Regional News

CapitaLand China Trust (CLCT) has announced its intention to divest its 100% equity interest in CapitaMall Yuhuating, a retail property in Changsha, to CapitaLand Commercial C-REIT (CLCR), an indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary. This move is part of CLCT’s strategy to optimise its portfolio and enhance returns. The proceeds from this divestment will partly fund CLCT’s subscription to 5% of CLCR’s initial public offering (IPO) units.

The transaction, valued at no less than RMB748.0m (S$134.9m), will see CLCT subscribing to approximately S$20.7m worth of IPO units in CLCR. The divestment is expected to result in a 0.4% distribution per unit (DPU) accretion, assuming the proceeds are used to reduce debt and undertake unit buy-backs. The exit net property income yield is projected at 6.8%.

This divestment aligns with CLCT’s strategy to unlock value from mature assets and recycle capital. It will also strengthen CLCT’s financial position by potentially reducing its aggregate leverage from 42.6% to 41.4%. Additionally, the transaction provides CLCT with strategic access to China’s domestic capital market, differentiating it from other Singapore-based real estate investment trusts (S-REITs).

CapitaMall Yuhuating, located in Changsha’s Yuhua District, is a well-established community mall with convenient access to public transport. The divestment will enable CLCT to participate in the growing C-REIT market, which offers significant capital appreciation potential, supported by China’s efforts to boost consumer spending.
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Coface, a global leader in trade credit risk management, has released its 2025 Asia Payment Survey, revealing that companies across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region anticipate worsening payment behaviours amidst economic uncertainty. The survey, conducted among 2,400 companies in nine APAC markets, highlights a significant rise in ultra-long payment delays, with 40% of companies reporting delays exceeding 180 days, up from 23% in 2023.

The survey indicates that economic challenges, including a slowdown and higher costs, are prompting businesses to shorten payment terms, with two-thirds of companies expecting shorter terms in the next six months. This reflects a cautious approach to cost management. Bernard Aw, Chief Economist at Coface, noted, “The economic slowdown and higher costs are making it difficult for businesses to earn sales revenue.”

Despite these challenges, the survey found that businesses in Singapore have shown resilience, with improved payment performance and prudent credit management. However, India, Thailand, and China have experienced the most significant increases in ultra-long payment delays, contributing to a sharp deterioration in credit risk.

Looking ahead, 57% of respondents expect payment behaviours to deteriorate further, with slower demand and rising costs cited as primary risks. Nonetheless, 56% remain hopeful for improvement, particularly in India. The survey underscores the ongoing economic uncertainties and the need for businesses to adapt their credit management practices accordingly.
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AppWorks marked its 15th anniversary by hosting its 30th Demo Day in Singapore, spotlighting the next generation of Southeast Asia’s AI, Web3, and deep tech startups. The event, held at JustCo Marina Square, featured 45 startups from 13 countries, with 78 founders, including 26 serial entrepreneurs, presenting their groundbreaking innovations.

The Demo Day highlighted the region’s maturing digital economy, with over 60% of the startups already expanding regionally and 18% achieving annual revenues exceeding $1m. Among the standout participants were Aliena, a Singapore-based space tech startup developing satellite thrusters; Resolv Labs from the British Virgin Islands, known for its delta-neutral stablecoin with $350m Total Value Locked; and Indonesia’s JALA, which is revolutionising shrimp farming through smart data and financial access.

This year’s cohort is notable for its focus on resilience and cross-border impact, with 53% of startups working in AI and 33% in Web3. Jamie Lin, Chairman and Partner at AppWorks, remarked that the cohort reflects “the region’s deepening bench of serial entrepreneurs, sharpened product-market fit, and strong revenue traction—exactly what today’s investors are looking for.”

As AppWorks continues to foster innovation in Southeast Asia, the showcased startups are poised to make significant contributions to the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
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Bosch Home Appliances Singapore has introduced its latest campaign, Care #LikeABosch, aiming to bring an emotional touch to modern home living. Launched on 11 June 2025, the campaign highlights how Bosch’s appliances, designed with care and convenience in mind, can simplify daily routines for Singaporean households.

The campaign moves beyond mere technical specifications, telling a human story of how appliances like water-efficient dishwashers and stress-free ovens become reliable partners in everyday life. It acknowledges the challenges faced by Singaporeans, such as fast-paced routines and limited living spaces, and showcases how Bosch’s smart appliances can alleviate these pressures, allowing more time for what truly matters.

Each month, new videos will be released, focusing on different appliances and the intelligent innovations that ensure their dependable performance. The campaign is exclusive to Singapore and will be featured on Bosch Home SG’s social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

By spotlighting the emotional and practical benefits of its products, Bosch aims to resonate with consumers seeking more than just functionality in their home appliances. As the campaign unfolds, it promises to offer insights into how thoughtfully designed technology can enhance the quality of life at home.
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COURTS Singapore is celebrating Father’s Day with a range of exclusive deals on popular household items, available until 30 June 2025. Shoppers can find the perfect gift for their father figures with discounts on items such as coffee machines, shavers, and massage chairs.

Among the highlighted offers is the OSIM uCozy 3D Neck & Shoulder Massager, available for $99, down from its regular price of $199, until 15 June 2025. This lightweight massager promises to relieve tension with its 3D massage nodes and dual-directional kneading.

For those looking to upgrade their dad’s grooming routine, the Braun Series 6 Wet & Dry Shaver is on offer for $99, reduced from $259, until the end of June. This shaver features Autosense Technology, adjusting to beard density for a smooth shave, and is fully waterproof for versatile use.

Coffee enthusiasts can enjoy the De’Longhi Fully Automatic Coffee Machine, priced at $1,245, a discount from its usual $1,499. This machine offers seven one-touch drinks and features a built-in grinder for fresh coffee every time.

Additionally, the OSIM uThrone V Gaming Massage Chair is available for $699, a significant reduction from its original price of $1,599, until 15 June 2025. Designed for gamers, it offers targeted relief with advanced massage technology.

Lastly, the Cornell CAPS01WH Air Purifier is offered at $98, down from $159, until 16 June 2025. This purifier is designed for large spaces and promises cleaner air with its 360° intake and high CADR.

These deals provide an opportunity to show appreciation for fathers with thoughtful gifts that combine practicality and luxury.
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SIGEP Asia 2025, organised by IEG Asia, is set to return to Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, from 16 to 18 July 2025. This premier tradeshow will showcase a diverse range of offerings in coffee, tea, pastry, chocolate, gelato, bakery, and pizza, alongside cutting-edge technologies and services essential for the speciality food and beverage (F&B) and hospitality sectors. Co-located with Restaurant Asia 2025, the event aims to foster innovation, sustainability, and regional collaboration.

The tradeshow will feature national pavilions and industry-leading brands, including the Italian Trade Agency Pavilion with top Made in Italy brands, and the Yamaguchi Prefecture Pavilion showcasing artisan gelato and speciality coffee from Japan. The Taiwanese Tea Showcase will also be a highlight, featuring the Taiwan Tea Creative Industries Association.

Fringe events will include culinary demonstrations by award-winning pastry chef Janice Wong, who will present chocolate creations in collaboration with Valrhona. The Panettone World Cup’s first Asian selection and pizza demos led by Italy’s Nazionale Italiana Pizzaioli will also be featured. Additionally, the International Food & Beverage Association will host a roundtable discussion on regional collaboration and consumer trends.

New product launches will include smart service robotics by Robotech and sustainable seafood from Papua New Guinea by Bountiful Harvest. The event will also offer a Visitor Xperience Programme, providing trade guests with exclusive dining privileges and networking opportunities.

The Hosted Buyer Programme will bring over 100 C-suite executives from ASEAN, APAC, and the Middle East to network with exhibitors, culminating in a networking reception at MONTI restaurant.
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KGI Securities Singapore has successfully implemented Scila Risk, a cutting-edge risk management platform, to consolidate its legacy systems for equities and derivatives trading into a single, comprehensive solution. This strategic move, announced by Scila AB, aims to provide KGI with a holistic, real-time view of risk exposure, optimised collateral utilisation, and increased trading capacity.

The implementation of Scila Risk marks a significant advancement for KGI, a leading player on the Singapore Exchange. The platform’s multi-asset capabilities allow KGI to manage risk across equities, commodities, FX derivatives, and Spot FX within a unified system. This integration is designed to enhance efficiency and provide a competitive edge in the volatile financial markets.

Ken Ong, CEO of KGI Securities Singapore, highlighted the benefits of the new system: “With Scila Risk, we’ve gained a consolidated real-time view of our risk exposure, optimised our collateral utilisation, and unlocked new levels of trading capacity. This directly translates to improved collateral efficiency, freeing up capital for trading, and reduced costs.”

Scila Risk’s advanced features, such as “time warp” analysis and “what-if” simulations, offer KGI deeper insights into potential market scenarios. The platform’s ability to handle a wide range of instruments and market models ensures scalability and flexibility, allowing KGI to adapt to future market changes and regulatory requirements.

Mikko Andersson, CEO of Scila, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating that the implementation demonstrates the transformative impact of Scila’s technology on risk management operations. The partnership between KGI and Scila is expected to drive further innovation in the financial services sector.
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ServiceNow has launched the ServiceNow Protected Platform Singapore (SPP-SG), a secure cloud platform aimed at boosting AI innovation across Singapore’s government and regulated sectors. In a strategic move, ServiceNow has partnered with Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) to provide students with practical AI experience, aligning with Singapore’s digital economy goals.

The collaboration aims to train over 1,500 students by 2030, equipping them with in-demand AI skills. Students will develop real-world AI solutions on the SPP-SG platform, addressing public sector challenges. This initiative bridges academic learning with practical application, contributing to Singapore’s Smart Nation vision.

The SPP-SG platform, built on Microsoft Azure, meets Singapore’s stringent data residency and security requirements, offering a trusted environment for innovation. Pat Casey, ServiceNow’s Chief Technology Officer, stated, “This marks a pivotal moment in our commitment to Singapore – a nation that has long set the standard for secure, responsible innovation.”

NYP students will also benefit from industry certifications and applied research projects, enhancing their employability in an AI-driven economy. The platform’s robust security processes are certified against international standards, with plans to achieve Singapore’s MTCS Level 3 certification, ensuring compliance and security for public sector data.

This collaboration not only supports Singapore’s digital transformation but also positions NYP as a testbed for new innovations from the ServiceNow Digital Innovation Hub, fostering a future-ready workforce.
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TerraPay, a global money movement company, has announced a strategic partnership with Whalet, a leading smart payment provider, to facilitate seamless cross-border payouts worldwide. This collaboration is designed to improve payment efficiency for Whalet’s core clientele—cross-border sellers from the Asia-Pacific region—by simplifying international financial transactions.

Whalet offers small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) a suite of global payment solutions, including one-click store setup, pay-ins, payouts, global accounts, currency exchange, and card issuance. With payment licences in Singapore, the US, and Hong Kong SAR, Whalet ensures compliance and cost-effective operations for businesses expanding globally. Nicholas Liao, Founder and CEO of Whalet, stated, “Partnering with TerraPay strengthens our ability to offer reliable payouts for cross-border trade enterprises and e-commerce marketplace sellers.”

TerraPay will enable Whalet to scale its payout capabilities, providing secure and compliant payment corridors across multiple regions. By integrating TerraPay’s technology, Whalet can streamline transactions, reducing settlement complexities and operational inefficiencies. Sukesh Malliah, Vice President – IMT (APAC) at TerraPay, commented, “This partnership enhances global payouts, ensuring businesses can move funds effortlessly.”

The collaboration addresses the growing demand for scalable, multi-rail payment solutions that support diverse financial ecosystems. With digital wallets playing an increasing role in simplifying cross-border transactions, this partnership ensures businesses can access reliable payout networks tailored to their expansion needs. TerraPay and Whalet are committed to building a global financial ecosystem that supports SMEs in their growth journey.
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Investbanq, a Singapore-based AI-powered wealth management platform, has successfully raised $3m in a Pre-Series A funding round. The investment, led by Constructor Capital, Orvel, and Big Sky Capital, highlights the increasing demand for advanced WealthTech solutions. This funding will enable Investbanq to expand its team, enhance its platform with cutting-edge asset management tools, and accelerate growth across Asia and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Investbanq has gained international recognition by winning the “Meet The Drapers” startup show and receiving the Global Private Banker’s Best WealthTech AI award. The company’s WealthOS product is designed to manage the growing capital pools of affluent millennials and digitally native investors, offering real-time portfolio diversification and rapid onboarding processes.

Dr Serg Bell, Founder and Chairman of Constructor Capital, noted the exponential growth in demand for advanced wealth management, driven by generative AI. Yerkin Tatishev, Chairman of the Board at Kusto Group, expressed confidence in Investbanq’s strategic and responsible approach, stating, “I invested because I believe in him and the team he’s built.”

Investbanq’s co-founder and CEO, Oz Zhiyenkul, emphasised the company’s mission to create a world where wealth can be mastered, grown, and passed on with confidence. The platform’s AI-powered advisory services, combined with strategic regulatory coverage across Singapore, Dubai, and Kazakhstan, aim to fill a market gap in emerging markets where traditional private banking solutions are often lacking.
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