Regional News

Huttons Asia has commented on the recent Government Land Sales (GLS) tender at Chuan Grove, where the top bid reached $1,331 per square foot (psf). This bid closely mirrors the previous tender’s top bid of $1,376 psf per plot ratio (ppr) in July 2025. Despite a lower number of bidders this time, the tender reflects developers’ confidence in the Lorong Chuan area’s demand.

The recent strong take-up at project launches following the June school holidays has encouraged developers to replenish their landbanks. Mark Yip, CEO of Huttons Asia, noted that these bids demonstrate developers’ belief in the area’s potential. Chuan Park, a nearby development, is more than 85% sold and is expected to sell out when new projects are launched.

The Outside Central Region, which includes Lorong Chuan, currently has the lowest number of unsold units, with approximately 2,000 available. This scarcity is likely to drive further interest in the area. Additionally, the government’s plans to develop Bishan into a subregional centre may increase demand for homes in Lorong Chuan.

As developers continue to show interest in the area, the market dynamics in Lorong Chuan could see significant changes, potentially affecting property values and availability. The ongoing developments and government initiatives are expected to shape the future of this vibrant region.
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The Alpha Picks portfolio has demonstrated remarkable performance in August, achieving an 11.4% month-on-month increase, far surpassing the STI’s 2.3% rise. This marks the second consecutive month of double-digit outperformance for the portfolio, which is managed by UOB Kay Hian. The portfolio’s success is attributed to its strategic focus on small- and mid-cap stocks, benefiting from structural growth themes and the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s S$5 billion Equity Market Development Programme.

In September, the portfolio will see the addition of BRC Asia and Yangzijiang Shipbuilding (YZJSGD), both expected to benefit from strong market dynamics. BRC Asia is poised to gain from increased infrastructure spending, whilst YZJSGD is buoyed by recent order wins and attractive valuations. Conversely, the portfolio will lock in gains by removing CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust, ComfortDelGro, and PropNex, following their recent price strengths.

The portfolio’s performance was driven by significant gains in stocks like PropNex, which rose 77.5% due to strong earnings and property market optimism. Hong Leong Asia and Marco Polo Marine also contributed with substantial increases of 56.7% and 22.4%, respectively. Despite some setbacks with Frencken and UMS due to tariff-related uncertainties, the overall portfolio remains robust.

Looking ahead, the portfolio continues to focus on high-conviction small- and mid-cap names with visible earnings drivers, maintaining its edge in the competitive market landscape.
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Stoneweg Europe Stapled Trust (SERT) has secured a €50m green development loan to fund the major redevelopment of Haagse Poort, its largest asset in The Hague, Netherlands. The loan, arranged by ING Bank N.V., spans five years and aligns with the Green Loan Principles, supporting SERT’s sustainability strategy.

The loan will bolster SERT’s capital structure and provide long-term funding for the Haagse Poort project. The redevelopment aims to reposition the property as a high-quality, energy-efficient office asset. The loan is secured by customary security over Haagse Poort and related assets, ensuring compliance with market terms.

Simon Garing, Executive Director and CEO of Stoneweg EREIT Management Pte. Ltd., stated that the facility is part of the Managers’ strategy of proactive capital and asset management. The agreement includes a duty of care arrangement with ING Bank, allowing the bank to ensure continuity of property management services in case of default.

SERT, listed on the Singapore Exchange, focuses on investing in income-producing commercial real estate across Europe, with a significant emphasis on Western Europe. The trust’s portfolio, valued at €2.3 billion, includes over 100 properties in major European cities.

The new loan facility not only supports the redevelopment of Haagse Poort but also strengthens SERT’s commitment to sustainable and efficient asset management, aligning with its broader environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals.
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Singapore is at the forefront of AI security readiness, with 52% of organisations claiming they are fully equipped to secure AI, according to new research by Delinea. Despite this, Singaporean businesses express the highest global concern over Shadow AI, with 62% encountering unsanctioned AI at least monthly.

The report, based on a survey of over 1,700 IT decision-makers worldwide, highlights a significant gap between confidence and capability in AI security. Whilst 97% of Singaporean firms believe their machine identity security can handle AI threats, only 70% have full visibility into these identities, and just 56% have governance policies in place.

Delinea’s CEO, Art Gilliland, emphasised the need for adaptive, risk-aware systems, stating, “Agentic AI demands agentic security. Organisations must rethink how they approach identity, building adaptive, risk-aware systems that verify and secure every action, whether it’s human- or machine-driven.”

Key concerns identified include AI-driven phishing and deepfakes (54%), unchecked AI systems making autonomous decisions (52%), AI-driven credential theft (47%), and Shadow AI (46%). Despite 91% of Singaporean businesses using AI in daily operations, limited governance leaves them vulnerable to risks.

The report underscores the need for robust identity governance and adaptive security controls as AI continues to transform IT and security operations. Organisations are urged to prioritise these measures to mitigate emerging risks associated with AI technologies.
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Singapore and India have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the Singapore-India Green and Digital Shipping Corridor. This significant agreement was witnessed by the Prime Ministers of both countries during Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s official visit to New Delhi on 4 September 2025.

The MoU outlines a collaborative effort between the two nations and industry partners to develop infrastructure and technologies that facilitate the maritime sector’s transition to zero or near-zero greenhouse gas emission fuels. Additionally, the agreement includes provisions for digital information exchange and joint research into emerging green technologies and solutions.

This partnership is expected to bolster ongoing digitalisation and decarbonisation initiatives within the maritime sector. India’s robust renewable energy capacity and industrial base are poised to support the production and export of alternative marine fuels. Meanwhile, Singapore, as a major hub port, boasts established bunkering operations and a burgeoning ecosystem for maritime innovation.

The collaboration between Singapore and India marks a pivotal step towards sustainable maritime practices, leveraging each country’s strengths to drive forward the global agenda on green shipping. The initiative is anticipated to set a precedent for future international maritime partnerships focused on environmental sustainability and technological advancement.
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PropertyGuru Group, Southeast Asia’s leading property technology company, has announced the appointment of Lu Yao as Managing Director for Singapore, effective 15 September. Lu Yao will spearhead the company’s growth strategies, focusing on maximising customer value and leading commercial and sales teams. He will also be part of the Executive Leadership Team, reporting directly to CEO Lewis Ng.

Lu Yao brings extensive experience in marketplaces and e-commerce, having previously served as Group Head of Marketplace and Bangladesh Chief Commercial Officer at Daraz Group, part of Alibaba International Digital Commerce. His role involved shaping commercial strategies in South Asia and driving growth in Bangladesh. He also led the growth of Shopee Singapore’s FMCG Cluster and Mall, and has a background in strategy and organisational transformation from his time at McKinsey & Company.

CEO Lewis Ng expressed enthusiasm about Lu Yao’s appointment, stating, “Lu’s deep experience in marketplaces and his strength in scaling businesses with the customer at the core are essential for our next growth phase.” Lu Yao himself remarked, “PropertyGuru has transformed how people in Singapore and Southeast Asia find their dream homes, and I am honoured to be part of that journey.”

PropertyGuru continues to dominate the Singapore property marketplace with over 81% market share, offering tools and services that connect home seekers, agents, and developers. The company aims to further innovate and deliver solutions for property seekers and partners in the region.
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Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) has announced an ambitious plan to reduce carbon emissions from the maritime sector by 50% by 2050. The initiative, revealed on 4 September, aims to position Singapore as a leader in sustainable shipping practices. The strategy includes the adoption of cleaner fuels, enhanced energy efficiency measures, and the development of green technologies.

The MPA’s plan is a response to the global call for action on climate change, particularly within the shipping industry, which is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. The authority will collaborate with industry stakeholders to implement these measures, ensuring a collective effort towards sustainability.

Key components of the plan include the promotion of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a transitional fuel, the exploration of hydrogen and ammonia as potential future fuels, and the enhancement of port infrastructure to support greener shipping operations. The MPA will also invest in research and development to drive innovation in maritime technology.

Quah Ley Hoon, Chief Executive of MPA, stated, “This comprehensive strategy underscores our commitment to a sustainable maritime future. We are working closely with industry partners to achieve these ambitious targets.”

The plan is expected to not only reduce emissions but also enhance Singapore’s competitiveness in the global maritime industry. By investing in green technologies and infrastructure, Singapore aims to attract more environmentally conscious shipping companies to its ports.

As the world moves towards a greener future, Singapore’s proactive approach could set a benchmark for other nations, potentially influencing global maritime policies and practices.
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Singapore’s Ministry of Defence has announced a new cybersecurity strategy aimed at enhancing the nation’s digital defences. The strategy, revealed on 4 September, focuses on strengthening the country’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to cyber threats. This initiative comes in response to the increasing complexity and frequency of cyberattacks globally.

The strategy outlines several key components, including the development of advanced cybersecurity technologies and the establishment of a dedicated task force to oversee implementation. A significant emphasis is placed on collaboration with international partners to share intelligence and best practices. “This strategy is crucial for safeguarding our national security in the digital age,” a ministry spokesperson stated.

Additionally, the plan includes initiatives to enhance cybersecurity training and awareness among military personnel and civilians. The ministry aims to create a robust cybersecurity culture across all levels of society, ensuring that individuals are equipped to handle potential cyber threats.

The announcement underscores the importance of cybersecurity in maintaining national security and protecting critical infrastructure. As cyber threats continue to evolve, the Ministry of Defence’s proactive approach aims to position Singapore as a leader in cybersecurity resilience.

Looking ahead, the ministry plans to conduct regular assessments of the strategy’s effectiveness and make necessary adjustments to address emerging threats. This forward-thinking approach ensures that Singapore remains vigilant and prepared in the face of an ever-changing digital landscape.
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Singapore has announced a groundbreaking initiative to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into its healthcare system, aiming to enhance patient care and operational efficiency. The programme, launched on 4 September, will see AI technologies deployed across various hospitals in the city-state, targeting improvements in diagnostics, treatment planning, and patient management.

The initiative is spearheaded by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) in collaboration with several healthcare institutions. It seeks to leverage AI’s capabilities to process large volumes of medical data swiftly, thereby enabling more accurate and timely medical decisions. This move is expected to significantly reduce waiting times and improve patient outcomes.

A*STAR’s spokesperson highlighted the transformative potential of AI in healthcare, stating, “AI can analyse complex medical data faster and more accurately than traditional methods, allowing healthcare professionals to focus on patient care rather than administrative tasks.”

The programme will initially focus on areas such as radiology, where AI can assist in interpreting medical images, and oncology, where it can help tailor personalised treatment plans. By automating routine tasks, the initiative aims to free up healthcare professionals to concentrate on more critical aspects of patient care.

This AI-driven approach is part of Singapore’s broader strategy to position itself as a leader in healthcare innovation. As the programme progresses, it is expected to set new standards in medical practice, potentially serving as a model for other countries looking to integrate AI into their healthcare systems.
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Twilio has announced the global availability of its Rich Communication Services (RCS), revolutionising business messaging with branded and interactive features. This development follows a successful partnership with Singtel, making Singapore the first Asian market to benefit from RCS Business Messaging. The service allows businesses to upgrade SMS to RCS on compatible devices, offering features such as business logos, taglines, and Google-verified sender information at no extra cost.

RCS provides rich content and interactive features, including call-to-action buttons, carousels, and location sharing, which enhance customer engagement and conversion rates. Twilio’s platform ensures seamless integration with automatic carrier management and SMS fallback when RCS is unavailable, guaranteeing reliable message delivery.

Inbal Shani, Twilio’s Chief Product Officer, stated, “RCS makes seamless and trusted customer engagement a reality by delivering richer interactions and increased brand trust.” The service addresses the trust gap in consumer-brand communications, as highlighted in Twilio’s 2025 State of Customer Engagement Report, which found that only 15% of consumers absolutely trust brands with their data.

Existing Twilio customers can upgrade to RCS without code changes, whilst new customers can implement both SMS and RCS through a single API integration. The service is now available across 20 countries and 55 carriers, with companies like Nova Gestões and Fresha already leveraging RCS to enhance customer communications.

Twilio’s RCS is poised to transform business messaging into an interactive, trusted, and transaction-ready channel, offering businesses faster transactions, reduced customer effort, and new opportunities for loyalty and revenue growth.
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