Industry News

Singapore is at the forefront of AI security readiness, with 52% of organisations claiming they are fully equipped to secure AI, according to new research by Delinea. Despite this, Singaporean businesses express the highest global concern over Shadow AI, with 62% encountering unsanctioned AI at least monthly.

The report, based on a survey of over 1,700 IT decision-makers worldwide, highlights a significant gap between confidence and capability in AI security. Whilst 97% of Singaporean firms believe their machine identity security can handle AI threats, only 70% have full visibility into these identities, and just 56% have governance policies in place.

Delinea’s CEO, Art Gilliland, emphasised the need for adaptive, risk-aware systems, stating, “Agentic AI demands agentic security. Organisations must rethink how they approach identity, building adaptive, risk-aware systems that verify and secure every action, whether it’s human- or machine-driven.”

Key concerns identified include AI-driven phishing and deepfakes (54%), unchecked AI systems making autonomous decisions (52%), AI-driven credential theft (47%), and Shadow AI (46%). Despite 91% of Singaporean businesses using AI in daily operations, limited governance leaves them vulnerable to risks.

The report underscores the need for robust identity governance and adaptive security controls as AI continues to transform IT and security operations. Organisations are urged to prioritise these measures to mitigate emerging risks associated with AI technologies.
“`

Singapore and India have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the Singapore-India Green and Digital Shipping Corridor. This significant agreement was witnessed by the Prime Ministers of both countries during Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s official visit to New Delhi on 4 September 2025.

The MoU outlines a collaborative effort between the two nations and industry partners to develop infrastructure and technologies that facilitate the maritime sector’s transition to zero or near-zero greenhouse gas emission fuels. Additionally, the agreement includes provisions for digital information exchange and joint research into emerging green technologies and solutions.

This partnership is expected to bolster ongoing digitalisation and decarbonisation initiatives within the maritime sector. India’s robust renewable energy capacity and industrial base are poised to support the production and export of alternative marine fuels. Meanwhile, Singapore, as a major hub port, boasts established bunkering operations and a burgeoning ecosystem for maritime innovation.

The collaboration between Singapore and India marks a pivotal step towards sustainable maritime practices, leveraging each country’s strengths to drive forward the global agenda on green shipping. The initiative is anticipated to set a precedent for future international maritime partnerships focused on environmental sustainability and technological advancement.
“`

PropertyGuru Group, Southeast Asia’s leading property technology company, has announced the appointment of Lu Yao as Managing Director for Singapore, effective 15 September. Lu Yao will spearhead the company’s growth strategies, focusing on maximising customer value and leading commercial and sales teams. He will also be part of the Executive Leadership Team, reporting directly to CEO Lewis Ng.

Lu Yao brings extensive experience in marketplaces and e-commerce, having previously served as Group Head of Marketplace and Bangladesh Chief Commercial Officer at Daraz Group, part of Alibaba International Digital Commerce. His role involved shaping commercial strategies in South Asia and driving growth in Bangladesh. He also led the growth of Shopee Singapore’s FMCG Cluster and Mall, and has a background in strategy and organisational transformation from his time at McKinsey & Company.

CEO Lewis Ng expressed enthusiasm about Lu Yao’s appointment, stating, “Lu’s deep experience in marketplaces and his strength in scaling businesses with the customer at the core are essential for our next growth phase.” Lu Yao himself remarked, “PropertyGuru has transformed how people in Singapore and Southeast Asia find their dream homes, and I am honoured to be part of that journey.”

PropertyGuru continues to dominate the Singapore property marketplace with over 81% market share, offering tools and services that connect home seekers, agents, and developers. The company aims to further innovate and deliver solutions for property seekers and partners in the region.
“`

Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) has announced an ambitious plan to reduce carbon emissions from the maritime sector by 50% by 2050. The initiative, revealed on 4 September, aims to position Singapore as a leader in sustainable shipping practices. The strategy includes the adoption of cleaner fuels, enhanced energy efficiency measures, and the development of green technologies.

The MPA’s plan is a response to the global call for action on climate change, particularly within the shipping industry, which is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. The authority will collaborate with industry stakeholders to implement these measures, ensuring a collective effort towards sustainability.

Key components of the plan include the promotion of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a transitional fuel, the exploration of hydrogen and ammonia as potential future fuels, and the enhancement of port infrastructure to support greener shipping operations. The MPA will also invest in research and development to drive innovation in maritime technology.

Quah Ley Hoon, Chief Executive of MPA, stated, “This comprehensive strategy underscores our commitment to a sustainable maritime future. We are working closely with industry partners to achieve these ambitious targets.”

The plan is expected to not only reduce emissions but also enhance Singapore’s competitiveness in the global maritime industry. By investing in green technologies and infrastructure, Singapore aims to attract more environmentally conscious shipping companies to its ports.

As the world moves towards a greener future, Singapore’s proactive approach could set a benchmark for other nations, potentially influencing global maritime policies and practices.
“`

Singapore’s Ministry of Defence has announced a new cybersecurity strategy aimed at enhancing the nation’s digital defences. The strategy, revealed on 4 September, focuses on strengthening the country’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to cyber threats. This initiative comes in response to the increasing complexity and frequency of cyberattacks globally.

The strategy outlines several key components, including the development of advanced cybersecurity technologies and the establishment of a dedicated task force to oversee implementation. A significant emphasis is placed on collaboration with international partners to share intelligence and best practices. “This strategy is crucial for safeguarding our national security in the digital age,” a ministry spokesperson stated.

Additionally, the plan includes initiatives to enhance cybersecurity training and awareness among military personnel and civilians. The ministry aims to create a robust cybersecurity culture across all levels of society, ensuring that individuals are equipped to handle potential cyber threats.

The announcement underscores the importance of cybersecurity in maintaining national security and protecting critical infrastructure. As cyber threats continue to evolve, the Ministry of Defence’s proactive approach aims to position Singapore as a leader in cybersecurity resilience.

Looking ahead, the ministry plans to conduct regular assessments of the strategy’s effectiveness and make necessary adjustments to address emerging threats. This forward-thinking approach ensures that Singapore remains vigilant and prepared in the face of an ever-changing digital landscape.
“`

Singapore has announced a groundbreaking initiative to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into its healthcare system, aiming to enhance patient care and operational efficiency. The programme, launched on 4 September, will see AI technologies deployed across various hospitals in the city-state, targeting improvements in diagnostics, treatment planning, and patient management.

The initiative is spearheaded by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) in collaboration with several healthcare institutions. It seeks to leverage AI’s capabilities to process large volumes of medical data swiftly, thereby enabling more accurate and timely medical decisions. This move is expected to significantly reduce waiting times and improve patient outcomes.

A*STAR’s spokesperson highlighted the transformative potential of AI in healthcare, stating, “AI can analyse complex medical data faster and more accurately than traditional methods, allowing healthcare professionals to focus on patient care rather than administrative tasks.”

The programme will initially focus on areas such as radiology, where AI can assist in interpreting medical images, and oncology, where it can help tailor personalised treatment plans. By automating routine tasks, the initiative aims to free up healthcare professionals to concentrate on more critical aspects of patient care.

This AI-driven approach is part of Singapore’s broader strategy to position itself as a leader in healthcare innovation. As the programme progresses, it is expected to set new standards in medical practice, potentially serving as a model for other countries looking to integrate AI into their healthcare systems.
“`

Twilio has announced the global availability of its Rich Communication Services (RCS), revolutionising business messaging with branded and interactive features. This development follows a successful partnership with Singtel, making Singapore the first Asian market to benefit from RCS Business Messaging. The service allows businesses to upgrade SMS to RCS on compatible devices, offering features such as business logos, taglines, and Google-verified sender information at no extra cost.

RCS provides rich content and interactive features, including call-to-action buttons, carousels, and location sharing, which enhance customer engagement and conversion rates. Twilio’s platform ensures seamless integration with automatic carrier management and SMS fallback when RCS is unavailable, guaranteeing reliable message delivery.

Inbal Shani, Twilio’s Chief Product Officer, stated, “RCS makes seamless and trusted customer engagement a reality by delivering richer interactions and increased brand trust.” The service addresses the trust gap in consumer-brand communications, as highlighted in Twilio’s 2025 State of Customer Engagement Report, which found that only 15% of consumers absolutely trust brands with their data.

Existing Twilio customers can upgrade to RCS without code changes, whilst new customers can implement both SMS and RCS through a single API integration. The service is now available across 20 countries and 55 carriers, with companies like Nova Gestões and Fresha already leveraging RCS to enhance customer communications.

Twilio’s RCS is poised to transform business messaging into an interactive, trusted, and transaction-ready channel, offering businesses faster transactions, reduced customer effort, and new opportunities for loyalty and revenue growth.
“`

The UN Global Compact Network Singapore (UNGCNS) has launched its 4th Singapore Business Carbon Report at the Singapore Sustainability Academy. The report, themed “Emissions in Focus: Transparent Reporting, Tangible Results,” highlights significant progress in carbon emission management among Singaporean businesses. With 318 submissions from 227 companies, the report reveals that 74% of these businesses have successfully reduced either absolute emissions or emissions intensity, with 41% achieving reductions in both metrics.

The report comes as Singapore prepares for new regulations requiring listed companies to disclose Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 2025. This regulatory shift underscores the importance of credible carbon disclosure, as emphasised by Dr Bicky Bhangu, President of UNGCNS, who stated, “This report is more than a publication — it is a call to action.”

The LowCarbonSG programme, initiated by UNGCNS in 2021, plays a pivotal role in helping companies measure and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The programme’s success is evident, with over 80% of participants being small and medium enterprises (SMEs), demonstrating that smaller businesses are actively driving climate action.

The report also highlights the role of technology in advancing carbon management, with tools like the Carbon & Emissions Recording Tool (CERT) and A*STAR’s AdViSE platform improving reporting accuracy and efficiency. Case studies from companies such as OCBC and SATS illustrate how businesses are leveraging carbon data to enhance investor trust and embed sustainability across operations.

As Singapore moves towards a low-carbon future, the report serves as a practical guide for businesses to strengthen their sustainability strategies, ensuring they remain competitive and resilient in the evolving regulatory landscape.
“`

Moët & Chandon has announced its return as the Official Champagne of Formula 1, marking the occasion with the launch of the “Elevation Lounge by Moët & Chandon” in Singapore. This exclusive event, running from 3 to 5 October, features a hot air balloon experience that embodies the brand’s spirit of celebration and French art de vivre. The lounge offers panoramic views, French-chic dining, and curated heritage displays, all set to enhance the excitement of the Formula 1 race week.

The Elevation Lounge, in collaboration with SUSHISAMBA Singapore, promises a blend of signature fusion dishes paired with champagne, alongside live samba performances and a DJ set. This unique experience is designed to captivate guests with its elegance and sophistication.

Adding to the glamour, Moët & Chandon is also the official champagne partner of the Amber Lounge Afterparty, held at The Clifford Pier on 4 and 5 October. This iconic event will feature world-class entertainment, international music acts, and the opportunity to mingle with A-list celebrities, drivers, and the racing community.

Fans have the chance to win exclusive race-week experiences through an F1 Giveaway running until 23 September. Prizes include a luxury weekend stay at Swissôtel The Stamford with Amber Lounge access, a Moët & Chandon hot air balloon ride, and limited-edition champagne bottles.

These events highlight Moët & Chandon’s commitment to luxury and celebration, transforming Singapore into a premier destination for race enthusiasts during the Formula 1 season.
“`

ST Engineering has announced a significant $250 million AI Research Translation programme at the 5th InnoTech Conference in Singapore. The initiative, unveiled on 4 September 2025, aims to advance robotics, swarm, and humanoid solutions, focusing on improving teamwork between human and unmanned systems. The conference, themed “AI.Innovating the Future”, was attended by industry leaders and government officials, including Josephine Teo, Minister for Digital Development and Information.

A key highlight of the event was the introduction of the Manned-Unmanned Teaming Operating System (MUMTOS), a system designed to enhance human-machine collaboration. MUMTOS coordinates robots, drones, and autonomous vehicles to provide actionable insights and expedite decision-making processes. In humanitarian missions, it assesses life-risk factors to prioritise rescue efforts, offering real-time updates and precise location data to first responders.

Lee Shiang Long, Group Chief Technology & Digital Officer at ST Engineering, emphasised the company’s commitment to leveraging AI across various domains. “Building on this foundation, our focus supported by increased investment, positions us to lead the AI Research Translation programme and turn advanced AI and robotics into impactful solutions across industries,” he stated.

The conference also showcased AI innovations in unmanned ecosystems, counter-drone operations, and intelligent connectivity. With nearly 2,000 participants, the event featured keynote speakers such as Mike Walsh, CEO of Tomorrow, and Jixun Foo, Senior Managing Partner of Granite Asia.

ST Engineering plans to upskill 4,000 engineers and create 1,000 AI specialists to drive these advancements, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of AI innovation.
“`