Regional News

The Singapore Business Federation (SBF) has revealed that an overwhelming majority of businesses in Singapore view social sustainability as crucial for long-term success. According to a study conducted by SBF and KPMG, nine in 10 large companies and eight in 10 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) acknowledge the role of social sustainability in shaping business value. Despite this recognition, many businesses encounter significant challenges in embedding these practices into their core strategies.

The study, which surveyed over 430 companies, highlighted that whilst 95% of businesses have implemented at least one social sustainability initiative in the past year, SMEs often struggle with competing priorities and limited resources. These challenges hinder their ability to engage in corporate volunteering and other socially impactful initiatives.

Corporate volunteering, identified as a key strategy for enhancing employee engagement and community service, is gaining traction. However, only 40% of businesses have participated in such initiatives, with larger companies showing higher engagement levels. The SBF has responded by launching VolunteerInc., a programme designed to support businesses in their volunteering efforts by providing access to opportunities, skills training, and impact measurement tools.

Jean Tan, CEO of the SBF Foundation, emphasised the need for a connected ecosystem, stating, “No single business can achieve social impact at scale alone. It takes a connected ecosystem where governments, corporates, and community partners come together with shared purpose.”

The findings underscore the necessity for stronger policy and ecosystem support to help businesses move beyond ad-hoc initiatives and achieve sustainable change. As businesses continue to navigate these challenges, the SBF remains committed to providing the necessary tools and partnerships to foster a more inclusive and resilient society.
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GXS Bank has introduced Money Lock, a new feature designed to bolster the security of customer savings in response to a surge in online scams in Singapore. In June 2025 alone, scams resulted in losses exceeding $39 million (S$53 million), with over 600 cases linked to e-commerce fraud. Money Lock allows customers to secure their funds within the GXS app, locking up to eight Saving Pockets, whilst still earning daily interest and adding funds.

The Money Lock feature employs a multi-layered security approach. To unlock savings, customers must undergo a video verification with a GXS Buddy, followed by a notification and a mandatory 12-hour cooling-off period before funds can be transferred to their Main Account. This process aims to deter impersonators and provide users with confidence in the safety of their money.

Shahzaib Hassan, Group Chief Technology and Product Officer at GXS Bank, stated, “At GXS Bank we are purposeful in designing our banking experience with a degree of friction that we believe is necessary to keep our customers safe.” He emphasised the importance of these measures in preventing fraudulent transactions.

GXS Bank encourages customers to utilise Money Lock as an additional security layer and remain vigilant against scams. The bank also provides regular updates on scam trends through electronic direct mailers and the ScamShield website. As part of a regional network, GXS Bank continues to enhance its digital banking services across Southeast Asia.
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The Business Show Asia 2025 is set to make a grand return to Singapore on 27 and 28 August at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands. Following the success of its 2024 edition, which attracted over 8,000 business leaders, the event promises to be a premier platform for entrepreneurs, startups, and professionals seeking insights and resources to thrive in today’s competitive market.

Attendees can look forward to an impressive line-up of keynote speakers, including industry leaders who will share their expertise on entrepreneurship, innovation, and digital transformation. The event will also feature interactive masterclasses covering essential topics such as scaling startups, financial planning, and business growth, providing practical strategies for immediate application.

The exhibition hall will host over 250 top-tier exhibitors, showcasing the latest in business technology and operational solutions. This offers a unique opportunity for attendees to discover tools that enhance business efficiency and competitiveness. Additionally, dedicated networking zones and Speed Networking sessions will facilitate meaningful connections with potential partners, clients, and mentors.

Reflecting on the 2024 edition, the event was hailed as a launchpad for new ideas and transformative growth, featuring impactful keynotes from leaders at Google, Microsoft, and PayPal. The upcoming 2025 event aims to build on this success, offering an even larger and more influential platform for business growth.
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Marco Polo Marine, an integrated marine logistics group, reported a 9% year-on-year decline in revenue for the third quarter of FY25, amounting to S$31.7m. Despite this, the company maintained a gross profit of S$14m, with a slight improvement in gross margin to 44%. The company’s ship chartering revenue fell by 4% due to softer rechartering in Taiwan, but this was offset by the debut of its first commissioning service operation vessel (CSOV), the MP Wind Archer, which began operations in April 2025.

The shipyard segment saw a 19% drop in revenue, attributed to fewer shipbuilding projects, although repair activity showed a significant increase, with utilisation rising to 88%. Looking ahead, Marco Polo Marine expects its new vessels and dry dock to drive growth in FY26. The company has introduced three new crew transfer vessels (CTVs) in Taiwan, anticipated to contribute significantly from the fourth quarter of FY25.

UOB Kay Hian Research maintains a “Buy” recommendation for Marco Polo Marine, raising the target price to S$0.076, reflecting stronger earnings visibility from the CSOV debut and expanded shipyard capacity. The company is also diversifying into the offshore wind sector, which is projected to grow significantly, offering further opportunities for expansion. As vessel supply remains tight, Marco Polo Marine is well-positioned to capitalise on higher charter rates and increased demand in the coming years.
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Yinson GreenTech’s marinEV and Norway’s Blue Ctrl AS have announced a collaboration to launch the X-Connect Platform in Singapore, aiming to revolutionise ship automation and energy management. The platform, developed by Blue Ctrl, offers real-time data insights crucial for optimising energy use and enhancing vessel performance.

The collaboration signifies a significant step for Blue Ctrl in the Singapore market, combining the expertise of two industry leaders committed to innovation. The X-Connect Platform is designed to help Yinson GreenTech maintain its competitive edge by improving vessel efficiency and reducing operational costs.

Jan-Viggo Johansen, Managing Director of marinEV, Yinson GreenTech, emphasised the importance of digital tools in advancing marine solutions, stating, “Blue Ctrl’s platform adds valuable capabilities that help us optimise performance and reinforce our vision for a safe, smart and efficient maritime future.”

Arne Dybvik, Managing Director of Blue Ctrl AS, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting, “Together, we will provide the tools they need to achieve greater efficiency, reduce costs, and improve vessel performance.”

This partnership is poised to deliver cutting-edge technology to the Singapore maritime market, potentially setting new standards for efficiency and sustainability in the industry. As the collaboration progresses, it is expected to bring further advancements in ship automation and energy management solutions.
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Stoneweg Europe Stapled Trust (SERT) is poised for its next growth phase, maintaining a “buy” recommendation with a target price of EUR1.90, reflecting a 23% upside, according to an RHB report.

The trust’s first half of 2025 performance aligns with expectations, and with stabilising interest costs and improved operations, a distribution per unit (DPU) turnaround is anticipated in the financial year 2026. The trust’s recent investment in its sponsor’s data centre fund is expected to enhance net asset value (NAV), a potential not yet fully recognised by the market.

Trading at an attractive 0.8 times the forecasted price-to-book value for 2025, SERT is well-positioned to benefit from potential interest rate cuts, which could reduce its trading discount. Analyst Vijay Natarajan noted, “There are also more of such sponsor-led growth opportunities ahead,” highlighting the trust’s strategic direction.

This development is significant as it underscores SERT’s commitment to leveraging sponsor-led opportunities to drive growth. The investment in the data centre fund is particularly noteworthy given the increasing demand for data infrastructure, which could lead to substantial NAV appreciation.

Looking forward, SERT’s strategic investments and operational improvements suggest a promising trajectory, with further growth opportunities on the horizon. As the market begins to recognise the trust’s potential, SERT could see a narrowing of its trading discount, making it an attractive proposition for investors seeking growth in the European real estate sector.
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Artisan 8 has successfully sold 11 residential and five commercial units, marking a significant achievement in its recent project launch. This development is anticipated to be the last freehold project in the Rest of Central Region (RCR) until at least 2027, according to Huttons Data Analytics. The absence of upcoming freehold projects in the RCR has heightened interest in Artisan 8.

The development’s pricing strategy has been a key factor in its success. Artisan 8 offers units starting at $2,100 per square foot (psf), which is notably lower than the prices of recently completed resale projects like JadeScape, which average over $2,300 psf. In comparison, other projects in the region are priced at more than $2,400 psf for 99-year leases and $2,900 psf for freehold or 999-year leases. This competitive pricing provides buyers with a “very safe entry price,” according to Mark Yip, CEO of Huttons Asia.

In addition to its pricing, Artisan 8’s location adds to its appeal. Situated within 1km of Ai Tong Primary School and Catholic High, and just 300m from the Upper Thomson MRT station, the development offers convenient access to key areas such as Johor, Orchard, the Central Business District, and Changi Airport.

As the last freehold project in the RCR for the foreseeable future, Artisan 8’s successful sales highlight the demand for competitively priced, well-located properties in Singapore’s dynamic real estate market.
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BRC Asia Ltd, a leading supplier in Singapore’s steel market, has reported a 24% year-on-year increase in net profit for the third quarter of 2025, according to a recent report by CGS International. This growth aligns with the company’s forecast, reflecting its strong position in the construction sector, which is experiencing a significant upcycle. The company holds an estimated 55-60% market share in Singapore, benefiting from increased demand for steel in major projects, including the Changi Airport Terminal 5.

The company’s revenue for the third quarter rose by 7% year-on-year, despite a 14% drop in steel prices, indicating a substantial increase in sales volume. BRC’s gross profit margin improved from 8.5% in the previous year to 11% this year, attributed to economies of scale. The company is a key supplier for Housing Development Board (HDB) build-to-order projects, with a robust pipeline of 58,000 units launched since 2023 and plans for an additional 35,000 units by 2027.

In a strategic move, BRC completed the acquisition of a 55% stake in Southern Steel Mesh on 14 August 2025. This acquisition is part of a restructuring effort aimed at modernising machinery and processes to enhance competitiveness. The first phase of this project is underway and expected to conclude by March 2026.

BRC’s management remains optimistic, reiterating an “Add” recommendation with a forecasted dividend yield of 6.3% for FY26. The company’s order book, bolstered by recent contract wins, stands at S$2 billion, positioning it well for sustained growth. However, potential risks include economic slowdowns and regulatory changes affecting its predominantly foreign workforce.
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UMS Integration Ltd, a Singapore-based semiconductor company, has announced a promising growth trajectory following its secondary listing on the Main Market of Bursa Securities on 1 August 2025. The company’s shares debuted at RM5.00, closing at RM5.50, reflecting an 8.5% premium over its Singapore Exchange (SGX) price. This move is expected to broaden UMS’s investor base and enhance its market valuation, according to a CGS International report.

The company’s financial performance in the first half of 2025 has been robust, with a 14% year-on-year increase in revenue to S$125 million, despite geopolitical tensions and US trade tariffs. Net profit also rose by 5% to S$20.1 million. UMS’s management attributes this success to strengthened production capabilities and new product introductions from a key customer in Malaysia. The company is optimistic about future growth, particularly with the expansion of its facilities in Penang, which positions it well to benefit from the global semiconductor supply chain shift towards Malaysia and Singapore.

UMS has resumed coverage with an “Add” call, setting a target price of S$1.87, based on a projected net profit growth of 11.1% to 19.4% from FY25 to FY27. The company also offers a dividend yield of 3.70% over the same period, which is expected to support its share price. Potential catalysts for re-rating include securing additional customers and orders for its Penang plant, as well as a resurgence in aeroplane component orders.

UMS’s strategic moves, including its secondary listing and expansion in Malaysia, are set to enhance its competitive edge and investor appeal. However, risks such as potential sales losses in China and slower-than-expected business progress with new customers remain.
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Singapore-listed ISDN Holdings Limited has announced the acquisition of a 51% stake in PT Funda Konstruksi Engineering, a move aimed at enhancing its hydropower capabilities in Indonesia. The acquisition involves 25,500 shares at a nominal value of IDR1,000,000 each, totalling IDR25.5b (approximately S$2.0m).

PT Funda, established in February 2024, specialises in end-to-end hydropower services, including engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) as well as operations and maintenance (O&M). This acquisition complements ISDN’s existing renewable energy operations, which focus on mini-hydropower plants, enabling the company to offer comprehensive project lifecycle solutions.

The team at PT Funda, with over 20 years of experience, has completed more than 70 hydropower projects across Asia, boasting a total installed capacity of 4,500 MW. In Indonesia, they have successfully executed four grid-connected projects with a combined capacity of 57 MW. Currently, PT Funda has a robust pipeline exceeding 300 MW in planned capacity.

ISDN’s Managing Director and President, Teo Cher Koon, stated, “The acquisition of PT Funda aligns with ISDN’s long-term plan to provide a one-stop renewable energy solution in Indonesia and capture a larger pie in this growing sector.”

This strategic move comes as the Indonesian government aims to double its renewable energy capacity by 2034, with hydropower expected to account for 27.5% of the new capacity. The acquisition positions ISDN to leverage these opportunities, expanding its project pipeline and enhancing its service offerings in early-stage project development and downstream O&M services.

With PT Funda’s integration, ISDN anticipates strengthening its business resilience and expanding its recurring income base, further solidifying its position in the renewable energy sector.
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