Industry News

McCann Singapore has announced the expansion of its creative team, welcoming five new hires to bolster its offerings amidst recent business wins and portfolio growth. The agency, celebrating its 50th anniversary in Singapore, aims to enhance its creative services with these additions.

The new team members include Martin Coppola, a multi award-winning Creative Director from Uruguay, who joins from the LEGO Group. Coppola will focus on regional accounts for DHL and Ferrero. Wynn Grey, a versatile Art Director and tattoo artist, brings experience from brands like SK-II and Samsung, and will work on Singapore Government business, Ferrero, and DHL.

Seth Low, a Junior Art Director, joins McCann in his first full-time role, having already gained recognition through internships and awards. Luna Teo, a Copywriter with a background in convergence advertising, comes from Goodstuph and will contribute to McCann Content Studio. Jodi Ong, a Junior Copywriter, also from Goodstuph, will work across Singapore Government and multinational corporation clients.

Valerie Madon, Chief Creative Officer for McCann Worldgroup Asia Pacific and Singapore, expressed confidence in the new hires, stating, “These colourful talents inject new energy to our team, and their diverse experiences will shape our agency’s future.” Nick Handel, President of McCann Worldgroup Southeast Asia, highlighted the strategic growth as part of the agency’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions.

As McCann Singapore continues to strengthen its position in the industry, these new hires are expected to play a pivotal role in driving the agency’s future success.
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Researchers from the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) have developed a pioneering near-infrared fluorescent nanosensor capable of detecting and differentiating between two forms of iron, Fe(II) and Fe(III), in living plants. This breakthrough, announced on 28 February 2025, offers real-time, non-destructive monitoring of iron uptake and metabolism, marking a significant advancement in plant health monitoring and agricultural practices.

The nanosensor, developed by SMART’s Disruptive & Sustainable Technologies for Agricultural Precision (DiSTAP) group, in collaboration with Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory and MIT, addresses the limitations of traditional methods that only measure total iron levels. By distinguishing between Fe(II) and Fe(III), the sensor provides insights into iron uptake efficiency, enabling precise fertilisation strategies that reduce waste and improve crop productivity.

Dr Duc Thinh Khong, a DiSTAP research scientist, highlighted the sensor’s potential impact: “This breakthrough sensor is the first of its kind to detect both Fe(II) and Fe(III) in living plants with real-time, high-resolution imaging. With this technology, we can ensure plants receive the right amount of iron, improving crop health and agricultural sustainability.”

The nanosensor’s high spatial resolution allows for precise localisation of iron within plant tissues, offering detailed observations of iron dynamics. Tested on spinach and bok choy, the sensor is species-agnostic, applicable across various crops without genetic modification. Beyond agriculture, it holds promise for environmental monitoring and health sciences, particularly in studying iron metabolism and related diseases.

Future research aims to expand the sensor’s capabilities to detect other micronutrients and integrate it into automated farming systems, further enhancing agricultural sustainability and efficiency.
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OrangeTee has expressed support for the recent proposal to extend the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) remission deadline for developers, as discussed in the Ministry of National Development’s Committee of Supply debate.

The extension is seen as a fairer approach, allowing larger and more complex projects more time to ensure quality construction standards. This change is particularly timely given the anticipated increase in projects with complex requirements near MRT stations, such as those in Jurong, Hougang, and new growth areas like Mount Pleasant.

Despite the benefits of the extension, developers may still face challenges, particularly with en bloc sales, which depend on buyer and seller negotiations. Smaller projects that do not qualify for ABSD remission may struggle to sell all units, especially high-end projects reliant on foreign buyers affected by increased ABSD rates.

In addition, OrangeTee commented on the increase in the Fresh Start Housing Grant, which aims to help public rental families achieve homeownership. This initiative is expected to lower financial barriers for first-time buyers, fostering stronger communities and enhancing social equity.

The Silver Housing Bonus will also be expanded to include seniors selling private properties with an annual value between S$21,000 and S$31,000. This offers seniors an opportunity to improve financial stability and retirement planning, though some may opt out due to cultural beliefs about inheritance.

Finally, the upcoming Build-To-Order (BTO) project at Mount Pleasant is anticipated to be highly popular due to its central location and proximity to amenities. Prices for these BTO flats are expected to be competitive, with strong demand anticipated based on previous application rates in similar areas.
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OrangeTee has expressed support for several initiatives announced during the Ministry of National Development’s (MND) Committee of Supply debate, highlighting the potential benefits for developers, public rental families, and seniors. The company noted that extending the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) remission deadline for developers could lead to improved construction standards, particularly for larger, complex projects near MRT stations.

However, challenges remain, such as the success of en bloc sales and market conditions affecting high-end projects reliant on foreign buyers.

The increase in the Fresh Start Housing Grant is seen as a positive move to help public rental families achieve homeownership, potentially fostering stronger communities and enhancing social equity. OrangeTee believes this initiative will lower financial barriers for first-time buyers, especially low-income families.

For seniors, the expansion of the Silver Housing Bonus (SHB) to include private properties with an annual value between US$15,400 (S$21,000) and US$22,800 (S$31,000) offers a chance to improve retirement planning and financial stability. Despite cultural hesitations, the scheme aims to protect seniors’ finances by ensuring funds for retirement and medical care.

The upcoming Build-To-Order (BTO) project at Mount Pleasant is expected to attract significant interest. OrangeTee anticipates the area could become as desirable as Toa Payoh or Bishan, with its central location, proximity to the MRT, and surrounding greenery. The project’s classification as a Plus development could see prices for 4-room flats ranging from US$330,000 (S$450,000) to over US$515,000 (S$700,000). Demand is expected to be strong, mirroring high application rates seen in previous BTO launches.
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Indeed’s latest Smarter Hiring Report reveals a growing trend among Singaporean employers towards skills-first hiring, with 59% planning to prioritise competencies over traditional credentials. However, a significant gap remains, as only 36% of job seekers are familiar with this approach, compared to 67% of managers.

The report underscores the importance of soft skills, with 70% of employers valuing attributes such as teamwork, communication, and critical thinking over hard skills. This shift reflects a broader move away from evaluating candidates solely on academic qualifications, with many employers now favouring candidates with practical experience over those with degrees.

Rachael Townsley, Marketing Director at Indeed APAC, emphasised the need for alignment in the hiring ecosystem to fully realise the benefits of skills-first hiring. “Without alignment, employers lose access to a diverse talent pool, and job seekers miss out on career opportunities that match their strengths,” she stated.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is also playing a pivotal role in the recruitment process, with 41% of employers using AI tools to identify suitable candidates. The technology is expected to streamline recruitment processes and reduce bias, creating a fairer hiring experience.

As Singapore continues to embrace skills-first hiring, the focus on diverse skills and experiences is poised to enhance the resilience and adaptability of the workforce, paving the way for a more innovative and inclusive job market.
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Coursera has launched a new playbook titled “Closing the Gender Gap in GenAI Skills,” aimed at addressing the gender disparity in Generative AI (GenAI) skills. Despite Singapore’s rapid adoption of AI, women remain significantly underrepresented in this field. Coursera’s data shows that women make up 45% of all learners in Singapore but only 32% of GenAI course enrolments, mirroring a global trend.

The playbook outlines several barriers that limit women’s participation in GenAI, such as stereotypes, confidence gaps, and a perceived lack of relevance. It also provides actionable strategies to empower more women to engage with GenAI, highlighting the importance of a diverse AI landscape. Karine Allouche, Global Head of Enterprise at Coursera, emphasised the need for equal opportunities, stating, “Expanding opportunities for women in GenAI and equipping them with critical skills remains an urgent priority.”

In 2024, Singapore saw a 253% increase in GenAI course enrolments among women, outpacing the 168% growth among men. This surge underscores the growing interest in AI skills, despite existing disparities. Coursera’s playbook suggests that increasing female representation in AI education and leadership roles could further enhance engagement and retention.

The playbook aims to equip institutions, individuals, and governments with strategies to foster inclusivity in GenAI. By addressing these challenges, Coursera hopes to ensure that AI development benefits from diverse perspectives, ultimately leading to more equitable outcomes.
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Thoughtworks, a global technology consultancy, has announced a strategic partnership with GXS Bank to facilitate the launch of two digital banks in Singapore and Malaysia within a year. This collaboration aims to accelerate GXS Group’s regional expansion by leveraging Thoughtworks’ expertise in strategy, design, and engineering.

The partnership has resulted in the development of a seamless and secure digital banking mobile platform, which serves as the foundation for GXS Group’s retail and business banking products in both countries. A key innovation is the GXS FlexiLoan, a personal loan product in Singapore that offers flexible repayment options tailored to each customer using a proprietary credit assessment model.

Rajat Malhotra, Chief Technology Officer at GXS Bank, highlighted the importance of a modular and scalable approach, stating, “Thoughtworks is a pioneer in the field of agile frameworks, and its disciplined approach, understanding of best practices, and engineering principles have been a strong support for our engineering teams.”

Wayne Te Paa, Managing Director for Banking, Finance Services and Insurance at Thoughtworks Asia Pacific, added, “By enhancing GXS Bank’s engineering culture and delivering a robust and scalable mobile platform solution, we are proud to have enabled GXS Bank to create and rapidly launch high-quality new digital banking services.”

The collaboration underscores GXS Group’s commitment to improving financial inclusion and supporting economic growth across Southeast Asia. The scalable infrastructure developed by Thoughtworks ensures compatibility with regional ecosystems, allowing GXS Bank to benefit from economies of scale and talent from its centres of excellence.
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MoneyHero Limited, a prominent personal finance and digital insurance platform in Greater Southeast Asia, has unveiled a new three-click travel insurance purchase feature for its members in Singapore. This innovation is designed to cater to the increasing travel plans of Singaporeans in 2025, with 53% intending to spend more on holidays compared to 2024. The feature allows users to compare policies from top insurers and complete purchases in just three steps, reducing the time required by over 75%.

The new feature addresses the common inconvenience faced by frequent travellers who must compare multiple insurance policies before each trip. By enabling MoneyHero Group members to select a preferred policy, review details, and make payments in three simple clicks, the process is significantly streamlined. Users can also autofill personal details from previous purchases, eliminating repetitive form-filling.

This enhancement not only benefits customers by providing faster access to coverage but also aids insurers by improving conversion rates and increasing policy sales. Rohith Murthy, CEO of MoneyHero, stated, “Travellers today seek efficiency and convenience, and they don’t want to waste time filling out the same forms every time they travel. They want a fast, seamless way to compare and purchase insurance with minimal effort.”

MoneyHero’s insurance business has seen a 54% increase in revenue year-over-year in the first nine months of 2024. The company plans to extend the three-click purchasing feature to additional insurance products and markets, further solidifying its position in the digital insurance sector.
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Colliers International has been appointed as the exclusive agent for the sale of a 3-storey strata terrace factory with a basement and roof terrace at Midview City, Singapore.

The property is being marketed through an Expression of Interest (EOI) exercise, offering investors a chance to secure a high-yielding industrial asset in a prime location.

Located in the Sin Ming Industrial Estate, Midview City is an integrated light industrial development comprising six 8-storey blocks and a row of 3-storey terrace blocks. The site is conveniently accessible via Sin Ming Lane and Bright Hill Drive, with the latter being a short 10-minute walk from Bright Hill MRT Station on the Thomson-East Coast Line.

The factory spans a strata area of approximately 9,009 square feet and is zoned “Business 1” under the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s Masterplan 2019. It holds a leasehold tenure of 60 years from 23 January 2008, leaving around 43 years remaining. Notably, the property is fully occupied and approved for use as a childcare centre, currently leased to one of Singapore’s largest private preschool operators.

Raphael Lee, Director of Industrial Services at Colliers, highlighted the property’s appeal: “Midview City is well-known for its prime location with a diverse mix of businesses and has proven to be an attractive choice for many companies and investors.”

The guide price for the property is set at $4.5m (S$6.2m), translating to $500 (S$688) per square foot on the strata area. The sale is open to foreign buyers, with no Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty applicable. The EOI closes on 29 April 2025 at 3pm.
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Catherine Wu has resigned as an unpaid independent adviser to Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Limited (MCHL) with immediate effect, according to an official statement by Kwek Leng Beng, Executive Chairman of City Developments Limited (CDL). Dr Wu, who had served in this role since August 2024, previously held a director position on the MCHL Board from June 2022 to January 2024.

The resignation comes amidst a backdrop of corporate governance disputes within CDL. The CEO of CDL had previously cited serious governance issues involving Dr Wu as a primary reason for a boardroom coup. With Dr Wu’s departure, Kwek Leng Beng emphasised the need to restore investor confidence and address governance breaches allegedly committed by the CEO and his team.

Under the CEO’s leadership, CDL has faced significant challenges, including a S$1.9b loss due to the Sincere Property debacle in FY2020 and a 94% profit decline in the first half of 2023 due to poor investment decisions in the UK property market. These issues have contributed to CDL’s share price underperforming compared to its peers since 2018.

Kwek Leng Beng stressed the importance of strengthening CDL’s corporate governance framework to align with shareholders’ long-term interests. He expressed confidence that focusing on CDL’s core businesses would restore investor confidence and enhance shareholder value over time.
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