Regional News

Rental prices for both condominiums and Housing Development Board (HDB) flats in Singapore experienced a slight decline in May 2025, as detailed in the latest 99-SRX Media Flash Report. The report, released by 99.co and SRX, highlights a 0.4% decrease in condo rental prices and a 0.1% drop in HDB rental prices compared to April 2025.

The report attributes these shifts to seasonal factors, with rental demand typically slowing during the second quarter of the year. Luqman Hakim, Chief Data & Analytics Officer at 99.co, noted that “ongoing economic uncertainties and a more cautious job market” may have influenced tenants’ decisions to delay or downsize their rental choices.

Despite the month-on-month decline, the year-on-year figures present a more resilient picture. Condo rental prices increased by 2.7% compared to May 2024, with the Core Central Region (CCR), Rest of Central Region (RCR), and Outside Central Region (OCR) seeing increases of 1.7%, 3.1%, and 2.3%, respectively. Similarly, HDB rental prices rose by 3.2% year-on-year, with Mature and Non-Mature estates experiencing increases of 4.3% and 1.7%.

Rental volumes also saw a decrease, with condo rentals dropping by 7.8% month-on-month and HDB rentals by 10.2%. However, condo rental volumes were 8.9% higher year-on-year and 5.9% above the five-year average for May. HDB rental volumes remained unchanged year-on-year but were 2.7% below the five-year average.

Looking ahead, the report suggests that if condo rents continue to ease, some HDB tenants might shift towards private rentals, potentially affecting condo prices further.
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CapitaLand Development (CLD) has announced the launch of LyndenWoods, the first residential development in the rejuvenated Singapore Science Park. This project marks a significant step in transforming the precinct into a vibrant, mixed-use innovation hub. The public preview of LyndenWoods is set to begin on 28 June 2025.

LyndenWoods is strategically positioned next to Geneo, a next-generation life sciences and innovation cluster. It offers 343 units across two 24-storey towers, providing a unique opportunity for homeowners and investors seeking long-term value and lifestyle convenience. The development is a short walk from Kent Ridge MRT, offering easy access to food and beverage options, retail, and key landmarks such as the National University of Singapore and the Central Business District.

Ronald Tay, CEO of CLD (Singapore), stated, “LyndenWoods is a pivotal milestone in the ongoing transformation journey of SSP. CLD’s first residential development within SSP reflects our vision to rejuvenate the area into a dynamic, mixed-use innovation cluster.”

The development embraces a “Tree of Life” architectural concept, integrating nature with urban living. Communal sky terraces on each floor foster community interaction, whilst the design enhances natural ventilation and daylighting. LyndenWoods aims to achieve the BCA Green Mark Platinum certification, featuring sustainable elements like energy-efficient systems and water-efficient fittings.

LyndenWoods will offer a range of unit types, equipped with smart-home technology and wellness amenities. Sales bookings will commence on 12 July 2025.
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The Youth for Environmental Sustainability (YES) Leaders Programme celebrated the graduation of 34 youth leaders on 20 June 2025, marking a significant step in Singapore’s sustainability efforts. The programme, organised by the National Environment Agency (NEA), equips young participants with the skills and knowledge to tackle environmental challenges through education, mentorship, and industry collaboration.

Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, Grace Fu, addressed the graduates, emphasising the importance of resilience and collaboration in the face of global uncertainties. She highlighted the achievements of Cohort 2, which included 16 impactful projects such as zero-waste initiatives and public hygiene advancements. “Real change can also be driven by the energy and innovation of young people like yourselves,” she stated.

The ceremony also welcomed 37 new participants into the third cohort of the YES Leaders Programme. These individuals will embark on a year-long journey to further develop their environmental leadership skills. The programme’s ongoing support from NEA and community stakeholders ensures that the network of YES Movement Leaders continues to thrive beyond graduation.

Notable projects from previous cohorts include the Green Doctor Programme by Sophia Ding, which recycles medical packaging, and Planet Pages, a social-environmental project facilitating book donations. The YES Fest, co-organised by YES leaders, also launched at Funan, showcasing sustainability projects to the public.

As Singapore celebrates its 60th year of independence, the YES Leaders Programme continues to inspire youth to contribute to a resilient and sustainable future for the nation.
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Singapore’s premier electronic dance music festival, ‘It’s The Ship’, has announced its first wave of artists for the 2025 edition, set to take place from 16 to 18 November aboard the Genting Dream cruise ship. The line-up includes Brazilian sensation Alok, trumpet maestro Timmy Trumpet, and Dutch EDM icon Nicky Romero, all making their ship performance debuts. Joining them are Australian hardstyle artist Code Black and rising star Tita Lau, alongside the STMPD Collective featuring DubVision, Justin Mylo, and Telykast.

Samira Davidson, Project Lead of ‘It’s The Ship’, expressed excitement about the line-up, stating, “We’re thrilled to announce this incredible first wave of artists who will transform the Genting Dream into the ultimate floating festival.” The festival promises a unique blend of world-class music and luxury cruise adventure, creating a tight-knit community of music lovers.

Festivalgoers can look forward to four stages of non-stop entertainment, themed parties, and activities such as water slides and ocean zipline. Cabins start at $899, with monthly instalment plans available. The event is supported by Sure Win, the official online casino partner. Additional artist announcements are expected, solidifying ‘It’s The Ship 2025’ as a must-attend event for music enthusiasts.
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A participant from the OneChangi National Day Parade (NDP) 2025 contingent tragically passed away after collapsing at the end of a rehearsal at the Padang. The incident occurred at 11:23am when the 47-year-old man fell unresponsive. He was swiftly taken to the onsite medical post, arriving at 11:26am, where the duty medical officer immediately administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Despite continued resuscitation efforts, the participant remained unresponsive. At 11:42am, he was transferred to a standby Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) ambulance for transport to the hospital. The medical team continued their efforts en route to Singapore General Hospital, where he arrived at 11:57am. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead at 12:19pm.

The Changi Airport Group and the NDP 2025 Executive Committee have expressed their condolences and are in contact with the participant’s family, offering full support during this difficult time. The incident underscores the importance of emergency preparedness and the swift response of medical personnel in such situations.
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The Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Asia 2025 camp in Singapore concluded with the Atlanta Hawks and Golden State Valkyries clinching the boys’ and girls’ finals, respectively. The event, marking its 15th edition and the 80th BWB camp overall, returned to Singapore for the first time since 2010. It gathered 30 boys and 30 girls, all 17 and under, from across the Asia-Pacific region to learn from NBA and WNBA stars, including Derrick White and Tyrese Maxey.

Abdulla Mousa from Qatar and Taryn Bond from Australia were named the Kim Bohuny BWB Asia 2025 Camp MVPs for the boys’ and girls’ divisions. The camp also introduced a new late-game situations segment, simulating critical game scenarios to enhance participants’ skills.

Throughout the week, the camp hosted various initiatives, such as a youth clinic for over 70 children from SportCares, referee development sessions led by retired NBA referee Joey Crawford, and a coaches clinic attended by over 60 local coaches. The event is part of the NBA’s new multi-day basketball and entertainment festival in Singapore, culminating in the “NBA Rising Stars Invitational.”

The camp also featured a three-point competition, with Mousa and Bond emerging as champions. Patrick Hunt, President of the World Association of Basketball Coaches, awarded Australians Koby Moir and Cheyenne Bobongie the Patrick Baumann Sportsmanship Award.

The BWB Asia 2025 camp not only provided a platform for young athletes to showcase their talents but also fostered international camaraderie and learning, setting the stage for future basketball stars.
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Aurealis Serviced Residence is celebrating its 16th anniversary on 22 June, marking a significant milestone in Singapore’s hospitality sector. The brand, which began as Marina Bay Serviced Residence, has evolved from a single investment property into a renowned luxury accommodation provider in the heart of Singapore. The founder, Isabelle Loo, was inspired by her experiences in bed-and-breakfasts abroad and aimed to replicate the warm, personalised hospitality she encountered for professionals visiting Singapore for extended periods.

Initially launched in Singapore’s Central Business District, Aurealis has specialised in fully furnished serviced flats tailored for long-term stays. Loo, who previously served as a Senior Education Officer with Singapore’s Ministry of Education, utilised her skills in organisational development and leadership to create a guest-focused business. In 2013, with support from Spring Singapore, the brand underwent a rebranding to become Aurealis Serviced Residence, a name inspired by the aurora borealis.

“Our mission has been simple yet powerful: Exceptional People to provide Exceptional Experiences,” said Loo. She remains actively involved in guest interactions, using feedback to refine the stay experience. In 2021, Loo further enhanced the flats’ design by enrolling in an interior design course through Singapore’s SkillsFuture initiative.

Looking ahead, Aurealis is exploring international expansion whilst continuing to study global best practices to enhance its service delivery. “Our long-term goal is to offer our business travellers memorable extended stays,” Loo noted, emphasising the importance of guest feedback in shaping the brand’s future direction.
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Tencent Cloud has announced a strategic partnership with Ryde Group Ltd, a leading mobility and quick commerce platform in Singapore, to revolutionise in-app communication for ride-hailing services across Southeast Asia. By integrating Tencent’s Real-Time Communication (TRTC) technology, Ryde aims to enhance interactions between drivers and riders with ultra-low latency and secure communication directly within its platform.

The collaboration addresses the limitations of traditional telecom-based systems, which have proven costly and complex. Ryde’s decision to adopt Tencent Cloud’s solution is driven by the need for a cutting-edge, cloud-native communication system that ensures user privacy and operational efficiency. Tencent Cloud’s TRTC technology, known for its carrier-grade stability and seamless integration, aligns with Ryde’s vision of a future-ready mobility platform.

Kenneth Siow, Regional Director for Southeast Asia at Tencent Cloud, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with Ryde in transforming the ride-hailing communication experience across Southeast Asia. By integrating our Real-Time Communication TRTC technology, we enable seamless, secure, and ultra-low latency interactions within the Ryde platform.”

The partnership not only enhances Ryde’s communication capabilities but also supports its expansion into new areas such as deliveries, payments, and sustainable mobility. Nitin Dolli, CTO at Ryde Group, highlighted the transformative nature of the collaboration, noting that it strengthens Ryde’s competitive edge and commitment to delivering smarter solutions.

As Ryde and Tencent Cloud explore further opportunities, including AI-driven fleet optimisation and green mobility analytics, this partnership sets a strategic foundation for long-term growth in Southeast Asia’s rapidly evolving digital economy.
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Info-Tech Systems Ltd., a prominent human resource management software provider, has lodged its preliminary prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) as part of its plans for an initial public offering (IPO) on the Singapore Exchange (SGX) Mainboard. Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited (OCBC) is acting as the sole issue manager and global coordinator for this proposed IPO, with CGS International Securities Singapore Pte. Ltd. joining as joint bookrunners and underwriters.

The prospectus, once registered by MAS, will provide potential investors with detailed information on the offering. Interested parties will be able to access the document via MAS’s website or obtain a copy from OCBC or CGS International Securities during office hours.

This move marks a significant step for Info-Tech as it seeks to expand its market presence through public investment. The company’s decision to list on the SGX underscores its confidence in the Singaporean financial market and its strategic growth plans. The IPO will allow Info-Tech to raise capital, potentially enhancing its product offerings and expanding its reach in the competitive HR software sector.

The final prospectus will include comprehensive details about the offering, and investors are advised to consult this document before making any investment decisions. The listing is anticipated to attract considerable interest, given Info-Tech’s established reputation in the industry. The timeline for the IPO’s completion will be clearer once the prospectus is officially registered and released.
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Tesla has officially opened its new Experience Centre at Westgate, Singapore, as of 20 June 2025. This latest addition aims to bring Tesla’s innovative technology closer to Singaporeans, featuring test drives of the Model 3 and New Model Y, as well as demonstrations of the Tesla Bot, Optimus. The centre is located at #01-29A Westgate.

The expansion also includes a new Tesla Supercharging station, set to open in Q3 2025 at Westgate’s Basement 3. This will increase the total number of Supercharging stations in Singapore to 13, providing a crucial charging point for those travelling to Malaysia. The Westgate location will thus offer a comprehensive Tesla vehicle ecosystem.

Tesla’s Model 3 continues to lead as Singapore’s best-selling saloon, with a 43% increase in registered vehicles compared to the previous year. A record-breaking 461 New Model Y vehicles have been delivered in 2025. Tesla Singapore is committed to sustainable transport, offering Singapore-exclusive models engineered for Category A Certificate of Entitlement (CoE). The Model 3 starts at $186,526, and the New Model Y at $201,600, based on the 18 June 2025 CoE bidding exercise.

To encourage electric vehicle adoption, Tesla offers competitive financing rates, allowing customers to own a Tesla with monthly instalments starting at $1,437. This initiative underscores Tesla’s dedication to promoting sustainable transportation in Singapore.
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