Regional News

Singapore Management University (SMU) has announced a significant expansion of its credit exemption policy for Polytechnic post-diploma graduates and introduced a new graduate pathway for Institute of Technical Education (ITE) diploma holders. This development was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on 21 October 2025 during the inaugural SMU Academy Day.

The MOU, witnessed by SkillsFuture Singapore’s Deputy Chief Executive Tan Wee Beng and SMU President Lily Kong, marks the first collaboration of its kind. It recognises prior learning and professional experience, allowing Polytechnic advanced and specialist diploma holders to receive credit exemptions towards SMU Academy’s Industry Graduate Diploma (IGD) and Industry Practice Master of Digital Economy (IPMDE) programmes. ITE diploma graduates now have a direct progression pathway into these graduate-level programmes.

Eligible Polytechnic post-diploma graduates can receive up to six module credits, with additional credits for relevant work experience. This initiative expands SMU Academy’s previous admission criteria, which required a Polytechnic diploma and 10 years of work experience, by offering clear progression routes for ITE diploma graduates.

Professor Lily Kong highlighted the MOU’s impact, stating, “The new pathway provides tangible opportunities for Singaporeans to keep moving forward and realise their aspirations.” Jack Lim, Executive Director of SMU Academy, described the MOU as a “game changer in adult education,” noting its potential to benefit the strong pipeline of adult learners from ITE and Polytechnics.

This partnership aims to enhance Singapore’s lifelong learning ecosystem by reducing duplication and accelerating the attainment of recognised qualifications.

Science Centre Singapore, in collaboration with the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, has launched its largest dinosaur exhibition to date, titled “DINOSAURS: EXTINCTIONS & US”. This expansive showcase, spanning 3,000 square metres, features over 90 artefacts, including 33 rare fossils and 60 full-scale models. The exhibition, which opened on 21 October 2025, aims to explore 400 million years of Earth’s history and the challenges life has faced.

Visitors can marvel at the Patagotitan mayorum, a 40-metre-long dinosaur unearthed in Argentina, and Scotty, the largest Tyrannosaurus rex specimen ever discovered. The exhibition also highlights Singapore’s biodiversity challenges, featuring the great slaty woodpecker, once native to the region but now locally extinct.

Interactive elements include the “Test Your Strength” challenge and “Digital Fossil Dig”, offering hands-on experiences for all ages. Tham Mun See, Chief Executive of the Science Centre Board, emphasised the exhibition’s role in encouraging action against modern biodiversity issues. “Through stunning fossils and immersive experiences, we strive to kindle fascination and encourage decisive action in response to our modern biodiversity emergency,” she stated.

Associate Professor Darren Yeo from the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum highlighted the exhibition’s educational impact, saying, “This partnership allows us to amplify the Museum’s education and outreach, making the science of extinction and conservation more relatable and urgent for all Singaporeans.”

Tickets for the exhibition are available, with special pricing for Singaporeans and permanent residents.

NorthStandard has announced the appointment of Michael Hustler as the new Head of Asia Pacific, effective 27 October. Hustler, who has 16 years of experience in claims and underwriting with NorthStandard, will be based in Singapore. He succeeds David Roberts, who will depart in February 2026. Hustler’s role will involve overseeing day-to-day operations and aligning regional initiatives with the company’s global priorities.

Hustler’s appointment is part of NorthStandard’s strategy to enhance its presence and diversify services in the Asia Pacific region. Ed Davies, NorthStandard’s Chief Strategy Officer, praised Hustler’s contributions, stating, “Mike’s risk management expertise and understanding of member needs have been making a vital contribution to growing our Asia Pacific presence and relationships.”

NorthStandard operates from nine locations across the region, including Singapore, Tokyo, and Hong Kong. The company, formed from the merger of North P&I Club and the Standard Club in 2023, is a leading provider of marine insurance products and services. It boasts premium revenues exceeding $886m and free reserves of $800m.

Jeremy Grose, Managing Director of NorthStandard, highlighted the importance of matching the ambitions of Asia Pacific economies. “Mike’s appointment reflects our commitment to drive forward with our strategy to grow and serve these dynamic and diversified needs,” Grose said.

Hustler expressed enthusiasm for his new role, stating, “I am thrilled to take on this role at such a crucial time in the development of NorthStandard’s services in the Asia Pacific region.” His leadership is expected to further strengthen NorthStandard’s market-leading services and member engagement in the region.

The ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE), in collaboration with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), has launched the ASEAN BUILT Platform to mobilise investment in sustainable buildings. Unveiled at the 25th ASEAN Energy Business Forum in Kuala Lumpur on 17 October 2025, this initiative seeks to address the region’s growing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

The platform, developed under the Asia Low Carbon Buildings Transition Project and funded by Germany’s International Climate Initiative, serves as a one-stop shop for unlocking investment in sustainable buildings. It offers tools such as a project database, a low carbon calculator, investment matchmaking, and a knowledge-sharing hub. These features aim to connect stakeholders and provide data-driven insights to facilitate investment in energy-efficient solutions.

Buildings currently account for 22% of ASEAN’s energy consumption, a figure expected to rise by 56% by 2050. The ASEAN BUILT Platform is integral to the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation 2026–2030, which targets a 40% reduction in energy intensity by 2030. Dato’ Ir. Ts. Razib Dawood, Executive Director of ACE, stated, “This platform helps close the investment gap by connecting project developers with investors, accelerating the flow of capital towards energy-efficient solutions.”

The initiative is expected to develop a pipeline of bankable projects over the next two years, aiming to evolve into a self-sustaining ecosystem by 2028. This launch underscores ASEAN’s commitment to meeting its energy and climate goals, signalling readiness to mobilise green investment at scale.

Malaysia and Singapore have announced plans for two new interconnections to facilitate cross-border electricity trade, underscoring their commitment to energy security and decarbonisation. This development was revealed during the 43rd ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting in Kuala Lumpur on 17 October 2025.

Singapore Energy Interconnections, SP Group, and Tenaga Nasional Berhad have signed a Joint Development Agreement to conduct detailed feasibility studies for a second electricity interconnection between Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia. This proposed interconnector, building on a pre-feasibility study completed in May 2025, could support up to 2 gigawatts (GW) of capacity by 2030, enhancing the existing link that allows up to 1 GW of bi-directional electricity flows. The agreement was witnessed by key officials, including Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Amar Haji Fadillah bin Haji Yusof, and Singapore’s Minister-in-charge of Energy, Dr Tan See Leng.

In a parallel initiative, Singapore’s Energy Market Authority has granted Conditional Approval to Sembcorp Utilities, in partnership with Sarawak Energy Berhad, to import approximately 1 GW of low-carbon electricity from Sarawak, Malaysia. This project, primarily powered by hydropower, is expected to commence operations around 2035, pending final approvals and subsea cable installation. The announcement was made at ceremonies attended by high-ranking officials from both countries.

These interconnections are poised to significantly bolster regional energy cooperation, contributing to the broader goals of energy security and sustainable growth.

Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) has announced the appointment of Si Chen as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective 1 December 2025. This strategic move is part of RWS’s ongoing leadership renewal and operational enhancement under its RWS 2.0 transformation initiative. Chen will work closely with CEO Lee Shi Ruh to manage and develop the resort’s core businesses, focusing on improving day-to-day operations and guest experiences.

Chen brings nearly 20 years of international experience in the gaming and hospitality sector, having held senior leadership roles in integrated resorts across the region. His expertise in operations, marketing, and strategic initiatives is expected to contribute significantly to RWS’s growth and transformation journey.

RWS, located on Singapore’s Sentosa Island, is renowned for its world-class attractions, including Universal Studios Singapore and Adventure Cove Waterpark. The resort spans 49 hectares and features luxury hotels, a casino, and a convention centre, making it a premier tourism destination in Asia. Owned by Genting Singapore, RWS has been recognised as the “Best Integrated Resort” for 10 consecutive years at the TTG Travel Awards and was inducted into the TTG Travel Hall of Fame in 2023.

The appointment of Chen is anticipated to reinforce RWS’s position as a leading integrated resort and enhance its reputation as a top-tier tourism destination in Asia.

Jardine Matheson Holdings Limited has announced a recommended cash acquisition of Mandarin Oriental International Limited, aiming to acquire the remaining 11.96% of shares it does not already own. The acquisition, valued at approximately $4.2b, will be executed through a scheme of arrangement under the Bermuda Companies Act. Concurrently, Mandarin Oriental has agreed to sell the top thirteen floors of One Causeway Bay in Hong Kong to Alibaba Group and Ant Group for $925m.

The acquisition offers Mandarin Oriental shareholders $3.35 per share, including a special dividend of $0.60. This represents a significant premium over recent share prices, with a 52.3% increase over the closing price on 29 September 2025. The acquisition’s financial terms are final, with Jardine Matheson reserving the right to adjust the scheme value if Mandarin Oriental increases its dividend.

The Mandarin Oriental Transaction Committee, advised by Morgan Stanley Asia Limited, deems the acquisition terms fair and reasonable. The committee recommends that independent shareholders approve the acquisition. The acquisition’s completion is contingent upon the sale of One Causeway Bay, expected by 31 December 2025, with the scheme anticipated to become effective by 28 February 2026.

Jardine Matheson plans to finance the acquisition using cash reserves and committed facilities. Shareholder meetings to approve the scheme are scheduled for December 2025, with a circular detailing the acquisition to be published shortly.

Parkway Life Real Estate Investment Trust (PLife REIT), one of Asia’s largest healthcare real estate investment trusts, has announced significant changes to its Board of Directors, effective 20 October 2025. Robin Hu Yee Cheng will take over as Chairman, succeeding Ho Kian Guan, whilst Eng-Kwok Seat Moey joins as an Independent Director, succeeding Cheah Sui Ling as Chairperson of the Audit and Risk Committee.

The appointments are part of a strategic board renewal aimed at reinforcing PLife REIT’s commitment to robust governance and sustainable growth. Robin Hu brings a wealth of experience in investment, sustainability, and digital transformation, having held leadership roles at Milken Institute, Temasek, and Mandai Nature. “I am honoured to take on the role of Board Chairman for the Manager of PLife REIT,” Hu stated, emphasising the importance of building on the solid foundation established by outgoing board members.

Eng-Kwok, recognised for her expertise in capital markets and REITs, will enhance the board’s capability to pursue long-term value creation. Her strategic insight is expected to be instrumental in driving PLife REIT’s future growth.

The board also acknowledges the contributions of retiring members Ho Kian Guan, Jennifer Lee Gek Choo, and Cheah Sui Ling, whose leadership has been pivotal in shaping the trust’s resilience and governance.

With these changes, PLife REIT aims to maintain high standards of corporate governance and transparency, ensuring continued value for its unitholders. The refreshed board composition signals the trust’s readiness to embrace transformative change and reinforce its stature in the healthcare real estate sector.

SCG Cell Therapy Pte Ltd, a biotechnology company focused on developing advanced immunotherapies, has announced the presentation of clinical results for SCG142 at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress 2025 in Berlin. The data, from an investigator-initiated Phase I trial, highlights the potential of SCG142 in treating recurrent or metastatic HPV-associated carcinomas.

The ongoing trial evaluates the safety and efficacy of SCG142, a T-cell receptor-engineered therapy targeting HPV. The study involves patients with advanced HPV16- or HPV52-positive carcinomas who have not responded to previous treatments. As of the latest data, all seven patients treated showed tumour shrinkage, achieving a 100% disease control rate. Notably, four patients experienced over 30% tumour reduction, with two confirmed partial responses.

No serious adverse events or dose-limiting toxicities were reported, indicating the therapy’s tolerability. “SCG142 is a novel and differentiated HPV-specific TCR T cell therapy with promising clinical activity,” stated Prof. Dr. Yang Li, Director of Medical Oncology at The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University. She emphasised the potential of SCG142 to offer new treatment options for various HPV-related cancers.

SCG142 was developed using SCG’s GianTCRTM platform, which identifies high-affinity T-cell receptors. These promising results support further clinical development and evaluation in larger patient cohorts.

Singapore Post Limited (SingPost) has unveiled a new initiative, SingPost@MyBlock, aimed at bringing postal services closer to home. The trial, launched on 19 October 2025, is set to be officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong. This initiative will allow residents to post and return mail directly from their residential letterbox nests, with dedicated slots or additional boxes clearly marked for ease of use.

The trial begins in the Punggol Northshore District, covering 27 housing blocks, and will expand to 226 blocks across five districts, including Punggol, Marine Parade, Upper Boon Keng, Bukit Panjang, and Bukit Batok. Running until the end of December 2025, the trial aims to assess the feasibility of a full island-wide rollout.

SingPost’s strategy focuses on enhancing community convenience by expanding its service touchpoints to over 2,500 locations. This expansion ensures that 80% of Singapore’s population can access a SingPost touchpoint within 10 minutes. The initiative is part of SingPost’s broader effort to adapt to changing consumer demands and improve its national delivery infrastructure.

The success of the SingPost@MyBlock trial could lead to a comprehensive implementation across Singapore, significantly enhancing the accessibility and convenience of postal services for residents.