Industry News

SGX Catalist-listed Annica Holdings Limited and Scottish hydrogen systems integrator Logan Energy are set to participate in the Asia Pacific Green Hydrogen Conference & Exhibition 2026. This event, a significant gathering for the hydrogen industry, will provide a platform for both companies to demonstrate their advancements and contributions to green hydrogen technologies.

The conference, scheduled for 2026, aims to bring together industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders to discuss the future of hydrogen as a sustainable energy source. Annica Holdings, known for its commitment to sustainable energy solutions, will collaborate with Logan Energy to highlight their joint efforts in advancing hydrogen technology.

Participation in such a prestigious event underscores Annica’s strategic focus on green energy and its potential impact on the Asia Pacific region. Logan Energy, with its expertise in hydrogen systems, will complement Annica’s initiatives by showcasing integrated solutions that could drive the adoption of hydrogen as a clean energy alternative.

This collaboration is expected to foster new partnerships and opportunities within the hydrogen sector, aligning with global efforts to transition towards more sustainable energy sources. As the world increasingly turns to green energy, the insights and innovations presented at the conference could play a crucial role in shaping the future of hydrogen technology in the region.

Circles.Life, Singapore’s leading telecommunications company, has launched a new brand campaign titled “Live Unhinged,” which celebrates the distinctive ways Singaporeans maximise value in their daily lives. This initiative marks a shift from the company’s traditional focus on price and data, aiming instead to deliver value beyond connectivity through offerings like CirclesAI and Circles Zerofy.

The “Live Unhinged” campaign acknowledges the evolving lifestyle of Singaporeans, who are increasingly juggling multiple passions and side hustles alongside their primary careers. The campaign introduces Circo, a new mascot representing the brand’s innovative and community-driven spirit. Circo will feature in various collaborations, including gaming events, sporting activities, and community-led initiatives across Singapore.

John Huang, Head of Growth at Circles.Life, stated, “The telco category has long been seen as highly commoditised, where brands compete primarily on price and data bundles. To drive meaningful growth, we have to go beyond promotions and rethink how we show up in people’s lives.”

The campaign also includes three key lifestyle offerings: CirclesAI, providing access to premium AI tools; Circles Zerofy, a cashback programme; and the Zerofy Cashback Card, offering 1% cashback on local and overseas spends. Priya Seevaratnam, Head of Brand & Creative, added, “With ‘Live Unhinged’ and the introduction of Circo, we’re evolving how Circles.Life connects with our audience.”

Circles.Life subscribers can access these features through the Circles.Life app, enhancing their digital lifestyle with AI-driven benefits.

Singapore’s electronics Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose by 0.2 points to 51.9 in May, marking its strongest performance since August 2018, according to UOB Global Economics and Markets Research. The overall PMI increased by 0.3 points to 51.0, indicating sustained growth driven by AI-related demand expected to continue through the second and third quarters of 2026.

The report highlights improvements in several sub-indices, including new orders, output, employment, and future business expectations, reflecting robust demand in the electronics sector. However, the rise in order backlogs and a decline in stocks of finished goods suggest that production is struggling to keep pace with demand. “Greater scope to enhance capacity utilisation should bode well for electronics manufacturing activity in the months ahead,” the report notes.

The ongoing Middle East conflict has impacted supply chains, contributing to a 0.3-point increase in the input prices sub-index, primarily due to rising energy and logistics costs. Additionally, the supplier deliveries sub-index fell by 0.4 points to 48.7, attributed to extended lead times amid persistent supply chain constraints.

The data underscores the need for Singapore’s electronics manufacturers to boost production capacity to meet the growing demand, whilst also navigating the challenges posed by global supply chain disruptions. As firms continue to draw down inventories, the sector’s ability to adapt will be crucial in maintaining its growth trajectory.

Vietjet has launched a major promotion, offering 12 million discounted tickets across its domestic and international routes. This sale celebrates the airline’s expansion, including new services from Hanoi to Almaty, Kazakhstan, and Prague, Czech Republic, starting 10 October 2026. Singapore travellers can benefit from Eco-class fares starting at S$86 one-way, inclusive of taxes and fees, on direct routes between Singapore and Vietnam.

The promotion, available for bookings until 8 June 2026, aims to enhance connectivity for Singapore travellers. Currently, Vietjet offers direct flights from Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, and Phu Quoc, with Nha Trang joining the network on 11 December 2026. The airline’s expanding network allows travellers to connect through Hanoi to new destinations in Europe and Central Asia, offering more options for multi-destination journeys.

Promotional fares are valid for travel from 5 September 2026 to 31 March 2027, with blackout dates applicable. Additional offers include 15% off Deluxe fares on the new Hanoi–Prague and Hanoi–Almaty routes using the promo code HELLOVIETNAM. Vietjet’s Summer 2026 Sale also provides up to 30% off Deluxe fares and 20% off SkyBoss and Business fares with specific promo codes.

Vietjet’s growing network not only facilitates easy getaways to Vietnam but also serves as a gateway for broader adventures across Southeast Asia, Europe, and Central Asia. The airline’s expansion offers Singapore-based travellers more flexibility and opportunities to explore Vietnam’s vibrant cities and beyond.

PropNex Realty has announced the launch of a collective sale tender for a prime freehold property at 98–98E Upper East Coast Road, with a guide price of $14.128 million. The property has secured the necessary 80% majority consent from owners, paving the way for its sale. The guide price equates to approximately $1,068 per square foot per plot ratio for flat redevelopment, whilst the land rate for landed housing redevelopment is about $1,600 per square foot. Notably, no land betterment charge is applicable due to the site’s high development baseline.

The 820.3 square metre site is zoned for residential use with a plot ratio of 1.4 under the 2025 Master Plan. Subject to approval, it could be transformed into a five-storey flat development comprising 11 units, or alternatively, a pair of semi-detached and a detached house. The property’s 38-metre frontage facilitates these redevelopment options.

Located in the vibrant Siglap area, the property benefits from excellent accessibility and lifestyle amenities. It is within walking distance of Siglap MRT Station on the Thomson-East Coast Line, providing easy connectivity to the Central Business District and beyond. The East Coast Parkway offers seamless access to Changi Airport and other parts of Singapore. The area is also home to renowned schools and a variety of dining, retail, and entertainment options.

Tracy Goh, Head of Capital Markets at PropNex, expressed optimism about the property’s appeal, citing its freehold tenure and prime location. “We anticipate healthy interest in the Property from both landed housing and flat developers,” she said.

The tender will close on 30 June 2026 at 3pm.

Wilmar International Limited, founded and headquartered in Singapore, has announced a joint venture with Tropical General Investments Group to merge their operations in Nigeria and the Republic of Benin. The partnership, structured as a 50:50 joint venture, aims to create an integrated platform spanning agriculture, food manufacturing, and distribution, with a market size exceeding US$12b.

The collaboration will combine Wilmar’s expertise in palm oil and consumer goods with TGI Group’s established brands and distribution network. This strategic move is designed to address food production and distribution challenges in the region, leveraging both companies’ strengths to provide affordable consumer products across West Africa.

Kuok Khoon Hong, Chairman and CEO of Wilmar, highlighted the significance of the venture, stating, “Nigeria and the Republic of Benin are key consumer markets in Africa, supported by a population of more than 260 million.” He emphasised the potential of the combined businesses to contribute to the region’s long-term development.

Completion of the transaction is anticipated by the end of 2026, pending regulatory approvals. The joint venture will be managed by a Singapore-based holding company, equally owned by Wilmar and TGI Group.

TGI Group’s Founder, Cornelis G. Vink, expressed optimism about the partnership, noting that it will “leverage Wilmar’s global scale and expertise as well as TGI’s local knowledge to deliver innovative food solutions across Africa.” This venture marks a significant step in enhancing the food and agriculture sectors in West Africa, promising sustainable growth and value creation.

Mooreast Holdings Ltd., a Singapore Exchange (SGX) Catalist-listed company, has been appointed as the exclusive strategic partner for SeaTwirl AB in ASEAN. The collaboration, announced on 2 June 2026, involves Mooreast’s subsidiary, Mooreast Asia Pte. Ltd., entering a five-year agreement with the Swedish developer of floating vertical-axis wind turbine technology. This partnership aims to explore floating wind opportunities across the 11 ASEAN member states.

The agreement allows Mooreast to lead regional business development and represent SeaTwirl’s technology to various stakeholders, including developers and government bodies. Additionally, Mooreast will be SeaTwirl’s preferred manufacturing partner, utilising its fabrication capabilities for local production of SeaTwirl’s designs.

SeaTwirl, headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, and listed on the Nasdaq First North Growth Market, offers floating wind technology known for its cost efficiency and maintenance ease. Its turbines feature a low centre of gravity and accessible generator house, enabling maintenance with small, locally available vessels.

The collaboration extends beyond ASEAN, with potential projects in Japan, South Korea, and India. This partnership aligns with the growing demand for floating offshore wind solutions in the ASEAN region, driven by deep-water conditions and the need for cost-effective, locally manufactured systems.

Eirik Ellingsen, CEO of Mooreast, highlighted the importance of the ASEAN market for offshore renewable energy, stating, “Through this collaboration, we aim to combine our respective strengths to support the development of competitive floating wind solutions adapted for regional conditions.” Johan Sandberg, CEO of SeaTwirl, added, “Together, we believe we can create a strong foundation for future floating offshore wind projects in Southeast Asia.”

The National University Hospital (NUH) and LASALLE College of the Arts, University of the Arts Singapore, have unveiled a pioneering Sustainable Medicine Design Lab, designed to foster innovative solutions for sustainable healthcare systems. This collaboration, the first of its kind, unites clinicians, designers, and students to create impactful design interventions.

The lab, part of LASALLE’s BA (Hons) Design for Social Futures programme, partners with NUH’s Department of Ophthalmology and the National University Health System’s Office of Sustainability. Associate Professor Victor Koh from NUH highlighted the initiative’s potential to integrate design thinking into clinical settings, enhancing efficiency and patient care. Nur Hidayah, Dean of LASALLE’s Faculty of Design, emphasised the role of design in tackling complex healthcare challenges.

Six projects emerged from the lab’s inaugural year, each developed through extensive research and collaboration with stakeholders. These projects include a future-ready cataract operating theatre by Bridget Lim, a redesigned surgical tray by Tan Yee Jing, and interventions to reduce pharmaceutical waste by Inda Kiranthie. Other projects focus on humanising clinical environments, improving patient health literacy, and addressing systemic misalignments in healthcare.

The lab represents a significant collaboration between the healthcare sector and an arts institution, aiming to drive sustainable practices and nurture interdisciplinary talent. The projects will be showcased at LASALLE’s McNally Campus from 22 May to 3 June 2026. This initiative sets a precedent for future healthcare models, promoting continuous innovation and practical application in real-world settings.

Tiger Brokers has reported a robust 26.3% increase in revenue for the first quarter of 2026, reaching US$154.9m. The company also saw a significant rise in total client assets, which grew by 28.4% year-on-year to US$58.9b. The number of funded accounts increased to 1.28 million, whilst total trading volume soared by 49% year-on-year to US$323.9b, driven by strong net asset inflows and momentum in key markets.

Singapore played a pivotal role in this growth, achieving nine consecutive quarters of order growth. The quarterly net asset inflows in Singapore surpassed US$1b, reflecting strong investor confidence. The total trading volume in Singapore reached a new high, increasing by 140.5% year-on-year, with trading orders up by 28.9%. Singapore stock trading volume more than doubled, whilst US stock and options trading volumes also saw substantial increases.

The Tiger BOSS Debit Card, offering fractional share rewards, continued to gain popularity, with cardholders increasing by 25% year-on-year. Monthly spending on the card exceeded S$1m for 11 consecutive months. Additionally, Tiger Brokers expanded its local lifestyle partnerships by adding 14 new brand partners.

The company also invested in platform innovation, upgrading TigerAI to a multi-agent architecture, which led to a nearly fivefold increase in platform conversations year-on-year. This innovation, along with new trading and wealth features, underscores Tiger Brokers’ commitment to enhancing user experience and expanding its market presence.

April 2026 marked a significant uptick in Singapore’s property market, with new home sales reaching their highest level since October 2025. According to CBRE Research, 1,548 new private homes were sold, a 19.1% increase from March’s 1,300 units and a staggering 129.3% rise compared to April 2025. This surge was primarily driven by robust demand for new major launches.

Two key projects, Tengah Garden Residences and Vela Bay, were instrumental in this growth. Tengah Garden Residences, located at Tengah Garden Avenue, nearly sold out with 855 of its 863 units purchased at a median price of $2,111 per square foot (psf). Vela Bay, situated at Bayshore Walk, sold 370 out of 515 units at a median price of $2,865 psf, setting a new price benchmark for the Outside Central Region (OCR).

Tricia Song, CBRE Head of Research for Singapore and Southeast Asia, noted that despite economic uncertainties and the ongoing Middle East conflict, homebuying appetite has remained resilient. “The success of these projects highlights the continued demand for well-located developments near MRT stations,” she said.

The OCR dominated April’s sales, accounting for 88% of the total, whilst the Rest of Central Region (RCR) and Core Central Region (CCR) contributed 10% and 2%, respectively. Looking forward, CBRE anticipates a moderation in sales due to fewer major launches in May, but expects activity to pick up with upcoming high-profile projects.

CBRE forecasts that 7,500 to 8,500 new homes will be sold in 2026, with private home prices projected to grow by 2% to 4%.