Regional News

Digital travel platform and Singapore-headquartered Agoda has launched a new Content Enhancement Tool that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to enhance the quality of images on its platform. This tool, now operational, aims to provide travellers with clearer and more relevant visuals of over 6 million accommodation options, ranging from boutique hotels in Bangkok to beachfront villas in Bali.

The tool automatically upgrades millions of images by identifying and enhancing low-resolution photos, removing duplicates, and improving image tags. It also ranks images based on clarity and relevance whilst maintaining authenticity. Idan Zalzberg, Agoda’s Chief Technology Officer, stated, “A good picture can say more than a thousand words. Photos are essential to building trust when booking travel.”

The introduction of this tool has already shown positive results, with users spending more time browsing listings and checking room details after interacting with the enhanced visuals. Zalzberg added, “When you know what to expect, you book with more peace of mind and less hesitation.”

Agoda’s platform offers not only accommodation but also 130,000 flight routes and 300,000 activities, all accessible via its website or mobile app. This enhancement is part of Agoda’s ongoing efforts to improve user experience and increase booking confidence.
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The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) has launched IP Week @ SG 2025, themed “Ideas to Assets: Innovating in Times of Change.” The event, now in its 14th year, has attracted 5,000 delegates from over 40 countries, focusing on how intellectual property (IP) and intangible assets (IA) can drive growth and competitiveness.

During the opening ceremony, Dr. Tan See Leng, Minister for Manpower and Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science & Technology, emphasised Singapore’s dedication to enhancing its IP and IA ecosystem. He noted the importance of protecting ideas and fostering collaboration amidst the challenges posed by emerging technologies like generative AI and the current geopolitical climate.

IP Week @ SG 2025 continues to establish itself as a significant global platform for innovation and enterprise. The event facilitates the exchange of ideas and the formation of partnerships among business leaders, innovators, and investors. IPOS is committed to strengthening Singapore’s IA/IP regime, aiding enterprises in unlocking value from their IA, and expanding collaboration with ASEAN and global partners to solidify Singapore’s status as a trusted hub for innovation.

As the event progresses, it is expected to further highlight the role of IP and IA in economic growth, offering insights and strategies for businesses to navigate the evolving landscape.
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Skechers, renowned for its comfort-driven footwear, is bringing back its popular Friends & Family Sale, offering members a 50% discount on regular-priced items from 30 August to 7 September 2025. The sale includes a range of footwear, apparel, and accessories, providing an ideal opportunity for customers to update their wardrobes with stylish and comfortable options.

The sale is exclusive to members of the Skechers Membership Programme, which is free to join and offers year-round benefits such as exclusive discounts, points with every purchase, birthday treats, and early access to new launches. Membership details can be found on the Skechers website.

Highlighted items in the sale include the Skechers GO WALK Max Cushioning Arch Fit – Haptic for men, priced at $89.50 (originally $179.00), and the Skechers Flex Appeal 5.0 – Cruising Thru for women, available for $49.50 (originally $99.00). Both styles are designed with advanced comfort technologies and are machine washable, crafted from 100% vegan materials.

In addition to footwear, the sale features apparel and accessories like the Unisex Skechers Knit Short Sleeve Tee for $17.50 (originally $35.00) and the Skechers Outdoor Fisherman Hat for $12.50 (originally $25.00). These items are designed for comfort and versatility, making them suitable for various occasions.

The sale is available at Skechers stores across Singapore and online, with terms and conditions applying. Certain collections are excluded from the promotion, and sizes are subject to availability.
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The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has initiated a land tender for a site at Bukit Timah Road, marking the first release under the 2H2025 Government Land Sales (GLS) programme. The site is expected to accommodate approximately 340 residential units, with the tender closing on 11 November 2025. This development is part of a broader urban transformation plan for the Newton area, as outlined in the Draft Master Plan 2025.

The Newton area, historically limited in GLS supply, is set for significant changes, with plans for 5,000 homes and new mixed-use developments. The site’s proximity to Newton MRT Interchange offers excellent connectivity, making it attractive to families, especially those with school-going children, due to its closeness to several primary schools. Additionally, amenities such as Newton Food Centre and the Orchard Road shopping belt are nearby.

Justin Quek, CEO of OrangeTee and Deputy Group CEO of Realion, noted that the last residential land parcel in Newton was awarded in 1997. He highlighted the robust demand for luxury homes, as evidenced by the successful launch of UpperHouse at Orchard Boulevard. However, Quek cautioned that the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) and increased housing supply might deter some developers. He anticipates 3 to 6 bidders, with top bids ranging from S$1,500 to S$1,600 per square foot per plot ratio.

The tender’s outcome will be closely watched, as it could set a precedent for future developments in the evolving Newton neighbourhood.
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Pan Pacific Hotels Group (PPHG) has announced a collaboration with The LEGO Group to offer a unique experience for guests during Singapore’s iconic night race season. This partnership, unveiled on 26 August 2025, will feature themed staycations and spa experiences across six PPHG properties, blending the excitement of Formula 1 with the creativity of LEGO.

Guests can indulge in the “Pitstop Staycation” package, which includes a set of three LEGO F1 Speed Champions, a limited-edition LEGO Thermo Cup, and a LEGO F1 Booklet. The package also offers daily breakfast for two adults and two children, a 15% dining discount at participating outlets, and access to the Kids Club. Each booking stands a chance to win the coveted LEGO Technic Ferrari SF24 F1 Car.

Nina Patricia Da Costa, General Manager at The LEGO Group, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “We’re excited to partner with Pan Pacific Hotels Group to bring some of that same adrenaline into the hands of families with the highly popular LEGO F1 sets.”

In addition to the staycation packages, PPHG will host social media contests, offering LEGO CITY F1 sets as prizes. The campaign aims to engage families and fans, sparking creativity and capturing the spirit of Formula 1.

For those seeking relaxation, the “Elemis x PPHG Spacation” provides a luxurious escape with an Elemis F1 Recovery Experience and exclusive skincare collections. Bookings for these experiences are available until 30 October 2025, with stays from 12 September to 31 October 2025.
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BOM BOM, a Singapore-based company specialising in precision pet nutrition, has successfully raised $35 million (SGD35 million) in a Series Pre-A funding round led by Blueprint Ventures. The investment will be channelled into automating production, advancing nutrigenomic research, and enhancing BOM BOM’s precision nutrition platform. This platform, which utilises artificial intelligence and thousands of pet health profiles, creates personalised meal plans for pets by considering factors such as breed, age, weight, and health conditions.

The funding will support BOM BOM’s expansion in Singapore and South Korea, aiming to capture the growing demand for personalised pet nutrition across Asia. CEO and Founder Jason Wang highlighted the company’s commitment to “crafting and delivering truly customised diets at scale,” a feat not achievable by conventional pet food companies. The company’s approach aims to reduce common pet health issues, thereby lowering vet bills and improving pets’ quality of life.

Blueprint Ventures’ Founding Managing Partner, Huiting Koh, expressed confidence in BOM BOM’s potential to lead the shift towards personalised pet nutrition. The company’s shareholders include notable industry figures such as the President of LVMH Korea and the Principal of L Catterton Korea, underscoring its strong strategic backing.

Founded in 2017, BOM BOM has established itself as a leader in pet nutrition technology, offering NRC-compliant meals that meet top nutrition standards. The company’s direct-to-customer model has already helped thousands of pets overcome chronic health issues.
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Webull Singapore, a subsidiary of Webull Corporation, has launched advanced options strategies aimed at professional and seasoned investors. This new offering, announced on 26 August 2025, provides sophisticated tools to manage risk and seize opportunities in volatile market conditions. The platform offers zero platform fees and competitive commission fees, with brokerage fees starting at just $0.55 per contract, making it one of the most cost-effective options platforms in Singapore.

The launch comes as global markets face increased uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, making options strategies a valuable tool for investors. Webull Singapore’s platform simplifies complex strategies with a user-friendly interface and advanced tools, allowing investors to create multileg combination orders and access predefined combinations such as straddles, strangles, butterflies, and condors. The upgraded level three US options trading feature also enables access to advanced strategies like credit and debit spreads, calendar spreads, and diagonal spreads.

Jonathan Man, CEO of Webull Singapore, stated, “In today’s fast-changing and often unpredictable market environment, investors are looking for smarter ways to manage risk and enhance returns. With the launch of the level three advanced options strategies on Webull Singapore’s platform, we are equipping them with the tools, insights, and cost advantages they need to confidently navigate uncertainty.”

Since its 2022 launch in Singapore, Webull has expanded its offerings, providing access to US stocks and options, Singapore-listed equities, and more. The platform also features innovative tools like 24-hour trading, intuitive charting, and real-time data. As markets evolve, Webull Singapore remains committed to developing products that empower investors to navigate market conditions confidently.
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The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has announced the tender for a residential site on Bukit Timah Road, adjacent to Newton MRT station. This marks the first sale under the Confirmed List of the government land sales programme for the second half of 2025. The site is expected to yield approximately 340 private homes, contributing to the proposed 5,000 new homes in the Newton area under the URA Draft Master Plan 2025.

Located in the Core Central Region (CCR), the site is anticipated to attract significant interest from developers. Wong Siew Ying, Head of Research and Content at PropNex, noted that the recent rebound in CCR new home sales could bolster developers’ confidence. “The recent rebound in CCR new home sales could also boost developers’ confidence in this sub-market,” she stated, highlighting the impact of the April 2023 hike in additional buyer’s stamp duty rates.

Recent CCR launches, such as The Robertson Opus and UpperHouse at Orchard Boulevard, have collectively sold over 800 units since their launch weekends in July and August. The CCR has seen sales of more than 850 units from July to mid-August 2025, indicating a potential record quarter for new home sales in the region since Q4 2010.

The narrowing price gap between new CCR and RCR units has enhanced the appeal of CCR properties. Additionally, the lack of major launches in the area since 2021 could further entice developers. The site’s proximity to Newton MRT, Orchard Road, and prestigious schools adds to its attractiveness. PropNex projects the tender could receive 8 to 9 bids, with top offers ranging from $1,500 to $1,600 per square foot per plot ratio.
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Singapore’s manufacturing sector experienced a robust increase in output, rising by 8.2% on a seasonally adjusted month-on-month basis in July 2025. This growth highlights the sector’s resilience and potential recovery amidst global economic challenges.

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2C2P Pte Ltd, a leading payments platform in Southeast Asia, has been granted a Major Payment Institution licence by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) under the Payment Services Act 2019. This development allows 2C2P to expand its payment services, including domestic and cross-border money transfers and merchant acquisition services, to businesses in Singapore and the broader Southeast Asian region.

The licence comes at a time when Singapore’s financial institutions are under increased regulatory scrutiny. Agnes Chua, Country Manager of 2C2P Singapore, remarked, “This marks a significant milestone for 2C2P and we look forward to expanding our services and advancing access to meet the ever-changing needs of our local merchants in Singapore and across Southeast Asia.”

Founded in 2003, 2C2P has been a pioneer in the region’s payments sector. Since 2022, it has been part of Ant International’s Antom, a global leader in merchant payment and digitisation services. Chua added, “We are excited to build upon our existing payment offerings to provide a more comprehensive payments coverage for our merchants in Singapore and across Southeast Asia, through partnering with Antom as well as local and regional financial institutions.”

In March 2025, 2C2P launched its annual whitepaper on the Southeast Asia digital payments landscape, further solidifying its expertise in the industry. The new licence is expected to enhance 2C2P’s ability to provide a seamless payment experience for businesses of all sizes in the region.
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