Regional News

Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group has announced a 2.6% increase in passenger traffic for November 2025 compared to the previous year, surpassing the 2.2% rise in passenger capacity. The passenger load factor (PLF) for the group reached 87.3%, a 0.3 percentage point improvement from the same period last year. SIA and its low-cost subsidiary, Scoot, achieved monthly PLFs of 86.4% and 90.7%, respectively, carrying a combined total of 3.5 million passengers, marking a 6.0% increase year-on-year.

The group’s cargo operations also saw significant growth, with a 12.4% rise in cargo carriage, driven by the year-end peak demand and increased freighter aircraft contributions. Cargo loads expanded by 8.1%, outpacing the 1.6% increase in cargo capacity, resulting in a cargo load factor of 60.2%, up 3.6 percentage points from the previous year.

In November, Scoot launched new passenger services to Nha Trang, Vietnam, whilst SIA resumed its seasonal services to Sapporo (Chitose), Japan. By the end of the month, the group’s passenger network spanned 131 destinations across 37 countries and territories, with SIA serving 79 destinations and Scoot covering 76. The cargo network included 135 destinations in 38 countries and territories.

These developments highlight SIA Group’s continued recovery and expansion in both passenger and cargo sectors, positioning the airline for further growth as it adapts to changing market demands.

Singapore has emerged as the most attractive market for new business creation in Asia, according to the Asia Startup Index Study released by Intuit QuickBooks. The study assessed 24 countries across 17 indicators, highlighting Singapore’s superior digital infrastructure, talent pool, and efficient business environment as key factors in its top ranking.

The Republic secured the highest scores in both infrastructure and talent categories, boasting world-class broadband speeds and a highly educated workforce. It also placed second in business landscape strength, indicating a stable and supportive environment for both local and international entrepreneurs. The study’s top 10 rankings include China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, with Singapore leading the pack.

Key metrics evaluated in the study included internet speed, foreign direct investment, and private credit depth, alongside labour market indicators such as unemployment and wages. Cost factors like rent, living expenses, and corporate tax rates were also considered.

Industry expert Lily Tan, Managing Director of TnB Global Outsource Pte Ltd, commented on the findings, stating, “If you don’t change now, the world will change you. As we look ahead to Singapore’s 2025 economic outlook, entrepreneurs should view this as a pivotal time to adapt, embrace technology and uncover new opportunities.”

The study underscores Singapore’s continued appeal as a startup hub, driven by its robust infrastructure and talent advantages, even as other regional markets strive to enhance their competitiveness.

Halogen Capital, Malaysia’s pioneering licensed digital asset fund manager, has successfully completed a RM13.3m (US$3.2m) funding round. The round was led by Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad, Malaysia’s leading independent investment bank, and 500 Global, a prominent venture capital firm. This investment aims to bolster Halogen Capital’s Real-World Asset (RWA) tokenisation strategy, expanding access to traditionally exclusive investment opportunities.

The funding, facilitated through Kenanga’s subsidiary, Kenanga Private Equity, will support Halogen Capital’s efforts to tokenise assets such as unit trust funds, bonds, sukuk, private credit, and real estate. This initiative seeks to democratise investment opportunities, traditionally reserved for institutional and high-net-worth investors, by leveraging blockchain technology and digital asset fund management.

Datuk Chay Wai Leong, Group Managing Director of Kenanga Investment Bank, stated, “Our investment in Halogen Capital, alongside our other digital-first ventures, reflects our belief in a future of finance defined by innovation, governance, and transparency.” He emphasised the role of blockchain and tokenisation in redefining capital market engagement.

Liew Ooi Hann, Founder and CEO of Halogen Capital, highlighted the growing recognition of digital assets in global capital markets, noting that institutional participation is increasing, with over RM744b (US$181b) held in corporate crypto treasuries. “With the backing of leading investors, we are well-positioned to accelerate product innovation and expand access to institutional-grade digital asset investments,” he added.

Since its inception in 2023, Halogen Capital has grown its assets under management to approximately RM400m as of November 2025, serving a diverse investor base. The collaboration with Kenanga aims to introduce new digital asset investment products and enhance access to crypto yield generation and tokenised securities, aligning with regulatory standards set by the Securities Commission Malaysia.

Fullerton Fund Management and SGX Group have unveiled the Fullerton / SGX Value-Up Singapore Equities Challenge, a new programme designed to immerse tertiary students in the realities of investing. The challenge, which runs from 26 January to 6 March 2026, offers participants a six-week trading simulation and culminates in an in-person stock pitch final at SGX Centre on 2 April 2026.

The initiative seeks to promote financial literacy among students aged 18 and above, providing them with a platform to apply investment concepts practically. Participants will compete for cash prizes totalling S$18,000, with the top three teams receiving S$10,000, S$5,000, and S$3,000, respectively. Additionally, the challenge offers up to five internship opportunities at Fullerton, potentially leading to permanent analyst roles.

Jenny Sofian, CEO of Fullerton Fund Management, emphasised the company’s commitment to nurturing future investment talent, stating, “We are proud to offer tertiary students hands-on exposure to the asset management industry.” Ng Yao Loong, Head of Equities at SGX Group, added, “This initiative allows participants to step into the real world of investing.”

The challenge also introduces the InvestSG community platform, fostering a supportive learning environment for participants. Registration is open until 23 January 2026, with the programme set against the backdrop of broader stock market reforms aimed at enhancing Singapore’s equities market.

Semico Capital Berhad has unveiled its prospectus for a RM23.2m initial public offering (IPO) on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities. The company, a key player in family entertainment and toy distribution, plans to use the funds to expand its arcade and amusement machine business and broaden its toy and collectables portfolio.

The IPO will issue 92.7 million new shares, representing 25.7% of the company’s enlarged share capital, with an additional 18 million existing shares offered for sale. Upon listing, Semico Capital’s market capitalisation is expected to reach RM90m, based on an IPO price of RM0.25 per share.

Executive Director and CEO Tai Lee Chuen highlighted the significance of this milestone, stating, “The prospectus launch today is a very meaningful moment for us. It reflects how far we have come and the potential that lies ahead.” The company, which began as a small trading business, now distributes over 60 toy brands across Malaysia.

The IPO proceeds will be allocated to purchasing new arcade machines, replacing older units, acquiring new toy brands, repaying bank borrowings, and covering listing expenses. This strategic move comes as the family entertainment market in Malaysia is projected to grow to RM1.9b by 2029, with a CAGR of 10.2%, according to Protégé Associates.

Applications for the public issue are open until 2 January 2026, with the listing scheduled for 13 January 2026. Affin Hwang Investment Bank Berhad is the principal adviser for the IPO.

Singapore’s property market experienced a sharp decline in November 2025, with developers launching only 347 units, marking an 84.5% decrease from October and an 87.9% drop compared to the same period last year. The Sen, the first project in Upper Bukit Timah in five years, was the sole launch, selling 77 units at a median price of $2,339 per square foot (psf).

The total number of units sold in November was 325, a significant 86.6% decrease from October and 87.3% lower than November 2024. According to Huttons Data Analytics, developer sales excluding executive condominiums (ECs) for the first 11 months of 2025 reached 10,624 units, approximately 97% of their annual estimate.

The Rest of Central Region (RCR) saw an increase in sales proportion to 66.2%, largely due to The Sen’s launch. Seven of the top 10 projects by sales in November were in the RCR. Singaporeans dominated the market, making up 84.4% of buyers, whilst permanent residents (PRs) accounted for 12.8%.

Foreign purchases fell to nine in November, a decrease from 32 in October, with the majority in the RCR. The proportion of foreign purchases was 2.8% for the month.

Looking ahead, the market is expected to slow further in December, with sales estimated between 200 and 250 units. Coastal Cabana, an EC in Pasir Ris, is anticipated to attract significant interest when sales begin in January 2026. Huttons projects that developer sales for 2025 could reach 11,000 units, the highest since 2021, with prices forecasted to rise by 3% to 4%.

ESR-REIT has announced the proposed divestment of a portfolio comprising eight non-core properties, with CBRE representing the seller. This move comes amidst a backdrop of strong institutional investment interest in Singapore’s industrial sector, driven by the country’s economic and political stability and a robust currency. The recent decline in interest rates to their lowest levels since 2022 has further spurred acquisition appetite among investors.

CBRE’s Head of Singapore Industrial Capital Markets, Loh Lee Fen, noted the attractiveness of Singapore’s industrial market, stating, “Institutional investment interest in Singapore’s industrial sector has remained exceptionally strong throughout 2025.” She emphasised the country’s global appeal due to its stability and currency strength.

Dylan Chua, Director of Singapore Industrial Capital Markets at CBRE, added that industrial real estate in Singapore is seen as a “defensive growth sector,” benefiting from long-cycle demand and resilience against market volatility. He highlighted that occupiers in this space are typically large corporates and multinational companies with longer lease terms and strong credit profiles, resulting in predictable cash flows and deep liquidity even during market stress.

The divestment by ESR-REIT underscores the ongoing appeal of Singapore’s industrial sector to investors seeking stable and resilient investment opportunities. As interest rates remain low, the sector is likely to continue attracting significant attention from institutional investors.

The Financial Planning Association of Singapore (FPAS) and GoalsMapper have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on initiatives that aim to strengthen the financial advisory profession in Singapore. Signed on 12 December 2025, the MOU focuses on elevating industry standards and supporting the continuous professional development of financial planners.

This partnership will provide FPAS members with access to enhanced training and learning opportunities, enabling them to deliver more effective advisory outcomes. A key component of the MOU is the integration of GoalsMapper’s GM Mortgage solution, which aims to improve mortgage education within the advisory community. Given that property financing is a significant financial commitment for many, this initiative seeks to equip advisers with the necessary knowledge to offer competent and transparent advice.

Dr. Ben Fok, President of FPAS, highlighted the importance of the collaboration, stating, “Our focus has always been on the advancement of the financial planning profession. Collaborations like this enable us to introduce more pathways for skills development, raise advisory standards, and better support the evolving needs of our members.”

GoalsMapper CEO, Dato’ Wayne Chen, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, noting, “At GoalsMapper, we are committed to redefining financial planning and to empower everyone to make better financial decisions. Partnering with leading associations such as FPAS allows us to contribute to the professional growth of the advisory community.”

The MOU marks the beginning of a concerted effort to enrich industry capability, enhance advisory quality, and deliver greater value to both practitioners and the public. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to aligning industry practices with evolving consumer needs, ultimately fostering a future-ready financial advisory ecosystem in Singapore.

Jobstreet by SEEK in Singapore has unveiled key career trends for 2025, highlighting a rise in retrenchments and a decline in job vacancies, according to Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower. As jobseekers prepare for 2026, the demand for tech roles and AI skills is at the forefront, with employers increasingly valuing these competencies.

Jobstreet’s data indicates a significant surge in applications for tech roles, with a 169% increase in the information and technology sector from November 2023 to October 2025. This trend underscores the importance of “new collar” tech skills, which blend both soft and technical abilities. Skills such as customer service, relationship management, troubleshooting, computer science, and Python programming are particularly sought after.

AI fluency has emerged as a crucial qualification, with 54% of employers considering it during hiring processes and 19% viewing it as a primary factor, according to Jobstreet’s Hiring, Compensation and Benefits 2025 report. Additionally, keyword searches for “data analysis” and “automation” in entry-level jobs have risen by 12% and 93%, respectively.

The report also highlights a shift in workplace priorities, with 49% of employees aged 25-34 indicating a change in their priorities since starting their roles. Mental health and family responsibilities have become top concerns for many workers.

As the job market evolves, fresh graduates and those returning to the workforce are encouraged to focus on attitude over experience, with 64% of employers willing to hire less experienced candidates who demonstrate a positive outlook. Looking ahead, jobseekers are advised to stay informed and adaptable to thrive in the competitive landscape of 2026.

Changi Airport is inviting the public to explore its future with the T5 In the Making exhibition, set to open on 6 January 2026 at Terminal 3. This immersive experience, organised by the Ministry of Transport, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, and Changi Airport Group, will showcase the vision and innovations behind the upcoming Terminal 5 (T5) through interactive displays and experiential zones. Registration for the exhibition is now open.

The exhibition, free for all visitors, will run until March 2026 and is divided into five zones. It highlights Changi Airport’s strategic evolution and the technologies being developed to address challenges such as manpower shortages, an ageing population, and climate change. Visitors can engage with interactive Artificial Intelligence (AI) experiences and view detailed scale models of T5 and the larger Changi East development.

Zone 1, titled ‘Another Bold Singapore Chapter’, demonstrates how T5 is designed to support Asia’s growing air travel demand and maintain Singapore’s competitive edge. In Zone 4, ‘Cool Tech Warm Touch’, visitors will see the innovative technologies planned for T5 to ensure world-class service. The exhibition concludes with Zone 5, ‘Come Imagine with T5’, featuring an AI-powered mural.

T5 is part of the Changi East development, which includes a third runway and additional infrastructure. Construction began in May and is expected to be completed in the mid-2030s. The development is anticipated to create significant economic opportunities and jobs, reinforcing Changi Airport’s status as a premier aviation hub.

Visitors can register for the exhibition via the official website, with slots available on a first-come, first-served basis. Walk-ins are also welcome, subject to availability.