Industry News

Growth Exposed, a Singapore-based consultancy, has launched a new initiative aimed at helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) understand customer motivations. Partnering with visual ideas educator Janis Ozolins, the consultancy promises a money-back guarantee if their insights fail to deliver value. The project involves publishing 16 unedited Jobs-to-Be-Done customer interviews and a step-by-step analysis, available on platforms like YouTube and LinkedIn.

The consultancy’s approach is designed to prevent SMEs from making costly investments that do not align with customer needs. By openly sharing the interviews and analyses as they occur, Growth Exposed aims to provide real-time insights into customer behaviour. The full case study will be published live on their website, offering a transparent view of the process.

This initiative highlights a significant shift towards transparency and customer-focused research in the consultancy sector. As the project unfolds, it could set a precedent for how consultancies engage with SMEs, potentially influencing broader industry practices.
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Xtend has unveiled a new marketplace-first ecommerce solution aimed at boosting brand visibility and conversions across Southeast Asia’s leading marketplaces, including Shopee and Lazada. This innovative platform is designed to address the challenges brands face in the region’s ecommerce landscape by increasing in-platform visibility and connecting with high-intent shoppers.

The Southeast Asia ecommerce market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 8.79% from 2025 to 2029, reaching a market volume of US$187.16b, according to Statista. Despite the dominance of Meta and Google in digital ad budgets, rising costs and audience saturation are limiting returns. Xtend’s solution is tailored to this environment, aligning with category behaviour, product SKUs, and user intent patterns unique to each platform.

The solution offers several capabilities, including SHOPit Brand Discovery, which drives qualified traffic to brand pages, and commerce-backed inventory that integrates dynamic listings and native placements. It also provides marketplace measurement for end-to-end attribution and actionable commerce signals using first-party data. The performance-based model aligns pricing with results, offering a low-risk option for major campaigns.

Xtend’s solution was showcased at the Shopee Super Summit in Indonesia, where it was presented as a preferred partner. Muralidharan, Chief Commercial Officer at Xtend, stated, “In Southeast Asia’s marketplace-first ecommerce environment, brands need solutions that operate natively where purchase decisions are made.”

By integrating brand storytelling with measurable performance, Xtend’s solution aims to improve conversion rates and long-term brand equity, offering brands a competitive edge in the rapidly growing ecommerce market.
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EtonHouse International Education Group, alongside EBridge PreSchool, has announced a pledge of $3m over the next three years to the EtonHouse Community Fund (ECF), an Institution of a Public Character (IPC) charity. This commitment, revealed on 27 August 2025, aims to bolster the fund’s impact on children and families in need, continuing a legacy of community support that began during the group’s 20th anniversary.

Founded in 1995 by Dr Ng Gim Choo, EtonHouse has grown from a single school in Singapore to a global network of over 100 schools across nine countries. Dr Ng expressed her joy in the success stories of children thriving in their educational environments, stating, “What brings me the greatest joy is not the number of schools we’ve opened but the heartfelt stories from parents about children who wake up excited for school.”

Under the leadership of Group CEO Ng YiXian since 2020, EtonHouse has expanded its offerings to include Middleton International School and The Eton Academy, with plans for further growth in Saudi Arabia and Bangkok. Ng Yi-Xian emphasised the group’s mission to prepare children for the future, blending educational philosophies with technology to nurture global citizens.

The EtonHouse Community Fund, established in 2015, addresses social issues such as poverty and educational access. It aims to raise $7 million over the next three years to support nearly 7,000 children and youth. The group also launched the “30 Years in Motion” challenge, encouraging community participation to raise funds for children in need.

As EtonHouse celebrates its 30th anniversary, it remains committed to innovation and excellence in education, with plans to continue shaping future generations.
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The Singapore Department of Statistics has reported a 6.6% increase in business receipts for the services industries in the second quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year. This growth excludes the Wholesale Trade, Retail Trade, Accommodation, and Food Services sectors. Most industries within the services sector experienced an uptick in business receipts, with the exception of Transportation and Storage, which faced challenges due to a weaker performance in the Water Transport sector.

The Quarterly Business Receipts Index highlights the resilience and growth of Singapore’s services industries amidst varying economic conditions. The data suggests a robust performance across multiple sectors, reflecting a positive economic trajectory for the nation. However, the Transportation and Storage sector’s decline underscores ongoing challenges, particularly in Water Transport, which may require strategic interventions to bolster performance.

For those interested in further details, the full press release and additional data are available on the Singapore Department of Statistics website. The department also encourages users to explore the enhanced features of the SingStat Mobile App for more comprehensive statistical insights. As Singapore continues to navigate its economic landscape, these statistics provide valuable insights into the country’s service industry dynamics and potential areas for policy focus.
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CBRE’s latest report on Singapore’s luxury residential market for the first half of 2025 reveals a mixed performance across key segments. Whilst Good Class Bungalow (GCB) and Sentosa Cove transactions remained subdued, luxury flat sales experienced a significant rebound, driven by new launches and lower interest rates.

In the GCB market, 14 properties worth $459.63m were transacted, marking a 46.9% decline from the previous half-year but maintaining a similar level year-on-year. Average GCB prices fell by 12.8% to $2,122 per square foot (psf), with more transactions occurring in fringe areas like Caldecott Hill Estate. Despite lower interest rates, geopolitical tensions and trade frictions have led to a cautious buyer sentiment, according to Linda Chern, CBRE’s Head of Residential Services in Singapore.

Meanwhile, the Sentosa Cove market remained relatively quiet, with only two bungalow transactions totalling $26.95mn, a 90.4% increase from H2 2024 but still below historical norms. Condominium activity was stable, with 35 units transacted for $134.83m, maintaining prices at $1,794 psf.

The luxury flat segment led the recovery, with 45 units sold for $584.26m, up 155.8% half-on-half and 53.9% year-on-year. The average price rose by 6.2% to $3,736 psf, bolstered by new launches in the Core Central Region and favourable financing conditions. Tricia Song, CBRE’s Head of Research for Singapore and Southeast Asia, anticipates continued positive momentum into the second half of 2025.

Despite global uncertainties, the resilience of Singapore’s luxury residential market is evident, with expectations for further recovery in the latter half of the year.
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The winners of the 2025 FedEx/JA International Trade Challenge Asia Pacific finals have been announced, with Team Spicy Noodles taking the top spot. The competition, held in Singapore, saw 54 students from nine markets, including Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, and Vietnam, tasked with creating a market entry strategy for an eco-friendly product aimed at the French market. The challenge focused on upcycling discarded textiles into sustainable consumer goods.

Team Spicy Noodles, comprising Jamie Smith from the Republic of Korea and Kathy Nguyen from Vietnam, impressed judges with their concept of transforming discarded textiles into custom embroidered artwork. The runner-up teams included Team ReTex from Thailand and Vietnam, proposing residential solar panels, and Team Innovement from the Philippines and Hong Kong SAR, who developed a smart wall panel from textile waste.

Kawal Preet, president of Asia Pacific at FedEx, highlighted the importance of fostering creativity and a global mindset among young entrepreneurs. “By fostering their creativity, determination, and global mindset, we’re investing in the future of commerce,” she stated.

The competition, organised by FedEx and Junior Achievement (JA), aims to inspire young leaders to collaborate and innovate. Maziar Sabet, president and CEO of JA Asia Pacific, emphasised the transformative experience for participants, stating, “This challenge pushed us beyond textbook theories into real-world problem-solving.”

For the first time, winners will visit FedEx operations facilities to gain insights into global logistics, enhancing their entrepreneurial journeys.
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The Institute of Valuers and Appraisers, Singapore (IVAS), in collaboration with SMU Academy, is set to launch the Chartered Valuer and Appraiser (CVA) Programme across Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand. This initiative aims to strengthen the business valuation profession and develop regional talent. The programme, first introduced in 2016, is Asia’s pioneering certification in business valuation, aligned with International Valuation Standards.

Announced at the IVAS-IVSC Business Valuation Conference 2025, the partnership was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding signed by representatives from the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority and SMU Academy. The event was attended by key figures, including Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office.

SMU Academy will oversee the programme’s comprehensive delivery, from curriculum development to training and assessment. A new hybrid format will be introduced, featuring weekday evening classes and in-person weekend sessions. The programme will commence in Singapore in January 2026, followed by Indonesia and Thailand in July 2026.

The CVA Programme offers a structured pathway for professionals in fields such as accounting, finance, and law, covering areas like financial reporting and intellectual property. Successful participants will earn the Associate CVA designation, with the opportunity to advance to full CVA status upon meeting experience requirements.

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TOKEN2049, the world’s largest crypto event, is set to break records with its upcoming Singapore edition, welcoming over 25,000 attendees from 160 countries. Scheduled for 1–2 October at Marina Bay Sands, the event will host more than 500 exhibitors across five floors and feature 1,000 side-events throughout Singapore. The final rounds of tickets are currently on sale, with prices set to rise to $599 on 29 August.

This year’s TOKEN2049 introduces the TOKEN2049 Origins Hackathon, a 36-hour event for 160 developers, and the second edition of the NEXUS Startup Competition, in collaboration with venture investors Dragonfly, Pantera, and Maelstrom. The event promises a festival-like atmosphere with activities such as rock climbing, ziplining, and live performances.

Headline speakers include Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., co-founders of World Liberty Financial, Tom Lee of Fundstrat, Vlad Tenev of Robinhood, Paolo Ardoino of Tether, Balaji Srinivasan, and Arthur Hayes of Maelstrom. Title sponsors include OKX, BloFin, Coinbase, and others.

Alex Fiskum, Co-Founder of TOKEN2049, expressed excitement for the event, stating, “This will be our most ambitious edition yet, with 25,000 attendees and 500 exhibitors as the digital asset industry takes over the city for TOKEN2049 Week.”

TOKEN2049 Singapore aims to be the global stage for the industry’s leading companies and projects, culminating with the Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend. For more information, visit the TOKEN2049 website.
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Atlas Consolidated has successfully closed a $181m Series B funding round, spearheaded by Tin Men Capital, with additional investments from Getz Inc and Woodside Holdings Investment Management. This significant financial boost is set to propel the global expansion of HugoHub, Atlas’s modular cloud-native digital banking platform.

HugoHub, a complete core-to-customer Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) platform, is designed to modernise banking by reducing technology costs by up to 90% and operational expenses by 75% to 80%. The platform allows banks to innovate rapidly, compete with challenger banks, and improve customer-to-staff ratios. “This investment marks a pivotal step in our mission to build better banks through technology,” said David Fergusson, CEO of Atlas Consolidated.

The funding will enable HugoHub to expand into new markets, offering traditional financial institutions a flexible, digital-first banking solution. Jeremy Tan, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Tin Men Capital, expressed enthusiasm for supporting Atlas’s innovative approach, which aims to help banks in their digitalisation journey.

HugoHub’s modular design allows for step-by-step deployment, avoiding disruptive overhauls and making financial inclusion more sustainable. The platform’s cloud-agnostic architecture and AI-driven customer engagement tools further enhance its appeal to banks looking to modernise without the risks associated with full-scale system replacements.

With this new capital, Atlas Consolidated is poised to meet growing demand and extend its reach, particularly in underserved markets across Southeast Asia and beyond. The company continues to focus on building efficient, inclusive, and sustainable banking systems worldwide.
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Dentons Rodyk has announced that Wong Kai Yun, a distinguished family law practitioner, will join the firm as a senior partner in its family and matrimonial practice on 16 November. Wong, who previously served as Co-Managing Director at Chia Wong Chambers LLC, brings over 20 years of experience in handling complex matrimonial cases, particularly those involving high-net-worth individuals and expatriates.

Wong is renowned for her strategic handling of sensitive family disputes and her expertise in navigating multi-jurisdictional issues. She currently holds the position of President of the Asia-Pacific Chapter of the International Academy of Family Lawyers and is a registered practitioner with the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners. Additionally, she is an accredited mediator with both the Singapore Mediation Centre and the Singapore International Mediation Institute.

Joining Wong at Dentons Rodyk are Jonathan Chan, a senior associate, and Alexander Crawford, a paralegal, both of whom will transition from Chia Wong Chambers LLC in October. Their addition is expected to bolster Dentons Rodyk’s ability to provide comprehensive cross-border support to its international clientele.

Dentons Rodyk, part of the world’s largest law firm, offers a full suite of legal services across more than 160 locations globally. The firm’s extensive network and resources will further empower Wong and her team to deliver enhanced legal solutions to clients worldwide.
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