Regional News

Trident Digital Tech Holdings Ltd., a Singapore-based leader in digital transformation, is spearheading a national campaign for Singapore’s 60th National Day Parade (NDP 2025) through its blockchain-based platform, Tridentity. As the Principal Partner of NDP 2025, Trident is inviting Singaporeans to engage in the festivities via the Tridentity GO app, which connects users with exclusive deals from over 70 local merchants.

The Tridentity GO campaign, running from early July to the end of August, transforms the SG60 celebration into an interactive experience. Users can collect digital stamps by logging into the app daily, answering quiz questions about Singapore’s history, and purchasing or redeeming special SG60 deals. Accumulating these stamps allows participants to unlock prizes and enter a lucky draw in September.

Midway through the campaign, over 60 participants have already collected 60 stamps and claimed prizes. Trident also hosted a special event on 26 July during the NDP rehearsal at Suntec Convention Centre to boost campaign awareness among performers.

The initiative aims to support Singapore’s local merchant community by driving traffic and sales through exclusive app deals. “Joining NDP 2025 as a Principal Partner is an honour for us at Trident,” said Soon Huat Lim, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Trident. “With the Tridentity GO campaign, we aim to bring the community closer to the SG60 celebration in an interactive and rewarding way.”

The campaign continues to offer opportunities for users to engage with their heritage and support local businesses, blending technology with community spirit.
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Dream Cruises has announced an exclusive 5 Night voyage to Bali, departing from Singapore on 30 November 2025 aboard the Genting Dream. This special sailing coincides with the start of the year-end school holidays, offering travellers a unique opportunity to explore the vibrant ports of Denpasar and Celukan Bawang in Bali.

Michael Goh, President of StarDream Cruises, expressed excitement about the offering, stating, “We’re excited to offer families and travellers a unique way to celebrate the start of the Singapore school holidays and festive season with this exclusive 5 Night cruise from Singapore to Bali.” The cruise promises a blend of relaxation and adventure, catering to guests of all ages.

Onboard the Genting Dream, passengers can indulge in world-class dining, enjoy live entertainment, and participate in various activities such as rock climbing and ziplining. For those seeking luxury, The Palace offers exclusive amenities and 24-hour butler service. The itinerary includes two full days at sea, allowing ample time to enjoy the ship’s offerings.

The cruise will explore two distinct areas of Bali. In Denpasar, guests can experience the bustling markets and spiritual landmarks, whilst Celukan Bawang in North Bali offers serene beaches and lush landscapes. This itinerary provides a comprehensive taste of Bali’s rich culture and natural beauty.

With limited cabins available, bookings for this exclusive cruise open on 21 August. Travellers are encouraged to secure their spots early for this unique journey. StarDream Cruises, launched in March 2025, continues to redefine cruising in Asia with its diverse offerings and expertise in the region.
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Nibertex, a Singapore-based deep-tech manufacturing company, has successfully closed a $7 million Series A funding round led by TNB Aura, a Southeast Asian venture capital firm. Announced on 7 August at TNB Aura’s VC Socials event in the Philippines, the funding will enable Nibertex to expand its PFAS-free textile membrane production, addressing the global demand for sustainable alternatives.

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are widely used in products for their water and stain resistance but are under scrutiny due to environmental and health concerns. Nibertex’s proprietary electrospinning technology produces PFAS-free membranes that are waterproof, breathable, and environmentally responsible. Richard Beck, Chief Strategy Officer of Nibertex, highlighted the urgency of transitioning to PFAS-free materials, stating, “PFAS-free performance materials are no longer a ‘nice to have’ — they’re fast becoming a requirement.”

The funding will allow Nibertex to increase its manufacturing capacity in the Philippines, advance research and development for applications beyond apparel, and strengthen market reach through strategic partnerships. Vicknesh Pillay, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at TNB Aura, expressed confidence in Nibertex’s potential, noting their early commercial success and cost-effective manufacturing capabilities.

Founded in 2019, Nibertex aims to lead in sustainable materials as global regulations tighten on PFAS use. The company’s innovative approach positions it as a valuable partner for manufacturers seeking environmentally safe alternatives without compromising performance.
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Lendlease Global Commercial REIT (LREIT) has announced the sale of its Jem office for $462 million as part of its capital recycling strategy. The transaction, revealed on 4 August 2025, is expected to reduce LREIT’s gearing from 42.6% to 35% by using the proceeds to pay down debt, CGS International said in a report. This move is anticipated to improve the REIT’s financial flexibility and enable it to pursue future growth opportunities, the report added.

The sale of the Jem office is projected to result in a divestment gain of $8.9 million, which could potentially be distributed to unitholders. Following the divestment, LREIT’s portfolio will see an increased focus on Singapore retail, which will account for 85% of its portfolio value, up from 60%.

LREIT’s recent financial performance showed a 1.9% year-on-year increase in revenue and a 2.7% rise in net property income for the second half of the financial year ending June 2025. Despite a 5.1% decline in retail tenant sales, rental reversions remained robust at +10.2% for FY25. The REIT also reported a 4.8% year-on-year growth in distributable income, translating into a distribution per unit (DPU) of 1.8 Singapore cents.

The REIT’s average cost of debt decreased by 8 basis points quarter-on-quarter to 3.46%, with an improved interest coverage ratio of 1.6 times by the end of FY25. The divestment is expected to create an income vacuum, leading to a reduction in DPU estimates for FY26 and FY27 by 6.95% to 8.64%.

LREIT maintains an “Add” rating with a revised target price of $0.67, reflecting the potential for growth following the balance sheet improvements post-divestment.
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CGS International has released a new report, “Make Singapore Great Again – Value Up A-Z chart book,” forecasting a positive outlook for Singapore’s equity market. The report, authored by Chua Wei Ren, Lim Siew Khee, and William TNG, anticipates improved trading liquidity and a narrowing of valuation discounts, driven by the Singapore government’s S$5bn Equity Market Development Programme (EQDP).

The report identifies 23 Singapore-listed stocks that are trading below 10x price-to-earnings (P/E) or 1x price-to-book value (P/BV), suggesting potential upside. These stocks have shown strong bullish rebounds and are forming early to mid-uptrends, with momentum expected to continue over the next six to 12 months. Investors are advised to consider accumulating shares on dips or positioning for potential breakout levels, especially in stocks with attractive valuations and improving fundamentals.

Among the highlighted stocks are Asian Pay Television Trust and Aztech Global Ltd. Asian Pay Television Trust, a cable operator, has maintained a stable dividend yield of around 10% and is trading below its net asset value per share. Aztech Global Ltd, in the electronic equipment sector, is in an early uptrend with a target price of S$1.020.

The report underscores the strategic importance of the EQDP in enhancing Singapore’s market competitiveness and attractiveness to investors. As the programme unfolds, it is expected to bolster the market’s overall performance and investor confidence.
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CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust (CICT) has announced its acquisition of the remaining 55% stake in CapitaSpring, a premium Grade A office tower located in the heart of Singapore’s Central Business District. The acquisition, valued at $1,390 million (S$1,900 million), involves purchasing interests from CapitaLand Development Limited and Mitsubishi Estate Co. Upon completion in the third quarter of 2025, CICT will gain full ownership of the 51-storey tower, which houses notable tenants such as JPMorgan Chase, Millennium Capital, and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking.

The acquisition is expected to deliver a distribution per unit (DPU) accretion of 1.1% despite its modest scale, according to a UOBKayHian report. CICT’s exposure to Singapore will increase from 94% to 95% of its portfolio valuation. The acquisition will be funded by proceeds from a private placement, with plans to refinance loans at a lower interest rate of 2.7%.

CapitaSpring, with its strategic location and reputable tenants, registered positive rental reversion of 5-7% in recent years. The limited supply of Grade A office space in the core CBD is anticipated to benefit CICT further. The acquisition will expand CICT’s portfolio valuation by 4.2% to $19.75 billion (S$27 billion).

The trust’s financial performance remains robust, with a 3.5% year-on-year increase in DPU for the first half of 2025. The acquisition aligns with CICT’s strategy to enhance its portfolio through strategic investments and asset enhancements. The trust maintains a stable balance sheet with an aggregate leverage of 37.9% as of June 2025.
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Skadden has announced the addition of Sharmistha Chakrabarti as an International Litigation and Arbitration partner in its Singapore office. Previously based in New York since 2012, Chakrabarti brings a wealth of experience in commercial and investor-state arbitrations across various industries, including telecommunications, oil and gas, and cryptocurrencies. Her move underscores Skadden’s ongoing commitment to expanding its presence in the Asia region.

Chakrabarti, a registered foreign lawyer in Singapore, is admitted in India, New York, and as a solicitor in England and Wales. Her expertise extends beyond contentious matters, offering strategic advice on transaction structuring, risk assessment, and dispute resolution. “Sharmistha’s relocation to our Singapore office reflects the Firm’s dedication to our Asia Pacific clients,” said Rajeev Duggal, head of Skadden’s Singapore office.

Her appointment follows the recent addition of Friven Yeoh as head of Skadden’s International Litigation and Arbitration Group in Asia. Yeoh praised Chakrabarti’s “exceptional advocacy skills and strategic acumen that spans jurisdictions,” highlighting her contributions to the firm’s practice.

Chakrabarti’s accolades include recognition in Benchmark Litigation’s 2024 40 and Under list and Lawdragon’s 500 Leading Global Litigators List. She regularly engages in speaking events in New York, Singapore, and India on topics like insolvency and arbitration.

Chakrabarti expressed enthusiasm about her new role, stating, “This move represents an exciting opportunity to deepen my engagement with clients and colleagues across Asia and other key jurisdictions.” Her presence is expected to further bolster Skadden’s dynamic practice in the region.
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Xiaomi has unveiled the Redmi 15 5G in Singapore, featuring a robust 7000mAh battery, a large 6.9″ FHD+ display, and a suite of AI-powered tools. The smartphone is designed to provide users with extended battery life, immersive viewing, and creative capabilities, all for $182 (SGD249).

The Redmi 15 5G boasts Xiaomi’s largest battery to date, capable of lasting up to two days on a single charge. It supports 33W fast charging and 18W reverse charging, ensuring users remain connected throughout the day. The device’s 6.9″ display offers a 144Hz refresh rate and TÜV Rheinland certifications, promising a comfortable viewing experience.

Equipped with a 50MP AI dual camera system, the Redmi 15 5G includes features like AI Erase and Dynamic shots, enhancing users’ photography options. The smartphone also delivers high-quality audio with Hi-Res Audio and Dolby Atmos® support.

Running on Xiaomi HyperOS 2, the device integrates intelligent features such as Circle to Search and Google Gemini, facilitating a seamless user experience. The Redmi 15 5G is available in Ripple Green, Titan Grey, and Midnight Black, with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage, expandable up to 2TB.

Available through mi.com, Shopee, Lazada, and authorised retailers, the Redmi 15 5G combines endurance, style, and advanced technology, catering to everyday demands.
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Neo Smiles Dental Studio is celebrating its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of growth from a one-chair practice to a multi-branch provider of specialist orthodontic care in Singapore. With clinics in Bedok, Serangoon, and Bishan, Neo Smiles offers flexible appointment hours and structured treatment options to cater to students, working adults, and families.

Originally established to provide affordable orthodontic care in the heartlands, Neo Smiles has expanded its team and facilities to meet increasing demand. The practice now operates as a specialist orthodontic clinic chain, offering a comprehensive range of services including traditional braces, Damon self-ligating systems, Invisalign, and oral surgery procedures. The clinic has been recognised as an Invisalign Diamond Tier Practice, supported by advanced technology such as iTero Lumina 3D intraoral scanners.

Dr Neo Bijuan, Clinical Director at Neo Smiles, stated, “When we started Neo Smiles, our goal was to provide accessible specialist care without requiring patients to travel into the city. Ten years on, we remain focused on bringing structured, reliable care to neighbourhoods where it’s needed most.”

Throughout its journey, Neo Smiles has faced challenges, including staffing disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, the clinic relocated its Kovan branch to Serangoon Central, enhancing accessibility for patients. Embracing digital advancements, Neo Smiles utilises intraoral scanners and CBCT imaging for precise diagnostics and treatment planning.

Looking ahead, Neo Smiles aims to further improve access to specialist orthodontic care, offering student braces packages, flexible payment options, and financial assistance. As it enters its 11th year, the clinic remains committed to its founding purpose of providing accessible, structured treatment whilst prioritising patient experience.
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The Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC) and the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation have joined forces to improve access to vision care for patients with low vision, just in time for Singapore’s SG60 celebrations. This partnership allows eligible patients to collect their prescribed eyewear directly from the Spectacle Hut store at SingHealth Campus, simplifying the process from prescription to pickup.

The initiative, which integrates dispensing support into the vision care pathway, aims to close critical gaps in the delivery of specialised eyewear. The OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation has contributed 600 pairs of spectacles, including 400 pairs of high-plus reading glasses and 200 pairs of ophthalmic frames, to expand availability and offer patients a wider range of options. High-plus reading glasses provide enhanced magnification, enabling low vision patients to perform daily activities more comfortably.

Patricia Koh, Head of the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation Southeast Asia, Japan, and Korea, stated, “This initiative represents a new kind of coordination between clinical care and retail expertise.” Lisa Ong, Head of Allied Health at SNEC, added, “This collaboration affords greater convenience to our low vision patients who often already have challenges getting around.”

This partnership reflects Singapore’s leadership in eye care innovation and aligns with the national SG60 theme, “Building Our Singapore Together.” With an ageing population and increasing demand for rehabilitation services, this collaboration offers a glimpse into the future of more connected, community-responsive healthcare.
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