Regional News

Suriaghandi Suppiah has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), effective 29 September 2025. The announcement was made by the Minister of Health, Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad, marking the conclusion of an extensive selection process.

Suriaghandi brings a wealth of experience in leading transformation initiatives and driving sustainable growth across various sectors. His previous role as Healthcare Adviser to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) saw him significantly influence the EPF’s Healthcare Investment Strategy. Additionally, his tenure as a Board Member of the National Sports Council involved launching the Olympic Sports Development Programme.

His career includes senior positions such as Group Chief Operating Officer at KPJ Healthcare Berhad and Consultant at Vamed Healthcare Services. He has also contributed to strategic investments and organisational transformation at Khazanah Nasional Berhad and Parkway Group Healthcare.

Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad expressed confidence in Suriaghandi’s leadership, stating, “Malaysia’s healthcare ecosystem continues to grow in strength, both domestically and internationally. With the upcoming Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026, we are committed to positioning the nation as a global leader in healthcare tourism.”

In his new role, Suriaghandi is expected to lead MHTC’s mission to solidify Malaysia’s status as a premier healthcare travel destination, focusing on expanding access and attracting international patients. This appointment is seen as a strategic move to enhance Malaysia’s reputation for quality and affordable healthcare.

Hilton Petaling Jaya has launched a comprehensive transformation, introducing redesigned rooms, enhanced dining options, and upgraded meeting facilities to cater to modern travellers. The hotel aims to seamlessly connect business, leisure, and local discovery, according to General Manager Andre Gomez, who stated, “This transformation goes beyond a visual refresh, it redefines how guests experience their stay.”

The hotel now boasts 547 redesigned rooms and suites, featuring contemporary elegance with Malaysian touches. Shared spaces, including lounges and the Executive Lounge, have been revamped to offer intuitive layouts and productivity pods, facilitating both social interaction and quiet work.

The meeting and event spaces have also seen significant upgrades. With 1,748 square metres of flexible space, the hotel introduces features that encourage collaboration and creativity. The column-free Kristal Ballroom can host up to 1,000 guests, and 20 modern meeting rooms are equipped with advanced A/V technology. Hilton’s “Meet with Purpose” packages focus on sustainability, offering carbon-neutral options and locally inspired breaks.

Dining at Hilton Petaling Jaya celebrates a rich tapestry of flavours. Guests can enjoy Cantonese delicacies at Toh Yuen, traditional Japanese dishes at Genji, and local heritage cuisine at Paya Serai. For a more intimate experience, Rye offers a whisky-led evening, whilst Drip café provides artisanal coffee and pastries.

This transformation positions Hilton Petaling Jaya as a gateway to discovery, blending local culture with world-class hospitality for the modern traveller.

The 2025 Global Payments Report by McKinsey reveals significant shifts in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) payments landscape, driven by credit card usage, cross-border payments, and domestic transaction fees. The report outlines how these factors are redefining the region’s financial dynamics amidst a global payments industry valued at $2.5t.

The report highlights a unique trend in APAC, where credit card usage growth is muted compared to global patterns. Whilst corporate card usage saw a modest 3% increase, overall credit card usage remains at 18% in the region, contrasting sharply with the US, where it stands at 51%. This indicates a shift towards alternative payment methods in APAC, as cash usage continues to decline globally.

Cross-border payments present both challenges and opportunities, with the report noting a divergence into regional ecosystems. APAC is witnessing an upward trend in cross-border transactions, facilitated by the development of instant payment infrastructures and interoperability among domestic systems. This fragmentation requires companies to adapt to a future without a single, unified payment system.

Domestic transaction fees in APAC are also evolving, with consumer-side revenues growing whilst commercial revenues decline. The increasing digitalisation of transactions and the availability of new investment options for managing treasury funds are key factors influencing these changes.

As the payments industry remains a crucial part of financial services, generating significant revenue, McKinsey’s report underscores the importance of adaptability and innovation for success in this rapidly changing environment. The insights provided are essential for stakeholders aiming to navigate the complexities of the APAC payments landscape.

Singaporeans are among the most cyber-aware globally, yet they face significant phishing risks, according to Yubico’s Global State of Authentication Survey 2025. Conducted with 18,000 employed adults across nine countries, including 2,000 respondents from Singapore, the survey reveals that whilst 89% of Singaporean workers express concern about artificial intelligence’s impact on account security, phishing exposure remains a persistent issue.

The survey highlights that 78% of Singaporeans now use multi-factor authentication (MFA) for personal accounts, marking one of the highest adoption rates in the Asia-Pacific region. However, 44% of respondents reported interacting with phishing messages in the past year, a figure unchanged from 2024 and double the rate observed in Japan. This paradox underscores the ongoing challenges in cybersecurity despite increased awareness and protective measures.

Social media breaches in Singapore have decreased significantly, falling to 26% from 49% in 2024. This reduction indicates progress in certain areas of cybersecurity, yet phishing remains a formidable challenge. The survey’s findings suggest that whilst Singaporeans are adopting advanced security measures, the threat landscape continues to evolve, necessitating ongoing vigilance and education.

As cybersecurity threats become more sophisticated, the survey underscores the importance of continuous education and adaptation to new technologies to mitigate risks effectively. The findings serve as a reminder that awareness alone is insufficient to combat the ever-evolving tactics of cybercriminals.

Cleanverse International has officially launched in Singapore, unveiling a pioneering compliance-native trust layer for on-chain finance. The launch, which took place on 30 September 2025, has garnered support from key industry players such as dtcpay, FOMO Group, DigiFT, and KUN, marking a significant step in embedding trust and compliance into blockchain transactions.

Cleanverse aims to address the challenges of blockchain’s anonymity by integrating verified identity with regulated assets, ensuring real-time compliance with the Travel Rule. This initiative is designed to provide the same level of security and trust found in traditional financial systems like SWIFT, but within the blockchain environment. Charles Huang, Founder of Cleanverse International, stated, “Cleanverse builds on Web2’s proven compliance logic and uses blockchain to create a more efficient compliance network on Web3.”

The platform introduces several innovations, including APASS, a non-transferable identity credential, and A-tokens, which mirror regulated stablecoins for traceable transactions. This multi-layer compliance architecture is expected to facilitate the adoption of blockchain by financial institutions, offering a secure and standardised framework for on-chain finance.

The launch event featured panel discussions on the importance of compliance in accelerating institutional adoption and the role of AI in finance. Cleanverse is now inviting more industry players to join its consortium, aiming to establish global standards for on-chain finance and governance. CEO Ceridwen Choo emphasised, “Compliance is not a hurdle; it is the gateway to participation in on-chain finance.”

With the backing of its founding members, Cleanverse is poised to transform the landscape of digital finance, bridging the gap between traditional and decentralised financial systems.

The ASEAN Foundation, in collaboration with AVPN and supported by Google.org and the Asian Development Bank, has announced the launch of the AI for MSME Advancement in ASEAN (AIM ASEAN) programme. This initiative aims to provide practical AI training to 100,000 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Southeast Asia, helping them enhance operations and expand markets.

Nine local organisations have been selected to implement the programme, including Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS-ASEAN Student Association in Malaysia, Project Asia Data in Singapore, Big BWN Project in Brunei Darussalam, Kenan Foundation Asia in Thailand, Viet Nam, and Cambodia, and others across the region. These partners will develop and adapt learning materials tailored to the specific challenges faced by business owners, focusing on practical AI applications such as improving online sales and financial management.

AIM ASEAN is a two-year initiative designed to foster a resilient and inclusive digital economy, aligning with ASEAN Vision 2045. The programme also aims to create a supportive ecosystem by bringing together policymakers and experts through national and regional convenings.

Dr. Piti Srisangnam, Executive Director of the ASEAN Foundation, emphasised the importance of the initiative, stating, “The AIM ASEAN programme represents a critical step towards equipping MSMEs with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in the digital era.”

The programme has received official endorsement from the ASEAN Coordinating Committee on MSMEs, marking it as an official ASEAN initiative. Naina Subberwal Batra, CEO at AVPN, highlighted the necessity of an AI-ready workforce, stating that it is a shared social mandate for governments, businesses, and impact organisations.

Training will be delivered through a hybrid approach, combining in-person workshops and online platforms, focusing on real-world AI applications in sectors such as retail, agriculture, and services.

Clementi, a mature residential hub in Singapore’s West Region, is gaining attention for its unique housing landscape. With a population of 102,960 residents as of June 2024, the area offers a mix of public HDB flats, private apartments, and landed estates. The latter, although only 3.9% of the total dwellings, presents a valuable asset class due to its scarcity and potential for capital appreciation.

Between Q2 2020 and Q2 2025, Clementi’s landed housing stock grew by a mere 1.0%, whilst non-landed private homes surged by 43.5%. This trend reflects a broader island-wide pattern, highlighting the rarity and value of landed properties. Despite a cooling in transaction volumes since a 2021 peak, prices for landed homes have consistently risen over the past decade, underscoring their resilience and appeal as long-term investments.

Clementi’s strategic location near top educational institutions and its connectivity via the upcoming Cross Island Line and Jurong Region Line further enhance its attractiveness. The area’s proximity to the Jurong Innovation District and Tuas port expansion positions it as a key player in Singapore’s growth corridor.

For buyers, Clementi offers a rare opportunity to invest in landed homes that are more affordable than those in central Singapore, with the potential for significant returns. As the western corridor transforms, Clementi’s landed properties are poised to remain a sought-after choice for multigenerational households and professionals seeking both exclusivity and connectivity.

MSIG Singapore has been recognised as a leader in the insurance industry, clinching two prestigious awards at the inaugural Asia Consumer Insurance Awards 2025. The company was named Personal Lines Insurer of the Year and received the Underwriting Excellence award, highlighting its commitment to strong business performance and customer-focused innovation.

The awards, organised by Rein Asia, celebrate companies that are redefining excellence and innovation in Asia’s insurance sector. In 2024, MSIG Singapore achieved an underwriting profit of $187m and increased its profit after tax by 51%. The company continues to lead in the personal lines segment, which now accounts for nearly 40% of its total revenue, through innovative retail offerings and strategic partnerships.

Steven Leong, Head of Retail Distribution, stated, “Winning the award is a powerful endorsement to our personal lines strategy. It affirms our commitment to putting customers at the heart of everything we do.” Jeremy Lian, Head of Technical Services, added, “This is a proud moment for our underwriting team whose technical expertise, dedication, and innovative mindset have contributed to the company’s success.”

MSIG’s digital transformation strategy, incorporating Generative AI and automation, has streamlined its insurance value chain, enhancing customer service and operational efficiency. The judges praised MSIG for its data-rich submission, demonstrating tangible customer benefits and measurable impact.

With over 100 years of local presence, MSIG Singapore continues to deliver innovative and customer-centric solutions, maintaining an A-Stable financial rating by Standard & Poor’s. As a subsidiary of Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co. Ltd, MSIG is part of one of the largest general insurance groups globally, with a significant presence in the Asia Pacific region.
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JTC has awarded the tender for an industrial site at Sengkang West to Soilbuild Group Holdings Ltd. The successful bid, amounting to S$156m, was part of a competitive tender process that closed on 19 August 2025, following its launch on 24 June 2025. The site attracted four bids in total.

The awarded land parcel is designated under the Business 2 zoning, which typically accommodates heavier industrial uses. It spans an area of 23,196.6 square metres and comes with a tenure of 33 years. The site has a gross plot ratio of 2.5, allowing for significant development potential. Soilbuild Group is expected to complete the project within 84 months.

This development is significant as it highlights the ongoing demand for industrial spaces in Singapore, particularly in strategic locations like Sengkang West. The successful tender by Soilbuild Group underscores their commitment to expanding their industrial portfolio and contributing to Singapore’s industrial landscape.

The award of this tender is part of JTC’s broader strategy to optimise industrial land use in Singapore, ensuring that it meets the evolving needs of businesses. The development of this site is anticipated to bolster economic activity in the region, providing new opportunities for businesses and contributing to the local economy.

Agroz Inc, a Malaysian agricultural technology company, has successfully listed on Nasdaq, marking a significant step in its mission to enhance food security through advanced vertical farming technology. The listing, facilitated by VCI Global Limited’s capital advisory arm, V Capital Consulting Group, begins trading today, reinforcing VCI Global’s leadership in cross-border capital markets.

Agroz is pioneering the use of its proprietary Agroz Farm Operating System (Agroz OS), which integrates IoT data analytics, 5G communications, and automated hardware to optimise controlled-environment agriculture. Built on Microsoft Azure Cloud and AI, the system aims to streamline farm operations and enhance scalability. Agroz’s technology is operational in two vertical farms in Malaysia, including the nation’s largest indoor vertical farm, and delivers pesticide-free produce through a partnership with AEON Co. M Berhad.

Gerard Lim Kim Meng, CEO of Agroz, stated, “Agroz’s Nasdaq listing is more than a financial milestone; it marks the start of our global journey to transform agriculture through AI and advanced vertical farming technologies.”

The successful IPO, which has raised over $23m for clients and generated $20m in advisory fees, highlights VCI Global’s effective AI-driven capital markets advisory model. Vivian Yong, CEO of V Capital Consulting Group, noted, “VCCG is setting a new standard in connecting Southeast Asia’s most innovative companies with Wall Street growth capital.”

Agroz’s listing not only signifies a financial achievement but also sets the stage for the company’s global expansion, aiming to deliver sustainable and safe produce worldwide.