Industry News

Couchbase, Inc., the developer data platform for critical applications in the AI sector, has announced significant expansion across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, marked by the success of its Couchbase APAC Partner Connect 2025 event in Bali, Indonesia. The company has also opened its regional headquarters in Singapore, reinforcing its commitment to the region’s growth and innovation.

The event, themed “Level Up: Elevate to Win Together,” brought together Couchbase executives and over 55 strategic partners from more than 40 organisations. Gaurav Dhall, Global VP of Partnerships at Couchbase, stated, “Couchbase APAC Partner Connect is more than just an event — it’s a reflection of how we’re shaping the future of enterprise innovation, together with our partners and customers.”

Over the past 18 months, Couchbase has strengthened its presence in key APAC markets, including Japan, Korea, Greater China, Australia, India, and ASEAN. The new Singapore headquarters signifies the company’s investment in the region, with a focus on enhancing sales operations, partnerships, and solution engineering to meet the evolving needs of its customer base.

The event featured keynotes and panels on AI economy growth, emerging tech trends, and product demos. Genie Yuan, VP of APAC at Couchbase, emphasised Singapore’s strategic importance, stating, “With access to top talent and a dynamic business ecosystem, Singapore offers an ideal launchpad for regional expansion.”

Looking forward, Couchbase plans to continue its APAC expansion through additional hiring and strategic partnerships, leveraging Singapore as a central hub for collaboration and market impact.
“`

City Energy, Singapore’s sole provider of piped town gas, has announced a reduction in gas tariffs for the period from 1 July 2025 to 30 September 2025. The tariff for households will decrease by 0.44 cent per kilowatt hour (kWh), from 22.72 cents per kWh to 22.28 cents per kWh, excluding the 9% Goods and Services Tax (GST). This adjustment is attributed to a decrease in fuel costs compared to the previous quarter.

The quarterly review of gas tariffs is conducted by City Energy in accordance with guidelines set by the Energy Market Authority (EMA), the gas industry regulator. The fuel cost component of the tariff is determined using the average fuel prices from the first two and a half months of the preceding quarter. The fluctuation in gas tariffs is largely influenced by volatile global fuel prices, which are affected by geopolitical factors such as ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.

The revised tariffs, approved by the EMA, also include changes for bulk consumers. Bulk Tariff A, for a minimum consumption of 1,000 kWh per month, will decrease from 21.44 cents per kWh to 21.00 cents per kWh. Bulk Tariff B, for a minimum consumption of 50,000 kWh per month, will drop from 20.80 cents per kWh to 20.36 cents per kWh.

City Energy, a member of Keppel Infrastructure Trust, continues to provide piped town gas to over 900,000 customers in Singapore. The company is also exploring green hydrogen as part of its efforts to reduce carbon emissions in town gas production.
“`

Rebee, a Singapore-based healthtech start-up, has successfully raised $1.18 million in a Series Seed funding round to expand its digital home physiotherapy services across Southeast Asia. The funding, led by prominent investors such as Paragon Ventures I, SEEDS Capital, 1337 Capital 1, The LAB9, and C-shark SG, will support Rebee’s mission to make physiotherapy more accessible and convenient for patients recovering from musculoskeletal pain.

The start-up offers a digital platform combined with wearable sensor technology, allowing patients to recover safely and effectively from the comfort of their homes. This approach addresses a significant gap in healthcare accessibility, particularly for those dealing with post-surgery, chronic, or acute pain. “Musculoskeletal pain is one of the most common and costly health challenges globally, yet access to proper physiotherapy remains inconsistent and inconvenient,” said Lincoln Dacy, Founder and CEO of Rebee.

The newly acquired funds will be utilised to enhance product development, expand clinical partnerships in Singapore, Malaysia, and Australia, and increase outreach to healthcare providers and insurers. Rebee’s platform, which features intelligence-guided exercise correction and real-time progress tracking, has already gained traction among Singapore hospitals and orthopaedic specialists.

Tan Xinhui, General Partner from Paragon Ventures I, expressed confidence in Rebee’s potential, stating, “Their technology addresses a critical gap in healthcare access and affordability, and we’re proud to support their next stage of growth.” As Rebee continues to innovate, it aims to redefine digital health recovery and set a new standard in remote physiotherapy.
“`

United Women Singapore (UWS) is set to host the fourth edition of its annual STEM Fest on 5 July 2025 at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre. The event aims to inspire and connect young women interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) through a series of interactive activities and mentorship opportunities.

Themed “Dream. Discover. Disrupt.”, UWS STEM Fest 2025 invites participants to explore their strengths and passions, encouraging them to envisage a future in traditionally male-dominated fields. The festival will feature top organisations such as Microsoft, P&G, and JPMorgan Chase, offering attendees the chance to engage with industry leaders through speed mentoring, interactive booths, and workshops.

Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister for Finance and National Development, will attend as the Guest of Honour. Her presence underscores the importance of collective efforts to advance opportunities for women and girls in STEM. Tan Ching Ne, President of United Women Singapore, stated, “Through the UWS STEM Fest, we aim to ignite the spark in young girls and women, encouraging them to imagine a future in traditionally male-dominated industries, where they are able to lead, create, and innovate.”

The event is open to male students, parents, educators, and the public, aiming to create a supportive ecosystem for young women. Key highlights include interactive industry booths, STEM workshops, speed mentoring, and a career launchpad to prepare participants for the professional world.

UWS STEM Fest 2025 continues to build on its mission to empower the next generation of women in STEM, fostering a community where young women can thrive and shape the future of these fields.
“`

ESET Asia Pte. Ltd., a global leader in cybersecurity, and Canon Singapore Pte. Ltd. have announced an extension of their strategic partnership through a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This agreement will see ESET’s award-winning cybersecurity solutions progressively integrated into Canon’s digital portfolio, targeting businesses and enterprises across Asia.

Canon has already been offering ESET’s cybersecurity solutions in key markets such as Japan, India, and Singapore. This MOU represents the next phase in strengthening and broadening their partnership, aligning with Canon’s strategic shift beyond imaging hardware to provide comprehensive solutions that help businesses transform and future-proof their operations.

Parvinder Walia, President of the Asia Pacific Region, ESET, emphasised the importance of cybersecurity, stating, “Cybersecurity is no longer optional. It’s foundational to any business, big or small.” He added that Canon’s decision to extend endpoint protection to its customers is timely and reflects a keen understanding of today’s digital landscape.

Fukui Shinsuke, Senior Director of Regional Business Imaging Solutions at Canon Singapore, highlighted the collaboration’s goal to provide trusted solutions for customers. “With this integration, Canon will be well-equipped to meet the growing office security needs of modern enterprises, which includes SMEs and large enterprises,” he said.

This partnership is set to enhance Canon’s commitment to delivering innovative, secure solutions tailored to meet the growing security needs of the region. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the collaboration between ESET and Canon aims to equip businesses with the necessary tools to thrive securely in a connected world.
“`

Kaspersky has identified a surge in phishing scams targeting Singapore’s popular shopping platforms, including Lazada, TikTok Shop, and Zalora, during the Great Singapore Sale (GSS). Cybercriminals are exploiting the credibility of these well-known brands to lure unsuspecting shoppers into revealing personal information or making purchases that result in financial theft.

The GSS, traditionally a month-long event featuring in-store promotions, has evolved to include both online and offline deals, broadening the attack surface for cybercriminals. These criminals create phishing sites that mimic official stores, enticing victims to purchase items that are never delivered or to disclose sensitive account data. Adrian Hia, Managing Director for Asia Pacific at Kaspersky, noted, “Shoppers are more susceptible to fraud amid their urgency and excitement in sale periods, and cybercriminals are leveraging on this shopping frenzy to deploy more of such phishing and scam campaigns.”

Kaspersky warns that these scams are particularly effective due to their use of reputable brand names, which instil a false sense of security among shoppers. The urgency to secure deals during the GSS often overrides caution, making consumers more vulnerable to scams.

To protect against these threats, Kaspersky advises consumers to verify offers through official websites, scrutinise URLs before entering personal information, and use trusted payment methods. Additionally, employing a reliable security solution, such as Kaspersky Premium, can help detect malicious attachments and prevent data leaks. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, vigilance remains crucial in safeguarding personal and financial information.
“`

CapitaLand Development (CLD) recently hosted a public preview for LyndenWoods, its inaugural residential project in Singapore Science Park, attracting approximately 5,500 visitors over the weekend of 28 to 29 June 2025. The development, strategically located near Kent Ridge MRT and the new Geneo precinct, aims to meet the growing demand for well-designed homes in integrated urban settings.

LyndenWoods, set for completion in 2029, will feature 343 units across two 24-storey towers, offering two- to four-bedroom configurations. The project is a 99-year leasehold with prices starting at $1,600 (S$2,200) per square foot. This development is expected to appeal to first-time homeowners and investors, marking a new phase of rejuvenation in Singapore Science Park.

The preview attracted a diverse group of visitors, including young professionals, couples, and families, highlighting the project’s appeal. The development promises a blend of accessibility, biophilic design, and lifestyle amenities, with proximity to business, education, and medical hubs.

Sales bookings for LyndenWoods will begin on 12 July 2025, with the sales gallery open daily from 10am to 7pm at 7 Science Park Drive. This project signals a new era of future-ready living in one of Singapore’s premier innovation hubs.
“`

Manulife Singapore is celebrating significant anniversaries for its advisory arms, Manulife Financial Advisers (MFA) and Manulife Advisory Group (MAG), marking 10 and five years, respectively. To commemorate these milestones, the company has launched a series of digital tools aimed at enhancing the customer experience and supporting its network of over 1,900 financial consultants.

The new Client Portfolio Review Tool, powered by artificial intelligence (AI), is designed to provide timely and tailored portfolio updates, with Manulife Singapore targeting over 50,000 personalised cheque-ins annually. Additionally, an AI Assistant has been introduced to offer consultants quick access to product information, policy servicing, and claims guidelines, enhancing their productivity and confidence.

Manulife Singapore has also enhanced its iFUNDS platform, becoming the first insurer in Singapore to integrate Unit Trust and Investment-Linked Plan holdings into a single digital dashboard. This innovation allows consultants to offer more informed financial recommendations without switching between systems.

The company is further investing in leadership development and upskilling, ensuring consultants can meet evolving customer needs. New high-net-worth solutions, such as the Signature Indexed Income and Signature Indexed Universal Life Select (III), have been launched to cater to sophisticated clients seeking long-term capital growth and legacy planning.

Khoo Poh Huat, Chief Distribution Officer at Manulife Singapore, emphasised the company’s commitment to combining digital innovation with personal advice, stating, “We are investing for the long term – in platforms, people, and products – to build a more sustainable, customer-centric business.”

As MFA celebrates its growth from 199 consultants in 2015 to over 1,300 today, it has introduced limited-edition collectables to engage customers. Meanwhile, MAG, which transformed into a modern platform in 2020, will host a 5th Anniversary Conference in Shenzhen, coinciding with the MDRT Annual Meeting in Macau.
“`

Babilou Family Singapore, part of the France-based Babilou Family Group, has successfully raised $43,000 through the Ray of Hope platform to support the development of Ground-Up Initiative’s (GUI) new Kampung Kampus in Khatib. This initiative is a key component of Babilou Cares 2025, the company’s Sustainable Education programme, aimed at fostering eco-consciousness among young learners.

The upcoming Kampung Kampus, set to be completed by October 2025, will serve as a “living classroom” where children, families, and educators can engage in immersive, hands-on learning about sustainability. The funds raised will be allocated towards site development, sustainability consultations, reclaimed materials, and educational resources.

Rowena Mark Ramos, Head of Curriculum at Babilou Family Singapore, stated, “We believe education empowers children to become transformative contributors to a better world. This year’s Babilou Cares event helps them understand waste reduction and the role of recycling in protecting the planet.”

On 30 May, all 61 Babilou Family centres hosted sustainability-focused events, including workshops and fundraisers, to engage families in sustainable practices. Pre-event activities involved children in creative experiences such as food donations to The Food Bank Singapore, upcycling everyday items, and participation in the SembEnviro School Recycling League.

Babilou Family Singapore, a subsidiary of the Babilou Family Group, operates 61 education and learning centres across the island, including preschool brands like KiddiWinkie Schoolhouse and Little Footprints Preschool. Ground-Up Initiative, founded in 2008, is dedicated to nurturing a sustainable society by reconnecting people with nature and community.
“`

Keppel Infrastructure Trust, a Singapore-based infrastructure fund, is set to provide a stable 10% dividend yield from 2025 to 2027, supported by long-term contracts covering 60% of its portfolio. With an asset under management (AUM) of S$9 billion, KIT’s diversified income streams span speciality chemicals, energy, public transportation, and renewable energy. Investment house CGS International anticipates balance sheet improvements through strategic divestments, paving the way for future acquisitions.

KIT’s portfolio is significantly backed by long-term contracts exceeding 15 years, ensuring resilient cash flows. The trust’s focus on evergreen business models, such as renewables and digital infrastructure, aims to protect its valuation and drive growth. Recent divestments, including a 24.62% stake in Ventura to Samsung Asset Management for S$109 million, are expected to reduce KIT’s gearing and enhance its financial flexibility.

The trust’s strategy includes expanding its global presence across developed Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe, leveraging trends in renewables and digitalisation. KIT’s assets operate in regulated environments, offering inflation resistance and high entry barriers. The trust’s funds from operations (FFO) have grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3% from 2019 to 2024, supporting a stable distribution profile.

KIT’s target price is set at S$0.45, with potential catalysts including improved business performance and strategic acquisitions. The trust’s diversified income streams and attractive returns position it favourably amidst a positive interest rate outlook.
“`