Industry News

Franklin Templeton, a global investment manager, has partnered with DBS Bank to introduce Singapore’s first tokenised retail fund, the Franklin Onchain U.S. Dollar Short-Term Money Market Fund. Approved by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, the fund is available to DBS wealth clients and accredited investors, with retail access expected in early 2026. This initiative aims to democratise investment by allowing fractional ownership and lowering the minimum investment to US$20.

The fund leverages Franklin Templeton’s Benji Technology Platform, which integrates blockchain for real-time data, improved liquidity, and daily yield accrual. This technology ensures secure and transparent investment tracking, enhancing the fund’s appeal by offering high-quality, short-term U.S. dollar assets with the benefits of blockchain’s speed and efficiency.

The collaboration between Franklin Templeton and DBS Bank combines the bank’s digital infrastructure with Franklin Templeton’s expertise in tokenised assets. Tariq Ahmad, Head of APAC at Franklin Templeton, highlighted the growing interest in tokenised funds, stating, “We are excited to collaborate with DBS to bring this tokenised fund to the retail market.”

James Tan, Group Head of Investment Products & Advisory at DBS Bank, noted the transformative potential of tokenisation, saying, “By availing Singapore’s first tokenised retail fund to our customers, we are making it simpler and more convenient for them to start investing.”

This partnership marks a significant step in advancing financial inclusion and innovation in Singapore’s digital asset ecosystem, with Franklin Templeton continuing to integrate blockchain capabilities into traditional asset management.

Colliers Singapore has unveiled its Q3 2025 Industrial & Logistics Insights, highlighting a robust industrial property market despite global trade uncertainties. The report underscores a trend towards specification-led demand, particularly for automation-ready and advanced manufacturing facilities, which is shaping leasing strategies and driving market performance.

Prime logistics rents increased to $1.28 (S$1.75) per square foot, supported by a tight supply and healthy demand. Island-wide vacancy rates tightened to 10.9%, influenced by the withdrawal and demolition of older estates. Capital values rose to $162.50 (S$222) per square foot, with yields compressing to 7.20%. The demand for AI-related electronics and life sciences is providing a buffer against macroeconomic challenges.

Catherine He, Head of Research at Colliers Singapore, noted, “Singapore’s industrial sector remains resilient despite global trade headwinds. Occupiers are prioritising assets that meet operational needs such as specification-rich facilities that support automation and advanced manufacturing.”

The report also projects a steady rise in industrial supply through to the end of 2027, with an anticipated total of 1.3 million square metres, significantly above the historical average. Nicolas Menville, Executive Director and Head of Singapore-based Industrial Clients, commented on the evolving leasing environment, stating, “Modern logistics assets will continue to command premiums, whilst older stock must adapt to stay competitive.”

Colliers forecasts a moderation in industrial rental growth to around 2% in 2025, with price growth expected to edge up by approximately 4%, bolstered by investor confidence in Singapore’s stable macroeconomic environment.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has announced the introduction of a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Levy, effective from 1 April 2026, for flights departing Singapore from 1 October 2026. This levy will apply to all Origin-Destination passengers, cargo shipments, and general and business aviation flights, aiming to support Singapore’s sustainability goals in aviation.

The SAF Levy is designed to meet a 1% SAF target for 2026, reflecting the price premium of SAF over conventional jet fuel. The levy varies by distance, with destinations grouped into four geographical bands. For economy class passengers, charges will range from S$1.00 for Southeast Asia to S$10.40 for the Americas. Premium cabin passengers will pay four times the economy rate, aligning with industry norms for carbon emissions calculations.

Cargo shipments will incur a levy based on weight and distance, starting at S$0.01 per kilogramme for Southeast Asia. General and business aviation flights will be charged per aircraft, with fees varying by aircraft size and distance.

The levy will fund the purchase of SAF and its environmental attributes, managed by the Singapore Sustainable Aviation Fuel Company Ltd. CAAS Director-General Han Kok Juan stated, “The introduction of the SAF Levy marks a major step forward in Singapore’s effort to build a more sustainable and competitive air hub.”

Singapore aims to achieve net zero aviation emissions by 2050, with a 1% SAF uplift target for 2026, potentially increasing to 3-5% by 2030. The levy is part of broader initiatives under the Singapore Sustainable Air Hub Blueprint to decarbonise the aviation sector.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has released key insights from the Transition Credits Coalition’s (TRACTION) Final Report, alongside a Statement of Support for Energy Transition Credits. These initiatives aim to promote energy transition credits as a viable financing mechanism to expedite the shift from coal to cleaner energy sources in Asia.

TRACTION, a multi-stakeholder initiative launched by MAS, involves over 30 partners and focuses on addressing the significant greenhouse gas emissions from coal plants in Asia. The Final Report offers practical solutions and identifies areas for further action to operationalise and scale energy transition credits. It builds on previous findings regarding the integrity and scalability of these credits, developed in collaboration with industry partners.

Key insights from the report highlight Asia’s substantial potential for generating high-integrity energy transition credits. A third of coal-fired power plants across 15 Asian markets could potentially generate these credits, representing around 1 gigatonne of CO₂ emissions reductions annually. The report emphasises the need for a whole-of-ecosystem partnership to realise this potential, including government support through clear energy policies and methodologies tailored to regional needs.

The report also stresses the importance of predictable carbon revenues and robust risk-mitigation solutions to enhance scalability. It suggests alternative approaches, such as phased shutdowns, to maintain energy reliability and stakeholder engagement. Furthermore, the report underscores the role of energy transition credits in supporting a Just Transition, ensuring energy accessibility and affordability whilst fostering community development.

The Statement of Support has garnered participation from 21 public and private entities, including the Government of Singapore, to engage in energy transition credit projects. This collective interest aims to boost confidence among plant owners and host governments for earlier coal retirement.

Looking ahead, the next phase will focus on translating TRACTION’s foundational work into concrete projects, with continued emphasis on integrity and scalability. Key partners, such as the Rockefeller Foundation and the Kinetic Coalition, will lead these efforts, aiming to build a robust pipeline of high-quality projects across Asia.

CIMB Singapore and Frasers Property have entered a five-year strategic partnership to offer over 2,000 retail tenants across 12 malls tailored financial solutions, including Singapore’s first “pay-as-you-earn” SME loan. This collaboration aims to enhance tenants’ cash flow and business resilience whilst promoting community engagement through initiatives like Silver Social Spaces.

The partnership introduces CIMB FlexiPay, an innovative loan that links repayments to daily revenue, allowing businesses to repay only when they earn. This flexible financing is exclusive to Frasers Property tenants, providing them with a unique opportunity to manage liquidity effectively. Additionally, tenants will benefit from zero fees on payment terminals and account setups, alongside unlimited free transactions via PayNow, FAST, and GIRO.

Beyond financial support, the partnership focuses on community impact through the Silver Social Spaces initiative, which engages seniors in meaningful activities at Frasers Property malls. This programme, supported by employee volunteers, aims to foster inclusion and active ageing.

Benjamin Tan, Head of Commercial and Transaction Banking at CIMB Singapore, highlighted the importance of supporting SMEs, stating, “This collaboration reflects CIMB Singapore’s commitment to go beyond banking to empower businesses, strengthen communities, and drive sustainable growth.” Adrian Tan, Managing Director of Retail at Frasers Property Singapore, added that the partnership is set to deliver greater value to SMEs through tailored financial solutions.

The initiative is expected to generate significant savings for SMEs, with a projected combined savings of $2.7m (S$3.7m) for about 500 businesses within the first two years. This strategic move marks a significant step towards building a resilient and inclusive retail ecosystem in Singapore.

Sanli has been awarded a significant contract valued at S$205m by Singapore’s National Water Agency, PUB, for the development of Changi NEWater Factory 3. This project, set to last 24 months, further boosts Sanli’s order book to a record S$838.7m. The announcement follows a recent S$281m contract from the Land Transport Authority (LTA) in October 2025, marking the largest single contract in the company’s history.

The new project is anticipated to positively impact Sanli’s net tangible assets and earnings per share over its duration. Sanli’s CEO and Executive Director, Sim Hock Heng, expressed confidence in the company’s capabilities and execution. “Building on the momentum of a recent contract win from LTA, we believe that the latest project win reflects the confidence in our capabilities, disciplined execution, and the enduring trust we have built for nearly 20 years,” he stated.

Sanli’s strategic focus on water and environmental sustainability aligns with Singapore’s priorities, ensuring continued support for public sector clients in delivering large-scale infrastructure solutions. This latest contract not only enhances Sanli’s order book but also contributes to its resilience and diversification, supporting sustainable growth in the future.

Capital Group, a leading global investment manager with over $3 trillion in assets, has expanded its Financial Intermediaries team in Asia by appointing Ser Kiat Lim as Director for Singapore and Southeast Asia. Based in Singapore, Lim will focus on strengthening the firm’s retail and private wealth distribution networks across the region, working closely with banks, insurance firms, and investment platforms.

Lim, who brings a decade of experience from roles at Goldman Sachs Asset Management and J.P. Morgan Asset Management, will report to Suyin Tan, Head of Financial Intermediaries for Singapore and Southeast Asia. Tan expressed enthusiasm about Lim’s appointment, stating, “His deep expertise will be invaluable in meeting the increasing demand for Capital Group’s time-tested strategies, especially among retail and mass affluent clients in Asia.”

This strategic move aligns with Capital Group’s broader expansion into the mass affluent segment, highlighted by the recent launch of the Capital Group American Balanced fund (AMBAL) to DBS/POSB customers and the TA US Balanced Fund in Malaysia. These initiatives aim to provide long-term wealth-building opportunities for investors in the region.

Capital Group’s core offerings in Asia include flagship strategies such as American Balanced, New Perspective, and Global Corporate Bond, which are designed to deliver consistent long-term results. The appointment of Lim is expected to further Capital Group’s mission of improving lives through successful investing, particularly by lowering entry barriers for Asian investors seeking global market opportunities.
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DBS has officially launched its enhanced virtual assistant, DBS Joy, for corporate clients, integrating generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) to provide round-the-clock support. Accessible via DBS IDEAL, the virtual agent offers instant answers to common queries and connects users to customer service specialists for complex issues. Since trials began in February, DBS Joy has managed over 120,000 unique chats, with around 4,000 corporate clients using the service monthly.

The introduction of DBS Joy aims to improve customer satisfaction by offering quicker responses and reducing wait times. Satisfaction scores have already increased by over 23% since the service’s enhancement. Chen Ze Ling, Group Head of Corporate and SME Banking at DBS, highlighted the bank’s commitment to empowering SMEs through innovative customer experiences, stating that DBS Joy represents a significant advancement in providing intelligent support.

Developed in-house, DBS Joy utilises large language models and the bank’s proprietary knowledge base to deliver dynamic, contextual responses. The system undergoes rigorous testing and customer feedback to ensure high accuracy, with responses filtered through internal checks to mitigate risks. Post-interaction, DBS Joy evaluators assess response quality and suggest improvements.

Welson Jamin, Group Head of Operations at DBS, noted that the virtual assistant allows customers to access information efficiently, whilst Gen AI supports employees in providing faster, more accurate responses. Kelvin Ong, a DBS Joy evaluator, emphasised the importance of quality assurance in delivering reliable customer service.

Looking forward, DBS plans to expand DBS Joy’s functionality and roll it out to other markets, including Hong Kong and India. The bank’s integration of Gen AI has been globally recognised, with DBS named the World’s Best AI Bank by Global Finance.
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RINA, a multinational consulting engineering group, has inaugurated its Singapore Open Innovation Hub, marking a significant milestone in its global strategy. The hub, operational since the end of 2024, is designed to integrate into Singapore’s innovation landscape, reinforcing the city-state’s role in maritime and technological advancements. The launch included the formation of the Singapore Open Innovation Hub Advisory Committee, which aims to foster strategic collaborations.

The hub’s establishment aligns with Singapore’s vision for growth and sustainability, focusing on accelerating collaboration and technological breakthroughs. RINA’s CEO, Carlo Luzzatto, emphasised the company’s commitment to innovation, stating, “Innovation at scale, advancing sustainability, and fostering knowledge sharing are the pillars of RINA’s growth strategy.”

Key partnerships were also announced, including Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) and the Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) of Singapore. These agreements aim to nurture maritime talent and establish a technology demonstration centre to accelerate digitalisation and decarbonisation efforts.

The hub’s activities included hosting events from 3 to 5 November, which featured discussions on port digital twins and marine fuels. Michael Phoon, Chairman of the Advisory Committee, highlighted the importance of collaboration, stating, “Innovation thrives when knowledge flows freely.”

RINA’s involvement in the PIER71 Smart Port Challenge further underscores its commitment to maritime innovation. The company sponsored the Digitalisation award, recognising innovative solutions in crew wellness.

With these initiatives, RINA aims to contribute significantly to Singapore’s maritime sector, fostering a smarter, safer, and more sustainable future.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has revealed a significant rise in artificial intelligence (AI) adoption among Singaporean businesses, with 170,000 companies now utilising AI—a 20% increase from the previous year. The study, titled “Unlocking Singapore’s AI Potential,” surveyed 1,000 business leaders and 1,000 members of the public, highlighting that 48% of businesses have embraced AI technology.

AI adoption is most prevalent in the financial services sector, with 71% of companies using AI, followed closely by the technology sector at 70% and healthcare at 63%. The report indicates that 82% of AI-adopting businesses have seen revenue increases, averaging 19%, and 90% have reported significant productivity improvements. However, the study also notes that 65% of businesses are still focused on basic AI applications, with only 17% reaching advanced integration levels.

A notable gap exists between startups and large enterprises in AI innovation. Whilst 82% of startups are using AI, with 42% developing new AI-driven products, only 16% of large enterprises are doing the same. This disparity could influence Singapore’s economic landscape, as startups push forward with innovative AI solutions.

Skills shortages remain a barrier, with 43% of businesses citing a lack of skilled personnel as a hindrance to further AI adoption. To address this, 30% of companies have implemented AI-specific training programmes, with 40% of employees undergoing digital training in the past year.

Priscilla Chong, AWS Country Manager for Singapore, emphasised the need for deeper AI integration, stating, “Singapore stands at a critical inflection point where early AI adoption success must now translate into deeper integration—moving from experimentation to being AI-powered.” AWS has launched Amazon Bedrock AgentCore in Singapore to help businesses overcome skills and implementation barriers, facilitating the transition from basic to advanced AI adoption.