Industry News

Tata Communications and Cisco have announced a strategic partnership to integrate Tata Communications’ global eSIM platform into Cisco’s IoT Control Centre. This collaboration, unveiled on 8 September 2025, seeks to streamline the management of over 270 million devices worldwide, including 100 million connected cars, by offering a unified solution for enterprises to manage their IoT operations across multiple markets.

The integration will allow businesses to activate and manage devices across borders without the need to swap SIMs, providing a consistent view of all connected equipment. This is particularly beneficial for industries such as transportation, logistics, and manufacturing, where seamless IoT connectivity is crucial. Marco Bijvelds, Vice President and Global Head of Tata Communications MOVE, stated, “The unmatched power of Tata Communications’ intelligent IoT fabric and Cisco’s proven device management platform will empower global businesses to unlock new opportunities, streamline operations, and accelerate digital transformation.”

The collaboration promises to reduce integration complexities and vendor lock-ins, offering enterprises greater control and efficiency in their IoT deployments. Masum Mir, SVP and GM of Cisco Provider Mobility, highlighted the importance of eSIM technology, noting, “As enterprises need greater simplicity, automation, and scalability to effectively manage increasingly complex use cases, we see eSIM as a foundational technology.”

By combining their expertise, Cisco and Tata Communications aim to set a new standard in the IoT industry, focusing on interoperability, scalability, and lifecycle intelligence. This partnership is expected to accelerate innovation, unlock new revenue streams, and optimise connected operations globally.
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Singapore Post Limited (SingPost) is enhancing its logistics capabilities in preparation for the upcoming peak eCommerce season, which includes significant shopping events like the 9.9 sales period. To manage the anticipated 60% increase in parcel volumes, SingPost is hiring up to 100 additional delivery staff and expanding its fleet with eight supplementary 24-foot lorries, boosting daily shuttle capacity by over 130%.

The lorries will operate between key facilities at SingPost Centre in Paya Lebar and the Regional eCommerce Logistics Hub in Tampines, running from 10 am to midnight. This flexible, data-driven fleet management approach allows SingPost to adjust the number of lorries based on parcel volume trends, ensuring efficient resource allocation.

SingPost is also extending its sortation centres’ operating schedule to seven days a week, supported by over 800 full-time delivery staff. Additionally, part of a new S$30 million sortation system will be operational from November, doubling small parcel throughput to 200,000 parcels per day, just in time for the peak of peaks on 11.11.

Neo Su Yin, Group Chief Operating Officer of SingPost, highlighted the challenges of peak seasons, noting that about half of all eCommerce shipments during events like 9.9 originate from overseas sellers. This requires agility and rigorous resource management to meet service expectations.

As part of its growth strategy, SingPost recently launched over 160 new service touchpoints through Cheers outlets, expanding its network to 236 locations nationwide. This move provides sellers, including SMEs and home-based businesses, with more convenient options for parcel drop-off and purchasing shipping supplies.

SingPost’s efforts aim to capture growth opportunities and reinforce its leadership in Singapore’s eCommerce logistics market, ensuring seamless service during the peak logistics season.
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Ireland has launched a €32m campaign, co-funded by the European Union, to enhance its dairy trade with Asia. The initiative, titled “European Dairy: Ireland Where Nature Meets Science,” aims to strengthen nutrition pipelines and forge long-term trade partnerships across Singapore, China, and Vietnam. Running until 2028, the project positions Singapore as a regional hub, leveraging its world-class safety standards and research infrastructure to meet Asia’s demand for sustainable and traceable dairy products.

Her Excellency Sarah McGrath, Ambassador of Ireland to Singapore, emphasised the campaign’s role in reinforcing trade relationships and shared innovation goals. “This campaign is a symbol of Ireland’s commitment to strengthening the bridges between Europe and Asia,” she stated. The initiative seeks to deepen trust and collaboration, combining Ireland’s expertise in science-driven agriculture with Asia’s leadership in food innovation.

Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board, is spearheading the campaign, aiming to connect European producers with key Asian markets. Lisa Phelan, Director for Southeast Asia and Australia and New Zealand at Bord Bia, highlighted the importance of collaboration. “By collaborating with Singapore, we can secure Asia’s nutrition future with dairy that is trusted, traceable, and future-ready,” she said.

Ireland’s sustainable dairy production is a cornerstone of the campaign, with 90% of herds grass-fed and 95% of processors enrolled in the Origin Green sustainability programme. The campaign aims to reaffirm European Dairy’s reputation, provide traceable ingredients, and connect Singaporean firms with EU innovation pipelines.
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Price Forbes has announced the appointment of Eric Wang Mingchao as the new Head of Affinity in Singapore. Reporting directly to Julian Coates, Chief Broking Officer of Price Forbes Singapore, Eric will spearhead the growth of the company’s facultative reinsurance portfolios across various affinity products. These include extended warranty insurance, auto and finance insurance, and personal accident insurance. Additionally, he will focus on expanding Price Forbes’ presence in the Asia Pacific region and advancing its affinity growth strategy.

Eric Wang Mingchao brings over 15 years of experience in affinity insurance programme development and management. His previous role was as Affinity General Manager at SinoAsia Affinity. His extensive experience in the Asia Pacific market includes positions at QBE in Bangkok, Marsh China in Beijing, and Crawford Australia in Hobart, among others.

Philip Johnson, CEO of Price Forbes Asia Pacific, expressed enthusiasm about Eric’s appointment, stating, “We’re thrilled to welcome Eric Wang Mingchao to the team as our new Head of Affinity in Singapore. Affinity is a key growth pillar for us across Asia Pacific, and the opportunities are vast.” Eric himself remarked, “I’m delighted to join Price Forbes Singapore at a dynamic time for both the regional business and the broader Price Forbes platform.”

Price Forbes, part of The Ardonagh Group, is the largest independent speciality broker in the London Market, managing over US$7m in gross written premium. The company is committed to innovation and building customer-centric partnerships to unlock growth in dynamic markets worldwide.
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Singapore-based start-up Stick ‘Em has been awarded the prestigious US$1m Hult Prize for its innovative approach to expanding access to quality education. The announcement was made at the Global Finals held on 5 September at London’s Tate Modern. Stick ‘Em, founded by students from the National University of Singapore and Singapore University of Technology and Design, impressed judges with its affordable STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and maths) kits and digital platform designed for schools worldwide.

The Hult Prize, an annual competition, challenges student entrepreneurs to develop for-profit businesses that address global challenges. This year, over 200,000 participants from 130 countries submitted nearly 15,000 start-up ideas. Stick ‘Em’s solution stood out for its potential to make experiential learning more accessible, particularly in underserved communities, by combining physical kits with an online platform.

Lori van Dam, CEO of the Hult Prize, highlighted the importance of private sector involvement in solving global issues, stating, “The Hult Prize showcases how for-profit businesses can improve the world and why investors should back more purpose-led start-ups.”

Stick ‘Em was selected from eight global finalists, including ventures like CeluNova, which transforms pineapple waste into raw materials, and EcoPack, which recycles sugarcane waste into biodegradable packaging. The judging panel comprised global leaders in venture capital and sustainability, including Aileen Lee and Piers Linney.

The Hult Prize, funded by the Hult family, has been empowering student entrepreneurs since 2009. Previous winners include Korion Health and Banofi Leather, both of which have made significant strides in their respective fields. The competition continues to inspire young entrepreneurs to create impactful solutions aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
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Porsche Singapore is marking World EV Day on 9 September by launching a new 10-year Battery State of Health (SOH) warranty for its electric vehicles (EVs). This initiative aims to enhance customer confidence in the long-term performance of Porsche EVs, covering the full Certificate of Entitlement lifespan. The warranty is available for the new Macan Electric and the updated Taycan, and can also be purchased by existing Porsche EV owners who acquired their vehicles through official channels.

The new warranty extends the existing eight-year/160,000-kilometre warranty, which guarantees a 70% SOH, by an additional two years in collaboration with Mavi Automotive Solutions. To qualify, owners must have their vehicle’s SOH checked four months before reaching the eight-year mark. Additionally, Porsche offers a Porsche Approved Warranty covering high-voltage battery components for up to 15 years, though it does not include SOH.

In celebration of World EV Day, Porsche Studio Singapore will showcase models like the Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo and Macan Turbo. Limited showroom units of these models will receive complimentary option packages, including the new 10-year battery warranty and accessories valued at over $27,000 for the Taycan and $21,000 for the Macan.

Porsche Singapore continues to offer benefits such as three years of complimentary charging at its Destination Charging network and preferential rates at the Shell High Performance Charging network. Dr. Henrik Dreier, Director Singapore Importer Porsche Asia Pacific, stated, “Our 10-year Battery State of Health Warranty sets a new benchmark in the luxury segment, ensuring that our customers can enjoy the full ownership journey with total assurance.”
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MetaComp, a Singapore-based digital assets infrastructure provider, has announced a strategic partnership with Hong Kong-listed OSL Group to develop a compliant cross-border digital finance infrastructure. This collaboration seeks to enhance liquidity networks, facilitate stablecoin-based payments, and advance tokenisation of real-world assets (RWAs) between the two financial hubs.

The partnership addresses the growing demand for transparency and regulatory alignment in digital asset trading. By integrating their liquidity networks, MetaComp and OSL aim to improve over-the-counter (OTC) trade execution for institutional clients, offering better pricing and seamless access to liquidity. Additionally, the firms will co-develop infrastructure to enable faster, cost-efficient cross-border payments using stablecoins, adhering to the regulatory frameworks of both jurisdictions.

Recognising the potential of tokenisation in capital markets, the collaboration will explore solutions for trading tokenised RWAs, aiming to create more liquid and transparent markets for institutional investors. This initiative is supported by MetaComp’s parent company, Alpha Ladder Finance, a Capital Markets Service Licence holder regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).

The alliance also focuses on enhancing compliance measures, leveraging KYC databases and cross-chain tracing tools to strengthen anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing safeguards. Tin Pei Ling, Co-President of MetaComp, stated, “This partnership with OSL represents a significant milestone in our commitment to building the next generation of digital financial infrastructure.”

Eugene Cheung, Chief Commercial Officer of OSL Group, added, “Through this collaboration with MetaComp, we’re laying the groundwork for interoperable, real-world solutions that serve institutional needs and meet the highest regulatory expectations.”

This partnership underscores the firms’ vision of fostering responsible growth and innovation in digital finance across Asia’s key capital markets.
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One Futureworld, the exclusive distributor of Bose in Singapore, has celebrated its sixth anniversary by launching three new Bose products. The QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (Gen 2), SoundLink Plus, and SoundLink Home were introduced in August, aligning with National Day celebrations and the back-to-school season. This launch underscores One Futureworld’s commitment to enhancing Bose’s presence in Singapore’s premium audio market.

Over the past six years, One Futureworld has played a pivotal role in shaping Bose’s local brand experience, expanding its reach across both physical and digital platforms. The company has navigated retail challenges during the pandemic and implemented customer-centric initiatives, solidifying Bose’s position in Singapore’s audio and lifestyle landscape.

The new products cater to diverse consumer needs. The SoundLink Home, designed to complement home aesthetics, functions as both an audio system and a visual feature. The SoundLink Plus offers durability and robust audio output, whilst the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Gen 2 provide high-performance noise cancellation and immersive sound quality.

Albert Chan, General Manager of One Futureworld, noted a shift in consumer preferences towards lifestyle fit and design sensibility. “Purchase decisions today are influenced by lifestyle fit, emotional appeal, and design sensibility,” he said. To maintain engagement, One Futureworld invests in digital campaigns and social media outreach.

Looking ahead, One Futureworld aims to expand Bose’s reach in Singapore by balancing technical innovation with design-led thinking. The new products are available through One Futureworld’s retail and online channels, offering customers a chance to explore the full line-up.
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French luxury fragrance house BDK Parfums has launched its latest Eau de Parfum, Impadia, in Singapore. Part of the Collection Parisienne, Impadia is crafted by master perfumer Jordi Fernández and is now available at Amaris Boutiques and online.

Impadia is the seventh addition to BDK Parfums’ Collection Parisienne, designed to evoke the vibrant hues of Parisian skies at twilight. The fragrance is a tribute to the city’s transformation into a symphony of colours, capturing the interplay of light and shadow. Founder David Benedek describes it as a reflection of Paris’s allure, with the rose as its heart. “To convey this sky and its nuances, Jordi Fernández and I chose to place the queen of flowers, the rose, generous and unctuous, at the heart of Impadia,” Benedek said.

The fragrance features a blend of Bulgarian rose essence and Turkish rose absolute, complemented by mandarin, bergamot, and pear. The base notes include Madagascan vanilla, praline, and Akigalawood, creating a warm and sensual aroma. Fernández aimed to express beauty in its purest form, enhancing the rose accord with rich vanilla and creamy praline.

The design of Impadia’s bottle reflects Parisian architecture, with a cap inspired by the Grand Palais dome and a pink gradient symbolising the fragrance’s floral heart. Available for $328 for 100ml, Impadia invites wearers to experience a connection between city and nature, embodying sensuality and freedom.
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NORD Drivesystems is set to unveil its latest drive solutions tailored for the packaging industry at Fachpack 2025, taking place from 23 to 25 September in Nuremberg. The company will present its innovative technologies at Hall 3C, Stand 440, offering visitors a glimpse into future-oriented packaging solutions.

The highlight of NORD’s presentation is the NXD tupH® surface treatment, a cost-effective alternative to traditional stainless steel, designed for primary packaging. This new surface protection enhances the durability of aluminium drive components by transforming the upper layer into a corrosion-resistant base. It is food-safe, free from PFAS, and compliant with FDA and EU regulations, making it ideal for wash-down areas.

For end-of-line packaging, NORD introduces decentralised drive electronics featuring asynchronous motors. These solutions aim to reduce installation times and total cost of ownership (TCO) whilst saving space in control cabinets. The NORDAC ON/ON+ frequency inverters, with their compact design and integrated Ethernet interface, offer a streamlined approach to modern production environments.

Additionally, NORD’s servo adapter solutions provide seamless integration for NEMA and IEC flange motors, ensuring reliable connections in demanding packaging conditions. The company invites industry professionals to explore these innovations and more at their Fachpack stand.

NORD DRIVESYSTEMS, a global leader in drive technology, continues to develop solutions that meet the evolving needs of over 100 industries worldwide. With a strong presence in 36 countries, the company remains committed to delivering efficient and sustainable drive solutions.
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