Regional News

Forvis Mazars in Singapore has announced the appointment of Chan Xue Pei as Partner, Tax, effective 6 October 2025, to bolster its tax practice. The firm also promoted three women to senior leadership positions: Quek Siew Eng as Regional Quality and Risk Management Leader for the Group and Asia Pacific, Cheryl Koh as Head of Quality Management, and Ellyn Tan as Head of Financial Advisory. These appointments highlight the firm’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with women now making up 32% of the senior management team in Singapore.

Chan Xue Pei brings over 20 years of experience in international tax planning, specialising in financial services, banking, and asset management. She will focus on enhancing the firm’s financial services and asset management practices. “I’m passionate about turning complexity into opportunity and supporting businesses in building resilient, future-ready tax strategies,” Chan stated.

Quek Siew Eng, previously Head of Quality & Risk Management, will now drive the quality and risk management agenda across six regions. Cheryl Koh, with extensive experience in quality management, will ensure the firm’s services meet high standards of accuracy and trust. Ellyn Tan, known for her expertise in cross-border restructuring, will lead the Financial Advisory practice.

PwC Malaysia has welcomed the Government’s Budget 2026, which focuses on consolidating existing tax measures and enhancing enforcement. Steve Chia, Tax Leader at PwC Malaysia, praised the Government’s decision to pause expansionary tax measures, opting instead for a more strategic approach to tax governance and social outcomes.

Budget 2026 aims to save RM15.5 billion annually through subsidy rationalisation, including for RON95 fuel, allowing these funds to be redirected to targeted groups. Personal tax reliefs have been expanded to include life insurance for children and vaccination relief for all approved vaccines. Additionally, childcare fee relief now covers registered centres for children up to 12 years old.

The budget underscores the Government’s commitment to tax enforcement, building on previous initiatives like the Tax Identification Number and e-Invoicing. Chia noted that whilst the budget sets a clear tone for strengthening tax governance, the success of these reforms will depend on their implementation.

In a bid to boost high-growth sectors, the Outcome-Based Incentive Framework will be fully implemented for manufacturing and services in 2026. This aligns tax incentives with national priorities such as semiconductors and AI. Enhanced venture capital incentives aim to support start-ups in strategic areas like energy transition.

Property measures include extending stamp duty exemptions for first-time homebuyers and increasing rates for non-citizens to kerb speculation. A special tax deduction for converting commercial properties to residential use is also proposed.

Sustainability efforts are highlighted with the introduction of a carbon tax and expanded tax relief for sustainable consumption. These measures are expected to drive investment in low-emission technologies and promote greener behaviours among Malaysians.

NHG Health and DFI Retail Group have entered into a long-term partnership to improve access to preventive care and wellness solutions in Singapore and Asia. Announced on 9 October, the collaboration seeks to address the region’s growing health needs by developing affordable, clinically relevant solutions for general wellbeing, healthy ageing, and family health.

The partnership comes in response to Asia’s rapidly ageing population and the rise of lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. Traditional hospital-centric models are insufficient to meet these demands, highlighting the need for accessible, community-focused preventive care. NHG Health will provide clinical expertise and research capabilities, whilst DFI Retail Group will leverage its retail network, including Guardian and Mannings stores, to ensure wide accessibility.

Professor Benjamin Seet of NHG Health emphasised the importance of community care, stating, “This partnership with DFI achieves exactly that. Through its extensive retail network, we will be able to reach millions of people across Singapore and the region, allowing us to bring evidence-based solutions closer to home.”

Andrew Wong, CEO of Health & Beauty at DFI Retail Group, noted that the collaboration sets a new benchmark for public-private healthcare partnerships, enhancing the role of Guardian and Mannings as trusted wellness advisers.

The partnership will use Singapore as a launchpad for broader regional impact, exploring new health and wellness solutions, including preventive screening tools and lifestyle interventions. This initiative underscores the importance of combining public sector expertise with private sector innovation to create sustainable healthcare pathways in Asia.

Young Singaporeans are placing greater importance on job security and financial stability over flexible work arrangements, according to a study by the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS). Released at the inaugural Youth Forum 2025, the study surveyed over 1,000 youths aged 18–35 and more than 250 employers, revealing a disconnect between youth aspirations and employer expectations.

The study, titled “Workplace Success and Soft Skills: Bridging the Gap Between Youths’ Perceptions and Employers’ Expectations,” found that 68% of youths are exploring new job opportunities, with younger participants actively job-hunting. However, those aged 31–35 are more focused on stability. Financial gain and job security emerged as top priorities across all age groups, challenging the perception that digital natives prioritise flexibility.

Associate Professor Justina Tan, Vice President of Strategic Partnership and Engagement at SUSS, noted, “If young people value stability whilst employers seek adaptability, then soft skills are the bridge that connects both.” The study emphasises the need for tailored workplace strategies and collaboration among employers, educators, and policymakers to bridge soft skills gaps.

SUSS is collaborating with Singapore’s self-help groups to further analyse the data and develop programmes aimed at empowering youths. The Youth Forum 2025, attended by industry leaders and youth representatives, concluded with a commitment to continue these conversations, aiming to translate insights into practical initiatives for enhancing youth employability.

In a remarkable display of demand, 658 out of 666 units at Skye at Holland were sold over its launch weekend, according to UOL Group Limited and CapitaLand Development. The development, located in the coveted District 10 of Singapore, attracted significant interest during its preview phase, leading to this near sell-out success.

The strong sales performance highlights the continued confidence in Singapore’s property market, driven by the project’s prime location in Holland Village. The development’s appeal spans a wide range of buyers, including Singaporeans and permanent residents, who are drawn to its MRT connectivity and proximity to prestigious schools such as Henry Park Primary School and the National University of Singapore.

The average selling price for the units was $2,953 per square foot, reflecting the premium nature of the site. The project’s success follows the earlier collaboration between UOL and CapitaLand Development on PARKTOWN Residence, underscoring their effective partnership in creating desirable residential developments.

The robust demand for Skye at Holland underscores the resilience of Singapore’s real estate market, particularly for prime locations. As the city-state continues to attract both local and international interest, developments like Skye at Holland are poised to remain highly sought after.

Mapletree Investments has announced a significant lease agreement with Agata S.A., a leading Polish furniture retailer, for 128,000 square metres of logistics space in Piotrków Trybunalski, Poland. This deal includes a 10-year extension of an existing lease for 87,000 sqm and a new 10-year lease for a 41,000-sqm built-to-suit logistics development, Piotrków II DC3. The transaction is the largest warehouse lease in Poland for 2025.

The new development, Piotrków II DC3, will be strategically located near the A1 motorway and S8 expressway, enhancing Agata S.A.’s operational capabilities and supply chain efficiency across Poland. Ralph van der Beek, CEO of Commercial and Logistics, Europe at Mapletree, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “This decision reflects the enormous trust they place in Mapletree and affirms Central Poland’s strong position on Europe’s logistics map.”

Piotrków II DC3 will adhere to BREEAM Excellent certification standards, featuring sustainable elements such as a greywater recovery system and photovoltaic-ready roofing. Completion is expected by early 2027.

Since entering the Polish market in 2018, Mapletree has amassed a portfolio valued at approximately $1b (EUR943m), covering 1.22 million sqm of office and logistics space. The properties Piotrków II DC1 and DC2 are part of Mapletree US & EU Logistics Private Trust, which manages $4.3b in assets. This new agreement with Agata S.A. is set to bolster the trust’s European portfolio resilience.

Simon Chisholm has been appointed as Chairman of Asia for Aon’s Reinsurance Solutions, effective 1 January 2026. Chisholm will spearhead the Global Clients Segment in Asia, focusing on strengthening ties with key clients in Japan and Thailand. With nearly 40 years of experience, including leadership roles with Aon’s largest global reinsurance clients, Chisholm is well-equipped to align client needs with strategic solutions across Asia, Europe, and the US.

Chisholm’s appointment underscores Aon’s dedication to providing tailored insights and value to multinational clients navigating complex risk environments. Based in Singapore, he will report to Soeren Soltysiak, CEO of Reinsurance Solutions in Asia. Rupert Moore, APAC CEO for Reinsurance Solutions at Aon, remarked, “Simon plays a central role on our Japan and Asia teams, partnering with many of the region’s largest insurers to deliver client value and support better decision-making.”

Aon plc, a leading global professional services firm, aims to shape decisions for the better, offering clients in over 120 countries the clarity and confidence to make informed risk and people decisions. The appointment of Chisholm is part of Aon’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its talent and expertise across the region, ensuring that clients receive the best possible support in managing their risks.

Singapore and New Zealand have officially launched the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), a significant initiative designed to enhance bilateral relations across various sectors. The partnership, announced today, seeks to deepen cooperation in areas such as trade, defence, and cultural exchange.

The CSP is expected to facilitate increased economic collaboration, with both nations aiming to leverage each other’s strengths in technology and innovation. This partnership will also focus on enhancing security cooperation, addressing regional challenges, and promoting peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

In addition to economic and security aspects, the CSP will foster cultural and people-to-people exchanges, strengthening the social fabric between the two countries. This includes initiatives to promote educational exchanges and collaborative research projects.

The launch of the CSP marks a new chapter in the longstanding relationship between Singapore and New Zealand. Both countries have expressed optimism about the potential benefits of this partnership. “The CSP will serve as a cornerstone for our future cooperation, enabling us to address shared challenges and seize new opportunities,” a spokesperson stated.

Looking ahead, the CSP is expected to pave the way for more robust and dynamic interactions between Singapore and New Zealand, contributing to regional prosperity and development.

Over 200 professionals from the hospitality and food and beverage (F&B) sectors convened at the EQ Kuala Lumpur on 25 September for the inaugural FutureFWD 2025 conference. Organised by Saladplate.com in partnership with Food & Hospitality Malaysia, the event aimed to explore transformative forces reshaping the global hospitality and F&B landscape.

The conference featured a comprehensive programme with keynote presentations, panel discussions, and sessions focused on sustainability, technology, and consumer trends. Debbie Yong, founder of Atypical Media and former Regional Editorial Director at the Michelin Guide, emceed the event, guiding attendees through discussions that challenged industry conventions.

Key topics included business reset strategies, emerging sustainability practices, tech-driven innovations, shifting consumer behaviours, and hospitality design concepts. Sarissa Rodriguez-Schwartz, co-founder and CEO of SJS Group, praised the event, stating, “Being part of this exceptional gathering of thought leaders who came together to explore the transformative forces reshaping our industry was truly inspiring.”

Kristian Olsen, founder and managing director of Type A, highlighted the strategic focus of discussions, noting how leaders are addressing industry and audience shifts. Jing Yong, Growth Director for Greater China at GlobalData, and Emma Maxwell, founder of Emma Maxwell Studio, also shared insights on authenticity, heritage, and design in the industry.

FutureFWD 2025 provided extensive networking opportunities, fostering collaboration and new partnerships. The conference concluded with optimism, acknowledging the challenges of rapid technological change and sustainability pressures, whilst emphasising innovation and collaboration as keys to future progress.

Lucien Wong has been reappointed as Singapore’s Attorney-General for a further three-year term, commencing on 14 January 2026 and concluding on 13 January 2029. This marks his third reappointment since he first assumed the role on 14 January 2017. Wong’s continued leadership is expected to provide stability and continuity within the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC).

Wong’s reappointment underscores the confidence placed in his leadership and legal expertise. His tenure has been characterised by significant contributions to Singapore’s legal landscape, ensuring the effective administration of justice. The decision to extend his term reflects the government’s trust in his ability to uphold the rule of law and navigate complex legal challenges.

The AGC plays a crucial role in advising the government on legal matters, representing the state in legal proceedings, and ensuring that laws are applied fairly and consistently. Wong’s reappointment is seen as a strategic move to maintain the momentum of ongoing legal reforms and initiatives.

As Wong prepares to embark on his new term, the focus will likely remain on enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the AGC, as well as addressing emerging legal issues in a rapidly evolving global environment. His leadership is expected to continue shaping the future of Singapore’s legal system.