Industry News

Singapore’s Sing60 Music Festival, a two-day celebration of homegrown music, is now part of the SG Culture Pass programme, allowing Singaporeans aged 18 and above to redeem $100 credits for 1-Day Festival Passes. The festival will take place on 6 and 7 December at Fort Canning Park, organised by The Rice Company Limited and produced by Global Cultural Alliance.

Sing60 commemorates 60 years of Singaporean music, featuring headline performances from artists such as Benjamin Kheng, Charlie Lim, Dru Chen, and Shabir Sulthan. The festival will also include indie reunions in Bandwagon Sessions and dynamic DJ pairings in Bunker B2B. Beyond music, the Festival Village, curated with F ZINE, will showcase local food, fashion, and lifestyle brands.

The SG Culture Pass, a nationwide initiative, encourages engagement with local arts and culture. Credits can be used for 1-Day Passes, whilst 2-Day Passes require additional payment methods. Tickets are available at $40 for a 1-Day Pass and $60 for a 2-Day Pass via SISTIC.

Sing60 also supports social inclusion through a pay-it-forward model, where each ticket sold funds access for a child or youth from an underserved background. This initiative ensures that Singapore’s music legacy is shared widely and equitably.

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Retail sales in Singapore experienced a 4.8% increase in July this year compared to the same month in 2024, according to the latest data from the Singapore Department of Statistics. When excluding motor vehicles, the growth in retail sales was 4.1%. Additionally, sales in the food and beverage services sector rose by 1.7% over the same period.

The rise in retail sales highlights a positive trend in consumer spending, reflecting a recovery in the sector. The increase in food and beverage services sales further underscores the gradual return to pre-pandemic levels of dining and social activities.

These figures are part of the Monthly Retail Sales and Food & Beverage Services Indices released by the Singapore Department of Statistics. The indices provide valuable insights into consumer behaviour and economic health, serving as a crucial indicator for businesses and policymakers.

The Department of Statistics has also enhanced its SingStat Mobile App, offering new features for users to access statistical data more conveniently. This move aims to make statistical information more accessible to the public, fostering informed decision-making.

As Singapore continues to navigate post-pandemic recovery, these positive sales figures suggest a strengthening economy. Future reports will reveal whether this upward trend continues, providing further insights into the nation’s economic trajectory.
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Singapore’s top music stars, including JJ Lin, Benjamin Kheng, Shabir Sulthan, Awi Rafael, and Taufik Batisah, have pledged their signed guitars to support the Gift a Guitar programme, part of The Business Times Budding Artists Fund. The initiative aims to provide underserved youths with guitars, mentorship, and performance opportunities at Sing60 this December. Adding a unique twist, the LEGO Group has crafted a one-of-a-kind playable bass guitar from LEGO bricks for the auction.

The proceeds from the auction will directly support the Gift a Guitar programme, equipping 600 youths aged 13 to 20 with instruments, structured lessons, and a platform to showcase their talents. JJ Lin, who donated his Martin D-45 guitar, expressed his hope to inspire young people to find their voice through music. “When I first held a guitar as a teenager, it opened up a world where I could dream, express myself, and connect,” Lin said.

The initiative was inspired by Danny Loong, CEO and Founder of Timbre Group, who received a guitar from his father at 16, sparking his musical journey. Loong’s vision for Gift a Guitar is to provide young people with the same encouragement and opportunity to explore music. “It’s about giving young people encouragement, a voice, and the chance to discover what music can mean in their lives,” Loong stated.

The Gift a Guitar initiative, launched by SGMUSO in partnership with The Rice Company Limited, invites youths to sign up for the programme, with selected participants receiving guitars and professional lessons. The initiative not only aims to nurture musical talent but also to build confidence and community among young people.
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Singapore-headquartered LingoAce, a global education technology company, has announced the integration of Cambridge University Press & Assessment’s renowned English series, “Power Up,” into its Premium English Live Class curriculum. Launched this September, the Level 1 and Level 2 courses are designed for learners aged 5 to 12 studying English as a foreign language. This strategic move aims to provide a rigorous and engaging learning experience aligned with global standards and real-world communication needs.

The “Power Up” series, developed by Cambridge University Press & Assessment, aligns with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) from Pre-A1 to B1 levels. It prepares students for the Cambridge Young Learners English (YLE), Key English Test (KET), and Preliminary English Test (PET) exams. The curriculum combines linguistic, cross-disciplinary, and cultural content to enhance core language skills whilst fostering critical thinking and intercultural understanding.

LingoAce’s certified native English-speaking teachers deliver the “Power Up” lessons in a fully immersive environment, providing real-time feedback on pronunciation, grammar, and expression. This approach ensures simultaneous growth in listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, helping learners progress towards native-like fluency.

Hugh Yao, founder and CEO of LingoAce, stated, “By integrating ‘Power Up’ into our English Live Class, we’re offering students not just a world-class curriculum but the cultural understanding and confidence to communicate anywhere in the world.”

LingoAce plans to further enhance its offerings with AI-driven personalisation, immersive learning environments, and expanded cross-cultural content, ensuring students worldwide achieve lasting language mastery and global readiness. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Singapore, LingoAce operates globally, backed by top investors and recognised as one of the world’s most innovative edtech companies.

Editor’s Note: The LingoAce Power Up courses referenced in this release are available exclusively in Mainland China.

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Digital travel platform Agoda has launched a curated guide spotlighting some of Asia’s most serene urban parks, providing a tranquil retreat from the bustling city life. The guide, aimed at travellers seeking relaxation and a connection with nature, features five must-visit parks across the region.

Tainan Park in Taiwan is renowned for its vibrant flora and picturesque landscapes, offering serene walking paths and beautiful ponds. In South Korea, Deokjin Park in Jeonju captivates visitors with its stunning lotus flowers and leisurely boat rides. India’s Rock Garden in Chandigarh presents a unique blend of art and nature, with intricate sculptures crafted from recycled materials.

Thailand’s Singha Park in Chiang Rai spans vast acres of rolling hills and tea plantations, offering activities such as cycling and ziplining. Meanwhile, Burnham Park in Baguio, Philippines, is celebrated for its serene atmosphere, boating opportunities, and colourful flower beds.

Jun Dong, Associate Vice President at Agoda, stated, “Agoda invites travellers to discover the hidden gems of Asia’s parks, where our competitive prices make it easy to enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of these unique landscapes.”

Agoda’s platform offers over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, all of which can be combined in a single booking. With the growing appeal of slow travel, Agoda’s guide encourages travellers to unwind and create lasting memories in these urban oases.
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Renowned Singaporean lingerie brand XIXILI has launched an extensive sleepwear collection, designed to offer elegance and all-night comfort. The collection features soft nightgowns and tailored pyjama sets, crafted from breathable fabrics and gentle silhouettes to promote self-love and indulgence.

XIXILI’s spokesperson, Lay Hong, emphasised the brand’s commitment to empowering women to reclaim their femininity at any time of day. “Women deserve a calming nighttime ritual, and nothing sets the mood better than slipping into something silky, sensual, and comfortable,” she stated.

The collection includes the Amy Midnight Slip and Rubie Soft Lacey Slip, both modern takes on the classic slip dress. The Amy Midnight Slip boasts a sleek microfibre finish with delicate lace and a playful V-neckline, ideal for warm Singaporean nights. The Rubie Soft Lacey Slip, meanwhile, features floral stretch lace and soft mesh, designed to accentuate natural curves.

Additionally, the Zinnia Satin Loungewear Set remains a signature piece, bridging the gap between loungewear and sexy lingerie with its silky finish and sculpted cut. XIXILI also offers matching robes and accessories for added coverage and comfort, reflecting the brand’s inclusive approach.

XIXILI, a proudly Malaysian brand, is known for its inclusive sizing and dedication to helping women feel confident and supported. The brand also offers a 3D Avatar Try-On Tool, allowing women to virtually try on lingerie tailored to their unique body type. The full collection is available online and in boutiques across Malaysia.
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PropNex Realty, Singapore’s largest listed real estate agency, is set to host its first International Property XPO on 6 and 7 September 2025 at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront. This pioneering event is dedicated to overseas real estate, providing Singaporeans with direct access to international investment opportunities. The exhibition will showcase over 15 projects from the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, and Malaysia, offering a variety of investment options, including house-and-land packages and hotel residences.

The event will feature international experts and notable developers who will provide insights into taxation, legal frameworks, and investment types across different markets. Renowned developers such as Berkeley Group from the UK, MQDC from Thailand, and Tropicana from Malaysia will present their latest developments and highlight emerging opportunities.

A significant highlight of the XPO is a panel discussion on the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). This session will include Krishnamoorthy Kuppusamy, Senior Vice President of Iskandar Investment Berhad, alongside PropNex’s Executive Chairman Ismail Gafoor and Head of International Sales Chua Shir Yee. They will explore the economic and real estate prospects of this strategic initiative.

Chua Shir Yee noted, “Since the tightening of ABSD in April 2023, we have observed a clear uptick in interest among Singaporeans exploring overseas property investment.” Ismail Gafoor added, “The International Property XPO is designed to give investors confidence, bringing together reputable developers, experts, and thought leaders.”

The event underscores PropNex’s mission to empower investors with the necessary knowledge and trusted partners to expand their property portfolios internationally.
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Nuveen Private Capital, a collaboration between Churchill Asset Management and Arcmont Asset Management, has announced a strategic partnership with Hunter Point Capital and Temasek. This alliance involves minority investments from Hunter Point Capital and Temasek, with the latter also providing long-term capital commitments to Nuveen’s strategies.

Nuveen Private Capital, established in March 2023, has rapidly grown into an $87 billion private capital platform, investing over $21 billion in more than 400 companies over the past year. The firm supports US and European private equity firms and serves over 5,000 investors globally. Bill Huffman, CEO of Nuveen, expressed pride in the partnership, stating it validates the platform’s growth and commitment to investors.

Ken Kencel and Anthony Fobel, co-CEOs of Nuveen Private Capital, highlighted the partnership’s role in enhancing value for investors and sponsors. Avi Kalichstein, CEO of Hunter Point Capital, praised Nuveen’s market expertise and expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration’s future growth.

The transaction ensures Nuveen retains majority ownership of Nuveen Private Capital, with no changes to its investment strategy or operations. BofA Securities acted as financial adviser for the deal.
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Valerie Abend has been named the new Chief Executive Officer of FS-ISAC, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to enhancing cybersecurity and resilience in the global financial system. Her appointment, effective 3 September 2025, follows a planned succession after the retirement of Steven Silberstein. Abend brings over 30 years of experience in both the private and public sectors, having previously served as Accenture’s Global Financial Services Security Lead.

Abend’s extensive background includes advising senior executives on cyber risk management, developing security strategies, and fostering public-private partnerships. She has also served on various international boards, including the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s Cyber Security Advisory Panel. Her expertise is expected to guide FS-ISAC’s 5,000-plus member financial firms through the complexities of today’s cybersecurity landscape.

Kristopher Fador, Board Chair of FS-ISAC and Chief Information Security Officer at Bank of America, expressed confidence in Abend’s leadership, stating, “We are thrilled to have such a dynamic successor in Valerie, a trusted leader in our community with both the breadth and depth of experience needed to lead FS-ISAC into the future.”

Abend expressed her enthusiasm for the role, saying, “I am deeply honoured for the opportunity to lead FS-ISAC and grateful to Steve for his counsel through this transition. As we look ahead, FS-ISAC is uniquely positioned to advance the financial sector’s security and resilience in the face of growing cyber threats and complex geopolitical and technology change.”

FS-ISAC, founded in 1999, continues to play a crucial role in protecting financial institutions worldwide, representing $100 trillion in assets across 75 countries. With Abend at the helm, the organisation aims to further strengthen its mission amidst evolving global challenges.
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StarHub has teamed up with Vectra AI to introduce an AI-powered threat detection platform designed to bolster cybersecurity for enterprises in Singapore. This collaboration, announced on 5 September 2025, combines Vectra AI’s renowned Network Detection and Response (NDR) technology with StarHub’s IT expertise, offering businesses enhanced protection against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.

The partnership aims to equip enterprises with advanced tools for smarter and faster threat detection and response. By integrating continuous monitoring and incident response capabilities, the joint solution promises to safeguard digital infrastructures, providing businesses with peace of mind in a complex threat landscape.

Beyond enterprise protection, the collaboration seeks to fortify the broader digital ecosystem. As cyber threats become more targeted, the focus extends to protecting not just infrastructure but also the employees who rely on secure systems for their roles. This ensures a secure environment for maintaining business operations.

The new solution is now available as part of StarHub’s cybersecurity services. Enterprises interested in exploring the platform or scheduling a demonstration can contact StarHub for further information. More details are available at starhub.com/cybersecurity.
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