Industry News

Huttons Asia has shared insights into Singapore’s Draft Master Plan 2025, highlighting that 14% of the land will be designated for residential purposes. The plan includes developing areas around MRT stations to bring work closer to homes and reduce the need for extensive road infrastructure. CEO of Huttons Asia, Mark Yip, noted that whilst height restrictions near Changi Airport may be relaxed, there are no changes in plot ratios for Tampines and Pasir Ris.

The plan also earmarks several areas for Housing Development Board (HDB) flats, including the former Marina Bay Golf Course, Greater Southern Waterfront, Mount Pleasant, Toa Payoh West, and the former Turf Club. These locations are expected to be in high demand, potentially stabilising resale prices in the short term but likely increasing in value over time due to their prime locations.

Lee Sze Teck, Senior Director of Data Analytics at Huttons Asia, mentioned that existing golf courses like Warren Country Club and Orchid Country Club will be converted into residential developments, with the latter potentially housing over 10,000 homes. The Marina Bay Golf Course has also been rezoned for residential use, promising exciting waterfront homes.

Additionally, the Keppel Terminal and former Turf Club have been rezoned for residential development, with plans for 20,000 homes at Keppel Terminal and up to 20,000 homes at the Turf Club. The rezoning of land around Newton MRT station and Orchard MRT interchange to “white” allows for flexible development, although high additional buyer’s stamp duty may deter foreign investment.

These developments aim to enhance Singapore’s urban landscape, providing more housing options and supporting economic growth through efficient land use.
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Singapore’s internet users are exposed to almost 750 digital advertisements each day, placing the country 18th worldwide in terms of ad exposure, according to a study by Eskimi, a global AdTech company. The research highlights the challenges businesses face in capturing consumer attention amidst such high levels of ad saturation.

The study, which analysed ad statistics from apps and websites across 188 countries, found that Singaporeans see three times more ads on apps than on websites. This trend is part of a broader pattern where internet users globally encounter more ads on mobile applications than on traditional websites. Eskimi’s CEO, Vytautas Paukstys, noted, “We are exposed to thousands of ads daily, but become resistant to them. In many instances, we do not even need ad-blockers, as our brains do just that.”

Factors influencing ad exposure include device types, internet connectivity, and the competitive nature of advertising markets. Smaller countries like Nauru, which tops the list with nearly 1,600 ads per person daily, experience higher ad impressions due to their limited population.

For businesses, understanding these trends is crucial for developing effective advertising strategies. Paukstys emphasised the importance of creativity and attention measurement, stating, “To break through ad fatigue, advertisers need to step up their game by returning to creativity and evaluating the actual impact of their campaigns.”

Eskimi’s study suggests advertisers should innovate, localise, and focus on creative visuals to stand out in crowded digital spaces. By leveraging advanced AI tools and analytics, businesses can optimise their campaigns for attention and effectiveness, rather than mere visibility.
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Singaporean investors are increasingly turning to local stocks as a stable investment choice, according to Moomoo Singapore’s 2H2025 Retail Investor Sentiment Survey. Conducted in April 2025 with nearly 1,500 participants, the survey highlights that over 70% of investors plan to maintain or increase their exposure to Singapore stocks, viewing them as a cornerstone of their portfolios amidst ongoing global market volatility.

The survey underscores a significant trend: nearly 40% of respondents now hold cryptocurrency, a figure notably higher than the national average of 28% reported by other studies. This suggests a growing acceptance of digital assets as a viable, albeit high-risk, component of diversified portfolios.

Affluent investors, particularly those with portfolios exceeding S$200,000, are increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) tools for portfolio management. Over 70% of these investors use AI for tasks such as market scanning and risk monitoring. “Retail investors are adapting quickly, leveraging technology, and taking a more proactive role in how they manage their portfolios,” said Gavin Chia, CEO of Moomoo Singapore.

The survey also reveals a cautious outlook for global markets, with only 30% of respondents expressing optimism for the second half of 2025. This sentiment is driving conservative investors towards defensive sectors, whilst risk-tolerant individuals are exploring volatile markets for potential returns.

As Singaporean investors navigate these uncertain times, the emphasis on local stocks and the integration of technology in investment strategies highlight a shift towards stability and innovation in portfolio management.
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Singapore’s manufacturing sector faces potential short-term challenges due to the US’s reshoring initiatives, according to a recent report by RHB Bank. The report, authored by Barnabas Gan, Group Chief Economist and Head of Market Research, outlines concerns such as investment diversion to the US, supply chain fragmentation, and a decrease in US demand for offshore manufacturing.

Despite these challenges, the report suggests that Singapore could leverage these changes to its advantage. The city-state is well-positioned to become a high-value manufacturing hub and a key partner in global supply chain diversification. This strategic positioning could mitigate some of the negative impacts of the US reshoring efforts.

Furthermore, the report maintains a downside bias for Singapore Government Securities (SGS) yields. Persistent global uncertainties continue to drive demand for safe-haven assets, which could influence SGS yields despite the reshoring push.

Gan’s analysis provides a nuanced view of the evolving manufacturing landscape, highlighting both the risks and opportunities that lie ahead for Singapore. As the global economic environment shifts, Singapore’s ability to adapt and capitalise on its strengths will be crucial in navigating these changes.
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Singapore’s small and medium businesses (SMBs) are demonstrating resilience and a focus on growth through digitalisation, despite facing economic pressures, according to a new report by Xero. The report, which surveyed over 500 owners and senior decision-makers from Singaporean SMBs, highlights the challenges and strategies these businesses are adopting in a challenging economic climate.

The report reveals that 61% of SMBs have been impacted by inflation and rising costs, whilst 48% face changes in consumer demand and 44% deal with labour shortages. Despite these hurdles, nearly two-thirds (63%) of SMBs reported revenue growth, with 77% increasing wages over the past year. Additionally, 47% of businesses expanded their workforce, primarily to support growth.

Koren Wines, Managing Director of Xero Asia, noted, “It’s exciting to see such strong optimism and momentum among Singapore’s SMBs, especially in a tough economic climate. Their continued investment in people and technology shows just how focused they are on building for the future.”

Operational challenges remain, with 91% of SMBs affected by late payments from customers. To mitigate this, businesses are strengthening credit terms, charging late fees, and offering discounts for early payments. Moreover, many SMBs struggle with real-time financial visibility, with 52% lacking access to real-time data and 49% finding it difficult to consolidate information.

Digital tools are seen as crucial, with 82% of SMBs prioritising digital adoption. A significant 99% of businesses view digital tools as essential, with many using digital marketing platforms, customer relationship management systems, and cloud-based accounting software to enhance operations.

Wines added, “Singaporean SMBs have shown a strong appetite for digitalisation—not just as a means to keep up, but as a deliberate strategy to drive growth and resilience.”

The report underscores the importance of digital tools in helping SMBs navigate economic uncertainty and prepare for future growth.
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The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has unveiled its Draft Master Plan 2025, which aims to integrate living, working, and recreational spaces in Singapore whilst emphasising climate resilience and environmental stewardship. Leonard Tay, Head of Research at Knight Frank Singapore, highlighted the plan’s focus on adapting the built environment to withstand inclement weather and rising sea levels, using technology to future-proof the island.

A significant feature of the plan is the expansion of green spaces, with over 25 new parks and more than 50km of park connectors set to be developed between 2025 and 2030. The Kranji Nature Corridor will enhance ecological connectivity between key nature reserves and parks, offering new waterfront routes and recreational paths. This initiative aims to support biodiversity and bring nature closer to residential areas such as Marsiling and the upcoming Kranji housing estate. Additionally, Singapore plans to increase its network of therapeutic gardens to 30 by 2030, with new gardens at locations like Teachers’ Estate Park.

Looking ahead to 2030, the relocation of Paya Lebar Airbase is expected to be a transformative development. The move will free up 800 hectares of land for residential, commercial, and recreational use, potentially increasing land values and creating opportunities for collective sales. Although specific plot ratios have not been announced, the removal of height restrictions could lead to significant urban development in the East.

A recent report by Bitdefender has highlighted a concerning trend among Singapore’s cybersecurity professionals, with over 75% reporting pressure to remain silent about data breaches. This figure surpasses the global average, where just over 50% of professionals have faced similar demands. The report, based on a survey of 1,200 IT and security professionals worldwide, underscores the challenges faced by those in the cybersecurity field.

The report also reveals that Singapore experienced the third highest increase in AI-driven attacks, with 71% of respondents indicating their organisations had encountered such attacks in the past year. Additionally, 72% noted a rise in business email compromise attacks, and 58% reported that their operations were hindered by a lack of automation tools.

Despite these challenges, a significant 94% of Singaporean professionals expressed confidence in their organisations’ ability to manage risks as the attack surface expands. However, the skills gap and job burnout remain pressing issues, with 59% acknowledging a worsening situation, compared to the global average of 49%.

Andrei Florescu, president and general manager of Bitdefender Business Solutions Group, commented on the findings, stating, “The findings in this report make it clear that organisations must adopt modern security strategies that address a new reality where adversaries use AI to exploit vulnerabilities.”

The report’s findings suggest a need for enhanced cybersecurity measures and a more open dialogue about breaches to ensure organisations can effectively manage and mitigate risks in an increasingly complex digital landscape.
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Smart Communications has released its 2025 Customer Experience Benchmark research, revealing that more than half of Singaporean consumers are willing to use artificial intelligence (AI) for critical insurance advice. The global survey, which included 3,000 consumers, highlights the growing acceptance of AI in sectors like healthcare, financial services, and insurance, despite ongoing frustrations with poor omnichannel experiences.

The report found that 51% of Singaporeans would value AI for suggesting insurance plan changes. Additionally, 71% are inclined to use digital self-service options for tasks such as filing complaints or making policy changes. However, the survey also noted that 65% of consumers would abandon interactions with insurance companies if the data collection process is cumbersome.

Leigh Segall, CEO of Smart Communications, commented on the findings, stating, “Customers’ expectations are set by the best brands in retail, technology, and eCommerce. When healthcare, banking, and insurance organisations fail to meet these expectations, they risk losing customer loyalty and business.”

Despite the positive outlook on AI, only 15% of Singaporean respondents believe that generative AI surpasses human capabilities in creating customer communications content. Nearly half (46%) insist that humans should always review AI-generated content.

The report also highlights the importance of seamless omnichannel experiences, with 66% of Singaporeans indicating they would trust companies more if they offered consistent communication across all channels. The study suggests that organisations should focus on simplifying data intake processes, as 66% of consumers, including 73% of Millennials, would end interactions if the process is too complex.

Smart Communications’ research underscores the potential for AI to enhance customer experiences, whilst also emphasising the need for improved communication strategies to retain consumer trust and loyalty.
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JTC has announced the launch of a new site at Sengkang West under the Industrial Government Land Sales (IGLS) programme for the first half of 2025. This site, which is the last of seven Confirmed List sites for the period, features an extended lease tenure of 33 years, reflecting recent enhancements to the industrial land lease framework.

The Sengkang West site spans 2.32 hectares with a gross plot ratio of 2.5 and is zoned for B2 industrial use. The tender for this site will close on 19 August 2025 at 11:00 am. Interested parties can purchase the Tenderer’s Packet for $185.30, inclusive of GST, through the official JTC website.

This launch is part of JTC’s ongoing efforts to support industrial development in Singapore by providing strategically located sites with flexible lease terms. The enhancements to the lease framework aim to offer more options to businesses seeking industrial space, thereby fostering a conducive environment for industrial growth.

The Sengkang West site is expected to attract significant interest from businesses looking to expand or establish operations in Singapore, given its strategic location and the extended lease tenure. As the final site in the current programme, it represents a key opportunity for industrial development in the region.
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Singapore’s Centre for Liveable Cities (CLC) is set to present its pioneering research on regenerative city design at the London Climate Action Week from 25 to 26 June 2025. This initiative marks the beginning of CLC’s global engagement, which will also include participation in the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Brazil. The research aims to develop a scientifically validated framework for high-density cities to achieve net-positive environmental outcomes.

The CLC’s Executive Director, Hugh Lim, highlighted the importance of the initiative, stating, “Cities around the world are facing the challenge of achieving a high standard of liveability in a climate-challenged and resource-constrained world.” The research builds on previous studies into resilience and nature-based solutions, with practical examples such as intertidal terraces in Singapore and Hong Kong.

The London event will feature a Mayoral panel titled “Urban Futures Reimagined: A Mayoral Exchange on Regenerative Cities,” including speakers like Eirik Lae Solberg, Governing Mayor of Oslo, and Federico Gutiérrez, Mayor of Medellin. The discussion will focus on urban planning strategies that promote compact, walkable neighbourhoods and integrate nature-based solutions.

Additionally, a workshop on 26 June will delve into the application of regenerative design for high-density cities. This session, organised with partners including C40 and Arup, will target stakeholders from various sectors. The CLC’s efforts aim to advance the transition to net-zero, nature-positive, and socially inclusive cities, with further insights to be shared at the World Cities Summit in Singapore in June 2026.
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