Industry News

Avanade, a leading Microsoft solutions provider, has announced its acquisition of Total eBiz Solutions, a Singapore-based IT services firm known for its expertise in Microsoft technologies. This strategic move, marking Avanade’s first acquisition in Southeast Asia, is set to bolster its capabilities in aiding mid-market businesses and public sector clients with digital transformation. Over 200 professionals from Total eBiz Solutions will join Avanade, integrating their offerings into Avanade’s existing services.

Founded in 2003, Total eBiz Solutions specialises in AI, cloud, data, engineering, automation, and digital workplace solutions. Its portfolio includes a Contact Centre as a Service platform and Gen AI-powered tools. “This acquisition will mark a pivotal moment in Avanade’s journey in Southeast Asia,” stated Bhavya Kapoor, Avanade’s President for Asia Pacific. Radhakrishna Bijjala, CEO of Total eBiz Solutions, added that joining Avanade will allow them to amplify their impact and offer clients global capabilities.

Avanade’s research indicates that mid-market leaders are increasingly prioritising AI, with many planning to boost investments by 2025. However, challenges remain, as 44% are stalled at the proof-of-concept stage. Mayank Wadhwa, President of Microsoft ASEAN, noted that this acquisition positions Avanade to help organisations transition from pilots to real-world impact.

The financial terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed, and the completion is subject to customary closing conditions.
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CapitaLand Commercial C-REIT (CLCR) has received the green light from the China Securities Regulatory Commission to register for its listing on the Shanghai Stock Exchange. This pivotal move will see CLCR become China’s first international-sponsored retail C-REIT, with the listing anticipated by the fourth quarter of 2025. The initiative aims to raise approximately RMB2.1 billion (S$375 million) through the issuance of 400 million units.

The listing represents a strategic expansion for CapitaLand Investment Limited (CLI), marking its eighth listed fund and reinforcing its position as Asia Pacific’s largest REIT manager by market capitalisation. The move aligns with CLI’s strategy to leverage onshore capital and enhance its funds under management and recurring fee income.

CLCR’s initial portfolio will focus on high-quality retail assets in China, benefiting from government policies aimed at boosting domestic consumption. The portfolio includes CapitaMall SKY+ in Guangzhou and CapitaMall Yuhuating in Changsha, both boasting high occupancy rates and strategic locations. These assets promise stable rental income, supported by a diverse tenant base and experienced asset management teams.

CLI, along with strategic investors, will maintain at least a 20% interest in CLCR. CLI will continue to manage the assets post-listing and support CLCR’s growth through a pipeline of potential assets. With over 30 years of experience in China, CLI manages 43 operational retail properties across 18 cities, underscoring its deep market expertise.

As CLI continues to expand its global footprint, the company remains committed to sustainability, aiming for Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050.
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Space Summit 2026, a new conference and exhibition, will take place in Singapore on 2–3 February, coinciding with the Singapore Airshow 2026. Organised by Experia Events, the summit aims to address the rapid growth of the global space economy, which is expected to nearly triple to $1.8 trillion by 2035. The event will focus on sustainable and inclusive growth in the space sector, reflecting Singapore’s strategic interest in space as a key economic area.

Themed “New Frontiers: Shaping a Responsible and Inclusive Space Future,” the summit will gather national space agencies, policymakers, investors, and industry leaders from around the world. The agenda includes a “Heads of Space Agency Plenary,” where leaders will discuss international collaboration and the impact of space technology on everyday life in Southeast Asia. The event will also explore topics such as dual-use technology, satellite communications, and environmental sustainability.

Endorsed by several Singaporean government agencies, including the Office for Space Technology & Industry and the Economic Development Board, the summit underscores Singapore’s role as a hub for aerospace and technology. Leck Chet Lam, Managing Director of Experia Events, stated, “Space Summit 2026 will bring together partners whose collaboration will extend across the global space ecosystem.”

The summit will be held at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands, and will feature networking events leading up to the main conference. As Singapore continues to advance its space ambitions, the summit aims to foster dialogue and partnerships that will shape the future of the space economy.
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Mindset coach and counsellor Sharanya V, recently spotlighted by CNA Lifestyle, is making waves in Singapore’s mental health landscape by addressing the emotional challenges of parenthood, marriage, and identity. Her podcast, The Parenting Revival, was named one of the top eight podcasts for women in Singapore, reflecting her influence in the ongoing national conversation on mental health.

With mental health gaining prominence on Singapore’s national agenda, Sharanya V’s work is timely. Her approach offers non-clinical, human-centred guidance, which is crucial as the government shifts mental health care from hospital-based interventions to community-focused support. This transition aims to address not only diagnosed conditions but also the broader emotional challenges faced by individuals.

Sharanya V’s practice, which spans over 15 years of cross-cultural experience, provides a blend of coaching and counselling. Her services extend to clients in Singapore, the UK, and Australia, offering both in-person and virtual sessions. She focuses on building resilience in parenting, marriage, and identity, providing structured one-on-one support and free resources, including expert tutorials and her podcast.

The pressures of Singapore’s high-performance culture and rising academic expectations have led to increased burnout and higher divorce rates, particularly among couples married for five to ten years. Sharanya V’s work addresses these issues by promoting emotional wellbeing as a vital part of daily life, helping individuals and families thrive amidst these challenges. Her efforts continue to support the community’s mental wellness, reinforcing the importance of accessible, everyday mental health resources.
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IHH Healthcare, a leading integrated healthcare provider, has revealed a new brand identity as part of its ongoing transformation to make healthcare future-ready. This rebranding effort aims to unify its extensive network of over 70,000 staff and renowned brands, including Acibadem, Gleneagles, and Fortis, under the shared mission of “Care. For Good.”

The new identity underscores IHH’s commitment to delivering integrated, value-based care through meaningful innovation, strategic partnerships, and powerful synergies. Group CEO Prem Kumar Nair stated, “With our refreshed identity, we are embracing our role as a multinational healthcare leader shaping the future of care by driving meaningful innovation, powerful synergies and strategic partnerships across the healthcare ecosystem.”

Coinciding with the rebrand, IHH hosted its inaugural FutureHealth.Now leadership conference in Kuala Lumpur. The event gathered over 300 leaders from healthcare, government, and business sectors to discuss the future of care. Malaysia’s Health Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Haji Dzulkefly Ahmad, highlighted the economic and social impact of healthcare, noting that private providers like IHH play a crucial role in job creation and innovation.

IHH’s rebranding is part of a broader strategy to tackle medical inflation, enhance care quality, and build healthier communities across its key markets. In Malaysia, IHH is advancing value-based care, whilst in Singapore, it continues to sponsor the Singapore Sea Regatta to promote active living. In Türkiye and Europe, Acibadem is expanding its network with new hospitals and clinics.

With its refreshed brand, IHH reaffirms its position as a trusted partner in the healthcare sector, committed to delivering seamless, connected care and driving innovation across continents.
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Singtel has introduced a TikTok Masterclass designed to help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) enhance their digital presence and tap into the growing digital economy. Developed in collaboration with SIM Academy and supported by SkillsFuture Singapore, the programme offers practical skills in content creation, e-commerce activation, and cybersecurity.

The Masterclass provides hands-on training in creating impactful content and leveraging social platforms for business growth. Participants will also gain experience in livestream selling and receive post-workshop support, including engagement with retail merchants and potential co-marketing opportunities. Eligible SMEs can receive up to 90% funding for the programme, which costs $3,000 (£2,400) per participant before GST.

Ng Tian Chong, CEO of Singtel Singapore, highlighted the importance of equipping SMEs with digital tools to reach customers effectively. “With Asia’s young, mobile-first population and growing appetite for social commerce, it’s vital that our SMEs are equipped with smarter, faster ways to reach their customers,” he said.

The three-day immersive programme includes training in content creation, practical application at Singtel’s TikTok Creator House, and cyber awareness to ensure safe online engagement. Singtel plans to conduct 24 masterclasses over two years, each accommodating approximately 15 SMEs.

This initiative is part of Singtel’s broader efforts to support SMEs in digitalising and innovating. As a SkillsFuture Queen Bee, Singtel continues to play a pivotal role in enabling enterprises to upskill and scale sustainably.
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Airwallex, a prominent global financial platform, has achieved a remarkable feat by winning three awards at the Asia FinTech Awards 2025. The company was recognised with the titles of Banking Tech of the Year, Best Employer of the Year, and Director of the Year, awarded to Arnold Chan, General Manager, Asia. This accomplishment highlights Airwallex’s leadership and innovation in the fintech sector.

The Asia FinTech Awards, one of the region’s most prestigious recognitions, saw hundreds of companies vying for accolades. Airwallex’s triple win underscores its commitment to excellence as it approaches its 10th anniversary. Lucy Liu, Co-founder and President of Airwallex, expressed that the recognition across three categories validates the company’s efforts in building a platform that advances global banking through technology whilst nurturing industry leaders.

Arnold Chan, who was named Director of the Year, attributed the award to the dedication of Airwallex’s teams, who consistently deliver impactful results for customers across the Asia-Pacific region. Richard Yan, Vice President of People & Talent, noted that being named Best Employer of the Year during their anniversary year is particularly meaningful, celebrating the global success stories within the company.

The Banking Tech of the Year award highlights Airwallex’s innovative solutions that allow businesses to manage accounts and financial services efficiently and securely without borders. The judges praised Airwallex for providing solutions that eliminate the need for foreign accounts to manage multi-currency balances, proving its effectiveness through customer testimonials.

As Airwallex continues to expand its influence in the fintech industry, these awards reflect its ongoing commitment to shaping the future of global banking.
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Investment in Asia Pacific hotels reached $4.7 billion in the first half of 2025, marking a 23% decline from the same period in 2024, according to JLL. The decrease reflects a more cautious investment environment amid global economic uncertainties. Japan led the region with $1.5 billion in transactions, followed by Greater China, Australia, Singapore, and South Korea.

The decline in investment volume is attributed to a shift towards more established hospitality markets, with 84% of transactions occurring in these five countries. Nihat Ercan, CEO of JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group, Asia Pacific, noted, “The level of investment moderation is indicative of a more cautious investment market whereby a realignment of capital sources in the hotel investment landscape is occurring.”

Private equity firms have increased their capital allocations to hospitality assets by 6% year-over-year, aiming to capitalise on market dislocations. High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs) have also become more active, with their hotel investments growing by 54% compared to last year.

Despite the decline, the long-term outlook for the region’s hospitality industry remains positive. International tourist arrivals in Asia Pacific rose by 12% in Q1 2025, boosting revenue per available room (RevPAR). Key cities like Tokyo and Sydney reported strong occupancy rates and average daily rates (ADR) above pre-pandemic levels.

JLL projects total hotel transaction volume in Asia Pacific to reach $12.8 billion for the full year 2025, a 5% increase from 2024. The second half of the year is expected to see accelerated investment activity as pending deals are finalised.
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Starhill Global REIT, a mid-cap real estate investment trust, is projected to see a 10% upside in its stock value, according to an RHB note. The trust, which has a significant 70% exposure to the Singapore market, is expected to benefit from declining domestic interest rates and economic recovery. Recent strategic divestments have bolstered its balance sheet, whilst extensions of key master leases have enhanced its earnings profile. The stock is currently valued at 0.75 times its forecasted book value for the financial year 2026.

The trust’s stable distribution per unit (DPU) in recent years, despite market challenges, highlights its resilience. Analyst Vijay Natarajan has maintained a “BUY” recommendation, raising the target price from SGD0.55 to SGD0.60. This adjustment reflects the trust’s potential to capitalise on favourable market conditions and its strengthened financial position.

The trust’s focus on Singapore positions it well to leverage the country’s economic recovery. The recent divestments and lease extensions are seen as strategic moves to ensure long-term growth and stability. As the market anticipates further economic improvements, Starhill Global REIT’s attractive valuation and yield make it a compelling investment opportunity.

Looking ahead, the trust’s ability to navigate market fluctuations and maintain its earnings trajectory will be crucial. Investors are advised to consider the trust’s strategic positioning and financial health when evaluating its potential for future growth.
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FairPrice Group, Singapore’s largest retailer, has announced an expanded collaboration with Google Cloud to introduce agentic AI solutions aimed at transforming retail experiences. As part of its Store of Tomorrow programme, FairPrice Group will deploy a suite of AI assistants at its newly opened FairPrice Finest outlet in Punggol Digital District. These innovations are designed to empower customers to shop smarter and enhance operational efficiency for employees.

The initiative includes the launch of three in-store AI assistants, each underpinned by multi-agent systems. The multimodal shopping assistant, integrated into FairPrice Group’s Smart Carts, offers personalised product recommendations. A wellness assistant provides tailored lifestyle advice and meal plans, whilst a digital wine sommelier aids in wine selection based on customer preferences.

For employees, FairPrice Group is utilising Google Agentspace, a platform that allows the creation and management of AI agents. This includes an agentic intranet search to streamline information retrieval and an Agent Gallery for accessing or creating AI agents to automate tasks. A custom creative agent has also been developed to significantly reduce the time and cost of creating promotional materials.

Vipul Chawla, Group CEO of FairPrice Group, stated, “The new AI-powered tools, from the smart shopping assistant to the personalized wellness assistant, are designed to make a shopper’s journey more seamless and intuitive,” Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud, added, “FPG’s use of these technologies—extending from the storefront to the back office—is an incredible example of how AI is driving innovation across every customer touchpoint and corner of the enterprise.”

The enhanced Smart Carts, featuring conversational capabilities, will be rolled out to FairPrice Finest Thomson Plaza later this year, further elevating the shopping experience.
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