Industry News

Investment banking activities in Asia Pacific, excluding Japan, have seen a significant rise in the first nine months of 2025, according to LSEG’s Deals Intelligence report. The region generated $18.6 billion in investment banking fees, marking a 24% increase compared to the same period last year. This growth accounts for 19% of the global investment banking fees, with the Americas and Europe contributing 55% and 21%, respectively.

The report highlights a surge in equity capital markets (ECM) underwriting fees, which reached $3.7b—a 48% increase from the previous year. Debt capital markets (DCM) fees also grew by 15% to $10.6b, whilst syndicated lending fees saw a modest 3% rise to $1.8b. Advisory fees from completed mergers and acquisitions (M&A) transactions in the region totalled $2.5b, up 55% year-on-year.

CITIC emerged as the top earner in investment banking fees within the region, securing $1.06b and capturing a 5.7% share of the total fee pool. M&A activity reached a three-year high, with deals amounting to $684.6b, driven by mega deals despite a 5.1% decline in the number of announced deals.

In ECM, the region raised $190.2b, a 42.2% increase from the previous year, with China leading the charge by contributing 49.1% of the proceeds. Meanwhile, DCM saw primary bond offerings reach $3.98t, a 20.9% increase, setting a record for the highest January-September total since 1980.

The report underscores the robust growth in Asia Pacific’s investment banking sector, with significant contributions from various financial activities and sectors. As the year progresses, these trends may continue to shape the region’s financial landscape.

The Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCS) has released a comprehensive guide to help businesses make clear and accurate product claims. This initiative is designed to prevent misleading information that could potentially deceive consumers. The guide, available from 6 October, outlines best practices for businesses to ensure transparency and honesty in their marketing strategies.

The guide is part of CCS’s ongoing efforts to promote fair trading practices and protect consumer interests. By providing detailed instructions on how to substantiate product claims, the guide aims to reduce the risk of misleading advertising, which can lead to consumer distrust and potential legal issues for businesses.

CCS emphasises the importance of businesses being able to back up their claims with evidence. “Businesses must ensure that their product claims are truthful and not misleading,” the guide states. This is crucial in maintaining consumer confidence and fostering a competitive market environment.

The release of this guide is particularly timely as consumers increasingly rely on product claims when making purchasing decisions. By adhering to the guidelines, businesses can not only avoid regulatory scrutiny but also enhance their reputation and consumer trust.

Cushman & Wakefield’s latest MarketBeat report reveals significant developments in Singapore’s industrial and capital markets for Q3 2025. Prime logistics rents have increased by 0.9% quarter-on-quarter, driven by limited supply and strong demand. Meanwhile, total investment volume surged by 31% to $9.3b, with residential, commercial, and mixed-use sectors leading the charge.

Prime logistics rents have seen a modest rise after three quarters of stability, attributed to a constrained supply pipeline and robust demand. Despite subdued leasing enquiries, the market is expected to benefit from favourable US tariff terms compared to other Asia Pacific economies. The supply of business parks is anticipated to tighten from 2026, potentially boosting occupancy rates.

In the capital markets, the residential sector experienced a 127.1% quarter-on-quarter increase, largely due to Government Land Sales. Commercial investments rose by 40%, highlighted by the sale of a 55% interest in CapitaSpring for $1b. Industrial transactions, however, saw a decline, with volume falling by 55% due to smaller deals.

The report also notes a supportive environment for investment sales, with lower interest rates and mild inflation. “A lower interest rate and mild inflation environment coupled with steady property rental growth across most property asset classes should provide a supportive backdrop for investment sales,” stated Cushman & Wakefield.

Looking ahead, the industrial supply pipeline appears manageable, with a focus on single-user factories and warehouses. The tapering supply of business parks from 2026 is expected to improve occupancy rates, enhancing their value proposition.

Dylan Pereira and Bao Jinlong had already claimed the overall and Pro-Am titles at Mandalika, but the spotlight in Singapore was on the Am and Masters class championships. Henry Kwong and Adrian D’Silva emerged victorious in these categories, with Kwong securing his second Am championship title. The final round of the 2025 Porsche Carrera Cup Asia took place at the Marina Bay Circuit, where Pereira dominated, clinching his 11th win of the year and the Street Cup.

Pereira, driving for Team Shanghai Yonda BWT, started from pole and maintained his lead throughout the race. Despite a penalty for a jump start, Dylan Yip managed to finish sixth, whilst Josh Rowledge achieved his first top-three finish of the season. In the Pro-Am category, Bao Jinlong continued his winning streak, with Matthew Belford and Francis Tjia joining him on the podium.

The Am class saw a close contest between the Kwong brothers, with Henry ultimately extending his lead to secure the title. In the Masters class, Christian Chia claimed victory, but D’Silva’s second-place finish was enough to earn him the inaugural Masters title.

The season concluded with Pereira expressing his satisfaction: “I’m delighted to finish the season in the best possible way with two victories.” The Porsche Carrera Cup Asia will now prepare for its Talent Pool Assessment Test in November, as it looks ahead to the 2026 season.

Stellar Ace, Singapore’s largest Out-of-Home (OOH) media company, has launched a next-generation 3D Rooftop Bus Shelter at Orchard Road, in collaboration with Gardens by the Bay. Located at the bus shelter before Cairnhill Road, outside The Heeren, the installation recreates the Gardens’ Flower Dome, Supertrees, and lush greenery, bringing a touch of Singapore’s iconic destination into the heart of the city.

The 3D Rooftop is designed as both an advertising platform and a placemaking feature, strategically placed along one of Singapore’s busiest retail and tourism stretches. With over 260,000 weekly impressions, it offers brands standout visibility whilst enhancing the Orchard Road streetscape. This initiative supports Singapore’s broader efforts to enrich public spaces and urban vitality.

This debut marks the first 3D Rooftop under Stellar Ace’s portfolio, signalling the revival of a beloved format reimagined for today’s audiences. “Gardens by the Bay has always been about bringing nature, design, and imagination to life,” said Tony Heng, President of Stellar Experience. The project underscores a shared commitment to creativity and innovation between Stellar Ace and Gardens by the Bay.

The 3D Rooftop is the first in a series of next-generation formats that will redefine public engagement across Singapore. Stellar Ace plans to roll out more innovative OOH formats, including digital and interactive assets, across the island. By pushing the boundaries of OOH advertising, Stellar Ace aims to make brands an integral part of Singapore’s cultural and urban fabric.

Colliers International has revealed in its Q3 2025 Singapore Office Market Report that Core CBD Premium and Grade A office rents have increased by 0.2% quarter-on-quarter, reaching $8.60 (S$11.73) per square foot. This growth is attributed to a sustained demand for quality spaces and fitted offices, despite a backdrop of global economic uncertainty.

The report highlights that average capital values have remained stable at $2,236 (S$3,050) per square foot, underscoring Singapore’s appeal as a safe-haven for investors. The lack of new supply until 2027 is expected to support continued rental growth, albeit at a measured pace.

Bastiaan van Beijsterveldt, Managing Director of Colliers Singapore, noted, “Cautious sentiment and slower leasing activity suggest demand will remain subdued in the near term. Landlords should adopt proactive strategies such as offering flexible spaces, enhanced amenities, and speculative fit outs to retain tenants and capture interest.”

Tenant enquiries and inspection activities have slowed, reflecting a cautious approach amid persistent macroeconomic uncertainties. However, occupiers with upcoming lease expiries are beginning their reviews earlier, with some exploring fitted solutions to manage costs.

Looking ahead, Colliers anticipates that office demand may taper towards the end of 2025 as companies consolidate their footprints following restructuring efforts. Despite this, Singapore’s stability and government initiatives to bolster its position as a hub for commodities trading, digital industries, and financial services are expected to sustain premium rents and attract multinational firms.

Catherine He, Head of Research at Colliers Singapore, added, “Easing interest rates have created a positive spread for investors, whilst higher rents are motivating some occupiers to own rather than lease. Despite limited repricing, Singapore offices remain attractive for their safe-haven status and steady yields.”

Singapore’s digital economy has reached a significant milestone, growing by S$12b in 2024 to hit S$128.1b, according to the latest Singapore Digital Economy (SGDE) Report by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA). This growth now accounts for 18.6% of the nation’s GDP, highlighting the increasing importance of digitalisation across various sectors.

The report reveals that more than two-thirds of this growth comes from non-Information & Communications sectors, with Finance & Insurance, Wholesale Trade, and Manufacturing leading the charge. This underscores the widespread adoption of digital technologies beyond traditional tech industries.

AI adoption has played a crucial role in this expansion. The report notes that the AI adoption rate among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) more than tripled to 14.5% in 2024. Non-SMEs also saw a significant increase, with adoption rates jumping from 44% to 62.5%. Nearly 75% of workers are now using AI tools regularly, enhancing productivity and efficiency.

The tech workforce in Singapore has expanded to 214,000, driven by roles in AI, data, and cybersecurity. These positions offer competitive wages, with the median monthly salary for tech workers at S$7,950, well above the overall median.

As digitalisation continues to permeate various sectors, Singapore’s economy is poised for further growth. The focus on AI and digital tools is expected to drive innovation and efficiency, ensuring the nation remains at the forefront of the digital revolution.

Fudan University and Singapore Management University (SMU) have elevated their 17-year partnership to a strategic level, focusing on societal challenges in the digital age. This development was formalised through a Memorandum of Agreement signed on 29 September 2025 by Fudan University President Jin Li and SMU President Lily Kong at the 2025 Fudan University-SMU Forum on Artificial Intelligence, Digital Governance, and Sustainable Societies.

The partnership builds on a history of collaboration, including joint research projects and academic programmes such as a double master’s degree in law. The new strategic alliance will focus on an interdisciplinary Joint Programme in Digital Technology and Society, integrating education, research, and community engagement. This initiative aims to develop solutions at the intersection of management, social sciences, and technology.

Jin Li highlighted the partnership as a response to national strategies like Digital China and Sustainable Development, emphasising its role in global governance. Kong noted that the partnership reflects a shared vision to deliver meaningful community impact and bridge Singapore and China through transformative education and research.

The forum preceding the signing ceremony featured discussions on artificial intelligence, digital governance, and sustainable societies. Keynote speakers included Professor Fu Xiaoming from the University of Göttingen and Associate Professor Zhu Feida from SMU, who explored topics ranging from AI in social sciences to sustainable digital futures.

The strategic partnership aims to address societal challenges, nurture future-ready talent, and develop strategies for ageing societies, contributing to more sustainable and inclusive urban environments in Singapore and Shanghai.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionising cybersecurity in Singapore, with 82% of organisations already integrating AI into their security frameworks, according to a 2025 IDC survey commissioned by Fortinet. The study highlights AI’s pivotal role in enhancing speed, accuracy, and scale in security operations, as well as its influence on hiring and investment strategies.

AI’s impact is evident on both sides of the cybersecurity battle. Whilst defenders use AI to automate detection and accelerate response times, attackers are also leveraging AI for more sophisticated and adaptive threats. The survey found that 56% of Singaporean organisations faced AI-driven cyber threats in the past year, with significant increases in threat volume reported.

The adoption of AI has moved from pilot projects to full-scale operations, with companies employing AI for advanced tasks such as predictive threat modelling and AI-driven incident response. Despite this progress, trust in fully autonomous AI actions remains limited, with many organisations still in a “co-pilot” phase.

AI’s integration is reshaping the cybersecurity workforce, with roles like security data scientists and AI security engineers in high demand. This shift reflects a broader trend of building teams around AI capabilities.

Cybersecurity budgets are increasing, albeit modestly, with spending focused on identity security, network security, and cloud-native application protection. However, many teams remain under-resourced, with only a small percentage of the workforce dedicated to cybersecurity.

The survey also indicates a strategic shift towards unified cybersecurity frameworks, with 96% of respondents considering or implementing security and networking convergence. Simon Piff, Research Vice-President at IDC Asia-Pacific, noted, “AI is fundamentally reshaping how threats are identified, prioritised, and acted upon, demanding a parallel shift in cybersecurity strategy and talent.”

CapitaLand Ascendas REIT Management Limited has announced the acquisition of three industrial and logistics properties in Singapore for approximately $412.5m (S$565.8m). The properties, located in key industrial hubs, are fully occupied by tenants from the technology, logistics, and life sciences sectors. This strategic move is part of the REIT’s plan to invest $947.5m (S$1.3b) in Singapore by 2025, with the acquisitions expected to complete by the first quarter of 2026.

The properties include 2 Pioneer Sector 1, a ramp-up logistics facility; Tuas Connection, a light industrial property; and 9 Kallang Sector, a high-specifications industrial site. William Tay, Executive Director and CEO of the REIT’s manager, highlighted that these acquisitions are accretive and enhance the resilience of the REIT’s income stream due to the strong lease profile and built-in rental escalations.

Strategically located near major infrastructure such as airports and seaports, these properties are expected to increase the value of CapitaLand Ascendas REIT’s Singapore portfolio to approximately $8.96b (S$12.3b), accounting for 68% of its total assets under management. The acquisition is set to be DPU-accretive, with an expected first-year net property income yield of 6.1% post-transaction costs.

The acquisition was negotiated at a 3.9% discount to the total valuation of $428.9m (S$589m), with the total investment cost estimated at $431.3m (S$592.6m), including transaction-related fees. The REIT plans to finance the acquisition through internal resources and existing debt facilities.