Newsflash Asia – Breaking Stories, Smarter and Faster

[user-icon-header-short device='mobile']

Industry News


Building & Engineering

Reclaims Global announces S$6m share placement

Reclaims Global, a Singapore-based eco-friendly service provider for the construction industry, has announced a proposed placement of up to 15,384,700 new shares at S$0.39 each, aiming to raise approximately $4.4m (S$6m). SAC Capital Private Limited will act as the placement agent, with Maybank Securities Pte. Ltd. as the sub-placement agent. The placement price reflects an 8.8% discount to the volume-weighted average price of S$0.4277 per share on 9 October 2025.

The company, known for recycling construction and demolition waste and providing customised excavation solutions, plans to use the proceeds to strengthen its general working capital. Additionally, Reclaims Global intends to pursue business expansion initiatives, including tendering for higher-value contracts and exploring new opportunities in excavation, demolition, and building construction services.

Reclaims Global’s strategic move aligns with Singapore’s construction macro trends, aiming to enhance its market position by targeting new business opportunities and potential acquisitions of related business entities. The company has built a strong reputation over the years, supported by its extensive fleet of tipper lorries and a wide network of vendors, including transport companies and building material suppliers.


Transport & Logistics

Singapore LTA upgrades rail CCTV with Nokia tech

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) of Singapore is set to significantly upgrade its railway video surveillance infrastructure with Nokia’s IP/MPLS and fibre Optical LAN solutions. This collaboration with Hitachi Rail aims to enhance the reliability, bandwidth, and efficiency of the CCTV network across more than 50 train stations, ensuring improved safety and traffic management for millions of passengers daily.

Nokia’s deployment will enable real-time monitoring and video surveillance, crucial for public safety and traffic pattern management. The fibre Optical LAN, featuring hardened ONUs and future-proof OLTs, supports speeds up to 25Gb/s, requiring less cabling and power compared to traditional LAN networks. This upgrade is designed to meet the growing capacity demands of LTA’s expanding network.

Joaquim Santos, Vice President of Integrated Communication and Supervision Solutions at Hitachi Rail, stated, “We are pleased to have selected Nokia to collaborate with Hitachi Rail in enhancing passenger safety & security across Singapore’s railway network.” Stuart Hendry, Vice President of Enterprise Sales, Network Infrastructure, Asia Pacific at Nokia, added, “Partnering with Hitachi Rail, we were able to deliver a complete solution for LTA that would ensure they had the video capacity needed to serve their expansive CCTV surveillance and broader network operations for years to come.”

This initiative underscores the importance of advanced technological solutions in maintaining and improving public transport safety and efficiency. The upgraded infrastructure is expected to serve Singapore’s transit lines effectively for years to come.


Commercial Property

Centurion enters London with new student accommodation

Centurion Corporation Limited has announced its acquisition of a land site in central London, marking its entry into the city with plans to develop a 225-bed Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA). The site, located at William Road, Euston, is strategically positioned near University College London’s Bloomsbury campus, making it an attractive option for students.

The acquisition, valued at $50m (£41m), was executed through Centurion’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Centurion Overseas Investments Pte. Ltd., in partnership with US-based Landmark Properties. Centurion holds a 99% equity interest in the joint venture, with Landmark holding the remaining 1%.

The development, branded under Centurion’s EPIISOD label, will feature a mix of studio units and en suite cluster accommodation, along with communal amenities. Additionally, part of the site will be refurbished to provide affordable office space.

This move expands Centurion’s UK portfolio to six cities, reinforcing its presence in key student markets. The acquisition follows the recent listing of Centurion Accommodation REIT on the Singapore Exchange, showcasing the company’s strategic capital deployment.

Kong Chee Min, CEO of Centurion Corporation, stated, “We are excited to extend our EPIISOD brand into London, a city with resilient student demand.” He emphasised the company’s commitment to reinvesting proceeds from the CAREIT spin-off into strategic opportunities that enhance portfolio quality and income visibility.

With London’s student housing demand outpacing supply, Centurion’s new development is poised to meet the needs of both domestic and international students, further solidifying its position in the global student accommodation market.


Building & Engineering

Surbana Jurong partners with NParks and SUTD

Surbana Jurong (SJ Group) is celebrating its 10th anniversary by announcing a significant partnership with the National Parks Board (NParks) and the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD). This collaboration aims to integrate nature, technology, and people, aligning with Singapore’s City in Nature vision. SJ Group will contribute up to $1.46m (S$2m) in cash and in-kind support to NParks’ Garden City Fund, enhancing climate resilience and sustainability.

The partnership includes the establishment of the Design and Artificial Intelligence (D•AI) Fab Lab at SJ, a first-of-its-kind collaboration between academia and industry in Singapore. This initiative will nurture talent skilled in combining design, AI, and domain expertise to tackle urban and environmental challenges. Professor Tai Lee Siang of SUTD remarked, “The AI future that once seemed so remote has arrived. Our collaboration with SJ through the SUTD D•AI Fab Lab embodies this vision.”

Additionally, SJ has launched the SJ Digital Experience Centre, which showcases advanced tools like Building Information Modelling and Digital Twins. This centre aims to empower clients to make informed decisions on performance, cost, and carbon, enhancing the digital capability in the built environment.

Sean Chiao, CEO of SJ, stated, “These partnerships may look different, but they are guided by the same belief, that the future will be shaped by bringing nature, technology and people together.” With these initiatives, SJ aims to deliver sustainable solutions that extend beyond Singapore, fostering a shared sustainability and innovation landscape.


Information Technology

INFiLED launches Singapore subsidiary to boost Asia-Pacific presence

INFiLED, a leading LED display solutions provider, has officially launched its Singapore subsidiary following a two-day event on 9-10 October 2025. This strategic move is part of the company’s broader Asia-Pacific expansion plan, aiming to deliver more localised and responsive services across the region. The Singapore entity will enhance INFiLED’s ability to support projects with greater speed and proximity, building on its existing operations in Japan, Korea, and Malaysia.

The establishment of the Singapore subsidiary marks a shift from regional offices to a fully-fledged local entity, granting it enhanced decision-making authority and resource allocation capabilities. This transition is expected to facilitate faster response times, deeper collaboration, and solutions tailored specifically for local market needs. “Strong products open doors, but sustainable growth comes from deeply localised operations,” INFiLED emphasised during the event.

Singapore’s strategic position as a hub for finance, innovation, and logistics makes it an ideal location for INFiLED’s expansion. The new subsidiary will streamline processes such as presales consulting, engineering, project management, and aftersales support, ensuring consistent service quality and accountability across cross-border projects.

Looking forward, INFiLED plans to further strengthen its Asia-Pacific network by investing in local talent and enhancing operational capabilities. The company is also considering expanding its presence in Southeast Asia, with Indonesia as a potential next step. This initiative aims to pair high-performance LED solutions with speed, reliability, and proximity, transforming creative concepts into dependable outcomes.


Economy

Singapore hosts inaugural Europe Conference 2025

The inaugural Europe Conference 2025, co-organised by the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) and the European Chamber of Commerce Singapore (EuroCham), took place on 14 October 2025, marking a significant milestone in Europe-Singapore relations. The event, which drew over 300 participants from seven countries, celebrated Singapore’s 60th year of independence and its enduring ties with Europe.

Themed “Sustainability & Innovation”, the conference brought together business leaders, innovators, and policymakers to discuss strategies for building a resilient, sustainable global economy. Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Singapore’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the strengthened Singapore-Europe relations and potential areas for further cooperation, including digital and green economies.

Key sessions included a panel discussion on Singapore’s potential as a launchpad for innovation and a special session on the role of family-owned enterprises in enhancing Europe-Asia economic ties. The conference also provided extensive networking opportunities, fostering cross-industry connections and partnerships.

SBF Chairman S. S. Teo emphasised Singapore’s pivotal role as a strategic hub between Europe and Asia, stating, “The strong participation reflects the commitment of both sides to co-create sustainable, innovative, and future-ready solutions.”

The event, supported by various partners including Gulf Air and BPM LLP, set the stage for deeper engagement on resilience, digitalisation, and sustainability, reinforcing Singapore’s position as a vital bridge between Europe and Asia.


Media & Marketing

Singapore media firms secure global partnerships at MIPCOM 2025

Singapore’s media industry is making waves at the 2025 Marché International des Programmes de Communication (MIPCOM) in Cannes, France, showcasing over 100 pieces of content through 27 companies. Spearheaded by the Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore (IMDA), the delegation is highlighting significant international co-productions and distribution partnerships from 13 to 16 October.

The line-up includes a variety of genres, with a notable focus on drama, digital media, and children’s content. Among the highlights is the drama series ‘RED BUTTERFLY’, a collaboration between StudioCanal, Beach House Pictures, and Momo Film Co., set in 1950s Singapore. This crime drama, supported by Canal+ Asia, is poised to captivate audiences worldwide with its unique storyline about an all-female gang.

In digital content, Viddsee is launching its original feature film ‘Siti Vampire’, co-produced with Indonesia’s Mahaka Pictures. The project features prominent talents such as screenwriter Titien Wattimena and director Rahabi Mandra. Meanwhile, Omens Studios has partnered with Hasbro for new seasons of ‘Transformers Cyberworld’ and other children’s series, expanding its global reach.

Additionally, Singapore’s August Media is collaborating with South Korea’s Acommz on ‘Super Guardians’, an Arctic adventure series for young audiences. This partnership marks a significant step in expanding Singapore’s presence in the international children’s content market.

IMDA’s Singapore Pavilion at MIPCOM provides a platform for networking and showcasing the nation’s media offerings. Yvonne Tang, Assistant Chief Executive for Media Industry Group at IMDA, emphasised the importance of these collaborations, stating, “These exciting collaborations highlight how our homegrown companies are forging strategic alliances with global partners.”


Hotels & Tourism

Mett Singapore opens at Fort Canning Park

Mett Singapore, the latest addition to Sunset Hospitality Group’s portfolio, officially opens on 28 October 2025 at Fort Canning Park, Singapore. This new hotel combines world-class dining, social connection, and wellness facilities, marking the group’s first venture into the Asia Pacific region. Antonio Gonzalez, Chairman and CEO, described the project as “a tribute to the past, a celebration of lifestyle hospitality with a Singaporean soul.”

Located within the historic grounds of Fort Canning Park, Mett Singapore offers 84 suites and rooms designed by Jeffrey Wilkes, featuring views of lush parkland or the city skyline. The hotel aims to create a vibrant social hub with its dining options led by Chef Daniele Sperindio, including L’Amo Bistrò del Mare and the Canning Bar & Lounge. Sperindio’s Art di Daniele Sperindio and HANU, a Korean grill, will also be part of the culinary offerings.

Beyond dining, the hotel provides extensive wellness and recreational facilities, including two outdoor pools, padel and pickleball courts, and a luxury gym. The upcoming Madison House, a private members’ club, will introduce The Longevity Suite, offering advanced wellness treatments.

Mett Singapore sets a new standard for lifestyle hospitality, blending wellness, social energy, and exceptional dining in thoughtfully designed spaces. The hotel is now accepting reservations, with rooms starting from $455 (SGD 625). An exclusive opening package, “Singapore, We Finally METT,” is available for bookings until 30 November 2025.


HR & Education

Flexible work models attract part-time workers back according to study

A recent study by International Workplace Group (IWG) highlights the potential of flexible work models to re-engage part-time workers in Singapore. The research, involving over 2,000 current and former part-time employees, found that 44% of former workers are considering rejoining the workforce if hybrid work options are available. Rising commuting costs, however, remain a significant barrier, with 40% of part-time workers indicating they would leave their jobs if required to commute long distances daily.

The study underscores a growing trend in Singapore, where companies are increasingly relying on part-time and flexible work arrangements. A separate survey revealed that 31% of employers plan to increase their use of contract, part-time, and flexi-work hires in 2025, marking a 15% rise from the previous year. This shift is driven by the need to address talent shortages and manage cost pressures effectively.

Mark Dixon, CEO of IWG, stated, “High commuting costs combined with limited flexibility are a challenge for many part-time workers. By offering greater flexibility over how and where work is done, businesses can not only retain these valuable team members but also attract talented individuals back into the workforce.”

In addition to corporate initiatives, national programmes such as Workforce Singapore’s Part-Time Re-employment Grant and Career Conversion Programmes are supporting this transition. These efforts aim to strengthen the part-time workforce ecosystem and create a more inclusive labour market in Singapore. As flexible work models gain traction, they are expected to play a crucial role in boosting workforce participation and productivity.


Hotels & Tourism

Agoda introduces Diamond tier in loyalty programme

Agoda, the digital travel platform, has unveiled a new Diamond tier within its AgodaVIP loyalty programme, aimed at rewarding its most dedicated customers with enhanced discounts and travel benefits. This expansion, announced on 14 October 2025, provides Diamond members with access to Agoda’s lowest prices on hotels, flights, and activities, alongside perks such as priority customer support and early access to limited-time vouchers.

The Diamond tier is designed to elevate the travel experience for frequent Agoda users, offering up to 25% off exclusive deals. Existing AgodaVIP members already enjoy benefits like VIP deals, free breakfast, room upgrades, and flexible cancellations at select properties. The introduction of the Diamond tier further enhances these offerings, ensuring that Agoda’s most loyal customers receive maximum value.

Chief Product Officer at Agoda, Ittai Chorev, stated, “As we celebrate 20 years of bridging the world through travel, we’re doubling down on what matters most to travellers: unbeatable prices across accommodations, flights, and activities. The Diamond tier is our way of ensuring that our most loyal customers get even more value every time they book with Agoda.”

Agoda’s loyalty programme, popular among budget-conscious and frequent travellers, now includes Flights and Activities, broadening the scope of savings for members. With over 5 million holiday properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities available, Agoda continues to provide flexibility and convenience for travellers planning their trips.

Users can check their loyalty status and benefits via the Agoda mobile app or website, ensuring they maximise their travel savings and experiences.


1 215 216 217 218 219 622

Join The Community


[resource-center-short]
Digital Magazine

Join The Community

NEWSFLASH

x Studio

Connect with your clients by working with our in-house brand studio, using our expertise and media reach to help you create and craft your message in video and podcast, native content and whitepapers, webinars and event formats.