Regional News

PropNex Realty has announced a strategic partnership with BYD, a leader in electric vehicles, to promote sustainability within Singapore’s real estate and transportation sectors. The collaboration was formalised with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on 15 July 2025 during PropNex’s 25th Anniversary Celebrations at Marina Bay Sands.

The partnership aims to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles among PropNex’s network of over 13,000 salespersons and employees. Special benefits will be offered for purchases of BYD or Denza vehicles, promoting eco-friendly transportation options. James Ng, Managing Director of BYD Singapore and Philippines, highlighted the collaboration’s potential to “empower more individuals to make eco-conscious choices.”

In addition to this green initiative, PropNex has partnered with the Singapore Institute of Advanced Medicine Holdings Ltd (SAM Holdings) to provide comprehensive, fully-sponsored health screenings for all 13,600 salespersons and nearly 200 full-time employees until 2026. This programme focuses on early disease detection and long-term health management, reinforcing PropNex’s commitment to employee well-being.

Executive Chairman of PropNex, Ismail Gafoor, emphasised the importance of these initiatives, stating, “We believe we can collectively drive meaningful change by championing the use of electric vehicles and adopting greener lifestyle choices.” The health screening initiative, he added, aims to empower salespersons and employees with access to critical health assessments.

These partnerships reflect PropNex’s broader vision of sustainability and welfare, as the company continues to lead in purposeful leadership and innovation.
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Morgan Stanley Research has unveiled a report highlighting how artificial intelligence (AI) is set to propel Singapore’s economic growth amidst challenges posed by an ageing population and labour constraints. The report, released ahead of Singapore’s 60th anniversary, predicts that AI will sustain a 3% GDP growth rate, keeping Singapore among the fastest-growing developed economies.

Singapore is recognised as one of the top AI markets globally, thanks to a robust ecosystem fostered by government initiatives. According to the report, over 70% of surveyed corporations have integrated AI into their operations, enhancing productivity, labour efficiency, product development, and supply chain management. This widespread adoption is crucial for maintaining the projected GDP growth.

The report identifies two categories of AI players in Singapore: Enablers and Adopters. Enablers like Singtel, Keppel, and SCI are pivotal in building the necessary infrastructure for AI, with Singtel expanding its data centre capacity and establishing AI factories across Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, Adopters such as Grab, Sea Ltd, Singapore Airlines (SIA), and ST Engineering (STE) are leveraging AI for innovation and productivity enhancements. Notably, Grab has launched an AI Centre of Excellence in Singapore to accelerate AI-driven solutions.

Morgan Stanley’s findings underscore the strategic importance of AI in Singapore’s economic landscape, suggesting that continued investment and innovation in AI could further solidify the country’s position as a global leader in technology and economic growth.
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Arsenal Football Club has announced a multi-year partnership with Airwallex, a leading global payments and financial services platform, which will now serve as the club’s Official Finance Software Partner. This collaboration will see Airwallex support Arsenal’s financial operations and act as the Presenting Partner for the club’s 2025/26 pre-season tour in Singapore and Hong Kong.

The partnership allows Airwallex to utilise Arsenal’s Men’s and Women’s first team branding and deliver exclusive content for fans at Emirates Stadium during Premier League and Women’s Super League fixtures. Juliet Slot, Arsenal’s Chief Commercial Officer, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We’re delighted to welcome Airwallex as our new partner, and we’re excited to introduce them to our global family of Gooners on our Men’s tour to Singapore and Hong Kong.”

Jack Zhang, Co-Founder and CEO of Airwallex, highlighted the significance of the partnership, noting, “Partnering with Arsenal is a proud moment for Airwallex. We are building the future of global banking, and that means working with brands and businesses that are committed to global reach, excellence, and innovation.”

This agreement marks Airwallex’s second major sports partnership, following its successful collaboration with Formula One’s McLaren Racing. The partnership comes shortly after Airwallex’s valuation at $6.2 billion (£4.8 billion) in a Series F fundraising round, further solidifying its presence in global elite sports.
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Ajinomoto, a leading Japanese food manufacturer, has unveiled its Solein-powered Flowering Ice Cream at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, running from 18 July to 3 August 2025. This innovative product is part of Ajinomoto’s conscious brand, Atlr72, which aims to meet the growing consumer demand for healthful and environmentally friendly food options.

The Solein-powered ice cream, available in three flavours, is being offered at the event’s food lorries, providing both athletes and visitors with a nutritious and sustainable treat. Solein, developed by Solar Foods, is a versatile protein created through a unique fermentation process using air and electricity, offering a minimal environmental impact. Juan Benitez Garcia, Chief Sales Officer of Solar Foods, expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, “Solein delivers a protein boost to the indulgent products, adding outstanding nutrition with a minimal environmental impact.”

Ajinomoto’s Atlr72 brand, which previously launched limited-edition Solein-powered Flowering Mooncakes and Ice Cream Sandwiches in September 2024, plans to expand its offerings beyond sweets to include daily food options. This initiative aligns with the brand’s vision of promoting a sustainable food lifestyle and contributing to a better future for people and the planet.

The strategic partnership between Solar Foods and Ajinomoto, established in 2023, underscores a shared commitment to innovation in food production. Ajinomoto’s global reach, with offices in 34 countries and sales in over 130 regions, positions it well to influence sustainable eating habits worldwide.
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Huawei Cloud has unveiled its ambitious plans to propel Singaporean enterprises from basic cloud adoption to full-scale intelligence at the Huawei Cloud Singapore Summit 2025. The event, themed “Accelerate Intelligence, Ignite Smarter Future,” gathered over 500 representatives from government, business, and technology sectors to discuss strategies for enhancing enterprise productivity amidst a complex global landscape.

Maxi Wang, CEO of Huawei International, emphasised Singapore’s commitment to practical innovation, stating, “In the era of intelligence, Singapore has always valued practical innovation, the kind that lifts productivity, streamlines operations, and empowers every individual to grow.” Huawei aims to equip the local workforce with globally competitive skills by collaborating with industry and higher education partners.

Sunny Shang, President of Huawei Cloud Asia Pacific, highlighted Singapore’s role as a global innovation hub, noting the country’s unique five local Available Zones (AZ) deployment. This infrastructure supports service continuity and acts as a bridge for innovative solutions between Singapore and the world.

Huawei Cloud’s Director of Marketing, Aka Dai, introduced the company’s full-stack innovation for the intelligent era. This includes one-stop service capabilities that enable customers to leverage data and intelligence effectively. The integration of data and intelligence across business functions aims to transform innovative ideas into tangible results.

Gigi Hu, Managing Director of Huawei Cloud Singapore, outlined plans to invest in consulting, planning, and R&D support for key industries. Huawei Cloud will assist 10 major enterprises in implementing multi-cloud strategies and support over 50 Singaporean companies in upgrading to intelligent transformation.

The summit showcased industry practices and innovations, with partners like Grab and Minimax discussing cloud-native innovations. Huawei Cloud’s commitment to integrating technological innovation in everyday life was also highlighted, with initiatives like Tech4City promoting digital talent and public good.
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Starhub has maintained its position as the leader in Singapore’s mobile internet market for the second consecutive year, according to the 2025 Mobile Internet Performance Report by nPerf. The report, which analysed data from Q3 2024 to Q2 2025, awarded Starhub a score of 111,283 nPoints. The operator delivered a download speed of 224.9 Mbps, an upload speed of 28.7 Mbps, and a latency of 22.6 ms, with 85.7% of video streams playing without interruption.

SingTel secured the second spot with 101,596 nPoints, boasting the highest download speed at 236.8 Mbps—a 41.8% increase from the previous period. SingTel also led in upload speed at 29.9 Mbps and browsing performance, with 69.9% of pages loading properly. MobileOne ranked third, showing improvements with a download speed of 162.5 Mbps and an upload speed of 23.0 Mbps.

SIMBA, in fourth place, recorded a download speed of 30.1 Mbps and an upload speed of 6.0 Mbps. The report was based on 16,361 tests conducted via the nPerf application on Android and iOS devices.

Sébastien de Rosbo, CEO of nPerf, noted, “The Singaporean mobile market has shown substantial technical progress this year, with download speeds increasing by up to 41.8% for SingTel and all major operators demonstrating significant performance improvements.”

In the 5G category, Starhub also achieved the highest score in Singapore for the second consecutive year. The report highlights the ongoing advancements in mobile internet performance, offering valuable insights for consumers and operators alike.
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Singapore’s real estate investment trusts (REITs) are expected to see improved distribution per unit (DPU) in the second quarter of 2025, driven by lower interest rates and strong fundamentals. This comes as the demand for yields intensifies, with risk-free returns continuing to decline. The report suggests that Singapore REITs are reaching an inflection point, potentially leading to sequential improvements in DPU.

The report highlights that Singapore banks may face pressure on their net interest margins (NIMs). However, the wealth management sector is expected to provide a buffer, supporting overall income. Despite these challenges, the report indicates that REITs are likely to continue outperforming banks, particularly in the retail, industrial, and office sectors.

The analysis underscores the importance of focusing on banks with higher and growing yields, as they are expected to maintain their course amidst these market conditions. The ongoing demand for yields is becoming increasingly tangible, with investors seeking alternatives as traditional risk-free returns diminish.

As the financial landscape evolves, the report suggests that Singapore REITs are well-positioned to capitalise on the current economic environment. The potential for improved DPU, coupled with robust fundamentals, positions them favourably against banks in the near term. This trend is anticipated to persist, offering attractive opportunities for investors seeking yield in a low-interest-rate environment.
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Huawei Cloud hosted the Singapore Summit 2025, themed “Accelerate Intelligence, Ignite Smarter Future,” gathering over 500 representatives from government, business, and technology sectors. The summit focused on transitioning from basic cloud adoption to full-scale intelligence to enhance enterprise productivity. Sunny Shang, President of Huawei Cloud Asia Pacific, emphasised Singapore’s pivotal role as a global innovation hub, particularly in the intelligent era, highlighting Huawei Cloud’s unique five local Available Zones (AZ) deployment for service continuity.

Maxi Wang, CEO of Huawei International, stated that Singapore values practical innovation that boosts productivity and empowers individuals. Huawei aims to bring global best practices to help Singapore enterprises scale and modernise. Wang added, “We will continue working with our industry and higher education partners to equip the local workforce with globally competitive skills.”

Huawei Cloud’s Managing Director, Gigi Hu, outlined plans to invest in consulting, planning, solution design, and R&D support to assist major enterprises in implementing multicloud strategies. The company aims to support over 50 Singaporean companies in upgrading from cloud adoption to intelligent transformation.

The summit featured workshops showcasing industry practices across sectors. Huawei Cloud collaborates with public sectors to enhance government services and partners with companies like Grab and Minimax for cloud-native innovations. In fintech, Huawei Cloud shared trends in credit risk management and digital asset hosting.

Aka Dai, Director of Huawei Cloud Marketing, introduced Huawei Cloud’s full-stack innovation, enabling customers to leverage data and intelligence effectively. Huawei Cloud’s initiatives, such as Tech4City, promote digital talent and innovation, with projects like SafeGuardSG and the Sign Language Virtual Assistant SiLVia enhancing community safety and accessibility.

Huawei Cloud’s commitment to integrating technological innovation in everyday life and sustainable development was highlighted by Frank Guo, Managing Director of Huawei International. The summit also featured exhibitions of cutting-edge technologies and collaborative innovation with partners.
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WeRide, a leader in autonomous driving technology, has launched Southeast Asia’s first fully driverless Robobus at Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore. This significant development follows a year of successful operations with a safety officer on board and approval from the Land Transport Authority (LTA) of Singapore. The Robobus, which operates without a steering wheel or pedals, has already transported tens of thousands of passengers and completed numerous trips safely.

The Robobus connects key locations within Resorts World Sentosa, including Equarius Hotel, Hotel Michael, Hotel Ora, and The Galleria, on a 12-minute loop. Jennifer Li, CFO and Head of International at WeRide, highlighted the importance of Singapore’s regulatory support and collaboration with local partners in achieving this milestone. “Deploying the region’s first fully driverless Robobus demonstrates that our vehicles are safe, reliable, and ready to transform public transportation at scale,” she stated.

The Robobus is equipped with LIDARs, cameras, and sensors, enabling it to detect obstacles over 200 metres away within a 360-degree range. This technology has ensured a zero-incident safety record since its launch. The initiative aligns with Singapore’s national vision to integrate autonomous vehicles (AVs) into the public transport network by the end of 2025, as announced by Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow.

WeRide has also established a research and development centre in Singapore, supported by the Singapore Economic Development Board, to advance AV innovation. Cindy Koh, Executive Vice President of EDB, expressed enthusiasm for the potential of AV technology to shape the future of mobility and create new job opportunities.

Looking ahead, WeRide plans to strengthen collaborations with LTA and other stakeholders to introduce more validated products and scalable business models across Singapore and Southeast Asia.
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Vinamilk, Vietnam’s leading dairy brand, made a significant impact at the Growth Asia Summit 2025 in Singapore by introducing its pioneering 6HMO infant formula. This innovation marks a new era in paediatric nutrition, offering a solution that closely mimics the benefits of breast milk, particularly in a region where exclusive breastfeeding rates are modest.

Vinamilk’s Chief Marketing Officer, Nguyen Quang Tri, highlighted the importance of the 6HMO formula, which includes six human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) that support infant gut and immune health. This breakthrough is particularly crucial in Vietnam, where 55% of infants are not exclusively breastfed during their first six months. The formula aims to bridge this nutritional gap, especially for working mothers who face challenges balancing work and family commitments.

The company’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. Vinamilk ranks sixth globally for dairy brand value and was recognised as the most valuable food and beverage brand in Southeast Asia by Brand Finance in 2023. It is also the only Vietnamese dairy company featured in the Fortune Southeast Asia 500 ranking 2024.

Vinamilk’s innovation is the result of strategic partnerships with six global nutrition companies, enhancing its scientific capabilities. The 6HMO formula, which includes rare oligosaccharides like difucosyllactose and 3-fucosyllactose, fosters beneficial gut bacteria and protects against pathogens.

Nguyen Quang Tri stated, “Our 6HMO breakthrough not only raises nutritional standards but also helps support parents navigating breastfeeding challenges.” This development signifies Vietnam’s transformation into a nutrition powerhouse, with Vinamilk leading the charge in setting new standards in paediatric care.
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