Regional News

TechInnovation 2025, Singapore’s leading platform for innovation and business transformation, is set to return for its 13th edition from 29 to 31 October at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre. Organised by IPI Singapore, the event will bring together over 40 expert speakers and more than 100 breakthrough technologies, aiming to accelerate real-world innovation and cross-border collaboration.

Building on the success of last year, which saw participation from over 100 exhibitors across eight countries and attendees from 42 markets, TechInnovation 2025 will once again convene innovators, startups, corporates, and government agencies from across Asia. The event focuses on sectors such as smart buildings, urban solutions, engineering, digital health, sustainability, advanced manufacturing, and artificial intelligence (AI), providing businesses with tailored solutions for growth.

This year’s theme, “Discover, Connect, Collaborate,” highlights the event’s mission to drive growth through discovery and global collaboration. A new feature, “Innovation in Action,” will debut, offering experiential technology showcases where exhibitors can present their ready-to-market technologies in an interactive format. This initiative aims to foster meaningful connections and spark conversations on the show floor.

Michael Goh, Chief Operating Officer of IPI Singapore, stated, “TechInnovation brings together enterprises and partners to explore new ideas. We look forward to welcoming exhibitors whose innovations can support practical business applications and contribute to a more sustainable and competitive future.”

TechInnovation 2025 invites technology providers, research institutions, startups, and solution developers to participate as exhibitors, offering exposure to thousands of decision-makers and industry leaders. The event is organised by IPI Singapore, a subsidiary of Enterprise Singapore, and serves as a dynamic marketplace for co-innovation and tech adoption.
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Porsche has announced a series of updates for its all-electric Macan, focusing on enhancing driver and passenger experience with smarter assistance systems and improved entertainment options. The new features, set to launch by the end of the year, include the advanced Surround View assistance system, which now offers Trained Parking and Reversing Assist, and the Porsche Digital Key compatible with iPhone, Apple Watch, and Android devices.

The Surround View system, equipped with four high-resolution cameras, provides a 360-degree view and cross-traffic alerts, making parking in tight spaces easier. The Trained Parking feature allows the Macan to learn and automate parking routines, whilst Reversing Assist enables automatic reversing along previously driven routes. These innovations aim to simplify manoeuvring in challenging environments.

In addition to these driving aids, the Macan’s App Centre transforms the vehicle into a mobile entertainment hub. New gaming options from Gameloft and Obscure Interactive are available, and AirConsole offers a variety of games playable via smartphone. The optional passenger display ensures entertainment without distracting the driver.

The Voice Pilot feature, enhanced with artificial intelligence, now understands complex queries and provides an on-board manual through voice commands. This makes the Macan a more interactive and user-friendly vehicle.

The updated Macan will be available in Germany from autumn, with prices starting at $250,688, excluding COE. The model’s practicality is further improved with an increased towing capacity of 2,500 kilograms. These updates underscore Porsche’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology into its vehicles.
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Perennial Holdings has launched Perennial Living, Singapore’s first private assisted living development, combining luxury living with comprehensive care services. Located in the tranquil Rosyth estate, the development spans 195,000 square feet and includes 200 assisted living suites and 100 nursing home beds. This innovative project aims to support seniors across various care needs, from independent living to long-term nursing care.

Perennial Living integrates Perennial Wellness, an East-meets-West medical care centre, providing residents with access to a diagnostic centre, hydrotherapy pool, and robotics-assisted rehabilitation facilities. The centre offers a range of services, including preventive health, post-operative rehabilitation, and mental wellness support, delivered by a multidisciplinary team of specialists.

Executive Chairman and CEO of Perennial Holdings, Pua Seck Guan, highlighted the development’s significance, stating, “We aim to redefine the standards of private eldercare in the country by treating seniors with dignity, enabling them to age with good health and vitality.”

Residents can choose from various suite layouts, with occupation packages ranging from $8,900 to $17,000 per month. These packages include accommodation, meals, and access to amenities, with early bird discounts available for the first 40 suites. Additional services, such as medical treatments and concierge services, can be added.

Perennial Living also features smart technologies for safety and convenience, including emergency response systems and health monitoring devices. The development’s design promotes a vibrant lifestyle with activities like Tai Chi and cooking classes, ensuring residents enjoy a fulfilling and connected community life.
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Singapore’s job market demonstrated resilience in July 2025, despite a 4.8% decline in job postings, marking the steepest monthly drop since February 2023, according to data from Indeed, the global hiring platform. Although job postings are now 17.8% lower than a year ago, hiring activity remains robust, with rates still 36% above pre-pandemic levels.

The unemployment rate in Singapore remains steady at 2.1%, with strong demand in service industries such as sports, pharmacy, and education, which saw job postings rise by 173%, 122%, and 117% respectively. However, the healthcare and tech sectors experienced declines, with nursing and IT infrastructure postings dropping by 8.6% and 22.4%.

Pay transparency has decreased, with only 21% of job postings including salary details, down from 30% in 2023–24. Callam Pickering, APAC Senior Economist at Indeed, emphasised the importance of pay transparency, stating, “For employers keen on securing the best talent, pay transparency can make the difference.”

Despite the decline in job postings, the overall hiring landscape in Singapore remains strong, highlighting the resilience of the labour market. However, sustained declines could potentially soften labour market conditions in the future.
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Avanade, a leading Microsoft solutions provider, has announced its acquisition of Total eBiz Solutions, a Singapore-based IT services firm known for its expertise in Microsoft technologies. This strategic move, marking Avanade’s first acquisition in Southeast Asia, is set to bolster its capabilities in aiding mid-market businesses and public sector clients with digital transformation. Over 200 professionals from Total eBiz Solutions will join Avanade, integrating their offerings into Avanade’s existing services.

Founded in 2003, Total eBiz Solutions specialises in AI, cloud, data, engineering, automation, and digital workplace solutions. Its portfolio includes a Contact Centre as a Service platform and Gen AI-powered tools. “This acquisition will mark a pivotal moment in Avanade’s journey in Southeast Asia,” stated Bhavya Kapoor, Avanade’s President for Asia Pacific. Radhakrishna Bijjala, CEO of Total eBiz Solutions, added that joining Avanade will allow them to amplify their impact and offer clients global capabilities.

Avanade’s research indicates that mid-market leaders are increasingly prioritising AI, with many planning to boost investments by 2025. However, challenges remain, as 44% are stalled at the proof-of-concept stage. Mayank Wadhwa, President of Microsoft ASEAN, noted that this acquisition positions Avanade to help organisations transition from pilots to real-world impact.

The financial terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed, and the completion is subject to customary closing conditions.
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CapitaLand Commercial C-REIT (CLCR) has received the green light from the China Securities Regulatory Commission to register for its listing on the Shanghai Stock Exchange. This pivotal move will see CLCR become China’s first international-sponsored retail C-REIT, with the listing anticipated by the fourth quarter of 2025. The initiative aims to raise approximately RMB2.1 billion (S$375 million) through the issuance of 400 million units.

The listing represents a strategic expansion for CapitaLand Investment Limited (CLI), marking its eighth listed fund and reinforcing its position as Asia Pacific’s largest REIT manager by market capitalisation. The move aligns with CLI’s strategy to leverage onshore capital and enhance its funds under management and recurring fee income.

CLCR’s initial portfolio will focus on high-quality retail assets in China, benefiting from government policies aimed at boosting domestic consumption. The portfolio includes CapitaMall SKY+ in Guangzhou and CapitaMall Yuhuating in Changsha, both boasting high occupancy rates and strategic locations. These assets promise stable rental income, supported by a diverse tenant base and experienced asset management teams.

CLI, along with strategic investors, will maintain at least a 20% interest in CLCR. CLI will continue to manage the assets post-listing and support CLCR’s growth through a pipeline of potential assets. With over 30 years of experience in China, CLI manages 43 operational retail properties across 18 cities, underscoring its deep market expertise.

As CLI continues to expand its global footprint, the company remains committed to sustainability, aiming for Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050.
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Space Summit 2026, a new conference and exhibition, will take place in Singapore on 2–3 February, coinciding with the Singapore Airshow 2026. Organised by Experia Events, the summit aims to address the rapid growth of the global space economy, which is expected to nearly triple to $1.8 trillion by 2035. The event will focus on sustainable and inclusive growth in the space sector, reflecting Singapore’s strategic interest in space as a key economic area.

Themed “New Frontiers: Shaping a Responsible and Inclusive Space Future,” the summit will gather national space agencies, policymakers, investors, and industry leaders from around the world. The agenda includes a “Heads of Space Agency Plenary,” where leaders will discuss international collaboration and the impact of space technology on everyday life in Southeast Asia. The event will also explore topics such as dual-use technology, satellite communications, and environmental sustainability.

Endorsed by several Singaporean government agencies, including the Office for Space Technology & Industry and the Economic Development Board, the summit underscores Singapore’s role as a hub for aerospace and technology. Leck Chet Lam, Managing Director of Experia Events, stated, “Space Summit 2026 will bring together partners whose collaboration will extend across the global space ecosystem.”

The summit will be held at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands, and will feature networking events leading up to the main conference. As Singapore continues to advance its space ambitions, the summit aims to foster dialogue and partnerships that will shape the future of the space economy.
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Mindset coach and counsellor Sharanya V, recently spotlighted by CNA Lifestyle, is making waves in Singapore’s mental health landscape by addressing the emotional challenges of parenthood, marriage, and identity. Her podcast, The Parenting Revival, was named one of the top eight podcasts for women in Singapore, reflecting her influence in the ongoing national conversation on mental health.

With mental health gaining prominence on Singapore’s national agenda, Sharanya V’s work is timely. Her approach offers non-clinical, human-centred guidance, which is crucial as the government shifts mental health care from hospital-based interventions to community-focused support. This transition aims to address not only diagnosed conditions but also the broader emotional challenges faced by individuals.

Sharanya V’s practice, which spans over 15 years of cross-cultural experience, provides a blend of coaching and counselling. Her services extend to clients in Singapore, the UK, and Australia, offering both in-person and virtual sessions. She focuses on building resilience in parenting, marriage, and identity, providing structured one-on-one support and free resources, including expert tutorials and her podcast.

The pressures of Singapore’s high-performance culture and rising academic expectations have led to increased burnout and higher divorce rates, particularly among couples married for five to ten years. Sharanya V’s work addresses these issues by promoting emotional wellbeing as a vital part of daily life, helping individuals and families thrive amidst these challenges. Her efforts continue to support the community’s mental wellness, reinforcing the importance of accessible, everyday mental health resources.
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IHH Healthcare, a leading integrated healthcare provider, has revealed a new brand identity as part of its ongoing transformation to make healthcare future-ready. This rebranding effort aims to unify its extensive network of over 70,000 staff and renowned brands, including Acibadem, Gleneagles, and Fortis, under the shared mission of “Care. For Good.”

The new identity underscores IHH’s commitment to delivering integrated, value-based care through meaningful innovation, strategic partnerships, and powerful synergies. Group CEO Prem Kumar Nair stated, “With our refreshed identity, we are embracing our role as a multinational healthcare leader shaping the future of care by driving meaningful innovation, powerful synergies and strategic partnerships across the healthcare ecosystem.”

Coinciding with the rebrand, IHH hosted its inaugural FutureHealth.Now leadership conference in Kuala Lumpur. The event gathered over 300 leaders from healthcare, government, and business sectors to discuss the future of care. Malaysia’s Health Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Haji Dzulkefly Ahmad, highlighted the economic and social impact of healthcare, noting that private providers like IHH play a crucial role in job creation and innovation.

IHH’s rebranding is part of a broader strategy to tackle medical inflation, enhance care quality, and build healthier communities across its key markets. In Malaysia, IHH is advancing value-based care, whilst in Singapore, it continues to sponsor the Singapore Sea Regatta to promote active living. In Türkiye and Europe, Acibadem is expanding its network with new hospitals and clinics.

With its refreshed brand, IHH reaffirms its position as a trusted partner in the healthcare sector, committed to delivering seamless, connected care and driving innovation across continents.
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Singtel has introduced a TikTok Masterclass designed to help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) enhance their digital presence and tap into the growing digital economy. Developed in collaboration with SIM Academy and supported by SkillsFuture Singapore, the programme offers practical skills in content creation, e-commerce activation, and cybersecurity.

The Masterclass provides hands-on training in creating impactful content and leveraging social platforms for business growth. Participants will also gain experience in livestream selling and receive post-workshop support, including engagement with retail merchants and potential co-marketing opportunities. Eligible SMEs can receive up to 90% funding for the programme, which costs $3,000 (£2,400) per participant before GST.

Ng Tian Chong, CEO of Singtel Singapore, highlighted the importance of equipping SMEs with digital tools to reach customers effectively. “With Asia’s young, mobile-first population and growing appetite for social commerce, it’s vital that our SMEs are equipped with smarter, faster ways to reach their customers,” he said.

The three-day immersive programme includes training in content creation, practical application at Singtel’s TikTok Creator House, and cyber awareness to ensure safe online engagement. Singtel plans to conduct 24 masterclasses over two years, each accommodating approximately 15 SMEs.

This initiative is part of Singtel’s broader efforts to support SMEs in digitalising and innovating. As a SkillsFuture Queen Bee, Singtel continues to play a pivotal role in enabling enterprises to upskill and scale sustainably.
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