Regional News

Latham & Watkins has advised Fullerton Health, a prominent healthcare solutions provider in the Asia-Pacific region, on Mitsubishi Corporation’s acquisition of a minority stake in the company. This strategic investment is set to enhance Fullerton Health’s growth and facilitate its expansion in existing markets such as Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines, whilst also exploring new opportunities across the region.

The transaction represents a pivotal moment in Fullerton Health’s development, providing the company with the resources and strategic backing necessary to accelerate its market presence. The partnership is expected to strengthen Fullerton Health’s capabilities in delivering healthcare solutions and services across its nine operational markets in Asia-Pacific.

The legal team from Latham & Watkins, led by Singapore corporate partner Sharon Lau and counsellor Carolyn Wong, played a crucial role in facilitating the transaction. They were supported by associates Jonathan Wah and Tommy Tan, along with Hong Kong associate I-Ming Tan.

This collaboration between Fullerton Health and Mitsubishi Corporation underscores the growing interest in the healthcare sector within the Asia-Pacific region, highlighting the potential for further investments and partnerships. As Fullerton Health continues to expand its footprint, the company is poised to enhance its service offerings and reach more communities in need of healthcare solutions.
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The Urban Redevelopment Authority has concluded the tender for a site at Chuan Grove, launched under the 1H 2025 Government Land Sales Confirmed List. The site, which can accommodate approximately 505 residential units, received five bids. The top bid, submitted by Sing Holdings Residential Pte. Ltd. and Sunway Developments Pte. Ltd., was S$623.91m, equating to about S$1,331 per square foot per plot ratio (psf ppr). This bid was 2.9% higher than the next highest offer from COLI (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., which stood at S$606.06m or roughly S$1,293 psf ppr.

The bid price for this plot was 3.3% lower than a previous Chuan Grove parcel awarded in July 2025, which fetched S$703.6m or around S$1,376 psf ppr. That earlier tender attracted seven bids. The current site presents more complex building requirements, including the development of a new Neighbourhood Park and an Early Childhood Development Centre, potentially increasing construction costs.

Despite these challenges, interest in the tender remained robust. Justin Quek, CEO of OrangeTee, noted that the Lorong Chuan area has seen few new project launches, with the last being Chuan Park in November 2024, which sold 76% of its 916 units during its launch weekend. This suggests a strong demand for homes in the area.

The site’s proximity to Lorong Chuan MRT, a mall, and several primary schools enhances its appeal, particularly for families and potential HDB upgraders from nearby areas such as Serangoon, Bishan, and Ang Mo Kio. Additionally, rental opportunities may arise from the nearby Australian International School. These factors likely contributed to the keen developer interest in the site.
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The National University of Singapore (NUS) has reported a notable increase in the Real Estate Sentiment Index (RESI) for the second quarter of 2025. The index, which measures the perceptions and expectations of senior executives in the real estate sector, saw the Current Sentiment Index rise from 4.2 in the first quarter to 5.7 in the second quarter. Similarly, the Future Sentiment Index increased from 4.5 to 5.7, indicating a cautiously positive outlook despite ongoing global economic uncertainties.

The Composite Sentiment Index also improved, climbing from 4.3 to 5.7. This uptick reflects a better-than-expected domestic economic performance, even as global growth slows and trade risks mount. Professor Qian Wenlan noted that the market’s adjustment to the Trump tariffs and a 90-day pause in domestic economic activity contributed to the improved sentiment.

In terms of sector performance, Prime Residential, Suburban Residential, and Hotel/Serviced Apartment sectors showed positive net balances, with Prime Residential leading at +35%. Conversely, Business Park/Hi-tech Space recorded the most negative balance, dropping to -31%.

Potential risks identified for the next six months include a slowdown in the global economy, job losses, and rising construction costs. Despite these concerns, 43.7% of developers expect unit prices for new residential launches to rise moderately, whilst 56.2% anticipate an increase in the number of units launched.

The findings underscore the resilience of Singapore’s real estate market amidst external pressures, with developers remaining cautious yet optimistic about future prospects.
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Duxton Hill Chambers, a leading Singapore-based legal set, has announced the launch of Duxton Hill Chambers London, marking a historic first for a Singapore-origin group practice at the English Bar. The announcement was made during Singapore Convention Week, with the Honourable Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs, Edwin Tong, in attendance. This move signifies the growing internationalisation of Singapore’s legal sector and its expanding influence in global disputes.

The new London chambers will operate as a fully-fledged barristers’ chambers, allowing members to conduct litigation and international arbitration work within and from the UK. This development enhances the set’s cross-border capabilities and offers clients a broader choice for disputes counsel. Matthew Gearing, a King’s Counsel at Duxton Hill Chambers, stated, “Duxton Hill Chambers London represents a milestone in our evolution as a set of chambers, which we hope will help further Singapore’s expansion as a legal hub to other jurisdictions.”

The London chambers will be anchored by three prominent King’s Counsel: Toby Landau, Jern-Fei Ng, and Matthew Gearing, each recognised for their expertise in complex, high-value disputes. These members bring a wealth of experience across multiple jurisdictions and arbitral institutions, ensuring the set is well-positioned to serve clients globally.

Complementing the London-based members are senior practitioners from Duxton Hill Chambers in Singapore, who will join as Associated Members. This includes notable figures such as former Attorney-General of Singapore, V K Rajah, and former Judge of the Supreme Court of Singapore, Quentin Loh. The initiative is expected to foster collaboration between practitioners in the UK and Singapore, supporting both cities’ development as centres of international legal excellence.
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Hollywood actor and racing driver Patrick Dempsey is set to present the new top-of-the-range model of the Porsche 911 series. The digital world premiere will take place on 7 September at 15:00 CEST, streamed live on the Porsche Newsroom, YouTube, and LinkedIn. Dempsey will guide viewers through the car’s development stages, including insights from the wind tunnel, engine development, and test track at Weissach.

The event will feature appearances by sports car boss Frank Moser, development driver and brand ambassador Jörg Bergmeister, and tech YouTuber Jason Fenske from Engineering Explained. The new model will be showcased at the IAA Mobility event in Munich from 9 September.

Porsche Asia Pacific, a subsidiary of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, oversees operations in 13 countries from its Singapore headquarters. The company supports importers and dealers in various aspects, including sales and marketing, to enhance customer service and business growth. The Porsche Experience Centre Singapore, set to open in 2027, will be the 11th of its kind globally, designed to engage a local and regional community of Porsche enthusiasts.

The unveiling of the new 911 model underscores Porsche’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the sports car industry, continuing its legacy of producing iconic vehicles.

Singapore has been named the Country-of-Honour at the World Smart Industry Expo (WSIE) 2025 in Chongqing, highlighting its strategic partnership with China. This recognition coincides with the 10th anniversary of the China-Singapore Chongqing Connectivity Initiative (CCI), a significant government collaboration. The Singapore Pavilion at the expo features 12 companies showcasing innovations in digital trade and smart cities, including CapitaLand, FathomX, and Sanbo.

The event will see the signing of at least 10 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), signalling ongoing collaboration between Singaporean and Chongqing enterprises. These agreements span sectors such as data security, MedTech, and AI. Notably, Bravox Pte Ltd and Chongqing Sansec Information Technology will develop China’s first China-Singapore Cloud-based Data Security Service Platform, supported by the Joint Innovation Development Fund (JIDF).

The JIDF, established in 2019, has funded 17 projects with a total value of $2.17m and RMB 13.42m. The fund’s latest tranche will expand project test beds beyond Chongqing to Singapore and Chengdu, broadening opportunities for enterprises.

Johnson Poh, Assistant Chief Executive of the Sectoral Transformation Group at the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), stated, “The new MoUs and JIDF expansion to Chengdu represent an important step in growing the Singapore-China relationship.”

WSIE 2025, held from 5 to 8 September, also celebrates 35 years of diplomatic relations between Singapore and China, underscoring the potential for future growth in digital innovation and cross-border infrastructure.
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Singapore’s Sing60 Music Festival, a two-day celebration of homegrown music, is now part of the SG Culture Pass programme, allowing Singaporeans aged 18 and above to redeem $100 credits for 1-Day Festival Passes. The festival will take place on 6 and 7 December at Fort Canning Park, organised by The Rice Company Limited and produced by Global Cultural Alliance.

Sing60 commemorates 60 years of Singaporean music, featuring headline performances from artists such as Benjamin Kheng, Charlie Lim, Dru Chen, and Shabir Sulthan. The festival will also include indie reunions in Bandwagon Sessions and dynamic DJ pairings in Bunker B2B. Beyond music, the Festival Village, curated with F ZINE, will showcase local food, fashion, and lifestyle brands.

The SG Culture Pass, a nationwide initiative, encourages engagement with local arts and culture. Credits can be used for 1-Day Passes, whilst 2-Day Passes require additional payment methods. Tickets are available at $40 for a 1-Day Pass and $60 for a 2-Day Pass via SISTIC.

Sing60 also supports social inclusion through a pay-it-forward model, where each ticket sold funds access for a child or youth from an underserved background. This initiative ensures that Singapore’s music legacy is shared widely and equitably.

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Retail sales in Singapore experienced a 4.8% increase in July this year compared to the same month in 2024, according to the latest data from the Singapore Department of Statistics. When excluding motor vehicles, the growth in retail sales was 4.1%. Additionally, sales in the food and beverage services sector rose by 1.7% over the same period.

The rise in retail sales highlights a positive trend in consumer spending, reflecting a recovery in the sector. The increase in food and beverage services sales further underscores the gradual return to pre-pandemic levels of dining and social activities.

These figures are part of the Monthly Retail Sales and Food & Beverage Services Indices released by the Singapore Department of Statistics. The indices provide valuable insights into consumer behaviour and economic health, serving as a crucial indicator for businesses and policymakers.

The Department of Statistics has also enhanced its SingStat Mobile App, offering new features for users to access statistical data more conveniently. This move aims to make statistical information more accessible to the public, fostering informed decision-making.

As Singapore continues to navigate post-pandemic recovery, these positive sales figures suggest a strengthening economy. Future reports will reveal whether this upward trend continues, providing further insights into the nation’s economic trajectory.
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Singapore’s top music stars, including JJ Lin, Benjamin Kheng, Shabir Sulthan, Awi Rafael, and Taufik Batisah, have pledged their signed guitars to support the Gift a Guitar programme, part of The Business Times Budding Artists Fund. The initiative aims to provide underserved youths with guitars, mentorship, and performance opportunities at Sing60 this December. Adding a unique twist, the LEGO Group has crafted a one-of-a-kind playable bass guitar from LEGO bricks for the auction.

The proceeds from the auction will directly support the Gift a Guitar programme, equipping 600 youths aged 13 to 20 with instruments, structured lessons, and a platform to showcase their talents. JJ Lin, who donated his Martin D-45 guitar, expressed his hope to inspire young people to find their voice through music. “When I first held a guitar as a teenager, it opened up a world where I could dream, express myself, and connect,” Lin said.

The initiative was inspired by Danny Loong, CEO and Founder of Timbre Group, who received a guitar from his father at 16, sparking his musical journey. Loong’s vision for Gift a Guitar is to provide young people with the same encouragement and opportunity to explore music. “It’s about giving young people encouragement, a voice, and the chance to discover what music can mean in their lives,” Loong stated.

The Gift a Guitar initiative, launched by SGMUSO in partnership with The Rice Company Limited, invites youths to sign up for the programme, with selected participants receiving guitars and professional lessons. The initiative not only aims to nurture musical talent but also to build confidence and community among young people.
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Singapore-headquartered LingoAce, a global education technology company, has announced the integration of Cambridge University Press & Assessment’s renowned English series, “Power Up,” into its Premium English Live Class curriculum. Launched this September, the Level 1 and Level 2 courses are designed for learners aged 5 to 12 studying English as a foreign language. This strategic move aims to provide a rigorous and engaging learning experience aligned with global standards and real-world communication needs.

The “Power Up” series, developed by Cambridge University Press & Assessment, aligns with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) from Pre-A1 to B1 levels. It prepares students for the Cambridge Young Learners English (YLE), Key English Test (KET), and Preliminary English Test (PET) exams. The curriculum combines linguistic, cross-disciplinary, and cultural content to enhance core language skills whilst fostering critical thinking and intercultural understanding.

LingoAce’s certified native English-speaking teachers deliver the “Power Up” lessons in a fully immersive environment, providing real-time feedback on pronunciation, grammar, and expression. This approach ensures simultaneous growth in listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, helping learners progress towards native-like fluency.

Hugh Yao, founder and CEO of LingoAce, stated, “By integrating ‘Power Up’ into our English Live Class, we’re offering students not just a world-class curriculum but the cultural understanding and confidence to communicate anywhere in the world.”

LingoAce plans to further enhance its offerings with AI-driven personalisation, immersive learning environments, and expanded cross-cultural content, ensuring students worldwide achieve lasting language mastery and global readiness. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Singapore, LingoAce operates globally, backed by top investors and recognised as one of the world’s most innovative edtech companies.

Editor’s Note: The LingoAce Power Up courses referenced in this release are available exclusively in Mainland China.

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