Regional News

The Journal House is set to return to Singapore from 1 to 3 October 2025, coinciding with the F1 Grand Prix weekend. Hosted at Jiak Kim House, the event will bring together influential figures such as Singapore’s Minister for Manpower, Dr Tan See Leng, and News Corp Chief Executive, Robert Thomson, to explore strategic opportunities amidst disruptive risks.

The event, organised by The Wall Street Journal, aims to provide a platform for C-suite leaders and policymakers to engage in high-level networking and discussions. Alan Murray, President of The WSJ Leadership Institute, will lead conversations at the CEO Council Summit, focusing on geopolitical and global supply chain risks, as well as evolving trade and energy policies.

Notable speakers include Professor Kishore Mahbubani, Distinguished Fellow at the Asia Research Institute, NUS, and Tan Su Shan, CEO of DBS Group. The agenda will cover a range of topics, from cybercrime and AI to corporate compliance and energy policies. Discussions will feature experts like Frankie Shuai, APAC Chief Information Security Officer at DWS Group, and David Koh, Commissioner of Cybersecurity at the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore.

The event promises to offer valuable insights into navigating the complexities of today’s volatile environment.

Singapore Polytechnic has launched an initiative to engage 500 young individuals in shaping the future of Singapore through the Polytechnic Forum 2025. The event, held at the institution’s campus, aims to foster innovative thinking and problem-solving skills among students by encouraging them to reimagine the nation’s future landscape.

The Polytechnic Forum 2025 is designed to provide a platform for students to collaborate, discuss, and develop ideas that could influence Singapore’s development in various sectors. By bringing together a diverse group of young minds, the forum seeks to harness their creativity and enthusiasm to address future challenges.

The initiative underscores Singapore Polytechnic’s commitment to nurturing future-ready graduates who can adapt to and thrive in a rapidly changing world. As the forum progresses, it is expected to generate innovative ideas that could potentially be implemented in Singapore’s strategic planning and development efforts.

Singapore-based start-up Synthesys has secured $11m (£8.5m) in seed and strategic funding to develop next-generation infrastructure for tokenised securities globally. The funding round was led by super-angel investor Mark Pui, known for his focus on technology and blockchain investments. Synthesys, formerly Equitize, plans to bridge the gap in siloed liquidity across jurisdictions, a challenge that has hindered institutional participation.

Tokenised mutual funds have seen a remarkable 7,400% growth in assets under management over the past six months, indicating a significant shift in the market. Financial giants such as BlackRock, Franklin Templeton, and Fidelity have already launched tokenised money-market funds, whilst Nasdaq has filed to enable tokenised ETF and equity trading. Regional leaders like HSBC, OCBC, and DBS have also issued tokenised bonds and structured notes.

Darien, CEO of Synthesys, highlighted the importance of regulatory clarity and blockchain’s role in enhancing traditional financial infrastructure. “Financial institutions are now recognising the operational efficiencies of tokenising securities—not as a future concept, but as a reality today,” he stated.

Tokenised funds streamline processes by embedding compliance into smart contracts on a digital ledger, reducing settlement times and administrative costs. Synthesys’ modular infrastructure allows seamless interaction between previously siloed financial systems, unlocking deeper liquidity and broader market access.

Pui remarked, “This raise enables us to scale the infrastructure needed to continue building towards making the future of capital markets more efficient, transparent, and accessible.” Founded in 2023, Synthesys is rapidly expanding across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, working with global and regional asset managers to enable tokenisation.

Jardine Cycle & Carriage Limited (JC&C) has announced a significant move to bolster its mineral business through the acquisition of shares in PT Arafura Surya Alam (ASA) by its indirect subsidiaries, PT Danusa Tambang Nusantara (DTN) and PT Energia Prima Nusantara (EPN). The acquisition, valued at US$540 million, involves purchasing nearly all shares of ASA and a minority stake in PT Mulia Bumi Persada (MBP).

DTN and EPN, both wholly-owned subsidiaries of PT United Tractors Tbk (UT), will acquire 99.99996% and 0.00004% of ASA’s shares respectively. ASA, a non-operating company in Indonesia, holds a Mining Business Licence for the Doup Block, a site with significant gold reserves. The acquisition aims to expand UT’s mineral sector presence, with production anticipated to begin around 2028.

The transaction is contingent upon several conditions, including creditor and regulatory approvals, and is expected to be completed by 23 December 2025. The acquisition will not materially impact JC&C’s earnings per share or net tangible assets per share for the financial year 2024.

This strategic acquisition underscores JC&C’s commitment to expanding its footprint in the mineral sector, leveraging ASA’s gold reserves to enhance its portfolio.

Digital travel platform Agoda has unveiled its ranking of Asia’s top rural destinations, highlighting a growing trend towards highland tourism. Malaysia’s Cameron Highlands has emerged as the most sought-after rural destination, followed by Khao Yai in Thailand and Puncak in Indonesia. This ranking is based on accommodation searches made on Agoda between 15 February and 15 August 2025.

Rural destinations, particularly those in mountainous and hillside regions, are becoming increasingly popular among travellers seeking a break from urban life. These locations offer a slower pace, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in local culture and natural beauty. Agoda’s data ranks destinations across eight Asian markets with populations under 50,000, showcasing the appeal of these serene environments.

The list also includes Fujikawaguchiko in Japan, Kenting in Taiwan, Sapa in Vietnam, Munnar in India, and Pyeongchang-gun in South Korea, rounding out the top eight rural destinations. Each location offers unique attractions, from the lush tea plantations of Cameron Highlands to the hot springs near Mount Fuji.

Cameron Highlands is renowned for its cool climate and vibrant landscapes, making it a peaceful retreat for those looking to explore nature and local culture. Similarly, Khao Yai’s rich biodiversity and outdoor activities attract adventure seekers, whilst Puncak’s breathtaking mountain views provide a refreshing escape.

As highland tourism continues to rise, these destinations promise travellers a distinct and rejuvenating experience away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Several Singapore stocks have demonstrated improved liquidity since June, with more than 30 stocks increasing their 2025 year-to-date (YTD) Average Daily Turnover (ADT) to above S$100,000, up from below S$100,000 in the first half of 2025. This improvement is reflected in higher ADT and narrower bid-ask spreads, alongside valuation accretion through rising Price-to-Book (P/B) ratios.

Among these, Sanli Env’s YTD ADT surged from S$17,000 as of 30 June to S$488,000 by 12 September, with its P/B ratio increasing from 1.0x to 2.4x. Sunpower also saw its bid-ask spread narrow significantly, from 701 basis points (bps) in late June to 113 bps last week.

Seven stocks, including PropNex and Samudera Shipping Line, have seen their YTD ADT rise to over S$1 million since June. PropNex reported a 122% year-on-year increase in attributable profit for the first half of the financial year 2025, whilst Samudera Shipping Line reported a 100% increase.

Additionally, Oiltek International, which transferred from Catalist to the Mainboard on 6 June, reported a 37.1% year-on-year growth in attributable profit for the first half of the financial year 2025. The company also secured RM74.3 million in new contracts from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Pakistan.

Overall, these developments highlight a significant shift in market dynamics, with increased investor interest and improved trading conditions for several stocks on the Singapore Exchange. As these trends continue, they may influence future market performance and investor strategies.

Singapore’s new home sales in August 2025 reached unprecedented levels, marking the highest monthly record for the year. According to CBRE, developers launched 2,496 new units, a 49% increase from July, with 2,142 units sold—up 127.9% month-on-month. This surge is attributed to a flurry of new launches ahead of the Seventh Lunar Month, which began on 23 August.

The top-performing project was Springleaf Residence, which sold 884 units at a median price of $2,166 per square foot (psf), achieving a 94% sell-through rate. River Green followed, selling 451 units at $3,111 psf, making it the best-selling project in the Core Central Region (CCR) in a decade. Promenade Peak and Canberra Crescent Residences also saw strong sales, with 333 and 211 units sold, respectively.

Tricia Song, Head of Research for Singapore and Southeast Asia at CBRE, noted that the strong buying sentiment is supported by low interest rates and a positive economic outlook, with the Ministry of Trade and Industry upgrading the 2025 GDP growth forecast to 1.5-2.5%.

Looking forward, sales are expected to slow in September due to the Lunar Seventh Month. However, several anticipated launches, including Zyon Grand and Penrith, could sustain momentum. CBRE forecasts that new home sales for 2025 could reach 8,000-9,000 units, surpassing previous estimates. Private home prices, which rose 1.8% in the first half of 2025, are expected to continue their upward trend, with a full-year increase of 3-4% anticipated.

In a recent joint advisory, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the Visual, Interactive and Creative Professionals Association (VICPA) have announced that companies in Singapore are prohibited from engaging foreign freelancers to provide services to clients within the country. This move aims to regulate the local freelance market and ensure compliance with existing employment laws.

The advisory emphasises that companies must adhere to the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act, which mandates that only individuals with valid work passes are allowed to work in Singapore.

The decision comes amidst growing concerns over the impact of foreign freelancers on the local job market. By enforcing this rule, the government seeks to prioritise employment opportunities for Singaporean residents and ensure that companies comply with local labour regulations.

The advisory further clarifies that companies found violating this rule may face penalties, including fines and restrictions on hiring foreign workers in the future. This measure underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of the local workforce.

As the freelance economy continues to evolve, this advisory serves as a reminder for companies to review their hiring practices and ensure they align with Singapore’s employment laws. The MOM and VICPA will continue to monitor the situation and provide further guidance as necessary.

GMA Garnet Group, part of the Jebsen & Jessen Group, is celebrating the first anniversary of its distribution hub in Port Klang, Malaysia. Since its opening in June 2024, the facility has become a pivotal gateway for the company’s operations in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, handling 71% of GMA’s garnet trade in Asia. This strategic location has significantly reduced lead times by up to 21 days and expanded market access for high-demand industrial materials.

The Port Klang hub supports the burgeoning APAC construction market, supplying premium garnet products like ToughBlast™, which is designed for extreme surface preparation environments. The hub’s establishment is a response to the increasing demand for high-quality industrial materials across sectors such as marine, oil and gas, infrastructure, and manufacturing.

GMA has also strengthened its leadership in the region with the appointments of Shashi Kumar as Sales and Marketing Manager and Chris Manger as Head of Technical – APAC. These appointments aim to drive business growth and enhance customer relationships.

The success of the Port Klang hub underscores its importance as a strategic asset for GMA, facilitating faster delivery and broader market coverage. As the hub continues to grow, it is expected to further solidify GMA’s position in the APAC industrial garnet market, meeting the rising demand for high-quality materials in the region.

Citi has announced the appointment of Lee Lung Nien as Citi Country Officer and Banking Head for Singapore, marking a significant milestone as he becomes the first Singaporean to hold this position in half a century. Lung succeeds Tibor Pandi, who has been with the firm for eight years, contributing significantly in Thailand and Singapore since 2017.

Lung will oversee all Citi operations in Singapore, focusing on franchise performance, client and regulatory relationships, and maintaining a robust risk and control environment. He will report to Amol Gupte, Citi’s Head of Asia South, and join the Asia South Management team on 6 October.

Amol Gupte praised Lung’s appointment, stating, “A product of Citi’s global talent programme, Lung brings a wealth of multi-market experience and proven leadership, positioning him ideally to lead the Singapore franchise.”

With a 35-year tenure at Citi, Lung has held various leadership roles, including Chairman of Citi Private Bank for South Asia and CEO of Citibank Berhad in Malaysia. His career spans multiple senior positions in anti-money laundering, operations, corporate sales and structuring, and markets across Asia, with international experience in London, New York, and Malaysia.

This appointment is expected to further advance Citi’s presence in Singapore, leveraging Lung’s extensive client knowledge and interpersonal skills. As Citi continues to expand its global footprint, Lung’s leadership is anticipated to play a crucial role in strengthening the bank’s operations in the region.