Industry News

Seafood Expo Asia has announced the finalists for the 2025 Seafood Excellence Asia Awards, with eight products from around the globe competing for the title of best new seafood product. The event, organised by Diversified, will take place from 10 to 12 September in Singapore.

The finalists were chosen based on criteria such as innovation, packaging, pricing, and market acceptance.

The selected products include Premium Seafood Dumplings from Hong Yu Food Co Ltd in Taiwan, Frozen Salmon Trout Fillet from Gumusdoga Seafood in Turkey, and Snow Treasures Miso-Marinated Cod Cube from Singapore’s Lam Kee Fisheries Pte Ltd. Other contenders are Lobster Oil by Lian Ruey Enterprise Co Ltd in Taiwan, Uni Fresco Paste by Oceanmaster Foods International Ltd in Canada, Shuto from Shiino Foods Co Ltd in Japan, Protein Pho Fusion by Vinh Hoan Corporation in Vietnam, and Squid Har Kow by Sincere Food Investment Pte Ltd in Singapore.

The live judging and tasting will occur on the first day of the expo at the Product Showcase stand D19, conducted by a panel of high-volume seafood buyers and industry experts from the retail and foodservice sectors across Asia. Winners will be announced at the end of the first day. All competing products will be displayed at the Product Showcase and are available for viewing on the event’s website.

The Seafood Excellence Asia Awards is an extension of the awards featured at Seafood Expo North America and Seafood Expo Global, which highlight the best seafood products in the retail and HORECA (hotel, restaurant, catering) sectors. Seafood industry professionals can learn more about the expo and register to attend for free by visiting the official website.
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Tazapay, a prominent global cross-border payments platform, has successfully closed its Series B funding round, attracting investments from Ripple, Circle Ventures, and other key players. The funding, led by existing investor Peak XV Partners, also saw participation from Norinchukin Capital and GMO VenturePartners from Japan. This strategic investment is set to bolster Tazapay’s mission to revolutionise cross-border payments by integrating traditional finance with digital currencies.

The platform, which processes over $10 billion in annualised payment volume, offers local collection and payout capabilities in more than 70 markets. Tazapay’s infrastructure supports a wide range of payment methods, including cards, virtual bank accounts, and stablecoins, ensuring comprehensive coverage for global enterprises. The company has reached operational breakeven and is experiencing a 300% year-on-year growth.

With the new funding, Tazapay plans to accelerate its licencing roadmap in key global markets, including the UAE, US, Hong Kong, and Australia. Applications are also underway for a Digital Payment Token licence in Singapore. Rahul Shinghal, co-founder and CEO of Tazapay, stated, “With this round, we are not just capitalising the business; we are investing in our long-term vision to become the builder of a global payment collection and payout infrastructure built on modern rails.”

The investments from Ripple and Circle, leaders in blockchain-based payments, underscore Tazapay’s role in bridging traditional and digital finance. Eric Jeck, SVP of Corporate and Business Development at Ripple, remarked, “Tazapay is a clear leader in building essential compliant last-mile connections, especially in emerging markets.”

The funding will also facilitate Tazapay’s expansion into Japan, enabling local payment methods and establishing a dedicated sales team to support Japanese enterprises in scaling internationally. With strong institutional backing and a clear regulatory path, Tazapay is poised to lead the transformation of cross-border payments, offering a future-ready payment experience for global businesses.
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Nanyang Biologics, a Singapore-based biotech company, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with technology leaders NVIDIA, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), and Equinix to advance AI-driven drug discovery. The collaboration, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed at the AI4Life Summit on 26 August 2025, aims to create the world’s largest natural drug compound library in Singapore over the next 12 months.

The initiative, supported by the Singapore government, seeks to position the city-state as a global hub for AI-driven healthcare and biomedical innovation. The AI4Life Summit, held at the Fullerton Hotel, featured keynote presentations from the involved parties and a panel discussion on strategic infrastructure for therapeutic innovation. The event was graced by Goh Hanyan, co-chair of the Committee on Technology and Innovation, who highlighted the significance of the collaboration in strengthening Singapore’s role in global healthcare innovation.

Nanyang Biologics’ Chairman, Roland Ong, emphasised the transformative potential of the partnership, stating, “We are working together to transform nature’s pharmacy into tomorrow’s solutions for health and well-being.” The company’s proprietary AI platform, Vecura, will be pivotal in accelerating drug discovery from natural sources, building on research conducted by the NYB–NTU Joint Laboratory since 2019.

This collaboration not only aims to expedite the drug discovery process but also to foster a multidisciplinary workforce in Singapore, bridging AI, biology, and drug development. The initiative is expected to enhance Singapore’s competitiveness and contribute to the global healthcare landscape by leveraging AI to address unmet medical needs.
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The National Heart Centre Singapore (NHCS) has launched Exercise Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (ExCMR) imaging, marking a first in Asia. This innovative technology combines advanced MRI with real-time exercise, allowing doctors to observe heart performance during physical activity. The ExCMR test, which uses a specially designed stationary bicycle within the MRI scanner, provides a comprehensive assessment in a single session, distinguishing between normal exercise-induced changes and serious heart conditions.

ExCMR significantly reduces the need for multiple tests, cutting down from 56.8% to just 6.5%, and offers timely diagnosis and treatment. This advancement is particularly beneficial for active individuals and athletes, as demonstrated by national footballer Adam Swandi’s case. After experiencing symptoms during a match, ExCMR confirmed his cardiomyopathy diagnosis, enabling timely intervention.

Associate Professor Calvin Chin of NHCS highlighted ExCMR as a “game-changer” for early detection of heart conditions, especially in active individuals. Previously, patients faced a series of tests to diagnose heart issues. Now, ExCMR streamlines this process, offering precise results swiftly.

Initially introduced as a research project in 2017, ExCMR has been refined through extensive studies involving over 600 participants. Since its clinical rollout in 2020, around 400 patients have benefited. NHCS plans to expand ExCMR capacity to 100 patients annually and is working on making the technology more accessible.

Professor Yeo Khung Keong, CEO of NHCS, emphasised the importance of such advancements in achieving clearer diagnoses and improving patient care. NHCS continues to lead efforts in setting global standards for ExCMR, ensuring broader patient benefits.
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OH!SOME, a trendy retail brand, is marking its first anniversary with a vibrant pop-up tour across Singapore, part of its “OH!SOME X ONE IS MORE” campaign in Southeast Asia. The tour, which has been drawing crowds throughout August, features a bright yellow OH!SOME lorry that has become a mobile photo attraction at popular locations such as Suntec City, Bugis Junction, Raffles City, and Marina Bay Sands.

The anniversary celebration highlights Singapore as one of OH!SOME’s most dynamic and rapidly expanding markets. The pop-up tour not only showcases the brand’s playful spirit but also engages the public by transforming each stop into a lively social media hotspot. Visitors have been enthusiastically checking in and sharing their experiences online, amplifying the brand’s presence.

The campaign underscores OH!SOME’s commitment to engaging with its audience in innovative ways, leveraging the power of social media and experiential marketing. By bringing the celebration directly to the people, OH!SOME has successfully created a buzz around its brand, reinforcing its position in the competitive retail landscape of Southeast Asia.

As the month-long celebration continues, OH!SOME’s strategy of combining physical presence with digital engagement could set a precedent for future marketing campaigns in the region. The success of the pop-up tour in Singapore may inspire similar initiatives in other markets, further solidifying OH!SOME’s reputation as a forward-thinking retail brand.
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Moolahgo, a prominent FinTech company licenced by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, has launched the QRIS (Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard) “Scan & Pay” feature on its digital wallet, moolahPAY. This makes moolahPAY the first non-bank mobile wallet in Singapore to support QRIS, enabling secure digital payments at approximately 40 million QRIS-enabled merchants in Indonesia, including major e-commerce platforms like Lazada, Shopee, and Tokopedia.

The integration of QRIS into moolahPAY offers several advantages, such as enhanced security through personal PIN access, eliminating the need for physical cards. It also provides a cashless and contactless payment method, avoiding the typical 2% to 5% card transaction fees. Additionally, moolahPAY offers competitive exchange rates and periodic rewards for QRIS transactions. Users can top up in Singapore Dollars and pay in Indonesian Rupiah using real-time exchange rates, reducing currency exchange risks.

QRIS, developed by Bank Indonesia, consolidates multiple payment providers into a single interoperable system. It is widely preferred by Indonesian consumers and merchants for its convenience, security, and affordability. Beyond Indonesia, QRIS is also supported in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan, enhancing convenience for travellers.

John Hakim, CEO of Moolahgo, stated, “The integration of QRIS ‘Scan & Pay’ with moolahPAY underscores our commitment to financial inclusion and innovation.” This initiative aligns with regional efforts to build interoperable payment ecosystems and supports financial inclusion and cross-border connectivity, a central theme at the ASEAN Ministerial Summit in Malaysia in July 2025. Moolahgo is also extending QRIS payment capabilities to other financial institutions through its neoConnect platform.
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Singapore-headquartered digital travel platform Agoda is inviting nature enthusiasts to explore Asia’s most enchanting birdwatching destinations. As slow travel gains popularity, birdwatching presents a tranquil escape and a unique way to connect with nature. Asia, home to some of the world’s premier birdwatching locations, is a must-visit for those seeking remarkable avian encounters.

Agoda has curated a list of six top birdwatching destinations in Asia. Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan, India, is a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 370 species, including the Sarus Crane and Painted Stork. Amami Oshima in Kagoshima, Japan, offers sightings of the rare Amami Thrush and Lidth’s Jay amidst lush forests and pristine beaches.

In Indonesia, Tangkoko Nature Reserve in Sulawesi is known for its dense forests and diverse birdlife, including the Sulawesi Hornbill. Khao Sok National Park in Surat Thani, Thailand, boasts over 300 bird species, such as the Great Hornbill, amidst ancient rainforests and limestone cliffs.

Suncheon Bay in Jeollanam-do, Korea, attracts thousands of migratory birds each year, whilst Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary in Cebu, Philippines, is a critical stopover for migratory birds like the Chinese Egret.

Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President of Supply at Agoda, remarked, “There’s something magical about birdwatching; it’s like a treasure hunt in nature.” Agoda offers a wide range of accommodations and travel options to these destinations, with over 6 million holiday properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities available. Visit Agoda.com or download the Agoda app for the best deals.
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Singapore LNG Corporation (SLNG) has commenced construction of a new LNG Lorry Loading Facility at its terminal on Jurong Island. The groundbreaking ceremony, held today, was attended by SLNG Chairman Gan Seow Kee, CEO Leong Wei Hung, and representatives from China International Water & Electric Corp (S) Pte Ltd (CIWE), the project’s engineering, procurement, and construction company.

The facility, set to be completed by Q4 2026, will feature two loading bays designed to accommodate 40-footer lorries, doubling the capacity of the current facility, which only supports 20-footer lorries. This expansion aims to meet the growing demand for trucked LNG in Singapore. The facility will also include hard loading arms optimised for single-operator use, enhancing operational efficiency by reducing manpower needs.

Leong Wei Hung, CEO of SLNG, stated, “The new LNG lorry loading facility reinforces our commitment to expanding and diversifying LNG distribution channels across Singapore. As demand for trucked LNG continues to grow, this facility plays a crucial role in supporting the nation’s energy transition goals.”

The development of this facility is part of SLNG’s broader strategy to support Singapore’s energy transition and enhance the flexibility, reliability, and sustainability of LNG supply. As the country moves towards cleaner energy solutions, the facility will play a vital role in meeting the evolving energy needs of Singapore and its surrounding markets.
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Kennedys, a global litigation and dispute resolution firm, has strengthened its Singapore operations by appointing Iain Anderson as a partner. Anderson, a specialist in marine, offshore energy, and trade credit insurance, will join the firm in October 2025. With nearly 30 years of experience, he is recognised as a leading individual in the Chambers 2025 Asia-Pacific Guide and is known for providing practical solutions to complex coverage and claims issues.

Anita Quy, Joint Managing Partner for Kennedys’ Singapore office, highlighted Anderson’s reputation in Singapore’s insurance market, stating, “Iain is a market leader in his field and highly respected across Singapore’s insurance market.” She added that his appointment would enhance Kennedys’ established insurance and marine practice in the region and contribute to the firm’s global trade credit capabilities.

Anderson expressed his enthusiasm for joining Kennedys, citing the firm’s international reach and reputation as key factors in his decision. “What attracted me to Kennedys is its international reach and standing as a leading insurance firm, making it a natural fit for me,” he said.

Kennedys has been operating in Singapore since 2008 and has grown to include over 80 lawyers and business service professionals. The firm is known for its expertise in marine and offshore energy insurance, advising on complex matters for leading insurers and reinsurers globally. Anderson’s appointment is expected to further bolster Kennedys’ capabilities in these areas, as well as in trade credit and political risk insurance.
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Singlife has unveiled its latest insurance offering, the Singlife Multipay Critical Illness II, designed to provide comprehensive financial support for policyholders at every stage of illness, including recurrent conditions. This plan, available as a standalone policy or as a rider to selected Singlife term plans, boasts a market-leading payout of 150% for each recurrent critical illness claim, covering major conditions such as cancer, stroke, and heart attack.

The plan offers extensive coverage across 135 critical illness conditions, with potential payouts reaching up to 900% of the sum assured. A notable feature is the Advance Care Option, exclusive to Singlife, which allows policyholders diagnosed with a severe stage critical illness to convert their Recurrent Critical Illness Benefit into an additional lump sum payout of 75% of the sum assured. This option provides extra financial security during critical times.

Helen Shen, Group Head of Products at Singlife, stated, “At Singlife, we know that illness can be unpredictable and recovery is often complex. Singlife Multipay Critical Illness II is built to support policyholders through every stage of illness, even after a diagnosis, whether at an early stage or during a recurrence.”

Additionally, the plan includes a premium waiver upon the diagnosis of the first severe stage critical illness, ensuring policyholders are not burdened with future payments during challenging times. This initiative underscores Singlife’s commitment to providing innovative and robust support for its customers.
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