Regional News

The Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2025 is set to open its doors from 17 to 20 September at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre in Kuala Lumpur. This year’s event, themed “Pinnacle of Halal Excellence,” will feature 45,000 visitors and 2,400 booths, with participants from 80 countries. The showcase aims to foster global business collaborations and discussions on halal standards and innovation.

The Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim, will officiate the opening ceremony on 19 September. MIHAS 2025 is part of the Global Halal Summit, underscoring Malaysia’s dedication to advancing the halal industry through innovation and international partnerships.

The exhibition will highlight a diverse range of halal products, including food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, Islamic finance, and Muslim-friendly tourism. The International Sourcing Programme (INSP) will facilitate business matching, offering platforms like MADANI Digital Trade for direct engagements between buyers and sellers.

The Knowledge Hub will provide expert briefings and panel discussions on halal certification, market access, and themes such as digitalisation and sustainability. The MIHAS Awards Ceremony on 20 September will recognise enterprises for excellence and innovation in the halal sector.

Following its success in Dubai, MIHAS will expand internationally with MIHAS Shanghai from 5 to 10 November, in conjunction with the China International Import Expo. This expansion aims to strengthen Malaysian enterprises’ presence in the Chinese market, one of the largest halal consumer bases globally. Through these initiatives, MIHAS continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the global halal economy.

AlphaMove, a Malaysian blockchain start-up, has entered into a strategic partnership with the Guangxi Research Department under the Nanning Provincial Government of China. Announced during the 3rd Forum on China-ASEAN Artificial Intelligence Cooperation, this collaboration aims to accelerate advancements in AI, blockchain, and smart city development.

The agreement outlines a long-term partnership to create a compliant and interoperable blockchain ecosystem enhanced by AI capabilities. AlphaMove and Guangxi Research Department will explore applications in asset pricing, risk management, and regulatory monitoring, focusing on tokenised real-world assets such as real estate and corporate equity. The partnership also plans to establish AI and blockchain research laboratories in Nanning and Kuala Lumpur, fostering cross-border innovation.

Kingsley Tan, CEO of AlphaMove, stated, “This partnership is a milestone in the collaboration between Malaysia and China in advancing high-tech economies. Together we are building the foundation for interoperable, compliant, and future-ready smart city solutions that will benefit communities across ASEAN.”

The collaboration highlights China’s leadership in smart city innovation and Malaysia’s contribution to ASEAN’s digital future. By merging China’s government-backed research with Malaysia’s entrepreneurial spirit, the partnership aims to drive transformative applications in healthcare, finance, and urban development, supporting a digitally interconnected ASEAN region.

Lenovo Hong Kong and Cyberport have announced a strategic partnership, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance the growth of Hong Kong’s startups. This collaboration aims to integrate Lenovo’s technological prowess with Cyberport’s experience in nurturing innovation, providing comprehensive support for startups from concept to international expansion.

The partnership will focus on three core areas: ecosystem development, strategic marketing, and innovation showcase. Lenovo will offer end-to-end market expansion support and participate in Cyberport’s Investors Network, providing financial backing to selected startups. Cyberport will assist startups in establishing operations and expanding globally, facilitating collaborations between Lenovo and Cyberport community companies.

Serena Cheung, General Manager of Lenovo Hong Kong and Macau, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting Lenovo’s commitment to leveraging its global network and technological resources to support startups. “We hope to fully leverage our comprehensive strengths in technology resources, global network, and investment incubation to provide holistic support to Hong Kong’s startups,” she stated.

Cyberport CEO Rocky Cheng noted the significance of the MoU, emphasising Cyberport’s role as a national-level technology incubator. “Lenovo’s profound strength in the global technology sector will provide invaluable technical support, industry insights, and global expansion opportunities,” Cheng said.

The partnership will also see Lenovo co-organising events and workshops to enhance startups’ understanding of cutting-edge technologies such as AI and cybersecurity. Additionally, Lenovo will establish an Innovation Centre at Cyberport to showcase its latest digital solutions.

This collaboration is set to strengthen Hong Kong’s innovation ecosystem, providing robust backing for local startups to enter international markets and contribute to the city’s digital economy growth.

GlobalFoundries (GF) has been recognised by the World Economic Forum (WEF) as a member of the Global Lighthouse Network (GLN), with its 300mm fab in Singapore being designated as a leading site for advanced manufacturing. This accolade highlights GF’s commitment to deploying over 60 Industry 4.0 solutions, including artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT), to enhance productivity, quality, and time-to-market across its global operations.

The GLN, co-founded by the WEF and McKinsey, acknowledges manufacturing leaders worldwide who set benchmarks in applying Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies. GF’s inclusion in this network underscores its role in driving digital transformation across its facilities in the US, Europe, and Asia. The company has made significant strides in cost, quality, and productivity improvements by leveraging smart manufacturing solutions since 2020.

GF’s strategic partnerships with academia, solution providers, and government agencies are pivotal in building a robust digital talent pipeline and co-developing innovative solutions. “Our digital transformation is instrumental in accelerating GF’s ability to deliver differentiated, essential chips that power AI growth and adoption,” stated Niels Anderskouv, GF’s president and chief operating officer.

Yew Kong Tan, senior vice president and general manager of APAC Manufacturing and Singapore Site at GF, emphasised the significance of this milestone, stating, “GF champions Singapore’s leadership in advanced manufacturing, reinforcing its position as a key global semiconductor manufacturing site.”

As part of the GLN, GF will continue to collaborate with other Lighthouse sites to advance smart manufacturing practices globally, ensuring scalable growth and long-term value for stakeholders.

The SG60 WeCare Arts Exhibition, a month-long event celebrating Singapore’s 60 years of nation-building, has opened at the National Gallery Singapore. Supported by the National Arts Council and the National Gallery, the exhibition features over 780 community artists from Social Service Agencies (SSAs) and Self-Help Groups (SHGs), showcasing artworks that reflect the hopes and aspirations of underserved communities. The exhibition, running from 16 September to 12 October 2025, aligns with the National Arts Council’s Our SG Arts Plan 2023–2027, aiming to broaden access to the arts and deepen community engagement.

Curated by the National Gallery Singapore, the exhibition is themed “Our Community SG60 and Beyond” and features 30 artworks by beneficiaries aged seven to 95. These artworks are divided into three thematic sections: “Shared Stories, Our Memories,” “Many Hands, Our Collective Spirit,” and “Together, We Imagine the Future.” The exhibition highlights the importance of community voices in shaping Singapore’s cultural narrative.

Minister Edwin Tong, alongside the Mayors, officially opened the exhibition on 16 September 2025.

Since 2014, the WeCare Arts Fund has empowered over 24,700 beneficiaries, fostering social cohesion and inclusivity. A recent grant extension of $600,000 will enable the continuation of impactful arts programmes. This year’s SG60 edition marks the fourth WeCare Arts Exhibition, following previous events at Our Tampines Hub, Wisma Geylang Serai, and the National Museum Singapore.

At the official opening of the Singapore Institute of Technology’s (SIT) Punggol Campus on 16 September, Kwek Leng Beng, Executive Chairman of Hong Leong Group and City Developments Limited (CDL), along with CDL Group CEO Sherman Kwek, were recognised for their substantial contribution to the university. Their joint endowed gift of S$24m, one of the largest received by SIT, has been commemorated through the naming of the administrative building as the Kwek Leng Beng University Tower.

The donation is part of a broader initiative to support SIT’s development and underscores the role of corporate contributions in fostering innovation and leadership among Singapore’s future generations. The event was attended by notable figures including Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Minister for Education Desmond Lee, who acknowledged the significance of such contributions in enhancing educational infrastructure.

The donation is expected to bolster SIT’s capabilities in providing cutting-edge education and research opportunities, aligning with the institution’s mission to nurture industry-ready graduates.

The recognition of Kwek and CDL’s contribution highlights the impactful role that corporations can play in shaping educational landscapes. As SIT continues to expand its facilities and programmes, such partnerships are crucial in driving the university’s vision forward.

HSBC Private Bank has unveiled Wealth Intelligence, a generative AI-powered ecosystem, designed to enhance the capabilities of its wealth management staff. This new platform, powered by OpenAI’s Large Language Model, aims to provide clients with high-quality market insights and personalised investment strategies by analysing and summarising over 10,000 data sources, including the bank’s research reports and external news feeds.

Wealth Intelligence offers swift access to a wide array of reports from HSBC’s Chief Investment Office. It also integrates third-party product information, expanding its knowledge base. In future developments, the platform will assist wealth management teams in identifying suitable investment products and asset allocation recommendations for clients.

Gabriel Castello, CEO of HSBC Global Private Banking a.i., highlighted the importance of client relationships, stating, “With the rapidly-evolving financial markets, we understand our clients have stronger expectations for timely, trustworthy and personalised investment advice than ever.” He emphasised that the AI capabilities will allow wealth management teams to focus more on clients’ unique investment objectives.

Initially launched in Hong Kong and Singapore, Wealth Intelligence is set to expand to more markets globally. Lavanya Chari, Head of Wealth and Premier Solutions at HSBC, noted, “AI adoption is one of our core strategic pillars for enhancing our client experience at scale.” She added that the platform will help clients make better data-driven decisions.

This development marks a significant step in HSBC’s strategy to leverage AI for improving client services and optimising investment advice.

Singapore has secured the 5th position in the 2025 Global Innovation Index (GII), marking its third consecutive year in the global top five. Released by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), the index ranks 139 economies based on innovation inputs and outputs. Singapore’s rise to 9th place in innovation outputs represents its best performance in over a decade, driven by strengths in high-tech manufacturing, unicorn valuations, and cultural exports.

The city-state maintained its top position in innovation inputs for the 15th consecutive year, excelling in government effectiveness, policy stability, and foreign direct investments. Singapore also achieved 1st place in 10 out of 78 indicators, the highest number for the country to date. This reflects its leadership in various innovation sectors.

Tan Kong Hwee, Chief Executive of the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore, highlighted the significance of these achievements. “Singapore’s performance in the Global Innovation Index reflects the collective commitment across government, businesses, and research communities to build a world-class innovation ecosystem,” he stated. The improved ranking in innovation outputs underscores Singapore’s ability to translate innovation into tangible economic benefits.

The GII serves as a benchmark for innovation performance worldwide, using 78 indicators from public and private sources. As Singapore plans for the next phase of its IP Strategy 2030, these results provide encouragement and affirmation of its innovation capabilities.

CIMB Singapore has introduced the CIMB Founders Card, a personal credit card specifically designed for sole proprietors and small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) owners. This initiative aims to provide these business owners with financial flexibility and instant cash access, addressing the unique challenges they face in securing traditional financing.

The card offers up to 114 days of zero interest on working capital loans and retail purchases, alongside zero foreign exchange fees for overseas transactions. This is particularly beneficial for SMEs, which constitute 99% of Singapore’s businesses and employ 70% of the workforce. Many of these businesses struggle with irregular income patterns and limited credit histories, making traditional loans difficult to obtain.

Merlyn Tsai, Head of Consumer Banking and Digital at CIMB Singapore, stated, “For sole proprietors and SME owners, what truly matters is financial flexibility and easy access to capital to support growth. CIMB Singapore is proud to be a partner in their entrepreneurial journey with inclusive and innovative solutions.”

In collaboration with Mastercard, the card also provides access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide and travel insurance coverage of up to $730,000 (S$1 million). Additional benefits include discounts on workplace productivity software and co-working spaces, enhancing both business and personal lifestyles for cardholders.

This launch aligns with the Singapore government’s call for more inclusive financing options for SMEs, especially amidst economic uncertainties. The CIMB Founders Card is set to empower entrepreneurs by offering practical financial solutions that support growth and resilience.

ABB has secured a contract to supply a comprehensive electric power and propulsion system for Singapore’s inaugural floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal. This project, awarded by South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean, marks a significant step in the collaboration between the two companies, which have worked together on numerous LNG carrier projects.

The Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) will feature ABB’s integrated electrical system, including a medium voltage generator, 6.6kV switchboards, and propulsion components. Additionally, the terminal will utilise ABB’s remote control and diagnostics system, condition monitoring solution, and enhanced power protection system.

Set to be delivered to Mitsui O.S.K. Lines in 2027, the FSRU will be moored at Jurong Port and connected to the gas network by 2030. It will have a capacity of 200,000 cubic metres of LNG and is expected to increase Singapore’s LNG importing capacity by 50%, compared to the existing landside terminal.

Rune Braastad, Global Business Line Manager at ABB, stated, “We are proud to continue our long-lasting collaboration with Hanwha Ocean by supplying an integrated electrical system for Singapore’s first FSRU.”

This development is a strategic investment in Singapore’s energy infrastructure, aligning with the city-state’s transition towards net-zero emissions. The facility will process five million tonnes of LNG annually, enhancing Singapore’s position as a key LNG hub in Asia.