Industry News

TDCX Group, a leader in digital customer experience and growth services, has announced the acquisition of SUPA, a cutting-edge data labelling and annotation platform. SUPA will be integrated into Chemin, TDCX’s AI enablement subsidiary, to address the increasing complexity of AI development and meet the global demand for high-level data services.

The acquisition comes as artificial intelligence systems evolve, requiring more specialised and cognitively demanding data-related work. This shift has moved from simple tagging to intricate data interpretation, synthetic data validation, and multimodal reasoning tasks, often performed by highly trained individuals such as PhDs and engineers.

Laurent Junique, CEO and Founder of TDCX Group, stated, “The future of customer experience is AI-powered, and AI itself runs on increasingly complex curated data. SUPA brings us the right capabilities and talent frameworks to fuel that future.” Mark Koh, CEO and co-founder of SUPA, added, “TDCX Group gives us the global platform to scale our model of precision and agility whilst keeping quality uncompromised.”

Chemin, launched earlier this year, serves as a next-generation platform for AI enablement, offering services such as data collection, annotation, and model evaluation. With SUPA’s technology and talent now integrated, Chemin is well-positioned to support clients developing foundational models and safety-critical systems.

This strategic acquisition places TDCX Group at the forefront of the AI enablement sector, which is projected to become a multibillion-dollar global market. As AI adoption accelerates, Chemin aims to be a critical enabler of safe, scalable, and sophisticated AI solutions.
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AIA Singapore has unveiled the inaugural AIA Ultimate FitnessFest (AUFF), a pioneering hybrid fitness event supported by HYROX, aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles and financial protection. The event, running throughout August with a finale on 27 September 2025, features two editions: the University Edition and the Open Edition, catering to various fitness levels.

The AUFF is part of AIA’s ongoing partnership with HYROX and aligns with the “Rethink Healthy” campaign, which challenges traditional health stereotypes in Asia. With only 44% of Gen Zs in Singapore having personal accident protection, AIA is launching the AIA #GenFit PA plan, an affordable personal accident plan designed to cover medical bills and active lifestyles. “With rising healthcare costs in Singapore and a growing protection gap among Gen Zs, we are taking proactive steps to address this challenge,” stated Wong Sze Keed, CEO of AIA Singapore.

The University Edition invites students from local universities to compete in fitness challenges, with top teams advancing to a HYROX-inspired final. Participants will engage in activities like rowing and synchronised lunges, with the top teams earning a spot in the AIA HYROX Singapore race in November. The Open Edition offers a “lite” HYROX experience for all ages and fitness levels.

The AUFF aims to encourage healthier living and raise awareness of financial protection, with opportunities for participants to engage in community activities and earn bonus points. For more information, visit AIA’s website.
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Allspring Global Investments, a global asset management firm with $600b (US$600b) in assets under advisement, has teamed up with Nomura’s International Wealth Management to distribute the Allspring Global Income Fund to private banking clients in Singapore and Hong Kong. Launched in October 2024, the fund aims to provide attractive total returns through high current income and long-term capital appreciation by investing in a diversified, multi-sector fixed income universe.

The Allspring Global Income Fund, actively managed by Allspring’s Plus Fixed Income team, targets investors seeking consistent income generation and long-term capital growth. The fund’s dynamic approach to asset allocation across global fixed income markets is designed to adapt to varying market conditions. The Plus Fixed Income team, which manages $39b (US$39b) in assets, brings significant expertise to the table.

Nomura’s decision to offer this fund addresses the increasing demand for quality income solutions in Asia. Connie Sin, Head of Funds and Alternatives at Nomura, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are delighted to partner with Allspring to bring a high-conviction, income-focused strategy to our clients.”

Priscilla Phoon, head of Financial Institutions (Asia ex Japan) at Allspring, highlighted the fund’s potential, noting, “This flagship offering has a long-term track record of compelling risk-adjusted returns meeting the needs of investors looking for attractive income and diversification across the fixed income sectors.”

This collaboration marks a significant step in providing Asian investors with access to reliable income solutions, leveraging Allspring’s expertise in multi-sector fixed income.
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HSBC has announced the appointment of Ishan Sarkar as the new Head of Wealth and Premier Solutions for Singapore, effective 1 July 2025. Sarkar, who joined HSBC six years ago, will report to Ashmita Acharya, Head of International Wealth and Premier Banking, HSBC Singapore, and Stefan Lecher, Head of Wealth and Premier Solutions Asia.

Sarkar brings two decades of experience in investments and sales from leading global financial institutions. Most recently, he led Capital Markets for HSBC Global Private Banking and Wealth in Southeast Asia. In his new role, he will focus on developing and managing a comprehensive suite of wealth products and platforms for clients ranging from Premier to Ultra-High Net Worth (UHNW).

Ashmita Acharya expressed confidence in Sarkar’s capabilities, stating, “We aspire to be Singapore’s leading international wealth bank, providing differentiated solutions for our globally mobile clients’ wealth preservation and growth needs. I’m confident that Ishan’s expertise and leadership will bring the best of our diverse wealth solutions to clients across segments to help them reach their ambitions.”

Stefan Lecher highlighted the growing demand for innovative wealth management solutions in Singapore, noting, “In his new role, Ishan will steer the team in Singapore to leverage our global network and deliver our investment and advisory solutions at pace for our clients to manage, grow and preserve their wealth for generations to come.”

HSBC, which opened its first branch in Singapore in 1877, continues to expand its services in the region, aiming to strengthen its position as a leading international wealth bank.
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The National Heart Centre Singapore (NHCS) and Mayo Clinic have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance cardiovascular care and research worldwide. This collaboration, announced on 20 June 2025, follows a two-day scientific meeting supported by the Tanoto Foundation. It aims to leverage Mayo Clinic’s expertise and NHCS’s understanding of Asian cardiovascular health to develop innovative treatment paradigms.

The partnership focuses on three key areas: cardio-oncology, innovative healthcare solutions, and ageing and frailty. Cardio-oncology is crucial as cancer therapies can impact heart health, and both institutions aim to integrate cardiology and oncology expertise for optimal patient care. Mayo Clinic’s established cardio-oncology clinics and NHCS’s integrated care strategies will facilitate knowledge exchange and potential collaborations in education, research, and clinical care.

In healthcare innovation, the collaboration will explore AI-enabled digital biomarkers and cardiac imaging. NHCS will contribute its extensive cardiovascular database, including findings from the SingHEART study, to enhance AI-ECG algorithms’ performance across Asian populations.

Addressing the health of the ageing population, the partnership will focus on early identification of cardiovascular ageing using bio and digital markers, advanced imaging, and novel therapies.

Looking forward, NHCS and Mayo Clinic plan to co-develop intellectual property, clinical protocols, and guidelines to serve both Western and Asian populations. This strategic alignment aims to accelerate cardiac care innovation and empower healthcare professionals globally. Professor Yeo Khung Keong, CEO of NHCS, emphasised the importance of addressing cardiovascular disease in Asia, whilst Mayo Clinic’s Professor Amir Lerman expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration’s potential to improve global cardiovascular health.
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Minister of State for Defence Desmond Choo recently visited the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s (RSAF) Advanced Jet Training Detachment at Cazaux Air Base, France, to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Singapore-France defence relations. The event, attended by Philippe Paul, Vice-President of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence, and the Armed Forces, featured the unveiling of a special anniversary logo on RSAF’s M346 aircraft and the French Air and Space Force’s (FASF) Alpha Jet, followed by a combined flypast.

Choo emphasised the importance of the RSAF’s presence at Cazaux Air Base, highlighting France’s role in recognising Singapore’s independence in 1965 and the subsequent development of a robust partnership. “Since 1998, when the first RSAF Super Skyhawk flew over French skies, Cazaux has been our home away from home,” he stated. The base has been pivotal for RSAF, transitioning to the M346 Advanced Jet Trainer in 2012, and has since trained over 330 fighter pilots and Weapon Systems Officers, accumulating more than 31,000 flight hours.

The Cazaux Air Base hosts RSAF’s 150 Squadron, comprising instructor pilots, engineers, trainees, and support staff. This overseas training facility helps the RSAF address Singapore’s land and airspace limitations. Regular interactions between RSAF and FASF through visits and professional exchanges have significantly bolstered defence relations and camaraderie between the two nations’ air forces. The ongoing collaboration underscores the enduring and multifaceted partnership between Singapore and France.
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Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel Singapore is marking Singapore’s 60th birthday with a series of culinary celebrations, including the return of its popular Durian Buffet and a special SG60 National Day dining promotion. Running from 14 July to 14 September 2025, the Durian Buffet at Food Capital will feature free-flow Musang King durians and a variety of durian-infused dishes such as Gratin Parmigiana Durian and Durian Laksa.

In addition to the buffet, the hotel will host a National Day buffet from 8 to 10 August, showcasing reimagined local favourites like Hainanese Chicken Rice Risotto and Chilli Crab Pasta. Guests can also enjoy classic Singaporean seafood dishes, including Chilli Crab and Salted Egg Yolk Prawns.

For those looking to extend their celebrations, the SG60 National Day Fireworks Staycation offers panoramic views of the fireworks from Premier Waterfront Rooms or the Executive Club Lounge. The staycation includes a 4-Course National Day Set Dinner, with rates starting from $195.

Andrew Tan, General Manager of Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel, expressed excitement about the celebrations, stating, “As we honour Singapore’s 60th birthday, we’re proud to offer dining and stay experiences that reflect the boldness and creativity of our local cuisine.”

Guests can also participate in Hilton’s Culinary Compass, an interactive dining journey for MyMillennium members, to unlock rewards by dining at participating outlets. This celebration promises a memorable experience for both locals and visitors, combining Singapore’s rich culinary heritage with festive flair.
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The National Healthcare Group (NHG) has announced a significant enhancement in the roles of Therapy Assistants, aimed at improving patient care across its institutions. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to address the increasing rehabilitation needs driven by Singapore’s ageing population. Therapy Assistants, who traditionally support therapists during sessions, will now receive specialised training to manage routine therapy sessions independently, eventually advancing to the role of Therapy Associates.

This career redesign is expected to widen access to rehabilitation services, reduce wait times, and increase patient engagement in recovery processes. Currently, NHG employs over 230 Therapy Assistants, Senior Therapy Assistants, and Therapy Support Associates. Approximately 30% of these professionals are projected to qualify for the Therapy Associate role within the next three to five years, enhancing care delivery in Central and North Singapore.

Patients and families across NHG’s institutions, including Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, and the Institute of Mental Health, are set to benefit from this initiative. NHG’s Group Chief Human Resource Officer, Khoo Swee Lan, stated, “Our investment in upskilling and career development reflects our belief in creating not just jobs but fulfilling and rewarding careers that benefit both our staff and the patients we serve.”

The initiative underscores NHG’s commitment to professional growth and improved patient outcomes, promising a more personalised and efficient rehabilitation experience for patients. As Therapy Assistants transition to Therapy Associates, the healthcare system anticipates a more robust support structure for therapists, ultimately enhancing the quality of care provided.
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Key Concept, a prominent interior design firm based in Singapore, has announced a strategic expansion of its team in 2025. This move underscores the company’s commitment to fostering new talent within the interior design industry, particularly targeting recent graduates and individuals switching careers. The expansion aims to provide hands-on experience, creative mentorship, and career development opportunities in response to the increasing demand for quality condo interior design, BTO home renovation, and resale flat renovation projects.

The firm, known for its client-first approach and innovative solutions tailored to Singapore’s unique housing landscape, is dedicated to making quality interior design both accessible and personal. By scaling its team, Key Concept seeks to enrich the industry with fresh perspectives and ideas, ensuring that client needs are met with the highest standards of creativity and functionality.

In addition to the team expansion, Key Concept is hosting the Key Concept Grand Opening Event this June. This event not only showcases the firm’s evolution and creativity but also celebrates the vibrant community it serves. Attendees can look forward to exclusive offers, including additional discounts on project signups during the event period.

Key Concept continues to set the standard in Singapore’s interior design landscape, balancing function, style, and individuality in every project. For more information, visit their website at www.keyconcept.com.sg.
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KuCoin, a prominent global cryptocurrency exchange, has announced its partnership with BitGo Singapore, a subsidiary of BitGo Inc, to integrate with the Go Network for Off-Exchange Settlement (OES). This collaboration is a key component of KuCoin’s $2 billion Trust Project, aimed at bolstering platform security and institutional trust.

The integration allows institutional clients on KuCoin to trade without the need to prefund exchange wallets, as assets are securely held in regulated custody under BitGo Singapore, a licensed Major Payment Institution by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). This setup offers a secure model of custody and execution separation, reducing counterparty and systemic risks whilst enhancing operational security.

Institutional clients will benefit from a range of features, including qualified custody with insurance coverage up to $250 million, automated post-trade settlement, and full asset control with delegated trading access. KuCoin’s comprehensive suite of products, including spot, margin, options, and perpetual futures, can now be accessed through the Go Network, ensuring asset protection.

Tika Lum, Head of Institutional Business Development at KuCoin, stated, “Security and trust are the foundation for institutional adoption. We are proud to integrate with BitGo Singapore’s Go Network.” Brett Reeves, Head of Go Network at BitGo, added, “Partnering with KuCoin marks a major step forward in building a more efficient trading ecosystem.”

As off-exchange settlement gains traction, KuCoin continues to collaborate with global leaders in compliance and custody to enhance the security and trustworthiness of digital asset trading. Founded in 2017, KuCoin is recognised for its cutting-edge blockchain infrastructure and has been acknowledged by Forbes and Hurun for its excellence in the digital economy.
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