Regional News

In the third quarter of 2025, Singapore’s office market experienced a notable trend of flight-to-quality moves, as reported by Knight Frank Singapore. With limited new office supply, occupiers are focusing on renewing leases and selectively upgrading to newer, well-connected buildings. This has resulted in a two-tier market where modern buildings thrive, whilst older properties face increasing vacancy pressures.

Prime office rents in the Raffles Place and Marina Bay precincts rose by 0.3% quarter-on-quarter, reaching an average of S$11.41 per square foot per month. Occupancy levels in these areas remained stable at 94.7%, with overall Central Business District (CBD) occupancy increasing by 0.5 percentage points to 94.2%. Calvin Yeo, Head of Occupier Strategy and Solutions at Knight Frank Singapore, noted, “With limited fresh supply in the pipeline, most occupiers continue to prioritise renewals.”

The demand for quality office spaces is driven by the enhanced tenant experience, often referred to as “hotelification,” which includes concierge services and smart building operations. Notable relocations include Zoom Communications and Jane Street moving to IOI Central Boulevard Towers. Meanwhile, older buildings are becoming less attractive to modern businesses, especially with upcoming projects like the Comcentre redevelopment offering AI-enabled, carbon-neutral offices.

The Singapore economy’s growth, with a 4.4% year-on-year increase in Q2 2025, has led the Ministry of Trade and Industry to revise the GDP growth forecast to 1.5% to 2.5% for the year. Despite global uncertainties, Singapore remains a stable business hub, with prime rental growth expected to remain flat in the coming months.

Novartis Singapore and the Singapore Heart Foundation have launched the ‘Beat the Block’ campaign to tackle misconceptions about high blood cholesterol in Singapore. This initiative, unveiled on 30 September, aims to educate the public on managing cholesterol levels effectively to prevent cardiovascular diseases, which account for nearly one in three deaths in the country.

The campaign follows a survey revealing that whilst high blood cholesterol prevalence has decreased from 39.1% in 2020 to 31.9% in 2022, misconceptions persist. The survey, conducted by IQVIA, highlighted that 93% of respondents believe diet and exercise are as effective as medication in lowering cholesterol, and 72% fear long-term statin use could harm kidneys and liver. These misconceptions contribute to non-compliance with prescribed treatments, with 37% of patients skipping medication doses.

Geoffrey Ong, CEO of the Singapore Heart Foundation, emphasised the campaign’s importance, stating, “Heart health is fundamental to the strength and vitality of individuals, families, and communities.” Dr. Bernard Kwok, a cardiologist, added, “High blood cholesterol is silent and has no symptom. It is crucial for all adults to regularly check their blood cholesterol levels.”

A key feature of the campaign is the Cardiovascular Risk Calculator, which uses the Singapore-modified Framingham Risk Score to estimate an individual’s 10-year risk of coronary artery disease. This tool aims to provide personalised LDL-C targets, crucial for managing cholesterol levels and preventing heart attacks and strokes.

Dezign Format, a leader in immersive design solutions, is on a robust growth trajectory with an order book valued at approximately S$26.6m as of 31 August 2025. The company has successfully launched its immersive virtual reality attraction, “The Element Code 305,” in Kuala Lumpur and Ho Chi Minh City, marking significant milestones in its regional expansion.

The company has secured high-profile client engagements across various sectors, including luxury automotive, premium timepieces, integrated resort décor, and commemorative exhibitions. Notably, Dezign Format is involved in Singapore’s 60th anniversary showcase, highlighting its capability to handle prestigious projects.

In a strategic move, Dezign Format has signed memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with Hustle & Bustle, establishing itself as an official partner for upcoming projects. This partnership is expected to enhance the company’s market presence and project pipeline.

Further expanding its regional footprint, Dezign Format has accelerated its entry into the Thai market by participating in the Thailand MICE X-Change. Additionally, the company is set to open a new production facility in Johor, Malaysia, by the fourth quarter of 2025, which will bolster its production capabilities.

Chairman and CEO Mike Chong stated, “Our recent achievements are a testament to the team’s relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation. The strategic partnerships and our new facility in Malaysia will further enhance our capabilities, allowing us to capture exciting new opportunities across the region.”

With these developments, Dezign Format is poised to deliver sustained value to its stakeholders, leveraging its innovative approach and strategic partnerships to drive future growth.

Singapore Management University (SMU) and Babes Pregnancy Crisis Support Ltd have announced a collaboration to develop Level Up: #Adulting, Singapore’s first gamified wellness platform for youth. This innovative platform, built on Amazon Web Services (AWS) infrastructure, is designed to engage young people through interactive experiences, focusing on mental wellness, family planning, and self-care.

The platform will be co-created through SMU’s ‘Transformative Leadership’ course, starting January 2026. This course, part of SMU’s experiential learning initiative, allows students to tackle real-world challenges under the guidance of faculty and industry experts. SMU students will handle the platform’s content and technical development, whilst Babes will provide insights to ensure the content is relevant and authentic. AWS will offer cloud infrastructure and technical expertise to ensure the platform is scalable and secure.

Set to launch in early 2026, Level Up: #Adulting aims to help youths make informed choices and build resilience. The initiative seeks to expand its impact through partnerships with community organisations and corporate sponsors.

SMU Provost Alan Chan emphasised the importance of bridging education with social innovation, whilst Babes’ Executive Director Melisa Wong highlighted the collaboration’s goal of creating a supportive space for youth. The platform represents a significant step in empowering young people to navigate adulthood effectively.

Etiqa Insurance Singapore has announced a charity pledge linked to the launch of its latest Takaful products, including the new Shariah-compliant investment-linked plan, Invest purpose. For each policy sold, Etiqa will donate 0.1% of the first-year regular premiums from new Family Takaful products launched after 1 August 2025 to the Community Chest of Singapore. This initiative aims to align financial growth with personal values, reflecting Etiqa’s commitment to societal impact and the Takaful principle of mutual support.

The launch of Invest purpose is part of Etiqa’s strategic expansion of its values-based insurance portfolio, following the reintroduction of Takaful to the Singapore market in January 2025. Raymond Ong, CEO of Etiqa Insurance Singapore, stated, “Today’s consumers are increasingly seeking to align their investments with their personal values—demanding products that deliver not only financial returns, but also a sense of purpose and social responsibility.”

Invest purpose offers several key benefits, including Takaful coverage for death and terminal illness, flexible premium terms, and the ability to pause premiums without fees. Policyholders can also make two free partial withdrawals from the fourth year of their policy and have the option to establish a Wakaf, a charitable endowment, to support meaningful causes.

The initiative underscores Etiqa’s dedication to providing insurance solutions that cater to ethical, social, and personal concerns, offering a pathway to purposeful wealth creation for a new generation of conscious investors.

Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking (Natixis CIB) has announced a significant expansion of its Global Markets team in the Asia Pacific region, introducing several strategic hires to bolster its regional strategy and global ambitions. The appointments aim to enhance the bank’s macro capabilities and accelerate its growth in China.

Vishal Shah has taken on a newly created role as Head of Emerging Markets Linear Interest Rates and Foreign Exchange Trading, Asia Pacific. Based in Hong Kong, Shah will develop Natixis CIB’s macro trading strategy for emerging markets in the region. With 19 years of trading experience, he previously led the EM, FX, and Latin America Trading at Natixis CIB’s New York office.

In Hong Kong, Michael Rothlin has been appointed Head of APAC G10 Linear Rates and FX Trading. Rothlin, who brings over 20 years of trading experience, will drive the bank’s Linear Macro Flow strategy. Meanwhile, in Singapore, Theresa Ang has been named Executive Director, Macro Sales, Rates and FX, to spearhead macro flows development with financial institutions in South East Asia.

Natixis CIB is also expanding its presence in China, appointing Liyuan Xiao as Head of Global Markets, China. Based in Shanghai, Xiao will focus on increasing market activities amidst rising opportunities with Chinese corporates and financial institutions. Additionally, Terry Zhang has been appointed Head of China Financial Institutions Sales, based in Hong Kong.

The bank is also accelerating its Equity Derivatives business with the appointment of Emile Tran as Executive Director, Equity Financial Engineering, Asia Pacific. These strategic hires are expected to diversify and strengthen Natixis CIB’s Global Markets team, particularly in China, where demand is increasing.

Singapore has strengthened its air connectivity by upgrading its Air Services Agreements (ASAs) with Argentina and Türkiye. The agreements, signed on 25 September 2025 in Montreal, Canada, by Han Kok Juan, Director-General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), alongside counterparts from Argentina and Türkiye, aim to facilitate air travel and enhance bilateral relations.

The ASA with Argentina, initially signed in 1997, has been upgraded to an Open Skies Agreement (OSA). This allows designated airlines from both countries to operate passenger and cargo services without restrictions on frequency, capacity, routing, and aircraft type. Previously, airlines faced routing limitations beyond Singapore and Argentine points. This OSA represents a significant milestone in the bilateral relationship between the two nations.

Meanwhile, the ASA with Türkiye, last updated in 2014, has been expanded to permit up to 17 weekly passenger services and four weekly all-cargo services between Singapore and Türkiye. Currently, Singapore Airlines and Turkish Airlines operate a combined total of 18 weekly non-stop passenger services between Singapore and Istanbul.

Han Kok Juan commented, “The upgrading of Singapore’s air service agreements with Argentina and Türkiye are an expression of our shared desire to better connect with each other and to bring our people and businesses even closer together.”

Singapore has signed ASAs with over 140 countries and territories, with more than 80 being OSAs. These agreements are expected to open new travel options and foster strategic airline partnerships.

CGS International Securities Pte. Ltd. has announced the appointment of Phua Zhenghao as Group Head of Investments and Grace Yan as Senior Portfolio Manager, bolstering its Asset Management team. Phua, with over 15 years of experience, will lead the firm’s public markets investment strategies, having previously managed S$40b in multi-asset insurance portfolios at Income Insurance. Yan, recognised for her expertise in Asian equities, joins from Nikko Asset Management, where she led award-winning funds.

Phua’s role will involve overseeing investment strategies and ensuring alignment with CGS International’s broader business objectives. His experience in global asset allocation and risk management is expected to enhance the firm’s public markets platform. “Zhenghao’s analytical depth and strategic foresight will be instrumental in scaling our investment capabilities,” said James Ong, Group Head of Asset Management.

Yan brings 17 years of experience in Asian equities, particularly in small- and mid-cap sectors. Her stock-picking skills have earned her multiple awards, and she will focus on advancing CGS International’s equity and thematic strategies. Her approach is expected to deliver differentiated growth opportunities across Asia.

The appointments reflect CGS International’s commitment to strengthening its senior investment team and enhancing long-term value for clients. The firm, alongside its parent company China Galaxy Securities, serves nearly 18 million customers globally, offering a wide range of financial services across 15 countries.

Frasers Hospitality has announced the signing of Fraser Residence BKK1, Phnom Penh, marking the debut of its signature serviced flat brand in Cambodia. Scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2026, the residence will be located in Phnom Penh’s bustling central business district, offering 83 units ranging from studios to two-bedroom flats.

The development is designed to cater to business travellers, expatriates, and long-stay guests, featuring a range of lifestyle and wellness amenities. These include a full-service restaurant, an exclusive lounge, a state-of-the-art gym, a sauna and steam room, a yoga studio, and a children’s playground.

This expansion underscores Frasers Hospitality’s commitment to the Cambodian market, which is experiencing sustained economic growth and an increasing demand for premium accommodation. The new residence aims to offer luxury, innovation, and elevated urban living tailored to the needs of global travellers.

Frasers Hospitality, a strategic business unit of Frasers Property Limited, operates over 100 lodging assets worldwide. The company is recognised for its commitment to hospitality excellence and innovation, providing memorable experiences for guests and residents.

Senetas, a global leader in high-assurance network encryption solutions, has announced that its CN Series encryptors have been certified under Malaysia’s Produk Kriptografi Terpercaya Negara (PKTN) scheme. This certification, marking a first for advanced sovereign-grade hardware encryptors, signifies a pivotal advancement in Malaysia’s cybersecurity landscape. The PKTN certification process involves rigorous evaluation, including technical validation and penetration testing, ensuring that cryptographic products meet the highest national standards before deployment in Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII).

The certification of Senetas’ network encryptors under the PKTN scheme confirms their capability to protect highly sensitive government and enterprise communications, aligning with Malaysia’s national security objectives. This development is not merely a technical achievement but a strategic milestone for Malaysia’s digital resilience. The PKTN framework ensures that only cryptographically validated products secure the nation’s critical sectors, such as defence, finance, energy, and telecommunications.

Andrew Wilson, CEO of Senetas, expressed pride in achieving PKTN certification, stating, “This significant milestone demonstrates that our technology meets the nation’s highest standards for trusted cryptography and strengthens our commitment to supporting Malaysia’s digital sovereignty and national security priorities.”

The certification was achieved through collaboration with global distribution partner Thales and Malaysian technology partner NRM Technology Sdn Bhd. This partnership highlights the importance of international and local cooperation in advancing Malaysia’s cybersecurity goals, ensuring the availability of cutting-edge technologies to protect CNII. As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, the PKTN framework provides Malaysia with the confidence to defend against current risks and prepare for future challenges in post-quantum cryptography.