Regional News

Skyscanner has released its 2026 Travel Trends report, highlighting a shift towards personalised travel experiences. The report indicates that 90% of Singapore travellers intend to travel the same or more in 2026, with 85% budgeting for flights, 80% for accommodation, and 47% for car hire, compared to 2025. This trend underscores a commitment to making travel a priority.

Cyndi Hui, Skyscanner’s Travel Trends and Destination Expert, noted, “Marked by a shift toward deeper connections and hyper‑personalised moments, today’s travellers are curating journeys that feel unmistakably their own.” The report emphasises the role of technology, with 63% of Singapore travellers expressing confidence in using Artificial Intelligence for planning and booking trips. Skyscanner’s Savvy Search, powered by OpenAI’s ChatGPT, offers curated destination recommendations based on user preferences.

Singapore travellers are also keen on value, using tools like Skyscanner’s ‘DROPS’ and ‘Everywhere’ search to find budget-friendly options. The report highlights the top trending destinations, with Guiyang, China, seeing a 316% increase in searches. As travel becomes more personalised, Singaporeans are exploring diverse destinations, driven by factors such as food, weather, and attractions.

The global talent pool is undergoing a significant shift as artificial intelligence (AI) accelerates skill development, posing both challenges and opportunities for industries worldwide. At the FutureChina Global Forum, held on 19 September at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore, Beyondsoft, a global provider of consulting and digital technology services, hosted a closed-door roundtable to discuss AI’s impact on industrial growth and talent transformation.

Participants, including representatives from renowned Chinese and international companies, agreed that AI has transcended traditional industry boundaries, expanding into finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. Ben Wang, Founder and Chairman of Beyondsoft, noted that Singapore’s strong business environment and legal framework make it an attractive hub for AI development. However, he cautioned that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face challenges in leveraging AI due to limited resources and talent.

Wang emphasised the need for a new type of bilingual talent—those who understand both industry and AI technology. He stated, “AI will become a foundational skill required across all industries,” drawing parallels to the widespread adoption of computers. To address this, Singapore is advancing AI education, though Wang suggests a more systematic approach to understanding AI’s practical applications.

Beyondsoft is actively collaborating with regional partners to support Singaporean enterprises in adopting AI. The company offers consulting, training, and technical assessments to help businesses navigate the AI landscape efficiently. As AI continues to reshape industries, Beyondsoft aims to facilitate talent transformation and redefine employment roles, focusing on strategic thinking and creative decision-making.

Venture Capital (VC) investments in Southeast Asia have seen a moderate slowdown in 2025, with over 200 VCs participating in 110 funding rounds, raising a total of $1.4b across more than 100 startups, according to a report by Tracxn Technologies. This marks a decrease from the same period in 2024, which saw 400 VCs involved in 260 rounds, raising $1.9b.

The report highlights Iterative as the most active VC in 2025, participating in 14 funding rounds, surpassing Antler, which led in 2024. Seed and Early Stage funding rounds experienced reduced participation, indicating a cautious investor approach. In contrast, Late Stage rounds raised $670m from seven deals, driven by three significant rounds, suggesting a focus on larger investments.

FinTech, Enterprise Applications, and Enterprise Infrastructure emerged as the top funded sectors, with Singapore, Vietnam, and Indonesia leading in terms of country funding. Singapore alone accounted for $1.1b, maintaining its dominance in the region’s VC activity.

The report also notes a shift in the VC landscape, with Iterative investing in promising startups like Blitz Electric Mobility and SeedFlex, focusing on markets with growth potential. SEEDS Capital, another active VC, concentrated on Early Stage startups in Singapore, aiming for global expansion.

Overall, the report underscores a strategic shift towards larger, more concentrated investments in Southeast Asia’s tech ecosystem, with Singapore at the forefront of this trend.

HSBC has expanded its Tokenised Deposit Service (TDS) to Singapore, enhancing its blockchain-based payment capabilities initially launched in Hong Kong. The service, which facilitates 24/7 real-time instant settlement, was first utilised by Ant International, marking the completion of real-time Singapore Dollar (SGD) and United States Dollar (USD) digital token payments between its corporate wallets held with HSBC Singapore. In September, HSBC successfully executed its first USD cross-border digital token transaction for Ant International’s operations in Hong Kong and Singapore.

Lewis Sun, HSBC’s Global Head of Domestic and Emerging Payments, highlighted the significance of the service, stating, “This is another milestone for HSBC as we bring our Tokenised Deposit Service to Singapore. Finance and treasury teams want their systems to operate in real time, even when people are offline, and this service helps make that a reality.”

The introduction of TDS in Singapore is a response to the increasing demand for efficient liquidity management amidst foreign exchange volatility and interest rate uncertainties. Winnie Yap, Head of Global Payments Solutions at HSBC Singapore, noted, “Clients in Singapore are accelerating their shift towards digital treasury models. With tokenised deposits, they gain greater control and certainty in managing cross-border cash flows.”

This development underscores HSBC’s commitment to co-developing innovative solutions with clients and reinforces Singapore’s status as a global hub for treasury innovation. The service aims to provide businesses with practical solutions for managing digital money, focusing on interoperability across Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), tokenised deposits, and stablecoins.

Grandparents and grandchildren are increasingly embarking on holidays together, often without the parents, as revealed in Hilton’s 2026 Trends Report. The report, based on a survey of over 14,000 respondents from countries including Australia, Japan, China, India, and Singapore, highlights a growing trend in skip-generation (skip-gen) travel, with 60% of travellers in Asia Pacific having taken or planning such trips.

The report underscores the health and wellbeing benefits of family travel, with 89% of respondents believing it improves the wellbeing of older generations. Creating special memories is a key motivation for 58% of skip-gen travellers, particularly in India, Australia, and New Zealand. In Japan, the focus shifts to experiencing new things together.

Skip-gen holidays are not just about travel; they offer unique experiences that strengthen family bonds and build traditions. In China, 46% of grandparents are initiating these trips, highlighting their role in shaping family travel. “The rise of skip-generation travel highlights a fascinating shift in how families are connecting,” said Ben George, Hilton’s senior vice president and commercial director for Asia Pacific.

Accommodation preferences reflect the needs of multi-generational families, with 48% prioritising family suites or interconnecting rooms. The trend towards multi-generational travel is strong, with nearly half of families in Asia Pacific taking holidays with three or more generations annually.

Hilton’s report also identifies other trends, such as the desire for calm destinations and the influence of family traditions on travel choices, indicating a shift in how and why people travel.

Extreme climate events have financially impacted 58% of Singapore-listed Real Estate Investment Trusts (S-REITs) over the past three years, according to a joint study by Knight Frank and the REIT Association of Singapore (REITAS). The “Climate Readiness: From Disclosure to Asset Implementation” report examined sustainability practices across Singapore’s S$100b REIT market.

The study, which analysed sustainability reports from 40 S-REITs and surveyed 33 REIT managers, highlights the sector’s growing climate risk exposure. Nupur Joshi, CEO of REITAS, noted the industry’s progress in sustainability reporting and emphasised the need for concrete actions by REIT managers to support Singapore’s sustainable finance ambitions.

Key findings include that 70% of S-REITs anticipate green premiums for compliant buildings, whilst 42% have linked asset-level Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to financing instruments. Additionally, 78% of S-REITs have set carbon neutrality or net-zero targets, and all respondents reported board-level commitment to sustainability.

Jackie Cheung, Director of ESG at Knight Frank, stressed the urgency of asset-level adaptation strategies, stating, “Climate-related disruptions are no longer distant possibilities; they are happening now and directly affecting our industry.”

Despite progress, challenges remain. Only 20% of S-REITs have disclosed the severity of physical risks, and tenant resistance is cited as a significant hurdle by 55% of respondents. The study underscores the importance of integrating climate considerations into investment strategies to ensure long-term resilience and competitiveness.

Singapore-based equity management platform Qapita has successfully raised $26.5m in its Series B funding round, led by US-based Charles Schwab Corporation. The investment, which also saw participation from existing investors Citi and MassMutual Ventures, aims to support Qapita’s expansion into the US market and the launch of its fund administration product across multiple regions.

Qapita and Charles Schwab will collaborate on the Schwab Private Issuer Equity Services, a platform designed to help US-based private companies manage their cap tables and stock plans efficiently. This partnership is expected to facilitate a seamless transition for companies preparing to go public. Ravi Ravulaparthi, founder and CEO of Qapita, stated, “Our modern, configurable platform is designed to meet the needs of companies throughout their growth journey, and we think we can add immense value to the US start-up ecosystem.”

Operating in India, Southeast Asia, and the US, Qapita provides equity management solutions in two of the world’s largest start-up markets. The company aims to revolutionise how ownership is managed in private market ecosystems through its digital platform and service offerings. Qapita’s solutions include managing ownership records, fund administration, and facilitating secondary transactions and liquidity.

Previously, Qapita raised $10m from Analog Partners, a Singapore-based growth equity fund. Lakshman Gupta, founder and COO, remarked, “With our focus on product innovation, we’re raising the bar for how ownership is managed across private market ecosystems.”

Founded by Ravi Ravulaparthi, Lakshman Gupta, and Vamsee Mohan, Qapita is committed to building digital infrastructure for private markets across Asia and beyond.

Malaysia’s general insurance industry has reported a 4% growth in Gross Written Premiums (GWP), reaching RM12.3b in the first half of 2025. This increase from RM11.8 billion in the same period last year is attributed to enhanced operational performance and efficiency, with underwriting profit rising by RM153m to RM629m.

Motor insurance remains the largest segment, contributing RM5.3b, a 5.7% increase, and accounting for 42.8% of total premiums. Fire insurance saw a notable rise of 10.4% to RM2.6b, driven by infrastructure-led commercial property demand. Personal Accident (PA) insurance also experienced significant growth, with premiums increasing by 11.2% to RM0.8b, primarily due to travel insurance.

The industry’s overall combined ratio improved to 92.1%, highlighting efficiency gains across core business lines. Looking forward, insurers plan to bolster resilience through electric vehicle coverage, climate-risk solutions, and digital distribution. They will also continue efforts in consumer education, financial inclusion, and road safety initiatives.

Antony Lee, Deputy Chairman of the General Insurance Association of Malaysia (PIAM), emphasised the importance of these strategic initiatives in maintaining the industry’s growth trajectory. “We are committed to strengthening our offerings and ensuring sustainable growth,” he stated.

As the industry adapts to evolving market demands, these developments are expected to further solidify Malaysia’s position in the regional insurance landscape.

Cohen & Steers Inc, a global investment manager, has announced a partnership with DBS Bank to provide access to the Cohen & Steers Diversified Real Assets Fund. This fund aims to deliver attractive total returns whilst maximising real returns during inflationary periods by investing across global real estate, natural resources, listed infrastructure, and commodities. The collaboration will allow DBS clients to benefit from Cohen & Steers’ extensive expertise in managing real assets.

The partnership comes at a time when geopolitical uncertainties and market volatility are prompting investors to seek alternatives and real assets for portfolio resilience. Hou Wey Fook, Chief Investment Officer at DBS Bank, highlighted the importance of real assets as an inflation hedge, noting the rising demand due to monetary and fiscal easing in developed markets. Sean Wong, Head of Product Management at DBS, emphasised the fund’s role in providing diversification benefits and inflation protection.

Vince Childers, Head of Real Assets at Cohen & Steers, stated, “Our research shows that combining global real estate, global natural resources, global listed infrastructure, and commodities creates a more balanced real assets strategy.” The initiative aims to support clients in building resilient portfolios that can withstand inflationary pressures and market volatility.

David Conway, Head of International Wholesale Distribution at Cohen & Steers, expressed excitement about the collaboration, noting the privilege of working with DBS, one of the region’s most respected private banks. The partnership underscores a shared commitment to offering innovative investment solutions tailored to the evolving needs of investors in Asia.

Weixin Pay experienced a significant increase in cross-border transactions during China’s National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday period, with a 21% rise year-on-year. The surge was driven by Chinese tourists travelling abroad, particularly to visa-free Southeast Asian countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. These countries saw a notable boost in spending, with Singapore’s transactions up by 32% and Malaysia’s PayNet transactions tripling.

The Greater Bay Area, including Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR, remained popular destinations, leading in cross-border Weixin Pay transaction volumes. Ride-hailing services in Hong Kong, such as DiDi and Uber, saw a fivefold increase in bookings by mainland tourists. Meanwhile, Japan also benefited from a 25% rise in Weixin Pay transactions, aided by integration with local e-wallets.

Weixin Mini Programmes, which now operate in 92 countries, also saw growth. Transactions in the tourism and catering sectors increased by 50% and 30% year-on-year, respectively. New Mini Programmes for airport express services in Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, and Heathrow enhanced travel convenience.

Inbound tourism to China also saw a boost, with a 60% increase in international tourists using Mini Programmes. Hong Kong residents travelling to the mainland during the holiday increased their spending by over 120% year-on-year, with entertainment and sports events being particularly popular.

The data underscores the growing global reach of Weixin Pay and its Mini Programmes, facilitating seamless travel and spending for Chinese tourists worldwide.