Regional News

Lion Group, encompassing Batik Air Indonesia, Batik Air Malaysia, and Thai Lion Air, is set to bolster its presence at Singapore’s Changi Airport by relocating to Terminal 4 from November 2025. This strategic move will support the airline’s expansion plans, including new flights to Ipoh, Penang, and Subang, starting December 2025. Currently, Lion Group operates 88 weekly services connecting Singapore to five cities across Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.

The relocation to Terminal 4, which can handle up to 16 million passenger movements annually, aims to accommodate Lion Group’s growth and rising air travel demand in the region. The terminal offers a high degree of automation and a variety of retail and dining options, enhancing the passenger experience. Changi Airport Group (CAG) is collaborating with Lion Group to integrate its airlines into FAST, a suite of automated self-service options.

Changi Airport Group’s Executive Vice President, Lim Ching Kiat, expressed enthusiasm for the new services, stating, “With this, services from Singapore to Malaysia will reach over 460 weekly departing flights, entrenching Malaysia’s position as one of Changi’s top markets.”

Lion Group’s President Director, Capt. Daniel Putut, highlighted the benefits of the move, saying, “This move enables Batik Air to better connect Indonesia and Singapore, two important gateways in the region.”

The expansion aligns with Lion Group’s long-term vision to grow alongside customer needs, offering more routes and strengthening regional connectivity. The new routes will also support the lead-up to Visit Malaysia Year 2026, providing seamless onward connections via Kuala Lumpur to over 63 destinations across 20 countries.

Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach recently hosted the “Journey to the Sea” event, releasing rehabilitated green sea turtles into the wild. This event, held from 6 to 8 September, was a collaboration with the Royal Thai Navy, the Phuket Marine Biological Centre, and the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation, showcasing the resort’s commitment to conservation under Marriott’s Serve 360 initiative.

The turtles, named by guests as King Julian, Mr Turtle Junior, Flipper, Timmy, and Chokdee, were released at Merlin Beach, marking their first return to the ocean. The journey began in the Similan Islands, where rising sea levels threatened over 80% of turtle nests. The Royal Thai Navy rescued the eggs, which were then incubated at the Phuket Marine Biological Centre. After 10 months of care at the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation, the turtles were ready for release.

Trevor May, Multi-Property General Manager, stated, “This successful event shows the positive impact we can have when we come together.” The event included an Ocean Scavenger Hunt, where winners named the turtles, and an educational session with WildAid on the global 30×30 conservation initiative.

As the International Day of Peace approaches on 21 September, the release of these turtles symbolises peace and resilience. The event is part of Marriott’s global Serve 360 project, aiming to create sustainable impacts and protect marine life. The resort’s Merlin House Reef Educational Centre further underscores this commitment.

Brookfield, a global investment firm, has partnered with Malaysian clean energy company Solarvest Holdings Bhd to develop over 1.5 gigawatts (GW) of solar and battery storage projects in Malaysia. This collaboration marks Brookfield’s inaugural investment in Malaysia through its Catalytic Transition Fund, which focuses on decarbonisation in emerging markets.

The decision to invest in Malaysia is driven by the country’s robust renewable energy market, supported by strong demand and favourable policies. Daniel Cheng, Brookfield’s Head of Renewable Power & Transition for Asia Pacific, highlighted Malaysia’s leadership in clean energy, noting the country’s role as a hub for data centres and semiconductor manufacturing. “Brookfield is committed to deploying significant capital into Malaysia,” Cheng stated, emphasising the alignment of market fundamentals with Brookfield’s capabilities.

Solarvest, with a track record of over 2.3 GW of solar photovoltaic projects in Malaysia, will leverage its local expertise, whilst Brookfield will provide large-scale capital and operational capabilities. Solarvest’s CEO, Dato’ Davis Chong, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating it will drive Malaysia’s decarbonisation agenda and expand Solarvest’s regional footprint.

This partnership is expected to significantly contribute to Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap, advancing clean energy adoption and supporting the region’s journey towards carbon neutrality.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has awarded the Tampines bus package to The Go-Ahead Group (GAS), marking a significant shift in Singapore’s public transport landscape. The contract, worth $646m, will see GAS take over operations from SBS Transit Ltd, starting 5 July 2026. This transition will involve managing 27 routes from the new East Coast Integrated Depot and several key interchanges and terminals.

The tender process, initiated on 19 December 2024, utilised a two-envelope evaluation method, prioritising quality before price to ensure value for money. GAS’s proposal excelled due to its focus on electric bus operations and maintenance, leveraging its experience from operating London’s largest electric bus fleet. The proposal promises cost savings and includes initiatives to enhance industry capabilities in electric bus deployment.

Key initiatives by GAS include collaborating with the Singapore Bus Academy to establish a satellite centre for electric bus expertise and deploying AI-driven tools to improve service reliability by reducing bus bunching. Additionally, commuter-friendly features like ‘Caring Corners’ and ‘Baby on board’ badges will be introduced, alongside enhanced staff welfare programmes.

Current employees of SBS Transit will be protected under the Public Transport Tripartite Committee’s guidelines, ensuring no worse-off employment terms with GAS. Employees have the option to join GAS or be redeployed by their current employer. This transition aims to support Singapore’s shift towards a cleaner energy public bus fleet whilst maintaining competitive remuneration for the workforce.

Mondelēz International has appointed Abhiroop Chuckarbutty as President of its Southeast Asia Business Unit, effective 1 September 2025. Chuckarbutty, who succeeds Hemant Rupani, will focus on accelerating growth and enhancing the company’s presence in Southeast Asia, a key market for Mondelēz. With over 20 years of experience in consumer packaged goods, Chuckarbutty previously led the Sub-Saharan Africa Business Unit, where he developed a strategic roadmap that boosted business performance.

Chuckarbutty expressed his enthusiasm for the role, stating, “Southeast Asia’s diversity and dynamism are unmatched. I am thankful for the trust placed in me, and for Hemant’s legacy.” He aims to collaborate with Mondelēz’s teams to strengthen brand connections with consumers and drive sustainable progress.

The appointment comes as Southeast Asia’s snacking landscape undergoes rapid changes due to urbanisation, digital adoption, and evolving consumer preferences. Chuckarbutty’s extensive experience across multiple markets positions him to capitalise on these trends and explore new growth opportunities for Mondelēz’s iconic brands, including Cadbury, OREO, and Toblerone.

Before joining Mondelēz, Chuckarbutty held senior roles at Lipton Teas & Infusions and Unilever, where he gained expertise in sales, marketing, and operations. His leadership is expected to steer Mondelēz International towards continued success in the region.

Mondelēz International, with 2024 net revenues of approximately $36 billion, operates in over 150 countries and has been part of Southeast Asia for more than 70 years. The company remains committed to empowering people to snack right with its diverse range of products.

Boustead Singapore Limited has announced plans to divest its stakes in certain logistics and industrial assets as part of a strategic move to list the UI Boustead Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) on the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited (SGX-ST). The proposed REIT, focusing on logistics, industrial, and high-specifications assets, will initially target investments in Singapore and Japan.

The initial portfolio for the UI Boustead REIT is expected to include 23 properties, comprising 21 leasehold properties in Singapore and two freehold properties in Japan. These properties have a combined gross floor area of approximately 5.9 million square feet and an estimated value of S$1.9b. Boustead Singapore, through its subsidiary Boustead Projects Limited, will hold up to 16.9% of the REIT units upon listing.

The divestment includes Boustead’s interests in four Singapore properties, namely 29 Media Circle, 8 & 12 Seletar Aerospace Heights, 84 Boon Keng Road, and 11 Seletar Aerospace Link. UI Boustead REIT will acquire 100% interests in these properties, contingent on agreements with other investors.

The listing is subject to market conditions, regulatory approvals, and the completion of definitive agreements. Boustead Singapore has cautioned that there is no certainty the IPO and listing will proceed imminently. The REIT aims to leverage Boustead’s extensive real estate management capabilities across Asia, where it currently manages assets worth approximately $3.9b.

Xtep, the renowned Chinese sportswear brand, has inaugurated its first running club store in Asia at Singapore’s Kallang Wave Mall. This innovative store not only offers high-performance running gear but also serves as a community hub for local runners. It features immersive displays and multi-category presentations, providing a comprehensive range of running products and services tailored for professional runners, including marathon events, training camps, and coaching sessions.

The store’s opening aligns with Xtep’s strategy of “Professional runners influence mass runners,” aiming to cater to both elite athletes and casual running enthusiasts. The initiative is set against the backdrop of Singapore’s vibrant running culture, which is supported by a robust calendar of world-class events. According to Sport Singapore, running and jogging are among the nation’s most popular physical activities, highlighted by events like the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon, which attracts over 50,000 participants annually.

The Xtep Running Club (XRC) store is designed to be more than just a retail space; it is a community base that will host group runs, training sessions, and member events. It offers performance footwear for competitive athletes and versatile apparel for everyday wear. Runners can join the XRC by scanning a QR code, granting them access to exclusive events and product experiences.

This strategic move by Xtep not only enhances its brand presence in Asia but also taps into the growing enthusiasm for running in Singapore, promising to foster a stronger community of runners in the region.

The Singapore Exchange (SGX) has announced the launch of the iEdge Singapore Next 50 Indices, a strategic move to increase the visibility of mid-sized companies listed on the exchange. This initiative seeks to provide investors with broader insights into the performance of these companies, which are often overshadowed by larger firms.

The iEdge Singapore Next 50 Indices will focus on the next 50 largest companies by market capitalisation, excluding those already in the benchmark Straits Times Index. This new index aims to offer a more comprehensive view of Singapore’s stock market landscape, highlighting the potential of mid-cap companies.

SGX Indices’ latest offering is expected to attract more attention to these companies, potentially increasing trading volumes and investor interest. By shining a spotlight on these firms, SGX hopes to foster a more dynamic and inclusive market environment.

The launch of the iEdge Singapore Next 50 Indices is part of SGX’s ongoing efforts to innovate and expand its suite of indices. This development is anticipated to provide investors with new opportunities to diversify their portfolios and tap into the growth potential of Singapore’s mid-sized companies.

As the market evolves, SGX’s introduction of these indices underscores its commitment to enhancing market transparency and accessibility, paving the way for future growth and investment opportunities.

Noguchi Coin, Japan’s esteemed curator of collectible coins, has launched its first-ever pop-up store outside Japan at Jewel Changi Airport, Singapore, unveiling the exclusive Jewel Special Edition Commemorative Coin. Limited to just 100 pieces, this coin is available for a short period, marking a significant collaboration with Jewel Singapore.

The Jewel Special Edition Coin, priced at $88 inclusive of GST, features the iconic Rain Vortex of Jewel Changi Airport, the tallest indoor waterfall globally. This design symbolises Singapore’s role as a global hub of commerce and culture, aligning with Noguchi Coin’s philosophy of connecting tradition with the future.

Noguchi Coin is renowned for its commitment to providing high-quality, authentic coins at competitive prices. By sourcing directly from official channels in countries like Canada and Austria, the company reduces distribution costs, ensuring affordability without compromising on quality. The pop-up will also offer GST-exempt coins, including internationally recognised bullion coins such as the Vienna Philharmonic and Canadian Maple Leaf, appealing to collectors and investors.

Strategically located at Jewel Changi Airport, the pop-up offers a unique opportunity for collectors to access exclusive coins not typically available in Singapore. The event is expected to attract coin enthusiasts, design lovers, and cultural aficionados, providing early visitors with the chance to acquire the limited-edition Jewel Noguchi Rain Vortex Coin.

The Noguchi Coin pop-up runs from 4 September to 4 December 2025, open daily from 10am to 10pm.

Grab has announced the launch of Ai.R, its inaugural autonomous vehicle service in Singapore, in collaboration with WeRide. This service, selected by the Land Transport Authority (LTA), will operate in Punggol, marking the first autonomous shuttle service in a residential neighbourhood. Ai.R will initially deploy a fleet of 11 vehicles along two designated routes in Punggol.

The fleet will comprise two WeRide vehicle models: the five-seater GXR and the eight-seater Robobus. Both models have successfully passed Singapore’s Milestone 1 (M1) assessment, confirming their capability to safely navigate public roads. The service aims to enhance connectivity within Punggol, providing residents with improved access to key amenities and transport nodes.

Each Ai.R ride will include a trained Safety Operator, ensuring a seamless transition between autonomous and manual control if necessary. These operators are experienced Grab driver-partners who have undergone comprehensive training by GrabAcademy and WeRide.

Alex Hungate, President and Chief Operating Officer of Grab, highlighted the potential of autonomous vehicles to improve connectivity in underserved areas. Jennifer Li, CFO and Head of International at WeRide, noted that deploying GXRs in Singapore marks a significant milestone in urban transportation for Southeast Asia.

The Ai.R vehicles will begin a “route familiarisation” phase this month, with plans to start passenger services by early 2026. This initiative is expected to set a benchmark for autonomous vehicle deployment in the region, paving the way for further expansion.