Regional News

The Sustainable Energy Association of Singapore (SEAS) has released its annual survey, “State of the Energy Transition in ASEAN,” revealing a significant shift in focus towards energy storage and grid enhancements. The survey, conducted in August 2025, gathered insights from 105 energy professionals across Southeast Asia, highlighting storage and batteries as the top investment priority for 65.7% of respondents over the next year, followed by transmission upgrades at 41.9%.

The findings underscore the pressing challenges faced by the region, with 73% of respondents citing grid infrastructure gaps as the primary obstacle to scaling renewable energy. Regulatory uncertainty and financing constraints were also identified as significant barriers by 66.7% and 56% of participants, respectively. The survey indicates a growing need for cross-border coordination, with 66.7% of respondents advocating for stronger regional collaboration to enhance supply chain resilience.

Edwin Khew, Chairman of SEAS, commented, “This year’s survey tells a story of a transition under strain, but not in retreat.” He emphasised the importance of Singapore’s evolving role in leveraging its strengths in finance, policy, and diplomacy to build a resilient regional energy framework, with carbon markets as a critical component.

Despite the challenges, confidence in solar energy remains high, with 83.8% of respondents seeing it as the most scalable energy source in the next five years. The survey also highlights the potential of green hydrogen, with 57.1% of respondents optimistic about its future.

The Asia Clean Energy Summit, scheduled for 28-30 October 2025 in Singapore, will address these findings, focusing on strategies to enhance grid resilience and advance carbon market mechanisms. The summit will also introduce a new Bioenergy track to explore emerging renewable technologies.

Ecolab Inc., a global leader in sustainability solutions, has awarded Chandra Asri Group and Aster with the Southeast Asia Impact Awards for their exemplary leadership in water conservation and energy optimisation. The awards recognised the companies’ significant contributions to sustainability efforts in Indonesia and Singapore.

Chandra Asri Group was acknowledged for its outstanding achievements in water conservation and energy optimisation across its operations. The group’s initiatives have been pivotal in reducing water usage and enhancing energy efficiency, setting a benchmark for other companies in the region. Ecolab highlighted Chandra Asri’s commitment to sustainability as a key factor in its decision to honour the group.

Aster, another recipient of the award, was recognised for its innovative approaches to water management and its dedication to sustainable practices. The company’s efforts have not only contributed to environmental conservation but have also demonstrated the economic benefits of sustainable operations.

Ecolab’s Southeast Asia Impact Awards aim to spotlight organisations that lead in sustainability, particularly in water and energy management. By recognising these companies, Ecolab hopes to encourage more businesses to adopt sustainable practices and contribute to environmental preservation.

The recognition of Chandra Asri Group and Aster underscores the growing importance of sustainability in business operations and the positive impact such initiatives can have on the environment and society.

HouseBell, a Singapore-based real estate technology platform, has unveiled its upgraded mobile application, now offering full English-Chinese bilingual support. This development aims to bridge Singapore’s thriving property market with both local and international users, particularly catering to the growing number of Chinese buyers and tenants exploring opportunities in the city-state.

Singapore’s property market continues to attract significant interest from overseas investors. According to the Urban Redevelopment Authority, foreign demand remains robust despite cooling measures, with Chinese buyers consistently ranking among the top foreign purchasers of private homes in 2024. HouseBell’s bilingual app addresses this demand by enabling seamless navigation in both English and Chinese, allowing users to browse property listings, compare prices, and connect with trusted agents without language barriers.

The app also features advanced filters, enabling users to search by price, property type, location, transport access, and nearby schools and healthcare facilities. This empowers users to make informed decisions with transparent and easily accessible information.

“Singapore’s real estate market is increasingly global,” said K Tang, Marketing Director of HouseBell. “With our bilingual app, we aim to make property searches more inclusive, accessible, and transparent for both local and overseas buyers.”

Available for free on iOS and Android platforms, the HouseBell app provides a convenient way for users to explore Singapore’s property market anytime, anywhere. HouseBell combines local market expertise with international insights, connecting global communities with Singapore’s real estate opportunities.

Moody’s Ratings has affirmed Singapore Exchange Limited’s (SGX) Aa2 long-term local and foreign currency issuer ratings, maintaining a stable outlook. The affirmation reflects SGX’s strong profit margins, low debt leverage, and moderate scale compared to global exchanges. The Aa2 ratings are two notches above SGX’s standalone A1 assessment, indicating a high probability of support from the Singapore government in times of need.

SGX’s pre-tax margin is expected to remain high at around 55% over the next 12 to 18 months, driven by its local monopoly, vertical integration, and diversified franchise. The group’s adjusted pre-tax earnings growth is projected to be in the mid to high single-digit percentage range, supported by the Singapore government’s focus on reforming the domestic equity market and increased investor participation in its derivative trading sessions.

SGX’s Debt/EBITDA ratio has declined to 0.8x as of 30 June 2025, continuing a deleveraging trend since 2022. Despite being open to debt-funded acquisitions, SGX’s strong cash position is expected to keep its debt leverage manageable. The creditworthiness of SGX’s clearing houses remains robust due to investment-grade clearing members and risk management standards aligned with global best practices.

Whilst SGX’s ratings are the highest among rated exchanges, an upgrade is unlikely unless the group significantly expands its scale without affecting profit margins and debt leverage. Conversely, a downgrade could occur if SGX’s Debt/EBITDA ratio exceeds 2.0x without a credible plan to restore leverage, or if increased competition leads to a significant drop in pre-tax earnings.
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Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV) has introduced the Golden Hands for Golden Care programme, a new initiative designed to enhance access to crucial surgical and medical procedures for seniors in Malaysia. Running from 10 September to 10 November 2025, the programme targets self-paying patients aged 60 and above, aiming to improve their mobility, independence, and quality of life through timely medical interventions.

The programme not only covers surgical treatments but also provides medical support for post-stroke recovery, focusing on restoring motor function, speech, and cognitive abilities. This dual approach is intended to alleviate the burden on families and empower seniors to remain active within their communities. “Timely surgery can significantly alter the outcomes for many elderly patients,” said Dr Wee Tong Ming, SMCV’s Medical Director. “Early intervention can lead to safer, quicker recoveries and a higher likelihood of maintaining independence.”

Malaysia is experiencing a demographic shift towards an ageing population, with projections indicating that by 2030, seniors will comprise 15.3% of the population. This shift is expected to increase the incidence of non-communicable diseases, placing additional pressure on the healthcare system. SMCV’s initiative seeks to address these challenges by making essential surgical procedures more accessible to seniors, thereby reducing the strain on carers and the healthcare system.

A team from Monash University Malaysia has clinched the prestigious Universities for Goal 13 competition, organised by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network in partnership with Siemens Energy. The team’s project, “Turning algae into the future of a clean industry,” demonstrates how microalgae can capture carbon dioxide emissions from industrial sources whilst producing high-value products for food, energy, and pharmaceuticals.

Led by Associate Professor Saman Ilankoon, the team included PhD scholars Shafeeq Ahmed Syed Ali, Manuja Dayanath, and Lourdes Loh Ye Shing Morgan. Their proposal outperformed entries from other top universities, including University College London and Tsinghua University. The project was awarded during the SDSN’s 25th Leadership Council Meeting in New York.

The innovative concept utilises microalgae photobioreactors to convert carbon dioxide from industrial flue gases into valuable biomass. Simulated pilot studies showed the system could capture 85 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually and generate 5 tonnes of biomass, with a payback period of just two years. This process also produces natural pigments, biofertilisers, and clean energy, contributing to circular economy models.

Shafeeq Ahmed Syed Ali expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent Monash University Malaysia on a global stage, whilst Manuja Dayanath highlighted the recognition’s impact on his PhD research. Lourdes Loh Ye Shing noted the valuable mentorship from Siemens Energy, which provided a multidisciplinary perspective.

The project is part of the Centre for Net-Zero Technology at Monash University Malaysia, which aims to pioneer net-zero innovation in ASEAN. The team will receive a $10,000 cash prize and international networking opportunities to further their project.

ComfortDelGro has announced the launch of Zig Driverless, an autonomous shuttle service set to begin operations in Punggol, Singapore, in early 2026. This initiative, in collaboration with Pony.ai, aims to provide residents with improved mobility options and last-mile connectivity, complementing existing public transport infrastructure.

The Zig Driverless service will operate on fixed routes, connecting key destinations such as residential areas, transport hubs, and community facilities within Punggol. Bookings for these driverless rides can be made through the ComfortDelGro Zig app. The service builds on ComfortDelGro’s partnership with Pony.ai, leveraging over 50 million kilometres of autonomous driving experience and the company’s expertise in infrastructure and fleet management.

ComfortDelGro’s Managing Director and Group CEO, SK Cheng, highlighted the programme’s potential to attract younger talent to the transport industry. “This programme leverages ComfortDelGro’s unique position as a strong infrastructure and fleet management expert with successful AV trials,” he stated. The autonomous shuttles will feature advanced sensor fusion systems, including LiDAR, radar, and cameras, supported by high-precision mapping.

Safety remains a priority, with each vehicle undergoing rigorous testing and equipped with comprehensive safety systems such as obstacle detection and emergency braking protocols. Trained safety operators will oversee the programme, utilising ComfortDelGro’s expertise in human-machine interaction protocols.

This development marks a significant milestone in Singapore’s autonomous vehicle journey, promising innovative, safe, and reliable transport solutions whilst ensuring a responsible transition for the workforce and industry.

JTC has announced the successful awarding of the industrial site tender at Kaki Bukit Avenue 5 to Extra Space Kaki Bukit Pte. Ltd. The tender, which was launched on 27 May 2025, concluded on 22 July 2025, with the sole bid amounting to $31.39m.

The site at Kaki Bukit Avenue 5 is a significant addition to Singapore’s industrial landscape, providing opportunities for further development in the area. The tender process, managed by JTC, attracted interest but ultimately received only one bid, highlighting the competitive nature of industrial site allocations in Singapore.

Extra Space Kaki Bukit’s successful bid underscores the company’s commitment to expanding its footprint in the industrial sector. The awarded site is expected to bolster the company’s capabilities and contribute to the broader industrial growth in the region.

This development is part of JTC’s ongoing efforts to optimise land use and support industrial growth in Singapore. By awarding this tender, JTC aims to facilitate the development of infrastructure that meets the evolving needs of businesses and supports economic growth.

The Singapore Exchange (SGX) Group has announced that China Securities (International) Brokerage Company Limited has become its latest Derivatives Trading Member. This development aims to bolster the trading capabilities and market reach of SGX Group, further integrating international players into its trading ecosystem.

China Securities, a prominent player in the financial services sector, is expected to bring significant expertise and resources to SGX Group’s derivatives market. The inclusion of China Securities is part of SGX Group’s ongoing strategy to expand its network of trading members, thereby enhancing market liquidity and offering a wider range of trading opportunities to its participants.

The addition of China Securities is anticipated to strengthen the ties between Singapore and China in the financial sector, promoting cross-border trading activities. This move aligns with SGX Group’s commitment to fostering a robust and diverse trading environment, which is crucial for maintaining its competitive edge in the global financial markets.

SGX Group’s decision to welcome China Securities as a Derivatives Trading Member underscores its dedication to expanding its international footprint and enhancing its service offerings. As the financial landscape continues to evolve, such strategic partnerships are vital for sustaining growth and innovation within the industry.

AvePoint, a leader in data security governance, has announced its dual listing on the Singapore Exchange (SGX) under the symbol AVP, making it the first B2B SaaS stock to be listed on SGX and the first company to be dual listed on both Nasdaq and SGX. This strategic move aims to broaden AvePoint’s customer, partner, and investor base amidst growing demand for its data protection technology.

The listing on SGX complements AvePoint’s presence on Nasdaq, where it initially went public in 2021. Tianyi Jiang, CEO and Co-Founder of AvePoint, highlighted the significance of this expansion, stating, “Our SGX listing is an exciting step in AvePoint’s ongoing global expansion, broadening our customer, partner, and investor base as the demand for our data protection technology increases.”

Established in Singapore in 2009, AvePoint has made the city-state its Asia Headquarters and International R&D Hub. The company continues to address data protection challenges globally, leveraging Singapore’s dynamic technological landscape.

Loh Boon Chye, CEO of SGX Group, welcomed AvePoint, noting that the dual listing reflects AvePoint’s strong track record in the Asia Pacific region. “This milestone underscores Singapore’s stature as a trusted international hub at the intersection of capital and innovation,” he said.

In conjunction with the SGX listing, AvePoint completed a secondary offering of its common stock, which was more than three times oversubscribed, priced at $14.30 (S$19.50) per share. This development marks a significant phase in AvePoint’s growth, reinforcing its global reach and ambition.