Industry News

Primech Holdings, a technology-driven facilities services and robotics company, has announced a $4m strategic investment from WELLE Environmental Group. This significant capital injection aims to accelerate Primech’s development in autonomous robotics and AI-powered cleaning systems, as well as expand its global facilities operations.

The investment underscores market confidence in Primech’s long-term growth strategy, particularly its role at the intersection of robotics and technology-enabled services. Primech plans to use the funds to enhance its robotics research and development, strengthen production capabilities, and further commercialise its flagship autonomous restroom cleaning robot, Hytron.

Ken Ho, Chairman and CEO of Primech Holdings, stated, “This investment validates the momentum we are building across autonomous robotics and intelligent facilities operations. Partnering with WELLE strengthens our ability to scale faster, deploy more broadly, and execute on the growing demand for AI-powered automation in real-world environments.”

The collaboration between Primech and WELLE is set to deepen, building on previous cooperation initiatives in robotics and intelligent operations. By combining Primech’s expertise in autonomous robotics with WELLE’s environmental technology, the partnership aims to accelerate intelligent automation and sustainable infrastructure solutions across industrial and commercial markets.

Proceeds from the investment will also support Primech’s core facilities management business, bolstering working capital and operational readiness. This strategic alignment positions Primech to meet the increasing demand for innovative and sustainable solutions in the facilities management sector.

Price Forbes has announced the appointment of Dick Heath as the head of Reinsurance and Wholesale in Singapore, effective immediately. Heath, who will report directly to Philip Johnson, CEO of Price Forbes Asia Pacific, is tasked with enhancing the company’s reinsurance and wholesale offerings to capitalise on growth opportunities in the rapidly expanding sector.

Heath’s appointment is part of Price Forbes Singapore’s strategic focus on its three centres of excellence: Reinsurance & Wholesale, Speciality & Retail, and Marine, Credit & Political Risk. This structure is designed to provide dedicated attention to each area whilst supporting the company’s ongoing expansion.

With over 40 years of experience in broking and underwriting, Heath has spent the last 12 years in the Singapore market. He joins Price Forbes from Gallagher, where he was CEO, Asia, and played a significant role in expanding the firm’s presence in the region.

Johnson expressed enthusiasm about Heath’s addition, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Dick to Price Forbes. His calibre, leadership skills and reputation speak for themselves.” Heath echoed this sentiment, saying, “I’m extremely pleased to join Price Forbes Singapore at a time of such rapid development for both Price Forbes and the APAC market.”

Price Forbes, the largest independent speciality broker in the London Market, continues to strengthen its presence in Asia, aiming to deliver a market-leading culture and growth. Heath’s leadership is expected to be pivotal in achieving these objectives.

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has announced its investment in the development of an automated logistics facility in Singapore, named OMEGA 1 Singapore. This initiative is part of MOL’s involvement in the CapitaLand SEA Logistics Fund (CSLF), managed by CapitaLand Investment. The facility, located in the Jurong Industrial Estate, is set to feature cutting-edge technologies such as robotics and automated storage systems, aiming to revolutionise traditional logistics operations.

The OMEGA 1 Singapore facility will incorporate environmentally friendly design features and aims to achieve the Green Mark GoldPlus certification, recognising its commitment to sustainability. Strategically positioned with access to major expressways and close proximity to key ports, the facility is expected to enhance domestic logistics efficiency and support regional trade integration.

Upon completion in 2028, the facility will be fully leased to Ally Logistic Property, a leader in smart logistics infrastructure. The project aligns with MOL’s BLUE ACTION 2035 management plan, which focuses on expanding its logistics and industrial business to ensure stable profitability.

The facility will span approximately 71,000 square metres and include a five-storey warehouse with advanced automated systems. The estimated project cost is S$260m. MOL’s investment reflects its strategy to diversify and strengthen its business portfolio, particularly in the logistics infrastructure sector, as part of its regional strategy for Southeast Asia and Oceania.

Singapore’s Gen Z professionals are leading the charge in the job market, with 66% planning to switch jobs in 2026, according to LinkedIn’s latest report. Despite their eagerness, they face significant challenges in an increasingly automated hiring environment, where AI-driven processes often leave them in the dark.

LinkedIn’s data highlights a disconnect between Gen Z jobseekers and recruiters. Whilst recruiters associate Gen Z with a desire for speed and flexibility, these young professionals are actually seeking clarity and meaningful feedback. “Many are navigating uncertainty about what will set them apart,” said Serla Rusli, LinkedIn Career Expert. This expectation gap is causing frustration, as Gen Z feels the pressure of intensified competition and a lack of transparency in the hiring process.

The report also notes that nearly one-third of professionals are exploring opportunities beyond their current industries, reflecting a broader rethinking of career paths. Gen Z and Millennials are at the forefront of this shift, showing a willingness to explore new sectors.

Recruiters, meanwhile, are struggling to find qualified candidates, with 74% reporting increased difficulty in the past year. The reliance on AI in recruitment processes has added to the complexity, with both jobseekers and recruiters feeling the squeeze.

LinkedIn is addressing these challenges by offering AI-powered tools and real-time insights to help professionals navigate the job market. As the hiring landscape evolves, the focus on clarity and skill development remains crucial for both jobseekers and employers.

StateSquare Capital has announced the appointment of Jonathan Ma as a Partner to spearhead its European operations. With 18 years of experience in private equity, Ma will also join the firm’s Investment Committee, playing a crucial role in shaping investment strategies and decisions.

Previously a Partner at Inflexion Private Equity, Ma has a proven track record of investing in mid-market businesses across Europe. His experience includes working closely with entrepreneurial founders and management teams to drive business development and international expansion through buy-and-build strategies.

At StateSquare Capital, Ma will be tasked with building and leading the European investment platform, sourcing and executing new investments, and supporting portfolio companies in scaling their operations globally. His appointment underscores the firm’s commitment to partnering with ambitious management teams to create global champions through strategic acquisitions and organic growth.

Florian Marquis, Managing Partner and CEO of StateSquare Capital, commented on the appointment: “Jonathan’s deep experience in the European mid-market, combined with his strong track record of working alongside founders and management teams, makes him an excellent fit for StateSquare Capital’s global investment DNA.”

Ma expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, stating, “I am delighted to be joining StateSquare Capital at such an exciting stage of its growth. The firm’s focus on partnering with entrepreneurial founders and supporting portfolio companies to become true global leaders strongly aligns with my experience and investment philosophy.”

StateSquare Capital, headquartered in Singapore, specialises in control investments focused on operational transformation and long-term value creation, targeting mid-market opportunities across Asia, Europe, and North America.

Momentus Hotel Alexandra, the flagship property of Momentus Hotels & Resorts, has announced the appointment of Chantel Lim as its new Director of Commercial. With over two decades of experience in hospitality sales and business development across Southeast Asia, Lim is set to drive the hotel’s commercial strategy, focusing on sales, distribution, and partnerships.

Lim’s extensive background includes senior roles at renowned hospitality brands such as Hyatt, Pan Pacific Singapore, and InterContinental Hotels Group. Her career is marked by a proven track record in generating multi-million-dollar revenues and leading high-performing sales teams. At Momentus Hotel Alexandra, her priorities will include strengthening key accounts, expanding market reach, and ensuring sustainable revenue growth across both corporate and leisure segments.

Felix Wong, General Manager at Momentus Hotel Alexandra, expressed confidence in Lim’s appointment, stating, “Chantel’s appointment reflects our commitment to strengthening leadership at Momentus Hotel Alexandra. With her extensive industry experience, keen market insight, and client-focused approach, she will be instrumental in driving growth and further enhancing our competitive position.”

Lim herself is enthusiastic about her new role, saying, “I am excited to be part of the team, especially at a time of strong momentum for the brand. The team has built a solid foundation and I look forward to working together to strengthen partnerships, unlock new opportunities, and drive sustainable commercial growth whilst delivering meaningful experiences for our guests.”

Momentus Hotel Alexandra, located in Singapore’s Alexandra precinct, offers 442 guest rooms and a variety of amenities, making it an ideal choice for both business and leisure travellers.

Volt Auto has unveiled the all-new Dongfeng VIGO at the Singapore Motorshow 2026, marking Dongfeng’s entry into the electric SUV market. The VIGO, Dongfeng’s first Category A electric SUV, is designed to cater to modern urban lifestyles with its blend of performance, technology, and practicality.

The VIGO is available at a special Motorshow promotional price of S$166,888, inclusive of the Certificate of Entitlement (COE), from 8 to 11 January 2026. This offer includes a 10-year battery warranty and 10 years of servicing, enhancing its appeal in the electric SUV segment. The regular retail price starts at S$228,888.

The SUV boasts a spacious interior with a 500-litre boot and a 72-litre hidden compartment, making it one of the largest in its category. It features a 2,715 mm wheelbase and a 63% usable space ratio. The innovative “Heaven and Earth Gate” tailgate supports up to 150 kg, transforming the rear into a functional platform for outdoor activities.

Inside, the VIGO’s Smart Cockpit includes a 12.8-inch HD central display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offers intelligent scene modes and a range of lifestyle features such as a 50W wireless fast-charging pad and 256-colour ambient lighting.

Safety is prioritised with Level 2 advanced driver-assistance systems and a 540° panoramic camera. The VIGO’s 3C fast-charging battery system supports up to 167 kW DC charging, achieving an 80% charge in approximately 18 minutes.

The Dongfeng VIGO is showcased at Booth 6218, Suntec Convention Centre, Level 6, alongside previews of upcoming models. Test drives are available through Volt Auto, the exclusive distributor for Dongfeng in Singapore.

StraitsX has announced the successful integration of Apple Pay In-App provisioning for Pionex Cards, enabling users to add their cards to Apple Pay with just one tap within the Pionex app. This development streamlines access to secure, contactless payments, enhancing the user experience for Pionex cardholders.

The integration underscores StraitsX’s robust infrastructure, which supports Pionex Cards through Visa BIN sponsorship, issuer processing, and stablecoin settlement. By embedding Apple Pay provisioning directly into the Pionex application, StraitsX facilitates a seamless transition from card setup to real-world usage, allowing Pionex to focus on delivering a mobile-first payment experience.

Mobile wallet compatibility is now a standard expectation for global card programmes, yet achieving Apple Pay certification is both technically and operationally challenging. StraitsX’s successful completion of this process positions it as a trusted partner for fintechs and digital asset platforms seeking scalable mobile wallet capabilities.

Liu Tianyao, Head of Commercial and Co-Founder of StraitsX, stated, “The Apple Pay certification process requires issuers to meet a comprehensive range of technical and compliance requirements, and is widely recognised as a rigorous undertaking across security, provisioning, and user experience.”

The integration also supports Google Pay and includes direct provisioning via the native Apple Wallet app, wallet extension support, and Google Pay In-App provisioning on Android. These capabilities are expected to enhance card adoption for Pionex, with improvements in user onboarding and transaction activity anticipated in early 2026. StraitsX plans to expand Apple Pay and Google Pay support to additional card programmes throughout the year.

MariBank has introduced Mari Invest Gold, a pioneering investment option that enables customers to invest in the LionGlobal Singapore Physical Gold Fund with a minimum investment of just S$1. This initiative marks MariBank as the first digital bank in Singapore to offer such an accessible entry point into the gold market.

The new fund, available exclusively to MariBank customers, is managed by Lion Global Investors and offers a unique unit class, Class MariBank SGD Hedged (Acc). The fund invests in physical gold bars with a purity of at least 99.5%, securely stored in Singapore vaults. Standard Chartered Bank Singapore acts as the custodian, ensuring the secure storage of these assets. The fund’s performance is aligned with the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) Gold Price AM, a standard benchmark for daily gold prices.

Mari Invest Gold is part of MariBank’s expanding suite of investment products, which includes Mari Invest SavePlus and Mari Invest Income. Since its inception, approximately 30% of MariBank’s clientele have engaged with its investment offerings. The bank’s CEO, Natalia Goh, highlighted the strategic partnership with Lion Global Investors, stating, “Our latest partnership with Lion Global Investors to launch Mari Invest Gold extends the timeless appeal of gold to a new generation of digital investors.”

Lion Global Investors’ CEO, Teo Joo Wah, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, noting the shared vision of making physical gold accessible to retail investors and contributing to Singapore’s status as a financial and gold hub.

With this launch, MariBank continues to innovate, providing simple and reliable banking solutions tailored to meet evolving customer needs.

Grab, Southeast Asia’s leading superapp, has announced a strategic partnership with GAC, a global leader in smart electric mobility, to introduce 20,000 high-performance electric vehicles (EVs) across the region. This collaboration aims to diversify Grab’s fleet and improve the in-vehicle experience for its driver-partners by integrating both companies’ systems.

The partnership will see the introduction of GAC’s AION Y, AION ES, and AION V models in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand. These vehicles are designed to meet the demands of professional ride-hailing, featuring 90-degree door openings and ample rear legroom for enhanced comfort.

Philipp Kandal, Chief Product Officer at Grab, highlighted the benefits of integrating the Grab driver app into GAC’s intelligent cockpit system. “By integrating the Grab driver app directly into the GAC cockpit display, our driver-partners can receive timely and important data, such as precise navigation and safety alerts, in a more ergonomic way,” he said.

The collaboration aligns with GAC’s strategy of creating an integrated ecosystem for EVs and supports Grab’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2040. Grab is also enhancing infrastructure through partnerships with charging operators and offering financing support for EV ownership.

The partnership is expected to boost GAC’s brand awareness in Southeast Asia, a region experiencing significant growth in the EV market. According to the International Energy Agency, regional EV sales rose by nearly 50% in 2024. Grab’s initiatives, such as the “Eco-Friendly Ride” option and partnerships with charging networks, further support the transition to sustainable transportation.