilitator for Chinese companies entering Asia’s capital markets. Jason Saw, Group Head of Investment Banking at CGS International Securities, stated, “We are honoured to support CMS in its strategic expansion in Southeast Asia through Singapore’s capital markets.”

CGS International, a leading financial services provider, continues to bolster its reputation by supporting cross-border transactions and engaging regional investors. The firm, in collaboration with its parent company China Galaxy Securities, serves nearly 18 million customers worldwide, offering a range of financial services across 15 countries and regions.

The successful listing of CMS not only highlights CGS International’s expertise in cross-border equity offerings but also its commitment to enabling access to Asia’s dynamic growth markets. This move is expected to further solidify CMS’s position in the region and enhance its growth trajectory.
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7-Eleven, Singapore’s leading convenience store chain, is celebrating the nation’s 60th birthday with a series of local collaborations and promotions.

The initiative includes the launch of the Mini Munch Club collection, featuring quirky keychains and a tote bag designed by local illustrator Natasha Elle, known for her brand SADSHRIMPS.

These collectibles, inspired by iconic 7-Eleven treats, will be available from 16 July to 26 August.

In addition to the collectibles, 7-Eleven is reintroducing its Dabao Flavours of Singapore 2.0 ready-to-eat range.

Phase 1 items are available from now until 12 August 2025, not 16 September. These include:

•⁠ ⁠7-Select Chicken Curry Rice
•⁠ ⁠7-Select Sambal Spaghetti with Chicken Chop
•⁠ ⁠7-Select Chicken Laksa Linguine
•⁠ ⁠7-Select Tomato Chicken Baked Rice
•⁠ ⁠Andes Beef Meatball with Mushroom Sauce
•⁠ ⁠Andes Grilled Chicken with Black Pepper Sauce
•⁠ ⁠Dodo Curry Fishball
•⁠ ⁠Lee Wee Brothers Otah Chawanmushi

The Phase 2 items will be available from 23 July to 16 September 2025. These include:

•⁠ ⁠7-Select Chicken Nasi Lemak Onigiri
•⁠ ⁠7-Select Chilli Crab Onigiri
•⁠ ⁠7-Select Chicken Satay Wrap
•⁠ ⁠7-Select Chicken Laksa Macaroni Wrap
•⁠ ⁠7-Select Made with Milo Lava Cake
•⁠ ⁠7-Select Kopi-misu
•⁠ ⁠7-Select Egg Mayo + Old Chang Kee Curry’O Double Combo Sandwich
•⁠ ⁠7-Select Scrambled Egg Toast with Chilli Crab Sauce

Anushree Khosla, Managing Director of 7-Eleven, stated, “We are proud to deepen our ties with local brands to deliver uniquely Singaporean experiences and reward our customers even more for choosing 7-Eleven.”

The celebrations are part of 7-Eleven’s new campaign, “Part of Your Everyday Moments,” which highlights the brand’s role in Singaporeans’ daily lives. The campaign includes a playful video imagining a day without 7-Eleven, underscoring the convenience the store provides.
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Investment sales in Singapore’s real estate market experienced a downturn in Q2 2025, with a 6.8% decline quarter-on-quarter to $4.02b (S$5.47b). This decrease is attributed to ongoing trade and geopolitical tensions, which have heightened investor caution and reduced capital flows into the market, according to Savills’ Singapore Sales & Investment Briefing Q2 2025.
The residential sector, despite a significant 50.5% drop in transaction value to $1.38b (S$1.88b), remained the largest contributor, accounting for 34.4% of total investment sales. The commercial sector saw a sharp decline, with sales plummeting to $289.5m (S$394.6m) from $1.11b (S$1.51b) in the previous quarter, largely due to the absence of big-ticket block transactions.

Conversely, the industrial sector experienced a remarkable surge, with transaction values rising from $168.6m (S$229.8m) in Q1 2025 to $1.06b (S$1.44b) in Q2 2025. This increase was driven by ongoing acquisition and divestment activities by Singapore Real Estate Investment Trusts (S-REITs). Additionally, a significant transaction involving a 50.1% stake in South Beach boosted the mixed-use segment’s market share to 25.2%.

The hospitality sector recorded two serviced residence transactions totalling $278.4m (S$380.0m), marking a 14.2% increase from the previous quarter. However, uncertainty remains high globally, and responses from the US could further impact the market.
Savills maintains its full-year forecast of $14.7b (S$20b) for investment sales, anticipating that it may take another quarter or two for the market to adapt to the current geopolitical climate.

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KGI, a prominent financial institution in Asia, has announced significant leadership appointments in its wealth management division, reinforcing its strategic expansion across Southeast Asia. Bryan Low has been named Head of International Wealth Management for Singapore, whilst Amigo Wang takes on the role of Relationship Manager Team Head, overseeing Singapore and Taiwan markets.

Based in Singapore, Bryan Low will spearhead the development of KGI’s investment and product solutions platform, focusing on multi-jurisdictional families, family offices, and regional entrepreneurs. His role includes enhancing recruitment and leadership development across Southeast Asia and expanding cross-border investment capabilities. Low, who reports directly to James Wey, Head of International Wealth Management, expressed his enthusiasm: “I am honoured to join KGI and contribute to the next phase of its growth journey.”

Amigo Wang, also based in Singapore, will lead the Relationship Manager team, collaborating closely with the product solutions team to deliver tailored investment solutions to high-net-worth clients in Singapore and Taiwan. Reporting to Bryan Low, Wang stated: “It is a privilege to lead the RM team for the Singapore and Taiwan market coverage.”

These appointments underscore KGI’s commitment to establishing Hong Kong and Singapore as premier wealth management hubs, leveraging local expertise and global capabilities to serve investors across Southeast Asia. With over 15 years of experience, Bryan Low has held roles at UBS, Credit Suisse, Nomura, and Citi, whilst Amigo Wang brings over 20 years of experience from institutions like Cathay United Bank, UBS, and Morgan Stanley.
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Far East Hospitality has announced the opening of two new hotels in Osaka, marking a significant step in its strategy to expand its footprint in Japan. The Far East Village Hotel Osaka Namba South and Far East Village Hotel Osaka Honmachi are part of the group’s ambitious plan to double its room count to 2,000 across key Japanese cities within the next five years.

The expansion into Osaka is a strategic move for Far East Hospitality, which first entered the Japanese market in 2020. The group has since opened properties in Tokyo and Yokohama, maintaining growth momentum despite global travel restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The new Osaka hotels bring the total to five properties in Japan, underscoring the group’s commitment to the region.

Mark Rohner, Chief Operating Officer of Far East Hospitality, expressed enthusiasm about the expansion, stating, “We are focused on strengthening the Far East Village brand in the country’s key cities, particularly those with vibrant business and leisure appeal.”

The partnership with Anglo Capital Group, which acquired the two centrally located hotels, is expected to enhance the guest experience in Osaka. Benjamin Cho, Principal of Anglo Fortune Capital Group, highlighted Osaka’s dynamic tourism landscape as a key factor in their decision to collaborate with Far East Hospitality.

Japan’s tourism sector has shown strong recovery post-pandemic, with international visitor numbers in Tokyo surpassing pre-pandemic levels. This rebound has fuelled optimism for Far East Hospitality’s continued growth in the region, aligning with the rising demand for personalised and authentic travel experiences.

The new hotels in Osaka are designed to cater to both leisure and business travellers, offering easy access to local attractions and transport links. Far East Hospitality’s “Live Like a Local” philosophy aims to provide guests with immersive cultural experiences, enhancing their stay in Japan.
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GXS Bank has unveiled GXS Invest, a new digital investment platform aimed at simplifying wealth-building for individuals. This launch introduces the Fullerton SGD Cash Fund (Class G), a money market fund managed by Fullerton Fund Management, part of Temasek Holdings. The initiative is designed to cater to those seeking conservative, low-risk investment opportunities.

GXS Invest is accessible to all GXS Savings Account holders, allowing investments starting from as low as S$1. The platform offers flexibility with no transaction fees or lock-in periods, enabling users to buy or sell investments anytime via the GXS Bank App. Additionally, eligible customers investing in the Fullerton SGD Cash Fund through GXS Invest receive complimentary group personal accident insurance, covering up to three times their investment, capped at S$100,000.

Jenn Ong, Group Head of Retail at GXS Bank, highlighted the platform’s alignment with customer needs, stating, “Whether you are a new investor or a seasoned investor looking for a simple, low-risk investment vehicle as part of your overall financial portfolio, GXS Invest is designed for you.”

Mark Yuen, Chief Business Development Officer at Fullerton Fund Management, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, noting, “The Fullerton SGD Cash Fund, an award-winning fund designed to deliver both liquidity and attractive returns, aligns seamlessly with GXS’s mission to empower everyday investors.”

GXS Bank plans to expand the range of funds available on GXS Invest over the next 12 months, further diversifying investment options for its customers.
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