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Industry News


Retail

Pan Pacific Hotels partners with LEGO for night race experience

Pan Pacific Hotels Group (PPHG) has announced a collaboration with The LEGO Group to offer a unique experience for guests during Singapore’s iconic night race season. This partnership, unveiled on 26 August 2025, will feature themed staycations and spa experiences across six PPHG properties, blending the excitement of Formula 1 with the creativity of LEGO.

Guests can indulge in the “Pitstop Staycation” package, which includes a set of three LEGO F1 Speed Champions, a limited-edition LEGO Thermo Cup, and a LEGO F1 Booklet. The package also offers daily breakfast for two adults and two children, a 15% dining discount at participating outlets, and access to the Kids Club. Each booking stands a chance to win the coveted LEGO Technic Ferrari SF24 F1 Car.

Nina Patricia Da Costa, General Manager at The LEGO Group, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “We’re excited to partner with Pan Pacific Hotels Group to bring some of that same adrenaline into the hands of families with the highly popular LEGO F1 sets.”

In addition to the staycation packages, PPHG will host social media contests, offering LEGO CITY F1 sets as prizes. The campaign aims to engage families and fans, sparking creativity and capturing the spirit of Formula 1.

For those seeking relaxation, the “Elemis x PPHG Spacation” provides a luxurious escape with an Elemis F1 Recovery Experience and exclusive skincare collections. Bookings for these experiences are available until 30 October 2025, with stays from 12 September to 31 October 2025.
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Retail

BOM BOM secures $35m for pet nutrition expansion

BOM BOM, a Singapore-based company specialising in precision pet nutrition, has successfully raised $35 million (SGD35 million) in a Series Pre-A funding round led by Blueprint Ventures. The investment will be channelled into automating production, advancing nutrigenomic research, and enhancing BOM BOM’s precision nutrition platform. This platform, which utilises artificial intelligence and thousands of pet health profiles, creates personalised meal plans for pets by considering factors such as breed, age, weight, and health conditions.

The funding will support BOM BOM’s expansion in Singapore and South Korea, aiming to capture the growing demand for personalised pet nutrition across Asia. CEO and Founder Jason Wang highlighted the company’s commitment to “crafting and delivering truly customised diets at scale,” a feat not achievable by conventional pet food companies. The company’s approach aims to reduce common pet health issues, thereby lowering vet bills and improving pets’ quality of life.

Blueprint Ventures’ Founding Managing Partner, Huiting Koh, expressed confidence in BOM BOM’s potential to lead the shift towards personalised pet nutrition. The company’s shareholders include notable industry figures such as the President of LVMH Korea and the Principal of L Catterton Korea, underscoring its strong strategic backing.

Founded in 2017, BOM BOM has established itself as a leader in pet nutrition technology, offering NRC-compliant meals that meet top nutrition standards. The company’s direct-to-customer model has already helped thousands of pets overcome chronic health issues.
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Financial Services

Webull Singapore unveils advanced options strategies

Webull Singapore, a subsidiary of Webull Corporation, has launched advanced options strategies aimed at professional and seasoned investors. This new offering, announced on 26 August 2025, provides sophisticated tools to manage risk and seize opportunities in volatile market conditions. The platform offers zero platform fees and competitive commission fees, with brokerage fees starting at just $0.55 per contract, making it one of the most cost-effective options platforms in Singapore.

The launch comes as global markets face increased uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, making options strategies a valuable tool for investors. Webull Singapore’s platform simplifies complex strategies with a user-friendly interface and advanced tools, allowing investors to create multileg combination orders and access predefined combinations such as straddles, strangles, butterflies, and condors. The upgraded level three US options trading feature also enables access to advanced strategies like credit and debit spreads, calendar spreads, and diagonal spreads.

Jonathan Man, CEO of Webull Singapore, stated, “In today’s fast-changing and often unpredictable market environment, investors are looking for smarter ways to manage risk and enhance returns. With the launch of the level three advanced options strategies on Webull Singapore’s platform, we are equipping them with the tools, insights, and cost advantages they need to confidently navigate uncertainty.”

Since its 2022 launch in Singapore, Webull has expanded its offerings, providing access to US stocks and options, Singapore-listed equities, and more. The platform also features innovative tools like 24-hour trading, intuitive charting, and real-time data. As markets evolve, Webull Singapore remains committed to developing products that empower investors to navigate market conditions confidently.
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Residential Property

URA launches Bukit Timah Road site for tender

The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has announced the tender for a residential site on Bukit Timah Road, adjacent to Newton MRT station. This marks the first sale under the Confirmed List of the government land sales programme for the second half of 2025. The site is expected to yield approximately 340 private homes, contributing to the proposed 5,000 new homes in the Newton area under the URA Draft Master Plan 2025.

Located in the Core Central Region (CCR), the site is anticipated to attract significant interest from developers. Wong Siew Ying, Head of Research and Content at PropNex, noted that the recent rebound in CCR new home sales could bolster developers’ confidence. “The recent rebound in CCR new home sales could also boost developers’ confidence in this sub-market,” she stated, highlighting the impact of the April 2023 hike in additional buyer’s stamp duty rates.

Recent CCR launches, such as The Robertson Opus and UpperHouse at Orchard Boulevard, have collectively sold over 800 units since their launch weekends in July and August. The CCR has seen sales of more than 850 units from July to mid-August 2025, indicating a potential record quarter for new home sales in the region since Q4 2010.

The narrowing price gap between new CCR and RCR units has enhanced the appeal of CCR properties. Additionally, the lack of major launches in the area since 2021 could further entice developers. The site’s proximity to Newton MRT, Orchard Road, and prestigious schools adds to its attractiveness. PropNex projects the tender could receive 8 to 9 bids, with top offers ranging from $1,500 to $1,600 per square foot per plot ratio.
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Manufacturing

Manufacturing output rises 8.2% in July 2025

Singapore’s manufacturing sector experienced a robust increase in output, rising by 8.2% on a seasonally adjusted month-on-month basis in July 2025. This growth highlights the sector’s resilience and potential recovery amidst global economic challenges.

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Cards & Payments

2C2P secures major payment licence in Singapore

2C2P Pte Ltd, a leading payments platform in Southeast Asia, has been granted a Major Payment Institution licence by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) under the Payment Services Act 2019. This development allows 2C2P to expand its payment services, including domestic and cross-border money transfers and merchant acquisition services, to businesses in Singapore and the broader Southeast Asian region.

The licence comes at a time when Singapore’s financial institutions are under increased regulatory scrutiny. Agnes Chua, Country Manager of 2C2P Singapore, remarked, “This marks a significant milestone for 2C2P and we look forward to expanding our services and advancing access to meet the ever-changing needs of our local merchants in Singapore and across Southeast Asia.”

Founded in 2003, 2C2P has been a pioneer in the region’s payments sector. Since 2022, it has been part of Ant International’s Antom, a global leader in merchant payment and digitisation services. Chua added, “We are excited to build upon our existing payment offerings to provide a more comprehensive payments coverage for our merchants in Singapore and across Southeast Asia, through partnering with Antom as well as local and regional financial institutions.”

In March 2025, 2C2P launched its annual whitepaper on the Southeast Asia digital payments landscape, further solidifying its expertise in the industry. The new licence is expected to enhance 2C2P’s ability to provide a seamless payment experience for businesses of all sizes in the region.
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Retail

UltraLuxe 2025 celebrates niche luxury in Singapore

UltraLuxe, Asia’s premier festival for niche luxury, is set to return for its fourth edition from 2 to 12 October 2025 at Tent@Ngee Ann City on Orchard Road, Singapore. This year’s event, themed “UltraLuxe Race to Discover Iconic SG60 and Niche Luxury from Around the World,” coincides with Singapore’s 60th year of independence and the Grand Prix Season Singapore, promising a convergence of local visionaries and international talents.

The festival kicks off with VerveArté from 2 to 4 October, an immersive showcase spanning jewellery, fashion, art, wellness, beauty, gastronomy, and lifestyle. Following this, JeweLuxe from 6 to 12 October will transform the venue into a glittering exploratorium, featuring creations from both local and international independent jewellery designers.

UltraLuxe 2025 expands beyond its traditional tent setting, offering islandwide experiences. Attendees can indulge in wellness treatments, savour gastronomic delights, and explore culturally rich fashion and jewellery designs. Angela Loh, founder of UltraLuxe, stated, “We’re rethinking the traditional luxury showcase — moving beyond static displays to create immersive journeys and experiences.”

Supported by the Singapore Tourism Board, UltraLuxe aims to enhance Singapore’s luxury landscape, showcasing local and international brands. Guo Teyi, Director of Leisure Events at the Singapore Tourism Board, remarked, “This festival exemplifies Singapore’s commitment to creating distinctive experiences for increasingly discerning visitors.”

As UltraLuxe 2025 unfolds, it promises to be a landmark event, enriching Singapore’s diverse retail and lifestyle offerings whilst celebrating the nation’s milestone anniversary.
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Retail

Porsche unveils immersive brand space at Jewel Changi

Porsche Asia Pacific has launched its latest venture, Porsche at Jewel, a lifestyle-led brand space at Jewel Changi Airport. This innovative store aims to merge Porsche’s automotive heritage with global culinary delights, offering visitors a unique experience. Situated near Changi Airport Terminal 1, the space is designed to captivate both international travellers and local adventurers.

The new store features four distinct zones: Café Carrera by Baker & Cook, the Culture Garage, a Porsche Lifestyle store, and a forthcoming reception area for the Porsche Experience Centre Singapore. Hannes Ruoff, CEO of Porsche Asia Pacific, highlighted the store’s role in sparking curiosity and deepening connections with the region. “Porsche at Jewel is a continuation of this pioneering spirit,” he stated.

Café Carrera offers a culinary journey with sandwiches inspired by iconic driving routes, whilst the Culture Garage showcases automotive culture and history. The Porsche Lifestyle store presents a curated selection of apparel and accessories, including a collaboration with Singaporean artist Tiffany Lovage.

The store also serves as a strategic hospitality gateway, connecting visitors to the upcoming Porsche Experience Centre Singapore. Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Porsche at Jewel promises to be more than just a retail destination, inviting everyone to explore the world of Porsche.
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Residential Property

Bukit Timah Road site attracts developer interest

The Bukit Timah Road Government Land Sales (GLS) site, located adjacent to the Newton MRT interchange, is expected to draw significant interest from developers, according to Mark Yip, CEO of Huttons Asia. The site, part of transitional office spaces returned to the government, benefits from its proximity to key transport links and educational institutions, including ACS (Junior) and SJI (Junior), both within 1km.

Recent launches in the Core Central Region (CCR) have demonstrated strong demand, with 765 out of 1,173 units (65.2%) sold during launch. This trend suggests a robust underlying demand for prime CCR homes, a factor that could influence developer interest in the Bukit Timah site. The site’s location near an MRT station mirrors the appeal of recent successful CCR launches.

Developers have shown increased interest in CCR sites, evidenced by firm bids in recent GLS tenders at Dunearn Road and Holland Link. Yip predicts the Bukit Timah Road site could attract up to five bidders, with top bids ranging between $1,300 and $1,400 per square foot per plot ratio (psf ppr).

The anticipated competition for the Bukit Timah Road site underscores the ongoing demand for prime residential locations in Singapore, particularly those with convenient transport links and proximity to amenities. The outcome of the bidding process will be closely watched as an indicator of market sentiment and developer confidence in the CCR.
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Economy

Singapore and Thailand sign carbon credits agreement

The Singapore Business Federation (SBF) convened the 9th Singapore Regional Business Forum (SRBF) in Bangkok on 19 August 2025, marking a significant milestone with the signing of the Singapore-Thailand Implementation Agreement on Carbon Credits Collaboration. This agreement, signed by Singapore’s Minister for Manpower and Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science & Technology, Tan See Leng, and Thailand’s Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Chalermchai Sri-on, represents a pivotal step in operationalising carbon market mechanisms in the region.

The Forum, celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Thailand, attracted over 450 participants from 25 economies, including senior policymakers, business leaders, and investors. The event focused on themes such as green transformation, digital trade, and sustainable finance, crucial for fostering long-term business resilience in ASEAN.

Keynote speakers, including Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Pichai Chunhavajira, highlighted the importance of adaptive policy frameworks and cross-border innovation. Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between SBF and the Thailand Board of Investment to boost trade and bilateral cooperation.

SBF Chairman S. S. Teo emphasised the need for collective leadership to navigate global economic shifts, reaffirming SBF’s commitment to regional cooperation. The Forum also featured breakout sessions on green financing and digital trade, spotlighting Thailand’s role as a leader in the green economy.

The event was supported by partners such as Bangkok Bank, Kerry Flour Mills, and Frasers Property, underscoring the Forum’s role in promoting regional integration and future-proofing the business landscape.
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