Regional News

The Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) recently hosted senior officials from the Royal Oman Police (ROP) for a four-day visit, aimed at enhancing government-to-government cooperation in healthcare. From 21 to 24 October, the delegation, led by Brigadier Dr Naseer Al-Manthery, Director General of Medical Services for Security Services, toured leading Malaysian hospitals and patient facilitation centres to assess clinical capabilities and care coordination systems.

This visit marks a significant step in the ongoing partnership between MHTC and ROP, which began in January 2025. The collaboration seeks to address the medical needs of Omani security personnel and their families through structured healthcare initiatives. The familiarisation programme allowed ROP leadership to directly evaluate Malaysian healthcare infrastructure and international patient services.

The delegation visited several key medical facilities, including KPJ Damansara Specialist Hospital 2, Prince Court Medical Centre, PERKESO Rehabilitation Centre Tun Abdul Razak in Melaka, and Sunway Medical Centre. These visits facilitated discussions with hospital leadership on referral pathways, international patient services, and potential collaborations in clinical training and fellowship opportunities.

Suriaghandi Suppiah, MHTC’s Chief Executive Officer, emphasised the importance of such engagements, stating, “This programme represents the next phase of our partnership, providing ROP leadership with direct assessment of Malaysian healthcare infrastructure and international patient services.” The visit underscores the commitment of both parties to strengthen healthcare ties and explore further collaborative opportunities.

The 5th International Counter Ransomware Initiative (CRI) Summit took place on 24 October 2025 at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, marking the first time the event was held outside the US. The summit, part of the Singapore International Cyber Week 2025, was organised by the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) and brought together nearly 150 representatives from 60 countries, international organisations, and private sector entities. This gathering underscores the global commitment to combating ransomware.

The CRI, established in 2021, is the only multilateral platform focused on international collaboration against ransomware. Co-chaired by Singapore, Australia, Germany, the UK, and the US, the initiative now includes 74 member countries and organisations. Notably, this summit saw the participation of private sector entities, including Ensign InfoSecurity, highlighting the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing ransomware threats.

Josephine Teo, Singapore’s Minister for Digital Development and Information, emphasised the collective resolve against ransomware, stating, “No country, no matter their capabilities or experience, can combat this wicked problem effectively by going it alone.” The summit facilitated discussions on enhancing international cooperation and resilience against ransomware, with members agreeing to improve communication between private organisations and governments, develop capacity-building initiatives, and adopt effective recommendations.

A key outcome was the endorsement of a Guidance for Organisations to Build Supply Chain Resilience Against Ransomware, led by Singapore and the UK. This guidance aims to bolster supply chain security and reduce the impact of ransomware incidents. The summit reaffirmed the CRI’s commitment to fostering international collaboration in cybersecurity efforts.

Augmentus, a Singapore-based leader in AI robotics, has announced a strategic investment from Applied Ventures, the venture capital arm of Applied Materials Inc. This investment is set to propel Augmentus’s mission of advancing intelligent autonomous robotics for high-mix, high-variability manufacturing worldwide. The company’s flagship innovation, the AutoPath robotics stack, integrates advanced 3D vision and adaptive intelligence, enabling robots to perceive, understand, and act with unprecedented precision.

The AutoPath system generates detailed point clouds, allowing robots to capture intricate geometries and surface deviations. This capability translates into dynamic, real-time path generation, enabling robots to adjust their movements on the fly, thus maintaining accuracy in complex environments. This innovation eliminates the need for expert programming, allowing robots to be deployed and reconfigured in minutes, transforming them into adaptive collaborators in manufacturing processes.

Daryl Lim, co-founder and CEO of Augmentus, stated, “Our vision is to enable factories to adapt as quickly as the world changes.” With the backing of Applied Ventures, Augmentus aims to bring agility, precision, and resilience to global manufacturing. Abhishek Sud, Senior Investment Director at Applied Ventures, highlighted the investment’s significance, noting the growing importance of adaptive robotics in enhancing efficiency and resilience in the industrial sector.

Augmentus, with operations in both Singapore and Austin, Texas, offers a no-code AI-powered platform that integrates 3D scanning and adaptive robotic motion. This technology is already deployed across various industries, including aerospace, automotive, and energy, significantly reducing setup times and enhancing operational flexibility.

Zyon Grand, a new residential project in Zion Road, Singapore, experienced a successful launch this weekend, selling 590 out of its 706 units. This impressive 84% sales rate underscores the continued confidence in Singapore’s private residential market. Kelvin Fong, CEO of PropNex, noted that this success aligns with the trend of recent launches, such as Parktown Residences and Springleaf Residence, which also saw significant sales.

The development is the first to feature Long-Stay Serviced Apartments, a new category introduced by the government to address rental housing demand. Larger units were particularly popular, reflecting strong end-user interest, with most buyers being Singaporeans. This suggests a resilient local demand, supported by the project’s family-oriented design.

Zyon Grand’s prime location, with direct access to Havelock MRT station, enhances its appeal. The development offers convenient travel to key areas like Shenton Way and Orchard Road, and is close to popular spots along the Singapore River. Additionally, the presence of several schools nearby makes it attractive to families.

The project’s pricing strategy also played a role in its success, with two-bedroom units starting at $1.468m and three-bedroom units at around $2.2m. This competitive pricing, coupled with easing interest rates, has made purchasing more affordable. The 3-month compounded SORA rate is at its lowest in over three years, further boosting buyer confidence.

Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur (PHKL) and Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur have once again joined forces to support children with congenital heart disease through their annual charity initiative, “Embracing the Gift of Life, Healing Little Hearts Together.” This marks the second year of collaboration between the two institutions, aiming to provide life-saving cardiac care to children in need.

The event, held at PHKL’s auditorium, was led by Erica Lam, CEO of Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur, and Daniel Kaeflein, General Manager of Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur, alongside corporate partners, medical professionals, and media representatives. “When we began this journey, our goal was simple, which is to make life-saving cardiac care accessible to children born with congenital heart disease,” said Lam.

Since the partnership began in May 2024, 10 children have benefited from life-saving surgeries. In 2025 alone, seven children have received support. Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur’s fundraising efforts have raised $69,000 (RM329,035.90), fully funding eight surgeries between January and September 2025. These surgeries, often not covered by insurance, are made possible through PHKL’s paediatric cardiac surgical packages.

“This initiative goes beyond fundraising; it is about giving children the future they deserve,” said Kaeflein. The collaboration, sparked by the arrival of Dr Siti Laura Mazlan, a paediatric cardiothoracic surgeon, continues to make a significant impact on the lives of children and their families.

Prudential Singapore, in collaboration with the SG Eco Fund, has launched the Healthy Harvest initiative, a two-year programme aimed at enhancing climate and health resilience whilst promoting social inclusion. The initiative, unveiled on 26 October, includes the creation of two community edible gardens at Telok Blangah and West Coast Park, designed to engage seniors, young people, and individuals with disabilities in sustainable gardening practices.

The launch event, officiated by Rachel Ong, Adviser to Tanjong Pagar GRC Grassroots Organisations, featured the harvesting and packing of vegetables for local residents. Chan San San, CEO of Prudential Singapore, emphasised the initiative’s goal to empower communities to adopt sustainable lifestyles and healthier eating habits. “Healthy Harvest is a collaboration with the SG Eco Fund that reflects our commitment to building climate and health resilience in the community,” she stated.

The gardens, managed by social enterprises Farmilysg and City Sprouts, offer wheelchair-accessible beds and host various activities, including workshops on sustainable gardening and food waste composting. The initiative aims to collect 6,000 kg of food waste for composting and distribute 3,000 kg of fresh produce to the community.

Desmond Ho, Trust Secretary of SG Eco Fund, highlighted the importance of the initiative in advancing environmental sustainability in line with the Singapore Green Plan 2030. The project is part of Prudential’s SG60 community investment, which has increased from $880,000 to $1m, with additional funding supporting garden activities.

Singapore and China have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to create the Singapore–China Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC). The agreement, signed on 19 October by Singapore’s Acting Minister for Transport, Jeffrey Siow, and China’s Minister of Transport, Liu Wei, elevates their cooperation to a national level, building on previous agreements with Tianjin and Shandong.

The MoU outlines plans for both nations to collaborate with industry stakeholders to advance maritime decarbonisation and improve port and supply-chain efficiency. The initiative will focus on developing technologies, infrastructure, and standards to foster a sustainable and connected maritime ecosystem. Additionally, the corridor aims to enhance digitalisation in maritime operations by promoting data-driven systems to boost efficiency, resilience, and transparency across the maritime value chain.

Both countries will leverage their strengths in manufacturing, supply chain ecosystems, regulatory frameworks, and financial capabilities to drive innovation and implement green and digital initiatives effectively. The establishment of the GDSC highlights the shared commitment of Singapore and China to foster innovation, enhance maritime connectivity, and support the global transition towards a more efficient, resilient, and sustainable maritime sector.

AJJ Medtech Holdings Limited has announced that its subsidiary, AJJ Healthcare Management Pte Ltd, has been awarded a significant long-term supply contract by a prominent network of Singapore healthcare institutions. The contract, effective from 22 October 2025 to 21 October 2028, involves the provision of laboratory plastic consumables to several national-level research and clinical institutions, with an option for a two-year extension.

The contract underscores AJJ Healthcare’s reputation for high-quality and reliable supply chain management, reinforcing its standing as a trusted MedTech and healthcare brand in Singapore. This development is seen as a strategic move that strengthens the company’s position in the institutional supply sector, enhancing its recurring revenue base and earnings visibility over the medium term.

AJJ Healthcare’s CEO, William Ong, expressed his enthusiasm about the contract, stating, “This strategic award enables us to further demonstrate our commitment to operational excellence and supply chain reliability. We are honoured to expand our partnership with Singapore’s leading healthcare institutions.”

The contract also highlights the company’s capability to meet stringent supply chain requirements whilst maintaining consistent product quality and service reliability. AJJ Healthcare’s ISO 13485-certified quality framework played a crucial role in securing this contract, further validating its commercial operations.

The company anticipates that this contract will contribute positively to its financial performance, although the actual revenue generated may vary due to market or regulatory changes. AJJ Medtech Holdings Limited plans to provide updates on any material developments related to this contract.

Palm Beach Motor Yachts, a subsidiary of the Singapore Exchange (SGX)-listed Grand Banks Yachts Limited, has announced its acquisition of the iconic racing yacht Wild Oats XI. This strategic move positions Palm Beach Motor Yachts at the forefront of the luxury yacht industry, enhancing its portfolio with one of the most celebrated vessels in competitive sailing history.

Wild Oats XI is renowned for its impressive record in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, having claimed line honours on multiple occasions. The acquisition underscores Palm Beach Motor Yachts’ commitment to expanding its influence and capabilities within the high-performance yachting sector.

The decision to take the helm of Wild Oats XI aligns with Grand Banks’ broader strategy to leverage its subsidiaries’ strengths and enhance its market presence. By integrating such a prestigious yacht into its fleet, Palm Beach Motor Yachts aims to attract a discerning clientele and reinforce its reputation for excellence in yacht manufacturing and design.

This acquisition not only highlights the company’s ambition but also its dedication to maintaining a competitive edge in the luxury yacht market. As Palm Beach Motor Yachts continues to innovate and expand, industry observers will be keen to see how this acquisition impacts its future endeavours and market positioning.

Timbre Group has officially opened Timbre+ Hillview, a new food and music destination located within the Central Manpower Base (CMPB) in Singapore. This launch is part of the group’s 20th anniversary celebrations, aiming to merge Singapore’s hawker culture with live entertainment in a family-friendly environment. The venue features 26 hawker and lifestyle stalls, live music zones, karaoke spaces, and a golf simulator, creating a vibrant community hub accessible to the public.

Timbre+ Hillview is designed to support local hawkers and emerging food and beverage entrepreneurs by providing affordable spaces, marketing assistance, and mentorship opportunities. Chuh Chee Ming, owner of Zijia Yong Tau Fu, praised Timbre for its support during the pandemic, stating, “Timbre stood by us with flexible rentals and delivery support that helped us stay afloat.” Similarly, Calvyn Ng, founder of Munchi Pancakes, credited Timbre for helping expand his business to over 40 outlets.

The venue also introduces the Timbre app, which allows visitors to discover events, place orders, and receive a 10% discount on purchases made via the app. This initiative aligns with Timbre Group’s mission of creating spaces that combine food, music, and community engagement.

Co-founder and CEO Danny Loong emphasised the group’s commitment to nurturing local talent, stating, “Timbre+ Hillview reflects our belief that everyone deserves a stage, and that stage should be open to all.” As Timbre Group celebrates its 20th anniversary, it continues to champion local musicians and food entrepreneurs, reinforcing its role as a key player in Singapore’s lifestyle and entertainment scene.