Regional News

ASEAN has solidified its position as a leading destination for foreign direct investment (FDI), with inflows reaching $225b in 2024, marking the second highest in its history. Singapore emerged as the largest recipient within ASEAN, attracting a record $143b, a 6% increase from the previous year. This is due to its status as a regional financial centre and its appeal in terms of political stability and connectivity.

ASEAN’s total represents a nearly 10% year-on-year increase, as reported in the latest World Investment Report by UNCTAD. The growth in ASEAN’s FDI outpaced the global increase of 3.7%, although it lagged behind the US and EU, which saw rises of 19.6% and 81.5%, respectively.

The surge in FDI is largely attributed to activities in supply chain–intensive manufacturing industries, reflecting multinational enterprises’ efforts to adapt to changing global trade dynamics.

Other ASEAN countries also experienced significant FDI growth. Indonesia saw a 13% increase to $24.2b, whilst Vietnam recorded its third consecutive year of record-high inflows, rising 9% to $20.2b. Malaysia and Thailand reported gains of 33% and 31%, respectively, as businesses pursued supply chain diversification and sustainability initiatives.

Despite global challenges, ASEAN’s strong fundamentals, such as a large youthful population and business-friendly policies, continue to attract investors. The establishment of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone exemplifies cross-border collaboration, further boosting the region’s investment appeal. Looking forward, ASEAN is expected to remain a key driver of investment and trade, with positive prospects outlined in UOB’s report on the region’s outlook to 2030 and beyond.

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Dezign Format, a design-and-build specialist with over 35 years of experience, has lodged a preliminary offer document with the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited (SGX-ST) as part of its proposed initial public offering (IPO). This strategic move is intended to expand the company’s growth opportunities and strengthen its market presence across Asia.

The company, known for delivering immersive experiential marketing and event management solutions, has appointed Evolve Capital Advisory Private Limited (ECA) as the sponsor, issue manager, and placement agent for the IPO. This backing by experienced professionals underscores Dezign Format’s commitment to leveraging its industry expertise for further expansion.

The IPO marks a significant milestone for Dezign Format, which has built a trusted reputation over the decades. The company aims to capitalise on its proven track record to attract investors and enhance its competitive edge in the market. The listing on SGX-ST is expected to provide Dezign Format with the necessary platform to reach a broader audience and secure additional resources for future projects.

As the company moves forward with its IPO plans, it remains focused on delivering innovative solutions to its clients across various sectors. The success of this offering could potentially set the stage for further growth and development within the industry.
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The latest report from PropNex Research reveals a significant slowdown in Singapore’s landed home sales during the first half of 2025, attributed to the introduction of sweeping US tariffs that have caused market volatility and weakened buyer sentiment. Despite softer interest rates and increased private housing demand, the number of landed home transactions fell to 856, totalling approximately $4.9b, down from 1,033 transactions worth $5.5b in the latter half of 2024.

The Good Class Bungalow (GCB) segment experienced a notable decline, with only seven deals valued at nearly $253m recorded, marking the lowest sales volume since at least 2019. PropNex attributes this to a mismatch in price expectations between buyers and sellers, alongside the impact of interest rate hikes since mid-2022.

Conversely, the prestige landed homes segment, defined as properties valued over $10m, saw a resurgence with 67 transactions amounting to about $911m, reflecting a 34% increase from the previous half-year. PropNex anticipates that Singapore’s status as a safe haven will continue to support demand for luxury and prestige landed housing, despite ongoing market uncertainties.

Looking ahead, PropNex remains optimistic about the GCB market, expecting prices to stabilise and sales to potentially rebound by mid-2026, driven by the limited supply of such exclusive properties in land-scarce Singapore.

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Moove Media has unveiled the 3D SG60 Bus fleet to mark Singapore’s 60th year of independence. These limited-edition buses, adorned with intricate 3D sculptures of the nation’s iconic landmarks, will traverse the island, showcasing Singapore’s rich heritage and vibrant future. The campaign, involving brands like Burger King, Jewel Changi Airport, and StarHub, aims to engage the public with national pride through these mobile tributes.

The 3D SG60 Buses feature miniature replicas of architectural icons such as Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay. Each bus is also equipped with a 3D ‘SG60’ lightbox in vibrant colours, symbolising unity in diversity. Jeffrey Kwek, CEO of Moove Media, stated, “The 3D SG60 Bus is more than just a bus; it’s a statement of unity and progress.”

The campaign has attracted a diverse range of partners, including Axe Brand Universal Oil and Mandai Wildlife Group. Leong Sin Kuen of Axe Brand Universal Oil remarked on the campaign’s blend of tradition and innovation, whilst Sandy Lee from Mandai Wildlife Group highlighted its role in celebrating Singapore’s 60th birthday.

Currently, 21 bus services are part of the 3D SG60 fleet, with brands like PropNex and The Learning Lab already displaying their messages. This initiative not only celebrates a national milestone but also offers a unique advertising platform, reflecting Moove Media’s commitment to innovative out-of-home advertising.
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APAC Realty has seen a significant rebound in its share price, climbing 22% since the start of the year, as it capitalises on Singapore’s thriving residential sales market. The company has maintained a “BUY” recommendation, with a revised target price of S$0.54, up from S$0.48, indicating a potential 15% upside. This optimism is fuelled by anticipated continued sales momentum, bolstered by upcoming property launches and strong buyer sentiment.

The company’s management has been actively engaging in share buybacks, a move that is expected to enhance the company’s bottom line. APAC Realty is also offering an attractive yield of approximately 7%, trading at a modest 12 times its forecasted price-to-earnings ratio for the financial year 2025.

Analyst Vijay Natarajan noted the company’s strategic position, stating, “The rally still has legs with sales momentum likely to continue on the back of attractive upcoming launches and firm buying sentiment.”

This development is significant as it reflects the broader positive trends in Singapore’s real estate market, which has been buoyed by strong demand and favourable economic conditions. The company’s proactive measures, such as share buybacks, further underscore its commitment to enhancing shareholder value.

Looking ahead, APAC Realty’s performance will likely continue to be influenced by the overall health of the Singaporean property market and its ability to leverage upcoming opportunities.
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The global luxury industry is encountering significant disruptions, marking its most challenging period in over 15 years, according to a new study by Bain & Company and Altagamma. Economic uncertainties, geopolitical tensions, and cultural shifts are impacting consumer confidence and demand, with the luxury sector experiencing a slowdown after a robust post-pandemic recovery.

Mainland China is witnessing a slowdown due to economic uncertainty, though local luxury brands are gaining traction. Meanwhile, Southeast Asia remains a bright spot, with Singapore and Indonesia leading growth. Experiential luxury, such as hospitality and fine dining, is outperforming tangible goods, particularly amongst Gen Z and Millennial consumers.

The report highlights that over half of new luxury buyers in the next five years will be from Gen Z and Alpha, who prioritise creativity and authenticity. Despite the current volatility, Asia’s long-term outlook remains strong, driven by rising incomes and an expanding affluent consumer base.

Claudia D’Arpizio, Bain & Company’s senior partner, noted, “Although demand is easing in the short term, the luxury sector has consistently demonstrated extraordinary resilience.” Federica Levato, another senior partner, added that the industry is entering a pivotal chapter requiring sharper focus and cultural relevance.

The personal luxury goods segment is expected to see a continued decline, with potential market contraction between 2% and 5% this year. However, experiential luxury continues to thrive, with luxury hospitality and cruises showing strong performance.

As the luxury market navigates these challenges, the report underscores the importance of brands refocusing on fundamentals and maintaining strong brand identities to sustain consumer engagement.
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Ariston, the leading Italian water heating brand in Singapore, has launched its latest electric storage water heater models, the SLIM3 TOP WI-FI and SLIM3 RS. These new additions are designed to bring energy efficiency and style to modern Singaporean homes, combining advanced technology with elegant Italian craftsmanship.

The SLIM3 TOP WI-FI model stands out with its smart connectivity, allowing users to monitor energy consumption and manage settings via the Ariston NET app. This feature can help households save up to 25% on energy usage. The app also provides real-time notifications for system failures and integrates with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for seamless voice control. Additionally, the unit includes an auto power-off function to prevent energy waste and an auto diagnosis feature for continuous safety checks.

Designed by Italian designer Umberto Palermo, the SLIM3 TOP WI-FI boasts a sleek black finish and a digital control panel, making it a stylish addition to any bathroom. It also features a patented titanium heating element with a lifetime warranty, ensuring durability.

For those preferring a classic look, the SLIM3 RS offers a minimalist design with a copper heating element and a mechanical thermostat for manual temperature adjustments. Both models incorporate AG+ technology to inhibit bacteria growth and Titanshield technology for enhanced tank protection.

Available in 20-litre and 30-litre capacities, the SLIM3 range is now on sale at authorised dealers, with prices starting at $369 (£369) for the SLIM3 RS and $479 (£479) for the SLIM3 TOP WI-FI.
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Blockchain and Web3 technologies are poised to transform the global real estate market, according to industry leaders at the World Trade Centres Association (WTCA) Global Business Forum in Marseille, France. Lia Rochat, CEO of Archismart Solar, emphasised the importance of adopting these technologies to stay competitive, highlighting their potential to enable decentralised and transparent interactions without traditional intermediaries.

Web3, the next generation of the internet, aims to create a more secure and transparent network through decentralised technologies like blockchain. This innovation allows for the tokenisation of assets, where digital tokens represent ownership of physical properties. These tokens can be traded on blockchain platforms, offering a new asset class for investors.

Diego Cortese from Dubai World Trade Centre noted that these innovations are already being implemented, with partnerships formed to regulate and tokenise real estate transactions. In Singapore, the property sector remains robust, with a projected 10% growth in transaction volumes, driven by residential, logistics, and data centre segments. The adoption of blockchain and asset tokenisation is seen as a strategic move to enhance transaction efficiency and support economic growth.

CitaDAO, a blockchain-based platform, has completed Singapore’s first commercial real estate tokenisation project, marking a significant milestone. The Monetary Authority of Singapore has also piloted the issuance of wholesale central bank digital currencies, further integrating digital assets into the financial system.

As the real estate industry evolves, the integration of blockchain and Web3 technologies is expected to redefine investment and development strategies, offering new opportunities for growth and innovation.
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The Skechers Friendship Walk 2025 is set to take place on 31 August at Marina Barrage, marking its first appearance at this scenic location. Organised by Skechers, the event is anticipated to draw over 5,000 participants for a morning filled with activities, including a 5KM Leisure Walk and a 10KM Competitive Individual Run. This year, the event continues its tradition of supporting APSN, with $2 from each registration going to the social service agency aiding individuals with mild intellectual disabilities.

Participants can enjoy a vibrant Race Village featuring games, stage performances, and photo opportunities. The event will also host a Lucky Draw, offering ten participants the chance to win prizes, including a year’s supply of Skechers footwear. Each participant will receive a race pack valued at $80, containing a Skechers Event Tee, sling bag, race bib, discount voucher, and a finisher’s medal.

Registration fees range from $18 (S$25) to $52 (S$70), with exclusive discounts for Skechers members until 17 August. The event also highlights the new Skechers Hands-Free Slip-ins GOwalk 8, designed for comfort and support with features like Air-Cooled Goga Mat insoles and ULTRA GOR cushioning.

The Skechers Friendship Walk 2025 promises a memorable experience whilst contributing to a meaningful cause.
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Sogni AI, a Singapore-based image generation platform, has officially launched its decentralised platform on mainnet, boasting 375,000 users and over 112 million images created. The platform, similar to DALL-E and Midjourney, is now fully operational, rendering 1.85 million images daily. This significant milestone is supported by an additional $500,000 investment from Tezos, a blockchain platform known for its open-source and self-upgradable capabilities.

The launch of Sogni AI is further bolstered by its listing on some of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, including Kraken, MEXC, and Gate.io. This move is expected to enhance the platform’s visibility and accessibility in the global market. By utilising a decentralised GPU network, Sogni AI aims to revolutionise the AI image creation landscape, offering users a robust and scalable solution.

The platform’s integration with Tezos highlights its commitment to leveraging cutting-edge blockchain technology to support decentralised applications and assets. This partnership not only provides financial backing but also aligns Sogni AI with a network that prioritises innovation and sustainability in the blockchain space.

As Sogni AI continues to expand its reach, the listing on major exchanges is anticipated to attract a broader user base and foster further growth. The platform’s successful launch marks a pivotal moment in the AI and blockchain industries, setting the stage for future advancements and collaborations.
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