Industry News

Reclaims Global Limited, a Singapore-based eco-friendly service provider, has announced the acquisition of new contracts valued at approximately S$3.08m. These contracts, spanning from 1 November 2025 to 31 January 2026, involve demolition, reinstatement, and related construction works. The company expects these contracts to positively influence its net tangible assets and earnings per share during their duration.

The contracts were awarded by a mix of public and private-sector clients, highlighting the ongoing demand for Reclaims Global’s expertise in demolition, earthworks, and waste removal. The service durations range from one month to a year, ensuring a steady contribution to the company’s operations.

Tan Kok Huat, Executive Director and CEO of Reclaims Global, expressed satisfaction with the influx of contracts, stating, “We are encouraged by the steady flow of new contracts secured. Whilst the individual contract sizes may not be significant on their own, collectively, they provide meaningful contribution to our operations.”

Reclaims Global, listed on the SGX-Catalist since 2019, continues to focus on project selection, execution excellence, and margin sustainability. The company, established in 2009, has built a strong reputation for reliable execution and timely delivery within Singapore’s construction sector. With its integrated business model, Reclaims Global remains a key player in the industry, specialising in excavation, logistics, and recycling services.

APAC Realty Limited has reported a remarkable 214% increase in profit after tax for the financial year 2025, reaching S$20.5m. This surge is attributed to a significant rise in new private residential sales across Singapore. The Group’s revenue for the year ending 31 December 2025 was S$675.6m, with new home sales revenue jumping 113.3% to S$230.2m compared to the previous year.

The company’s gross profit rose by 39.6% year-on-year, benefiting from increased brokerage income due to heightened new home sales activities. CEO Marcus Chu noted the resilience of the property market in 2025, highlighting renewed confidence among homebuyers, particularly in the new private residential segment. “We expect transaction activity in 2026 to stay healthy,” he said.

APAC Realty ended the year with a strong cash balance of S$50.4m and generated S$30.2m in operating cash flow. The Board of Directors has recommended a final dividend of 1.8 Singapore cents per share, contributing to a total dividend payout of 4.05 Singapore cents for FY2025. This represents a dividend yield of 6.3%, based on the closing share price of S$0.64 on 20 February 2026.

Looking ahead, APAC Realty anticipates continued robust market activity in 2026, supported by a healthy pipeline of project launches and strategic investments in digital transformation and people development. The Group’s network now spans over 21,900 advisers across 14 Asia Pacific countries and territories, reflecting its commitment to regional growth and collaboration.

Centurion Asset Management Pte. Ltd., the manager of Centurion Accommodation REIT (CAREIT), has reported that the distribution per unit (DPU) for the financial period from 12 August 2025 to 31 December 2025 (FP 2025) reached 1.739 cents. This figure outperformed the initial forecast of 1.630 cents by 6.7%.

Net property income for FP 2025 was S$36.1m, exceeding projections by 4.1%. This was largely due to higher rental rates and increased financial occupancy across the Purpose-Built Worker Accommodation (PBWA) and Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) portfolios. The PBWA and PBSA assets achieved financial occupancy rates of 97.6% and 99.1%, respectively, indicating strong demand.

The portfolio’s stability is further supported by a healthy aggregate leverage of 30.7%, following the acquisition of Epiisod Macquarie Park. This leaves CAREIT with a debt headroom of S$348m, based on a 40% leverage threshold, to support both organic growth and potential acquisitions.

The results highlight CAREIT’s robust performance in its inaugural financial period, setting a positive precedent for future growth and stability.

Singapore’s ageing population is facing increasing retirement pressures, with many high-income individuals planning to work beyond retirement age, according to Sun Life’s latest survey, “Retirement Reimagined: Asia’s Retirement Divide.” The survey reveals that 80% of high-income respondents in Singapore expect to continue working past retirement age, driven by financial necessity and a lack of retirement readiness.

The survey highlights that nearly half (48%) of high-income respondents cite income needs as the primary reason for remaining in the workforce, aiming to support daily living costs and secure long-term financial stability. Additionally, many seek mental stimulation (62%), social connections (52%), and a sense of purpose (52%) through continued employment.

Christopher Albrecht, CEO of Sun Life Singapore, noted, “What we’re seeing is not a single retirement experience, but two very different realities. For those who are prepared, working longer can be a choice that offers flexibility and freedom. For others, it reflects financial pressure.”

Financial security remains a key factor in retirement optimism, with 50% of high-income non-retirees citing it as a reason for looking forward to retirement. However, rising costs and economic uncertainties pose significant challenges, with 49% of respondents concerned about future expenses.

The survey also reveals that many high-income individuals face the dual financial burden of supporting both elder relatives and young dependents, leading 45% to postpone retirement. Furthermore, the increasing reliance on generative AI for financial decisions highlights a potential gap in financial literacy, as traditional advice sources see a decline.

Albrecht emphasised the importance of expert guidance, stating, “AI can be a helpful starting point, but it often lacks the nuance and personalisation needed for long-term financial security.”

Singapore’s inflation is expected to remain stable throughout 2026, according to RHB Bank’s latest Global Economics and Market Strategy Report. The bank projects both headline and core inflation to hold at 1.5%, aligning with the midpoint of the official target range of 1.0% to 2.0%. This forecast is attributed to strengthening domestic and external demand conditions.

Barnabas Gan, Group Chief Economist and Head of Market Research at RHB Bank, highlighted that the resilient economic backdrop and controlled inflation are likely to influence the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to maintain its current policy parameters at least into the first half of 2026.

In January, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose to 1.4% year-on-year, up from 1.2% in December. This increase was consistent with Bloomberg’s consensus and slightly below RHB’s in-house projection of 1.6%. Meanwhile, core inflation, which excludes accommodation and private road transport costs, fell to 1.0% from 1.2% in December.

The report underscores the importance of stable inflation in supporting economic growth and maintaining consumer confidence. As Singapore navigates the global economic landscape, the country’s ability to manage inflation effectively will be crucial in sustaining its economic momentum. Looking ahead, RHB’s projections suggest a steady economic environment, with no immediate changes anticipated in monetary policy.

MoneyMax Financial Services Ltd., a prominent financial services provider in Southeast Asia, has reported a record profit attributable to owners of the parent of S$71.7m for the financial year ending 31 December 2025. This marks an 87.6% increase from the previous year, supported by strong business fundamentals and strategic expansion in Singapore and Malaysia.

The company’s revenue soared by 38.9% to S$541.9m, largely due to a 42.6% rise in its retail and trading of gold and luxury items segment, which reached S$420.1m. This growth was attributed to increased sales volume, an expanding customer base, and favourable gold prices. Additionally, the pawnbroking segment contributed significantly, with a 46.2% increase in revenue to S$97.1m, driven by higher interest income from an expanded receivables portfolio.

Profit before income tax also saw a substantial rise, increasing by 82.4% to S$95.8m. In recognition of its strong performance, MoneyMax declared a final tax-exempt dividend of 1.50 Singapore cents per share and a special dividend of 0.50 Singapore cents per share for FY2025.

The company continues to focus on growth through strategic expansion and product innovations aimed at enhancing customer experiences. As MoneyMax builds on its strong financial foundation, it remains poised for further growth in the coming years.

The Singapore Department of Statistics has reported a 0.5% decrease in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for January 2026 compared to the previous month, whilst noting a 1.4% increase from January 2025. This fluctuation highlights the ongoing shifts in consumer prices across various sectors in Singapore.

The year-on-year rise was significantly influenced by the health sector, which saw a 4.4% increase, and the transport sector, which rose by 2.4%. Health insurance costs notably surged by 16.4%, contributing to the overall increase in the health category. Meanwhile, the transport sector’s growth was driven by a 4.2% rise in land transport services.

Conversely, the month-on-month decline was largely attributed to the housing and utilities sector, which fell by 1.4%. This drop was mirrored in the accommodation and utilities subcategories, both experiencing a 1.4% decrease. The information and communication sector also saw a decline, with a 1.9% reduction in prices.

Food prices showed a modest increase of 1.2% year-on-year, with specific items like fish and other seafood experiencing a notable 2.7% rise month-on-month. However, oils and fats saw a decrease of 1.1% in the same period.

These changes in the CPI reflect the dynamic nature of consumer prices in Singapore, influenced by various economic factors. The data serves as a crucial indicator for policymakers and businesses to understand inflationary trends and make informed decisions. As the year progresses, monitoring these trends will be essential for anticipating future economic conditions.

QBE Insurance Group has announced the appointment of Carles Tondo as Head of Property for Asia, effective immediately. Based in Singapore, Tondo will report to Stephen Geisler, CEO of South Asia. He will be responsible for driving the strategic growth of QBE’s property portfolio across the region, focusing on product strategy, pricing, and portfolio management.

Tondo’s appointment comes at a time when property development and infrastructure resilience are accelerating across Asia, with an increasing complexity in risk. With over 17 years of experience in international underwriting and leadership across Europe and Asia, Tondo is expected to strengthen client relationships and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. He will also manage regional performance for designated business lines, working closely with stakeholders to maximise growth and profitability.

Previously, Tondo served as Head of Property and Technical Lines for Singapore at another insurer and has held various leadership roles in Spain, Switzerland, and Malaysia. Stephen Geisler expressed confidence in Tondo’s ability to deliver exceptional value to QBE’s property clients, stating, “His extensive international exposure and leadership experience will be instrumental in helping QBE deliver exceptional value to our property clients, as they navigate increasingly complex risks.”

Tondo will take over the property portfolio from Brendan Dunlea, who will continue to lead the Construction, Engineering, Renewables, and Power Generation businesses at QBE Asia. Tondo remarked on his new role, “As the momentum of property development accelerates across Asia, it is now more important than ever that resiliency is at the forefront of our clients’ priorities.”

QBE Asia is part of the International Division of QBE Insurance Group Limited, headquartered in Sydney and listed on the Australia Securities Exchange.

Indeed’s 2026 Best Jobs list highlights the most resilient roles in Singapore amidst increasingly selective hiring practices. The list, which ranks jobs based on overall quality, reveals that resilience is shaped by adaptability and stable demand for specialised skills. The top positions include Financial Adviser, Piano Teacher, Sales Manager, Project Manager, and IT Analyst.

Callam Pickering, Indeed’s Senior APAC Economist, noted the surprising inclusion of Piano Teacher in the top 10, attributing its high ranking to steady demand and strong performance across job quality dimensions such as compensation and flexible working arrangements. In contrast, roles like Finance Manager and Network Engineer, which rank lower, are more narrowly defined and potentially more vulnerable in a selective hiring environment.

For job seekers, the findings suggest focusing on roles that offer resilience through transferable or specialised skills. Employers are encouraged to design roles with opportunities for skill development and internal movement to attract talent and remain competitive.

Workday, Inc., a leading enterprise AI platform, has announced the appointment of Yen Yen Tan to its APAC International Advisory Board, effective immediately. This strategic move aims to bolster Workday’s AI impact in Southeast Asia, helping organisations accelerate their AI roadmaps in the evolving work landscape.

Yen Yen Tan, based in Singapore, brings over 30 years of senior executive and advisory experience from global technology giants such as Vodafone, Oracle, and HP. Her extensive network and operational expertise across ASEAN boardrooms will be instrumental in supporting businesses to realise their AI ambitions and foster innovation. Currently, she serves on the boards of OCBC Bank, Jardine Cycle & Carriage, ams-OSRAM AG, and EdgeConnex Inc.

Expressing her enthusiasm, Tan stated, “I admire Workday for its ability to combine a relentless focus on innovation with a deep commitment to customer success. As a ‘techie’ at heart, I am energised by Workday’s AI-first approach to solving the most complex workforce and financial challenges.”

Simon Tate, president of APAC at Workday, welcomed Tan, highlighting her mentorship as a significant asset to the company. “With her expertise, I am confident we will continue to drive growth and better support organisations across Asia as they accelerate AI-enabled workforce modernisation,” he said.

The appointment underscores Workday’s commitment to leveraging AI to empower organisations, enhancing productivity and facilitating digital transformation across the region.