Industry News

Japan’s fastest-growing meal subscription service, Tsuklio, has officially launched in Singapore, marking its first international expansion. Operated by Tokyo-based Antway Inc., Tsuklio aims to use Singapore as a strategic hub for Southeast Asia, introducing a premium meal plan tailored for busy families. The service, which has already served over 30 million meals in Japan, offers a 4-serving, 3-meal-per-week plan priced at S$211.

Tsuklio’s central-kitchen model ensures meals are prepared daily under the supervision of registered dietitians, maintaining high nutritional and quality standards. The decision to enter the Singapore market follows a successful pilot in March 2025, which demonstrated strong demand despite the premium pricing. Singapore was chosen after extensive market validation, including studies and a test-marketing programme.

Antway Inc. plans to leverage Singapore as a launchpad for regional expansion, exploring partnerships and franchise opportunities, particularly with operators possessing central kitchen infrastructure. The franchise model has been successfully implemented in Japan across various industries, highlighting its adaptability.

Kei Maejima, CEO of Antway Inc., stated, “We aim to position Tsuklio to address the market gap between health-conscious meal kits and everyday dining needs of households in Singapore.” The expansion aligns with Antway’s mission to support busy dual-income families by reducing household meal obligations.

The company emphasises food safety and quality assurance, adhering to Singapore’s regulatory standards. Tsuklio’s entry into Singapore not only marks a significant milestone for the company but also aligns with the nation’s focus on workforce reskilling and upskilling, offering local employment opportunities.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) to bolster global efforts in maritime decarbonisation and digitalisation. This partnership aims to leverage UNCTAD’s trade development expertise and Singapore’s status as a leading global hub port to promote the adoption of alternative fuels and digital solutions across ports worldwide.

The MOU was signed by Tan Hoe Soon, Assistant Chief Executive of MPA, and Vinod Nair, Chief of the Budget and Project Finance Section at UNCTAD. The collaboration will focus on sharing knowledge and best practices in sustainable finance and manpower development. Additionally, it will provide capacity building and technical training for developing countries to enhance their maritime capabilities and port resilience.

This initiative is part of the broader agenda of Singapore Maritime Week 2026, an annual event that gathers the international maritime community to address key industry issues and foster innovation. The partnership underscores the commitment of both MPA and UNCTAD to drive sustainable development in the maritime sector, ensuring that ports and countries at various stages of readiness can benefit from these advancements.

In the latest Singapore Index of Inflation Expectations (SInDEx) survey, conducted by the Singapore Management University (SMU) and DBS Group Research, 88.3% of Singaporeans anticipate a rise in inflation over the next year. This marks an increase from 83.4% in December 2025, with geopolitical uncertainties cited as a primary concern.

The survey, led by Dr. Aurobindo Ghosh from SMU, involved around 500 participants and revealed that conflicts involving Hamas and Israel, Ukraine and Russia, and Iran and Israel are major factors influencing inflation expectations. Supply chain disruptions and trade policy uncertainties also contribute to these concerns.

Despite these expectations, the One-year-Ahead headline inflation forecast has slightly decreased to 3.3% in March 2026 from 3.5% in December 2025. This is below the average first-quarter expectation of 3.5% since the index’s inception in 2011. DBS Chief Economist Dr. Taimur Baig noted the impact of geopolitical conditions on inflation components such as food and transport.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore’s (MAS) recent data shows a median forecast of 1.5% for Consumer Price Index (CPI)-All Items inflation in 2026. The MAS Core Inflation forecast remains at 1.5%. The Department of Statistics reported a 1.3% rise in CPI-All Items between January and February 2026 compared to the previous year.

Overall, the survey indicates stable consumer sentiment, though expectations for business conditions and large purchases are slightly negative. The findings suggest that whilst inflation concerns persist, the actual inflation rate may remain moderate.

Rental volumes for both condominiums and Housing Development Board (HDB) flats in Singapore saw a significant increase in March 2026, according to the latest 99-SRX Media Flash Report. Condo rental volumes rose by 27.2% month-on-month, with 6,386 units rented compared to 5,021 in February. This surge is attributed to seasonal factors, including February’s shorter month and festive slowdown, which delayed transactions into March.

Condo rental prices also experienced a modest increase of 0.4% in March, continuing a gradual upward trend. Year-on-year, rental prices in the Core Central Region (CCR), Rest of Central Region (RCR), and Outside Central Region (OCR) increased by 2%, 1.9%, and 0.9%, respectively. Despite the monthly rise, tenants remain price-conscious, limiting landlords’ ability to raise rents significantly.

In the HDB rental market, volumes increased by 18.9% month-on-month, with 2,662 flats rented in March compared to 2,239 in February. However, year-on-year, HDB rental volumes decreased by 2.5%, remaining 5.9% below the five-year average for March. HDB rental prices saw a slight increase of 0.2%, with Non-Mature towns experiencing a 0.5% rise.

Luqman Hakim, Chief Data & Analytics Officer at 99.co, noted that the increase in rental volumes reflects a catch-up effect rather than a sudden surge in demand. The report suggests that whilst demand persists, it has softened compared to previous years, possibly due to more renters transitioning into homeownership as the resale market stabilises.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), in collaboration with the Singapore Shipping Association (SSA), the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), and the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), is set to launch a new cybersecurity training programme for maritime operational technology in August 2026. This initiative is designed to address the growing cybersecurity risks associated with the digitalisation of shipboard systems.

As the maritime industry increasingly integrates digital and interconnected systems, the need for IT professionals who understand both shore-based and shipboard systems has become critical. The programme, informed by feedback from SSA member companies, aims to equip IT professionals with the necessary skills to enhance the cyber resilience of shipboard operations. Participants will learn to identify threat vectors, respond to cyber incidents, and integrate cybersecurity considerations into vessel design.

The two-month course will combine online learning with hands-on training at the SIT Punggol Campus. A key feature of the programme is an applied exercise at SUTD’s Centre for Research in Cyber Security, where participants will manage simulated cyber incidents using the Maritime Testbed of Shipboard Operational Technology (MariOT). This practical component is designed to provide real-world experience in a controlled environment.

Conducted quarterly and subsidised under the SkillsFuture scheme, the programme expects to train approximately 70 participants annually. This initiative is part of a broader effort to develop a pipeline of maritime cybersecurity talent and strengthen the industry’s overall cybersecurity capabilities.

The Singapore Business Federation (SBF) has revealed that two-thirds of Singaporean businesses are grappling with moderate to severe impacts from the ongoing Middle East conflict. The conflict has led to increased energy and logistics costs, affecting operations and demand. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are particularly vulnerable, with one in three reporting significant disruptions, whilst half of larger firms experience moderate impacts.

The disparity in impact has resulted in a confidence gap, with only 36% of SMEs confident in managing ongoing volatility, compared to 78% of larger firms. Overall, 54% of businesses are concerned about their viability if current conditions persist beyond six months. Despite these challenges, businesses are adapting by raising prices and renegotiating contracts. SMEs focus on cash conservation, whilst larger firms employ sophisticated risk management strategies, such as fuel and foreign exchange hedging.

Businesses are calling for targeted assistance to cope with sustained cost pressures. The Corporate Income Tax (CIT) Rebate is seen as the most valuable immediate measure, followed by the Energy Efficiency Grant and support for government project cost increases. SBF CEO Kok Ping Soon highlighted the growing confidence gap, stating, “Whilst bigger companies are better able to manage rising costs, SMEs are feeling the strain more acutely.”

The findings were shared at a recent dialogue attended by over 150 business leaders, where discussions centred on strengthening supply chain resilience and managing tariff exposure amidst heightened uncertainty.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has announced the selection of six partners to trial innovative in-water hull inspection and cleaning solutions in the Port of Singapore. This initiative, part of the Call for Proposals (CFP), aims to enhance shipping efficiency and reduce emissions. The selected partners—Alicia Bots, C-Leanship, Neptune Robotics, Oceanis Robotics, RINA, and SEAHI Robotics—will receive nearly S$3.7m in research and development co-funding from the Maritime Innovation and Technology (MINT) Fund.

The trials will address the issue of marine biofouling, which increases fuel consumption and emissions due to hydrodynamic drag. Singapore, being one of the world’s busiest ports, requires efficient hull cleaning solutions that do not disrupt operations. The trials will focus on developing solutions that can operate reliably in complex conditions, such as handling propellers and rudders, and meeting environmental requirements.

Current commercial solutions face challenges in automation and efficiency, particularly in busy port environments. The selected partners will leverage advancements in robotics and remote operations to overcome these limitations. The trials, set to begin in the second half of 2026, will last 18 months and aim to enable large-scale deployment of these technologies.

MPA will collaborate with industry partners to evaluate the outcomes, ensuring the solutions meet global standards and can be safely deployed. This initiative is part of Singapore’s broader efforts to support maritime decarbonisation and enhance its value proposition as a leading international maritime centre.

Singapore Airlines, Ascott, and DBS have emerged as leaders in sustainability among Singaporean brands, according to the Sustainability Perceptions Index 2026 by Brand Finance. The index, which evaluates global brands on their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments, shows these companies translating sustainability pledges into tangible actions.

Singapore Airlines received high marks for its ESG initiatives, reaffirming its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The airline plans to use 5% Sustainable Aviation Fuel by 2030 and aims for over 70% of its fleet to consist of new-generation aircraft. It has also expanded partnerships for sustainable aviation fuel and enhanced its digital efficiency.

Ascott has been recognised for its environmental innovation, particularly through its Ascott CARES framework. The company has achieved significant reductions in energy and water consumption, supported by AI-powered optimisation. It has also expanded solar panel installations and introduced community engagement initiatives to bolster its inclusive hospitality approach.

DBS stood out for its governance and sustainable finance leadership. In 2025, the bank broadened its sustainable financing programmes, updated responsible banking frameworks, and introduced stricter procurement standards to reduce its environmental footprint.

Alex Haigh, Managing Director Asia Pacific at Brand Finance, noted, “Singaporean brands are standing out for their ability to translate commitments into tangible action. Those that can demonstrate real impact, not just intent, are the ones strengthening trust and brand value.”

Globally, Google surpassed Apple to top the Sustainability Perceptions Value, whilst Tesla’s green reputation continued to decline. The index is based on research with over 175,000 respondents across 41 countries, combining survey data with ESG performance ratings.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and NUS Enterprise have launched the 10th edition of the PIER71 Smart Port Challenge (SPC) at Singapore Maritime Week 2026. This year’s challenge introduces expanded support to help maritime start-ups scale, secure funding, and deploy their solutions effectively.

The event, attended by over 200 international start-ups, investors, and industry partners, highlights Singapore’s role as a hub for maritime innovation. Since its inception in 2018, PIER71 has supported approximately 170 start-ups, collectively raising over S$150m in funding. Notably, Groundup.ai, an SPC alumnus, has successfully expanded across Asia and the Middle East, securing S$5.4m in Series A funding.

This year’s SPC introduces two new initiatives: Mentors-in-Residence Plus (MIR+) and Venture2Capital. MIR+ pairs start-ups with experienced maritime professionals and overseas accelerator partners to facilitate market entry and expansion. Venture2Capital enhances access to funding by connecting start-ups with investors and offering structured training for fundraising.

Additionally, MPA has launched an innovation track under the Maritime Cluster Fund – Business Development scheme to bolster maritime companies’ innovation capabilities in Singapore. This initiative aims to foster a vibrant and globally connected maritime ecosystem.

SPC 2026 will expand its global outreach, targeting key markets such as China, France, India, and the USA. Applications are now open, offering 20 innovation opportunities across four areas: Next-Generation Port, Smart Shipping, Maritime Green Technologies, and Digitalisation. Shortlisted start-ups will participate in a 10-week SPC Accelerate programme, culminating in a grand finale on 11 November 2026.

MPA Chief Executive Ang Wee Keong emphasised the importance of scaling start-ups to deliver real impact, whilst NUS Senior Vice President Tan Sian Wee highlighted the need for solutions to be deployed at scale. Applications for SPC 2026 are open until 15 June 2026.

Singapore’s industrial real estate market experienced significant rental growth across all segments in the first quarter of 2026, driven by tightening vacancies and a limited supply pipeline, as reported by Cushman & Wakefield. Prime logistics rents increased by 1.5% quarter-on-quarter, the most substantial rise since early 2024, whilst warehouse vacancy rates fell to 5.6%, marking a second consecutive quarter of decline.

The report highlights that all industrial property segments recorded positive rental growth in Q1 2026. Warehouse rents accelerated by 0.5% quarter-on-quarter, and suburban business park rents saw a 1.7% increase. Factory rents also rose, with ground floor rents up by 1.6% and upper floor rents by 1.5%. High-tech rents grew more modestly at 0.3%, led by modern high-specification developments.

Brenda Ong, Executive Director and Head of Logistics & Industrial Services at Cushman & Wakefield Singapore, noted, “Singapore’s industrial market is seeing genuine tightening across most segments. Vacancy is declining, occupiers remain active, and the pipeline is lean.”

The constrained supply pipeline is expected to sustain market tightness, with new supply across most industrial segments in 2026 projected to fall below the 10-year historical averages. The lack of new major prime logistics projects and a tapering business park pipeline further contribute to this trend.

Wong Xian Yang, Head of Research Singapore & Southeast Asia at Cushman & Wakefield, stated, “Supply across most segments will stay lean through the medium term, and occupiers with active space requirements would be well-advised to plan ahead rather than wait for conditions to ease.” The ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and the nascent influence of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone may also impact future rental growth.