Regional News

DHL Express, a global leader in international express services, has teamed up with Singapore Post (SingPost), Singapore’s premier postal and eCommerce logistics provider, to offer more sustainable and accessible international shipping options throughout Singapore. This strategic partnership aims to expand DHL’s services to all SingPost outlets, enhancing convenience for customers whilst reducing environmental impact.

The collaboration allows DHL Express to leverage SingPost’s extensive network of post offices, increasing the number of locations where customers can access DHL’s international shipping services. This expansion follows a successful pilot programme launched in March 2025, which saw parcel drop-offs at SingPost outlets double. Customers can now drop off parcels at any SingPost location, in addition to DHL’s existing network of service centres and retail points.

A key feature of this initiative is the inclusion of DHL Express’s GoGreen Plus service, which uses sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from air shipments. This service is part of DHL’s commitment to sustainability, highlighted by its recent purchase of 9.5 million litres of SAF produced in Singapore.

Christopher Ong, Managing Director for DHL Express Singapore, stated, “The collaboration with SingPost not only brings DHL Express cross-border shipping services in Singapore closer to our customers but also empowers them to participate in our sustainability journey together.”

Neo Su Yin, Group Chief Operating Officer of SingPost, added, “Our partnership with DHL Express represents a significant strategic collaboration to enhance the utilisation of SingPost’s logistics infrastructure and post office network.”

This partnership not only broadens customer access to DHL’s services but also aligns with both companies’ commitments to sustainability and innovation, promising a more environmentally friendly shipping solution for Singaporeans.

Singaporeans are open to adopting artificial intelligence (AI) for its convenience, but only if businesses can ensure security, trust, and a human connection, according to Sinch’s latest State of Customer Communications report. The study, which surveyed over 600 consumers across Singapore, India, and Australia, highlights the balance businesses must strike between AI efficiency and customer reassurance.

The report reveals that 45% of Singaporeans are willing to use AI-powered customer support if it is backed by reliable brand information. However, only 4% would choose chatbots as their first option for customer support, indicating a preference for human interaction in complex situations.

This sentiment is echoed in the healthcare sector, where 68% express concerns about the accuracy of AI responses, despite 57% being comfortable with AI for basic tasks like appointment scheduling.

In financial services, security remains a top priority, with 64% of Singaporeans trusting Rich Communication Services (RCS) verification messages over basic SMS for financial transactions.

The findings underscore the importance of personalisation and security in AI adoption. Whilst 44% of Singaporeans are open to AI-driven recommendations if they are relevant, there is a risk of customer churn if these suggestions feel invasive. As AI becomes more integrated into customer experiences, businesses must prioritise trust and human engagement to maintain loyalty.

Niks Professional Ltd. has unveiled plans to delist from the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited (SGX-ST) via a selective capital reduction. This move will see the cancellation of shares held by eligible shareholders, who will receive a cash return of S$0.23 per share. The company currently boasts an issued and fully paid-up share capital of S$6.48m, comprising 130 million shares.

The delisting is subject to approval from the SGX-ST under the Catalist Rules, requiring a 75% majority vote from shareholders, excluding the offeror concert party group. An exit offer, deemed fair and reasonable by an independent financial adviser, is also a prerequisite.

The proposed selective capital reduction will reduce the company’s share capital by S$5.144m, cancelling 22.37 million shares. The exit offer price of S$0.23 per share represents a 19.8% premium over the last traded price of S$0.192 on 4 September 2025, and a 48.4% premium over the net asset value per share as of 31 December 2024.

Controlling shareholders Cheng Shoong Tat and Ong Fung Chin, who hold significant interests in the company, will not participate in the capital reduction. Their combined holdings account for 82.8% of the total issued shares.

The proposed delisting and capital reduction are inter-conditional, requiring both shareholder approval and confirmation by the High Court of Singapore. If successful, this move will see Niks Professional transition from a public to a private entity, potentially altering its operational dynamics and shareholder structure.

Meta Health Limited has commenced legal proceedings against six individuals, including former executives, in the High Court of Singapore. The company filed an originating claim on 10 September, alleging breaches of duty and conspiracy related to its acquisition of Gainhealth Pte. Ltd.

The defendants include Chua Kheng Choon, former Executive Chairman and CEO of the company, and other former directors and associates.

The legal action claims that Chua breached contractual duties, whilst Chua and four others breached statutory and common law duties. Additionally, the company accuses Travis Hong, a business associate, of dishonestly assisting in these breaches and unlawfully receiving company assets. Meta Health asserts that these actions have resulted in financial losses and reputational damage.

Represented by Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP, Meta Health is seeking approximately $5.3m (S$7.3m) in damages, along with equitable compensation and other remedies. The company has yet to determine the financial impact of the proceedings on its 2025 fiscal year, ending 31 December. Shareholders are advised to remain cautious and consult professional advisers regarding their investments. Further updates will be provided as the case progresses.

Sing Holdings Limited and Sunway Developments Pte. Ltd. has successfully secured the second land parcel at Chuan Grove, awarded by the Urban Redevelopment Authority on 10 September 2025. This acquisition follows their earlier success in obtaining the first parcel on 17 July 2025.

The joint venture, operating under Chuan Grove Pte. Ltd., intends to amalgamate the two adjacent parcels, pending regulatory approvals, to create a single residential development. The proposed project will feature approximately 1,055 units spread across five blocks, each potentially rising up to 27 storeys, and will include communal facilities.

The total purchase price for the combined land parcels is $970m (S$1.327b), equating to approximately $990 (S$1,355) per square foot of the total gross floor area, which spans 91,038 square metres.

The development at Chuan Grove is poised to contribute significantly to the local housing market, offering a substantial number of new residential units. The project’s success will depend on timely regulatory approvals and the effective execution of the joint venture’s development plans.

The Straits Times Index (STI) achieved a new intraday high of 4,355.84 on 10 September before closing at 4,346.46, marking a significant milestone in its 2025 performance. This surge has extended the STI’s total return for the year to 19.6%, with an 11.5% increase since June. The rally has also propelled the market capitalisation of the Singapore stock market to S$983 billion.

Key contributors to the STI’s recent gains include Yangzijiang Shipbuilding, DFI Retail Group, and City Developments.

City Developments, in particular, has experienced the highest net institutional inflow relative to market capitalisation among the 30 STI constituents. These companies have also seen upward revisions to their consensus estimate target prices, reflecting strong investor confidence.

The new STI high coincided with DBS Group Holdings reaching a new high of S$52.87. With DBS comprising 26.4% of the STI, its performance significantly influenced the index’s consensus target, which rose to 4,491 this week. The recent upgrade by JP Morgan further bolstered investor sentiment.

As the STI continues to break records, the focus remains on the performance of its leading constituents and the broader market dynamics that are driving these gains. The ongoing momentum suggests potential for further growth, with investors closely monitoring developments in the coming months.

RHB Bank has launched a Singapore Economic Heatmap to address growing uncertainties in the country’s economic landscape. This tool aims to provide clearer insights into Singapore’s economic conditions by monitoring growth momentum and trends in the Straits Times Index (STI). The heatmap assesses the economy through five key pillars: economic activity, labour conditions, consumption, banking, and financial markets.

The report indicates that whilst Singapore experienced resilient growth in the first half of 2025, there are signs of slowing momentum and emerging weaknesses across several key industries in the second half. This development is crucial for market watchers and policymakers who rely on such data to make informed decisions.

The analysis of Barnabas Gan, group chief economist and head of market research at RHB Bank, suggests that the Economic Heatmap, alongside the RHB SG Stress Index, will be instrumental in navigating the economic challenges anticipated in the country. The comprehensive assessment provided by these tools is expected to aid in identifying potential risks and opportunities within Singapore’s economy.

As the year progresses, stakeholders will be closely monitoring these indicators to adapt strategies accordingly. The insights from RHB’s report underscore the importance of vigilance in the face of potential economic downturns, ensuring that Singapore remains prepared for any adverse developments.

Hays, a leading recruitment and workforce solutions specialist, has released its Pulse of Recruitment report, highlighting a shift in hiring demand and rising job insecurity across Asia.

The report, based on a survey of over 2,000 professionals and hiring managers from China, Hong Kong SAR, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, reveals that only 28% of organisations increased their headcount in 2025, a significant drop from the 46% projected in late 2024.

The report underscores a growing sense of economic pessimism, with 58% of respondents expressing low confidence in the economic outlook and employment prospects over the next two to five years. This sentiment is reflected in the workforce, where 34% of professionals feel insecure in their current roles. Marc Burrage, Managing Director of Hays Asia, noted, “Despite organisational efforts to minimise the effects of uncertainty through restructuring, the core challenge of skill shortages persists.”

Job insecurity and career stagnation are prompting professionals to seek new opportunities, with 23% having already changed jobs and 44% considering a move. Career progression remains a key motivator, with 36% of job leavers citing limited advancement opportunities as a reason for departure.

On a positive note, the adoption of AI tools in the workplace is on the rise, with 63% of professionals now using AI technologies, up from 54% in late 2024. Organisations are increasingly investing in AI training, with 41% of respondents reporting employer support for AI tools.

The findings highlight the need for strategic workforce planning and proactive talent retention strategies amidst economic volatility.

SGX Group has been named Southeast Asia’s most valuable exchange brand in 2025, according to the latest Exchanges 10 2025 report by Brand Finance. The Singapore Exchange achieved a brand value of $591 million, marking a 23% increase from the previous year. Globally, SGX Group ranks 7th among exchange brands and is the 3rd strongest exchange brand worldwide, boasting a Brand Strength Index score of 87.7 out of 100 and a AAA rating.

The report attributes SGX Group’s impressive growth to record earnings and increased activity in derivatives trading, initial public offerings (IPOs), and stronger performances in foreign exchange, commodities, and equities. These factors have significantly bolstered the exchange’s market position both regionally and globally.

As SGX Group continues to expand its influence, the exchange’s enhanced brand value and global standing are expected to attract further investment and interest in the region’s capital markets. This development positions SGX Group as a key player in the global exchange landscape, with potential implications for future growth and collaboration opportunities.

Singapore has emerged as the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) confidence in the Asia-Pacific region, according to Bloomberg Media’s latest Global Foreign Direct Investment Outlook. The study, which surveyed 2,600 senior business decision-makers across 31 markets, reveals that 62% of regionally focused investors express greater confidence in Singapore, driven by its robust policy environment and geopolitical stability.

The report highlights that investors are primarily motivated by Singapore’s strong capabilities in technology and innovation, access to new customer markets, and a highly skilled workforce. Michelle Lynn, Bloomberg’s Global Head of Data Science & Insights, stated, “Investors perceive Singapore as highly stable and economically resilient, offering a much-needed harbour in an increasingly volatile global landscape.”

Key growth opportunities identified by investors include the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), supply chain diversification, and digital transformation. Over half of the investors view advanced technology as the most promising sector, followed by IT/computer technology and business services.

The study underscores Singapore’s alignment with global investor priorities, with Lynn noting, “Singapore stands out not just for its stability, but for how closely it aligns with what investors value most.”

As global investors increasingly prioritise AI, digital transformation, and supply chain resilience, Singapore’s position as a future-focused and trustworthy partner for long-term growth continues to strengthen.