Regional News

Agoda, the digital travel platform, has introduced the Property AMA (Ask Me Anything) Bot, an AI-powered chatbot designed to provide immediate answers to travellers’ hotel-specific queries. This innovative tool aims to streamline the booking process by delivering precise information swiftly, thereby helping users make more informed decisions.

Since its soft launch, the Property AMA Bot has rapidly gained traction, addressing over 30,000 hotel-related questions each day. Travellers frequently visit Agoda to explore accommodation options, compare amenities, and find the ideal stay. However, essential questions like “Is there parking available?” or “What’s the quality of the breakfast?” can often be obscured by extensive descriptions and reviews. The Property AMA Bot, integrated with ChatGPT and live property data, ensures that users receive up-to-date responses, enhancing their confidence in booking decisions.

Previously, Agoda users could contact property owners directly via a messaging system, but response times varied. The new bot offers real-time, reliable answers, available on all Agoda platforms, including desktop, mobile web, and app. Idan Zalzberg, Agoda’s Chief Technology Officer, stated, “The Property AMA Bot reduces uncertainty by answering questions instantly, leading to a smoother, more satisfying booking experience.”

With this launch, Agoda is advancing towards more responsive and user-friendly booking experiences, supporting a seamless journey from browsing to booking. The platform continues to offer a wide range of travel options, including over 5 million holiday properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities, all accessible via Agoda’s website or mobile app.
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Frasers Property Singapore recently hosted the fourth edition of the Frasers Tower Vertical Challenge, bringing together a diverse group of participants to ascend the 39-storey Frasers Tower. Held on 21 August 2025, the event included YMCA youth ambassadors with special needs, local enthusiasts, international tower running athletes, and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) firefighters. For each participant, Frasers Property donated $30 to the Goh Chok Tong Enable Fund, culminating in a total contribution of $15,000.

The event, supported by the Towerrunning Association of Singapore, Health Promotion Board, and Webull Singapore, highlighted the power of community and inclusivity. Jack Lam, Senior Director, Commercial, Frasers Property Singapore, stated, “The Frasers Tower Vertical Challenge has always been more than just a race up an office tower—its true purpose is to foster inclusivity and promote community togetherness.”

YMCA youths with special needs participated for the second consecutive year, supported by volunteers and SCDF firefighters. Their involvement underscores the commitment to building an inclusive society, aligning with the Government’s Enabling Masterplan 2030. Eng Soon Khai, Deputy CEO of SG Enable, noted, “The Vertical Challenge provides persons with disabilities a platform to demonstrate their abilities and determination.”

The event also featured a national championship segment, part of the Towerrunning Tour 2025, with top athletes competing in the Singapore Championship and Open Challenge. Tan Whee Boon, an SG Enable iChamp, participated in the relay team, completing the final two levels. “It is truly a great experience, and it creates wider awareness on inclusivity through sports,” he remarked.

The Frasers Tower Vertical Challenge not only celebrated athleticism but also reinforced the importance of inclusivity and community spirit.
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CGS International Securities Singapore recently hosted its second Makan & Market Talk, focusing on the robust outlook for Singapore’s construction sector. The event, held on 22 August, brought together industry leaders, investors, and experts to discuss the ongoing construction upcycle and emerging opportunities. Key topics included the impact of mega-projects, sustainability initiatives, and technological advancements on the industry.

The panel, featuring experts such as Malcolm Koo, CEO of CGS SG, and Song Seng Wun, Economic Adviser at CGS SG, highlighted the sector’s resilience. Song noted, “Demand is bursting out of our ears,” emphasising the importance of resource maximisation. Despite global economic influences, Singapore’s strategic planning in labour and infrastructure is expected to sustain growth.

Research Analyst Natalie Ong pointed out that construction stocks have surged 112% over the past year, outpacing the Straits Times Index. She stated, “With historical PEs still only around 12, there is room for valuation growth.” Major projects like Changi Airport Terminal 5 and MRT expansions are driving demand, expected to peak in 2025 and remain strong through 2029.

Sustainability is also a key focus, with Tan Yoong Heng of Arup and the Building & Construction Authority highlighting Singapore’s green economy vision. Projects such as the Changi East Urban District are integrating circular economy practices and climate resilience.

Industry leaders Goh Wee Ping and Lim Thiam Hooi discussed how companies are leveraging technology, such as drones and AI, to enhance productivity amidst labour challenges. Despite cost pressures, the emphasis on quality and sustainability offers a competitive edge.

CGS International plans to continue its Makan & Market Talk series, providing fresh insights and engagement opportunities.
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Lazada has teamed up with POP MART to host the POP TOY SHOW Singapore 2025, taking place from 22 to 24 August at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre. This partnership aims to highlight local and regional creators whilst attracting collectors from across Southeast Asia through a blend of exclusive offline showcases and online experiences.

As part of this collaboration, Lazada will introduce its first regional Super Brand Day (SBD), featuring new intellectual property (IP) series such as Twinkle Twinkle and SKULLPANDA. Fans can also expect limited-time releases of popular IPs like The Monsters and Crybaby. During SBD, shoppers will enjoy storewide discounts of up to 8% and receive exclusive, limited-edition gifts with purchases, including items like the Hirono badge and Crybaby notebook.

The partnership underscores Lazada’s commitment to connecting creators, collectors, and communities, further expanding the art toy movement in the region. A Lazada spokesperson expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “By making exclusive IP releases and experiences more accessible, we hope to connect even more fans in Singapore and across the region to this growing cultural movement.”

Singapore will serve as the exclusive host city for the POP TOY SHOW outside China in 2025 and 2026, thanks to a three-year agreement between POP MART and the Singapore Tourism Board. This collaboration not only strengthens Singapore’s reputation as a hub for pop culture but also demonstrates Lazada’s dedication to supporting creativity and cross-industry partnerships across Southeast Asia.
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Marco Polo Marine has announced the successful acquisition of its first contract for the newly constructed Dry Dock 4, marking a significant milestone for the company. The contract involves the maintenance and repair of a vessel, underscoring the company’s expanding capabilities in maritime services. This development comes as Marco Polo Marine continues to enhance its infrastructure to meet growing industry demands.

The new dry dock, located in Batam, Indonesia, is part of Marco Polo Marine’s strategic expansion to cater to larger vessels and more complex projects. This facility is expected to significantly increase the company’s operational capacity and efficiency.

In addition to the dry dock contract, Marco Polo Marine has also entered into a service agreement with Cyan Renewables, a company specialising in offshore wind farm services. This partnership aims to leverage Marco Polo Marine’s expertise in vessel management and Cyan Renewables’ focus on sustainable energy solutions. The collaboration is expected to enhance the operational efficiency of offshore wind projects in the region.

These developments highlight Marco Polo Marine’s strategic focus on diversifying its service offerings and strengthening its position in the maritime industry. As the company continues to expand its capabilities, it is poised to play a crucial role in supporting the region’s growing maritime and renewable energy sectors.
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EDP, a leading global energy company, has successfully installed solar panels at Singapore’s renowned Gardens by the Bay. This initiative, part of EDP’s commitment to promoting renewable energy, aims to enhance the sustainability of one of Singapore’s most iconic attractions. The installation, completed recently, is expected to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the Gardens, aligning with Singapore’s broader environmental goals.

The solar panels are strategically placed to maximise energy capture, providing a sustainable energy source for the Gardens. This move not only underscores EDP’s dedication to renewable energy but also supports Singapore’s vision of becoming a greener city. By harnessing solar power, the Gardens can reduce reliance on traditional energy sources, contributing to a cleaner environment.

The project is part of a larger effort by EDP to expand its renewable energy footprint in Asia. As Singapore continues to push for sustainable urban development, initiatives like these are crucial in setting a precedent for other landmarks and businesses to follow suit.
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Margaret Key has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of Allison Asia and Executive Director for Stagwell’s Asia Pacific operations, effective 1 October. With over 20 years of strategic expertise, Key will be based in Singapore, reporting to Allison Worldwide CEO Jonathan Heit. Her appointment aims to enhance the Asia Pacific communications capabilities of both Allison Worldwide and Stagwell.

Key’s previous role as CEO of Publicis MSL Group Asia Pacific saw her transform a fragmented agency into a cohesive regional network, achieving significant business growth. Her career also includes tenures at Edelman and Burson-Marsteller Asia Pacific. Recognised with multiple industry accolades, Key is also a board member at Verité, a global non-profit focused on labour rights.

Ray Day, Executive Chair at Allison Worldwide and Vice Chair at Stagwell, praised Key’s appointment, stating, “Margaret is a proven force in our industry and her appointment signals an exciting new chapter for our Asia Pacific clients and communications business.”

In her dual role, Key will oversee the growth and expansion of Allison Asia, whilst also steering regional market development for Stagwell. She expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “I’m honoured to take on these roles at such a pivotal time for both brands.”

Allison Worldwide, owned by Stagwell, is a global communications agency known for driving growth and innovation. Stagwell, a leading marketing and communications network, connects creativity with technology to enhance marketing effectiveness for clients worldwide.
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A total of 91 hotel industry workers have been awarded the prestigious FDAWU/NTUC/SHA Employee of the Year award, marking the highest number of recipients since the award’s inception in 1985. The ceremony, held today at the Stephen Riady Auditorium at NTUC Centre, was attended by Alvin Tan, Minister of State for the Ministry of National Development and Ministry of Trade and Industry, who presented the awards alongside FDAWU President Julie Cheong and SHA 1st Vice President Arthur Kiong.

The awards, organised by the Food, Drinks and Allied Workers Union (FDAWU), the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), and the Singapore Hotel Association (SHA), aim to recognise outstanding performance and contributions to the success of their organisations. This year’s awards are particularly significant as they highlight the adaptability and resilience of workers in the face of rapid technological advancements in automation and digital technologies.

The criteria for nomination included demonstrating Worker 4.0 traits, such as readiness to take on new tasks, staying relevant with new skills, and adaptability to new working methods. The award was open to non-managerial staff with at least one year of continuous full-time service, with each SHA member hotel allowed to nominate one employee for the 2024 work year.

The event was attended by over 160 employees and employer representatives from various hotels, union leaders, and staff, celebrating the achievements of those who have excelled in their roles and contributed to the industry’s growth.
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OCBC has announced a strategic partnership with the International Coaching Federation Singapore to equip 100 senior leaders with coaching skills by 2027. This initiative, witnessed by Minister for Manpower Dr Tan See Leng and OCBC Group CEO Helen Wong, is part of OCBC’s commitment to fostering a skills-first workplace and aligns with Singapore’s national skills development strategy.

The collaboration is timely, as a recent NTUC LearningHub survey highlighted coaching skills as a top priority for organisational growth. Nearly 90% of business leaders and employees believe that leaders should possess coaching capabilities, with over 70% acknowledging the benefits of coaching, such as increased productivity and reduced turnover.

To achieve the International Coaching Federation Associate Certified Coach accreditation, participants must complete 60 hours of coaching education, 100 hours of coaching experience, and 10 hours of mentor coaching. The partnership also aims to promote coaching excellence through joint workshops and knowledge-sharing initiatives.

Lee Hwee Boon, Head of Group Human Resources at OCBC, emphasised the importance of coaching in navigating organisational transformation, stating, “Coaching empowers our employees to manage transitions confidently and take ownership of change.”

Since September 2023, 52 senior leaders have begun their coaching journey, with nearly 300 employees benefiting from internal coaching sessions. This initiative builds on OCBC’s previous $50 million investment in employee development, with an additional $30 million committed from 2023 to 2025.

ICF Singapore President Lisa Yeoh praised the partnership, noting, “This collaboration signals a strong commitment to embedding coaching into the fabric of the organisation.” The initiative is expected to inspire other organisations in Singapore to embrace coaching as a tool for leadership and cultural development.
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Biosyngen has unveiled its cutting-edge strategies for next-generation tumour-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapies at the Asia Bio Innovation Summit 2025 in Singapore. The event, which gathered 30 world-class speakers, 10 exhibitors, and 200 attendees, focused on antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and cell and gene therapies (CGT), fostering global collaboration in the biopharmaceutical sector.

Dr Mingyu Liu, a senior research and development scientist at Biosyngen, delivered a keynote address highlighting the challenges and strategies in TIL therapy development. He noted that whilst TIL therapy shows promise in treating cancers like advanced melanoma and cervical cancer, its efficacy in other solid tumours remains limited. Biosyngen’s approach includes a high-efficiency TIL expansion process, enabling robust expansion from both surgical and biopsy samples whilst preserving antitumour activity. This innovation addresses the difficulty of obtaining surgical samples from late-stage cancer patients.

Additionally, Biosyngen has developed proprietary rapid expansion protocols that increase central memory T cells by eightfold, maintaining optimal CD8 T cell ratios for durable therapeutic effects. The company also employs gene editing through a lentiviral transfection system to enhance TIL functionality, achieving a transduction efficiency exceeding 50%. Furthermore, Biosyngen enriches tumour antigen-specific T cells using selective expansion techniques, improving clinical response rates.

Following the Singapore summit, the Asia Bio Innovation Summit will continue in Chengdu and Shenzhen, focusing on regional biopharma policies and industry-academia collaboration. Experts agree that ADC and CGT technologies will be pivotal in oncology innovation over the next decade, with Asia emerging as a global leader in biopharmaceutical breakthroughs.
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