Industry News

Agoda, the digital travel platform, has unveiled its latest innovation, the Booking Form Bot, an AI-powered chatbot designed to assist travellers with booking-related queries during the final stages of their reservation process. This new tool aims to streamline the booking experience by providing instant, context-aware answers to common questions, such as cancellation policies and promo code applicability, directly on the booking page.

Agoda’s internal research highlighted that 28% of users often return to the property page to verify trip details, with many pausing or exiting due to uncertainties about pricing and cancellation terms. The Booking Form Bot addresses these concerns by automatically understanding the user’s booking session, including property details and rate plans, to deliver precise and personalised responses without requiring users to navigate away from the page.

Idan Zalzberg, Chief Technology Officer at Agoda, stated, “Helping travellers stay informed at every step of their journey is central to building trust in our platform. At the booking stage, last-minute questions often arise around cancellation options or payment terms. The Booking Form Bot provides instant answers right when travellers need them, helping them book with confidence.”

This development builds on the success of Agoda’s Property AMA Bot, which handles over 30,000 hotel-related queries daily. By integrating AI technology into the booking process, Agoda continues to enhance its platform, making travel planning more intuitive for millions worldwide. Travellers can access the Booking Form Bot via the chat icon on the booking form page through the Agoda app and mobile browser.

StarHub has achieved its first-ever ‘A’ rating in the CDP’s 2025 Climate Change Assessment, marking a significant milestone in its sustainability efforts. This accolade places StarHub among a select group of global organisations recognised for their leadership in managing and disclosing climate-related risks and opportunities.

The telecommunications company has been actively working to reduce the carbon intensity of its operations, which are inherently energy-intensive due to its large-scale, always-on digital and network infrastructure. StarHub’s initiatives include enhancing energy efficiency across network sites and data centres, increasing the adoption of renewable energy, and advancing fleet and operational decarbonisation.

A key factor in achieving the ‘A’ rating was StarHub’s improved data collection and engagement with its value chain. By collaborating closely with suppliers, StarHub gathered detailed emissions data, allowing for more precise refinement of its Scope 3 emission categories. This approach is part of a broader decarbonisation and supplier engagement roadmap, anchored in science-based principles, guiding the company towards its emissions reduction targets for 2030 and 2050.

StarHub’s commitment to transparency is evident in its ongoing disclosure of progress and challenges in decarbonising its operations. In 2024, the company introduced long-term Power Purchase Agreements to boost renewable energy use, further reducing its carbon footprint.

This achievement underscores StarHub’s dedication to sustainability and positions it as a leader in climate action within the telecommunications industry.

Cosmo, a leader in performance textiles and advanced materials for the footwear and apparel industry, has announced the appointment of Mark Griffie as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 January 2026. Griffie, who brings over two decades of experience from Nike, succeeds Josh VanDernoot, who will retire after six years but remain on the board as an adviser.

Griffie joined Cosmo in 2024 and has been instrumental in driving growth and sustainable innovation. His extensive background includes overseeing Nike’s global procurement of materials valued at over $8b. “Mark is a proven leader with deep operating expertise,” said Doug Dossey, Chairman of the Board. “He has the full confidence of the Board and the leadership team.”

VanDernoot expressed pride in the platform built during his tenure, stating, “The business is strong, the team is deeply capable, and Mark is well prepared to lead the business in its next phase.” Griffie, based in Singapore, emphasised continuity in Cosmo’s priorities, focusing on operational excellence and customer engagement.

Cosmo, known for its innovative and sustainable material solutions, operates manufacturing facilities in China, Vietnam, and Indonesia. The company is committed to supporting its partners through reliable execution and collaboration. With Griffie at the helm, Cosmo aims to strengthen its commercial and operational foundations, ensuring continued leadership in the dynamic footwear and apparel value chain.

Zeya Health, a Singapore-based healthcare technology startup, has successfully raised US$575,000 in pre-seed funding from Antler and strategic angel investors. This funding follows a remarkable 20-fold increase in clinic adoption of its AI-native infrastructure since August, with the company maintaining a 2x month-on-month growth rate. The investment will support Zeya’s efforts to address the rising demand for efficient healthcare solutions in the Asia-Pacific region, which is projected to reach a market size of US$5t by 2030 amidst a shortage of healthcare professionals.

Zeya Health’s innovative AI front desk integrates seamlessly with existing electronic medical records (EMR) and communication platforms like WhatsApp, automating administrative tasks such as reminders, follow-ups, and patient engagement. This system allows clinics to operate more efficiently without overhauling their current infrastructure, enabling partners to go live within 48 hours.

The startup’s rapid growth has attracted attention from larger healthcare groups, including AcuMed in Singapore, which is exploring the implementation of Zeya’s solutions across multiple clinics. Winnie Khoo, Partner at Antler, praised Zeya’s swift execution and ability to tackle the entrenched operational challenges in healthcare, stating, “From day zero, the Zeya team has executed with speed and discipline.”

Co-founders Agastya Samat and Pasindu Wijesena bring extensive experience to the venture, having previously worked on large-scale digital health solutions. Their personal encounters with operational inefficiencies in healthcare inspired the creation of Zeya Health. The recent funding will facilitate further product development and expansion across the Asia-Pacific region, as Zeya aims to enhance operational excellence and patient experience without adding complexity.

ETC, a member of Realion Group, has announced the sale of 81 Tras Street, a two-storey conservation shophouse with an attic and roof terrace, located in Singapore’s Tanjong Pagar Conservation Area. The sale will be conducted via an Expression of Interest exercise, closing on 10 February 2026 at 3 pm.

The property, zoned for commercial use under Master Plan 2025, has planning approval for restaurant use on both the first and second storeys. It occupies a site area of 151.1 square metres and offers a total floor area of 419.0 square metres. The guide price is set at S$15m, equating to approximately S$3,326 per square foot. Notably, the property is open to both local and foreign buyers without the imposition of Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty or Seller’s Stamp Duty.

Swee Shou Fern, Head of Investment Advisory at ETC, highlighted the property’s prime location, stating, “Tras Street, within the Tanjong Pagar precinct, has firmly established itself as one of Singapore’s most vibrant city enclaves.” The area benefits from a mix of offices, hotels, premium residences, and a diverse dining scene, making conservation shophouses with F&B approval particularly desirable.

The shophouse is currently tenanted by the popular Italian restaurant Pasta Brava, providing immediate rental income for potential investors. Its proximity to Tanjong Pagar and Maxwell MRT stations, along with upcoming connectivity enhancements, further boosts its appeal.

The sale of 81 Tras Street represents a rare opportunity to acquire a property in one of Singapore’s most dynamic areas, with significant potential for both commercial and investment returns.

GMA Capital Partners has become a member of the Singapore Sustainable Finance Association (SSFA), marking a significant step in its commitment to sustainable finance in Singapore and the broader Asia-Pacific region. The firm, headquartered in Singapore, focuses on long-term investments, structured capital solutions, and cross-border partnerships in sectors such as infrastructure, energy transition, and logistics.

The SSFA serves as an industry body that supports the development of Singapore as a leading hub for sustainable finance. By joining the association, GMA Capital Partners aims to engage in industry dialogue and contribute insights from its cross-border investment experience. Managing Partner Chasen Nevett stated, “Joining the Singapore Sustainable Finance Association reflects our intention to engage constructively with Singapore’s sustainable finance agenda and the broader market dialogue.”

GMA Capital Partners emphasises a disciplined approach to capital allocation, prioritising investments that align with governance quality, regulatory standards, and credible transition pathways. The firm seeks opportunities where sustainable practices enhance long-term operational performance and risk management, rather than focusing on short-term gains.

Through its membership, GMA Capital Partners plans to participate in discussions on transition finance, taxonomy alignment, and the development of sustainable finance practices. This move underscores the firm’s commitment to integrating sustainability into its investment strategy and contributing to the evolution of sustainable finance in the region.

Singapore Exchange Regulation (SGX RegCo) has initiated a public consultation on the proposed listing rules for its upcoming Global Listing Board, designed to facilitate dual listings on both the Singapore Exchange (SGX) and Nasdaq. This initiative follows a collaboration announced on 19 November 2025 between SGX Group and Nasdaq, aimed at simplifying the dual listing process.

The Global Listing Board is part of the Equities Market Review Group’s recommendations to enhance Singapore’s equities market by improving connectivity with overseas exchanges. The new board will allow companies to list simultaneously in North America and Asia, using a single set of offering documents and undergoing a streamlined review process. Legislative changes to Singapore’s Securities and Futures Act will support this framework.

Key admission requirements for the Global Listing Board include a minimum market capitalisation of S$2b and a listing on the Nasdaq Global Select Market. Companies must also appoint a Singapore resident independent director or a Singapore-based compliance adviser. Additionally, at least 5% or S$50m of the offering must be allocated to retail brokerages to ensure retail access.

Ongoing obligations for listed companies include timely disclosures on SGXNet and maintaining their Nasdaq listing. Failure to comply will result in delisting from the Global Listing Board.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore has also released a Consultation Paper on the necessary legislative amendments. The consultation period for the proposed rules is open until 8 February 2026.

Rex International has revealed that its indirect subsidiary, Akrake Petroleum, is set to begin production at the Sèmè Field in Block 1, Benin by the end of January 2026. This development marks a significant milestone for the company, which has been working towards this goal for some time.

The Sèmè Field, located offshore, is expected to enhance Akrake Petroleum’s production capabilities significantly. The announcement was made by Rex International, highlighting the strategic importance of this project in expanding their operational footprint. The commencement of production is anticipated to bolster the company’s output and contribute to meeting growing energy demands.

This move is part of Rex International’s broader strategy to optimise its resources and increase its market presence. The Sèmè Field project is seen as a critical component in achieving these objectives, promising to deliver substantial returns once operational.

The announcement underscores the company’s commitment to advancing its production capabilities and underscores the potential for future growth. As the project progresses, stakeholders will be keenly observing its impact on the company’s performance and the broader energy market.

Singapore’s prime residential market experienced a significant uptick in activity during the second half of 2025, according to Knight Frank’s latest report. The easing of interest rates has opened up opportunities in the high-rise market, particularly in resale properties, which are being offered at a discount compared to new launches.

In 2025, the prime non-landed residential sector saw 257 home sales, totalling S$2.2b—a 54.5% increase in sales value from the previous year. The second half alone accounted for 129 sales, valued at S$1.1b. Nicholas Keong, Head of Residential and Private Office at Knight Frank Singapore, noted that the average unit price rose by 1.5% to S$2,546 per square foot, largely due to new sales premiums.

The landed residential market also showed robust growth, with the URA Property Price Index for landed homes rising 3.5% quarter-on-quarter in Q4 2025, culminating in a 7.7% annual growth. A total of 908 landed homes were sold in 2025, with sales reaching S$8.2b, up from S$6.4b in 2024.

Looking ahead, the prime non-landed market is expected to stabilise in 2026, with price increases projected to be between 1% and 3%. Meanwhile, the landed home market is anticipated to see modest value gains of 3% to 5%, as buyers focus on ready-to-move-in properties within the S$5m to S$10m range.

Eminent macroeconomist Professor Alan M. Taylor has been appointed as the MAS Distinguished Term Professor in Economics and Finance at the National University of Singapore (NUS) from 12 to 16 January 2026. This appointment is a collaboration between NUS and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), with Professor Taylor hosted by the Department of Economics at NUS and the Economic Policy Group of MAS.

Currently a Professor of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University, Professor Taylor is also an external member of the Monetary Policy Committee at the Bank of England and a research associate at both the National Bureau of Economic Research and the Centre for Economic Policy Research. His work, particularly on international trade, finance, and macroeconomics, has been widely published in leading journals.

Professor Lionel Wee, Dean of NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, remarked on the privilege of hosting Professor Taylor, noting his significant contributions to reshaping views on economic history and macro-finance. Edward Robinson, Deputy Managing Director and Chief Economist at MAS, highlighted Taylor’s pioneering research on exchange rate behaviour and financial crises, which is particularly relevant as policymakers navigate post-pandemic monetary policy challenges.

During his tenure, Professor Taylor will deliver a public lecture at NUS on 14 January titled “Driving over the peak — or a false summit?” This lecture will explore the concept of “peak trade” and its implications for monetary policy. Additionally, he will engage in discussions with NUS faculty and deliver a talk at MAS, addressing international economics and monetary policy issues.

The MAS Term Professorship, established in 2009, aims to enhance Singapore’s financial and economics research landscape by inviting distinguished scholars to contribute to the academic community.