Industry News

The Institute of Technical Education and TP-Link Corporation have joined forces to enhance the technical skills of students in Singapore, aligning with the nation’s Smart Nation initiative. The partnership, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding, will provide hands-on ICT training, global certifications, and industry exposure to approximately 600 students annually, totalling 1,800 over the partnership’s duration.

The collaboration focuses on developing skills in networking and surveillance technologies, crucial for Singapore’s digital infrastructure plans. Students will have access to three new Continuing Education and Training  courses: Omada Certified Network Administrator (OCNA) for wireless networks, OCNA for routing and switching, and VIGI Certified Security Administrator for surveillance systems. These courses are designed to equip students with industry-recognised qualifications and practical experience.

TP-Link will also offer internships, placements, and structured industry learning journeys, providing pathways to permanent roles. The initiative aims to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in Singapore’s ICT and security sectors, particularly in roles requiring hands-on technical expertise.

Hugo Cai, Regional Director of TP-Link, stated, “By bringing industry expertise into the classroom and aligning training with real-world demands, we’re not only supporting local education but also investing in the future of Southeast Asia’s digital workforce.”

This partnership is expected to nurture a new generation of ICT and security professionals who are both technically skilled and workforce-ready, bridging the gap between education and industry needs.
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As Singapore marks its 60th year of independence, a new survey by Prudential Singapore reveals that 51% of Gen Zs, aged 16 to 28, are confident about retiring comfortably. However, 72% admit they have no concrete retirement plan. The SG60 Financial Future Poll, conducted in July 2025, surveyed 1,000 Singapore residents aged 17 to 76, exploring retirement readiness across generations.

Gen Zs, primarily students and new workforce entrants, focus on increasing their earning potential before saving for retirement. They prioritise multiple income streams, with 41% expressing this preference. Additionally, 60% of Gen Zs value career advancement over work-life balance, unlike older generations. Many aim for remote work opportunities and micro-retirements, with 54% planning to retire by 60 and 20% by 50.

Prudential Financial Advisers Singapore CEO, Jeff Ang, noted, “Gen Zs are confident about the next 60 years because they have grown up in a nation that has flourished and provided them with the opportunities to thrive.”

Baby Boomers, aged 55 and above, wish they had started financial planning 12 years earlier. Nearly all Baby Boomers (94%) expressed regret over their financial planning approach, with 61% wishing they had developed stronger financial habits sooner.

The poll highlights the importance of early financial planning, with Ang advising, “Starting small and staying consistent can go a long way, especially with the power of compounding.”

The survey also found that CPF savings and bank savings are the primary retirement funding sources for most respondents, with younger generations more inclined to invest in index mutual funds and ETFs. Ang emphasised the need for a diversified wealth portfolio, including health insurance, to ensure financial security in later years.
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CGS International, in collaboration with Ogier Global Singapore, hosted the inaugural Capital Conversations by the Bay on 28 August. The event brought together investors, fund managers, and advisers to explore how private capital can be unlocked as a strategic funding source in Asia. The discussions focused on asset allocation, governance, tax efficiency, and long-term investment opportunities.

The programme featured two panels. The first, led by Zhenghao Phua of CGS International, included Bryan Goh of Tsao Family Office and Ashish Goyal of OMERS. They discussed global market trends, highlighting the importance of diversification across asset classes and regions. Phua noted the divergence in market performance, with US dollar investments holding up and non-US markets showing strong gains.

The second panel, moderated by Hoan Nguyen of Ogier Global Singapore, examined the challenges of the current fundraising environment. Panellists, including Tervinder Chal of Ogier Global Singapore and Ryan Lin of Bayfront Law, discussed the evolving regulatory landscape in Singapore and the role of private wealth in capital formation. Chal emphasised the importance of investor alignment and robust governance in navigating the difficult fundraising climate.

CGS International expressed gratitude to all participants for their contributions to the event, which aims to foster meaningful dialogue and peer exchange among investment leaders in the region. Capital Conversations by the Bay will continue to serve as a platform for market intelligence and strategic discussions.
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DNV has renewed its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) to further maritime innovation and talent development. This collaboration, announced on 28 August 2025, aims to enhance Singapore’s maritime capabilities through a focus on decarbonisation, digitalisation, and education.

The renewed MoU builds on a 2022 framework, expanding efforts to support Singapore’s maritime ambitions. DNV will provide expertise in maritime decarbonisation and digitalisation, contributing to SIT’s Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering Joint Degree Programme. The partnership will also see the co-development of postgraduate programmes tailored to industry needs.

SIT will utilise DNV’s Simulation Trust Centre to advance research and education in ship and system design, focusing on energy management and autonomous operations. The collaboration includes integrated work-study attachments, capstone projects, and the promotion of industrial doctorate and master pathways to enhance maritime professionals’ skills. DNV experts may also serve as adjunct or joint professors at SIT.

Bernard Nee, Deputy President of Industry and Community at SIT, highlighted the partnership’s role in driving maritime innovation and sustainability. “By harnessing DNV’s extensive expertise and global insights, we aim to develop impactful solutions in maritime decarbonisation, digitalisation, and autonomous systems,” he stated.

Antony M Dsouza, Regional President and Director for Southeast Asia Pacific and India Maritime at DNV, emphasised the importance of building competence in the industry. “This renewed collaboration with SIT brings together DNV’s technical leadership and SIT’s academic strengths to support the development of professionals equipped to contribute to a more efficient and resilient maritime sector,” he said.

The partnership will also engage with industry partners on research initiatives under the Sustainable Maritime Engineering Strategic Translational Research Programme, focusing on zero-emission ships, remote control systems, and future fuels. Additionally, DNV and SIT will work with the Singapore Maritime Foundation to advance Competency-Based Education, ensuring graduates possess the practical skills required by the evolving maritime sector.
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ZUZU Hospitality, a leading revenue management and distribution platform for independent hotels in Southeast Asia and India, has successfully raised US$5.9 million in a Series B-Extension funding round. The investment, led by Wavemaker Growth, with participation from existing investors Velocity Ventures and Vulpes Ventures, as well as new investor Latin Leap, is set to bolster ZUZU’s mission to empower independent hotels with advanced technology and expertise.

The funding comes at a crucial time as Southeast Asia’s hotel market experiences rapid growth and fragmentation, with many independent hotels struggling to compete with global chains. ZUZU’s comprehensive tech stack is designed to bridge this gap, enabling these hotels to maximise revenue and capture a fair share of demand from online channels. The company reports that its platform has already contributed to a 30-40% increase in occupancy rates for its clients.

Vikram Malhi, Founder and CEO of ZUZU Hospitality, emphasised the importance of levelling the playing field for independent hotels, stating that the new funding will accelerate their efforts in providing cutting-edge solutions. The investment will be used to further develop ZUZU’s AI-driven technology, ensuring that independent hotels can compete more effectively in the digital age.

As ZUZU continues to expand its reach and capabilities, the company is poised to make a significant impact on the hospitality industry, offering independent hotels the tools they need to thrive in a competitive market.
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Global law firm HFW has announced the appointment of Simon Bellas as a senior construction disputes partner in its Singapore office, marking a significant expansion of its international construction practice. Bellas, who previously led Jones Day’s Engineering, Procurement, Infrastructure and Construction practice in Australia, brings nearly 25 years of experience in complex construction and engineering disputes to HFW.

Bellas’s expertise spans offshore construction, oil and gas, renewable energy projects, mining, and transport infrastructure. His return to Singapore is a homecoming of sorts, having previously spent four years in the city-state before relocating to Melbourne in 2021. “I’m excited to be joining HFW and returning to Singapore, where I’ve worked closely with clients for many years,” Bellas said.

This appointment is part of HFW’s broader strategy to bolster its presence in the Asia Pacific region. The firm has added eight construction partners globally since the start of FY24, with recent hires in Perth, Hong Kong, and London. Michael Sergeant, Head of Construction at HFW, noted, “Simon is a standout addition to our expanding practice.”

Adam Richardson, Head of HFW’s Singapore office, emphasised the strategic alignment of Bellas’s expertise with the firm’s client base, particularly in offshore construction disputes. Bellas’s arrival follows the recent recruitment of other senior figures in Singapore, further solidifying HFW’s commitment to growth in the region.

HFW’s Singapore office, celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, now boasts nearly 40 lawyers as part of an Asia Pacific team of over 250 lawyers. The firm’s global construction practice includes 18 partners and more than 90 lawyers, advising on high-value developments worldwide.
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TechInnovation 2025, Singapore’s leading platform for innovation and business transformation, is set to return for its 13th edition from 29 to 31 October at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre. Organised by IPI Singapore, the event will bring together over 40 expert speakers and more than 100 breakthrough technologies, aiming to accelerate real-world innovation and cross-border collaboration.

Building on the success of last year, which saw participation from over 100 exhibitors across eight countries and attendees from 42 markets, TechInnovation 2025 will once again convene innovators, startups, corporates, and government agencies from across Asia. The event focuses on sectors such as smart buildings, urban solutions, engineering, digital health, sustainability, advanced manufacturing, and artificial intelligence (AI), providing businesses with tailored solutions for growth.

This year’s theme, “Discover, Connect, Collaborate,” highlights the event’s mission to drive growth through discovery and global collaboration. A new feature, “Innovation in Action,” will debut, offering experiential technology showcases where exhibitors can present their ready-to-market technologies in an interactive format. This initiative aims to foster meaningful connections and spark conversations on the show floor.

Michael Goh, Chief Operating Officer of IPI Singapore, stated, “TechInnovation brings together enterprises and partners to explore new ideas. We look forward to welcoming exhibitors whose innovations can support practical business applications and contribute to a more sustainable and competitive future.”

TechInnovation 2025 invites technology providers, research institutions, startups, and solution developers to participate as exhibitors, offering exposure to thousands of decision-makers and industry leaders. The event is organised by IPI Singapore, a subsidiary of Enterprise Singapore, and serves as a dynamic marketplace for co-innovation and tech adoption.
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Porsche has announced a series of updates for its all-electric Macan, focusing on enhancing driver and passenger experience with smarter assistance systems and improved entertainment options. The new features, set to launch by the end of the year, include the advanced Surround View assistance system, which now offers Trained Parking and Reversing Assist, and the Porsche Digital Key compatible with iPhone, Apple Watch, and Android devices.

The Surround View system, equipped with four high-resolution cameras, provides a 360-degree view and cross-traffic alerts, making parking in tight spaces easier. The Trained Parking feature allows the Macan to learn and automate parking routines, whilst Reversing Assist enables automatic reversing along previously driven routes. These innovations aim to simplify manoeuvring in challenging environments.

In addition to these driving aids, the Macan’s App Centre transforms the vehicle into a mobile entertainment hub. New gaming options from Gameloft and Obscure Interactive are available, and AirConsole offers a variety of games playable via smartphone. The optional passenger display ensures entertainment without distracting the driver.

The Voice Pilot feature, enhanced with artificial intelligence, now understands complex queries and provides an on-board manual through voice commands. This makes the Macan a more interactive and user-friendly vehicle.

The updated Macan will be available in Germany from autumn, with prices starting at $250,688, excluding COE. The model’s practicality is further improved with an increased towing capacity of 2,500 kilograms. These updates underscore Porsche’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology into its vehicles.
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Perennial Holdings has launched Perennial Living, Singapore’s first private assisted living development, combining luxury living with comprehensive care services. Located in the tranquil Rosyth estate, the development spans 195,000 square feet and includes 200 assisted living suites and 100 nursing home beds. This innovative project aims to support seniors across various care needs, from independent living to long-term nursing care.

Perennial Living integrates Perennial Wellness, an East-meets-West medical care centre, providing residents with access to a diagnostic centre, hydrotherapy pool, and robotics-assisted rehabilitation facilities. The centre offers a range of services, including preventive health, post-operative rehabilitation, and mental wellness support, delivered by a multidisciplinary team of specialists.

Executive Chairman and CEO of Perennial Holdings, Pua Seck Guan, highlighted the development’s significance, stating, “We aim to redefine the standards of private eldercare in the country by treating seniors with dignity, enabling them to age with good health and vitality.”

Residents can choose from various suite layouts, with occupation packages ranging from $8,900 to $17,000 per month. These packages include accommodation, meals, and access to amenities, with early bird discounts available for the first 40 suites. Additional services, such as medical treatments and concierge services, can be added.

Perennial Living also features smart technologies for safety and convenience, including emergency response systems and health monitoring devices. The development’s design promotes a vibrant lifestyle with activities like Tai Chi and cooking classes, ensuring residents enjoy a fulfilling and connected community life.
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Singapore’s job market demonstrated resilience in July 2025, despite a 4.8% decline in job postings, marking the steepest monthly drop since February 2023, according to data from Indeed, the global hiring platform. Although job postings are now 17.8% lower than a year ago, hiring activity remains robust, with rates still 36% above pre-pandemic levels.

The unemployment rate in Singapore remains steady at 2.1%, with strong demand in service industries such as sports, pharmacy, and education, which saw job postings rise by 173%, 122%, and 117% respectively. However, the healthcare and tech sectors experienced declines, with nursing and IT infrastructure postings dropping by 8.6% and 22.4%.

Pay transparency has decreased, with only 21% of job postings including salary details, down from 30% in 2023–24. Callam Pickering, APAC Senior Economist at Indeed, emphasised the importance of pay transparency, stating, “For employers keen on securing the best talent, pay transparency can make the difference.”

Despite the decline in job postings, the overall hiring landscape in Singapore remains strong, highlighting the resilience of the labour market. However, sustained declines could potentially soften labour market conditions in the future.
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