Industry News

Primech AI, a leader in AI-powered cleaning and facility management robotics, has secured a landmark lease agreement to deploy its Hytron autonomous bathroom cleaning robots in a Singapore army camp. This agreement signifies a major advancement in Primech AI’s mission to modernise large-scale facility management through automation and robotics.

The deployment of Hytron robots highlights the trust placed in Primech AI’s technology, which is designed to improve hygiene, reduce manpower dependency, and support sustainability initiatives in high-demand environments. Charles Ng Chew Poh, Chief Operating Officer of Primech AI, stated, “Our technology is not only improving cleaning efficiency but also supporting national sustainability and manpower optimisation goals.”

The lease includes comprehensive support from Primech AI, covering delivery, training, maintenance, and warranty-backed assistance to ensure smooth operations. This initiative marks a new growth avenue for Primech AI, expanding its presence in public sector and institutional facilities beyond commercial and educational environments.

By securing this agreement, Primech AI strengthens its position as a trusted partner in Singapore’s push towards smart, sustainable, and automated facility management solutions. The company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability positions it as a leader in the industry, contributing to advancing operational standards in mission-critical facilities.

SGX Derivatives is set to transform institutional crypto trading with the launch of Bitcoin and Ethereum perpetual futures on 24 November 2025. This initiative aims to bring the discipline and transparency of global financial markets to the dynamic world of cryptocurrencies, offering a regulated exchange-cleared framework for these popular products.

Perpetual futures, which account for over $187b in daily average volumes globally, are now being brought onshore by SGX. This move enables institutions to trade Bitcoin and Ethereum with confidence and scale. Michael Syn, President of SGX Group, stated, “Digital assets have made their way into institutional investors’ portfolios. By bringing the perpetuals into an exchange-cleared regulated framework, we offer institutions the trust and scalability they have been waiting for.”

The contracts are benchmarked to iEdge CoinDesk Crypto Indices, aligning with widely recognised institutional-grade benchmarks. Andy Baehr, Head of Product and Research at CoinDesk Indices, noted, “We are excited to see SGX Derivatives bring perpetual futures onshore with traditional margining and clearing.”

The launch has been well-received by industry participants. Leonard Hoh, General Manager of Bitstamp by Robinhood Asia Pacific, remarked on the evolving market infrastructure, whilst Patrick Yeo of DBS Bank highlighted the enhanced precision and capital efficiency offered by crypto perpetuals. Joseph Chang, CEO of Liquibit Capital, praised SGX’s move as a key step in bringing regulated liquidity to Asia’s digital asset markets.

This development marks a significant milestone in the maturation of the digital asset ecosystem, providing a robust foundation for institutional participation and long-term growth.

CQG, a leading provider of high-performance technology solutions, has announced a partnership with Webull Singapore to support the broker’s new futures trading offering. This collaboration will see CQG providing professional-grade trading infrastructure and global order routing access, enhancing Webull Singapore’s capabilities in the futures market. Webull Singapore, a subsidiary of Webull Corporation, aims to leverage CQG’s extensive experience to deliver a superior trading experience to its clients.

The partnership marks CQG’s continued expansion in the Asia-Pacific region, following similar collaborations with Webull’s subsidiaries in Hong Kong and Malaysia since 2023. Jonathan Man, CEO of Webull Singapore, expressed satisfaction with the seamless integration, stating, “At Webull, we wish to provide the best trading experience to our customers.” The collaboration is expected to support Webull’s growing retail and institutional client base in the region.

Ben Soong, CQG President APAC, highlighted the significance of the partnership, noting Singapore’s active market of investors with a growing interest in futures trading. “CQG has long been dedicated to serving this market in Singapore,” he said. John Co, Managing Director Southeast Asia for CQG, added that the partnership exemplifies how successful retail trading firms can rely on CQG’s infrastructure whilst using their own trading apps.

This development is poised to strengthen Webull Singapore’s position in the financial markets, offering enhanced trading options and connectivity to major markets globally. As the demand for futures trading grows, the partnership is expected to play a crucial role in meeting the needs of investors in the region.

The Singapore property market witnessed a remarkable surge in October 2025, with developers selling 2,424 units, a 9.5-fold increase from the previous month and a 224.1% rise compared to October 2024. This marks the highest October sales since data collection began in 2007, according to Huttons Asia CEO Mark Yip.

The surge was driven by several factors, including a significant rate cut by the US Federal Reserve in September 2025, which lowered local borrowing rates to below 2%—the lowest since 2023. This attracted investors eager to capitalise on the favourable borrowing conditions. Additionally, a steady pipeline of attractively-priced launches and pent-up demand contributed to the robust sales figures.

October saw the launch of 2,233 units, a dramatic increase from just 20 units in September 2025. Major projects such as Faber Residence, Penrith, Skye at Holland, and Zyon Grand were key contributors. Skye at Holland, for instance, sold 662 units, accounting for 91.4% of sales in the Core Central Region (CCR), with a competitive median price of $2,949 per square foot.

Singaporeans dominated the buyer demographic, making up 86.7% of purchasers, whilst permanent residents accounted for 12%. Notably, four units priced above $10 million were sold, with a record $6,501 per square foot paid for a unit in the Aman-branded Skywaters Residences.

Looking ahead, Huttons Data Analytics estimates total developer sales for 2025 could reach 11,000 units, the highest since 2021, with prices expected to grow between 3% and 4% for the year.

Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group experienced a notable rise in passenger traffic in October 2025, with a 5.3% year-on-year increase, driven by sustained demand for air travel. This growth outpaced the 3.7% rise in passenger capacity, leading to a 1.3 percentage point increase in the Group’s passenger load factor, reaching 87.3%.

SIA reported a monthly passenger load factor of 86.8%, whilst its low-cost subsidiary, Scoot, achieved 89.0%. Together, the airlines transported 3.6 million passengers, marking an 8.3% increase compared to the previous year. Scoot also expanded its network by launching services to Da Nang, Vietnam, and Kota Bharu, Malaysia, enhancing the Group’s presence in South East Asia.

Conversely, the cargo sector faced challenges due to global trade tensions, resulting in a 4.6% decline in cargo carriage year-on-year. Cargo loads dropped by 9.1%, whilst cargo capacity saw a slight increase of 0.3%. Consequently, the cargo load factor decreased by 5.6 percentage points to 53.5%.

By the end of October, the SIA Group’s passenger network spanned 130 destinations across 37 countries and territories, with SIA serving 78 destinations and Scoot 75. The cargo network included 134 destinations in 38 countries and territories.

AWC Berhad, through its subsidiary Stream Environment (S) Pte Ltd, has been awarded a S$4.6m contract by the Housing & Development Board of Singapore for the design, build, and operation of a Pneumatic Waste Conveyance System. The contract, announced on 14 November 2025, is part of Project EW & FM and marks a significant addition to AWC’s portfolio in Singapore.

The contract is structured in two phases, each comprising design and construction works, expected to span 12 and 24 months respectively. This project is a testament to AWC’s growing influence in the Singaporean market, bolstering its order book and enhancing earnings visibility for the coming years. The Group’s CEO, Ahmad Kabeer bin Mohamed Nagoor, expressed satisfaction with the continued trust from HDB, a returning client, and highlighted that the cumulative major contract wins for FY26 now total approximately RM270m.

AWC’s Environment Division is poised for growth, leveraging its position as a leader in automated pneumatic waste collection systems. The global market for such systems is projected to grow significantly, with East Asia expected to see a compound annual growth rate of 8.3% by 2034. This favourable outlook provides a solid foundation for AWC to capture further growth opportunities in both domestic and regional markets.

The pneumatic waste collection industry is gaining momentum due to increasing urbanisation and regulatory support for sustainable waste management solutions. AWC’s patented shuttle system, which uses 70% less energy than traditional systems, positions the company well to meet these demands.

GenPrime Fertility has opened its latest clinic at Camden Medical in Singapore, marking a significant expansion in Southeast Asia. This new facility, part of Rhea Fertility’s global network, offers a complete range of fertility services, including consultations, diagnostics, egg and sperm freezing, and in vitro fertilisation (IVF). The clinic aims to provide a seamless patient experience by integrating medical expertise, AI-enhanced diagnostics, and emotional wellness resources under one roof.

Located on the 16th floor of Camden Medical, the clinic is designed by JJ Acuña to create a calming environment that supports patient comfort and confidence. The facility features an embryology lab developed in collaboration with Genea Fertility from Australia, utilising advanced time-lapse incubation technology to aid embryo development and clinical decision-making.

The Singapore centre is led by Medical Director and Clinical Governance Officer Jessie Phoon and Senior Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Steven Teo. Their multidisciplinary team includes specialists, embryologists, and counsellors who provide comprehensive care that balances clinical expertise with emotional support.

GenPrime’s integrated approach ensures continuity of care across its network, allowing patients to continue treatment at partner clinics in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, and Los Angeles. This model maintains consistent and transparent treatment plans, regardless of location.

Margaret Wang, CEO of Rhea Fertility, emphasised the personal nature of fertility care, stating, “Every new clinic is a reminder that behind each treatment is a person with hope, and that is what guides everything we do.”

Singapore Management University (SMU), in collaboration with a global consortium of universities and finance leaders, has unveiled the Sustainable Finance Taxonomy Mapper. This pioneering platform, launched on 17 November 2025, is designed to compare and connect sustainable finance taxonomies across different countries, facilitating a shared understanding of taxonomy design and enhancing global interoperability in sustainable finance standards.

The initiative, developed with partners including Dublin City University, the University of Edinburgh, and the Climate Bonds Initiative, seeks to support policymakers and improve the design of sustainable finance policies. Dr Theodor Cojoianu of SMU, who co-leads the research team, highlighted the platform’s role in providing data and tools for effective policy design, stating, “Our sustainable finance mapper tool and academic network will support policymakers, financial services actors, and civil society.”

The project is co-funded by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. It invites global academic institutions to contribute to expanding the platform, aiming to bridge the divide in green finance policies worldwide. Sean Kidney, CEO of the Climate Bonds Initiative, remarked, “The next step is a tool to navigate seamlessly across them, quickly finding the extensive common ground.”

SMU’s involvement underscores its commitment to transformative education and impactful research, aligning with its 2030 Strategic Plan. The university’s active participation in global discussions on climate change and sustainable finance further exemplifies its role in shaping international standards. Prof Elvin Lim, Dean of SMU’s College of Integrative Studies, expressed excitement about the college’s role in fostering international research partnerships on green finance policies.

Yangzijiang Maritime Development Ltd. has announced the signing of contracts to sell four new medium-range tankers for a total of US$180m. Additionally, the company has entered into letters of intent for joint ventures to construct eight new vessels, including four medium-range tankers and four bulk carriers. These developments are part of Yangzijiang Maritime’s strategy to optimise its fleet and capitalise on opportunities in the global maritime industry.

The contracts for the sale of the tankers, each with a deadweight tonnage (DWT) of 49,800, have been signed with a shipowner based in the Marshall Islands. These vessels are currently under construction at a Chinese shipyard and are expected to be delivered between 2026 and 2027.

In a parallel move, Yangzijiang Maritime has signed letters of intent to establish joint ventures for building four additional medium-range tankers with a European shipowner and four bulk carriers with a Singapore-based shipowner. These vessels will also be constructed at Chinese shipyards, with delivery anticipated between 2027 and 2028. The company will hold majority equity interests in these joint ventures, aligning with its portfolio diversification strategy.

Ren Yuanlin, Executive Chairman and CEO of Yangzijiang Maritime, stated, “These transactions mark important progress in Yangzijiang Maritime’s strategic journey as a one-stop maritime financial solutions provider.”

Yangzijiang Maritime is set to commence trading on the Main Board of the Singapore Exchange on 18 November 2025, following its spin-off from Yangzijiang Financial Holding Ltd. This move is expected to further strengthen the company’s position in the maritime financial solutions sector.

Dell Technologies has unveiled the findings of its “Dell Technologies Insights Singapore 2025” survey, highlighting a paradox in Singapore’s approach to artificial intelligence (AI). Whilst Singaporean companies are rapidly adopting AI and Generative AI (GenAI) at rates comparable to the Asia Pacific and Japan (APJC) region, they remain cautious about the return on investment (ROI) from these technologies.

The survey, which included 100 Singaporean respondents, found that 72% of companies view innovation as a key business strategy, with 73% considering AI central to their vision. Despite this strategic focus, Singaporean firms anticipate a 26.9% ROI from AI, below the APJC average of 33.3%. This cautious outlook is further reflected in the 42% of companies expressing pessimism about AI’s short-term value.

Andy Sim, Vice President and Managing Director of Dell Technologies Singapore, noted, “High AI adoption paired with cautious ROI expectations shows that organisations are being intentional and critical about where AI delivers real value.” He added that whilst 52% of Singaporean companies are in the early to mid-stages of AI adoption, 95% acknowledge challenges in integration, data security, and workforce skills.

The survey also identified barriers to AI adoption, including data security concerns, regulatory compliance, and integration with existing systems. Additionally, 97% of companies face challenges in preparing data for AI, with issues such as data privacy and infrastructure integration being prominent.

As Singaporean businesses navigate these complexities, the survey suggests that holistic strategies, cross-functional collaboration, and trusted partnerships are essential for successful digital transformation. The findings underscore the need for robust infrastructure and skilled talent to harness AI’s potential effectively.