Regional News

OCBC has announced the appointment of Carina Lee as the new Group Chief Risk Officer, effective 1 January 2026. Lee, currently the Group Chief Credit Officer for the wholesale banking business, will take over from Noel Gerald DCruz, who is retiring after a distinguished 36-year career with the bank.

Lee brings over 28 years of banking experience, having joined OCBC in January 2021. She has been pivotal in managing the credit risks of the bank’s wholesale banking loan portfolio and has led initiatives to diversify the loan portfolio into high-growth sectors like Technology, Media, and Telecommunications. Prior to OCBC, Lee held senior roles in a global bank, focusing on operational risk management and credit policy.

Helen Wong, OCBC’s Group Chief Executive Officer, praised DCruz’s contributions, stating, “Noel’s pivotal role in establishing a robust risk management foundation has been instrumental in the growth and stability of our businesses.” She also expressed confidence in Lee’s capabilities, noting her “well-calibrated approach to risk and reward.”

Lee’s appointment comes at a time of increased volatility and uncertainty in the operating environment, making effective risk management more crucial than ever. Her extensive experience and leadership qualities are expected to be valuable assets to OCBC’s management team.

HMI Medical has become the first private healthcare group in ASEAN to offer robotic-assisted surgical procedures using the Japanese hinotori system at its flagship hospitals, Mahkota Medical Centre in Malacca and Regency Specialist Hospital in Johor. Developed by Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Sysmex Corporation, hinotori enhances surgical precision and recovery outcomes, expanding access to world-class care for patients.

The hinotori system, already utilised in 87 hospitals in Japan and Singapore General Hospital since 2024, allows surgeons to perform complex procedures with enhanced precision, control, and vision. This minimally invasive approach offers greater dexterity and less invasiveness for conditions related to urology, gynaecology, colorectal, and general surgery. Approved by regulatory bodies in Japan, Singapore, and Malaysia, the system promises less post-operative pain, faster mobilisation, and reduced hospital costs.

Chin Wei Jia, Group CEO of HMI Medical, stated, “Robotic-assisted surgery is well poised to continue shaping the future of healthcare, offering transformative possibilities to doctors and patients alike.” The introduction of hinotori is part of HMI’s strategy to position itself as a healthcare disruptor, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional surgeries and investing in doctor upskilling.

The Asia-Pacific surgical robotics market is projected to nearly double by 2025, driven by rising chronic diseases and demand for minimally invasive care. HMI Medical’s initiative is set to elevate regional healthcare standards, with plans to expand robotic-assisted surgeries to more procedures and specialities, further positioning Malaysia as a hub for advanced care.

Karl Hudson has been appointed as the new General Manager of JW Marriott Singapore South Beach, bringing with him a wealth of experience from overseeing the opening of more than 80 hotels during his tenure with Marriott International. Hudson, who previously served as Regional Vice President for Japan and Guam, aims to enhance the hotel’s distinctive character and strengthen its position as a premier destination for both business and leisure.

Hudson’s leadership will focus on three key areas: M.I.C.E excellence, destination dining, and luxury lifestyle positioning within Marina Bay. He emphasises the importance of preserving the hotel’s unique energy and creativity, stating, “My focus is on preserving and amplifying what makes this hotel unique. Its energy, creativity, and sense of place give it character.”

Located in Marina Bay, the 634-room hotel is a significant player in Marriott International’s luxury portfolio. It boasts a striking Grand Ballroom with a Forest of Lights installation and versatile event spaces, making it an ideal venue for world-class gatherings. Hudson plans to steer the hotel’s next phase of growth by focusing on people, personalisation, and place-making.

Hudson believes that true luxury is deeply personal, shaped by how guests feel. “For some, luxury is tradition and refinement. For others, it’s about surprise and delight,” he explains. Under his leadership, JW Marriott Singapore South Beach aims to be both approachable and elevated, ensuring it remains a standout destination where business and leisure converge seamlessly.

Network instability is significantly impacting Singaporean businesses, with 60% reporting revenue losses of US$5m or more due to network outages or poor performance, according to an IDC InfoBrief commissioned by Expereo. The report, “Enterprise Horizons 2025: Technology Leaders Priorities: Achieving Digital Agility,” reveals that cybersecurity has become the top priority for financial investment over the next year, with 62% of businesses planning to focus on it, followed by networking/connectivity at 48% and artificial intelligence (AI) at 40%.

Following a series of high-profile IT disruptions, 46% of Singaporean businesses have been forced to re-evaluate their technology infrastructure. This shift has led to networking and connectivity becoming more prominent on the C-suite agenda, with 34% of tech leaders acknowledging its increased importance. The urgency is underscored by the fact that 32% of organisations report inadequate network performance as a threat to their growth plans, whilst 44% say network limitations hinder their ability to support large-scale data and AI initiatives.

Ben Elms, CEO of Expereo, emphasised the strategic importance of connectivity, stating, “Connectivity is now the backbone of business. As organisations race to adopt new AI solutions, the C-suite must treat network performance with the same urgency as cybersecurity and AI itself.”

Eric Wong, President, APAC, at Expereo, noted the direct correlation between network performance and financial success, highlighting that nearly a third of businesses in Singapore have experienced revenue losses exceeding US$5m due to network outages. The report also indicates a skills gap, with 51% of organisations struggling to find or retain skilled networking professionals. Consequently, 26% of businesses plan to rely more on external partners to bridge this gap.

ION Orchard is revving up for the Singapore Grand Prix by transforming into a race-inspired playground, “Live the Race,” featuring collaborations with renowned brands such as TAG Heuer, Lego, Visa, TUDOR, HUGO, and Elemis. From now until 12 October 2025, visitors can enjoy a series of immersive experiences that blend motorsport excitement with luxury shopping.

The mall’s transformation includes several key attractions. TAG Heuer, the Official Timekeeper of Formula 1, will host a pop-up at the L1 Atrium from 25 September to 6 October, featuring an appearance by Oracle Red Bull Racing Team’s Yuki Tsunoda on 2 October. Visitors can explore TAG Heuer’s motorsport history and view the Oracle Red Bull Racing F1 Team Show Car.

Lego’s pop-up at ION2 offers interactive F1 challenges, including Pedal Power VR Racing and a life-sized Formula 1 Williams FW16 Race Car built from over 400,000 Lego bricks. Meanwhile, the “Inside the Garage” experience, presented by Visa, TUDOR, and HUGO, allows fans to engage with authentic race gear and participate in interactive challenges.

Beauty enthusiasts can visit the Elemis pop-up, which features exclusive skincare samples and a chance to win a year’s supply of products. Shoppers can also unlock an exclusive Lifestyle Pack by engaging with race-themed activities at the mall.

ION Orchard’s CEO, Yeo Mui Hong, expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, “We are creating an immersive experience that transforms Singapore’s premier shopping destination into the ultimate motorsport playground.” This initiative showcases how Singapore’s retail landscape is innovatively integrating F1 partnerships beyond traditional sponsorships.

The Restaurant Association of Singapore (RAS) has announced the winners of the Excellent Service Award (EXSA) 2025, celebrating the exceptional contributions of service professionals in the food and beverage (F&B) sector. Held at Nanyang Polytechnic’s Auditorium, the event was attended by industry leaders, education partners, and key players.

This year, EXSA received nominations from 75 companies, representing over 200 brands and concepts. A total of 2,653 recipients were honoured across four categories: EXSA Star, Gold, Silver, and the prestigious Superstar Award. Pheng You Yen Evan, Assistant Manager at Seoul Garden, was awarded the EXSA Superstar title, distinguishing himself among 2,900 nominees.

A new initiative, The F&B People Collective, was launched to address workforce sustainability by focusing on training, retention, and employee wellbeing. This coalition aims to ensure that F&B employees have clear career growth pathways.

The event also showcased collaboration between the industry and education, with Nanyang Polytechnic students co-producing the ceremony. This partnership aims to nurture the next generation of service champions, reinforcing the importance of practical experience in education.

EXSA, now in its 31st year, continues to recognise individuals who deliver outstanding service, maintaining high standards in Singapore’s vibrant dining scene.

The Financial Industry Disputes Resolution Centre Ltd (FIDReC) has reported a significant shift in the nature of financial disputes in Singapore, with scams and fraud now overtaking insurance payouts and investment issues as the leading cause of consumer complaints. Since 2021, the number of claims related to scams, including phishing and impersonation, has risen sharply, increasing by nearly 200% by 2025.

This surge in scam-related disputes marks a departure from the period between 2005 and 2020, when insurance and investment disagreements dominated. FIDReC attributes this change to the growing prevalence of digital banking and online transactions, which have made consumers more vulnerable to sophisticated scams. The current volume of claims has reached levels not seen since the global financial crisis of 2008, and FIDReC anticipates this trend will continue.

Eunice Chua, CEO of FIDReC, highlighted the evolving landscape of financial disputes, stating, “As FIDReC marks its 20th anniversary this year, we are reminded of how the nature of financial disputes has changed with time.” She emphasised FIDReC’s commitment to raising awareness and maintaining public trust in the organisation.

Common scams include compromised credentials through phishing and impersonation scams, where fraudsters pose as banks or government agencies. Challenges in addressing these issues include limited recovery mechanisms and the need for consumers to be vigilant in monitoring alerts and protecting their credentials.

As part of its anniversary, FIDReC will release a commemorative book on 10 October 2025, celebrating its role in resolving financial disputes in Singapore. The organisation remains dedicated to helping consumers and financial institutions navigate these challenges effectively.

A recent study by Milieu Insight has highlighted a significant shift in Malaysian consumer expectations regarding online shopping. Whilst 86% of Malaysians regularly shop online, the study, titled “Beyond the Hype: Malaysians Want Speed and Smarter Shopping in 2025,” reveals that consumers now prioritise reliability, fair delivery costs, and trustworthy service over price alone.

The study found that 67% of respondents desire lower delivery fees, with 51% admitting they have reduced their online shopping due to rising shipping costs. Additionally, 65% of consumers are willing to pay more for better service, and 82% would spend extra for consistently reliable delivery. This indicates a growing demand for smarter and faster logistics solutions.

Consumer loyalty appears fragile, with 49% of respondents ceasing purchases from a seller after a single delivery issue, and 20% abandoning a platform entirely. Furthermore, 35% of respondents refuse to tolerate poor service, even if discounts are offered.

These findings underscore the impact of delivery fees on household budgets and the frustrations associated with refunds and support. As the demand for efficient logistics grows, the study suggests that online platforms must adapt to meet these evolving consumer expectations.

The Malaysia Sarong Music Run (MSMR) 2025, a unique fusion of music and athletics, transformed Kuala Lumpur’s city centre into a lively celebration. Jetour, a leading Chinese SUV brand, joined as the exclusive automotive partner, showcasing its DASHING and VT9 models through interactive displays and engagements. The event, held at the iconic KLCC square beneath the Petronas Twin Towers, attracted over 10,000 runners and 30,000 concert-goers.

Jetour’s involvement in MSMR highlights its “Travel+” philosophy, aiming to blend driving with music and sports to create a dynamic lifestyle experience. Since launching its first model in April 2025, Jetour has quickly risen to become one of the best-selling Chinese SUV brands, emphasising its commitment to an exploratory lifestyle.

During the race kit collection period on 18-19 September, participants had the chance to view static displays of Jetour’s models. On the event day, 20 September, Jetour expanded its presence across multiple key locations, further integrating its brand with the vibrant atmosphere of the run. This partnership not only underscores Jetour’s rapid growth but also its innovative approach to redefining the car as a lifestyle choice.

CBRE has announced the sale of a portfolio comprising freehold properties located in Singapore’s city-fringe and suburban areas. The properties, situated at 155 Kitchener Road, 329 Changi Road, and 362 Tanjong Katong Road, are available through an Expression of Interest exercise closing on 5 November 2025.

The properties are strategically positioned in dynamic districts such as Kallang, Marine Parade, and Bedok, benefiting from densely populated areas and access to key amenities and transport infrastructure. Each asset boasts a prestigious freehold tenure, with features like prime corner frontages and permanent “Restaurant” use approvals. Currently tenanted by a diverse mix of occupiers, the properties offer stable rental income to potential investors.

The portfolio’s indicative guide price is $57m (S$78m), with options to purchase collectively or individually. The properties include a pair of conservation shophouses, a mixed-use building, and strata retail units, with prices ranging from $8.4m (S$11.5m) to $21m (S$29m) per asset.

Clemence Lee, Executive Director of Capital Markets at CBRE, highlighted the investment potential, stating, “This portfolio presents a compelling opportunity for investors to acquire prime freehold assets in sought-after locations.” He noted the strong investor interest in well-located freehold assets with repositioning potential, offering opportunities for tenant mix refreshment and strategic refurbishments to enhance rental performance and capital appreciation.