Regional News

The GovWare Conference and Exhibition 2025 is set to take place from 21 to 23 October at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore. This year, the event celebrates its 10th anniversary in partnership with the Singapore International Cyber Week (SICW), organised by the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA). With over 13,000 global cybersecurity stakeholders expected, the conference will address the evolving cybersecurity landscape shaped by artificial intelligence (AI) and rapid digitalisation.

Themed “Cyberspace: Of Starbursts, Black Holes, and Last Frontiers,” GovWare 2025 will delve into the acceleration of digital transformation through AI, the hidden vulnerabilities in complex systems, and the shifting boundaries of cyber risk and trust. Ian Monteiro, Executive Director of Image Engine, emphasised the event’s focus on trust, accountability, and strategic foresight, stating, “GovWare is where critical conversations on cybersecurity leadership, regulation, and AI governance are redefined.”

As AI continues to unlock new possibilities, it also expands the threat surface across enterprises and societies. The conference aims to shift the focus from reactive compliance to proactive resilience, highlighting the need for executive leadership and cross-sector collaboration. Yock Hau Dan, Assistant Chief Executive of CSA, noted the importance of international cooperation to address the challenges posed by AI and geopolitical tensions.

GovWare 2025 will feature keynotes, panels, and showcases, providing a platform for dialogue and innovation at the intersection of technology, governance, and leadership. Registration is now open for those interested in attending.
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Grand Prix Season Singapore (GPSS) is set to return from 26 September to 5 October 2025, offering a range of race-themed lifestyle experiences across the city. This year’s event, which complements the Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2025, will feature 16 new programme partners, including local brands like New Bahru and Love Bonito, as well as international names such as Moët & Chandon, Adidas, and Glenfiddich.

The festivities will be spread across various locations, with highlights including Jam Off at Sentosa, featuring performances by Asian stars Rain, Ekin Cheng, and Hins Cheung. The Marina Central district will host the GrooveDriver Festival, showcasing international and local artists, whilst Clarke Quay will present Hit the Apex, a live music showcase with 40 artists from 17 countries.

Lilian Chee, Director of Sports at the Singapore Tourism Board, expressed pride in the diverse line-up of partners, stating, “We are proud to feature more Singapore establishments bringing refreshing additions to the programme, joining premier live entertainment performances and unique race-inspired dining and retail offerings.”

New partners like Moët & Chandon will host the Elevation Lounge at Bayfront, offering hot air balloon rides and exclusive events. Adidas will collaborate with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team, whilst Glenfiddich partners with Aston Martin Formula One for a unique pop-up at Changi Airport.

Returning partners include LEGO, showcasing a life-sized race car, and TAG Heuer, celebrating its motorsport heritage. The event promises to reinforce Singapore’s status as a leading lifestyle destination, offering memorable experiences for both visitors and locals.
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RushOwl, a Singapore-based ride-sharing platform, has successfully raised $10m in Series A funding to scale its dynamic ride-sharing services. The funding round was led by Gobi Partners, a pan-Asian venture capital firm, with participation from the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited (HKIC). The investment aims to support RushOwl’s expansion into new markets, including the Philippines, South Korea, and Malaysia.

Founded in 2018 by Shin Ng, Songyan Ho, and Kris Lee, RushOwl has developed a proprietary AI-based technology, RushOS, which optimises fleet utilisation and integrates with autonomous vehicles. The platform currently operates in Singapore, India, and Hong Kong, managing over 4,000 trips daily and serving 250,000 users. RushOwl’s technology has enabled a 50% reduction in carbon emissions and a 30% decrease in commute times compared to traditional public transport.

The company plans to use the new funding to expand its market presence and establish a research and development centre in Malaysia. Additionally, RushOwl aims to grow its B2B sales team and secure partnerships with fleet operators to licence its RushOS technology. Key partners already include Asia Pacific Breweries, CBRE, and Singapore’s Ministry of Education.

Clara Chan, CEO of HKIC, highlighted the investment’s alignment with Hong Kong’s future economic growth drivers, stating, “Our investment in RushOwl embodies this approach—supporting a company whose smart mobility solutions address urban and sustainability challenges.” Chibo Tang, Managing Partner of Gobi Partners, added, “RushOwl addresses urban challenges such as congestion and excess emissions whilst preparing for the future by developing technologies compatible with autonomous vehicles.”

RushOwl’s innovative approach to bridging the gap between private and public transportation positions it as a key player in the smart mobility sector across Asia.
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BDx Data Centres, a prominent data centre operator in Asia, has partnered with HEXA Renewables, a leader in renewable energy, to deliver 50 megawatts (MW) of clean power to the Singapore-Malaysia energy grid. This strategic collaboration, announced on 3 September 2025, seeks to address the challenges of sourcing renewable energy in Singapore by developing new green energy projects in Malaysia.

The partnership introduces an innovative decarbonisation model for the region, aligning with Singapore’s projected addition of at least 300 MW of new data centre capacity. BDx, which operates Indonesia’s first Sovereign AI data centre campus powered by renewable energy, aims to set a new standard for cross-border collaboration in digital infrastructure. “Performance and environmental responsibility are not mutually exclusive,” said Mayank Srivastava, CEO of BDx Data Centres.

Vince Choi, CEO of HEXA Renewables, highlighted the importance of the partnership in supporting national sustainability goals and accelerating the energy transition. As part of its broader sustainability strategy, BDx plans to deploy 1 gigawatt (GW) of capacity across the region, reinforcing its commitment to environmentally responsible data centre growth.

HEXA Renewables, an independent energy producer, aims to develop up to 5 GW of renewable energy projects in the Asia Pacific region, with an investment target of $5b. This collaboration marks a significant step in supporting Singapore’s Green Plan 2030 and showcases the potential of regional cooperation in advancing sustainable energy solutions.
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MyRepublic has launched the AI Automation Box, a pioneering plug-and-play AI server designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) automate their business processes swiftly and economically. This innovative solution allows businesses to implement AI-driven workflows without the need for dedicated engineering teams or external consultants.

The AI Automation Box is tailored for organisations with 20 to 200 employees, offering a self-contained automation engine that simplifies operations and automates manual tasks. Lawrence Chan, Managing Director and Chief AI Officer at MyRepublic, described it as “like having your own private AI lab,” enabling businesses to automate processes akin to Fortune 500 companies.

Equipped with a no-code/low-code workflow builder and the option for custom coding, the AI Automation Box allows for easy design and deployment of automations. It features self-hosted large language models from providers such as OpenAI, Meta, and DeepSeek, supported by enterprise-grade GPU hardware for high-performance execution.

To facilitate adoption, the solution includes over 100 ready-to-use templates, tutorials, and access to the MyRepublic AI Academy. It also offers a spreadsheet-like no-code database for building and managing data-driven applications. Aimed at business owners, operations managers, and lean IT teams, the AI Automation Box supports applications in customer service, reporting, invoicing, and human resources.

Starting at $255 per month, the AI Automation Box provides an integrated on-premise solution, eliminating the need for cloud subscriptions or extensive technical training. Imran Nazi, Head of ICT, stated, “The AI Automation Box is not just a product. It’s a movement to make automation a standard tool for every business.”
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Researchers from the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) have developed the world’s first automated RNA analysis tool, a significant advancement in the study of cancer and infectious diseases. This innovative tool, created by SMART’s Antimicrobial Resistance interdisciplinary research group, in collaboration with several universities, allows for rapid and large-scale scanning of RNA chemical changes, which are crucial for understanding how cells respond to stress, infection, and disease.

The tool addresses the limitations of traditional RNA analysis methods, which are often slow, costly, and hazardous. By automating the profiling of transfer ribonucleic acid (tRNA) modifications, the tool provides a comprehensive view of the epitranscriptome, enabling scientists to identify disease markers and develop targeted therapies. This advancement is particularly timely, given the rising incidence of cancer and antibiotic-resistant infections globally.

The research, published in the journal Nucleic Acids Research, has already led to the discovery of previously unknown RNA-modifying enzymes and the mapping of gene networks that control cellular adaptation to stress. Using robotic liquid handlers, the team analysed over 5,700 strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, revealing new insights into bacterial survival mechanisms.

Professor Peter Dedon, Co-lead Principal Investigator at SMART AMR, highlighted the tool’s potential: “This pioneering tool marks a transformative advance in decoding the complex language of RNA modifications that regulate cellular responses.”

Looking ahead, SMART plans to expand the tool’s capabilities to human cells, aiming to integrate it into clinical research for more effective and personalised treatments. This development is supported by the National Research Foundation Singapore under its CREATE programme.
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In Singapore, AI is a national priority, with 44% of local Gen Z employees already feeling its impact on their jobs. The World Economic Forum projects that by 2030, technology will handle 37% of workplace tasks in Singapore, allowing workers to focus on more meaningful work. Gen Z’s role in AI adoption is crucial, with 96% of Singapore graduates confident in using AI tools, according to the CFA Institute’s 2025 Graduate Outlook Survey.

Overall, Gen Z employees are at the forefront of AI adoption in the workplace, according to a new study by the International Workplace Group (IWG). The research, which surveyed over 2,000 professionals in the US and UK, highlights that 59% of Gen Z workers are actively helping older colleagues learn AI tools, significantly boosting productivity and collaboration in hybrid work environments.

The study found that 80% of employees have used AI tools, saving an average of 55 minutes per day—equivalent to nearly a full extra working day per week. This time-saving has allowed 55% of workers to focus on high-impact projects, learning, and relationship-building. Furthermore, 82% of Senior Directors reported that AI innovations introduced by younger staff have unlocked new business opportunities.

IWG CEO Mark Dixon remarked, “Advances in technology, particularly in AI, are boosting productivity, opening up new career opportunities, and connecting different generations of expertise.” As AI continues to reshape the workplace, the collaboration between generations is proving essential in unlocking its full potential.
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SingTel has received an upgrade from Hold to Add by CGS International Equities, following its Investor Day on 29 August 2025. The target price has been increased to S$4.80, up from S$4.10, driven by an improved outlook for its regional data centre business and better-than-expected performance from Optus and Bharti. The company’s strategic plan, SingTel28, and the extension of its value realisation dividends (VRD) programme have also contributed to this positive reassessment.

The report highlights that SingTel’s regional data centres are experiencing strong demand, with management expecting over 200MW of capacity by 2026. Additionally, SingTel plans to expand its data centre footprint to Japan in collaboration with Hitachi. Optus’s expanding network in Australia has led to a 33% year-on-year increase in earnings for the first quarter of FY26. Bharti, SingTel’s associate, is also benefiting from market improvements in India and increased demand for data centre services in India and Africa.

CGS International Equities notes that SingTel’s shares are currently trading at 22 times the forecasted price-to-earnings ratio for FY27, with a dividend yield of 4.6% for FY26. The report suggests that further sales of SingTel’s stake in Bharti, along with continued VRD payments, could act as catalysts for a re-rating of its shares. However, potential risks include increased competition in Singapore and Australia, large acquisitions, and regulatory changes affecting cash flow and earnings.

In conclusion, SingTel’s strategic initiatives and positive market conditions have led to an optimistic outlook, with the company well-positioned for future growth.
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Knight Frank Singapore and CBRE have announced the sale of Quayside Isle at Sentosa Cove, a prestigious waterfront retail asset. Located at 31 Ocean Way, this two-storey lifestyle mall is the only dedicated commercial waterfront precinct in Sentosa Cove, offering over 200 metres of marina frontage. Completed in 2012, Quayside Isle spans approximately 89,683 square feet with a net lettable area of 44,121 square feet and includes a basement car park with 78 lots.

Quayside Isle features a diverse tenant mix, including Common Man Coffee Roasters, Greenwood Fish Market, Jasons Deli, and Quayside Isle Preparatory School, serving both as a lifestyle destination and community hub. The property benefits from a steady stream of affluent residents, local and international visitors, and event-driven traffic, reinforcing its role as a retail and lifestyle anchor in Sentosa Cove.

The asset is poised to benefit from significant developments such as the Resorts World Sentosa 2.0 expansion and the Sentosa-Brani Master Plan, which aim to enhance Sentosa’s international appeal. Melvin Chay, Senior Director at Knight Frank Singapore, highlighted Quayside Isle’s unique position as a retail and lifestyle precinct, offering investors resilient patronage and growth potential. Michael Tay, Deputy Managing Director at CBRE Singapore, noted its strong occupancy and potential for rental and capital appreciation.

The property is zoned “Commercial” under the 2019 Master Plan and is available to both local and foreign buyers without additional stamp duties. The sale, conducted via an Expression of Interest exercise, closes on 15 October 2025.
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Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Singapore now have access to a new financial lifeline, as Bizcap unveils a line of credit offering up to $300,000. This initiative, announced on 3 September 2025, aims to address the cash flow challenges faced by local businesses, providing rapid approvals and flexible repayment options tailored to their needs.

The Business Line of Credit is designed to help SMEs manage seasonal fluctuations, cash flow gaps, and time-sensitive opportunities. Unlike traditional banking products, Bizcap’s offering allows businesses to draw down funds as needed, with interest charged only on the amount used. This eliminates the need for reapplication, offering a seamless experience for business owners.

Rebecca del Rio, Bizcap’s Chief Revenue Officer, highlighted the product’s success in international markets, noting its high utilisation rates and positive feedback from both brokers and customers. “It’s trusted by advisers for fast approvals and transparent support, and by business owners for reliable flexibility,” she said.

Joseph Lim, Managing Partner at Bizcap Singapore, emphasised the product’s alignment with the specific challenges faced by Singaporean SMEs. “This Line of Credit is our answer to the speed, red tape, and lack of flexible options from mainstream lenders,” he stated.

Bizcap’s approach involves working closely with advisers and brokers, assessing the overall financial health of businesses rather than just credit scores. Tony Truong, Chief Credit Officer, added, “Our goal is to make funding practical, fast, and responsible.”

Founded in 2019, Bizcap has already funded over 42,000 SMEs globally, totalling $16 billion, and holds a 4.95 Trustpilot rating. The company is optimistic about the product’s reception in Singapore, anticipating it will become a cornerstone for local SMEs seeking reliable financial support.
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