Regional News

MetaComp, a Singapore-based digital assets infrastructure provider, and OSL Group, a global digital financial platform, have announced a strategic partnership to advance digital solutions for cross-border payments between Hong Kong and Singapore. The collaboration seeks to improve real-world asset (RWA) token market infrastructure and foster regulatory-compliant innovation.

The partnership focuses on building a robust ecosystem for digital assets by enhancing liquidity, enabling cross-border payments, and facilitating compliant RWA token trading. MetaComp and OSL will explore ways to integrate liquidity networks to improve trade execution for institutional clients dealing in digital assets. This initiative aims to enhance over-the-counter (OTC) market efficiency, offering better pricing and seamless access to liquidity.

Additionally, the firms will co-develop infrastructure links to facilitate the use of stablecoins for cross-border payments, enabling faster and more cost-efficient transactions whilst adhering to regulatory frameworks. The partnership also aims to enable the cross-listing and trading of tokenised real-world assets, unlocking access to previously illiquid assets for institutional investors.

Tin Pei Ling, Co-President of MetaComp, stated, “By combining our strengths, we are not only advancing regional connectivity but also setting new benchmarks for compliance and innovation in digital asset markets.” Eugene Cheung, Chief Commercial Officer of OSL Group, added, “Hong Kong and Singapore are natural partners in shaping Asia’s digital finance future.”

This alliance underscores both firms’ commitment to responsible growth and technological innovation in digital finance across Asia’s key capital markets.
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Lazada, a prominent eCommerce platform in Southeast Asia, is set to elevate its 9.9 Mega Brands Sale with the introduction of the AI-powered LazzieChat Challenge. Running from 8 September (8pm SGT) to 11 September, this event promises a more interactive and rewarding shopping experience. The LazzieChat Challenge, an evolution of last year’s LazzieChat Hunt, allows shoppers to engage in deeper conversations with AI Lazzie, unlocking tailored product recommendations, surprise rewards, and exclusive deals.

The AI-driven initiative follows the success of Lazada’s recent 6.6 sale, where AI Lazzie contributed to a 43% increase in order volume and a 168% growth in gross merchandise value (GMV). Howard Wang, Chief Technology Officer of Lazada Group, highlighted the shift towards meaningful interactions, stating, “With AI reshaping the eCommerce landscape, it is redefining how we connect with shoppers.”

Lazada’s AI capabilities have also bolstered brand collaborations, notably with P&G, resulting in a fivefold increase in daily engagement on P&G’s brand page and a 245% increase in basket sizes. The success of these collaborations underscores the potential of AI in enhancing consumer engagement and conversion.

The 9.9 Mega Brands Sale will feature mega promotions, including up to 90% off LazFlash Deals and storewide flash sales across over 300 brands. As AI continues to shape the eCommerce space, Lazada aims to expand its AI-powered engagements in upcoming campaigns, fostering authentic connections between brands and shoppers.
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Media OutReach Newswire, Asia Pacific’s first global newswire, has strengthened its distribution network in Singapore and Southeast Asia by securing partnerships with Mediacorp and SPH Media. These collaborations make Media OutReach the only global newswire to offer guaranteed verbatim online news postings on Mediacorp’s CNA and SPH’s MoneyFM 89.3, significantly enhancing the reach and impact of press releases across the region.

The partnerships position Media OutReach as CNA’s first content partner, providing PR and communications professionals with direct access to Singapore’s top media outlets. This development is particularly significant as CNA is the most used online news source in Singapore, with a weekly reach of 47%, according to a Reuters Institute study.

Jennifer Kok, founder and CEO of Media OutReach Newswire, expressed enthusiasm about the partnerships, stating, “As champions of the PR industry and the media, we are pleased to partner with both SPH and Mediacorp and honoured to be the first newswire content partner of CNA.”

In an era dominated by artificial intelligence, Media OutReach’s unique offering of guaranteed verbatim news postings on authoritative online news media across Asia Pacific, North America, the UK, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America provides companies with a competitive edge in AI search, SEO, and GEO. Kok highlighted the importance of these postings, noting that they “make AI models find your content and cite it in search results,” which is vital for building brand trust.

These strategic partnerships further solidify Media OutReach Newswire’s position as a trusted newswire for PR professionals, communicators, media, and brands across Asia Pacific and globally.
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Singapore-headquartered Lighthouse Canton, a global investment institution, has appointed Pranob Gupta as Managing Director – Business Head for India Alternatives (Credit & Hybrid Strategies). Gupta will lead the expansion of the firm’s funds platform, drawing on his 23 years of experience in investment management and cross-border partnerships. Previously, he held senior roles at JM Financial Credit Alternatives, 360 One, KKR, and Kotak Alternates.

Sanket Sinha, CEO of Global Asset Management at Lighthouse Canton, highlighted the potential of India’s alternative assets market, projected to grow from $400 billion to $2 trillion over the next decade. “Pranob’s appointment reinforces our conviction in India’s booming private credit market,” Sinha stated.

Gupta expressed enthusiasm for joining Lighthouse Canton, noting the firm’s potential to become a multi-billion-dollar Alternatives AUM franchise. “The pan Asian and global nature of the firm opens up meaningful cross-border product and investor synergies,” he said.

Lighthouse Canton manages over US$4 billion in assets and advisory, with operations in India, the UAE, and the UK. The firm is known for its innovative investment solutions and strong relationships with institutional investors. Gupta’s appointment is expected to accelerate the growth of Lighthouse Canton’s India franchise and strengthen its global asset management platform.
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Forvis Mazars, an international audit, tax, and advisory firm, has announced a strategic partnership with EcoOnline, a global provider of safety and sustainability software, in Singapore. This collaboration aims to bolster Forvis Mazars’ sustainability reporting and assurance services by integrating EcoOnline’s advanced environmental, social, and governance (ESG) solutions. The partnership comes as Singaporean companies face extended timelines to comply with mandatory climate-related reporting standards set by the Singapore Exchange and the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority.

The partnership is timely, aligning with the Singapore Green Plan 2030 and the nation’s net-zero target by 2050. EcoOnline’s ESG software will enhance Forvis Mazars’ services, providing robust tools for data management and reporting. This includes framework reporting advisory, climate risk analytics, carbon accounting, forecasting, and sustainability assurance. These services are designed to help organisations manage reporting challenges and build capabilities for future compliance.

Lai Kee Yin, Partner in Technology, Digital & Sustainability Consulting at Forvis Mazars, emphasised the importance of not delaying efforts despite extended timelines. “We consistently hear from clients that their biggest challenge is moving beyond narrative-based reports to produce auditable, investment-grade data. Having used EcoOnline’s solution ourselves, we have firsthand confidence in its science-based approach,” he stated.

Sean Flynn, Regional Sales Director at EcoOnline, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, noting the combined expertise will aid Singaporean firms in achieving sustainability goals. The partnership also includes educational initiatives to increase market awareness and understanding of the solution. The integrated ESG and sustainability solution is now available to clients in Singapore.
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Marco Polo Marine Ltd., a Singapore-listed marine logistics company, has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with Norwegian ship designer Salt Ship Design AS to develop the CSOV Plus, a pioneering Commissioning Service Operation Vessel. This vessel is uniquely designed for dual-sector operations in the offshore wind and oil & gas industries.

The CSOV Plus is the first of its kind, purpose-built from the keel up, offering enhanced capabilities with a 100-tonne Active Heave Compensated crane and a flexible cargo lifting system. It is engineered to operate in waves up to 3.0 metres, ensuring superior station-keeping. The vessel also features a sustainable design with a battery hybrid power system and accommodation for alternative fuels like methanol, aligning with evolving environmental regulations.

Construction of the CSOV Plus will commence in Q2 2026 at Marco Polo’s Batam facility, with delivery expected by Q2 2028. This strategic partnership involves Marco Polo Marine’s Taiwan subsidiary PKR Offshore, Salt Ship Design, and Marco Polo Shipyard. The vessel aims to meet the growing demand for versatile offshore assets that support the complete lifecycle of offshore wind projects.

Sean Lee, CEO of Marco Polo Marine, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with the innovative team at Salt Ship Design to bring our biggest advancements in CSOV – CSOV Plus – to life.” Egil Sandvik, Chairman of Salt, added, “We are honoured that Marco Polo Marine has entrusted Salt Ship Design with the development for their CSOV Plus concept.”

This collaboration marks a significant step in advancing offshore capabilities, promising to set new industry standards for crew comfort and safety.
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MediSun Energy, a Singapore-based leader in brine management, has signed two significant Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with GreenTech Environmental, a Chinese innovator in water treatment, at the Global Water Expo in Riyadh. These agreements aim to advance modular desalination, promote Saudi localisation, and support global expansion.

The collaboration combines MediSun’s technologies—Reverse Electrodialysis (RED) and Selective Electrodialysis Metathesis (SEDM)—with GreenTech’s Newater House, a containerised desalination solution. This integration is designed to improve efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and minimise brine discharge in both Brackish Water Reverse Osmosis (BWRO) and Seawater Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) systems.

Under the first MoU, MediSun will distribute Newater House across the Middle East and Africa, whilst GreenTech will introduce MediSun’s technologies in China. The second MoU focuses on Saudi Arabia through MediSun Arabia, a joint venture with MOAJ Holding. This partnership aims to build local capacity by establishing manufacturing, technology transfer, and training programmes within the Kingdom.

Joseph Chua, Co-Founder and President of MediSun, stated, “Partnering with GreenTech marks a major step forward. Together we are accelerating the rollout of the modular Newater House whilst expanding into key markets.” Eric Zhang, Chairman of GreenTech Environmental, added, “This collaboration unites international innovation with Saudi strength.”

The partnership aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, aiming to enhance water security, create jobs, and position Saudi Arabia as a global hub for innovative water solutions. The partners plan to export sustainable water solutions worldwide, strengthening domestic and international water security.
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ING has announced the expansion of its electronic foreign exchange (eFX) capabilities in Singapore, establishing a new regional trading hub aimed at providing faster execution and smarter pricing for clients across Asia Pacific (APAC). This development comes as part of a broader industry trend of increasing eFX demand in the region, with global banks enhancing their FX engines in Singapore.

The integration with the SG1 data centre and the wider eFX ecosystem will enable ING to offer clients faster trade execution, lower latency, and improved liquidity access. The bank’s AI-powered risk management capabilities will allow for smarter and more adaptive FX pricing, enhancing transparency and execution efficiency. Obbe Kok, head of Financial Markets at ING APAC, stated, “With Singapore playing a growing role in global FX markets, our enhanced capabilities at SG1 demonstrate ING’s commitment to clients across APAC.”

The Singapore hub will complement ING’s global network in Amsterdam, London, and New York, ensuring seamless, around-the-clock market access. This expansion aligns with the industry’s shift towards digital, real-time, and data-driven trading, reinforcing ING’s leadership in delivering future-ready solutions.

Additionally, ING plans to bolster its commodity trading capabilities in APAC to meet the rising demand for precious metals. Lim Cheng Khai, executive director at the Monetary Authority of Singapore, welcomed the launch, noting it adds diversity and depth to the region’s FX market.

As the FX markets continue to evolve, ING’s expanded presence in Singapore is set to offer enhanced pricing efficiency and robust risk management, catering to the unique demands of Asia’s dynamic markets.
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Singapore’s worker dormitory market has shown resilience in the first half of 2025, with demand continuing to rise despite global economic uncertainties, according to a joint report by the Dormitory Association of Singapore Limited (DASL) and Knight Frank Singapore. The report highlights that the number of work permit holders in the Construction, Marine Shipyard, and Process industries increased by 3.6% from December 2023 to December 2024, reaching 456,800.

The report focuses on Class 4 dormitories, which represent the majority of the market. As of H1 2025, there were 60 Class 4 dormitories with approximately 274,000 beds, accounting for 62.3% of the total bed capacity in Singapore. The occupancy rate for these dormitories rose to 98.3%, up from 96.7% in H2 2024.

Leonard Tay, Head of Research at Knight Frank Singapore, noted that domestic construction projects, such as the development of Tuas Port and Changi Airport Terminal 5, are driving the demand for worker accommodation. The report also mentions the opening of new dormitory facilities, including the Pioneer Lodge Dormitory, which added 3,088 beds in April 2025, with an additional 7,412 beds expected by October 2025.

Average monthly rents for dormitory beds have increased by 6.5% in the past six months, reaching an islandwide average of $360 (S$490) per bed per month. This rise is attributed to both strong demand and increased operating costs. The introduction of the Dormitory Transition Scheme and New Dormitory Standards by the Ministry of Manpower is expected to further influence rent prices as dormitories undergo necessary upgrades.

Looking ahead, the report anticipates a continued upward trend in bed rents, with a projected increase of around 10% for the remainder of 2025. The market outlook remains positive, supported by ongoing construction activities and regulatory changes.
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The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has announced that the Green Investments Partnership (GIP), a blended finance fund under the Financing Asia’s Transition Partnership (FAST-P) initiative, has achieved its first close with US$510m in committed capital. This funding, sourced from a mix of global and regional private, public, and philanthropic institutions, will be channelled into green and sustainable infrastructure projects across Southeast and South Asia.

The GIP is supported by a diverse group of investors, including the Australian Government, International Finance Corporation, Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank, HSBC, Temasek, and British International Investment. The European Commission is also backing the initiative under its Global Gateway programme. Pentagreen Capital, established by HSBC and Temasek, will manage the fund, focusing on sectors such as renewable energy, electric vehicle infrastructure, and sustainable transport.

Launched in 2023, FAST-P aims to bridge the climate finance gap in Asia by leveraging blended and tiered capital structures. This approach seeks to mitigate risks associated with infrastructure investments, particularly during the project development and construction phases, thereby attracting international investors.

Gillian Tan, Assistant Managing Director and Chief Sustainability Officer of MAS, highlighted the significance of this milestone, stating, “Pentagreen has brought together a diverse group of partners… to de-risk and finance marginally bankable green infrastructure projects in the region.” Munib Madni, CEO of FAST-P Office, expressed gratitude to the partners, emphasising the ongoing commitment to promoting sustainable infrastructure solutions.

The successful first close of GIP marks a pivotal step in mobilising capital for Asia’s green transition, with future implications for expanding sustainable finance in the region.
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