Industry News

Princeton Digital Group (PDG), a leading data centre operator in Asia, has announced plans to raise up to US$5b in debt financing this year. The funds will support the company’s rapidly expanding hyperscale platform across the region, where PDG currently operates in seven markets with a portfolio exceeding 18 gigawatts (GW). As part of this initiative, PDG has secured US$350m in debt financing, expanding its existing US$400m HoldCo loan to a total of US$750m.

The expanded HoldCo facility has been converted into a Sustainability-Linked Loan, aligning its pricing with operational and sustainability performance targets. This recent financing was secured from a consortium of global banks, including Barclays, BNP Paribas, Deutsche Bank, HSBC, SMBC, Societe Generale, and Standard Chartered. The funds will be used to develop capacity and build new campuses to support PDG’s hyperscale customer commitments.

Rangu Salgame, Chairman, CEO, and Co-founder of PDG, stated, “Our business momentum and delivery excellence continue to strengthen confidence among our capital partners. The expansion of our HoldCo facility reflects continued support for our execution discipline and track record across markets.” He added that converting the facility into a sustainability-linked structure demonstrates PDG’s commitment to embedding sustainability metrics into its capital framework.

Headquartered in Singapore, PDG operates data centres in Singapore, Japan, India, Indonesia, China, Malaysia, and South Korea, powering the expansion of hyperscalers and enterprises in Asia Pacific’s fastest-growing digital economies.

BDx Data Centres has become the first in Singapore to fully implement the Tropical Data Centre Standard (SS 697:2023) developed by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA). This initiative, executed at BDx’s SIN1 facility in Paya Lebar, optimises operating temperatures to reduce cooling energy use, advancing Singapore’s Green Data Centre Roadmap.

In tropical climates like Singapore, cooling can account for up to 40% of a data centre’s power bill. By safely increasing the operating temperature from 23°C to 25°C, BDx has achieved a 7% reduction in cooling energy consumption. This move sets a new operational benchmark for data centres across Southeast Asia, where power resources are limited.

The SIN1 facility’s Temperature Increase Programme (TIP), initiated in 2025, was supported by continuous monitoring of thermal, humidity, and workload conditions. This approach aligns with both IMDA guidance and global ASHRAE standards, maintaining 100% uptime. Mayank Srivastava, CEO of BDx, stated, “Improving energy efficiency in tropical environments requires disciplined execution and a data-driven approach.”

BDx’s adoption of the Tropical Data Centre Standard is part of its broader strategy to build resilient, future-ready infrastructure across the Asia Pacific. The company has also deployed an AI-driven digital twin capability to enhance cooling performance under tropical conditions, further supporting efficiency and thermal stability.

Additionally, BDx is collaborating with customers to utilise Singapore’s Energy Efficiency Grant, which aids in adopting energy-efficient IT equipment. This reinforces the objectives of SS 697:2023 and contributes to Singapore’s decarbonisation goals, positioning BDx as a leader in next-generation data centre innovation.

Singapore has made history by becoming the first World Health Organisation (WHO) Member State to achieve the highest maturity level (ML4) in the regulation of medical devices. This significant milestone, announced on 11 March 2026, highlights Singapore’s robust and continually improving regulatory system, ensuring the quality and safety of medical devices such as thermometers, blood pressure monitors, and surgical tools.

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) of Singapore was assessed by a team of international experts led by WHO, in collaboration with the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific and the WHO Representative Office for Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, and Singapore. This evaluation took place in February 2026.

Adjunct Professor Raymond Chua, CEO of HSA, expressed pride in the achievement, stating, “Together with our ML4 status for medicines and as a Stringent Regulatory Authority for high-risk in-vitro diagnostics, this milestone reflects HSA’s sustained effort to build a robust and forward-looking regulatory system that safeguards patients whilst enabling timely access to innovative health products.”

Dr Rabindra Abeyasinghe, WHO Representative to Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, and Singapore, praised the achievement, noting it as a landmark in public health that sets a precedent for other nations. He emphasised the importance of strong regulatory systems in ensuring patient safety and access to effective health products.

Singapore’s achievement builds on its designation as a WHO-Listed Authority in 2023, underscoring the critical role of regulatory systems in advancing equitable access to quality medical products globally. The WHO benchmarking framework evaluates regulatory authorities on over 260 indicators, ensuring continuous improvement in national regulatory systems.

Dreame Technology, a leading global premium technology brand, is set to unveil its 2026 flagship products at the IT Show from 12 to 15 March at Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre. The showcase will feature the X60 Ultra robot vacuum, H16 Pro Steam Pocket, and the innovative Air Station vacuum, among others. Attendees can explore Dreame’s full range of products and enjoy exclusive promotions at Booth 8103, Level 4.

The X60 Ultra, Dreame’s flagship robot vacuum, is designed for modern households, particularly young families and pet owners. With a height of just 7.95 cm, it can clean under low furniture and navigate obstacles up to 8.8 cm high. It boasts 36,000 Pa of suction power and advanced AI obstacle avoidance, making it ideal for high-traffic homes.

Dreame is also introducing the Air Station, an ultra-slim automatic dust-collection vacuum. This pen-style device offers strong suction, longer runtime, and efficient filtration, all whilst being lightweight and easy to manoeuvre. It features a dual-roller brush for seamless cleaning and motorised blades to prevent hair tangling.

In addition to cleaning appliances, Dreame is launching the FP10 Furcatch Air Purifier, which features self-cleaning technology and high-efficiency formaldehyde removal. The PT60 Tasti Air Fryer, praised for its design and functionality, will also be available in Singapore.

Dreame’s participation in the IT Show highlights its commitment to innovation and quality in home appliances, aiming to enhance everyday living through technology.

SIA Engineering Company Limited (SIAEC) has announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, SIAEC Global Private Limited, has successfully acquired a 30% stake in Arport Aircraft Maintenance & Engineering (Fujian) Co., Ltd. (Arport AME) for RMB129m. This acquisition was achieved through a public tender administered by the Xiamen Equity Exchange Centre.

The investment will lead to the formation of a joint venture (JV) with Arport AME’s direct shareholders. The JV is set to provide maintenance, repair, and overhaul services, including line maintenance and ground services at airports in Xiamen, Fuzhou, Wuyishan, and Longyan, as well as base maintenance services at Xiamen airport.

SIAEC, a major provider of aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul services in the Asia-Pacific region, has a client base of over 80 international carriers and aerospace equipment manufacturers. The company operates in more than 30 airports across nine countries and holds approvals from 27 national aviation regulatory authorities.

The transaction is not expected to significantly impact SIAEC’s net tangible assets per share or earnings per share for the financial year ending 31 March 2026. Additionally, none of SIAEC’s directors or controlling shareholders have any direct or indirect interest in the transaction, aside from their shareholdings in the company.

This strategic move aligns with SIAEC’s ongoing efforts to expand its service offerings and strengthen its presence in the aviation maintenance sector.

CBRE has announced the sale of a portfolio of five retail assets in Singapore, comprising two HDB coffeeshops, one HDB shophouse, and two strata retail units. The sale, conducted through an Expression of Interest exercise, will close on 15 April 2026. These properties are strategically located in high-density areas such as Tanjong Pagar, Orchard, Jurong East, and Marine Parade, ensuring high footfall and commercial activity.

The portfolio includes two HDB coffeeshops and a shophouse, which are highly sought after due to their scarcity and potential for rental premiums. The remaining strata-titled retail units are situated in The Centrepoint and Parkway Parade, two of Singapore’s iconic shopping destinations. The guide price for the entire portfolio is approximately S$30.92m, with options for collective or individual acquisition.

Clemence Lee, Executive Director of Capital Markets at CBRE, highlighted the rarity of such assets, noting, “HDB coffeeshops remain one of Singapore’s most exclusive asset classes.” With only 402 privately-held HDB shophouses approved for coffeeshop use, this sale presents a unique investment opportunity. Lee anticipates strong interest from a diverse range of investors, including owner-occupiers, real estate funds, and high net worth individuals. The portfolio offers potential for individual sales as an exit strategy, appealing to investors seeking lower investment quantum.

Prudential Singapore has launched PRUActive Life V, a comprehensive protection plan designed to help families manage financial challenges during health gap years. This period occurs when individuals diagnosed with critical illnesses, such as cancer or heart disease, take time off work to focus on recovery. The plan offers extensive coverage for 182 conditions, including mental and juvenile illnesses, and aims to address the 74% protection gap identified by the Life Insurance Association of Singapore.

PRUActive Life V provides whole life coverage for death, terminal illness, total and permanent disability, and critical illnesses. Key features include a Multiplier Benefit, which allows policyholders to enhance their coverage up to five times until age 80, and a Kinship Booster, offering a 10% increase in basic coverage when an immediate family member also takes up the plan. Additionally, the plan includes an income payout option from age 60 and a Family Waiver Benefit, which waives up to 12 months of premiums if a spouse or child passes away.

Toni Fung, Chief Customer and Marketing Officer at Prudential Singapore, emphasised the importance of critical illness coverage, stating, “Families should consider critical illness protection early to ensure they have a safety net in place and the peace of mind to focus on recovery during their health gap years.”

The introduction of PRUActive Life V highlights Prudential’s commitment to providing financial resilience for families facing the hidden costs of critical illness recovery, such as caregiving support and home modifications. This initiative aims to offer a robust safety net, ensuring families can focus on recovery without financial strain.

Yangzijiang Shipbuilding (Holdings) Ltd. has announced its acquisition of a 10% equity interest in Poseidon Corp. through agreements with affiliates of Fairfax Financial Holdings and the Washington Family. The acquisition, valued at $825.7m, is part of a broader transaction involving the sale of up to 34% equity interest in Poseidon. This strategic move aims to bolster Yangzijiang’s relationship with Seaspan Corporation, a key customer, and enhance its market intelligence and production planning.

Poseidon Corp., a Marshall Islands-based holding company, owns Seaspan Corporation Pte. Ltd., which operates containerships on long-term charters. The acquisition will allow Yangzijiang to integrate more closely with its supply chain and improve its responsiveness to market demands. The investment is also seen as a strategic deployment of surplus funds, offering stable returns.

The consideration for the acquisition was determined based on several factors, including Poseidon’s financial performance and strategic value. Despite the price exceeding the valuation range provided by independent adviser Kroll, Yangzijiang’s board believes the long-term benefits justify the investment. The acquisition is subject to customary conditions, including regulatory approvals and the execution of a shareholders agreement granting Yangzijiang a board seat and minority protections. Completion is expected following the satisfaction of these conditions.

ComfortDelGro Corporation Limited has announced a significant investment of over S$200m to transform driving education in Singapore. Through its subsidiary, ComfortDelGro Driving Centre, the company will develop a Next-Generation Driving Centre (NGDC) at Lorong Bistari, Choa Chu Kang, over the next 30 years. This initiative aims to modernise driver training and address the decline in private driving instructors.

The NGDC will feature advanced Intelligent Driving Circuit technologies, including sensors, cameras, and AI-driven assessments, to facilitate more independent and objective training. This technology will reduce reliance on instructors and support a shift towards instructor-less training environments. The centre will replace the Bukit Batok Driving Centre by 2030 and will be a flagship multi-storey facility in western Singapore, significantly expanding training capacity.

Key features of the NGDC include nursery circuits, dedicated heavy vehicle training, simulators, classrooms, and a road safety gallery. These enhancements are expected to improve training quality and operational efficiency, potentially doubling ComfortDelGro Driving Centre’s market share in Singapore. Vincent Tan, CEO of ComfortDelGro Driving Centre, stated, “The Next-Generation Driving Centre will deliver high-quality, technology-enabled training that benefits learners through more efficient and objective assessments.”

The investment underscores ComfortDelGro’s commitment to Singapore’s transport needs and its leadership in the sector. Managing Director and Group CEO Cheng Siak Kian emphasised the importance of this long-term investment in increasing the number of drivers within the transportation ecosystem. Operations at the new centre will commence in phases, ensuring continuity for learners.

The Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) has expanded its presence in China with the launch of the SUSS Success Academy in Chongqing, in partnership with Raffles Young Academy (RYA) Pte Ltd. This initiative, announced on 10 March 2026, also includes the establishment of a satellite office in Shenyang, enhancing SUSS’s engagement across Western and Northeast China.

The launch event, held at the CCI Gallery, was attended by nearly 70 guests, including representatives from educational institutions and industry partners from both China and Singapore. The ceremony was presided over by Mavis Tan, Vice-Consul Political at the Consulate-General of the Republic of Singapore in Chengdu, and Li Xunfu, Deputy Director of the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce.

The Success Academy aims to connect academic and industry partners from Singapore and China, focusing on lifelong learning and social impact. It will offer interdisciplinary global learning courses, impact start-up programmes, and student exchanges, providing students with regional exposure through internships and workplace learning opportunities. The academy will also collaborate with Chinese universities and organisations to design industry-relevant courses.

In addition to the Chongqing academy, SUSS will open a satellite office in Shenyang on 11 March 2026, supporting initiatives in Liaoning Province. This expansion includes signing three Memoranda of Understanding with local organisations, such as the Shenyang University of Chemical Technology, to foster cross-border knowledge exchange and curriculum innovation.

Professor Tan Tai Yong, President of SUSS, emphasised the importance of China as a partner in expanding opportunities for students and strengthening collaboration across Asia. Samuel Ng, Executive Chairman of RYA, highlighted Chongqing’s strategic position as a gateway to Western China, making it an ideal location for immersive, industry-linked education.

The Success Academy in Chongqing is part of SUSS’s broader expansion across Asia, with previous academies established in cities such as Beijing, Shenzhen, Ho Chi Minh City, and Mumbai.