Regional News

Seafood Expo Asia, organised by Diversified, has announced its 2025 conference programme, featuring expert-led sessions on sustainability, aquaculture, fish processing, aquafeeds, and consumer trends. The event will take place from 10 to 12 September at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore, offering a platform for industry professionals to discuss pressing issues and opportunities in the Asian seafood market.

The conference will kick off with a keynote address by leading Asian economist Manu Bhaskaran, who will provide insights into global trends and their implications for regional growth and investment strategies. Among the highlights, BAADER representatives will discuss advancements in fish processing technology, focusing on sustainability and productivity. A session on seafood supply chains will explore the need for sustainable food systems in Asia, addressing challenges like illegal fishing and climate change.

Dr Enrico Bachis from The Marine Ingredients Organisation will lead a session on aquafeeds, discussing sustainable management practices and nutritional optimisation. Additionally, aquaculture advancements will be showcased by leading operators, providing insights into building resilient food systems.

Consumer trends in Southeast Asia will be analysed, with experts from the Norwegian Seafood Council and others discussing market dynamics and future expectations. A panel will also delve into consumer demand for sustainable seafood products, offering strategies for aligning with evolving market needs.

Seafood Expo Asia serves as a strategic platform for networking and business development, drawing seafood suppliers and buyers from across the globe. Attendees can expect to discover new products, processing equipment, and services, whilst gaining valuable insights into the latest market trends.
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Roku Gin, a brand under The House of Suntory, is set to host a unique cocktail and dining event in Singapore on 2 August 2025. This collaboration brings together Stay Gold Flamingo, a renowned local cocktail bar, and IF ONLY, a contemporary bar and restaurant from Malaysia. The event promises an exclusive menu featuring three specially crafted cocktails and a selection of dishes that celebrate the art of craft, creativity, and culture.

The collaboration highlights the shared values of the participating venues, which include a deep respect for tradition and innovation. Amos Kew, Head Bartender at Stay Gold Flamingo, and Linus Teng, Bar Manager at IF ONLY, will present their craft through cocktails priced around $20 (SGD$27) each. Linus expressed his excitement, stating, “Working with Roku Gin was a natural fit for us at IF ONLY – we both value seasonality, precision, and storytelling through flavour.”

The cocktail menu includes creations such as “Coffee & Yuzu” by Linus and “Kuyashii” by Amos, each reflecting their unique styles and inspirations. Additionally, the event will feature a collaborative dish menu by Chef Bryan Tan of IF ONLY and Chef Joanne from Stay Gold Flamingo, blending Malaysian roots with modern Asian dining.

Roger Chen, Marketing Director of Roku Gin SEA, emphasised the significance of the event, noting, “This initiative not only celebrates our commitment to tradition and innovation but also allows us to engage a new generation of gin drinkers.” The event will take place at Stay Gold Flamingo in Singapore, with reservations available online.
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Booking.com has released its inaugural Global AI Sentiment Report, revealing a complex relationship between excitement and trust in AI among Asia Pacific (APAC) travellers. The findings, unveiled at the APAC Trust Summit 2025 in Singapore on 24 July, show that whilst 95% of APAC respondents express enthusiasm for AI, a mere 8% fully trust the technology, especially in making travel decisions.

The summit, held at the National Gallery Singapore, featured a keynote by Laura Houldsworth, Managing Director of Asia Pacific at Booking.com. She highlighted the paradox of AI in travel, noting that whilst travellers are eager to embrace AI, trust remains a significant hurdle. Marnie Wilking, Chief Security Officer at Booking.com, emphasised the importance of earning trust in an AI-driven world, stating that security and transparency are crucial in every customer interaction.

The report, which surveyed over 37,000 consumers across 33 markets, indicates that 93% of APAC consumers are keen to incorporate AI into future travel planning. However, only 16% are comfortable with AI making decisions independently, preferring it as a supportive tool rather than an autonomous decision-maker.

A panel discussion at the summit, moderated by Houldsworth, explored AI’s promise in travel, featuring industry leaders like Kung Teong Wah from PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering Singapore and Jordan Tan from the Singapore Tourism Board. The discussion underscored the need for responsible AI adoption that balances innovation with consumer trust.

Laura Houldsworth remarked, “Generative AI represents one of the most significant technological shifts of our era, opening up new possibilities across industries, including travel.” She stressed that alongside technological advancements, building trust and ensuring transparency are vital as the industry moves forward.
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SGX Mainboard-listed Oiltek International Limited has reported a significant increase in net profit for the first half of 2025, rising 37.5% to RM14.1 million compared to RM10.3 million in the same period last year. The company attributes this growth to a substantial increase in revenue from its Renewable Energy segment, which saw a 623.9% rise to RM22.7 million, offsetting declines in other areas.

Oiltek’s financial health remains robust, with zero debt and cash and bank balances of RM111.7 million, representing 124.6% of its net assets. The company has also proposed an interim dividend of 0.5 Singapore cents per share, reflecting its strong performance and commitment to shareholder value.

The company announced a proposed secondary listing on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad, aiming to broaden its investor base and enhance liquidity. Executive Director and CEO Henry Yong Khai Weng stated, “Despite a challenging global operating environment, Oiltek delivered a strong 1H2025 performance and continues to enhance shareholder value.”

Looking ahead, Oiltek is optimistic about the long-term prospects of its Edible & Non-Edible Oil Refinery segment, driven by global demand for oils and fats. The company is also poised to capitalise on the growing demand for sustainable aviation fuel, with Southeast Asia emerging as a hub for this market. As the company continues to innovate and expand, it remains focused on driving sustainable growth and creating long-term value for its shareholders.
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Morgan Stanley’s latest report reveals that the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has opted to keep its policy settings unchanged following its July meeting. This decision comes after previous easing measures in January and April. The report highlights that the MAS’s decision was influenced by a surprising uptick in near-term growth momentum and the absence of further disinflation. However, the economic outlook remains uncertain, leaving the door open for potential future policy adjustments.

The report, authored by Derrick Y Kam, an Asia Economist at Morgan Stanley, outlines several scenarios that could prompt MAS to alter its policy stance. These include a move to a zero per cent stance if growth unexpectedly declines, potentially triggering disinflationary pressures. Alternatively, a re-centre lower could be considered in the event of a global recession impacting growth. Conversely, an increase in the slope of appreciation, indicating tightening, is deemed unlikely for the October meeting but could be a possibility in 2026 if growth accelerates beyond expectations.

The MAS has stated it is in an “appropriate position to respond to risks to medium-term price stability,” suggesting readiness to adjust policies as needed. Morgan Stanley’s base case anticipates the MAS will maintain its current stance in October, with a bias towards easing if growth or inflation surprises negatively. This cautious approach underscores the ongoing economic uncertainties and the need for flexibility in monetary policy.
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DBS and Frasers Property have announced a strategic three-year partnership to revitalise Singapore’s heartland economy. This collaboration will leverage Frasers Property’s extensive retail network to provide exclusive financial solutions and digital transformation support to over 2,000 retail tenants across 11 properties, which serve nearly half of Singapore’s population.

The partnership, formalised with a memorandum of understanding at Frasers Property’s annual tenant appreciation event, Retail Spark! 2025, aims to enhance the local retail ecosystem. Retail tenants will benefit from preferential rates and digital payment solutions offered by DBS, whilst shoppers can convert rewards points into digital vouchers, benefiting DBS PayLah!’s 2.9 million users and 1.1 million members of Frasers Experience (FRx).

Frasers Property CEO, Soon Su Lin, highlighted the partnership’s potential to create a “dynamic ecosystem” that empowers tenants and rewards shoppers. DBS Singapore Country Head, Lim Him Chuan, emphasised the bank’s commitment to supporting heartland merchants and small businesses through initiatives like the Heartland Merchant Banking Package.

Beyond retail support, the partnership will focus on social impact initiatives, including programmes for seniors, persons with disabilities, and the underprivileged. The DBS Foundation and Frasers Property will collaborate on projects such as the Nutrition and Social Connection Programme, aiming to provide nutritious meals to 6,000 vulnerable seniors.

This partnership marks a significant step in strengthening community ties and enhancing the retail landscape in Singapore’s heartlands, promising a more resilient and inclusive future.
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Singapore’s logistics and warehouse sector demonstrated resilience in Q2 2025, with new purpose-built facilities leading the latest completions, according to a report by according to a JLL report. Despite global uncertainties and cautious occupier sentiment, the sector saw significant developments, including DP World’s inaugural facility at Mapletree Benoi Logistics Hub and DHL’s new Pharma Hub at Jurong Pier.

The quarter’s completions were largely driven by owner-occupied, purpose-built facilities, with Mapletree Joo Koon Logistics Hub being the sole new multi-tenanted facility. Notable projects included DSV Pearl, Chasen Logistics Services’ new facility, and YCH’s warehouse extension. The first and final phases of Maersk’s World Gateway 2 and Tiong Nam Logistics’ facility at Senoko Loop were also completed.

Despite the cautious approach from occupiers, the average islandwide logistics and warehouse rent remained stable for the fourth consecutive quarter. This stability is attributed to the limited availability of quality space for lease. Capital values mirrored this trend, holding steady and maintaining yields unchanged.

Looking ahead, the report suggests that whilst domestic economic and manufacturing sector growth may slow, rents are expected to remain stable due to the limited supply of multi-tenanted space. Lower borrowing costs and sustained investor interest in logistics and warehouse assets are anticipated to support capital values and keep yields steady over the next 12 months.
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In the second quarter of 2025, Singapore’s retail market experienced a notable increase in occupier demand, as replacement tenants filled vacant spaces left by earlier retail closures, according to a JLL report. This trend, particularly evident in large-format and suburban spaces, contributed to a decrease in the islandwide vacancy rate, according to a report by Jones Lang Lasalle.

The report highlights that the firm demand for retail space, coupled with limited new supply, has led to a marginal decline in vacancy rates across the suburban submarket. This demand is underpinned by Singapore’s status as a regional business hub, which continues to attract capital and support domestic consumption. Despite a subdued retail sales performance due to cautious consumer spending and outbound travel, the tourism market’s ongoing recovery has bolstered occupier demand.

Rent growth across all submarkets continued for the 15th consecutive quarter, although the pace of growth slowed in the secondary and suburban areas. Capital values mirrored this trend, rising for the sixth straight quarter as investors sought stable yields over funding costs. “Firm demand and proactive asset management by landlords drove rent growth quarter-on-quarter,” the report noted.

Looking ahead, the outlook remains cautious. High operational costs and reduced retail spending, driven by a weaker economic and hiring outlook, are expected to challenge business viability, potentially leading to more retail closures and increased vacancy rates. However, the report suggests that rents are likely to remain stable, supporting capital values and maintaining a positive yield spread over funding costs.
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Singapore’s prime non-landed home sales experienced a downturn in the second quarter of 2025, as geopolitical and economic uncertainties weighed heavily on developer and buyer sentiment, according to a JLL report. The quarter saw only one new project launch, 21 Anderson, which comprises 18 units. Existing projects like Hill House, Watten House, and The Collective at One Sophia continued to contribute to new sales during this period.

The market’s vacancy rates tightened slightly due to stronger absorption compared to new supply. Sophia Regency and the Initial Sama serviced flat development were the only projects to receive Temporary Occupation Permits in Q2, whilst Fraser Place Robertson Walk was withdrawn from the market.

Despite these challenges, the capital values of resale prime non-landed homes rose, albeit at a slower pace than in the first quarter, indicating sustained local buyer demand. However, the rental market showed mixed results. Luxury prime home rents, which had been on an upward trend since Q2 2024, saw a reversal due to heightened uncertainties and cost sensitivity. In contrast, typical prime rents continued to rise as demand shifted from the luxury segment.

Looking ahead, prime home prices may find support from moderating interest rates and local buyer interest. However, ongoing economic uncertainties, including geopolitical conflicts and trade frictions, could dampen demand. Additionally, economic headwinds and job market uncertainties are expected to weaken both leasing demand and rent growth for prime non-landed private homes.
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Singapore’s Central Business District (CBD) Investment Grade office spaces continue to attract corporate relocations, even as the broader market faces macroeconomic and geopolitical challenges, according to a JLL report. In Q2 2025, Audi Singapore relocated its office from Aperia to Capital Square and its showroom to 18 Cross Street. Simultaneously, SMBC is reportedly negotiating to move its back office operations to Capital Square from Changi Business Park.

The office market is experiencing a supply constraint, with no new developments expected for the remainder of the year. The withdrawal of 39 Robinson for refurbishment and conversion to serviced flats further tightens supply. From H2 2025 to 2027, only three new office completions are anticipated: Shaw Tower, Solitaire on Cecil, and Newport Tower. Additionally, tenants at 79 Anson have been notified to vacate by mid-2026 for redevelopment.

CBD office rents have shown modest growth, marking the fifth consecutive quarter of sub-1% quarter-on-quarter increases. Capital values have remained stable, with economic uncertainties and tight spreads between office yields and interest rates keeping institutional investors cautious.

Looking ahead, the limited supply pipeline is expected to support stable to modest growth in rents and capital values over the next 12 months, barring unforeseen shocks. Landlords are likely to enhance their assets with modernised facilities to remain competitive and prepare for market recovery.
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