Regional News

Kaspersky has revealed that businesses in Singapore and Southeast Asia (SEA) are increasingly exposed to cyberattacks due to unpatched systems. From January to June 2025, Kaspersky blocked 1,195,673 exploits targeting organisations in SEA, with Singapore alone accounting for 38,719 blocked exploits. These figures underscore the growing cybersecurity threats in the region.

Exploits, malicious programmes exploiting software vulnerabilities, pose a significant risk when systems remain unpatched. Kaspersky’s data indicates that the most common targets globally in Q2 2025 were unpatched Microsoft Office products. Specific vulnerabilities included CVE-2018-0802 and CVE-2017-11882, both affecting the Equation Editor component, and CVE-2017-0199, impacting Microsoft Office and WordPad.

The report highlights that both new zero-day vulnerabilities and older, overlooked issues are being exploited. Cybercriminals, including advanced persistent threat groups, are targeting widely used tools such as remote access software and document editors. Notably, low-code/no-code platforms and AI-powered application frameworks are also being exploited as businesses adopt these newer technologies.

Adrian Hia, Managing Director for APAC at Kaspersky, emphasised the need for robust cyber defences as Singaporean businesses embrace digital transformation. He stated, “As we continue to witness an ever-increasing amount of cyberthreats, it is imperative for organisations to strengthen their cyber defences.”

Kaspersky advises businesses to investigate vulnerabilities in secure environments, ensure 24/7 infrastructure monitoring, maintain a robust patch management process, and deploy reliable solutions to detect and block malicious software. Additionally, staying informed with the latest Threat Intelligence is crucial to understanding the tactics used by threat actors.

The Energy Market Authority of Singapore and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore have selected a consortium led by Keppel Ltd to advance a study on low- or zero-carbon ammonia power generation and bunkering solutions on Jurong Island. This initiative is part of Singapore’s National Hydrogen Strategy, aiming to explore low-carbon hydrogen as a decarbonisation pathway to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

Keppel Ltd, alongside its partners, will conduct a Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) study to further develop the power generation proposal. Sumitomo Corporation, Keppel Ltd’s bunkering partner, will also carry out a FEED study for the bunkering proposal. The project aims to generate 55 to 65 megawatts of electricity from imported low- or zero-carbon ammonia and facilitate ammonia bunkering with a capacity of at least 0.1 million tonnes per annum.

The consortium was chosen from six shortlisted groups in a multi-phase restricted Request for Proposal process, initiated after an Expression of Interest in 2022. The project is still pending a Final Investment Decision, contingent on the findings of the FEED studies.

Ammonia, a hydrogen carrier that does not emit carbon when combusted, is central to this strategy due to its established international supply chain and capability for long-distance storage and transport. The Singapore government will collaborate with Keppel Ltd to ensure the project’s safe and effective operation, given the early development stage of ammonia applications for power generation and bunkering.

A record 172 HDB resale flats were sold for at least S$1m in September 2025, according to the latest 99-SRX Media Flash Report. This surge in high-value transactions coincided with a 0.6% increase in overall HDB resale prices from the previous month, marking a 4.8% rise compared to September 2024.

The increase in million-dollar flat sales is attributed to market timing and buyer behaviour. With no new condo launches in September and only two in August, potential HDB upgraders turned to resale flats, which offer more space at lower prices than nearby condos. Additionally, the Hungry Ghost Month in August, a period when many buyers typically refrain from purchasing property, may have pushed demand into September.

In terms of price changes, Mature Estates saw a 0.4% increase, whilst Non-Mature Estates rose by 0.6%. By room type, 3-room flats experienced a 0.9% decrease, whereas 4-room and 5-room flats each increased by 0.6%. Executive flats saw the highest rise at 1.4%.

The highest transacted price for a resale flat in September was S$1.59m for a 5-room flat in the Central Area. In Non-Mature Estates, the top price was S$1,120,000 for an Executive flat in Woodlands.

Luqman Hakim, Chief Data & Analytics Officer at 99.co, noted the significant shift in buyer preferences, highlighting the impact of external factors on the resale market. The report also indicated a 1.2% decrease in resale volumes from August, with 2,186 flats transacted in September.

NHG Health has unveiled the inaugural 15M Health Games at the Singapore Sports Hub, marking the start of its first public health festival, NHG Healthiverse. The event, attended by over 40,000 residents, community partners, and healthcare staff, was graced by Tan Kiat How, Senior Minister of State for Health and Digital Development and Information. The Games are part of NHG Health’s 15M Social Movement, which seeks to add 15 million years of healthy life to residents by fostering community engagement and collective health action.

The 15M Health Games is NHG Health’s first inclusive community sports tournament, designed to accommodate people of all ages and physical abilities. More than 80 teams from 12 towns across Central and North Singapore have been training in adapted sports such as football, floorball, and volleyball. This initiative underscores NHG Health’s commitment to promoting active lifestyles and strengthening social bonds among residents.

The Games were co-developed with community partners, including AWWA, Blossom Seeds, and TOUCH Community Services, with support from DesignSingapore Council and Sports SG. Innovations like the “Tic-Tac Floorball” stick, designed with input from seniors, highlight the collaborative effort to create inclusive sports.

In addition to the Games, NHG Health announced the Health Benefits Programme, offering resources and benefits to residents and community volunteers. The programme, set to expand in January 2026, aims to enhance collaboration among healthcare providers. The NHG Health BRIDGE programme, launched on 1 October 2025, further supports patient care by integrating GP clinics into a collaborative care model.

Professor Joe Sim, Group CEO of NHG Health, emphasised the importance of collective wellness, stating, “NHG Healthiverse demonstrates our commitment to empowering residents to take charge of their health in engaging and sustainable ways.”

The Singapore Institute of Purchasing and Materials Management (SIPMM) has released the September 2025 Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), revealing a further contraction in the manufacturing sector. The PMI, a key indicator of manufacturing activity, registered a decline, marking the fourth consecutive month of contraction. This downturn is attributed to a decrease in new orders and production output.

The PMI for September stood at 49.5, down from 49.9 in August, indicating a contraction as it remains below the 50-point threshold that separates expansion from contraction. The decline is primarily driven by weaker demand in both domestic and export markets, as well as supply chain disruptions.

SIPMM noted that the electronics sector, a significant component of Singapore’s manufacturing industry, also experienced a contraction, with its PMI falling to 49.2. This marks a decrease from the previous month’s 49.7, reflecting challenges in global semiconductor demand and supply chain constraints.

“The continued contraction in the manufacturing sector underscores the challenges faced by the industry amidst global economic uncertainties,” SIPMM stated. The organisation emphasised the need for manufacturers to adapt to changing market conditions and explore opportunities for innovation and efficiency improvements.

Looking ahead, the outlook for Singapore’s manufacturing sector remains cautious. Whilst some recovery is anticipated as supply chain issues are addressed, the sector’s performance will largely depend on global economic conditions and demand recovery.

Singapore’s real estate investment market saw a significant boost in Q3 2025, with total investment sales reaching S$10.5 billion, according to Knight Frank Singapore’s latest report. This represents a 7.5% increase from the previous quarter and a 23.8% rise compared to the same period last year. The surge is attributed to robust private sales, which accounted for S$6.3 billion, driven by major transactions such as CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust’s S$1b acquisition of a 55% stake in CapitaSpring.

The residential sector also experienced growth, with sales totalling S$4.2b, largely due to the award of several Government Land Sales (GLS) sites. In contrast, the commercial sector saw a decline, with sales dropping 51.4% quarter-on-quarter to S$2.6b. Notable transactions included the sale of the office component of Jem and KINEX mall.

Industrial sector sales strengthened, reaching S$2.5b, a 46.1% increase from the previous quarter. Key deals included Centurion Accommodation REIT’s acquisition of worker accommodation assets for S$1.3b. Meanwhile, the hospitality sector saw a decline, with only one major transaction—the sale of Hotel Miramar Singapore.

Looking ahead, Knight Frank anticipates continued activity in GLS tenders and REIT listings, with the investment market expected to close the year at the higher end of the forecast range of S$27b to S$29b. However, the lack of new office development sites in Singapore’s CBD remains a concern, potentially leading to future supply constraints.

Singapore’s startup ecosystem witnessed a significant boost in September 2025, with a 14% increase in funding compared to the previous month, according to the latest report by Tracxn. The report, which tracks business activities in Singapore and Hong Kong, noted that whilst Hong Kong saw no deals, Singapore’s vibrant market continues to attract investors.

The report revealed that the total funding amount for Singapore startups reached $1.2b in September, driven by substantial investments in technology and healthcare sectors. Tracxn’s Manager of PR and Corporate Communications, Sahib Mendiratta, emphasised the importance of these sectors, stating, “The technology and healthcare industries are pivotal in driving Singapore’s innovation landscape.”

Key investments included a $300m funding round for a leading fintech company and a $200m injection into a health-tech startup. These investments underscore the confidence investors have in Singapore’s ability to foster innovative solutions and maintain its status as a regional hub for startups.

The report also highlighted the growing interest in sustainable technologies, with several green-tech startups securing significant funding. This trend aligns with Singapore’s commitment to sustainability and its strategic initiatives to support green innovation.

Looking ahead, the continued growth in funding and investor interest suggests a promising future for Singapore’s startup ecosystem. As the city-state strengthens its position as a leading innovation hub, further investments in emerging technologies are expected to drive economic growth and development.

The Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) has inaugurated the SIT x NVIDIA AI Centre (SNAIC) at its Punggol Campus, marking a significant step in advancing artificial intelligence (AI) innovation and talent development. The centre, launched on 2 October 2025, was officiated by Minister for Digital Development and Information, Josephine Teo, and aims to bolster Singapore’s AI workforce and foster cross-border collaboration.

SNAIC is a joint initiative between SIT and NVIDIA, focusing on applied AI research and innovation. It aims to accelerate AI adoption across industries and nurture a robust pipeline of AI talent. The centre will support SIT’s new Applied AI Doctoral Training Centre, which plans to train 10 Industrial Doctorate students annually.

Key initiatives include the SNAIC AI Programme, developed with the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), which seeks to train over 200 AI practitioners over the next three years. This programme offers a six-month course combining intensive AI training and hands-on projects with industry partners.

Strategic partnerships have been established with companies like SMRT and Prudential, as well as international universities such as Monash University, Chulalongkorn University, and VNU-UEL. These collaborations aim to drive cross-border research and innovation, enhancing the application of AI in various sectors.

Kiren Kumar, Deputy Chief Executive of IMDA, highlighted the importance of combining industry expertise with academic excellence to prepare learners for real-world AI challenges. The initiatives at SNAIC are expected to significantly contribute to Singapore’s digital economy by developing a skilled AI workforce.

Retail sales in Singapore experienced a 5.2% increase in August 2025 compared to the same month last year, according to the latest data from the Singapore Department of Statistics. Excluding motor vehicles, the growth was slightly lower at 4.6%. However, the food and beverage services sector saw a small decline, with sales dropping by 0.4% compared to August 2024.

The rise in retail sales indicates a positive trend for the sector, suggesting a recovery in consumer spending. This growth is significant as it reflects the economic resilience amidst global uncertainties. The exclusion of motor vehicles from the data highlights the underlying strength in other retail segments.

Conversely, the slight dip in food and beverage services sales may point to changing consumer habits or external factors affecting the sector. The decline, although minor, suggests that the industry might need to adapt to evolving market conditions to sustain growth.

The Singapore Department of Statistics continues to provide valuable insights through its Monthly Retail Sales and Food & Beverage Services Indices, offering a comprehensive overview of the economic landscape. These indices are crucial for businesses and policymakers to understand market dynamics and make informed decisions.

NUHS@Home, the National University Health System’s (NUHS) innovative hospital-at-home programme, is expanding its reach to provide hospital-level care to more patients in the community. Celebrating its fifth anniversary on 3 October 2025, NUHS announced that the programme now includes referrals from community care teams and selected nursing homes in Singapore’s western region.

Since its mainstream launch in 2024, NUHS@Home has cared for approximately 200 patients referred from the community, addressing conditions such as pneumonia and urinary tract infections. This expansion allows more patients to receive necessary care without hospital admission.

The programme, which began in September 2020 with three virtual beds, has grown to 100 beds and aims to quadruple to 400. To date, nearly 7,000 patients have benefitted, saving over 42,000 hospital bed days. Dr Stephanie Ko, NUHS@Home Lead, highlighted the programme’s success, stating, “NUHS@Home was first developed as a community-based alternative to staying in the hospital.”

NUHS@Home now offers over 30 care pathways, including post-transplant and post-operative care. Recent expansions include services for bone marrow transplant patients and post-surgery recovery. Future plans involve extending services to mental health and paediatrics, with a goal to integrate more nursing homes by 2027.