Regional News

Enterprise Singapore has announced the launch of Stage One, a new campus located at One-North, designed to support both local and international startups. Officially unveiled on 30 October 2025, the campus is set to become a hub for innovation, providing startups with the resources and environment needed to thrive.

Stage One at One-North is strategically positioned to offer startups access to a vibrant ecosystem of industry leaders, researchers, and investors. The campus is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including co-working spaces, labs, and meeting rooms, all aimed at fostering collaboration and creativity. This initiative is part of Enterprise Singapore’s broader strategy to enhance Singapore’s position as a global innovation centre.

The launch of Stage One is expected to attract a diverse range of startups, from tech-driven enterprises to those in the creative industries. By providing a conducive environment for growth, the campus aims to accelerate the development of innovative solutions and business models.

Enterprise Singapore’s commitment to nurturing startups is underscored by its investment in infrastructure and support services. The organisation believes that by bringing together a community of like-minded entrepreneurs, Stage One will serve as a catalyst for groundbreaking ideas and partnerships.

As the campus begins operations, it will play a crucial role in Singapore’s economic landscape, driving innovation and creating new opportunities for startups to scale and succeed on a global stage.

A recent survey by Sun Life Asia has revealed that financial security is the top priority for legacy planning among families in the region, yet 60% worry their wealth may not extend beyond their children’s generation. The study, titled *Passing the torch: Building lasting legacies in Asia*, surveyed over 3,000 individuals across Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam.

The findings highlight the importance of structured planning and financial literacy as Asia undergoes a significant intergenerational wealth transfer. Seven in 10 respondents emphasised the need for protection to ensure their family’s financial security, whilst 59% expressed a desire for their wealth to be invested in long-term growth through financial assets, life insurance, or family businesses.

Concerns about wealth preservation are prevalent, with 55% of respondents doubting their heirs’ financial readiness to manage inherited assets. Only 31% are confident their children will uphold their wishes regarding wealth transfer and asset growth. The affluent are particularly worried, with 28% describing themselves as “very concerned” about the longevity of their wealth.

David Broom, Chief Client & Distribution Officer at Sun Life, noted, “We are seeing a clear shift in how families define legacy – from wealth alone to a combination of financial security, education and purposeful living for future generations.” This shift underscores the need for open family discussions about money and the importance of financial education to ensure lasting legacies.

ROLO Robotics, a Singapore-based food robotics company, has successfully raised US$3.45m in an oversubscribed seed funding round. The investment, led by BEENEXT and supported by Blueprint Ventures, TIS Japan, Seedstars, A2D Ventures, SUTD Ventures, Antler, and Lotus One Investment, will be used to scale the company’s autonomous micro-kitchen solutions. Strategic angels Valentin Schillo and Gilbert Rodrigues also participated in the round.

The funding comes at a time when labour shortages and rising costs are challenging food operators worldwide. In Singapore, food and beverage wages have increased by 40–50% over the past five years, with turnover rates exceeding 100% annually. ROLO Robotics’ micro-kitchen solutions aim to alleviate these pressures by offering unmanned cooking and service through robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence (AI). These systems can operate 24/7, reducing labour costs by up to 80% whilst enhancing food quality and safety.

Ravi Nahappan, Co-Founder and CEO of ROLO Robotics, stated, “At ROLO, we believe the future of food service is human-robot collaboration — food that’s affordable, customisable and always fresh.” The company’s flagship product, MAYA 3.0, is the world’s first autonomous fast-food kiosk, capable of cooking, packaging, and serving meals with full customisation options.

Jeremy Soh, Vice President at BEENEXT, commented on the investment, saying, “ROLO isn’t just prototyping — it’s deploying real systems that solve real labour and cost challenges.” The company plans to deploy its technology across Singapore in collaboration with food operators, universities, hospitals, and transport hubs, with pilot sites in Australia to follow.

GNC has been granted the rights to assume leases of its former stores from LAC, following a ruling by a Singapore court. This decision, announced on 31 October 2025, is set to bolster GNC’s growth strategy in Singapore, allowing the company to expand its footprint and enhance its partnership with Watsons to deliver top-tier wellness solutions.

The court’s decision is a significant development for GNC, a leading global health and wellness brand, as it clears the path for the company to reclaim its retail presence in Singapore. The ruling is expected to reduce market confusion and reinforce GNC’s leadership in science-backed wellness products.

GNC’s collaboration with Watsons, a prominent health and beauty retailer, is poised to accelerate as a result of this ruling. The partnership aims to provide consumers with best-in-class wellness solutions, leveraging GNC’s expertise and Watsons’ extensive retail network.

The court’s confirmation of GNC’s rights to the leases marks a pivotal moment for the company, as it seeks to strengthen its market position and continue its growth trajectory in the region. This strategic move is anticipated to enhance consumer access to GNC’s products and support the company’s long-term objectives in the competitive wellness market.

Five climate tech startups have been selected to join the Breakthrough Energy Fellows programme in Southeast Asia, as announced by Enterprise Singapore on 29 October 2025. This initiative aims to support innovative solutions addressing climate change challenges in the region. The startups will receive funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities to accelerate their development and impact.

The inclusion of these startups in the programme underscores the growing emphasis on sustainable technology in Southeast Asia. The Breakthrough Energy Fellows programme, backed by prominent investors, provides a platform for startups to scale their solutions and contribute to global sustainability goals.

The selected startups are set to benefit from a comprehensive support system designed to enhance their technological capabilities and market reach. This initiative is part of a broader effort to foster innovation in climate technology, crucial for addressing pressing environmental issues.

Enterprise Singapore’s involvement highlights the country’s commitment to nurturing a vibrant ecosystem for climate tech innovation. By supporting these startups, the programme aims to catalyse significant advancements in sustainable technology, potentially leading to impactful environmental solutions.

As these startups embark on their journey with the Breakthrough Energy Fellows, they are poised to make substantial contributions to the fight against climate change. The programme’s support is expected to accelerate their growth and amplify their impact, paving the way for a more sustainable future in Southeast Asia and beyond.

Denodo, a leader in data management, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with ST Engineering Mission Software Systems to jointly advance data science and artificial intelligence (DSAI) technologies. The agreement was formalised during the InnoTech Conference 2025, held on 4 September. Richard Jones, Denodo’s Vice President and General Manager of APAC, and Percival Goh, Executive Vice President of ST Engineering Mission Software Systems, were the signatories.

The collaboration aims to enhance value delivery to customers in both government and commercial sectors through knowledge sharing, technical collaboration, and the joint development of services. Denodo will focus on integrating DSAI capabilities and developing prototypes, whilst ST Engineering Mission Software Systems will support the operationalisation of these efforts and participate in early-stage pilot projects.

Richard Jones highlighted the importance of data management in AI-driven decision-making, stating, “By combining ST Engineering’s deep domain knowledge with Denodo’s data management intelligence, we create a foundation that empowers timely, high-impact decisions for accelerated operational excellence.”

Percival Goh added, “This collaboration reinforces our commitment to delivering solutions that make a tangible difference in mission-critical operations.”

This partnership underscores a shared vision to accelerate AI adoption and operational intelligence, providing greater efficiency and agility to customers in rapidly evolving digital landscapes.

Singapore’s energy sector is poised for substantial growth, with the workforce in clean energy companies expected to increase by 60% over the next decade, according to the Energy Market Authority (EMA). This expansion, driven by advancements in solar, energy storage systems, and low-carbon electricity imports, highlights the sector’s transformation and the need for a skilled workforce to support this transition.

The EMA’s biennial Energy Sector Manpower Survey, conducted in 2024, reveals that the traditional power and gas workforce is also set to grow by 13% by 2034. This growth will be supported by developments in electricity transmission, distribution, power generation, and gas sub-sectors. The survey underscores the demand for engineers skilled in solar photovoltaic systems and professionals capable of managing low-carbon electricity imports.

To address these needs, EMA is collaborating with Institutes of Higher Learning and industry partners to develop training programmes. New educational initiatives include a Technical Engineer Diploma in Electrical Engineering (Clean Energy) and continuing education courses at Singapore Polytechnic and the Singapore Institute of Technology.

Chief Executive of EMA, Puah Kok Keong, emphasised the importance of workforce transformation in achieving Singapore’s net-zero goals, stating, “Singapore’s journey to net-zero is not just a technological shift but also a driver for workforce transformation and expansion.”

The EMA’s efforts are complemented by industry leaders like Keppel and Sembcorp Solar Singapore, who are investing in workforce development through training and innovative projects. As Singapore continues to decarbonise its energy sector, these initiatives will ensure a robust manpower pipeline to support the country’s energy transition.

Levanta Renewables has announced the acquisition of a 91 MWp operating solar power project in Thailand, marking a significant expansion of its renewable energy footprint in the region. The project, which is ground-mounted, is spread across ten sites in the Suphanburi and Kanchanaburi provinces. It generates approximately 155 GWh of renewable electricity annually, which is supplied to the Provincial Electricity Authority under long-term Power Purchase Agreements.

The acquisition underscores Levanta Renewables’ commitment to enhancing its renewable energy capabilities and contributing to sustainable energy solutions in Southeast Asia. By securing this portfolio, the company aims to bolster its position in the renewable energy sector and support Thailand’s energy transition goals.

This strategic move not only enhances Levanta’s operational capacity but also aligns with global efforts to increase the share of renewable energy in power generation. The project is expected to play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable energy practices in the region.

Levanta Renewables, a Singapore-based company, continues to seek opportunities to expand its renewable energy projects across Asia, reinforcing its dedication to environmental sustainability and energy innovation. The acquisition of this solar portfolio is a testament to the company’s strategic vision and its role in driving the renewable energy agenda forward.

Allianz Malaysia Berhad has officially opened its new Penang branch in Georgetown, marking a strategic relocation from its former site on China Street. Situated on Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, the branch is housed in a heritage building, blending cultural significance with modern amenities. The facility spans 9,000 square feet and includes three training rooms, aiming to improve customer service for over 800,000 clients in the northern region.

The launch was attended by Allianz Malaysia CEO Sean Wang and Allianz Life Insurance Malaysia Berhad CEO Charles Ong. Wang stated, “This new branch represents our commitment to growth and accessibility in the northern region.” He emphasised the importance of investing in the heritage building to honour Penang’s cultural history whilst enhancing service accessibility.

The new location offers improved customer experience with ample parking, more service counters, and private consultation areas. This expansion aligns with Allianz Malaysia’s Beyond Central Expansion initiative, aiming to meet the growing needs of the local community.

The Georgetown branch complements Allianz Malaysia’s existing facility in Bukit Mertajam, strengthening its presence in Penang. This move is part of a broader network of 30 branches across Malaysia, established since 2002. The new branch underscores Allianz Malaysia’s dedication to expanding its footprint and enhancing service delivery in key regions.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has announced the appointment of Phua Wee Ling as the new Assistant Managing Director for its Organisation and People Development Group, effective from 1 January 2026. Currently serving as Executive Director for Financial Centre Development, Phua will succeed Wong Zeng Yi, who will transition to Enterprise Singapore as Assistant Managing Director for Manufacturing.

Phua will oversee several departments, including People Development, Organisation Development and Communications, Legal, and Corporate Services, as well as the MAS Academy. Her extensive experience within MAS, where she has held various roles since 2006, positions her well for this leadership role. Prior to her tenure at MAS, Phua worked with Citibank Singapore Limited and the Central Provident Fund Board.

Wong Zeng Yi, who has been with MAS since 2006, has significantly contributed to the Organisation and People Development Group since his appointment in April 2021. His initiatives have included developing functional competency frameworks, launching an internal mentoring programme, and enhancing staff skills in artificial intelligence and data capabilities. Under his leadership, MAS has also advanced its corporate sustainability agenda by setting emission reduction targets and implementing energy efficiency measures.

Phua’s appointment marks a new chapter for the Organisation and People Development Group as MAS continues to focus on digital transformation and sustainability. Her leadership is expected to further strengthen MAS’s organisational capabilities and support the professional development of its staff.