Industry News

SC Capital Partners, a Singapore-based private equity real estate firm, has announced the sale of an education-focused commercial building in Daechi-dong, Gangnam, Seoul. The property, acquired in October 2016 for KRW26b, was sold for KRW54b, more than doubling its initial investment. The transaction was completed at a net operating income yield of below 3% based on the sale price.

Located in one of Seoul’s most prestigious education districts, the six-storey building boasts a gross lettable area of approximately 4,189 square metres and has maintained full occupancy. The area is known for its high concentration of schools, private tutoring academies, and upscale residential developments, which have contributed to stable rental growth and resilient performance during SC Capital Partners’ ownership.

The firm enhanced the tenant profile by transforming the ground floor retail space from a discount store to a trendy stationery gift shop, complementing the educational tenants. Additionally, proactive leasing initiatives significantly improved rental income.

Suchad Chiaranussati, Chairman and Founder of SC Capital Partners, stated, “This successful exit reflects our conviction in education as a long-term structural theme and our ability to generate value through active asset management.”

The sale underscores SC Capital Partners’ focus on the education sector, which is supported by strong structural demand in South Korea. The firm’s investment in the property exemplifies its strategy of leveraging thematic, locally grounded approaches to deliver robust outcomes for investors.

Singapore Airlines (SIA) is set to launch its Time To Fly travel fair in October 2025, presenting over 380,000 discounted tickets across SIA and its low-cost subsidiary, Scoot. The promotional fares are available for SIA flights from January to September 2026 and for Scoot flights from November 2025 to October 2026.

The online sales will be accessible from 24 October to 6 November 2025 through the SIA and Scoot websites, mobile applications, and appointed travel agents. Additionally, a physical travel fair will take place from 24 to 26 October 2025 at the Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre, featuring deals from over 30 travel agents and partners.

SIA is offering promotions on more than 200,000 return tickets across Business Class, Premium Economy Class, and Economy Class to 77 global destinations, including Brisbane, Frankfurt, Ho Chi Minh City, San Francisco, and Taipei. Scoot will provide discounts on over 180,000 one-way fares to 61 destinations, including new routes to Chiang Rai, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Tokyo (Haneda), and Vienna.

Vinod Kannan, Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing at Singapore Airlines, highlighted the fair’s significance, stating, “Time To Fly has become an annual highlight for our Singapore-based customers.” Calvin Chan, Chief Commercial Officer at Scoot, added, “We look forward to having even more travellers journey with Scoot, creating memorable travel stories at even greater value.”

The fair will also feature exclusive giveaways, including a grand lucky draw prize of three pairs of SIA Business Class return tickets to Beijing, Manila, and Sydney, with hotel accommodation. Additional prizes include SIA Business Class return tickets to Denpasar, Osaka, and Malé, as well as Scoot vouchers worth up to $1,460 (S$2,000).

Jumpshot Singapore has reached a significant milestone by climbing to 35th in the FIBA 3×3 Team Rankings, marking the highest position ever achieved by a Singapore-based professional team. This achievement highlights Jumpshot’s growing competitiveness and its mission to elevate 3×3 basketball in Singapore and the region.

“Breaking into the world’s top 40 is an important step for both our team and Singapore basketball,” said Esther Quek, Founder and CEO of Jumpshot Singapore. The team’s success is attributed to a blend of experienced international players and ambitious local talent. Key figures include Filip Krämer from Austria, Hungary’s Attila Demeter, and global standouts like Dillon Stith from Australia and Omer Sadeh from Israel.

Jumpshot also focuses on nurturing local talent, with players like Sergul Toh, Ron Teh, and Jackson Mah gaining exposure to international competition. “The most sustainable way to build a strong team is to mix world-class experience with local drive,” said Demeter, who also mentors within Jumpshot’s youth programme.

This strategic mix has led Jumpshot to secure podium finishes across multiple tournaments in Asia, establishing itself as one of the region’s most consistent and competitive professional 3×3 teams. As the team continues to rise, it offers a platform for Singaporean players to pursue their sporting ambitions on the international stage.

The Nippon Budokan and the Japanese Budo Association are set to present a Japanese martial arts demonstration and workshop at the Singapore Sport Hub OCBC Arena Hall 1A on 30 November 2025. This event marks Singapore’s 60th independence anniversary and aims to foster cultural ties between Japan and Singapore. The programme will run from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, featuring demonstrations by leading masters and workshops for attendees to try martial arts like Judo, Kendo, Karate, and Aikido.

The event is part of the “Japanese Budo Delegation,” which has been showcasing the traditions of Budo worldwide since 1978. Singapore is the 14th destination for the delegation, following a new operational format adopted in 2008. This visit also symbolises the deepening diplomatic relations between Japan and Singapore, which will celebrate 60 years of ties in 2026.

The programme will include nine modern Budo forms and three classical Kobudo schools, offering a comprehensive insight into Japanese martial arts. The Secretary-General of the Nippon Budokan stated, “Budo is more than a martial practice; it is a way of human education that nurtures strong and virtuous individuals in both body and mind.”

This cultural event provides Singaporeans with a unique opportunity to engage with Japanese Budo, promoting mutual understanding and celebrating the enduring friendship between the two nations. The event is open to families, students, and anyone interested in experiencing the essence of Budo.

The Singapore Digital Landscape 2025 report by AnyMind Group unveils significant insights into the evolving digital consumer behaviours in Singapore. The report, based on data from AnyMind’s platforms and local research by InQognito Insights, highlights that 54% of Singaporeans engage most with influencer-led short videos when discovering new brands, underscoring the growing influence of creator-driven content.

The study, which surveyed 1,255 consumers across the region, including Singapore, examines interactions across the marketing funnel—awareness, consideration, and conversion. It reveals that Singaporean audiences are 62% more likely to respond to sponsored influencer content. Additionally, they are 49% more likely to engage with influencer-led short videos, 45% with interactive ads, and 32% with in-game advertising.

Video ads, particularly product demos and tutorials, are most effective during the consideration stage, whilst strategic ad placement three days before a purchase significantly boosts conversions. Word of Mouth and Search remain pivotal in driving sales, highlighting the importance of trust and intent.

Toh Yi Hui, Country Manager of AnyMind Group in Singapore, noted, “Singapore’s brand-to-consumer landscape is evolving rapidly… It’s time for marketers to rethink the marketing funnel in today’s modern era.”

The report is part of a broader series covering Southeast Asia and the Middle East, aiming to equip marketers with insights for success in a digital-first world.

The newly launched Skye at Holland, a 666-unit residential project along Holland Drive, has achieved a near sell-out with 658 units sold over its launch weekend. This impressive 98.8% take-up rate sets a new benchmark for the Core Central Region (CCR), surpassing previous launches such as LyndenWoods and Emerald at Katong. According to Kelvin Fong, CEO of PropNex, the launch marks a significant milestone, reflecting strong local demand despite the 60% Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) affecting foreign interest.

The robust sales performance highlights a recovery in the CCR market, which had slowed following the ABSD tightening in April 2023. Local buyers, primarily Singaporeans and Singapore Permanent Residents, have shown a keen interest in well-located and competitively priced projects. The average price gap between CCR and Rest of Central Region (RCR) properties has narrowed to 19% in Q3 2025, according to URA Realis data.

Larger unit types were the first to sell out, indicating strong owner-occupier demand. The project’s strategic location near Holland Village, educational institutions, and transport links, coupled with a favourable interest rate environment and competitive pricing, contributed to its success.

The launch of Skye at Holland sets a positive tone for upcoming projects in the final quarter, including Penrith, Faber Residence, Zyon Grand, and The Sen.

Skye at Holland, the first project launch in Holland Village in five years, witnessed a remarkable response over its launch weekend, selling 658 units, or 98.8% of its total offerings. The development, located within a five-minute walk of Holland Village MRT station, attracted significant interest due to its prime location and the area’s bohemian charm, revitalised by the completion of One Holland Village in 2023.

The launch marked the first major project following the Lunar Seventh Month, with more than 2,100 cheques submitted for the 666 available units. Mark Yip, CEO of Huttons Asia, noted the strong demand for larger units, such as the 4-bedroom and 5-bedroom options, highlighting a preference for spacious living in prime locations among owner-occupiers.

The success of Skye at Holland is attributed to its strategic location and the dwindling supply of new housing options in the Core Central Region (CCR). In 2026, new housing units in the CCR are projected to be around 1,400, a significant drop from the 2,700 units available in 2025. This figure is expected to decrease further to approximately 700 units in 2027 unless new land is made available.

Buyers predominantly consisted of individuals residing in nearby private properties, with some HDB upgraders from high-value estates. The demand for larger units was evident, with all 3-bedroom and 4-bedroom units sold out, and nearly 90% of the 5-bedroom units purchased. Some buyers opted for larger units after their preferred 3-bedroom options were no longer available.

Forvis Mazars in Singapore has announced the appointment of Chan Xue Pei as Partner, Tax, effective 6 October 2025, to bolster its tax practice. The firm also promoted three women to senior leadership positions: Quek Siew Eng as Regional Quality and Risk Management Leader for the Group and Asia Pacific, Cheryl Koh as Head of Quality Management, and Ellyn Tan as Head of Financial Advisory. These appointments highlight the firm’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with women now making up 32% of the senior management team in Singapore.

Chan Xue Pei brings over 20 years of experience in international tax planning, specialising in financial services, banking, and asset management. She will focus on enhancing the firm’s financial services and asset management practices. “I’m passionate about turning complexity into opportunity and supporting businesses in building resilient, future-ready tax strategies,” Chan stated.

Quek Siew Eng, previously Head of Quality & Risk Management, will now drive the quality and risk management agenda across six regions. Cheryl Koh, with extensive experience in quality management, will ensure the firm’s services meet high standards of accuracy and trust. Ellyn Tan, known for her expertise in cross-border restructuring, will lead the Financial Advisory practice.

NHG Health and DFI Retail Group have entered into a long-term partnership to improve access to preventive care and wellness solutions in Singapore and Asia. Announced on 9 October, the collaboration seeks to address the region’s growing health needs by developing affordable, clinically relevant solutions for general wellbeing, healthy ageing, and family health.

The partnership comes in response to Asia’s rapidly ageing population and the rise of lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. Traditional hospital-centric models are insufficient to meet these demands, highlighting the need for accessible, community-focused preventive care. NHG Health will provide clinical expertise and research capabilities, whilst DFI Retail Group will leverage its retail network, including Guardian and Mannings stores, to ensure wide accessibility.

Professor Benjamin Seet of NHG Health emphasised the importance of community care, stating, “This partnership with DFI achieves exactly that. Through its extensive retail network, we will be able to reach millions of people across Singapore and the region, allowing us to bring evidence-based solutions closer to home.”

Andrew Wong, CEO of Health & Beauty at DFI Retail Group, noted that the collaboration sets a new benchmark for public-private healthcare partnerships, enhancing the role of Guardian and Mannings as trusted wellness advisers.

The partnership will use Singapore as a launchpad for broader regional impact, exploring new health and wellness solutions, including preventive screening tools and lifestyle interventions. This initiative underscores the importance of combining public sector expertise with private sector innovation to create sustainable healthcare pathways in Asia.

Young Singaporeans are placing greater importance on job security and financial stability over flexible work arrangements, according to a study by the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS). Released at the inaugural Youth Forum 2025, the study surveyed over 1,000 youths aged 18–35 and more than 250 employers, revealing a disconnect between youth aspirations and employer expectations.

The study, titled “Workplace Success and Soft Skills: Bridging the Gap Between Youths’ Perceptions and Employers’ Expectations,” found that 68% of youths are exploring new job opportunities, with younger participants actively job-hunting. However, those aged 31–35 are more focused on stability. Financial gain and job security emerged as top priorities across all age groups, challenging the perception that digital natives prioritise flexibility.

Associate Professor Justina Tan, Vice President of Strategic Partnership and Engagement at SUSS, noted, “If young people value stability whilst employers seek adaptability, then soft skills are the bridge that connects both.” The study emphasises the need for tailored workplace strategies and collaboration among employers, educators, and policymakers to bridge soft skills gaps.

SUSS is collaborating with Singapore’s self-help groups to further analyse the data and develop programmes aimed at empowering youths. The Youth Forum 2025, attended by industry leaders and youth representatives, concluded with a commitment to continue these conversations, aiming to translate insights into practical initiatives for enhancing youth employability.