Industry News

SG Mental Health Matters, the group behind Project Hayat, has announced two significant research initiatives on World Suicide Prevention Day, 10 September 2025, to enhance suicide prevention efforts in Singapore. The first study, led by Dr Rayner Tan from the National University of Singapore (NUS), will use the Network Scale-Up Method (NSUM) to estimate the true scale of suicides, addressing discrepancies in provisional statistics that previously suggested a 20-year low in suicides for 2023, later revealed to be a 35% increase.

The second initiative focuses on male suicide risk, as men accounted for nearly 70% of suicides in 2023. This participatory study, developed in collaboration with NUS, aims to understand the social conditions contributing to male suicide and inform more effective prevention strategies. Anthea Ong, co-lead of Project Hayat, emphasised the importance of addressing data gaps and focusing on high-risk groups to ensure prevention strategies are evidence-based and compassionate.

Project Hayat, launched in 2024, is Singapore’s first community-led initiative advocating for a national suicide prevention strategy. It previously published a White Paper calling for coordinated national action under the S.A.V.E L.I.V.E.S. framework. The initiative has secured a S$50,000 seed grant for interviews with vulnerable groups and submitted a S$1m grant proposal for the male suicide study.

The findings from these studies are expected to guide national prevention efforts, with a community report anticipated by early 2026. Project Hayat continues to advocate for transparency, compassion, and evidence in Singapore’s suicide prevention efforts.
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Manulife has launched its first Longevity Symposium in Asia, gathering over 1,000 participants, including healthcare experts and industry leaders, at Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre. The event, attended by Minister of State Jasmin Lau, focused on improving quality of life alongside longevity. A key highlight was the introduction of the enhanced ManulifeMOVE platform, which now supports holistic wellbeing across six pillars, including healthcare and community engagement.

The symposium underscored Manulife’s commitment to advancing longevity in Asia, building on previous events in Boston. Benoit Meslet, President and CEO of Manulife Singapore, emphasised the company’s role in empowering customers to make informed health and financial decisions. “Our latest Asia Care survey shows that only 6% of respondents wished for a longer lifespan, the vast majority prioritised staying physically, mentally and socially active,” Meslet stated.

The event featured interactive sessions and expert panels exploring topics such as AI-powered health diagnostics and retirement planning. The enhanced ManulifeMOVE platform now offers a tiered membership structure and expanded services, aiming to help customers navigate life’s transitions with confidence. Harshal Shah, Chief Marketing & Experience Design Officer at Manulife Asia, noted, “With ManulifeMOVE, we’re giving customers the power to take charge of their health and financial choices.”

Additionally, Manulife and UpLink announced ten winners of the ‘Innovating for Asia’s Demographic Future Challenge’, recognising ventures with potential to impact Asia’s ageing societies. These initiatives will join UpLink’s Innovation Ecosystem, gaining access to networking and partnership opportunities.
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The National Heart Centre Singapore (NHCS) celebrated the 35th anniversary of its Heart Transplant Programme on 6 September 2025, highlighting its significant contributions to advanced heart failure management. The event, held at JEN Singapore Tanglin, was attended by approximately 200 guests, including heart transplant recipients and healthcare professionals. Member of Parliament for Tanjong Pagar GRC, Foo Cexiang, was among the distinguished attendees.

Since its inception in 1990, NHCS has performed 103 heart transplants and 156 Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) implantations. The programme has achieved several regional firsts, such as Asia’s first combined heart-liver transplant and Southeast Asia’s youngest LVAD recipient at 13 years old. Assistant Professor Louis Teo, Director of the Heart Failure Programme, noted the programme’s evolution from a groundbreaking initiative to a comprehensive care management system, offering patients multiple options for advanced heart failure.

NHCS continues to innovate with advancements in mechanical heart pumps and patient care. Recent developments include minimally invasive LVAD implantation techniques and the first HeartMate 3 BiVentricular Assist Device implantation. The inclusion of Hepatitis B and HIV patients on the transplant waiting list has also expanded opportunities for successful transplants.

Looking ahead, NHCS is exploring non-invasive monitoring methods and advanced organ preservation technologies to enhance heart transplantation outcomes. Additionally, the next generation of VADs promises greater patient independence through wireless technology and AI-powered monitoring systems.

Professor Yeo Khung Keong, CEO of NHCS, emphasised the centre’s commitment to advancing heart failure care through innovation and research, aiming to expand access to life-saving therapies and develop next-generation treatments.
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CGS International Securities Singapore (CGS SG) has teamed up with ViewTrade, a global technology solutions provider, to democratise access to US equities for its clients. This partnership, announced on 5 September 2025, will enable CGS SG to integrate various investment flows, including retail and institutional, into a single brokerage relationship through ViewTrade’s UP trading platform. This collaboration allows CGS SG to offer fractional trading of US stocks, facilitating diversified portfolios for its clients.

ViewTrade’s Managing Director, Laksh Gangwani, highlighted the mission to make global markets more accessible by equipping financial institutions with comprehensive solutions. “Helping CGS SG deliver fractional US equity trading is an example of how our solutions can support partners in offering differentiated and innovative experiences,” he stated.

The partnership aims to leverage CGS International’s regional strength in Southeast Asia and ViewTrade’s global infrastructure to enhance market access. Saw Ping May, Group Chief Strategy Officer of CGS International, expressed gratitude for ViewTrade’s support, noting that the UP platform is designed to democratise access to capital markets and promote responsible investing.

ViewTrade, with over two decades of experience, supports financial institutions in cross-border connectivity, enabling both institutional and retail access to global markets. The collaboration with CGS SG is expected to drive efficiencies for ViewTrade’s clients across 30 countries, furthering its mission to democratise capital markets access in Southeast Asia.
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Latham & Watkins has advised Fullerton Health, a prominent healthcare solutions provider in the Asia-Pacific region, on Mitsubishi Corporation’s acquisition of a minority stake in the company. This strategic investment is set to enhance Fullerton Health’s growth and facilitate its expansion in existing markets such as Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines, whilst also exploring new opportunities across the region.

The transaction represents a pivotal moment in Fullerton Health’s development, providing the company with the resources and strategic backing necessary to accelerate its market presence. The partnership is expected to strengthen Fullerton Health’s capabilities in delivering healthcare solutions and services across its nine operational markets in Asia-Pacific.

The legal team from Latham & Watkins, led by Singapore corporate partner Sharon Lau and counsellor Carolyn Wong, played a crucial role in facilitating the transaction. They were supported by associates Jonathan Wah and Tommy Tan, along with Hong Kong associate I-Ming Tan.

This collaboration between Fullerton Health and Mitsubishi Corporation underscores the growing interest in the healthcare sector within the Asia-Pacific region, highlighting the potential for further investments and partnerships. As Fullerton Health continues to expand its footprint, the company is poised to enhance its service offerings and reach more communities in need of healthcare solutions.
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The Urban Redevelopment Authority has concluded the tender for a site at Chuan Grove, launched under the 1H 2025 Government Land Sales Confirmed List. The site, which can accommodate approximately 505 residential units, received five bids. The top bid, submitted by Sing Holdings Residential Pte. Ltd. and Sunway Developments Pte. Ltd., was S$623.91m, equating to about S$1,331 per square foot per plot ratio (psf ppr). This bid was 2.9% higher than the next highest offer from COLI (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., which stood at S$606.06m or roughly S$1,293 psf ppr.

The bid price for this plot was 3.3% lower than a previous Chuan Grove parcel awarded in July 2025, which fetched S$703.6m or around S$1,376 psf ppr. That earlier tender attracted seven bids. The current site presents more complex building requirements, including the development of a new Neighbourhood Park and an Early Childhood Development Centre, potentially increasing construction costs.

Despite these challenges, interest in the tender remained robust. Justin Quek, CEO of OrangeTee, noted that the Lorong Chuan area has seen few new project launches, with the last being Chuan Park in November 2024, which sold 76% of its 916 units during its launch weekend. This suggests a strong demand for homes in the area.

The site’s proximity to Lorong Chuan MRT, a mall, and several primary schools enhances its appeal, particularly for families and potential HDB upgraders from nearby areas such as Serangoon, Bishan, and Ang Mo Kio. Additionally, rental opportunities may arise from the nearby Australian International School. These factors likely contributed to the keen developer interest in the site.
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The National University of Singapore (NUS) has reported a notable increase in the Real Estate Sentiment Index (RESI) for the second quarter of 2025. The index, which measures the perceptions and expectations of senior executives in the real estate sector, saw the Current Sentiment Index rise from 4.2 in the first quarter to 5.7 in the second quarter. Similarly, the Future Sentiment Index increased from 4.5 to 5.7, indicating a cautiously positive outlook despite ongoing global economic uncertainties.

The Composite Sentiment Index also improved, climbing from 4.3 to 5.7. This uptick reflects a better-than-expected domestic economic performance, even as global growth slows and trade risks mount. Professor Qian Wenlan noted that the market’s adjustment to the Trump tariffs and a 90-day pause in domestic economic activity contributed to the improved sentiment.

In terms of sector performance, Prime Residential, Suburban Residential, and Hotel/Serviced Apartment sectors showed positive net balances, with Prime Residential leading at +35%. Conversely, Business Park/Hi-tech Space recorded the most negative balance, dropping to -31%.

Potential risks identified for the next six months include a slowdown in the global economy, job losses, and rising construction costs. Despite these concerns, 43.7% of developers expect unit prices for new residential launches to rise moderately, whilst 56.2% anticipate an increase in the number of units launched.

The findings underscore the resilience of Singapore’s real estate market amidst external pressures, with developers remaining cautious yet optimistic about future prospects.
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Duxton Hill Chambers, a leading Singapore-based legal set, has announced the launch of Duxton Hill Chambers London, marking a historic first for a Singapore-origin group practice at the English Bar. The announcement was made during Singapore Convention Week, with the Honourable Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs, Edwin Tong, in attendance. This move signifies the growing internationalisation of Singapore’s legal sector and its expanding influence in global disputes.

The new London chambers will operate as a fully-fledged barristers’ chambers, allowing members to conduct litigation and international arbitration work within and from the UK. This development enhances the set’s cross-border capabilities and offers clients a broader choice for disputes counsel. Matthew Gearing, a King’s Counsel at Duxton Hill Chambers, stated, “Duxton Hill Chambers London represents a milestone in our evolution as a set of chambers, which we hope will help further Singapore’s expansion as a legal hub to other jurisdictions.”

The London chambers will be anchored by three prominent King’s Counsel: Toby Landau, Jern-Fei Ng, and Matthew Gearing, each recognised for their expertise in complex, high-value disputes. These members bring a wealth of experience across multiple jurisdictions and arbitral institutions, ensuring the set is well-positioned to serve clients globally.

Complementing the London-based members are senior practitioners from Duxton Hill Chambers in Singapore, who will join as Associated Members. This includes notable figures such as former Attorney-General of Singapore, V K Rajah, and former Judge of the Supreme Court of Singapore, Quentin Loh. The initiative is expected to foster collaboration between practitioners in the UK and Singapore, supporting both cities’ development as centres of international legal excellence.
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Hollywood actor and racing driver Patrick Dempsey is set to present the new top-of-the-range model of the Porsche 911 series. The digital world premiere will take place on 7 September at 15:00 CEST, streamed live on the Porsche Newsroom, YouTube, and LinkedIn. Dempsey will guide viewers through the car’s development stages, including insights from the wind tunnel, engine development, and test track at Weissach.

The event will feature appearances by sports car boss Frank Moser, development driver and brand ambassador Jörg Bergmeister, and tech YouTuber Jason Fenske from Engineering Explained. The new model will be showcased at the IAA Mobility event in Munich from 9 September.

Porsche Asia Pacific, a subsidiary of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, oversees operations in 13 countries from its Singapore headquarters. The company supports importers and dealers in various aspects, including sales and marketing, to enhance customer service and business growth. The Porsche Experience Centre Singapore, set to open in 2027, will be the 11th of its kind globally, designed to engage a local and regional community of Porsche enthusiasts.

The unveiling of the new 911 model underscores Porsche’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the sports car industry, continuing its legacy of producing iconic vehicles.

Singapore has been named the Country-of-Honour at the World Smart Industry Expo (WSIE) 2025 in Chongqing, highlighting its strategic partnership with China. This recognition coincides with the 10th anniversary of the China-Singapore Chongqing Connectivity Initiative (CCI), a significant government collaboration. The Singapore Pavilion at the expo features 12 companies showcasing innovations in digital trade and smart cities, including CapitaLand, FathomX, and Sanbo.

The event will see the signing of at least 10 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), signalling ongoing collaboration between Singaporean and Chongqing enterprises. These agreements span sectors such as data security, MedTech, and AI. Notably, Bravox Pte Ltd and Chongqing Sansec Information Technology will develop China’s first China-Singapore Cloud-based Data Security Service Platform, supported by the Joint Innovation Development Fund (JIDF).

The JIDF, established in 2019, has funded 17 projects with a total value of $2.17m and RMB 13.42m. The fund’s latest tranche will expand project test beds beyond Chongqing to Singapore and Chengdu, broadening opportunities for enterprises.

Johnson Poh, Assistant Chief Executive of the Sectoral Transformation Group at the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), stated, “The new MoUs and JIDF expansion to Chengdu represent an important step in growing the Singapore-China relationship.”

WSIE 2025, held from 5 to 8 September, also celebrates 35 years of diplomatic relations between Singapore and China, underscoring the potential for future growth in digital innovation and cross-border infrastructure.
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