Industry News

INSEAD and SC Ventures, the innovation arm of Standard Chartered, have unveiled Lexarius, an AI-powered educational technology venture designed to transform corporate learning and development. The platform, launched on 2 September, combines advanced avatars and agentic AI to create dynamic role-play scenarios, offering real-time personalised coaching and feedback to accelerate skill acquisition.

Lexarius leverages the strengths of INSEAD’s expertise in executive education and SC Ventures’ infrastructure, aiming to address the growing demand for reskilling and upskilling in the corporate sector. The platform supports scalable deployment across various industries and regions, with content available in over 20 languages.

Francisco Veloso, Dean of INSEAD, highlighted the venture’s commitment to human-centred AI, stating, “This partnership represents a model for how INSEAD shapes the future of business education through strategic partnerships, academic expertise and entrepreneurial action.” Alex Manson, CEO of SC Ventures, added, “Lexarius fills a critical gap in corporate training with a scalable solution that enhances behavioural change.”

Peter Zemsky, CEO and Founder of Lexarius, emphasised the platform’s mission to empower organisations and individuals by closing the knowing–doing gap, focusing on skills from active listening to crisis decision-making. Lexarius is now available to enterprise clients in Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East, with an office established in Abu Dhabi’s ADGM.
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The Global Anti-Scam Summit (GASS) Asia 2025, held at Suntec City Convention Centre, has unveiled a series of initiatives to combat the rising threat of online scams in Southeast Asia. Announced by Tan Kiat How, Senior Minister of State for the Ministry of Digital Development and Information, these efforts aim to address the $23.6b lost to scams in the region over the past year.

GovTech Singapore has become the first government agency globally to join the Global Signal Exchange, a platform co-founded by Oxford Information Labs Research, Google, and the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA), to share scam signals for disruption. This move is part of a broader strategy to enhance public-private partnerships against online scams.

Google.org has committed $5m to The ASEAN Foundation to expand online scam prevention resources to 3 million people across Southeast Asia. This includes the educational game “Be Scam Ready,” which will launch in Singapore in October and expand to other Asia Pacific markets in 2026.

A new report by the Tech for Good Institute, in partnership with Bamboo Builders, highlights the need for a “whole-of-society” approach to combat scams. Bamboo Builders also announced the “ScamWISE Squad” web-game, aimed at equipping 100,000 Singaporeans with skills to defend against scams by 2026.

GASA has expanded its network with new chapters in Indonesia and the Philippines, enhancing regional collaboration. Jorij Abraham, Managing Director of GASA, emphasised the importance of united efforts to build a stronger defence against scams. Rajat Maheshwari, chairman of the GASA Singapore Chapter, stressed the need for public and private sector alignment to ensure a trusted digital environment.
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Venturi Partners has announced the first close of its second fund at $150m, marking a significant step towards its target of $225m by June 2026. The fund will focus on high-growth consumer brands in India and Southeast Asia, leveraging rising consumer spending and favourable demographics in these regions.

Building on the success of its debut fund, which closed at $180m in June 2022, Fund II will invest $15-40 million in 10 companies across high-growth consumer sectors. Investors will also have the opportunity to co-invest on a 1-1 ratio. Venturi Partners’ strategy involves close collaboration with founders and active board participation, drawing on the team’s deep sector expertise.

Nicholas Cator, Founder and Managing Partner, expressed gratitude for the trust of existing investors and welcomed new partners, stating, “This strong response validates our investment thesis and the strength of our unique team that we have built over the last five years.” Rishika Chandan, Managing Partner, highlighted India’s emergence as a strong growth market amidst global volatility, aligning well with Venturi’s strategy.

Venturi Partners, founded in 2020, is a consumer-focused growth equity platform investing in Series B-D stage companies. Its first fund’s portfolio includes brands like Livspace, Country Delight, and Believe, with an eighth investment forthcoming. The firm combines strategic capital with operational excellence to help brands scale sustainably.
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The Singapore Corporate Awards 2025 celebrated its 20th anniversary by honouring 26 companies and six individuals for excellence in corporate governance and shareholder value. DBS Group Holdings Ltd emerged as a standout winner, clinching three company awards in the Large-Caps category and receiving The Luminary Award, a special recognition for its outstanding corporate governance. ComfortDelGro Corporation Ltd was the top Mid-Cap winner for the second year, with SBS Transit Ltd and VICOM Ltd also recognised.

The awards, segmented by market capitalisation, highlighted achievements across various categories. In the Small-Caps category, Qian Hu Corporation Ltd led with three awards. New entrants Samudera Shipping Line Ltd and Tiong Woon Corporation Holding Ltd made notable debuts. Individual accolades were awarded to CEOs from Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Ltd, Hong Leong Asia, and Grand Venture Technology Ltd, along with CFOs from DBS, ValueMax Group Ltd, and Grand Venture Technology Ltd.

The awards, co-organised by The Business Times, the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants, and the Singapore Institute of Directors, underscore the importance of corporate governance in fostering business resilience and investor confidence. Co-Chair of SCA, Chen Huifen, emphasised the evolution of the awards in recognising companies that exemplify integrity and sustainability practices. The event was supported by several partners, including Bain & Company and Deloitte, with Standard Chartered as the presenting sponsor.

The Singapore Corporate Awards continue to be a premier platform for recognising exemplary corporate governance practices among SGX-listed companies, reinforcing the role of strong, transparent boards in driving impactful change.
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Cathay United Bank (CUB) Singapore recently hosted its second “CU Smile” Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Day, uniting nearly 100 staff members and representatives from Taiwanese enterprises to volunteer in refurbishing seniors’ homes along Yishun Ring Road. This initiative, held in partnership with TOUCH Elderly Group, a Singaporean non-profit organisation, aimed to improve the living conditions of the elderly by cleaning, painting, and donating household appliances.

The event marked the first collaboration between CUB and TOUCH Elderly Group, showcasing a model for cross-border enterprise partnerships to enhance community resources. Winfield Wong, Chief Executive of Cathay United Bank Singapore Branch, expressed his appreciation for the collaboration, stating, “It’s heartwarming to see our Taiwanese clients and partners come together to give back to the Singapore community.”

Volunteers engaged in activities such as repainting walls, cleaning windows, and donating fans to create refreshed living spaces for the seniors. The initiative, themed “Transforming Homes, Uplifting Lives,” aligns with the sustainability pillar of Empowerment, a key focus for Cathay Financial Holdings, CUB’s parent company.

Participating organisations included the Taipei Business Association in Singapore, Evergreen Marine Asia, Sherman Mineral Trading, and WPG South Asia. Jenny Lu, Chairman of the Taipei Business Association in Singapore, noted the event’s success in strengthening connections among Taiwanese enterprises and contributing to societal welfare.

Looking forward, CUB plans to continue expanding its CSR efforts across different regions, fostering community engagement and promoting inclusion and equality.
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Foodpanda is set to delight Singaporeans this September with a series of exclusive deals and discounts. From 1 to 7 September, pandapro week will offer subscribers up epic discounts of 40% off on selected items at participating restaurants, including popular fast food chains like McDonald’s and Jollibee. Following this, from 8 to 28 September, panda fest 2025 will provide all users with weekly 20% discounts on selected groceries and daily flash sales offering 25% or more off on snacks and essentials.

Bhavani Mishra, Managing Director of foodpanda Singapore, highlighted the company’s commitment to providing convenience, affordability, and value. “Singaporeans today are prioritising convenience, affordability and value — and they expect to get it all as part of their everyday expectations,” Mishra said. “That’s why we’ve decided to go all out this September to give Singaporeans the confidence of good value and variety that they need, without breaking the bank.”

During pandapro week, subscribers can enjoy significant savings on family favourites and comfort meals, with discounts on items from pandamart, Giant, Cold Storage, and Guardian. Additionally, all pandapro subscribers will receive $3 off delivery on all food orders.

Panda fest 2025 will feature a variety of deals on treats, cooking essentials, and pantry stock-ups, with new offers available daily. This initiative aims to provide massive value and savings for all users, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the benefits of foodpanda’s extensive network of retail partners and quick-commerce services.
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ION Orchard is set to captivate shoppers with its “Live the Race” campaign, running from 22 September to 12 October 2025, as it aligns with the Singapore Grand Prix Formula 1 fever. This initiative is part of the mall’s broader Autumn/Winter campaign, “A New Season, A New Silhouette,” which spans from 1 September to 6 November 2025. The campaign promises a blend of motorsport excitement and high-end retail experiences, featuring immersive race-themed activities, exclusive store launches, and curated promotions.

The highlight of the campaign is the transformation of ION Orchard into a Race Village, showcasing brand activations and race car displays. Notable events include TAG Heuer’s interactive pop-up, which celebrates its role as the Official Timekeeper for Formula 1, and the LEGO Experience, offering F1 challenges and a chance to win a mini LEGO F1 Racecar. Additionally, the “Inside the Garage” event, presented by Visa, TUDOR, and HUGO, offers fans a glimpse into the racing world with interactive challenges and exclusive merchandise.

Shoppers can also enjoy elevated rewards, including a 10% rebate for ION+ Rewards members from 1 to 5 October 2025. New flagship stores such as Breguet, Café Nesuto, and The Planet Traveller further enhance the mall’s luxury appeal. Seasonal brand collectibles and privileges, including exclusive gifts from Casetify, TWG Tea, and Estee Lauder, add to the allure.

ION Orchard’s CEO, Yeo Mui Hong, expressed excitement about the campaign, stating, “We are creating an immersive experience that transforms Singapore’s premier shopping destination into the ultimate motorsport playground.” The campaign promises to offer something for both racing enthusiasts and luxury shoppers alike.
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Acadian Asset Management, a leader in systematic and quantitative investing, has reported a significant increase in its assets under management (AUM) across the Asia-Pacific region, reaching approximately $24 billion as of 30 June 2025. This growth, driven by a strategic expansion in Asia, has seen the firm’s AUM in the region triple since 2022, excluding Australia and Japan. In response to the rising demand for sophisticated investment strategies, Acadian has appointed George Koh as Director of Wholesale Distribution in Singapore.

The firm has increased its Asian client relationships by 60% over the past three years, strengthening ties with institutional investors in countries such as Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand. George Koh, who brings extensive experience from previous roles at Brandes Investment Partners and J.P. Morgan Asset Management, will oversee the expansion of Acadian’s distribution channels and engage with private banks and wealth platforms.

Francis Seah, Managing Director at Acadian Asset Management Singapore, highlighted Koh’s role in enhancing the firm’s engagement with ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) and family offices. “George brings a wealth of experience and deep local expertise to drive engagement,” Seah stated.

Acadian has also launched several investment vehicles in the past three years, with more than 15 funds now available to qualified investors in Singapore and Hong Kong. These include flagship strategies like Acadian Global Equity and Acadian Emerging Markets Equity. Koh expressed enthusiasm about joining Acadian, noting the strong demand for systematic, data-driven investment strategies amidst market volatility.
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Royal Canin, a global leader in pet health nutrition, has officially established its presence in Singapore, marking a significant step in its mission to enhance the lives of cats and dogs through precise, science-based nutrition. This strategic expansion aims to better serve the growing pet community in Southeast Asia and reinforce Royal Canin’s commitment to the Asia Pacific region.

The rise in pet ownership across Asia Pacific, including Singapore, has been notable since the pandemic, as more individuals seek companionship and emotional support from pets. This trend has transformed Singapore into a pet-friendly hub, with an increasing number of dog-friendly cafés, boutique pet spas, and community parks. The pet care sector is projected to grow by 5% to 6% in 2025, reaching an estimated $256-293 million (SGD 350-400 million), according to Pet Fair Southeast Asia.

Royal Canin’s enhanced presence in Singapore will facilitate closer collaboration with veterinarians, breeders, pet professionals, and pet owners. With over 50 years of scientific expertise, the company offers more than 400 specialised nutritional products tailored to the unique needs of cats and dogs. “At Royal Canin, we firmly believe that pets are not just companions; they are part of our family,” said David Cai, Regional President Asia Pacific at Royal Canin.

The company is committed to empowering pet owners and professionals through education, science, and collaboration, providing innovative tools, services, and resources to support the evolving needs of pets. Royal Canin’s expansion in Singapore reflects its long-term investment in the region and its mission to support cats and dogs at every stage of life.
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Singapore is set to welcome 2026 with the launch of Singland Festival 2026, the nation’s first-ever large-scale indoor New Year celebration, taking place from 31 December 2025 to 3 January 2026 at Marina Bay Sands. The festival, coinciding with Singapore’s 60th anniversary of independence, promises a blend of international talent, cultural showcases, and sustainability initiatives.

K-pop legend Rain will headline the New Year’s Eve Celebration Show, marking the start of four nights of world-class performances. Known for his high-energy shows and iconic choreography, Rain’s participation underscores the festival’s commitment to delivering a unique music experience. “Singland Festival is more than a concert series — it’s a celebration of culture, music, and community,” said Dave Poh, Executive Director of Season Culture, the festival’s organiser.

The festival will also feature a Mega-Sing-Along, where massive LED displays will engage the audience, and various cultural showcases, including art installations and interactive countdown clocks. In a nod to sustainability, $1 from every ticket sold will support tree-planting efforts.

Tickets for Rain’s 90-minute show will range from $198 to $328, with pre-sale details to be announced soon. The festival aims to position Singapore as a premier New Year destination, with more international headliners and activities to be revealed in September.