Industry News

Leo International Group has announced the relocation of its global headquarters to Singapore as it approaches its centennial year in 2026. This strategic move is part of the Group’s vision to redefine modern enterprise by focusing on longevity, responsibility, and inter-generational contribution. The relocation coincides with the planned inauguration of its Family Office, further cementing its commitment to a sustainable future.

The Group, which has a legacy of commercial success, aims to articulate a renewed vision for the next century. This vision is not solely defined by scale or momentum but by a commitment to enduring values and contributions across generations. The relocation to Singapore, a global financial hub, underscores the Group’s dedication to these principles.

The move to Singapore is expected to bolster the Group’s presence in Asia and enhance its ability to drive innovation in healthcare, finance, and education. As the Group embarks on this new chapter, it aims to embody a model of enterprise that is anchored in these critical sectors, ensuring its relevance and impact for generations to come.

Centurion Asset Management Pte. Ltd., the manager of Centurion Accommodation REIT (CAREIT), has announced the completion of its acquisition of EPIISOD Macquarie Park, a newly developed 732-bed Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) in Sydney, Australia. This acquisition, completed under a Forward Purchase Agreement, represents CAREIT’s first PBSA investment in Sydney following its initial public offering in September 2025.

The EPIISOD Macquarie Park, operated under the new premium EPIISOD brand, offers modern amenities such as a rooftop pool, wellness centre, and tech-enabled features. Strategically located in the Macquarie Innovation Precinct, it is close to Macquarie University and other key locations, offering seamless connectivity to Sydney’s central business district.

The acquisition, valued at A$345m (S$280.1m), was fully funded through committed debt facilities. This move not only strengthens CAREIT’s presence in Australia but also adds to its portfolio of 15 assets across Singapore, the UK, and Australia, with a total valuation of S$2.1b.

Tony Bin, CEO of the Manager, stated, “The acquisition of EPIISOD Macquarie Park marks a key milestone for CAREIT in building a high-quality and diversified accommodation portfolio.” The acquisition is expected to provide income stability through a master lease agreement with Centurion Properties Pte. Ltd., ensuring a secure investment for CAREIT’s stakeholders.

Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong by IHG has been named the top hotel in Singapore, according to Atiom’s annual Hotel Service Index report for the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. The report, which evaluates the Staff Service Sentiment Index (SSI) across 180 hotels in nine countries, also ranked Voco Orchard Singapore by IHG and Sofitel Singapore City Centre in second and third place, respectively.

The report utilises SSI, a proprietary metric that analyses thousands of online guest reviews using deep learning. It assesses sentiment across 11 experience factors, including staff service, value for money, and amenities. This year’s findings indicate a shift in Singapore’s hotel market towards high-value, experiential travel. Despite international visitation being 4.3% below pre-pandemic levels, revenue is expected to grow at a 6.8% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) through 2030.

Matt Spriegel, CEO of Atiom, commented, “We are pleased to release our annual APAC Hotel Service Index once again. By offering clear, data-driven insights, we enable hospitality leaders to benchmark performance, improve service quality, and enhance the overall guest experience.”

The report also underscores the importance of technology-enabled automation in addressing Singapore’s hospitality labour shortage, which is projected to reduce sector growth by 1.4%. Automation of routine tasks is becoming increasingly critical to support the delivery of personalised and culturally immersive experiences that guests now demand.

As Singapore’s hospitality industry continues to evolve, the emphasis on staff engagement and technological integration will be key to maintaining service excellence and meeting the growing expectations of travellers.

Empyrion Digital, a Singapore-based data centre developer, has commenced construction of its inaugural data centre in Taiwan, marking a significant expansion into the Taiwanese market. The facility, located in Taipei’s Neihu technology hub, is set to become a key player in the region’s digital infrastructure by Q4 2027.

The new Taipei Data Centre, known as TW1, will feature a 10MW power capacity with 7MW of scalable IT load, catering to the increasing demand for high-performance cloud and AI computing. Designed with sustainability in mind, the 4,260-square-metre, five-storey facility will incorporate energy-efficient air-cooled systems and green features such as vertical green walls and solar panels. It aims to achieve Taiwan’s Green Building Gold Certification.

Empyrion Digital’s CEO, Mark Fong, highlighted the strategic importance of the Taiwanese market, stating, “Breaking ground on TW1 is a significant milestone for Empyrion Digital as we continue to expand our footprint across Asia. Taiwan is a strategic market with a strong digital economy and a world-class technology ecosystem.”

The data centre will support liquid cooling and high-density deployments, aligning with Empyrion Digital’s commitment to delivering sustainable, AI-ready infrastructure. This development follows the company’s recent project announcement in Johor, further solidifying its presence in developed Asia.

As Empyrion Digital continues to grow its operations, the TW1 facility is expected to bolster Taiwan’s position in the regional digital network, providing essential infrastructure to support the country’s burgeoning digital economy.

Sim Lian Land and Sim Lian Development have secured the Government Land Sales (GLS) site at Woodlands Drive 17 with a top bid of $794 per square foot per plot ratio (psf ppr), marking a slight increase from the previous GLS tender in August 2025. The site attracted three bidders, reflecting strong interest in the area.

The recent review of the income ceiling for buyers of Executive Condominium (EC) units is believed to have contributed to the confident bidding. This adjustment is expected to expand the pool of potential buyers when the project launches in 2027. Mark Yip, CEO of Huttons Asia, noted that approximately 6,600 Housing Development Board (HDB) flats completed between 2016 and 2021 could represent potential upgraders.

Executive Condominiums continue to be an appealing option for eligible buyers, offering a cost-effective alternative to private residential properties. This is evidenced by the high take-up rates of ECs during their launch periods. For instance, Aurelle of Tampines was fully sold, and Otto Place achieved over 91% sales within a month of its launch.

The Woodlands Drive 17 site is conveniently located about 200 metres from Woodlands South MRT station on the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL), providing easy access to the Woodlands Regional Centre and the upcoming Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ) via the RTS link, which will be operational in 2027. Additionally, families with young children will benefit from the proximity of three primary schools within a 1km radius.

The successful bid by Sim Lian highlights the continued demand for well-located EC sites, with future developments likely to attract significant interest from both local and regional buyers.

Singapore has reported a record-breaking year for its port in 2025, with vessel arrivals reaching 3.22 billion gross tonnage (GT) and container throughput hitting 44.66 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs). This marks a 3.5% and 8.6% increase from 2024, respectively. The announcement was made by Senior Minister of State for Law and Transport Murali Pillai at the Singapore Maritime Foundation’s New Year Conversations event.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) is gearing up for 2026 by opening applications for new LNG bunker supply licences on 14 January. This move aims to meet the rising demand for LNG and enhance safety standards for port limit LNG bunker vessels. Additionally, the MPA, in collaboration with Enterprise Singapore, plans to upgrade the existing Technical Reference for LNG Bunkering to a Singapore Standard in Q2 2026.

Singapore’s maritime sector also saw significant developments in 2025, including the establishment of two new Green and Digital Shipping Corridors with India and the Republic of Korea. These corridors aim to improve global supply chain resilience and sustainability. Furthermore, all bunker suppliers in Singapore have adopted digital bunkering, streamlining transactions and saving up to 40,000 man-days annually.

The Singapore Registry of Ships also achieved a milestone, closing the year with a record 137.46 million GT, making it the fourth largest ship registry globally. The MPA continues to shape global maritime standards and develop the maritime workforce, ensuring Singapore remains a leading International Maritime Centre.

As the global economy faces uncertainties in 2026, Singapore’s maritime industry is poised to navigate challenges and seize new opportunities, driven by its robust infrastructure and strategic initiatives.

Salesforce’s latest State of Service report reveals that artificial intelligence (AI) is projected to manage 41% of customer service cases in Singapore by 2027, a significant increase from the current 30%. This shift is part of a broader trend where AI is reshaping the landscape of customer service, enhancing efficiency and creating new opportunities for professionals in the field.

The report, based on a global survey of 6,500 service professionals, including 100 from Singapore, highlights AI’s rising importance. In just a year, AI has climbed from ninth to third on the priority list for Singapore’s service leaders. Gavin Barfield, Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Solutions, Salesforce ASEAN, noted, “AI agents eliminate the trade-off between scale and quality, allowing companies to deliver immediate, tailored service to the mass market.”

AI’s integration is expected to boost upsell revenue by 15% and reduce routine case handling time by 20%, freeing up approximately four hours per week for service representatives to focus on complex tasks. This shift not only enhances productivity but also opens doors for career advancement, with 84% of AI-using reps reporting growth opportunities.

Despite these benefits, security remains a concern, with 49% of service leaders citing it as a barrier to AI implementation. However, optimism prevails, as Salesforce’s State of IT: Security report indicates that AI can strengthen security measures, including threat detection and anomaly monitoring. As AI continues to evolve, its role in customer service is poised to expand, offering both challenges and opportunities for the industry.

Franke Coffee Systems has introduced its New A Line of Swiss-engineered fully automatic coffee machines to Southeast Asia, marking the launch with a new flagship showroom in Singapore. This strategic move aims to enhance product experience, training, and collaboration in the region.

The New A Line, designed for professional operators, combines Swiss precision with advanced technology to deliver premium coffee quality whilst improving operational efficiency and sustainability. The line includes the A600 and A800 models, featuring innovations such as the New FoamMaster for barista-style foam, IndividualClean for hygiene, and HeatGuard technology to reduce energy loss by up to 44%.

The Singapore showroom, located at Tai Seng Exchange, serves as a regional hub for distributors, partners, and customers. It offers live demonstrations, tailored discussions, and hands-on training, showcasing Franke’s professional portfolio and broader capabilities. Stefan Niederberger, Vice President Asia Pacific, emphasised Singapore’s strategic role as a gateway to Southeast Asia, stating, “This flagship showroom reflects our long-term commitment to the region.”

Following the Southeast Asia launch, the New A Line will expand across individual markets through local initiatives and trade shows, strengthening Franke’s presence in the Asia-Pacific region. CEO Marco Zancolò noted the rising demand for premium coffee solutions amidst operational pressures, highlighting the company’s commitment to delivering consistent quality at scale.

Franke Coffee Systems, part of the Franke Group, is a leading developer of professional coffee machines, supporting businesses in 80 countries with Swiss engineering excellence and a robust distribution network.

Cushman & Wakefield has announced the sale of three freehold commercial and institutional redevelopment plots located just off Geylang Road in Singapore. These plots, situated in a city-fringe district, present a unique opportunity for investors, developers, and end-users seeking to acquire rare freehold assets in a well-connected area.

The plots, which form an L-shaped parcel with dual road frontages, cover a combined area of approximately 1,183.6 square metres. They are zoned for “Commercial/Institution” use under Singapore’s Master Plan, with a plot ratio of 2.8, allowing for redevelopment and potential intensification. The site has previously received Outline Permission for an eight-storey mixed-use development, maximising the allowable plot ratio.

The combined guide price for the plots is set at $31m, with options to purchase them collectively or individually. Plot A and B are priced at approximately $21.36m, whilst Plot C is available for $9.64m. This flexibility caters to various redevelopment strategies, including boutique offices or mixed-use projects.

Shaun Poh, Executive Director of Capital Markets at Cushman & Wakefield, highlighted the appeal of freehold assets with redevelopment potential, noting interest from local investors and associations. The plots’ proximity to Aljunied MRT Station and commercial clusters in Paya Lebar, Kallang, and Geylang enhances their attractiveness.

The sale will proceed via private treaty, with vacant possession delivered upon completion. Interested parties are encouraged to contact Cushman & Wakefield for further details.

Levanta Renewables has announced the acquisition of a 93 megawatt-peak (MWp) solar portfolio in Thailand, marking a significant expansion of its presence in the country. This portfolio, spread across eight provinces, is set to generate over 140 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of clean electricity each year. The energy produced will be supplied to the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) and the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) under long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs).

This strategic move aligns with Thailand’s renewable energy goals, enhancing the nation’s capacity to produce sustainable energy. The acquisition underscores Levanta Renewables’ commitment to supporting Thailand’s transition towards a greener energy landscape. By increasing the availability of clean energy, the company aims to contribute significantly to reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmental sustainability in the region.

The solar portfolio’s integration into the national grid is expected to bolster Thailand’s renewable energy infrastructure, providing a reliable source of clean power to meet the growing energy demands. This development is a testament to Levanta Renewables’ strategic vision and operational capabilities in the renewable energy sector.

Levanta Renewables, a Singapore-based company, continues to expand its footprint in Asia, leveraging its expertise to drive the adoption of renewable energy solutions. The company’s latest acquisition is a step forward in its mission to deliver sustainable energy solutions across the region.