Regional News

Klook has unveiled its SG60 Passport to Adventure, a campaign designed to celebrate Singapore’s 60th birthday by offering exclusive deals and experiences starting at just S$6. The initiative aims to encourage Singaporeans to rediscover their homeland through a variety of attractions, food and beverage (F&B) options, hotels, cruises, tours, car rentals, and wellness activities.

The campaign, which will feature over 60 merchants with deals refreshed monthly, is supported by bank partners and seeks to foster a renewed sense of discovery, bolster local businesses, and enhance community engagement. Sarah Wan, General Manager of Klook Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia, stated, “SG60 provides a platform for us to inspire Singaporeans to rediscover the joy of exploration, right here at home.”

The SG60 Passport to Adventure will roll out new deals each month, highlighting themes such as nostalgic trails, nature escapes, foodie finds, and wellness wonders. Key highlights include:

– **Shiok Makan Deals**: Offers include a S$6 Toast Box set and discounts on popular local snacks and restaurant menus.
– **Cruise Lobang**: Savings of up to S$106 on cruises such as StarDream Cruises and Ovation of the Seas by Royal Caribbean International.
– **Attractions Boleh**: Discounts on cultural experiences like the National Gallery Singapore and the Royal Albatross City Lights & Sunset Dinner Cruise.
– **Tours and Activities Jalan Jalan**: Up to 40% off on local tours and activities, including the Naturalist Night Adventure and the Orchid Perfume Workshop.

The SG60 Passport to Adventure is available online, providing Singaporeans with easy access to these exciting offers.
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Synology has unveiled two new DiskStation models, the DS1825+ and DS1525+, aimed at small and medium enterprises and professional users seeking high-performance storage solutions. These models, launched on 7 May 2025, promise to deliver robust data management capabilities and scalability.

The DS1525+ and DS1825+ are equipped with dual 2.5GbE ports, with the DS1525+ offering an upgrade to 10GbE via the E10G22-T1-Mini module. The DS1825+ includes a PCIe 3.0 slot supporting 10GBASE-T or 10/25GbE SFP+/SFP28 network cards. Both models feature two M.2 slots, enabling users to create an all-flash cache or storage pool for demanding workloads. In performance tests, the DS1825+ achieved up to 2,239 MB/s read and 1,573 MB/s write speeds, whilst the DS1525+ reached 1,181 MB/s for both read and write.

Owen Liao, Product Manager at Synology, stated, “These two models offer a powerful foundation for data management and collaboration. With evolving needs for data management, they are perfectly designed to deliver business-grade performance, scalability, and reliability.”

The systems support capacity expansion with up to two 5-bay DX525 expansion units, allowing businesses to increase storage as needed. The DS1525+ can provide up to 300 TB of raw storage, and the DS1825+ up to 360 TB when fully expanded.

Powered by Synology’s DiskStation Manager, the models offer features like Synology Drive for private cloud capabilities, Active Backup Suite for comprehensive device protection, and Surveillance Station for video management.

The DS1825+ and DS1525+ are now available through Synology’s global network of partners and resellers.
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Global apparel retailer UNIQLO has announced a new collaboration with British designer Anya Hindmarch for the Summer 2025 Collection, titled “T-SHIRT SHOP,” available from 23 May. This collection, which follows the success of last season’s launch, features Hindmarch’s signature eye motif and deconstructed stitching on T-shirts designed for both women and children, offering stylish and breathable summer essentials.

The women’s collection includes four meticulously crafted styles, each designed with attention to fabric, sleeve length, and neckline. The T1BOXY features a looser fit with striking zigzag stitching, whilst the T2CLASSIC offers a neat fit with fun stitching details. The T3SLEEVELESS is ideal for warm days with its unique shoulder detail, and the T4TANK provides a modern, fitted style. For children, the KT1EASY T-shirt is designed for play, available in four vibrant colours with playful animations.

In addition to T-shirts, the collection includes machine-washable square pouches in two sizes, perfect for travel or gifting. Hindmarch expressed her excitement about the collaboration, stating, “The T-SHIRT SHOP covers all the weights, shapes, and purposes you need, combining what UNIQLO does so well with a playful Anya approach.”

The full lineup will be available at all UNIQLO stores in Singapore and online. Prices for women’s T-shirts start at S$19.90, whilst children’s T-shirts are priced at S$14.90. Accessories range from S$14.90 to S$19.90.
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ETC has announced the sale of five adjoining three-storey conservation shophouses located on Temple Street in Singapore’s vibrant Chinatown. The properties, collectively priced at $65m (S$90m), are available to both local and foreign buyers without the imposition of Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty or Seller’s Stamp Duty. The sale will be conducted through an Expression of Interest exercise, closing on 8 July 2025.

Situated within the Kreta Ayer Conservation Area, these shophouses boast a total land area of 559.2 sq m and a built-up area of 1,402.3 sq m. Currently operating as The Inn at Temple Street, a 42-key boutique hotel, the property benefits from a 999-year leasehold tenure. Under the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s Master Plan 2019, the site is zoned for commercial use, allowing for diverse applications such as retail, hospitality, and office spaces.

Swee Shou Fern, Head of Investment Advisory at ETC, highlighted the property’s unique attributes, stating, “The subject property offers a compelling blend of historical charm, prized hotel approval, near freehold-equivalent tenure and five separate land titles – a robust combination that’s nearly impossible to replicate in Singapore’s tightly held shophouse market.”

The strategic location near Chinatown MRT Interchange enhances its appeal, providing excellent connectivity and high foot traffic. The property’s corner position offers significant street visibility, with potential for creative enhancements such as a statement mural, subject to approval.

This sale represents a rare opportunity for investors to acquire a landmark asset in one of Singapore’s most culturally significant areas. The flexibility of individual land titles allows for various development possibilities, from standalone shophouses to innovative lifestyle concepts.
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Ensign InfoSecurity, one of Asia’s largest cybersecurity service providers, has been acknowledged as a Research Sponsor in the 2024 MITRE Centre for Threat-Informed Defence (CTID) Impact Report.

This recognition marks Ensign as the first Singapore-based company to contribute to the global initiative aimed at advancing open threat-informed defence against sophisticated cyber threats.

The MITRE CTID Impact Report, celebrating the centre’s fifth anniversary, highlights the collective efforts of organisations worldwide in supporting its mission. Ensign’s involvement underscores its commitment to cybersecurity innovation and the defence of Operational Technology (OT) environments and critical infrastructure. Tan Ah Tuan, Head of Ensign Labs, stated, “Partnering and supporting MITRE CTID’s mission of enabling threat-informed defence was a natural match because we use ATT&CK to guide detection across the OT analytics that we develop to identify sophisticated attack patterns.”

Ensign’s participation aligns with its strategic focus on developing intelligence-led cybersecurity strategies that are both globally accessible and locally relevant. This collaboration has empowered critical sectors with effective defensive measures against emerging threats, reinforcing Ensign’s position as a trusted partner to enterprises and government agencies across the Asia-Pacific region.

Ensign InfoSecurity, headquartered in Singapore, offers bespoke cybersecurity solutions and services, with core competencies in advisory and assurance services, architecture design, systems integration, and managed security services. With two decades of experience, Ensign continues to serve clients from both public and private sectors in the region.
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Eden Restaurant is set to redefine Father’s Day celebrations with its “Glam Dad’s Day Out” Semi-Buffet Lunch on 15 June 2025, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Pullman Singapore Orchard. Priced at $118++ per person, the event aims to honour fathers who appreciate style and sophistication, offering a unique culinary experience.

The semi-buffet format features free-flow starters, including Asian Beef Tartare and Double Cheese Cauliflower, alongside an interactive “Make Your Own Salad Bar”. Main courses promise to impress with dishes like Slow-Cooked Beef Cheek with Hoisin Pepper Sauce and Baked Salmon with Green Mango Slaw and Tangy Green Curry Emulsion. The event concludes with an exquisite Dessert Bar, providing a sweet and stylish end to the meal.

This celebration is designed for families to express gratitude to fathers in a manner that aligns with their modern sensibilities. “It’s a heartfelt tribute to the fathers who inspire us every day,” the restaurant noted, highlighting the event’s focus on individuality and refined taste.

Eden Restaurant, located at 270 Orchard Road, invites families to partake in this special occasion. For reservations or more information, visit www.edenrestaurant.sg. This event not only offers a memorable dining experience but also sets a new standard for Father’s Day celebrations, catering to the evolving tastes of today’s fathers.
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CBRE has announced the sale of a prime industrial property at 21 Bukit Batok Street 22, featuring a 3-storey light industrial building. Priced at approximately $13.2m (S$18m), the sale will be conducted via private treaty. The property, with a lease tenure until 2051, spans a plot of land measuring approximately 40,901 square feet and offers a gross floor area of about 64,548 square feet.

The site is designated as “Business 1” under the Master Plan 2019, with a plot ratio of 2.5, allowing for a potential built-up area of approximately 102,253 square feet. This presents significant redevelopment opportunities for potential buyers. The building itself includes 18,872 square feet on Level 1, 7,931 square feet on the Mezzanine, and 18,872 square feet on Levels 2 and 3, with ceiling heights ranging from 3.3 to 4.2 metres. Additionally, the site features 20 parking spaces.

Strategically located, the property boasts excellent connectivity to the Pan-Island Expressway and the upcoming Jurong Region Line. It is also within walking distance to bus stops and a 14-minute walk from Bukit Batok MRT station. The location is ideal for light manufacturing, production usage, and regional R&D offices, as well as self-storage operators on B1 sites.

Graeme Bolin, Head of Occupier and Leasing, Industrial and Logistics Services at CBRE, highlighted the property’s appeal, stating, “21 Bukit Batok Street 22 offers an opportunity for investors and owner-occupiers to acquire a property with excellent building specifications, ample land for potential redevelopment, and a strategic location within the heart of Singapore’s western manufacturing hub.”
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ESR Group Limited has announced a collaboration with a consortium of Japanese investors to develop the Sunview Logistics & Container Hub in Singapore. This modern multi-storey warehouse and automated container depot, located in the Jurong industrial cluster, is set to become one of the country’s largest logistics hubs when it opens in 2027. The facility will feature a solar power generation system, expected to cover a significant portion of its energy needs.

The investment consortium includes Tokyu Land Corporation, Hulic Co., Ltd., Nishimatsu Construction Co. Ltd., Fuyo General Lease Co., Ltd., and RISA Partners, Inc. This venture aims to bolster Singapore’s logistics infrastructure and its status as a global supply chain hub. “This is a rare opportunity for Hulic Co., Ltd to invest in a prime asset anchored by high-quality tenants,” said Sohei Okuno, Hulic’s General Manager of Global Investment Department.

Anchor customers Allied Container Group and CEVA Logistics will utilise the state-of-the-art facility to drive operational efficiencies. Allied has committed $36.5m (S$50m) to integrate an automated container storage retrieval system, enhancing storage capacity and reducing land utilisation by 67%. CEVA Logistics plans to expand its Contract Logistics business, with the new site increasing its footprint to 370,000 square metres across 18 locations.

The Sunview Hub development marks a significant expansion of ESR’s portfolio in Singapore, offering diversified investment solutions and high-quality space to meet the growing demand for advanced logistics facilities.
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Retailers in Singapore are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence (AI) agents to maintain a competitive edge, according to Salesforce’s latest Connected Shoppers Report. The report reveals that 69% of retailers view AI agents as essential for overcoming rising costs and meeting growing customer expectations. This shift comes as the retail landscape becomes more complex, with digital spending spreading across multiple platforms.

The report, which surveyed 500 shoppers and 100 retail decision-makers in Singapore, highlights the pressures retailers face, including rising customer acquisition costs and the declining share of physical store purchases, projected to drop from 43% in 2024 to 38% by 2026. To address these challenges, retailers are focusing on improving store associate productivity, enhancing customer service, and implementing unified commerce strategies.

AI agents are seen as a crucial tool in this transformation, with 85% of retailers planning to increase their AI investments over the next year. These agents are expected to streamline marketing efforts, optimise websites, and manage inventory, among other tasks. Velia Carboni, CIO of SharkNinja, noted that Salesforce’s Agentforce is “key to helping us build a community that keeps consumers coming back.”

Unified commerce is also playing a significant role, with 82% of retailers in Singapore working on initiatives to connect operations across channels. This integration is vital for AI agents to function effectively, providing personalised and real-time responses to shoppers.

Consumers in Singapore are already embracing AI, with 36% using it for product discovery. Trust remains a critical factor for wider adoption, with shoppers prioritising data privacy, transparency, and the ability to control AI interactions. As the retail sector evolves, the focus on AI is expected to drive growth and enhance customer experiences.
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LinkedIn has released its annual Grad Guide in Singapore, highlighting the fastest-growing job roles for new graduates amidst a tightening job market. The guide, aimed at helping graduates and entry-level professionals navigate their career paths, reveals a significant 8% drop in job postings per applicant over the past year, increasing competition for roles.

The guide identifies Artificial Intelligence (AI) Engineer as the leading role for Master’s degree holders and the second most sought-after position for Bachelor’s degree graduates. Other top roles for Bachelor’s degree holders include Legal Associate, Pharmacist, Marketing Assistant, and Interior Designer. For those with a Master’s degree, Management Associate, Research Engineer, Project Manager, and Data Analyst are among the top positions.

LinkedIn is also introducing AI-powered tools to enhance the job search experience. These tools allow job seekers to describe their desired roles in plain language, enabling AI to match them with suitable opportunities. This innovative approach aims to simplify the job search process by focusing on candidates’ aspirations rather than traditional keywords.

To support young professionals, LinkedIn offers video content featuring career tips and insights from its Career Expert. Additionally, new LinkedIn Learning features, such as My Career Journey and AI-powered coaching, provide personalised learning plans and practice scenarios to help graduates advance in their careers.

As the job market becomes more competitive, LinkedIn encourages graduates to embrace adaptability, build their networks, and leverage AI technology to enhance their career prospects. The Grad Guide serves as a strategic resource for graduates seeking to stand out and secure their ideal roles in today’s challenging environment.
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