Regional News

The Singapore Exchange (SGX) has announced the listing of the LionGlobal Short Duration Bond Fund (Active ETF SGD Class), the country’s first actively managed bond exchange-traded fund (ETF). This innovative financial product combines the flexibility of an ETF with the proven track record of an active fund manager, offering investors a new tool for portfolio diversification.

Managed by Lion Global Investors, the ETF is a share class of the LionGlobal Short Duration Bond Fund, originally launched in 1991. The fund aims to achieve total returns through capital growth and income by investing in a diversified portfolio of high-quality short-term bonds from both Singapore and global issuers. Available in both SGD and USD under the SGX codes SBO and SBV, the ETF caters to a broad range of investor needs.

Ng Yao Loong, Head of Equities at SGX Group, highlighted the significance of this listing, stating, “This listing reflects the growing investor demand for differentiated fixed income solutions and marks a new chapter in the evolution of our ETF market.” Chu Toh Chieh, Head of Fixed Income and Multi-Asset Solutions at Lion Global Investors, noted the fund’s success, revealing that the assets under management (AUM) have surpassed S$2 billion, with S$141.3 million raised during the Initial Offer Period.

The launch comes at a time of increasing interest in active ETFs globally, with such funds outnumbering passive ETFs in the US for the first time in June 2025. With this addition, SGX now hosts 50 ETFs, with combined AUM exceeding S$16b.

Singapore’s Central Business District (CBD) Grade A office rents have surged by 1.3% quarter-on-quarter, reaching S$11.83 per square foot in Q3 2025, according to JLL. This marks the most significant growth in six quarters, largely due to the inclusion of IOI Central Boulevard Towers in the rental basket. Despite this uptick, JLL anticipates that rental growth will remain modest for the remainder of the year, with a more pronounced increase expected in 2026 as supply tightens.

The addition of IOI Central Boulevard Towers was a key factor in the rental increase, although underlying growth remained below 1% for the sixth consecutive quarter. Dr Chua Yang Liang, Head of Research and Consultancy for JLL Southeast Asia, noted that the office market’s resilience is supported by strong economic fundamentals and a favourable interest rate environment. The demand for office space is bolstered by sectors such as artificial intelligence, fintech, and technology.

Andrew Tangye, Head of Office Leasing and Advisory for JLL Singapore, highlighted the diverse demand from sectors including AI, fintech, and professional services. Notable companies expanding in Singapore include Ripple, Jane Street, Zoom, and Odgers.

Whilst economic conditions have been better than expected, Dr Chua warns of potential challenges due to evolving trade conditions and geopolitical uncertainties. These factors could impact companies’ decisions to relocate to higher-quality office spaces.

Looking ahead, JLL expects office rents to accelerate in 2026, driven by a tightening supply pipeline and increased competition for premium spaces. Tangye observed genuine leasing activity at Keppel South Central and Shaw Tower, with large corporate occupiers showing interest in future projects. As vacancy rates tighten, rental rates may exceed some tenants’ budgets, intensifying competition for desirable locations.

A recent survey by T. Rowe Price, a global asset management firm, has revealed a significant shift in retirement preferences among Singaporeans, with 70% of respondents opting for retirement based on personal plans rather than a fixed statutory age. Conducted in July 2025, the survey polled 1,000 Singapore residents aged 18 and above, uncovering a strong inclination towards flexible retirement approaches.

The survey highlighted that 68% of working Singaporeans favour flexible retirement models, such as micro-retirement and unretirement. Micro-retirement, which involves taking short, intentional breaks between careers, is gaining popularity, with 72% of respondents supporting it. Key motivations include maintaining work-life balance, relieving work pressure, and pursuing personal interests. Unretirement, the concept of returning to work post-retirement, is also widely supported, with 74% citing staying mentally active as a primary motivation.

Despite the interest in flexible retirement, the survey found that many Singaporeans lack sufficient investment planning. Two-thirds of respondents are unfamiliar with available retirement products, and 30% of those preferring flexible retirement feel unprepared to achieve their ideal retirement. Thomas Poullaouec, Portfolio Manager at T. Rowe Price, emphasised the importance of financial education and investment strategies that balance growth and stability.

Glen Lee, Head of Asia ex Japan Intermediary Distribution at T. Rowe Price, noted that whilst Singaporeans are embracing flexible retirement models, many remain uncertain about achieving their goals due to challenges like longevity risk and market volatility. The firm aims to advance retirement education and provide solutions to empower Singaporeans in tailoring their retirement journeys.
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Central Singapore Community Development Council (CDC) and UOB have announced a pioneering partnership to enhance the financial wellbeing of residents through a district-wide initiative. Launched on 27 September, the collaboration combines the CDC’s community networks with UOB’s financial expertise to make financial literacy accessible and practical for everyday life.

The initiative introduces a unique approach to financial health, focusing on three main components: the UOB Financial Health Check, ongoing financial literacy content, and life-stage-based Financial Fitness Workshops starting in January 2026. The programme was unveiled at the Financial Fitness Festival at United Square shopping centre, where residents engaged in interactive zones covering savings, insurance, investing, and legacy planning.

Denise Phua, Mayor of Central Singapore District, emphasised the importance of financial wellness, stating, “Just as we invest in our physical health, we must proactively build our financial wellness.” Janet Young, UOB’s Group Head of Channels and Digitalisation, added, “This initiative is not just about managing money; it’s about empowering individuals with the knowledge and habits to secure their financial future.”

Residents can now access the UOB Financial Health Check online, which provides a personalised report based on savings, insurance, investing, and legacy planning. From January 2026, workshops tailored to different life stages will be offered at no cost, aiming to reach over 1,000 residents in 2026.

To support ongoing education, UOB will provide regular financial literacy articles through CS CDC’s outreach channels, offering practical tips on managing finances effectively. This partnership aims to instil financially healthy habits that benefit individuals and families long-term.

The Aramco STEM Racing World Finals 2025, supported by Formula 1, is set to take place at Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore, from 27 September to 2 October. This prestigious event will see 83 student teams from 34 countries compete for the coveted title of Aramco STEM Racing World Champions 2025. The competition, formerly known as F1 in Schools, is the largest and most ambitious edition to date, drawing over 1,000 participants, including students, educators, and industry experts.

Participants will showcase their skills by designing, engineering, and racing scale-model Formula 1 cars, powered by compressed air cylinders. Each team will undergo a rigorous scrutineering process, akin to a real Grand Prix, to ensure compliance with competition regulations. Andrew Denford, Founder and Chairman of STEM Racing, expressed excitement about the event, stating, “It’s our biggest field of teams and even at this early stage it’s evident that we are set for the most competitive event that we’ve ever held.”

This year’s finals introduce a new four-lane racing track, allowing four cars to race simultaneously, enhancing the competition’s intensity. Teams will also create pit displays, showcasing their engineering, branding, and innovation journeys, transforming the venue into a vibrant pit lane.

The event will culminate in an awards ceremony on 1 October, followed by a unique opportunity for participants to experience the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix 2025. The competition is supported by key partners, including Aramco, Denford, and the Singapore Tourism Board, among others.

Singapore has been successfully re-elected to the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) during the 42nd Session of the ICAO Assembly in Montréal, Canada, on 27 September. The Singapore delegation was led by Jeffrey Siow, Acting Minister for Transport and Senior Minister of State for Finance.

The ICAO Council is a governing body responsible for setting standards and regulations necessary for aviation safety, security, efficiency, and environmental protection. Singapore’s re-election ensures its continued participation in these critical discussions, reflecting its strategic importance in the aviation industry.

The Singapore delegation included key figures such as Lau Peet Meng, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, and Han Kok Juan, Director-General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore. Their presence highlights the nation’s commitment to maintaining its leadership role in global aviation.

Looking ahead, Singapore aims to leverage its position on the ICAO Council to further contribute to the development of international aviation standards and practices. This re-election marks a significant milestone in Singapore’s ongoing efforts to support and enhance the global aviation landscape.

SingAuto, a leading cold chain logistics technology firm based in Singapore, has successfully closed a funding round exceeding US$50m. This capital injection aims to accelerate the company’s global expansion, enhance localised assembly operations in international markets, and advance research and development for next-generation refrigerated electric vehicles (EVs).

Key investors in this funding round include GSR Vision Capital, Delu Capital, Bank of China Asset Management Singapore, and BBG Global. MVGX Tech and Startech Global Ventures are also participating as both investors and strategic partners, offering synergies to support SingAuto’s technological innovation and global reach. The milestone was celebrated with a Strategic Investment Signing Ceremony at the Fullerton Hotel in Singapore, attended by government representatives and financial institutions.

Chris Chen, co-founder of SingAuto, expressed confidence in the company’s vision, stating, “The success of our latest financing round—which exceeded US$50 million—is a powerful testament to the potential of our vision and our team.” He emphasised the company’s strong position to execute its global market strategy, including establishing localised assembly operations and accelerating R&D for next-generation vehicles.

A spokesperson from GSR Vision Capital highlighted the importance of cold chain logistics in ensuring food safety and pharmaceutical integrity. “SingAuto’s innovative model combining advanced EV technology with scalable cold chain solutions positions it strongly to capture growth opportunities in Asia and beyond,” they said.

During the ceremony, a roundtable discussion explored themes such as the role of finance in scaling cold chain innovation, the importance of strategic capital, and the integration of sustainable practices in decarbonising logistics. This funding round marks a significant step for SingAuto as it aims to become the world’s leading cold chain technology company.

Founder Group Limited has announced a significant collaboration with Planet QEOS Sdn Bhd to develop a large-scale renewable energy facility in Sarawak, Malaysia. The project, valued at $276m (RM1.16b), will feature a 310 MWp solar photovoltaic power plant and a 620 MWh battery energy storage system. This initiative is part of the Baram DeepTech Energy Programme, aiming to bolster Malaysia’s clean energy capabilities.

The facility is set to be one of the largest clean energy developments in the region. It will provide continuous, dispatchable renewable electricity, rivalling conventional gas and hydropower sources. Additionally, the project includes the development of a 200 MW Tier-4 Green Data Centre Park on 350 acres in Baram, expected to attract over $239m (RM1b) in foreign direct investment.

Lee Seng Chi, CEO of Founder Group Limited, emphasised the project’s significance, stating, “This collaboration demonstrates FGL’s commitment to investing in large-scale infrastructure focused on sustainable returns and profound economic impact.”

The initiative supports Sarawak’s vision to become the “Battery of ASEAN” and aims to contribute to the state’s target of achieving 10 GW generation capacity by 2030. The Baram Special Energy Zone is expected to drive long-term industrial growth and rural development.

Founder Group Limited, a provider of end-to-end EPCC solutions for solar PV facilities in Malaysia, focuses on large-scale solar projects and commercial and industrial solar projects. The company aims to promote eco-friendly resources and achieve carbon neutrality.

Singapore and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) have signed the European Free Trade Association Digital Economy Agreement, marking a significant step in enhancing economic and digital connectivity. The agreement, announced on 26 September, seeks to bolster trade and investment opportunities between Singapore and EFTA member countries, which include Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

The agreement is designed to facilitate seamless digital trade and promote collaboration in areas such as e-commerce, data protection, and cybersecurity. By establishing a framework for cooperation, the agreement aims to create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive in the digital economy.

Singapore’s Minister for Trade and Industry highlighted the importance of this agreement in fostering stronger economic ties and supporting the growth of digital industries. “This agreement underscores our commitment to building a robust digital economy and enhancing our connectivity with key global partners,” the minister stated.

The EFTA Digital Economy Agreement is expected to provide businesses with greater access to digital markets and streamline regulatory processes, thereby reducing barriers to trade. This move aligns with Singapore’s broader strategy to position itself as a leading digital hub in the region.

Looking ahead, the agreement is anticipated to pave the way for further collaboration in digital innovation and technology development, benefiting businesses and consumers alike. As Singapore continues to expand its digital footprint, this partnership with EFTA is poised to play a crucial role in driving economic growth and digital transformation.
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The Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) has introduced enhanced guidelines for the e-commerce sector, aiming to bolster consumer trust and promote a competitive market. These guidelines, announced on 26 September, are designed to address the evolving landscape of online shopping and ensure fair practices amongst businesses.

The updated guidelines focus on transparency, requiring e-commerce platforms to clearly display prices, terms, and conditions to consumers. This move is expected to reduce misleading practices and empower consumers to make informed decisions. The CCCS emphasised the importance of these measures in maintaining a level playing field for businesses and protecting consumer interests.

In a statement, the CCCS highlighted that the guidelines will also address issues related to data protection and privacy, ensuring that consumer data is handled responsibly by e-commerce platforms. This is particularly significant given the increasing concerns over data breaches and misuse of personal information in the digital age.

The introduction of these guidelines is a proactive step by the CCCS to adapt to the rapid growth of e-commerce in Singapore. By fostering a trustworthy environment, the guidelines aim to encourage more consumers to engage in online shopping, thereby supporting the growth of the digital economy.

As the e-commerce sector continues to expand, these guidelines are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of online retail in Singapore, ensuring that both consumers and businesses benefit from a fair and transparent marketplace.