Regional News

The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has released its Draft Master Plan 2025, aiming to elevate housing standards and improve urban landscapes in Singapore. The plan marks a shift from previous frameworks by focusing on the future needs of Singaporeans, including fostering healthier lifestyles, supporting an ageing population, and addressing climate change challenges.

The new Master Plan introduces a diverse array of housing options, allowing residents to choose environments near city centres, schools, or parks. This approach ensures better connectivity with essential amenities, such as schools and healthcare facilities, enhancing convenience and quality of life. The plan also emphasises creating homes with access to sea, river, and park views, whilst preserving heritage buildings and cultural sites.

Significant developments include the expansion of the One-North precinct, where approximately 6,000 public and private homes will be constructed. This expansion aims to attract workers and businesses, supporting industries like biomedical sciences and technology. In the Newton and Orchard Road areas, 5,000 new private residences will be developed, with an integrated development above Orchard MRT station.

The Jurong Innovation District will see a transformation with the introduction of Business-White plots, integrating non-industrial elements and enhancing amenities. This change is expected to attract more businesses and workers, boosting occupancy rates and rental yields.

Changi Airport’s redevelopment as a hub for land, air, and sea transport will rejuvenate Changi Business Park, attracting more tenants. Additionally, a new sub-regional centre in Bishan will decentralise office spaces, encouraging companies to move outside the central business district and increasing housing demand in the area.

These initiatives aim to create a balanced, sustainable living experience for all Singaporeans, regardless of age or budget, whilst improving overall well-being and convenience.
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Le Dîner en Blanc, the world-renowned white-on-white pop-up soirée, is set to make a grand return to Singapore on 6 September 2025 after a decade-long hiatus. This year’s event marks a historic collaboration with luxury champagne brand Moët & Chandon, a first in the event’s 35-year history. The soirée, strategically timed between Singapore’s National Day and the Formula 1 Grand Prix, promises an evening of elegance and shared artistry.

Chiang Yee, appointed by the event’s founder Sandy Safi, will lead this landmark edition. “This isn’t just a return; it’s a renaissance,” said Yee, highlighting the event’s aim to reimagine timeless elegance through a contemporary lens. Supporting Yee are Dr Clemen Chiang, who introduced the event to Asia in 2012, and Nicole Yee, founder of women’s platform CozyCot, who will oversee fashion and beauty partnerships.

Sandy Safi, CEO of Le Dîner en Blanc International, expressed pride in the Singapore edition, noting its significance in Asia. Julian Quintero, General Manager of Moët Hennessy Diageo Singapore, added, “This collaboration beautifully marries the art de vivre of France with our commitment to curating elevated unforgettable moments.”

The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, a five-star luxury hotel steeped in heritage, will serve as a backdrop to the event’s contemporary flair. The guest list will expand to 3,000 attendees, maintaining the event’s traditions of secrecy, equality, and shared artistry. Further announcements, including participating maisons and special guest appearances, will be revealed ahead of the official media launch in July.
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Singapore stocks continue to be a cornerstone for retail investors, with more than 70% of them intending to maintain or increase their exposure, as revealed by Moomoo Singapore’s 2H2025 Retail Investor Sentiment Survey. Conducted in April 2025 with nearly 1,500 participants, the survey highlights the strategic importance of Singapore stocks amidst ongoing macroeconomic challenges, inflation, and geopolitical uncertainties.

The survey underscores the confidence investors have in Singapore’s economic fundamentals and policy environment. Gavin Chia, CEO of Moomoo Singapore, noted, “Singapore’s stock market continues to be a pillar of stability for local investors.” Conservative investors, in particular, view the local market as a defensive anchor, prioritising capital preservation over aggressive growth.

Whilst Singapore remains a safe haven, some investors are exploring opportunities abroad. Four in 10 investors are shifting their focus to markets like Hong Kong, seeking potential short-term gains. Despite this, only 30% of respondents expressed optimism about the global market outlook for the latter half of 2025, indicating a cautious approach.

The survey also highlights the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in investment strategies. Over 70% of affluent investors with portfolios exceeding $200,000 utilise AI tools for portfolio management. High-net-worth individuals, in particular, show a strong trust in AI-generated recommendations, with half of them relying on these tools for decision-making.

As retail investors adapt to technological advancements, Moomoo Singapore aims to support this shift by providing actionable insights and educational tools, ensuring investors remain resilient in a rapidly changing world.
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The Singapore Department of Statistics has reported a mixed performance in the Services Producer Price Indices for the first quarter of 2025.

Notably, the indices showed an increase for several sectors, including Postal and Courier Services, which rose by 4%, Telecommunications Services by 0.5%, Computer Consultancy and Information Services by 0.4%, and both Cargo Handling and Warehousing & Storage by 0.3%.

Conversely, the indices fell for Sea Freight Transport by 7.3%, Freight Forwarding by 2.8%, and Accounting Services by 0.7%.

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Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) has been awarded a contract to refurbish the Automated People Mover (APM) system at Singapore Changi Airport. The project, managed through MHI’s Asia Regional Office in Singapore, involves upgrading critical systems such as signals, communications, and tracks to enhance safety and operational efficiency. The refurbishment is scheduled for completion in 2030, with efforts to maintain uninterrupted service during the upgrade.

The APM system, originally delivered by MHI in 2007, connects the airport’s three terminals over a distance of approximately 6,400 metres. Since its installation, MHI has worked to boost the system’s transport capacity by increasing the number of vehicles and has consistently provided operation and maintenance services under contract. The current refurbishment aims to further improve the comfort and reliability of travel within one of Southeast Asia’s leading hub airports.

MHI emphasises that the renewal work will be conducted with minimal disruption to existing services. “MHI will draw on the know-how and experience it has cultivated through previous construction projects to provide users of Singapore Changi Airport with a more comfortable and reliable way to travel within the airport,” the company stated.

This contract underscores MHI’s ongoing commitment to enhancing transportation systems globally, ensuring the safe and efficient movement of people and goods. The project is expected to significantly contribute to the operational capabilities of Singapore Changi Airport, reinforcing its status as a major hub in the region.
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Huttons Asia has shared insights into Singapore’s Draft Master Plan 2025, highlighting that 14% of the land will be designated for residential purposes. The plan includes developing areas around MRT stations to bring work closer to homes and reduce the need for extensive road infrastructure. CEO of Huttons Asia, Mark Yip, noted that whilst height restrictions near Changi Airport may be relaxed, there are no changes in plot ratios for Tampines and Pasir Ris.

The plan also earmarks several areas for Housing Development Board (HDB) flats, including the former Marina Bay Golf Course, Greater Southern Waterfront, Mount Pleasant, Toa Payoh West, and the former Turf Club. These locations are expected to be in high demand, potentially stabilising resale prices in the short term but likely increasing in value over time due to their prime locations.

Lee Sze Teck, Senior Director of Data Analytics at Huttons Asia, mentioned that existing golf courses like Warren Country Club and Orchid Country Club will be converted into residential developments, with the latter potentially housing over 10,000 homes. The Marina Bay Golf Course has also been rezoned for residential use, promising exciting waterfront homes.

Additionally, the Keppel Terminal and former Turf Club have been rezoned for residential development, with plans for 20,000 homes at Keppel Terminal and up to 20,000 homes at the Turf Club. The rezoning of land around Newton MRT station and Orchard MRT interchange to “white” allows for flexible development, although high additional buyer’s stamp duty may deter foreign investment.

These developments aim to enhance Singapore’s urban landscape, providing more housing options and supporting economic growth through efficient land use.
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Singapore’s internet users are exposed to almost 750 digital advertisements each day, placing the country 18th worldwide in terms of ad exposure, according to a study by Eskimi, a global AdTech company. The research highlights the challenges businesses face in capturing consumer attention amidst such high levels of ad saturation.

The study, which analysed ad statistics from apps and websites across 188 countries, found that Singaporeans see three times more ads on apps than on websites. This trend is part of a broader pattern where internet users globally encounter more ads on mobile applications than on traditional websites. Eskimi’s CEO, Vytautas Paukstys, noted, “We are exposed to thousands of ads daily, but become resistant to them. In many instances, we do not even need ad-blockers, as our brains do just that.”

Factors influencing ad exposure include device types, internet connectivity, and the competitive nature of advertising markets. Smaller countries like Nauru, which tops the list with nearly 1,600 ads per person daily, experience higher ad impressions due to their limited population.

For businesses, understanding these trends is crucial for developing effective advertising strategies. Paukstys emphasised the importance of creativity and attention measurement, stating, “To break through ad fatigue, advertisers need to step up their game by returning to creativity and evaluating the actual impact of their campaigns.”

Eskimi’s study suggests advertisers should innovate, localise, and focus on creative visuals to stand out in crowded digital spaces. By leveraging advanced AI tools and analytics, businesses can optimise their campaigns for attention and effectiveness, rather than mere visibility.
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Singaporean investors are increasingly turning to local stocks as a stable investment choice, according to Moomoo Singapore’s 2H2025 Retail Investor Sentiment Survey. Conducted in April 2025 with nearly 1,500 participants, the survey highlights that over 70% of investors plan to maintain or increase their exposure to Singapore stocks, viewing them as a cornerstone of their portfolios amidst ongoing global market volatility.

The survey underscores a significant trend: nearly 40% of respondents now hold cryptocurrency, a figure notably higher than the national average of 28% reported by other studies. This suggests a growing acceptance of digital assets as a viable, albeit high-risk, component of diversified portfolios.

Affluent investors, particularly those with portfolios exceeding S$200,000, are increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) tools for portfolio management. Over 70% of these investors use AI for tasks such as market scanning and risk monitoring. “Retail investors are adapting quickly, leveraging technology, and taking a more proactive role in how they manage their portfolios,” said Gavin Chia, CEO of Moomoo Singapore.

The survey also reveals a cautious outlook for global markets, with only 30% of respondents expressing optimism for the second half of 2025. This sentiment is driving conservative investors towards defensive sectors, whilst risk-tolerant individuals are exploring volatile markets for potential returns.

As Singaporean investors navigate these uncertain times, the emphasis on local stocks and the integration of technology in investment strategies highlight a shift towards stability and innovation in portfolio management.
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Singapore’s manufacturing sector faces potential short-term challenges due to the US’s reshoring initiatives, according to a recent report by RHB Bank. The report, authored by Barnabas Gan, Group Chief Economist and Head of Market Research, outlines concerns such as investment diversion to the US, supply chain fragmentation, and a decrease in US demand for offshore manufacturing.

Despite these challenges, the report suggests that Singapore could leverage these changes to its advantage. The city-state is well-positioned to become a high-value manufacturing hub and a key partner in global supply chain diversification. This strategic positioning could mitigate some of the negative impacts of the US reshoring efforts.

Furthermore, the report maintains a downside bias for Singapore Government Securities (SGS) yields. Persistent global uncertainties continue to drive demand for safe-haven assets, which could influence SGS yields despite the reshoring push.

Gan’s analysis provides a nuanced view of the evolving manufacturing landscape, highlighting both the risks and opportunities that lie ahead for Singapore. As the global economic environment shifts, Singapore’s ability to adapt and capitalise on its strengths will be crucial in navigating these changes.
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Singapore’s small and medium businesses (SMBs) are demonstrating resilience and a focus on growth through digitalisation, despite facing economic pressures, according to a new report by Xero. The report, which surveyed over 500 owners and senior decision-makers from Singaporean SMBs, highlights the challenges and strategies these businesses are adopting in a challenging economic climate.

The report reveals that 61% of SMBs have been impacted by inflation and rising costs, whilst 48% face changes in consumer demand and 44% deal with labour shortages. Despite these hurdles, nearly two-thirds (63%) of SMBs reported revenue growth, with 77% increasing wages over the past year. Additionally, 47% of businesses expanded their workforce, primarily to support growth.

Koren Wines, Managing Director of Xero Asia, noted, “It’s exciting to see such strong optimism and momentum among Singapore’s SMBs, especially in a tough economic climate. Their continued investment in people and technology shows just how focused they are on building for the future.”

Operational challenges remain, with 91% of SMBs affected by late payments from customers. To mitigate this, businesses are strengthening credit terms, charging late fees, and offering discounts for early payments. Moreover, many SMBs struggle with real-time financial visibility, with 52% lacking access to real-time data and 49% finding it difficult to consolidate information.

Digital tools are seen as crucial, with 82% of SMBs prioritising digital adoption. A significant 99% of businesses view digital tools as essential, with many using digital marketing platforms, customer relationship management systems, and cloud-based accounting software to enhance operations.

Wines added, “Singaporean SMBs have shown a strong appetite for digitalisation—not just as a means to keep up, but as a deliberate strategy to drive growth and resilience.”

The report underscores the importance of digital tools in helping SMBs navigate economic uncertainty and prepare for future growth.
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