Regional News

Singapore-based Gill Capital Group, a prominent retail brand manager in Southeast Asia, has announced a partnership with Google Cloud to launch a generative AI solution aimed at improving e-commerce search and product discovery. This initiative seeks to address the common frustration of ineffective search bars that fail to understand shopper intent, often resulting in lost sales opportunities.

The collaboration introduces a next-generation search and conversational experience that goes beyond traditional keyword-matching. Through Google Cloud’s AI Cloud Takeoff programme, Gill Capital has integrated a generative AI-powered search agent into e-commerce platforms for H&M in Indonesia and Thailand. This AI agent, built using Vertex AI Search for Commerce, can understand the true intent behind search queries, even when typos are present, by focusing on the meaning of words rather than just keywords.

Additionally, Gill Capital is incorporating a conversational agent into these platforms, serving as a virtual shopping assistant. This agent offers personalised product recommendations and assists with complex tasks, such as checking stock availability at nearby H&M stores, thereby bridging the gap between digital and physical shopping experiences.

Victor Siow, Group Chief Data and Analytics Officer at Gill Capital, highlighted the strategic advantage of using Google Cloud’s technology, stating, “With Google Cloud, we’re utilising the same underlying components that power Google Search today to gain a competitive edge.”

Following successful pilot tests, Gill Capital plans to expand these solutions for H&M Indonesia and Thailand later this year. The initiative is part of a broader AI strategy to enhance retail experiences and explore new applications in areas like supply chain optimisation.
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Token2049, the world’s largest crypto event, is set to break records with its upcoming edition in Singapore, welcoming 25,000 attendees from over 160 countries on 12 October 2025 at Marina Bay Sands. The event will feature over 500 exhibitors and a lineup of prominent speakers, including Eric Trump, Donald Trump Jr., and Vlad Tenev, among others.

With unprecedented demand, Token2049 is entering its final ticket sales phase, with prices increasing to $599 on 29 August. Organisers anticipate an early sell-out. New additions this year include the debut of the Token2049 Origins Hackathon and the second edition of the NEXUS Web3 start-up competition, held in collaboration with venture investors like Dragonfly and Pantera.

The event will transform Marina Bay Sands into a dynamic pop-up city, offering a festival-style experience with activities such as rock climbing, ziplining, and live performances. Alex Fiskum, co-founder of Token2049, expressed excitement for the event, stating, “This will be our most ambitious edition yet, with the global crypto community converging in Singapore.”

Token2049 Singapore will serve as a global stage for the industry’s leading companies and projects, with title sponsors including OKX, Coinbase, and TRON. The event will culminate with the Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend, further solidifying its status as a major international industry gathering.
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Singapore-based Global Esports Federation (GEF) has inaugurated its Innovation & Research Centre (IRC) in Athens, Greece, in partnership with Socialinnov, a non-profit organisation focused on digital empowerment and social entrepreneurship. This initiative, announced on 27 August 2025, seeks to integrate esports with education, wellness, and opportunities in related industries.

The Athens IRC is set to be a pivotal part of GEF’s global network, fostering collaboration across regions and expanding opportunities in esports, gaming, technology, and entertainment. Thanos Karagrounas, GEF Chief Impact Officer, highlighted the centre’s role as a “milestone in the GEF’s journey to shape an inclusive and impactful future for esports.” He emphasised the collaboration with Socialinnov to unlock new avenues for innovation, education, and investment.

Stella Psarrou, Director of Socialinnov, expressed pride in partnering with GEF, stating, “Together, we will cultivate new pathways for youth, educators, and entrepreneurs to engage with technology, esports, and innovation on a global scale.”

The Athens IRC will leverage Greece’s burgeoning digital ecosystem and Socialinnov’s expertise to develop strategies and programmes focused on responsible gaming, holistic wellness, and sustainable career pathways. This initiative aims to empower individuals and communities with the skills needed to thrive in the digital age.

The GEF is committed to enhancing the credibility and prestige of esports, uniting various stakeholders on a single platform. Through its global initiatives, GEF continues to drive positive change in the esports community.
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The London School of Business and Finance (LSBF) Singapore Campus has partnered with the Institute of Valuers and Appraisers, Singapore (IVAS) to launch the Chartered Valuer and Appraiser (CVA) Programme in Malaysia and India. This marks the first time LSBF will offer the CVA Programme outside Singapore, aiming to enhance professional standards in valuation across these burgeoning markets.

The partnership was formalised during the IVAS-IVSC Business Valuation Conference 2025, attended by notable figures such as Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, and Chia-Tern Huey Min, Chief Executive of the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority. The initiative seeks to provide finance professionals, corporate leaders, and valuation specialists in Malaysia and India with access to a globally recognised qualification.

Rathakrishnan Govind, CEO of LSBF Global, emphasised the importance of valuation in today’s business environment, stating, “By bringing the CVA Programme to Malaysia and India, we are giving professionals direct access to world-class training that enhances their expertise and credibility on the global stage.” Lie Kok Keong, Chairperson of the IVAS Council, added, “This collaboration will strengthen business valuation standards and practices across the region.”

Founded in 2003, LSBF serves over 25,000 students globally and has been recognised for its future-focused approach to education. The expansion of the CVA Programme aligns with LSBF’s mission to broaden educational opportunities across Asia, contributing to economic growth by building talent in key sectors.
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UOB Kay Hian’s latest research report, “2Q25 Round-Up: Poised for an Upturn,” reveals a positive outlook for Singapore Real Estate Investment Trusts (S-REITs) as the sector shows signs of recovery. The report, released on 26 August 2025, indicates that two out of 21 S-REITs under their coverage exceeded expectations, with CapLand Integrated Commercial Trust (CICT) and Parkway Life REIT (PREIT) leading the charge.

The report maintains an “OVERWEIGHT” rating for S-REITs, suggesting investors consider blue-chip options such as CapLand Ascendas REIT (CLAR), CapLand Ascott Trust (CLAS), Keppel DC REIT (KDCREIT), Keppel REIT (KREIT), and Lendlease Global Commercial REIT (LREIT). These recommendations are based on specific catalysts and target prices, with CLAR, for instance, having a target price of S$4.02.

The retail sector has benefited from resilient domestic consumption, bolstered by government vouchers, leading to positive rental reversions. Frasers Centrepoint Trust (FCT) reported an 8-9% rental reversion for FY25, whilst LREIT achieved a 10.2% reversion. Meanwhile, the office sector has seen limited supply supporting rental growth, with KREIT achieving a 12.3% positive rental reversion in the first half of 2025.

The report also notes that the Federal Reserve’s anticipated rate cuts in the second half of 2025 could further stimulate economic growth, providing a favourable environment for S-REITs. With strategic acquisitions and asset enhancements underway, the sector is well-positioned for an upturn.
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Abaxx Technologies Inc, a financial software and market infrastructure company, recently facilitated a high-level delegation from the China City Gas Association (CCGA) to Singapore on 26-27 August 2025. The delegation engaged in discussions with Enterprise Singapore and the Asia Natural Gas & Energy Association (ANGEA) to explore opportunities for cross-border cooperation in the natural gas and energy sectors. The focus was on sustainability and innovation in Asia’s energy markets, particularly the adoption of carbon-neutral liquefied natural gas (LNG) and biogas integration.

The two-day programme underscored the importance of advancing China-Singapore energy ties and highlighted the role of public-private partnerships in building resilient energy markets. The CCGA delegation, representing China’s leading city gas distributors, met with Singapore policymakers and industry leaders to discuss strengthening regional market infrastructure and leveraging Singapore’s robust trading ecosystem.

Nancy Seah, CEO of Abaxx Exchange, stated, “The growing demand for cleaner energy solutions presents a complex set of challenges for markets across Asia. By facilitating this delegation, we’re helping to connect key stakeholders and identify practical pathways to enhance market efficiency.”

Enterprise Singapore’s Director of Trade, Ivan Tan, emphasised Singapore’s role as Asia’s energy trading hub, noting that energy companies from around the world base their operations in Singapore to access its talent, trade financing, and shipping services.

Paul Everingham, CEO of ANGEA, expressed support for the delegation, highlighting the importance of gas in China’s energy transition. Ma Changcheng, Deputy Secretary General of the CCGA, noted that Singapore’s strengths in LNG and financial markets provide valuable insights for China’s gas sector modernisation.

Abaxx Technologies continues to focus on enabling transparent, reliable market signals that support sustainable decision-making in the natural gas and energy sectors.
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CapitaLand Commercial C-REIT (CLCR) has received the green light from the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) to proceed with its listing on the Shanghai Stock Exchange. This landmark approval positions CLCR as China’s first international-sponsored retail C-REIT, with the listing anticipated by the fourth quarter of 2025. The move is set to raise approximately RMB2.1b (S$375m) through the issuance of 400 million units.

The listing of CLCR represents a strategic expansion for CapitaLand Investment Limited (CLI), which aims to strengthen its position as Asia Pacific’s largest REIT manager by market capitalisation. This initiative aligns with CLI’s domestic-for-domestic fund strategy, designed to tap into 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, capitalising on government policies to boost domestic consumption. The portfolio includes CapitaMall SKY+ in Guangzhou and CapitaMall Yuhuating in Changsha, offering a combined gross floor area of 168,405 square metres and a 96% occupancy rate as of 31 March 2025. These assets promise stable rental income, supported by a diversified tenant base and experienced asset management teams.

CLI, along with strategic investors CLCT and CLD, will maintain at least a 20% interest in CLCR. CLI will continue to manage the assets post-listing, leveraging its extensive experience in the Chinese market, where it manages 43 retail properties across 18 cities. With a total market capitalisation of S$38b as of 30 June 2025, CLI’s expertise is expected to drive the growth of CLCR and its associated entities.
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Sheffield Green, a Singapore-based human resource services provider for the renewable energy sector, has reported a 12% year-on-year increase in revenue for the financial year 2025, reaching $19.3m. This growth is attributed to strategic expansions in Taiwan and Poland, alongside new client acquisitions. The company’s net profit surged by 497% year-on-year, driven by continued investments in training and core human resource capabilities.

The company’s gross profit margin stood at 28.1%, influenced by one-off tax accruals and project timing. Despite these challenges, CEO Bryan Kee expressed optimism about the company’s future, stating, “Our investments in Taiwan, Poland, and South Korea have positioned us to tap into the fastest-growing offshore wind markets in Asia and Europe.”

Sheffield Green’s expansion efforts are part of a broader strategy to capitalise on the global shift towards decarbonisation. The company has established a training centre in Taiwan, which has shown promising progress, and is actively engaging with new clients. Kee added, “As the global push toward decarbonisation accelerates, we are confident that Sheffield Green is well positioned to capture the significant employment and talent opportunities emerging across the renewable energy value chain.”

The company specialises in providing human resource services for Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Installation (EPCI) works in the renewable energy industry, with a focus on offshore wind projects. Looking ahead, Sheffield Green aims to further strengthen its position in the renewable energy sector, leveraging its strategic expansions and investments to drive future growth.
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The Insurance and Financial Practitioners Association of Singapore (IFPAS) and Kaplan Professional Australia have celebrated the graduation of nearly 110 financial advisory professionals from the High Net Worth (HNW) Certification and Fellow Chartered Financial Practitioner (FChFP) Certification programmes. These certifications, recognised by the Asia Pacific Financial Services Association (APFinSA), aim to elevate financial advisory standards across Singapore and the region.

The FChFP Certification, completed by nearly 60 individuals, provides an accelerated pathway to the Institute of Banking and Finance Singapore (IBF) Level 2 or Level 3 Certification. It focuses on real-world, client-centric learning, aligning with international best practices. Meanwhile, close to 50 professionals earned the Certified HNW Adviser title, bringing the total to almost 200. This programme emphasises asset protection, wealth management strategies, and client engagement skills.

The success of these programmes comes at a crucial time for the financial services sector in Southeast Asia. Regulatory reforms, digitisation, and rising client financial literacy are shifting the industry from product sales to advice-based service models. IFPAS President Ng Eng Beow remarked, “Graduating with the FChFP Certification or HNW Certification is not the final milestone – it marks the start of a lifelong journey of growth.”

Kaplan Professional Australia CEO Brian Knight highlighted the transformative nature of the certifications, stating, “These programmes are shaping the future of financial services education across Asia-Pacific.”

Graduates have shared how the certifications have recalibrated their client engagement strategies and strengthened their advisory credibility. The final intake for this year begins on 29 September for the FChFP Certification and 6 October for the HNW Certification.
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Singapore’s Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are witnessing a resurgence in investor interest, driven by attractive valuations and a favourable yield spread, according to a DBS Group Research report. As the second half of 2025 unfolds, retail REITs are expected to deliver the most robust organic growth, closely followed by logistics and data centre sectors. Office REITs continue to surprise with positive rental reversions, contributing to the sector’s overall appeal.

The growth in distributable income is anticipated to outpace net property income, signalling a positive shift influenced by interest rate dynamics. Mid-cap REITs, such as LREIT, EREIT, and ELITE, present value-up opportunities with high yields ranging from 6% to 9%.

CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust (CICT) has been highlighted as a standout performer, achieving a 3.5% year-on-year increase in its first-half distribution per unit (DPU) to 5.62 Singapore cents. This performance surpasses expectations due to strong rental reversions and reduced financing expenses. CICT’s acquisition of the remaining 55% stake in CapitaSpring Commercial is expected to provide accretive upside through master lease renewals in the financial years 2026–2027.

The trust’s strategic acquisitions, retail asset enhancement initiatives, and contributions from renewed Gallileo leases are projected to support a consistent 3% annual DPU growth. Analysts maintain a ‘buy’ rating for CICT, with a higher target price of SGD 2.50, implying a forecasted yield of 4.5% for the financial year 2025.

As Singapore’s REIT market continues to evolve, investors are poised to capitalise on the promising growth prospects across various sectors, reinforcing the market’s attractiveness, DBS Group Research said.
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