Regional News

AIA Singapore has partnered with Amplify Health to introduce a Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP) designed to help Singaporeans manage common chronic illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Launched on 8 October 2025, the programme is available to eligible AIA insured members through the Amped mobile app at no additional cost for the first 1,500 participants.

The CDMP leverages technology and multidisciplinary health expertise to promote sustainable lifestyle changes, complementing Singapore’s national Healthier SG initiative. With Singaporeans living longer but often spending the last decade of their lives in poor health, the programme aims to enhance personal wellbeing and reduce the strain on healthcare services. Research suggests that such initiatives could save Singapore up to $650 million in healthcare costs by 2050.

Participants will have access to a range of resources, including unlimited text-based coaching, video consultations, and personalised health plans. The app also features AI-driven tools for meal logging, sleep and activity tracking, and motivational nudges. Axel Baur, CEO of Amplify Health, noted, “Patients using Amped have seen real improvements in managing chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.”

The CDMP is part of AIA Singapore’s broader suite of wellness solutions, which includes the award-winning AIA Vitality programme. This initiative builds on AIA’s commitment to improving healthcare access, following collaborations with Mount Alvernia and Raffles Hospital Group, and enhancements to corporate insurance policies for mental health support.

SISTIC, Singapore’s premier ticketing service provider, has announced a strategic partnership with AXS, the global ticketing division of US-based Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG). This collaboration, which sees AXS taking a majority stake in SISTIC, aims to bolster Singapore’s position as a top entertainment destination by merging local expertise with global innovation.

The partnership is set to deliver enhanced value for event organisers, venues, and audiences across Singapore and the region. Blaine Legere, President, International at AXS, highlighted the potential of the collaboration, stating, “By combining SISTIC’s deep regional expertise with AXS’s global technology platform, we have a unique opportunity to redefine how fans discover, access, and experience live events.”

For over 30 years, SISTIC has been integral to Singapore’s live events scene, connecting millions of fans with memorable experiences. The partnership will continue to support initiatives like the SG Culture Pass, further enriching Singapore’s arts and culture landscape. Joe Ow, CEO of SISTIC, emphasised the gradual integration of technology to ensure a seamless experience for clients and ticket buyers.

AXS, known for its advanced ticketing technology, supports iconic venues and events worldwide, including the LA28 Olympic Games and Coachella Music Festival. With this strategic stake in SISTIC, AXS plans to offer a more diverse range of live events in Singapore and beyond.

This partnership promises to expand access to world-class productions, ensuring Singapore’s celebrated arts scene thrives on the global stage. Existing SISTIC ticket buyers will continue to access their e-tickets without any changes required.

Union Gas Holdings Limited has launched its second Cnergy service station at 743 Dunman Road, Singapore, marking a significant expansion in its service station business. The new station, which opened on 7 October 2025, features a vibrant Peranakan theme, highlighted by a mural titled “An Ode to Joo Chiat” by artists Victor Emmanuel, Stellah Lim, and Marcel Gaspar. This station is equipped with 26 nozzles, including 16 for petrol, eight for diesel, and two for electric vehicle charging.

The grand opening was celebrated with the support of the Lamborghini Club Singapore, whose members attended the event in their luxury vehicles. Union Gas generously donated all proceeds from the event to the Kidney Dialysis Foundation, aiding kidney patients in need.

Looking ahead, Union Gas plans to further expand its Cnergy brand with two additional service stations at Queensway and Marsiling, set to open in 2026 and 2027, respectively. CEO Teo Hark Piang stated, “The new station at Dunman Road will enable us to serve a wider community and diverse group of drivers. It will also be the blueprint for future Cnergy stations, focusing on delivering a unique customer experience and offering a variety of fuelling and EV charging options.”

Union Gas, a leading provider of fuel products in Singapore, continues to strengthen its presence in the market, with expectations that the expansion will positively impact its revenue.
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Singaporeans are leading the world in their concern over deepfake impersonations and AI voice cloning, according to a recent global survey by Ping Identity. The 2025 Consumer Survey highlights that 39% of Singaporeans are worried about deepfakes, whilst 33% are concerned about AI voice cloning. This anxiety is coupled with a significant rise in AI usage, with 85% of Singaporeans now using AI, compared to 41% globally a year ago.

The survey indicates a growing distrust in organisations managing identity data, with only 12% of Singaporeans expressing full trust. This erosion of trust is driving demand for stronger authentication methods and tighter government regulation. Jasie Fon, Regional Vice President of Asia at Ping Identity, noted, “The rising concern among Singaporeans for deepfake impersonations and AI voice cloning highlight the urgent need for stronger and more user-friendly identity verification methods as AI adoption grows.”

Key findings from the survey include:

– 85% of Singaporeans are more concerned about personal data security than five years ago.
– Only 13% of Singaporeans feel very confident in spotting scams.
– 73% believe government regulation of AI is important for protecting identity data.
– Biometrics and multi-factor authentication are top features desired to increase trust in online brands.

The survey, conducted by Talker Research, involved 10,500 consumers across various countries, including Singapore. As AI continues to permeate daily life, the need for robust security measures becomes increasingly critical to maintaining consumer trust.

Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur (PHKL) played a pivotal role in the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) 2025, held on 5 October, by serving as both a Category Sponsor and the Official Medical Partner. The marathon, which saw a record-breaking 42,000 participants, is the first in Malaysia to receive the World Athletics Elite Label Race status, highlighting its international prestige. PHKL’s involvement underscores its commitment to community wellness and healthcare innovation.

PHKL’s participation extended beyond traditional medical support. The hospital organised pre-race health workshops and on-site screenings, ensuring runners were well-prepared and informed. On race day, PHKL introduced its “Medic-On-The-Run” initiative, providing innovative medical support to participants throughout the event. This approach reflects PHKL’s dedication to delivering exceptional healthcare services both within and outside hospital settings.

The marathon’s success and PHKL’s involvement highlight the hospital’s mission to promote health and wellness across generations. By integrating healthcare into community events, PHKL aims to foster a culture of health consciousness and sustainability. As a legacy partner in wellness, PHKL continues to push the boundaries of healthcare delivery, ensuring that its services reach beyond the confines of the hospital.

Looking ahead, PHKL’s commitment to community health initiatives is expected to inspire further collaborations and innovations in healthcare delivery, reinforcing its role as a leader in the Malaysian healthcare landscape.

Universal Investment Group has announced the opening of its first office in Singapore, marking its expansion into the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. This strategic move aims to enhance the company’s global presence and support its clients’ international growth strategies. Bjoern Beck, an executive with extensive expertise in real estate and APAC markets, has been appointed to lead the new office.

The Singapore office will serve as a gateway for APAC asset managers and institutional investors looking to access European fund markets. It will provide comprehensive support, including fund structuring, management, administration, and risk management solutions. Additionally, clients will benefit from Universal Investment’s extensive DACH investor network for active distribution support.

Francesca McDonagh, CEO of Universal Investment Group, highlighted the significance of this expansion, stating, “Establishing our first office in the Asia-Pacific region is a significant milestone in our ambition to become a truly global partner for our clients.” She emphasised the opportunities in the APAC region and the company’s commitment to putting clients’ needs at the centre of its operations.

Bjoern Beck, Managing Director of Universal Investment Singapore, expressed enthusiasm about the dynamic investment landscape in APAC, particularly in real estate. He stated, “By combining our scalable platform with local market knowledge, we look forward to serving as a trusted partner on the ground, creating meaningful opportunities for both existing and new clients.”

This expansion is part of Universal Investment’s broader strategy to leverage its strong market positions in Germany, Luxembourg, and Ireland, further solidifying its role as a leading global third-party ManCo and fund services provider.

Zouk Singapore is set to transform its iconic club space into a vibrant Sunday destination with the launch of ‘Hungover’ on 19 October. Running from 12pm to 7pm, this event combines elements of a market, festival, and daytime party, offering a fresh twist on the traditional Sunday experience. The event aims to attract a diverse audience by blending food, music, culture, and community.

‘Hungover’ marks the return of Zouk’s popular Flea & Easy series, reimagined to cater to the growing popularity of daytime events. Andrew Li, CEO of Zouk Group, stated, “Zouk has always been about bringing people together. With Hungover, we’re evolving the idea of the weekend itself — Sundays aren’t just for recovery anymore, they’re for rediscovery.”

The event promises a variety of attractions, including a diverse food and beverage line-up featuring favourites like Five Guys and Korio. Attendees can explore stalls offering preloved fashion, vintage pieces, and curated lifestyle goods. The ‘Bro Zone’ offers a relaxing space for those who prefer lounging, whilst the ‘Pet Zone’ caters to animal lovers with products and services for pets.

Additionally, the ‘Vintage Zone’ provides a nostalgic experience with collectibles and timeless fashion, accompanied by amapiano, baile funk, and afro beats. The ‘Hungover Flea Market’ encourages creativity with activities like DIY bag charms and flash tattoos. Music remains central, with live DJs providing a world-class soundscape throughout the day.

Free and open to all ages, ‘Hungover’ promises a lively Sunday gathering for food, music, and community at Zouk Singapore.

TransitionZero’s latest report reveals that Singapore could save at least $185m annually by 2030 through the adoption of hourly carbon-free electricity (CFE) procurement. This approach, which involves matching clean energy supply with demand on an hourly basis, is projected to reduce gas fuel costs significantly and enhance grid efficiency.

The report suggests that achieving a 70% hourly CFE score could lower system costs by $16m compared to annual matching. This would require 2.4 gigawatts (GW) of solar and 0.5 GW of battery storage, secured through power purchase agreements by commercial and industrial buyers. The study indicates that hourly matching could lead to 16–22% greater emissions reductions at higher CFE scores, with potential annual fuel savings reaching up to $264m.

Regional interconnectors, such as those with Indonesia and Malaysia, are expected to further boost solar and battery generation, displacing costly gas usage and supporting system balancing. These interconnectors could increase Singapore’s base CFE score from 2.7% to 10%, cutting overall fuel emissions by 2.8 million tonnes of CO2 annually.

Isabella Suarez, Southeast Asia Lead Analyst at TransitionZero, stated, “Hourly matching transforms corporate procurement into a system-level asset. It helps displace high-cost fuel use, supports battery flexibility, and complements—not replaces—Singapore’s import ambitions.”

Singapore’s energy strategy includes plans to import 6 GW of low-carbon electricity by 2035 and raise its carbon price to SGD 80 per tonne of CO2 equivalent by 2030. TransitionZero’s CEO, Matt Gray, described hourly matching as a “no-regrets” strategy, emphasising its potential to drive significant fuel cost savings and support national climate objectives.

The United Nations Global Compact Network Singapore Summit on 8 October 2025 saw the announcement of significant updates to the Singapore Emission Factors Registry (SEFR) and NetZeroHub.SG by Second Minister for Finance Indranee Rajah. These updates include the introduction of localised emission factors for five key sectors—professional services, cleaning, security, information and communications technology (ICT), and product carbon footprint—aimed at improving carbon accounting for businesses in Singapore.

From financial year 2026, Scope 3 emissions reporting will become mandatory for Straits Times Index companies. SEFR’s new emission factors will support this transition by providing sector-specific data, reducing reliance on generic assumptions, and enhancing the credibility of carbon reporting. This initiative is backed by key government agencies such as the Agency for Science, Technology and Research and the Infocomm Media Development Authority, with contributions from local businesses and trade associations.

In addition to SEFR’s enhancements, NetZeroHub.SG has launched new community-centric features, including a National Events Calendar, Community Forum, and an Expanded Directory of Solution Providers. These tools are designed to facilitate collaboration among businesses and individuals in their decarbonisation efforts.

Lee Chuan Seng, Chairman of the SEFR Governance Committee, highlighted the registry’s impact, stating, “SEFR has benefitted more than 700 Singapore businesses in its first year by helping them report all aspects of Scope 1 and 2 emissions, as well as some aspects of Scope 3 emissions, more conveniently and consistently.”

These developments underscore Singapore’s commitment to advancing transparent and reliable carbon accounting, positioning SEFR and NetZeroHub.SG as essential resources for businesses aiming to achieve sustainability goals.

Frasers Hospitality has reinforced its commitment to social inclusion and community care through a series of initiatives in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. In collaboration with Food Bank Singapore, the company distributed 200 care packs to elderly residents and low-income households in the Jalan Kukoh estate. This effort was complemented by a mural painting project involving youth from Club Rainbow and students from Lil’ Palette Workroom, transforming public spaces with art themed around nostalgic toys.

The mural initiative, which engaged over 50 volunteers, aimed to evoke shared memories and strengthen community bonds. “Our collaboration with Frasers Hospitality provided my team with the opportunity to showcase their creativity in a project with meaningful community impact,” said Lynn Teo, Founder of Lil’ Palette.

In Kuala Lumpur, Frasers Hospitality’s global leadership conference included a scavenger hunt to collect back-to-school items for the Dignity for Children Foundation. The company also donated $2,120 (RM10,000) to support the foundation’s educational efforts. This initiative involved nearly 100 staff volunteers globally, highlighting the company’s dedication to advancing education and supporting vulnerable communities.

Frasers Hospitality has implemented close to 70 community initiatives worldwide, contributing over 3,600 hours to support more than 50 organisations. CEO Eu Chin Fen stated, “Our teams have come together to support the needs of our local communities through various initiatives throughout the year.”

These efforts underscore Frasers Hospitality’s belief in the power of partnerships between businesses, non-profits, and local communities to create lasting social impact.