Regional News

T. Rowe Price has announced the expansion of its Asia ex Japan distribution team with the appointment of two new directors, reinforcing its commitment to the region. Zong Han Lee has been named Senior Director for Southeast Asia, based in Singapore, whilst Avis Choy takes on the role of Associate Director for Greater China, based in Hong Kong. These appointments aim to enhance the firm’s distribution partnerships and client relationships across Asia.

Zong Han Lee brings over a decade of experience in private wealth and wholesale sectors, having previously worked at UBS Asset Management. His role will focus on driving distribution partnerships in Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, Avis Choy, who has held positions at UBS Global Wealth Management and Janus Henderson Investors, will concentrate on developing relationships with intermediary clients in Greater China.

Glen Lee, Head of Intermediary Distribution, Asia ex Japan at T. Rowe Price, highlighted the firm’s growth in the intermediary channel across Asia, stating, “Clients are increasingly seeking differentiated, actively managed strategies that leverage our renowned global investment research platform.”

Since establishing its offices in Hong Kong in 1987 and Singapore in 1996, T. Rowe Price has continued to deepen its regional presence. The firm offers a range of investment solutions, including equity, fixed income, multi-asset, and alternative assets, to meet evolving client needs. Currently, T. Rowe Price manages 29 authorised funds in Hong Kong and 26 recognised funds in Singapore.

These strategic appointments are expected to bolster T. Rowe Price’s ability to deliver exceptional service and innovative solutions to its clients in Asia.
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Sheng Siong, a prominent supermarket chain in Singapore, has announced an optimistic outlook for its earnings growth, driven by plans to increase its store count. The company has maintained its “BUY” recommendation, with a revised target price of S$2.12, up from S$1.98, reflecting a 13% upside and an approximate 4% yield. This decision comes as Sheng Siong anticipates a positive earnings trajectory for the fiscal years 2025 to 2027, supported by a larger store network.

The company’s earnings forecast has been adjusted upwards by 2% for 2025, 4% for 2026, and 4.5% for 2027, based on the assumption of a higher number of stores. This expansion is expected to bolster Sheng Siong’s earnings growth momentum, alongside its attractive valuation, strong cash flow generation, and stable balance sheet. The company also plans to roll its target price forward to a blended price-to-earnings ratio for the fiscal years 2025 and 2026.

Analyst Alfie Yeo highlighted Sheng Siong’s robust cash flow and good dividend payout as key factors in maintaining the “BUY” recommendation. The company’s strategy to expand its store network aligns with its goal of capitalising on improving consumption and government support measures aimed at countering inflation in Singapore.

In summary, Sheng Siong’s strategic focus on expanding its store network is set to drive its earnings growth in the coming years, offering a stable investment opportunity with a promising dividend yield.
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The Nautical Institute Singapore is set to host its annual conference on 17 July 2025 at Furama City Centre, Singapore, spotlighting “Maritime 4.0 – Embracing Digitalisation, Sustainability & Wellbeing.” This event aims to address the maritime industry’s rapid digital transformation amidst climate action challenges and crew welfare concerns.

The conference will feature Ang Wee Keong, Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, as the Guest of Honour, highlighting Singapore’s commitment to future-ready maritime strategies. Keynote speakers include John Martin, CEO of Gard Singapore, and Mark Cameron, Managing Director (Asia) and COO of Ardmore Shipping, both bringing decades of industry expertise.

The programme will delve into three main themes:

1. **Digitalisation**: Discussions will cover advancements in navigation systems, including ECDIS S-100 and AI in bridge operations.

2. **Sustainability**: Experts will explore alternative fuels such as ammonia and hydrogen, focusing on their potential and associated risks.

3. **Seafarer Wellbeing**: This segment will address mental health, diversity, and training for future maritime professionals.

The conference promises a full day of expert insights, panel debates, and networking opportunities, with over 20 speakers from various sectors. It aims to foster dialogue on implementing Maritime 4.0 safely and sustainably. Attendees can expect engaging discussions and ample opportunities for collaboration, making it a pivotal event for maritime progress.
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International law firm Trowers & Hamlins has bolstered its Singapore office by appointing Chuan How Tan as a Partner in its International Banking and Finance team. Chuan How, who previously worked at DFDL Singapore, brings extensive experience in advising international lenders and corporate borrowers on cross-border banking and financing transactions across the ASEAN region.

Chuan How’s expertise spans project financing, syndicated and structured financing, capital expenditure financing, and debt capital market transactions. He is particularly knowledgeable about the markets in Malaysia, Cambodia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Indonesia. His appointment is part of Trowers & Hamlins’ strategic investment in the region, aiming to strengthen its local and international Banking and Finance practice.

Abdulhaq Mohammed, Head of Asia at Trowers & Hamlins, stated, “We are growing our ASEAN offering in Singapore in a targeted way, and Chuan How’s appointment reflects our ongoing strategic investment in the region. His deep experience in cross-border finance and infrastructure matters in our priority markets not only strengthens our local capability but also adds valuable depth to our international Banking and Finance practice.”

Chuan How expressed his enthusiasm about joining the firm, saying, “I am excited to join Trowers & Hamlins at such a dynamic time for the firm. The Singapore office has built an impressive profile in a short space of time and I look forward to contributing to the growth of the ASEAN business in Singapore, Malaysia and beyond.”

This strategic move by Trowers & Hamlins is expected to enhance their service offerings in Asia and support their global network, providing clients with a deeper understanding of regional market nuances.
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Botsync, a Series-A funded robotics startup, has been awarded the prestigious Singapore SME 500 Award 2025. This accolade, announced on 3 July 2025, recognises Botsync’s outstanding business standards, qualities, and performance in the field of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and automation management software. The award is a testament to Botsync’s capabilities in revolutionising material movement in factories and warehouses.

The Singapore SME 500 Award, conducted by the Association of Trade and Commerce (ATC), is one of the country’s most esteemed business accolades. It evaluates enterprises on both quantitative and qualitative aspects, including their potential for business development and market expansion. Botsync’s achievement underscores its commitment to excellence and innovation in the robotics industry.

Botsync’s automation solutions are designed to streamline intralogistics processes using a no-code automation platform and a fleet of AMRs. These solutions have transformed operations for industry giants such as Ford, Coca-Cola, and Kimberly-Clark, enhancing throughput, reducing downtime, and improving efficiency with minimal changes to existing infrastructure.

The award not only affirms Botsync’s business excellence but also highlights its role in advancing automation technology. The company expressed gratitude to its partners, colleagues, and clients for their support in achieving this milestone. As Botsync continues to expand its presence across Singapore, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Australia, this recognition is expected to bolster its reputation and growth in the global market.
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Schroders has announced the establishment of its Global Digital Assets Centre of Excellence in Singapore, a strategic move to bolster its digital asset capabilities worldwide. Led by Marita McGinley, Global Head of Digital Asset Strategy, the centre will focus on innovation, capitalising on tokenisation opportunities, and building a scalable future operating model.

The centre will prioritise the development of digital components through tokenisation, aiming to enhance client value and operational efficiencies. It will also explore new opportunities in tokenised funds and treasury solutions, whilst creating a simplified framework using reusable digital components like smart contracts and integration tools.

Digital assets offer transformative potential for the asset management industry, and Schroders is keen to leverage this through its vision of Composable Finance. This approach allows the firm to optimise investments into programmable smart contracts and tokens, broadening investment opportunities and standardising processes.

The centre will engage with key stakeholders to shape policies, drive industry standards, and promote knowledge sharing. This initiative aligns with Singapore’s ambitions to lead in financial technology and digital asset innovation, supported by Schroders’ involvement in the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s Project Guardian.

Gopi Mirchandani, Head of Client Group, Asia, highlighted the significance of the launch, stating, “The Global Digital Assets Centre of Excellence marks a pivotal milestone in our journey to drive the evolution of asset management through digital innovation.” Meagen Burnett, Group Chief Financial Officer, added, “Digital assets are transforming asset management… Schroders will continue to adopt these new technologies to meet evolving needs.”

The launch underscores Schroders’ commitment to driving innovation in asset management, positioning itself at the forefront of digital asset development.
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Soilbuild Construction has reported a remarkable 58.4% increase in revenue for the financial year 2024, driven by significant growth in its Construction and Precast and Prefabrication segments. The Construction division alone contributed 81.5% of the total revenue, highlighting its pivotal role in the company’s success. This surge in revenue has also led to an improvement in operating cash flow, with the company generating S$35.9 million, enhancing its liquidity position.

The company’s Construction segment grew by 53.1%, whilst the Precast and Prefabrication segment saw an impressive 87.1% increase. This growth is attributed to strategic business objectives and key revenue drivers that have been effectively managed by Soilbuild Construction’s leadership. The company is now exploring plans to diversify its revenue streams, ensuring sustainable growth in the future.

In addition to revenue growth, Soilbuild Construction’s improved liquidity positions it well for future investments and operational enhancements. The company is considering various options for deploying its increased cash flow, which could include expanding its current operations or investing in new opportunities within the industry.

The insights into Soilbuild Construction’s performance were shared as part of the “10 in 10” series, which provides a concise overview of SGX-listed companies through a series of management Q&As. This format allows for a deeper understanding of the company’s current business landscape and future strategies. As Soilbuild Construction continues to lead in green building, its focus on innovation and sustainability remains at the forefront of its operations.
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Hikvision has launched its latest educational tool, the WonderHub interactive display, at the Shaping Intelligence 2025 Education Summit in Singapore. Designed to address persistent classroom challenges, WonderHub integrates high-performance technology with the innovative WonderOS 4.0, offering educators a seamless and intelligent teaching experience.

The WonderHub Select Series is equipped with an industry-leading AI chip, an 8-core CPU, 8GB RAM, and 128GB storage, allowing teachers to conduct presentations and run multiple teaching apps without lag. The device runs on the latest Android system, providing instant access to Google apps and familiar tools, eliminating the need for additional training.

WonderOS 4.0 is set to redefine classroom teaching with features like AI Identify, which enhances engagement by allowing teachers to highlight content for instant explanations, and AI QA, which provides quick answers to student inquiries. AI Meeting offers real-time captions and summaries, reducing teachers’ workloads. The system supports teachers from lesson preparation to post-lesson evaluation, ensuring an intelligent teaching experience.

With over 500,000 units delivered to more than 10,000 schools in 140 countries, WonderHub is gaining global recognition. Joshua Oswari, General Manager at Zioncom Technology, praised the product’s impact, stating, “WonderHub’s upgraded features and integration can encourage better interactive learning and provide a seamless teaching experience.”

Hikvision’s commitment to innovation, supported by over 1,000 professionals and numerous edtech patents, continues to refine educational tools, making teaching simpler and smarter. With WonderHub, the future of education is within reach.
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Gumazing, a well-known children’s gummy vitamin brand, is significantly expanding its reach in Singapore by partnering with major retailers such as Watsons and ThomsonBaby Retail. This expansion makes their popular Multivitamin and Immunity Boost Gummies more accessible to families across the nation. Additionally, Gumazing is launching a new line of supplements tailored for women, including Prenatal & Postnatal Multivitamin Gummies and Menopause Gummies.

The introduction of these new products marks a strategic move for Gumazing, aiming to transform wellness into a shared family experience. Co-Founder Krishika Bahirwani emphasised the brand’s mission, stating, “The aim is to empower parents to participate in and integrate wellness habits throughout the family.” This initiative positions Gumazing at the forefront of Singapore’s evolving health and wellness market, catering to the increasing demand for convenient and enjoyable nutritional solutions for all ages.

By expanding its product range and retail presence, Gumazing is poised to make a significant impact on family wellness in Singapore. The new women’s supplements reflect the brand’s commitment to offering comprehensive health solutions, ensuring that wellness is a family affair. As Gumazing continues to innovate and grow, it is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of nutritional health in the region.
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PR Newswire has announced a strategic partnership with SPH Media, significantly expanding its press release distribution within Singapore. This collaboration grants PR Newswire clients unprecedented access to The Straits Times and MONEY FM 89.3, two of Singapore’s most-consumed media outlets. The partnership aims to deepen geographic penetration and boost engagement with industry professionals and consumers across the region.

The Straits Times, SPH Media’s flagship English daily, is Singapore’s most widely read newspaper, offering comprehensive national and international news coverage. MONEY FM 89.3, the country’s first business and personal finance radio station, provides 24/7 English-language programming. This partnership builds on a content licensing agreement signed in May 2024 between SPH Media and Cision Ltd, PR Newswire’s parent company, which allows Cision’s clients to monitor online content from all SPH Media outlets via the CisionOne platform.

Matt Brown, President of PR Newswire, stated, “By distributing press release content to The Straits Times and MONEY FM 89.3, we’re providing our clients with unparalleled access to a highly engaged and influential Singaporean audience.”

Key features of this partnership include leveraging The Straits Times’ significant multiplatform presence, which attracts 62.2 million monthly page views and 8.5 million monthly users, and offering PR Newswire clients exclusive access to a premium audience of Singaporean professionals.

Lynn Liu, Vice President of Audience Development and Distribution Services at PR Newswire APAC, remarked, “We believe this collaboration will unlock significant value for our clients, enabling them to connect with key audiences in a more impactful and data-driven way.”

This partnership underscores PR Newswire’s commitment to broadening its global network and ensuring its customers reach the most extensive, high-quality audience worldwide.
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