Industry News

The Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Asia 2025 camp in Singapore concluded with the Atlanta Hawks and Golden State Valkyries clinching the boys’ and girls’ finals, respectively. The event, marking its 15th edition and the 80th BWB camp overall, returned to Singapore for the first time since 2010. It gathered 30 boys and 30 girls, all 17 and under, from across the Asia-Pacific region to learn from NBA and WNBA stars, including Derrick White and Tyrese Maxey.

Abdulla Mousa from Qatar and Taryn Bond from Australia were named the Kim Bohuny BWB Asia 2025 Camp MVPs for the boys’ and girls’ divisions. The camp also introduced a new late-game situations segment, simulating critical game scenarios to enhance participants’ skills.

Throughout the week, the camp hosted various initiatives, such as a youth clinic for over 70 children from SportCares, referee development sessions led by retired NBA referee Joey Crawford, and a coaches clinic attended by over 60 local coaches. The event is part of the NBA’s new multi-day basketball and entertainment festival in Singapore, culminating in the “NBA Rising Stars Invitational.”

The camp also featured a three-point competition, with Mousa and Bond emerging as champions. Patrick Hunt, President of the World Association of Basketball Coaches, awarded Australians Koby Moir and Cheyenne Bobongie the Patrick Baumann Sportsmanship Award.

The BWB Asia 2025 camp not only provided a platform for young athletes to showcase their talents but also fostered international camaraderie and learning, setting the stage for future basketball stars.
“`

Aurealis Serviced Residence is celebrating its 16th anniversary on 22 June, marking a significant milestone in Singapore’s hospitality sector. The brand, which began as Marina Bay Serviced Residence, has evolved from a single investment property into a renowned luxury accommodation provider in the heart of Singapore. The founder, Isabelle Loo, was inspired by her experiences in bed-and-breakfasts abroad and aimed to replicate the warm, personalised hospitality she encountered for professionals visiting Singapore for extended periods.

Initially launched in Singapore’s Central Business District, Aurealis has specialised in fully furnished serviced flats tailored for long-term stays. Loo, who previously served as a Senior Education Officer with Singapore’s Ministry of Education, utilised her skills in organisational development and leadership to create a guest-focused business. In 2013, with support from Spring Singapore, the brand underwent a rebranding to become Aurealis Serviced Residence, a name inspired by the aurora borealis.

“Our mission has been simple yet powerful: Exceptional People to provide Exceptional Experiences,” said Loo. She remains actively involved in guest interactions, using feedback to refine the stay experience. In 2021, Loo further enhanced the flats’ design by enrolling in an interior design course through Singapore’s SkillsFuture initiative.

Looking ahead, Aurealis is exploring international expansion whilst continuing to study global best practices to enhance its service delivery. “Our long-term goal is to offer our business travellers memorable extended stays,” Loo noted, emphasising the importance of guest feedback in shaping the brand’s future direction.
“`

Tencent Cloud has announced a strategic partnership with Ryde Group Ltd, a leading mobility and quick commerce platform in Singapore, to revolutionise in-app communication for ride-hailing services across Southeast Asia. By integrating Tencent’s Real-Time Communication (TRTC) technology, Ryde aims to enhance interactions between drivers and riders with ultra-low latency and secure communication directly within its platform.

The collaboration addresses the limitations of traditional telecom-based systems, which have proven costly and complex. Ryde’s decision to adopt Tencent Cloud’s solution is driven by the need for a cutting-edge, cloud-native communication system that ensures user privacy and operational efficiency. Tencent Cloud’s TRTC technology, known for its carrier-grade stability and seamless integration, aligns with Ryde’s vision of a future-ready mobility platform.

Kenneth Siow, Regional Director for Southeast Asia at Tencent Cloud, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with Ryde in transforming the ride-hailing communication experience across Southeast Asia. By integrating our Real-Time Communication TRTC technology, we enable seamless, secure, and ultra-low latency interactions within the Ryde platform.”

The partnership not only enhances Ryde’s communication capabilities but also supports its expansion into new areas such as deliveries, payments, and sustainable mobility. Nitin Dolli, CTO at Ryde Group, highlighted the transformative nature of the collaboration, noting that it strengthens Ryde’s competitive edge and commitment to delivering smarter solutions.

As Ryde and Tencent Cloud explore further opportunities, including AI-driven fleet optimisation and green mobility analytics, this partnership sets a strategic foundation for long-term growth in Southeast Asia’s rapidly evolving digital economy.
“`

Info-Tech Systems Ltd., a prominent human resource management software provider, has lodged its preliminary prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) as part of its plans for an initial public offering (IPO) on the Singapore Exchange (SGX) Mainboard. Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited (OCBC) is acting as the sole issue manager and global coordinator for this proposed IPO, with CGS International Securities Singapore Pte. Ltd. joining as joint bookrunners and underwriters.

The prospectus, once registered by MAS, will provide potential investors with detailed information on the offering. Interested parties will be able to access the document via MAS’s website or obtain a copy from OCBC or CGS International Securities during office hours.

This move marks a significant step for Info-Tech as it seeks to expand its market presence through public investment. The company’s decision to list on the SGX underscores its confidence in the Singaporean financial market and its strategic growth plans. The IPO will allow Info-Tech to raise capital, potentially enhancing its product offerings and expanding its reach in the competitive HR software sector.

The final prospectus will include comprehensive details about the offering, and investors are advised to consult this document before making any investment decisions. The listing is anticipated to attract considerable interest, given Info-Tech’s established reputation in the industry. The timeline for the IPO’s completion will be clearer once the prospectus is officially registered and released.
“`

Tesla has officially opened its new Experience Centre at Westgate, Singapore, as of 20 June 2025. This latest addition aims to bring Tesla’s innovative technology closer to Singaporeans, featuring test drives of the Model 3 and New Model Y, as well as demonstrations of the Tesla Bot, Optimus. The centre is located at #01-29A Westgate.

The expansion also includes a new Tesla Supercharging station, set to open in Q3 2025 at Westgate’s Basement 3. This will increase the total number of Supercharging stations in Singapore to 13, providing a crucial charging point for those travelling to Malaysia. The Westgate location will thus offer a comprehensive Tesla vehicle ecosystem.

Tesla’s Model 3 continues to lead as Singapore’s best-selling saloon, with a 43% increase in registered vehicles compared to the previous year. A record-breaking 461 New Model Y vehicles have been delivered in 2025. Tesla Singapore is committed to sustainable transport, offering Singapore-exclusive models engineered for Category A Certificate of Entitlement (CoE). The Model 3 starts at $186,526, and the New Model Y at $201,600, based on the 18 June 2025 CoE bidding exercise.

To encourage electric vehicle adoption, Tesla offers competitive financing rates, allowing customers to own a Tesla with monthly instalments starting at $1,437. This initiative underscores Tesla’s dedication to promoting sustainable transportation in Singapore.
“`

JTC has announced the awarding of the tender for the industrial site at Plot 3 Jalan Papan to CK Toh Construction Pte Ltd. The tender, which closed on 22 April 2025, attracted three bids, with CK Toh Construction securing the site for a tendered sum of $5.39 million.

The awarded land parcel, located at Plot 3 Jalan Papan, is zoned for Business 2 use and spans an area of 71,994 square metres. The site comes with a 20-year tenure and a gross plot ratio of 1.4, with a project completion period set at 60 months.

This development is significant as it reflects ongoing industrial growth and infrastructure development in Singapore. The strategic location and zoning of the site are expected to support various business activities, contributing to the economic landscape.

The tender process, launched on 25 February 2025, highlights the competitive interest in Singapore’s industrial real estate sector. The successful bid by CK Toh Construction underscores the company’s commitment to expanding its footprint in the industrial domain.

As the project progresses, it is anticipated to bring about job opportunities and bolster the local economy. The completion of this project will likely enhance the industrial capabilities of the region, aligning with Singapore’s broader economic objectives.
“`

Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore has launched a pioneering Wedding Butler service, marking a first for the city. This complimentary service, included with all wedding packages, aims to alleviate stress and enhance the wedding experience for couples by providing a single point of contact for all their needs. The service will officially debut at the hotel’s “Where Forever Begins” Wedding Show on 28 June.

The Wedding Butler acts as a dedicated liaison, assisting with everything from final outfit changes to coordinating with hotel departments, ensuring a seamless experience from pre-arrival to the final toast. Andrew Tan, General Manager of Grand Copthorne Waterfront, stated, “Our Wedding Butler service exemplifies our G.R.A.N.D. service philosophy — with a special focus on bespoke attention and unforgettable moments.”

The service begins three days before the couple’s arrival, confirming final details and preferences, and continues with personal touchpoints to ensure every element is in place. On the wedding day, the Wedding Butler coordinates with key hotel departments, focusing on anticipating needs and resolving last-minute issues.

The launch of this service underscores the hotel’s ambition to become a premier wedding destination, addressing the common challenge of stress and complexity in wedding planning. Jacky Zhang, General Manager from Blissful Brides, noted, “Couples today seek more than just a beautiful venue—they want meaningful experiences and personal attention.”

During the “Where Forever Begins” Wedding Show, couples can enjoy exclusive perks and participate in a lucky draw for prizes, including a 1 carat lab-grown diamond ring. The event will also feature romantic boat arrivals and consultations with featured vendors, offering a comprehensive wedding planning experience.
“`

OCBC Group has announced a significant financial commitment to the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), having already allocated over RM11b to businesses in Johor since early last year. The Group plans to inject at least another RM3 billion by the end of 2025, targeting sectors such as real estate, oil and gas, manufacturing, and data centres. This announcement was made during a visit by OCBC’s CEO, Helen Wong, and other senior executives to Johor Menteri Besar Dato’ Onn Hafiz bin Ghazi.

The Group’s “One Group” approach, which integrates the strengths of OCBC Bank, Great Eastern Holdings, Bank of Singapore, and other subsidiaries, positions it uniquely to bolster business growth and cross-border collaboration. Wong highlighted OCBC’s historical ties to Johor, with its first branch established in 1917, and its current network of eight branches in the state.

Dato’ Onn Hafiz expressed gratitude for OCBC’s unwavering support, stating, “The Group’s commitment of over RM11 billion in financing with at least RM3 billion more by year-end reflects a strong endorsement of Johor’s economic direction and investment potential.”

OCBC has been proactive in showcasing the JS-SEZ’s potential to global investors, facilitating the entry of new companies across various sectors. Tan Chor Sen, CEO of OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Berhad, noted the bank’s efforts in connecting businesses with growth opportunities, particularly leveraging its presence in Greater China.

The initiative aims to transform the border region between Johor and Singapore into a premier economic hub, with OCBC playing a pivotal role in this strategic development.
“`

The Singapore Exhibition and Convention Bureau (SECB) and the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) Singapore have signed a three-year Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) to stimulate growth in business events and strengthen economic ties between Singapore and Japan. This partnership, announced on 20 June 2025, aims to reinforce Singapore’s status as a leading destination for Meetings, Incentive, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) whilst enhancing trade relations between the two nations.

The global MICE industry is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 7.2% from 2024 to 2032, with the Asia-Pacific region expected to lead this expansion. Singapore, leveraging its strengths in innovation, trust, and safety, alongside JETRO’s connections with Japanese industry leaders, seeks to capitalise on this trend by fostering new business opportunities across the region.

The MoC was signed at ‘The Dream Sphere’, Singapore’s Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. This collaboration aims to bridge Japan’s diverse economy with Singapore’s MICE capabilities, enabling events to expand their international reach and fostering meaningful collaborations. The agreement also focuses on elevating MICE standards through knowledge sharing in sustainability, productivity, and digital innovation.

Poh Chi Chuan, Executive Director of SECB, stated, “This first-of-its-kind collaboration with JETRO marks a major milestone in leveraging partnerships to accelerate MICE growth.” Junji Kurokawa, Managing Director for JETRO, added, “We aim to build an even stronger win-win relationship between our two countries.”

This partnership is expected to bolster business cooperation and resilience, expanding market opportunities in both countries amidst global economic uncertainties.
“`

Singapore is set to host auditions for the popular reality series, Midlife Sing & Shine!, for the first time. Co-produced by Gateway Entertainment and Television Broadcast Limited International (TVBI), the show seeks to discover singing talents aged 35 and above. Auditions will be held at Gateway Theatre at the end of July, offering participants the opportunity to perform before celebrity judges from Singapore and Hong Kong.

The series, which has gained popularity in Hong Kong, aims to inspire individuals to pursue their dreams beyond the traditional work routine. Successful contestants will represent Singapore on an international stage in Hong Kong, competing alongside participants from countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and Malaysia.

Applications are open until 6 July 2025, with eligible contestants being notified by 19 July. The auditions will feature four live rounds in a single day, where participants will share their personal stories and aspirations. The event promises to be a platform for heartfelt performances and inspiring narratives.

Gateway Entertainment, known for its commitment to creating meaningful experiences, is excited to bring this opportunity to Singapore. The company, which also manages Gateway Theatre, has been a significant contributor to the local arts scene through various productions and social initiatives. This collaboration with TVBI marks another milestone in their mission to enrich the cultural landscape of Singapore.
“`