Regional News

Solix Technologies and Singapore-based Mindmap Technologies have announced a strategic partnership aimed at advancing enterprise data management solutions throughout the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. This collaboration seeks to leverage the strengths of both companies to address the growing demand for efficient data management in businesses across APAC.

The partnership will focus on integrating Solix’s expertise in data archiving and management with Mindmap’s proficiency in delivering innovative technology solutions. By combining their resources, the two companies aim to provide comprehensive data solutions that enhance operational efficiency and data governance for enterprises in the region.

The collaboration is expected to address key challenges faced by businesses, including data compliance, storage optimisation, and improved data accessibility. Solix Technologies is renowned for its robust data management platforms, whilst Mindmap Technologies brings a wealth of experience in implementing cutting-edge technology solutions.

This partnership marks a significant step in the ongoing digital transformation efforts within the APAC region, where businesses are increasingly seeking advanced solutions to manage their growing data needs. As the collaboration unfolds, it is anticipated that enterprises will benefit from enhanced data management capabilities, leading to improved business outcomes.
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ELFIGO Mobility has launched the Ultra-Lite Carbon V2, the world’s lightest electric wheelchair, weighing only 10 kilograms. This groundbreaking innovation aims to enhance mobility for users by offering a lightweight yet robust solution. The wheelchair’s design incorporates advanced carbon fibre technology, ensuring durability without compromising on weight.

The Ultra-Lite Carbon V2 is set to revolutionise the market for electric wheelchairs, providing users with greater ease of transport and manoeuvrability. Its lightweight nature makes it particularly beneficial for those who frequently travel or require a portable mobility solution. The wheelchair’s compact design allows for easy folding and storage, making it convenient for users and carers alike.

According to ELFIGO Mobility, the Ultra-Lite Carbon V2 is not only the lightest but also one of the most technologically advanced wheelchairs available. The use of carbon fibre, a material known for its strength and lightness, is a key factor in achieving this milestone. The company emphasises that this innovation is a significant step forward in improving the quality of life for individuals with mobility challenges.

The launch of the Ultra-Lite Carbon V2 marks a significant advancement in the field of mobility aids, offering a practical and efficient solution for users worldwide. As ELFIGO Mobility continues to push the boundaries of innovation, the introduction of such lightweight technology is expected to set a new benchmark in the industry.
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Entrepreneur Allen Law is set to launch MORROW, a 38,000 sq ft wellness centre in Singapore, marking a significant step in his mission to extend human healthspan. The centre, located at Longevity World on Coleman Street, will open in Q4 2025. Law has invested $156m (S$ 200m) to establish MORROW, with $20m (S$ 20m) allocated for the initial setup and technology.

MORROW aims to make high-quality wellness services accessible beyond the ultra-wealthy, utilising AI and technology to offer personalised health plans. The centre will provide a comprehensive diagnostic assessment to tailor individual health strategies, supported by expert coaching and advanced technologies such as AI wearables and continuous monitoring.

The initiative is part of a broader $8t longevity revolution, identified by UBS as a key transformational opportunity alongside AI. MORROW’s AI platform will not only personalise services but also contribute to global research by collaborating with universities to analyse anonymised lifestyle data.

The leadership team includes experts like Dr Miina Öhman, a specialist in cardiometabolic disease, and Chief Technology Officer Yaron Turpaz, who brings expertise in genomics and precision health. The centre will also feature shared consultations and community engagement activities to empower individuals in managing their health.

Allen Law, also the CEO of MORROW, emphasised the importance of shifting towards sustainable healthcare with a focus on prevention. He stated, “MORROW will promote a model of lifelong health where wellbeing is maintained and restored through science, human connection, and innovation.”

Early bookings for MORROW will commence in September 2025, as the centre prepares to transform health and wellness accessibility in Singapore and beyond.
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Connexa Sports Technologies and Singapore-based JuCoin Capital have announced a $500m partnership to establish aiRWA, a next-generation cryptocurrency exchange. This collaboration aims to bridge the gap between traditional finance and the digital economy by focusing on real-world asset (RWA) tokenisation. The agreement also includes plans to launch a new stablecoin, USDR, in Asia.

The aiRWA platform will leverage the strengths of both companies, combining JuCoin’s expertise in digital finance with Connexa’s experience in traditional finance. The exchange will offer deep liquidity, advanced cross-chain technology, and institutional-grade security. It will support multi-asset trading, including non-fungible tokens (NFTs), decentralised finance (DeFi) tokens, and derivatives.

Hongyu Zhou, Chairman of Connexa, stated, “This partnership reflects our shared vision for a more interconnected, efficient, and secure global financial ecosystem.” The initiative aims to enhance the options and experiences for cryptocurrency users by integrating real-world assets with blockchain technology.

In addition to the exchange, the partnership will focus on expanding the stablecoin sector. With the global stablecoin market exceeding $240b, the launch of USDR aims to facilitate cross-border payments and settlements. JuCoin’s Director, Qi Wang, emphasised the importance of regulatory compliance and technological advancement in this endeavour.

The collaboration also includes developing cryptocurrency index funds, blockchain-themed ETFs, and AI-driven financial technology. Both companies are committed to maintaining security, transparency, and regulatory compliance as they explore further innovations in digital finance.
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Singapore’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) data for July has shown a continued easing of inflation, reinforcing the possibility of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) loosening its monetary policy. Market Analyst Josh Gilbert from eToro highlighted that the cooling inflation trend, coupled with anticipated moderated growth in the latter half of the year, supports the case for further easing in October as a precaution against potential growth risks.

Gilbert noted that whilst the MAS held its stance in July, the recent softer inflation figures suggest that inflation is no longer the primary concern it once was. “The conversation is shifting from bringing inflation under control to supporting growth,” he stated, indicating a potential change in focus for the central bank.

The analyst also drew parallels with the US Federal Reserve’s cautious approach, which has remained on hold this year whilst assessing tariff impacts. Gilbert pointed out that MAS has already eased monetary policy twice earlier this year, suggesting that allowing time for these measures to take effect whilst awaiting further clarity is a sensible strategy. However, he emphasised that the latest data makes it increasingly challenging for MAS to justify inaction.

As Singapore navigates these economic conditions, the upcoming decisions by MAS will be closely watched, with implications for both domestic growth and the broader economic landscape.
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RHB Bank’s latest Global Economics and Market Strategy Report, authored by Barnabas Gan, Group Chief Economist and Head of Market Research, reveals that Singapore’s inflation remains subdued, prompting the bank to maintain its full-year headline and core inflation forecasts at 1.2% and 0.9%, respectively, for 2025. The report anticipates that the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) will likely keep its policy parameters unchanged in the upcoming October review, although there is a possibility of adjustments to the Singapore dollar nominal effective exchange rate (S$NEER) slope and band width.

In July 2025, Singapore’s headline Consumer Price Index (CPI) slowed to 0.6% year-on-year, down from 0.8% in June, falling short of RHB’s and Bloomberg’s estimates of 0.8%. Core inflation also edged lower to 0.5% year-on-year from 0.6% in June. These figures highlight the benign inflationary environment in Singapore, which supports the bank’s decision to maintain its forecast.

Gan’s report suggests that whilst the MAS is expected to hold its current policy stance, there remains a possibility for the S$NEER slope to flatten or the band’s width to widen from the current perceived +/- 2.0%. This cautious approach reflects the ongoing monitoring of economic conditions and inflationary pressures.

As Singapore navigates through the rest of 2025, the subdued inflation rates provide a stable backdrop for economic planning and policy adjustments. The upcoming MAS policy review in October will be closely watched for any potential changes in response to evolving economic indicators.
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Epicsoft Asia, an indirect subsidiary of GCL Global Holdings, has completed its compulsory acquisition of Ban Leong Technologies Limited, leading to Ban Leong’s delisting from the Singapore Exchange on 26 August 2025. This move marks a significant milestone for Ban Leong, a leading distributor of technology products across Asia for over 30 years.

Ban Leong, known for distributing IT accessories, gaming components, and smart IoT devices, has been an authorised distributor for over 50 globally recognised brands, including Razer, Nvidia, and Samsung. The acquisition by Epicsoft Asia is expected to unlock new opportunities and fuel innovation, according to Ban Leong’s Managing Director, Ronald Teng. “This acquisition marks a significant milestone in our 30-year journey, enabling us to leverage GCL’s global ecosystem expertise and distribution network to accelerate growth,” Teng stated.

Sebastian Toke, Group CEO of GCL, expressed enthusiasm for the acquisition, highlighting the potential synergies and expanded sales channels. “Today we celebrate the completion of the entire deal and officially welcome Ban Leong’s talented team to the GCL family,” Toke said. He added that the combination of strengths is expected to result in significant synergies, including operational efficiencies and new revenue streams.

The acquisition aligns with GCL’s vision to build a fully integrated gaming ecosystem across Asia, with plans to introduce branded gaming devices and expand B2C offerings. As the companies move forward, they aim to enhance market positioning and generate value for customers through innovation and collaboration.
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SATS, a leading food solutions provider and global aviation gateway services leader, reported a net profit of $51.8m (S$70.9m) for the first quarter of the fiscal year 2026, marking a 9.1% increase from the previous year. The company’s revenue rose by 9.9% to $1.1b (S$1.51b), bolstered by growth in both its food solutions and gateway services segments.

The company’s cargo volume growth outpaced the industry average for the seventh consecutive quarter, with a 10.4% year-on-year increase. This performance was attributed to factors such as contract renewals with Singapore Airlines and increased e-commerce air cargo from China and Hong Kong to the US.

SATS’ management remains optimistic about future growth, citing strong customer relationships and a robust pipeline of contract negotiations. Recent additions to its customer portfolio include Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Riyadh Air, and Turkish Airlines. The company is also working on a capital return enhancement strategy, expected to be announced later this year.

Despite near-term tariff volatility, UOB Kay Hian Research maintains a “Buy” recommendation with a revised target price of $2.6 (S$3.52), reflecting confidence in its long-term growth prospects. The company continues to reduce its net gearing, which stood at 64.4% at the end of Q1 FY26, down from 66.6% at the end of FY25.
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Rex International Holding Limited has announced that its subsidiary, Lime Resources Germany GmbH, has received approval for its Main Operating Plan for the Steig Field from the Mining Authority of Baden Württemberg. The approval, granted on 18 August 2025, allows Lime Resources to proceed with development plans, including drilling up to seven wells and installing testing facilities, with operations potentially starting in the second half of 2026.

The Steig Field, first tested in the 1950s, showed promising results in 2019 when an appraisal well confirmed the presence of hydrocarbons. Independent assessments estimate 1.6 million barrels of oil equivalent (mmboe) in the Meletta Formation and 12 mmboe in the Pechelbronnerschichten reservoir, with additional prospective resources deeper in the structure.

The approval is valid until 31 May 2027, during which Lime Resources will also need to secure additional permits, particularly concerning environmental protections. The company is negotiating for a land plot near Weingarten, Karlsruhe, for the production site.

Roel Huneker, Deputy Managing Director of Lime Resources Germany, expressed satisfaction with the approval, highlighting the support from the Mining Authority. Lars B. Hübert, Managing Director of Lime Resources Germany, emphasised the company’s commitment to adhering to strict environmental regulations whilst advancing their production plans.

This development marks a significant step for Lime Resources, aligning with their strategy to explore and produce hydrocarbons efficiently and sustainably. Test production from Steig is anticipated to commence in the first half of 2027.
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J5 Productions, a Singapore-based technical production and media equipment rental company, is setting new standards in live event execution with the integration of Sennheiser’s EWDX digital wireless systems. Founded in 2010 by Justin Tan, the company has evolved from a one-man operation to a team capable of handling mid to large-scale MICE events and arts festivals.

Central to J5 Productions’ success is its partnership with Sennheiser, which has bolstered its wireless inventory with the addition of 24 channels of EWDX in late 2023, followed by 16 more in 2024. “It’s an extremely versatile digital all-rounder that performs equally well in conference and performance settings,” said Justin Tan, Founder and Managing Director of J5 Productions.

The EWDX system’s intuitive design, including features like an e-ink display and Bluetooth syncing, has proven invaluable. The e-ink display retains information even when powered off, preventing confusion during large conferences. Additionally, the Smart Assist app allows technicians to control the system remotely, enhancing workflow efficiency.

J5 Productions has successfully deployed the EWDX system at various events, including a large-scale conference with eight stages and over 100 microphone channels. The system’s Link Density Mode and equidistant channel spacing simplify frequency coordination, crucial in environments with multiple AV vendors.

The use of rechargeable batteries in the EWDX system aligns with J5 Productions’ commitment to sustainability, significantly reducing battery waste. Justin Tan emphasised the importance of Sennheiser’s customer service, noting their responsiveness and support as key to their ongoing partnership.
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