Industry News

SPTel and iWOW Technology have announced a partnership to expand the wireless Alert Alarm System (AAS) initiative, aimed at providing emergency assistance to seniors living in public rental flats across Singapore. This marks the first deployment of SPTel’s island-wide LoRaWAN network for emergency assistance, building on iWOW’s successful pilot in 2019.

The AAS enables seniors to receive prompt help during emergencies through alert buttons in their homes, which connect to a 24/7 emergency hotline. SPTel will supply its LoRaWAN-powered sensor network, multi-network SIM solution, and IoT-as-a-Service (IoT-a-a-S) platform, whilst iWOW will provide the alert buttons. Titus Yong, CEO of SPTel, stated, “Our sensor network infrastructure, IoT platform and Multi-Network SIM solutions are designed to enable IoT applications to scale securely, rapidly and cost-effectively.”

The initiative is particularly timely as Singapore is set to become a super-aged society by 2026. Jer Yaw Chen, Senior VP of iWOW Technology, emphasised the urgency, noting, “The urgency to ensure seniors can age safely and independently at home has never been greater.”

SPTel’s IoT solutions include a LoRaWAN sensor network that supports long-range data transmission and low power consumption, allowing devices to operate for up to five years without replacement. The IoT-a-a-S platform facilitates the integration and management of these devices, whilst the multi-network SIM ensures uninterrupted connectivity by switching between Singapore’s major mobile networks if needed.

The deployment of the wireless AAS is underway and is expected to be completed by 2030, promising enhanced safety and independence for Singapore’s ageing population.
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Seatrium Limited has announced that the Singapore Court has dismissed its appeal to prevent a payment under a US$ 126.6m standby letter of credit (SBLC) related to a rig contract dispute. This decision entitles the customer to receive payment, which Seatrium had previously accounted for in its financial provisions. The company, however, plans to continue pursuing claims through arbitration to resolve the contractual dispute and seek recovery of the payment.

The litigation involves a majority-owned joint venture company of Seatrium, which inherited the case prior to a merger. The dispute centres on the validity of contract value adjustments due to cost escalation, which were challenged by the customer. Despite the court’s decision, Seatrium assures stakeholders that there will be no adverse impact on its consolidated earnings per share or net tangible assets per share for the financial year ending 31 December 2025.

Seatrium, a global player in offshore, marine, and energy engineering solutions, remains committed to updating stakeholders on any material developments in the legal proceedings. The company advises shareholders and potential investors to exercise caution and seek professional advice when dealing with its securities.
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Morgan Stanley Research has unveiled a report detailing Singapore’s ongoing efforts to enhance shareholder value in its listed companies. Following a speech by Chee Hong Tat, Minister for National Development and Deputy Chair of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), at the Singapore Institute of Directors, the report outlines measures aimed at unlocking value in large-cap companies such as DBS, CapitaLand Investment, and Singtel.

The report anticipates that these reforms will elevate returns on equity (RoE) from 12%-14% and increase price-to-book (P/B) multiples to 2.3x. The Singapore Exchange (SGX) is expected to be a primary beneficiary as trading volumes rise. Other large-cap companies, including CapitaLand Investment, Keppel, ST, and STE, are also poised to benefit from a reduced cost of equity.

Chee Hong Tat emphasised the importance of companies communicating future strategies and maintaining a commitment to sustained returns. The Review Group is developing a comprehensive package to support these initiatives, with further details expected by the end of the year. The package will include grants and measures to enhance strategic thinking, communication, and collaboration among companies.

Morgan Stanley’s report also highlights the broader implications of these reforms, suggesting they will reinforce Singapore’s asset market attractiveness amid global diversification away from the US dollar. The ongoing reforms are seen as a strategic move to bolster Singapore’s position in the global financial landscape, with potential long-term benefits for investors and companies alike.
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Singapore Exchange (SGX) has maintained its “Neutral” rating with a revised target price of S$17.80, reflecting an 8% upside, according to a recent report by RHB. The exchange’s strong performance in August, marked by robust securities and derivatives volumes, has led to an upgrade in forecasts for the fiscal year 2026 (FY26). This comes as SGX continues to benefit from increased small- and mid-cap flows and resilient derivatives demand.

SGX reported a securities turnover of S$33.6b in August, a 17% year-on-year increase, with the securities daily average value (SDAV) rising to S$1.60b. This growth is attributed to institutional investors’ continued interest in small- and mid-cap stocks, supported by regulatory initiatives aimed at broadening equity participation. The report anticipates 15 new listings in FY26, bolstered by improved IPO momentum.

In the derivatives market, August saw a volume of 27.4 million contracts, with the derivatives daily average volume (DDAV) reaching 1.33 million, driven by a rally in China’s equity market. The SGX FTSE China A50 Index Futures, in particular, saw a significant 66% year-on-year increase in demand.

Despite the positive outlook, the report cautions that SGX’s valuation is nearing stretched levels. However, factors such as anticipated US Federal Funds Rate cuts and a supportive macroeconomic environment are expected to sustain trading volumes. SGX’s commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards, with a score of 3.3 out of 4, further enhances its market position. The exchange aims to reduce its Scope 2 emissions by 42% by FY31, aligning with science-based targets.
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TVM Capital Healthcare has announced the first closing of its $150m TVM Healthcare Southeast Asia Fund, aimed at expanding healthcare access in the region. The fund will focus on high-demand areas such as post-acute care, women’s health, and local pharmaceutical manufacturing, addressing gaps in the market.

The fund’s commitments come from a diverse group of institutional investors, including cornerstone investor Invest International, which is backed by the Dutch government and FMO. This strategic partnership aims to drive sustainable economic growth and create positive social impact.

Hoda Abou-Jamra, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Southeast Asia at TVM Capital Healthcare, emphasised the fund’s role in supporting the region’s healthcare ecosystem. “By combining capital with operational expertise and introducing proven healthcare models from around the world, we are helping to create companies that can lead nationally and regionally,” she said.

The fund will also invest in healthcare innovators from the US and Europe, facilitating their expansion into Southeast Asia. This includes building partnerships with US-based, Harvard-affiliated teaching hospitals and leading European medtech companies to transfer advanced medical technologies and best practices.

Jannie Tsuei, Partner at TVM Capital Healthcare, highlighted the unique opportunities in Southeast Asia’s healthcare sector. “With our investment strategy that combines local growth with international expansion, we can help companies scale into institutional-quality leaders delivering impactful healthcare outcomes,” Tsuei noted.

The initiative underscores the resilience of healthcare as an investment sector and its critical role in economic and social development. As the fund progresses, it aims to build healthcare infrastructure that benefits patients and supports long-term development in Southeast Asia.
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Submarine Networks World 2025, the premier annual event for the subsea communications industry, is set to take place at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore on 24–25 September. The event will gather more than 1,000 participants, including cable owners, operators, technology providers, and government entities, making it a pivotal meeting for the industry’s future.

The event will showcase over 70 sponsors, exhibitors, and partners, with notable names such as Nokia, Ciena, ASN, and Huawei. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from 130 influential speakers representing every inhabited continent. Keynote sessions will kick off each morning, followed by six specialist theatres focusing on Defence, Cable Data Centres, CLS Strategy, Network, and OM.

Paul Clark, Managing Director Asia at Terrapinn, expressed enthusiasm about the event, stating, “We’re thrilled to welcome the global subsea community back to Singapore for what will be the largest edition yet.”

Notable keynote speakers include Abdullah A Alghonaimi from Mobily, Mohamed Eldahshory from Telecom Egypt, and Shimada Shinya from MIC Japan. The event promises to provide insights and solutions designed to drive progress in subsea infrastructure, which is crucial for global connectivity.

For further details and the full conference agenda, interested parties can visit the official event website. The event underscores Singapore’s role as a hub for global subsea communications, with implications for future technological advancements and collaborations in the industry.
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Pan-United Corporation, Singapore’s leading ready-mix concrete supplier, has secured a major contract win worth $315m (S$430m) for the supply of ready-mix concrete to Changi Airport Terminal 5, according to a report by UOB Kay Hian. This contract, spanning five years, is expected to enhance the company’s earnings visibility and solidify its position as a key player in Singapore’s construction sector.

The Changi T5 contract is part of Pan-United’s robust project pipeline, which includes public housing, healthcare facilities, and MRT expansions. The company is leveraging its market leadership in low-carbon concrete and digitalisation to drive margin resilience. Its AiR Digital logistics platform, which optimises fleet productivity, has been instrumental in maintaining margins amidst rising costs.

Pan-United’s strategic investments, including a new batching plant at Jurong Port Integrated Construction Park, are set to bolster capacity and meet increasing demand. With a planned capital expenditure of $36m to $43m (S$50m to S$60m) in 2025, the company aims to enhance supply reliability and cost efficiency.

The company’s financial health remains strong, with a net cash position of $51m (S$69.8m) as of the first half of 2025. This financial stability allows Pan-United to fund expansion and continue rewarding shareholders, evidenced by a 43% increase in interim dividends.

Looking ahead, Pan-United is well-positioned to benefit from Singapore’s construction boom, driven by public sector infrastructure projects. The company’s focus on sustainable concrete solutions and operational efficiencies is expected to support continued growth and shareholder returns.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has collaborated with Stewardship Asia Centre (SAC) to examine the dynamics of investor-investee engagement within the Singapore market. The study, unveiled by Chee Hong Tat, Deputy Chairman of MAS, at the Singapore Institute of Directors’ Conference on 12 September, highlights the crucial role of engagement quality in influencing company valuations.

Preliminary findings reveal that 90% of institutional investors believe that effective communication of long-term strategies significantly affects company valuations. In response, MAS and SAC plan to develop practical guidance and templates to assist companies in crafting tailored engagement plans.

The Singapore Exchange (SGX) is also reviewing disclosure policies to enhance investor understanding of capital management and engagement practices.

Recognising the challenges faced by smaller firms in gaining visibility, MAS and SGX are working to provide platforms that amplify these companies’ market presence. Initiatives include investor roadshows, trade fairs, and media engagements to profile companies with compelling stories. These efforts complement MAS’ enhanced GEMS programme, which encourages research on under-covered or newly listed firms.

Chee emphasised the collaborative approach, stating, “This is what we want to do together, it is not just government alone, or industry alone, but we will do it together.” The initiatives aim to foster a supportive environment for companies to engage effectively with investors, ultimately unlocking shareholder value.

The Singapore Exchange (SGX) is set to introduce a new index aimed at tracking companies beyond the Straits Times Index (STI), according to Chee Hong Tat, Deputy Chairman of the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Announced during the Singapore Institute of Directors’ Directors Conference on 12 September, this initiative seeks to spotlight the broader equity market in Singapore, particularly the next tier of large and medium companies.

The STI currently represents only a segment of Singapore’s listed companies, and there is a growing investor interest in companies outside this index. The new index will provide insights into how these companies are evolving, focusing on aspects such as business model transformation, improved governance, and stronger capital management initiatives. Chee highlighted the importance of indices as tools that not only create visibility but also track performance across different industry or market segments.

Chee also expressed hope that more indices would emerge over time, covering areas like corporate governance and sustainability. Such developments are expected to create a virtuous circle, generating positive momentum for the entire market. This move aligns with efforts to reward excellence and inspire other companies through recognition mechanisms like awards and scorecards.

The introduction of this index is part of SGX’s broader strategy to enhance the visibility and performance tracking of Singapore’s diverse equity market, potentially attracting more investor interest and fostering a more dynamic financial landscape.

Southern Alliance Mining Ltd. has successfully completed the acquisition of a 40% stake in MCRE Resources Sdn. Bhd., marking a significant expansion in its resource portfolio. This transaction, classified as a disclosable and interested person transaction under the Catalist rules, was finalised after fulfilling all conditions precedent outlined in the Sale and Purchase Agreement.

The acquisition was completed with SAM Advance Minerals Holding Sdn. Bhd. becoming the beneficial owner of the MCRE shares. The transaction involved the issuance of 147.98 million new shares, valued at approximately $48.5 million (S$66.2 million), to the vendors. These shares represent 23.2% of the enlarged share capital of Southern Alliance Mining and will be listed on the Catalist Board of the Singapore Exchange on or around 15 September 2025.

The vendors, Dato’ Sri Pek, Dato’ Teh, and Dato’ Lee, received shares valued at $20.1m (RM94.9m), $20.1m (RM94.9m), and $6.2m (RM29.2m) respectively. Additionally, a remaining consideration of $4.9m (RM23.40m) will be paid over four years, with annual instalments beginning on the first anniversary of the completion date.

With this acquisition, MCRE Resources becomes an associated company of Southern Alliance Mining, enhancing its strategic position in the mining sector.