Regional News

The Hera Clinic, located in the heart of Singapore, is setting new standards in aesthetic medicine with the introduction of Profhilo Structura, a next-generation injectable designed for lifting and volume enhancement through fat rejuvenation. This innovative treatment, launched this week, utilises Nahyco Hybrid Technology to deliver natural-looking results without downtime, offering a fresh alternative to traditional fillers.

Profhilo Structura is part of the clinic’s comprehensive range of advanced treatments, which also includes Ultherapy Prime and Morpheus8. Ultherapy Prime, introduced in December 2024, uses focused ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen production, providing a non-invasive solution for firmer, lifted skin on the face, neck, and jawline. The Hera Clinic was among the first in Singapore to adopt this technology, highlighting its commitment to cutting-edge, non-surgical skin tightening.

Morpheus8, another offering from The Hera Clinic, combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to target deeper skin layers, promoting collagen production for improved texture and fat remodelling. This FDA-cleared procedure is suitable for all skin types and offers minimal discomfort with little to no downtime.

The Hera Clinic is making these advanced aesthetic treatments more accessible with exclusive pricing available until the end of June 2025. Clients can benefit from Ultherapy Prime at $1,999 for 600 lines, Biostimulator CaHa or PLLA at $2,488 for three syringes, and Salmon DNA Hb Plus at $488 for two syringes.

With a focus on personalised care and innovative technology, The Hera Clinic continues to redefine modern beauty, offering solutions for a wide range of skin concerns.
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Only 6% of Singaporeans wish to live longer, with the majority prioritising health, dignity, and financial independence over lifespan, according to Manulife Asia. The Manulife Asia Care Survey 2025, which interviewed 1,021 Singapore consumers, highlights a shift in attitudes towards ageing, with a focus on quality rather than quantity of life.

The survey found that Singaporeans expect to live until 79 but anticipate health issues by 67, indicating a 12-year wellness gap. Concerns about physical health and financial security are prevalent, with 51% worried about losing their physical health and 48% fearing they will outlive their savings. Despite these concerns, only 35% of respondents have critical illness insurance, 41% have life protection insurance, and a mere 15% have disability insurance.

Benoit Meslet, CEO of Manulife Singapore, noted, “We see a shift in perspectives of ageing and longevity in Singapore. It is no longer defined by the number of years, but by the quality of the years lived.”

Financial planning remains a significant concern, with 35% of Singaporeans relying primarily on cash for retirement. Additionally, 65% are financially supporting their parents, often using their own retirement savings. Koh Hui-Jian, CEO of Manulife Investments Singapore, emphasised the importance of diversifying investments to build robust income streams for retirement.

The survey underscores the need for more integrated conversations around financial planning, health, and wellness to ensure Singaporeans can live not just longer, but better lives. As Singaporeans navigate these challenges, Manulife Singapore aims to support them with comprehensive financial and wellness solutions.
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Sun Life Asia has released its second Financial Resilience Index, revealing that Gen Z is the least financially secure generation in Asia. The survey, which included over 6,000 respondents from Hong Kong, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam, highlights the impact of inflation on financial security and planning. Whilst 69% of Baby Boomers feel financially secure, only 57% of Gen Z share this sentiment, indicating a significant generational gap in financial confidence.

The research underscores a shift towards short-term financial priorities, with 60% of respondents focusing on managing daily expenses, up from 54% last year. Retirement planning has notably dropped from second to sixth place in financial priorities. David Broom, Chief Client and Distribution Officer at Sun Life Asia, noted, “Gen Z has time on their side, but instead of confidence, we’re seeing hesitation and concern as they are coming of age in a world shaped by economic volatility and rising living costs.”

The survey also highlights that 92% of respondents feel the pressure of inflation, with 44% experiencing a significant impact on their ability to cover expenses. Furthermore, more than half of the respondents lack a financial plan extending beyond 12 months, and only 8% are planning more than 10 years ahead.

The findings reveal a stark divide between individuals with high financial resilience and those without. High resilience individuals are more likely to seek professional financial advice and focus on long-term goals, whereas low resilience individuals rely more on informal networks and struggle with short-term financial management. The full report is available on Sun Life’s website.
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Singapore has unveiled the Singapore Payments Network Limited (SPaN), a new entity designed to bolster the country’s payment infrastructure and foster innovation within the sector. Announced by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong during the Association of Banks in Singapore (ABS) Annual Dinner on 25 June 2025, SPaN is set to integrate and enhance existing national payment schemes such as FAST, GIRO, PayNow, and SGQR.

The banking sector in Singapore, a cornerstone of the nation’s status as a global financial hub, is poised to play a crucial role in navigating the challenges posed by global economic shifts. Gan highlighted the importance of adapting to protectionist measures and geo-economic disruptions, including climate change and technological advancements like artificial intelligence. “Our banks are critical enablers for growth, transformation, and mobility,” he stated.

Gan also addressed the impact of US tariffs on global trade, urging businesses to adapt to a more complex economic landscape. He noted that Singapore’s role as a hub is vital for its survival and success, emphasising the need for the Singapore Economic Resilience Taskforce to support businesses and workers.

In the realm of sustainable finance, Singapore is positioned as a leader in catalysing the low-carbon transition within Asia. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has launched the Singapore-Asia Taxonomy (SAT) to facilitate transition financing. Gan expressed optimism about the integration of SAT by local and regional banks, underscoring the importance of clear guidelines for effective climate financing.

As Singapore continues to navigate these transitions, the launch of SPaN and the focus on sustainable finance highlight the nation’s commitment to innovation and resilience in the face of global challenges.
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Hwa Chong Institution’s girls’ basketball team began their NBA Rising Stars Invitational campaign with a nail-biting 69-63 win against Malaysia’s Hin Hua High School. The inaugural tournament, held at the Kallang Tennis Hub, saw all three Singaporean schools participating on the opening day, 25 June.

The event’s Opening Ceremony was graced by NBA legend Yao Ming, who presented the Building Ball trophy. Other notable attendees included WNBA legend Lauren Jackson, NBA players Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro, and B.LEAGUE’s Keisei Tominaga.

The tournament’s first day featured several intense matches. Tsinghua University High School from China overcame Thailand’s Watnoinoppakhun School with a 74-60 victory, showcasing their resilience after trailing in the first quarter. Meanwhile, Singapore’s United World College South East Asia Dover boys’ team faced a tough 95-61 defeat against Australia’s Berwick College. Anglo-Chinese Junior College also struggled, losing 82-41 to Japan’s Fukuoka University Ohori Senior High School.

In the day’s final match, Hwa Chong Institution’s girls’ team, led by Chrystal Joe, Kong Qian Ya, and captain Madelin Lock, combined for 43 points to secure their win. The match was a back-and-forth battle, with Hwa Chong initially leading by 10 points before Hin Hua closed the gap to two points by half-time.

The NBA Rising Stars Invitational continues until Sunday, with matches streamed live on the tournament’s YouTube channel. Fans can follow updates on Instagram and the official website.
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Singapore-based Trident Digital Tech Holdings Ltd has signed a definitive public-private partnership with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to launch the DRCPass, a national digital identification system. This initiative, announced on 25 June 2025, aims to enhance digital identity verification across the nation, marking a significant step in the DRC’s e-government and digital identity efforts.

The DRCPass system will be rolled out in phases, accompanied by a public education campaign. Trident will serve as the exclusive provider of electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) services, leveraging Web 3.0 technology to streamline identity verification and enhance security. The system focuses on four key areas: SIM card registration, seamless access to e-government and business portals, digital payments enablement, and digital citizen identity.

Soon Huat Lim, Trident’s Founder, Chairman, and CEO, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “We commend the Republic’s leadership for embracing a digital future and look forward to supporting a nationwide rollout that others in Africa will surely emulate.” The DRC’s Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and Digital Affairs, Augustin Kibassa Maliba, highlighted the initiative’s significance, noting, “Today marks more than the signing of a partnership contract with Trident Digital Tech; it marks a defining chapter in the digital rebirth of our nation.”

With over 80 million mobile subscribers in the DRC, the secure eKYC services are expected to benefit a large portion of the population. As the DRCPass deployment progresses, it is poised to set a precedent for digital governance in Africa, potentially influencing other nations to adopt similar systems.
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Nera Telecommunications Ltd has announced a significant contract renewal valued at approximately S$30m with a leading service provider in Southeast Asia. The renewed agreement will see the company implement a smart services training programme and deploy personnel across over 100 sites, aiming to empower enterprises in rural areas to leverage digital commerce opportunities for economic growth.

The contract, which includes a managed services component lasting 60 months, will cover the daily operations, management, and maintenance of the deployed infrastructure. This also involves continuous support and network performance monitoring to ensure adherence to the customer’s Service Level Agreements (SLAs).

The initiative is expected to positively impact NeraTel’s financial performance for the current year, as it strengthens the company’s role in driving digital empowerment in the region. The comprehensive programme is designed to provide rural enterprises with the tools and knowledge needed to compete in the digital marketplace, potentially accelerating economic development in these communities.

The Board of Directors expressed their satisfaction with the contract renewal, highlighting its importance in expanding NeraTel’s footprint in Southeast Asia and reinforcing its commitment to digital transformation. The company’s strategic focus on managed services and smart solutions aligns with the growing demand for digital infrastructure and services in the region.
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A new Professional Services (PS) Centre has been launched in Shanghai by six leading Singaporean trade associations and professional membership bodies, marking a significant step in strengthening business ties between Singapore and China. The Alliance, comprising the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA), the Association of Small & Medium Enterprises (ASME), the Institute of Valuers and Appraisers, Singapore (IVAS), the Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF), the Tax Academy, and The Law Society of Singapore, aims to facilitate cross-border growth by bringing together over 50,000 professionals across more than 30 industries.

Strategically located in the Hongqiao Business District, the PS Centre will serve as a gateway for bilateral engagement, offering a platform for businesses to connect and collaborate. The initiative is part of Singapore’s “hunt in a pack” strategy, which encourages business associations to expand collectively, providing end-to-end support for legal, tax, valuation, accounting, and advisory needs.

The centre focuses on three main areas: international expansion, business enablement, and fostering a regional ecosystem. It aims to act as a hub for firms seeking to expand overseas, offering tailored guidance and services. The centre will also provide business opportunities for professional services firms and serve as a platform for knowledge sharing and strategic networking.

The launch of the PS Centre is seen as a pivotal step in expanding Singapore’s professional services ecosystem into China. It is supported by key stakeholders from both countries, including government agencies and trade associations. Future plans include establishing additional centres in Ho Chi Minh City, Nanjing, and Johor Bahru.
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ALR Technologies SG Ltd has announced a definitive manufacturing agreement with CGM Medical Technology Shen Zhen Ltd to produce the hardware for its GluCurve Pet Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM). This agreement grants ALR Technologies exclusive global distribution rights for the CGM hardware in the animal health market. The first commercial shipment is expected in the third quarter of 2025.

The collaboration marks a significant step for ALR Technologies in expanding its footprint in the diabetes management sector. Sidney Chan, chairman and CEO of ALR Technologies, stated, “We have been collaborating with CGM Medical to develop the first large-scale manufacturing line for the CGM units that will be part of the ALRT GluCurve Pet CGM.” The company plans to enter a joint venture with CGM Medical to establish a fully automated manufacturing facility in Singapore, enhancing production efficiency and reducing costs.

This manufacturing agreement is part of ALR Technologies’ broader strategy to become a fully integrated player in the diabetes market. The company has been actively working on human health initiatives and has attracted interest from third parties for potential investments and commercial opportunities.

CGM Medical, known for its innovative medical device technology, focuses on developing accurate and affordable continuous glucose monitoring devices. The partnership with ALR Technologies is expected to leverage CGM Medical’s expertise in research and manufacturing to deliver effective solutions for diabetic care in pets.

The agreement is contingent upon the CGM hardware meeting ALR Technologies’ specifications, with future plans hinging on successful sample testing and production thresholds.
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The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Association of Banks in Singapore (ABS) have announced the incorporation of the Singapore Payments Network (SPaN), a new entity designed to oversee and govern the nation’s payment schemes. This initiative, unveiled on 25 June, seeks to consolidate the administration of Singapore’s payment systems, fostering innovation and collaboration amongst industry players.

SPaN, established as a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee, will initially include MAS and the Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs) as members. The entity aims to provide robust governance over national and cross-border payment schemes, promoting continuous innovation and collaboration. A board of directors will guide SPaN’s transition to operational readiness by the end of 2026, overseeing the onboarding of additional participants and the transition of existing schemes to SPaN.

Chia Der Jiun, Managing Director of MAS, emphasised the importance of SPaN in strengthening national payment infrastructures under a unified governance structure. “SPaN will set the foundation for the banking and payments industries to collaborate more effectively,” he stated. Helen Wong, ABS Chairman, added that the streamlined governance would enable financial institutions to respond swiftly to evolving digital payment needs.

The formation of SPaN marks a significant step in advancing Singapore’s payment ecosystem, ensuring it remains resilient and innovative. As the entity progresses towards operational readiness, it is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of payments in Singapore.
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