Regional News

CBRE has announced the sale of a 999-year conservation shophouse located at 24 Ann Siang Road, Singapore. This three-storey property, complete with a basement and attic, is being offered via an Expression of Interest exercise, closing on 26 November 2025. The shophouse, which spans approximately 4,446 square feet, is fully leased to boutique offices and is situated in a prime location within Singapore’s Central Business District.

The property is part of the prestigious Ann Siang Hill enclave, known for its mix of exclusive bars, high-end restaurants, and upscale boutiques. Clemence Lee, Executive Director of Capital Markets at CBRE, highlighted the rarity and desirability of such assets, noting their appeal to both investors and owner-occupiers. “Shophouses in the Club Street / Ann Siang area are commonly recognised as ‘trophy assets’,” Lee stated, referencing a recent sale in the area for $15.3m (S$21m).

The shophouse benefits from excellent connectivity, being within walking distance of four MRT stations, including Maxwell and Telok Ayer. This strategic location is expected to drive robust rental growth and long-term capital appreciation. The guide price is set at $15.3 million (S$21m), translating to approximately $3,440 (S$4,723) per square foot. As a commercial property, it is open to foreign buyers and companies without the imposition of Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty or Seller’s Stamp Duty.

Nokia, in collaboration with ST Engineering and First One Systems, is set to deploy an advanced IP/MPLS-based Backbone Transmission Network (BTN) for Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited’s (BEM) new Orange Line. This initiative aims to enhance the reliability, security, and efficiency of BEM’s railway communications network, supporting critical applications such as CCTV surveillance, passenger information displays, and SCADA systems. The project is expected to be completed by 2030.

The 35.9 km Orange Line will connect the east and west sides of Bangkok, featuring both underground and elevated tracks. Nokia’s solution will provide BEM with a high-capacity, low-latency, and secure transmission backbone, ensuring safer and smoother train operations. “We are honoured to be part of this landmark project,” said Terdsak Kijjatikankun, CEO of First One Systems, highlighting the collaboration’s significance in advancing Bangkok’s rail transport.

Nokia’s deployment will include two BTNs, 10G and 40G, to support network speeds for voice, data, and video transmission between stations and the Operations Control Centre. Stuart Hendry, Vice President of Enterprise Sales for Network Infrastructure at Nokia Asia Pacific, emphasised the importance of technical expertise and collaboration in delivering a world-class solution.

This project reflects a broader trend of digital transformation in railway systems worldwide, aiming to enhance operational efficiency, reliability, and safety. As Bangkok’s rail network evolves, passengers can expect improved services and a more secure travel experience.

Frasers Property Limited has achieved a significant milestone by more than doubling its global and regional sector leadership positions in the 2025 GRESB Real Estate Assessment. The company secured 15 leadership positions, up from six last year, marking its strongest performance to date in this globally recognised sustainability benchmark for the real estate sector.

The assessment, which is widely used by investors for decision-making, saw seven of Frasers Property’s business entities awarded 5-star ratings in the Standing Investments and Development benchmarks, placing them within the top 20% globally. These entities include Frasers Property Singapore, Frasers Property Australia, and Frasers Logistics & Commercial Trust, among others.

Wanshi Zheng, Group Chief Strategy & Sustainability Officer at Frasers Property, stated, “Frasers Property’s improved performance in successive annual GRESB assessments reflects the Group’s ongoing efforts to strengthen sustainability integration across our multinational portfolio.”

The company’s commitment to sustainability is further demonstrated by its expansion of renewable energy capacity. Notably, The Tube in Germany now hosts the largest solar installation in Frasers Property’s European industrial portfolio, supporting tenants’ sustainability goals and reducing reliance on grid electricity.

Frasers Property’s achievements in the GRESB assessment not only highlight its sustainability progress but also enhance its access to favourable financing terms linked to its performance. As the company continues to deepen its sustainability initiatives, it aims to create long-term value and resilience across its diverse portfolio.

Singapore Changi Airport experienced a 3.1% increase in passenger movements in Q3 2025, handling 17.3 million passengers from July to September. Aircraft movements totalled 91,600, maintaining levels from the previous year. The airport’s top markets included China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, and India, with China and Vietnam showing the strongest growth at 9.7% and 11.3%, respectively.

Changi Airport also reported a 3.7% year-on-year increase in airfreight throughput, reaching 531,000 tonnes. Notably, imports grew by 10% compared to 2024. The top air cargo markets were China, the United States, Australia, Hong Kong, and India. Lim Ching Kiat, Executive Vice President for Air Hub and Cargo Development, stated, “Changi Airport continues to build on the positive momentum in travel demand this quarter, particularly on Asia routes.”

The airport expanded its network with new services, including Pelita Air’s daily flights to Jakarta and Hainan Airlines’ four-times-weekly service to Haikou and Changchun. Loong Air introduced flights to Zhangjiajie, and Batik Air Malaysia will add new routes to Ipoh, Penang, and Subang in December. Scoot announced new routes to four Indonesian cities, including Semarang and Palembang.

On the cargo side, JD Airlines began thrice-weekly Shenzhen freighter services, enhancing options for shippers between Southeast Asia and China. As of 1 October, Changi Airport hosts about 100 airlines operating 7,000 weekly flights, connecting Singapore to over 160 cities worldwide.

DFI Retail Group has announced a pioneering partnership with GenM to introduce the MTick symbol in Asia, marking a significant step in making menopause-friendly products more accessible. This initiative will be rolled out in mid-2026 across Guardian stores in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, as well as Mannings in Hong Kong and Macau, providing dedicated spaces for menopause-related products.

The MTick, a universal shopping symbol, signifies products that are menopause-friendly, meeting criteria such as authorised health claims and verified technology. This collaboration aims to address the needs of the 1 billion women experiencing menopause globally, 87% of whom feel underserved by current retail offerings. Andrew Wong, CEO for Health & Beauty at DFI, stated, “Partnering with GenM to bring the MTick to Asia is a meaningful step forward in our wider Health & Beauty strategy.”

Heather Jackson, CEO of GenM, highlighted the global impact of this partnership, noting that it redefines how women shop for menopause-friendly products. The initiative not only enhances product visibility but also provides educational content and resources, empowering women to make informed choices.

With over 1,000 MTick-certified products already available in the UK, this expansion into Asia signifies a new era for menopause inclusivity in retail. As DFI Retail Group leads this change, it sets a precedent for other retailers to follow, ensuring that menopausal women have the support and resources they need.

Sanli Environmental Limited, through its subsidiary Sanli M&E Engineering Pte Ltd, has been awarded its largest contract to date by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) of Singapore. The contract, valued at approximately S$281m, involves the supply and installation of electrical services for the Cross Island Line Phase 1 and the Punggol Extension. This project, in collaboration with China Railway Electrification Engineering Group Co., Ltd. (Singapore Branch), significantly elevates Sanli’s order book to a record S$614.9m.

The project is expected to positively impact Sanli’s net tangible assets and earnings per share over its five-year duration. Sanli’s CEO, Sim Hock Heng, expressed that securing this contract is a “defining milestone” in the company’s growth journey, highlighting the trust and confidence placed in Sanli by public sector clients. He added that the collaboration with China Railway will leverage both companies’ strengths and expertise to ensure the project’s timely and efficient completion.

Founded in 2006 and listed on the SGX-Catalist in 2017, Sanli specialises in water and waste management engineering. The company aims to continue pursuing large-scale projects that align with its growth strategy, further expanding its order book and delivering new value propositions to its customers.

Hyatt Hotels and Resorts has unveiled its “More to Discover, Explore Malaysia” campaign, encouraging travellers to explore 11 unique properties across Malaysia’s vibrant cities and scenic coastal areas. Running from 9 September to 31 October 2025, the campaign offers guests who book directly on Hyatt.com a complimentary breakfast for stays from 10 September to 20 December 2025. World of Hyatt members can enjoy additional savings and receive a limited-edition Touch ‘n Go card for seamless travel.

The campaign highlights Hyatt’s diverse offerings, from the bustling capital of Kuala Lumpur to the serene shores of Kuantan and the adventurous landscapes of Kota Kinabalu. Participating hotels include the newly opened Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, Hyatt Regency Kuala Lumpur at KL Midtown, and Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu, among others.

“More to Discover, Explore Malaysia” aims to provide memorable stays, with guests starting their day with a hearty breakfast before exploring local surroundings. The Touch ‘n Go card facilitates transport, dining, and convenience purchases, enhancing the travel experience.

Hyatt’s initiative is rooted in local culture and a passion for travel, positioning its hotels as launchpads for rediscovering Malaysia. Each stay promises a unique way to experience the country’s vibrant culture and natural beauty in modern comfort. Non-World of Hyatt members must use offer code HTBVA, whilst members can use code MYHIPO for added benefits.

Giti Tyre has successfully issued S$150m in Sustainability Notes, a move facilitated by DBS Bank Ltd., Deutsche Bank, and HSBC. The five-year notes are designed to bolster Giti Tyre’s commitment to environmental sustainability, marking a significant step in the company’s ongoing efforts to integrate eco-friendly practices into its operations.

The issuance of these notes is part of Giti Tyre’s broader strategy to enhance its environmental credentials and support sustainable development goals. By securing this funding, Giti Tyre aims to finance projects that reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable resource management within its manufacturing processes.

A spokesperson from Giti Tyre stated, “The completion of this issuance underscores our dedication to sustainability and our commitment to aligning our business practices with global environmental standards.” This initiative reflects the growing trend among corporations to prioritise sustainability in their financial strategies, responding to increasing demand from investors for environmentally responsible investments.

The collaboration with major financial institutions like DBS Bank, Deutsche Bank, and HSBC highlights the confidence these entities have in Giti Tyre’s sustainability agenda. This partnership not only provides financial backing but also reinforces the company’s reputation as a leader in sustainable practices within the tyre manufacturing industry.

Looking ahead, Giti Tyre plans to continue its focus on sustainability, leveraging the funds raised to implement innovative solutions that further reduce its environmental impact. This move is expected to set a precedent for other companies in the sector, encouraging a shift towards more sustainable business models.

Kingsmen Xperience, a subsidiary of Kingsmen Creatives Ltd., and Choom Pte. Ltd. have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to globally expand the CHOOM Project, a K-pop Kiosk–Social Media concept. This collaboration aims to explore new business opportunities and co-marketing initiatives, including public relations campaigns, roadshows, and pop-up exhibitions across international markets.

The CHOOM Project is designed to offer immersive, interactive experiences through physical kiosks and a digital platform, allowing K-pop artists to grow their fan base globally. The initiative is set to debut in Singapore later this year, featuring launch events and promotional activities targeting youth, families, and K-pop enthusiasts.

Anthony Chong, Group Chief Executive of Kingsmen, stated, “Our collaboration with Choom reinforces Kingsmen’s focus on designing experiences that transcend boundaries.” Corey Redmond, Senior Executive Vice President of Kingsmen Xperience, added, “CHOOM represents a new generation of cultural experiences, interactive, dynamic, and deeply rooted in community.”

James Hong, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Choom, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting Kingsmen’s extensive network and experience as pivotal for the project’s global expansion. The initiative aims to begin its international rollout from Singapore, targeting neighbouring countries before extending worldwide.

This strategic collaboration promises to bring K-culture to a broader audience, leveraging Kingsmen’s expertise in location-based entertainment and Choom’s innovative vision. The CHOOM Project is poised to offer unique engagement opportunities within the K-pop community, fostering cultural connections on a global scale.

CapitaLand Investment Limited (CLI) has entered a three-year partnership with the Health Promotion Board (HPB) to enhance healthier living across its retail and workspace ecosystem in Singapore. This strategic collaboration, announced on 21 October 2025, leverages CLI’s extensive network of malls and workspaces alongside HPB’s public health programmes to offer accessible wellness opportunities for individuals and communities.

The partnership will see the implementation of various health and wellness programmes, including HPB’s Healthy Workplace Ecosystem Programme, Health Promoting Mall Programme, Health Coaching at Malls Programme, and Healthier Dining Programme. These initiatives aim to benefit shoppers, tenants, and the broader workspace community by providing a range of healthy living activities.

CLI’s annual Live It Up! Initiative will also receive support from HPB, focusing on holistic well-being through physical activity, mental wellness, and nutrition. The collaboration targets engaging up to 45,000 participants each year.

Ervin Yeo, Group Chief Strategy Officer and CEO of Commercial Management at CLI, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are excited to deepen our partnership with HPB to bring health and wellness initiatives even closer to where people live, work and play.”

Koh Peng Keng, Deputy CEO of HPB, highlighted the alignment with HPB’s vision, saying, “Our collaboration with CLI aligns with HPB’s strategic vision to harness the built environment in promoting healthy living.”

This partnership builds on a longstanding collaboration between CLI and HPB since 2010, with previous initiatives engaging over 40,000 individuals through CapitaLand’s retail and workplace ecosystem.