Industry News

The Singapore International Commercial Court (SICC) has taken a significant step in international commercial dispute resolution with the launch of the Bahrain International Commercial Court (BICC) in Manama on 5 November 2025. This initiative is part of a collaborative framework between the SICC and BICC to establish Bahrain as a hub for resolving transnational commercial disputes.

The BICC, modelled on the SICC, aims to provide a trusted and neutral forum for international commercial disputes. This development underscores the effectiveness of the SICC model in driving legal convergence and enhancing certainty in cross-border commerce. The collaboration is expected to bolster Bahrain’s position as a key player in international dispute resolution.

Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon delivered speeches at the launch events, highlighting the importance of this partnership in fostering trust and neutrality in the resolution of international commercial disputes. The establishment of the BICC is seen as a pivotal move in the broader development of Bahrain’s legal landscape.

The launch of the BICC is anticipated to have far-reaching implications for the region, potentially attracting more international businesses to resolve their disputes in Bahrain. This move not only strengthens Bahrain’s legal infrastructure but also reinforces the SICC’s role in shaping global dispute resolution practices.

XTransfer, a leading B2B cross-border trade payment platform, and OCBC, Southeast Asia’s second-largest financial services group, have signed a strategic cooperation agreement in Shanghai. The agreement, announced at the 6th Meeting of the Singapore-Shanghai Comprehensive Cooperation Council, aims to provide comprehensive financial services to cross-border trading companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The collaboration will leverage the strengths of both organisations to offer a suite of corporate banking services, including trade finance, foreign exchange, and corporate internet banking. This partnership is expected to enhance the customer experience and operational efficiency for corporate clients in Greater China and ASEAN markets.

Jason Sun, co-founder and CFO of XTransfer, highlighted the significance of the agreement, stating, “This signing marks a key step forward in deep collaboration within the cross-border B2B landscape.” He emphasised the potential for the partnership to build a secure and efficient financial service system that will help foreign trade enterprises reduce costs and improve capital turnover.

Seth Tan, Managing Director and Head of Corporate Banking of OCBC China, noted that OCBC will support XTransfer by integrating resources across markets and providing tailored financial solutions. The partnership is set to drive product innovation and explore new service areas, further promoting regional trade and investment.

The agreement comes as bilateral trade between Shanghai and Singapore has seen a 54% increase in the first half of the year, underscoring the strong economic ties between the two regions.

The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) has secured MYR37b (US$8.8b) in approved investments during the first half of 2025, accounting for two-thirds of Johor’s total investment inflows, according to a report by UOB Global Economics and Markets Research. This significant investment underscores strong economic ties between Malaysia and Singapore, even as US tariff uncertainties loom. Singapore-based firms have pledged S$5.5b (US$4.2b) since the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in January 2024, highlighting investor confidence in the region.

At the second JS-SEZ Joint Investment Forum in Singapore, officials announced measures to enhance the zone’s appeal, including fast-track manufacturing licences and multiple entry investor passes. Malaysia also introduced the ASEAN Business Entity (ABE) initiative to facilitate cross-border operations and talent mobility, further boosting regional integration.

Despite evolving US tariffs, businesses are adapting by diversifying strategies, with ASEAN’s resilience attracting increased foreign direct investment (FDI). In 2024, FDI inflows to ASEAN reached a record US$225b, and the positive momentum continues into 2025. The JS-SEZ’s strategic location and proactive investment measures are expected to strengthen its role in global supply chains.

The Forest City Special Financial Zone in Johor has also been transformed, offering tax incentives and corporate tax rates between 0% and 5% to attract global business services and fintech firms. These developments position JS-SEZ and ASEAN as stable and promising investment destinations amidst global economic uncertainties.

L’Oréal Travel Retail Asia Pacific, in collaboration with Changi Airport Group and The Shilla Duty Free Singapore, has launched the Prada Beauty Holidays Magic Tale Outpost at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1. Running from 1 October to 18 November, this initiative marks the pre-launch of Prada Beauty in Singapore Travel Retail, offering travellers an immersive festive experience with personalised services.

The outpost features a striking Prada Beauty holiday tree and is designed to captivate travellers with the iconic Prada Soft Robots guiding them through a winter-themed journey. Highlights include an exclusive Holidays Set available only at Changi Airport, an immersive photobooth with keepsake photos, and complimentary Singapore-exclusive pandan holiday cookies with any purchase.

Travellers can also enjoy personalised gifting services such as lipstick engraving, fragrance ascot embossing, and a holiday stamping station featuring six collectible designs, one exclusive to Singapore. Additionally, flash makeup services are available to help travellers find their perfect shade and complementary lip colours.

Marin Vialle, General Manager of Prada Beauty at L’Oréal Travel Retail APAC, expressed excitement about the outpost, stating, “This season, travellers can discover the perfect gifts… with exclusive experiences and offers like the festive gift sets, immersive photobooth, and pandan cookies.”

Jeff Lee, VP and Head of International Business at The Shilla Duty Free, highlighted the importance of creating unique moments for travellers, especially during the holidays. Hung Jean, Managing Director of Airside Concessions Division at Changi Airport Group, emphasised the aim to inspire travellers and redefine the beauty discovery experience globally. The outpost is located at Terminal 1’s Departure Transit Hall and will operate until 18 November 2025.

Orchard Road’s sustainability efforts are accelerating as malls, restaurants, hotels, and offices join forces to reduce, reuse, and recycle. The Orchard Road Business Association (ORBA) has spearheaded Singapore’s inaugural precinct-wide e-waste recycling drive, collaborating with ALBA E-Waste Smart Recycling. This initiative involved a coordinated collection of discarded electronics across 32 building managements and tenants in 10 precinct locations, saving over 500km in transport mileage and reducing carbon emissions by half a tonne.

The drive, held from 27 to 29 October, offered free doorstep collection of electronic waste, typically a paid service by ALBA. This effort is part of ORBA’s broader sustainability roadmap, which has seen 14 more establishments pledge to adopt sustainable practices, increasing the total to 39.

At the third ORBA ESG Showcase, Chairman Mark Shaw praised members for their commitment to climate action amidst global challenges. Highlighting the importance of proper e-waste disposal, Shaw noted the drive’s success in collecting 1,198 kilos of e-waste.

The event also featured sustainability journeys from stakeholders like Castlery and The 1872 Clipper Tea Co., who shared their innovative approaches to reducing packaging waste. Castlery redesigned furniture packaging, cutting costs and waste, whilst Clipper Tea developed compostable tea sachets and eco-friendly packaging materials.

ORBA continues to promote sustainability through various initiatives, including a ‘Sustainability By Design’ trail and free counselling for Orchard Road workers, aiming to integrate environmental responsibility into Singapore’s iconic shopping district.

Moomoo Singapore has announced the opening of its first physical stores at 313Somerset and Jem, marking a significant step in its omnichannel strategy to enhance investor engagement. These stores aim to blend Moomoo’s digital strengths with physical spaces, offering investors opportunities to learn, grow, and connect in person.

The new boutiques are designed to complement Moomoo’s award-winning app by providing personalised guidance, workshops, and real-time tutorials with expert advisers. The 313Somerset store is strategically located to attract a diverse range of retail investors, from young professionals to seasoned market participants. Meanwhile, the Jem store in Jurong East aims to make investing education more accessible to families and retail investors outside the city centre.

Echo Zhao, Country Head of Moomoo Singapore, stated, “Our vision has always been about reimagining how Singaporeans experience investing. With the launch of our concept stores, we are taking that vision beyond the app and into the heart of everyday life.”

The launch of these stores comes as Moomoo Singapore celebrates reaching 15 million users since its 2021 debut. Erika Chiang, Southeast Asia Chief Marketing Officer, emphasised the community aspect, saying, “These new stores are designed to give our community a physical home where investors can meet, learn, and grow together.”

Moomoo Singapore continues to connect its 15 million clients with financial educators, market leaders, and institutional partners, aiming to make investing knowledge and networks more accessible. As Singapore enters its next growth phase, Moomoo remains committed to shaping the future of investing through digital innovation and human connection.

Lighthouse Canton, a global investment institution based in Singapore, has announced a US$40m strategic funding round led by Peak XV Partners, with participation from Nextinfinity and continued support from Qatar Insurance Company. This marks the company’s first external fundraising effort, aimed at accelerating its growth by enhancing technology infrastructure, attracting senior talent, and expanding its product capabilities across high-potential markets.

Founded in 2014, Lighthouse Canton has grown organically, managing over US$5b in assets across Singapore, India, the UAE, and the UK. The company has built a reputation for disciplined investment management and a client-first approach, serving entrepreneurs, families, and institutions. The strategic funding will enable Lighthouse Canton to deepen its capabilities and position itself for the next decade of growth.

Group CEO Shilpi Chowdhary stated, “This is a defining milestone for us. We have built Lighthouse Canton with an institutional mindset independently. For more than ten years we have been guided by a long-term vision of creating a world-class investment platform. With Peak XV and our strategic partners, we are deepening our capabilities, institutionalising further, and positioning ourselves for the next decade of growth.”

Lighthouse Canton’s wealth management business provides tailored solutions for high-net-worth individuals and family offices, whilst its asset management arm offers institutional-grade strategies across public and private markets. The funding marks a new chapter focusing on scale, innovation, and institutional depth, continuing to deliver exceptional value to clients.

Batik Air Malaysia, along with Batik Air Indonesia and Thai Lion Air, will relocate their operations to Terminal 4 at Changi Airport, Singapore, starting 11 November 2025. This strategic move aims to bolster the airline’s regional presence and accommodate its expanding route network across Southeast Asia.

The transition from Terminal 3 to Terminal 4 is part of the Lion Group’s growth strategy, driven by increasing air travel demand. Terminal 4, designed to handle up to 16 million passengers annually, offers advanced facilities, including Changi’s fully automated self-service system, known as FAST, and unique attractions like the Chandelier playground and the Heritage Zone. These enhancements promise a seamless and engaging airport experience for travellers.

Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy, CEO of Batik Air Malaysia, stated, “This relocation represents an important step in Lion Group’s long-term growth strategy in Singapore. Terminal 4 offers the capacity and modern infrastructure to support our expanding operations whilst providing passengers with a seamless, world-class airport experience.”

In addition to the terminal move, Batik Air will introduce new routes from Singapore to Ipoh, Penang, and Subang on 8 December 2025. These new services, alongside existing flights to Kuala Lumpur, aim to enhance travel options and support tourism, business, and cultural exchanges in the region, aligning with the upcoming Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

Passengers are encouraged to verify their flight details and plan accordingly to take advantage of the improved facilities and connectivity offered by the move to Terminal 4. For more information, travellers can visit Batik Air’s website or download their mobile app.

Singapore has emerged as a leader in digital trust and transparency, according to the latest Global Digital 2026 Report by Meltwater and We Are Social. The report reveals that 98.4% of Singapore’s population is online, with 90.6% actively engaging on social media. This high connectivity is coupled with a growing concern for digital ethics and transparency, as Singaporeans increasingly navigate the digital landscape with discernment.

The report highlights that 71.1% of Singaporeans are worried about misinformation, and over a third regularly decline cookies or express concerns about data usage. This cautious approach extends to the adoption of generative AI tools, where users demand transparency and ethical application. “People in Singapore are quick to adopt generative AI tools, but they also demand transparency and the ethical application of these tools,” the report notes.

Online shopping has seen significant growth, with 4.7 million Singaporeans making purchases online this year. Mobile devices drive 70% of these transactions, particularly in fashion, electronics, and food sectors. Despite the high time spent online, Singaporeans prioritise meaningful and credible content over mindless scrolling.

The findings underscore Singapore’s position as a digitally mature society, where users are not only connected but also conscious of their digital footprint. As digital habits evolve, Singapore is setting a benchmark for how societies can balance connectivity with ethical considerations.

Standard Chartered Foundation has announced a $6m investment aimed at enhancing youth employability in Singapore and the ASEAN region. This initiative, revealed at a recent networking event attended by key figures such as Minister Chee Hong Tat and Standard Chartered leaders, seeks to improve economic opportunities for young people, with a particular focus on young women.

The majority of the funds will be directed towards developing a programme to foster a thriving blue economy in ASEAN, which aims to sustain coastal ecosystems and improve the economic livelihoods of local communities. This initiative is crucial given that 282 million young people globally are not in employment, education, or training, including 19 million in ASEAN, where young women face higher unemployment rates.

Additionally, the Foundation will collaborate with Community Chest and Daughters of Tomorrow to launch the “Youth Employment for Success” (Y.E.S.) programme. This initiative will provide job-readiness and well-being training to young women from lower-income communities in Singapore, running until 2028. Von Leong, Board President of Daughters of Tomorrow, expressed optimism about the partnership, stating it aligns with their mission to break cycles of poverty through long-term employment.

Patrick Lee, CEO of Singapore and ASEAN at Standard Chartered, highlighted the bank’s unique position to catalyse philanthropy and sustainability, noting the economic potential of the blue economy programme and the positive community impact of their partnership with Daughters of Tomorrow. The investment underscores Standard Chartered’s commitment to empowering youth and fostering sustainable development in the region.