Industry News

Singapura Finance Ltd has announced a significant financial performance for the year ending 31 December 2025, with profit after tax reaching $9.15m, a 50.2% increase compared to the previous year. This growth was driven by a substantial rise in net interest income and a reduction in interest expenses.

The company’s net interest income for the year increased by 25.8% to $29.24m, whilst interest expenses decreased by 10.5% to $27.51m. This improvement in net interest income was a key factor in the overall profit growth. Additionally, the company reported a notable reduction in allowances for impairment losses on loans and advances, contributing to the positive financial outcome.

Operating expenses saw an increase, with staff costs rising by 14.3% and depreciation of property, plant, and equipment up by 33.6%. Despite these increases, the total operating expenses were managed effectively, allowing the company to report a profit from operations before allowances of $10.40m, a 32.8% increase from 2024.

The company’s total comprehensive income for the year was $14.38m, significantly higher than the previous year’s $6.05m. This was partly due to fair value changes in debt investments, which added $5.23m to the comprehensive income.

Singapura Finance’s financial position remains robust, with total assets increasing to $1.53b from $1.31b in 2024. The company’s net asset value per share also rose to $1.66 from $1.60.

Looking ahead, Singapura Finance’s strong financial performance positions it well for future growth and stability in the financial sector.

CDL Hospitality Real Estate Investment Trust (H-REIT) and CDL Hospitality Business Trust (HBT) have announced the issuance of S$100m in 4% subordinated perpetual securities. These securities are part of a larger S$1.5b multicurrency debt issuance programme established by the trusts on 5 November 2025. The issuance was completed on 20 February 2026, following approval in-principle from the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited (SGX-ST).

The perpetual securities, which are part of Series 002, will be listed and quoted on the SGX-ST’s Official List starting 23 February 2026. The SGX-ST’s approval in-principle does not imply any endorsement of the merits of the issuer or the securities themselves.

This issuance is not an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy the securities in any jurisdiction where such actions would be unlawful. The listing of these securities on the SGX-ST marks a significant step in CDL Hospitality Trusts’ ongoing financial strategy, providing them with greater flexibility in managing their capital structure.

Republic Power Group Limited, listed on Nasdaq under the symbol “RPGL”, has announced a 1-for-20 reverse share split of its Class A and Class B ordinary shares, effective from the start of trading on 23 February 2026. This strategic move aims to ensure compliance with Nasdaq’s minimum bid price requirement of $1.00 per share.

The reverse share split will see the Class A Ordinary Shares trade at approximately 20 times their pre-split price, although the company cannot guarantee this price will be maintained. The Class A shares will continue to trade under the symbol “RPGL” with a new CUSIP number, G7523E113. The par value of these shares will be adjusted from $0.000625 to $0.0125 per share.

The reverse share split will reduce the number of issued and outstanding Class A Ordinary Shares from 62,025,000 to approximately 3.1 million, subject to adjustments for fractional shares, which will be rounded up to the nearest whole share. Transhare Corporation has been appointed as the exchange and paying agent for the process.

Shareholders with shares in book-entry form or brokerage accounts do not need to take any action. Those with share certificates will receive instructions from Transhare Corporation regarding the exchange process. The board of directors approved the reverse share split on 2 February 2026.

Republic Power is a Singapore-based company engaged in developing customized enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) software solutions, consulting and technical support services, and peripheral hardware.

DHL Group has announced an expansion of its Airfreight Cold Chain Network, aimed at revolutionising the transport of temperature-sensitive healthcare products globally. This initiative is part of DHL’s €2 billion investment in its Health Logistics division, providing end-to-end visibility and enhanced logistics for the world’s leading healthcare and pharmaceutical companies.

The expansion includes a newly branded Boeing 777 freighter, marking DHL’s strategic focus on health logistics. Oscar de Bok, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding, Freight, stated, “Life sciences and healthcare companies expect cold chain solutions that are reliable, compliant, and transparent from end to end — and those expectations are rising fast.”

By reducing reliance on third-party carriers, DHL aims to improve product integrity and temperature control, enhancing supply chain resilience amidst geopolitical tensions and regulatory complexities. The network will initially connect major hubs such as Brussels and Cincinnati, with further routes planned across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America.

The BRU-CVG corridor, linking the US Midwest with Europe’s advanced life sciences ecosystem, offers a seamless pathway for high-value biologics and time-critical therapies. This infrastructure establishes a resilient connection between two key healthcare markets.

Countries like India, Singapore, Japan, and Brazil are prioritised for further network expansion, ensuring compliance with strict regulatory requirements. The initiative supports DHL’s mission to provide fast, reliable transport of pharmaceutical products, focusing on patient safety and reducing packaging costs.

The dedicated Boeing 777 freighter, featuring the new “DHL Health Logistics” livery, underscores the company’s commitment to healthcare logistics, providing consistent capacity and reinforcing temperature management standards for sensitive shipments.

Singapore’s rental market experienced a notable increase in activity in January 2026, with condominium rental volumes rising by 11.7% and HDB flat rentals seeing a modest 0.8% increase, according to the latest report by 99.co and SRX. This surge is attributed to the post-holiday completion of deals and the influx of expatriates at the start of the corporate year.

Condominium rental prices saw a slight month-on-month increase of 0.6%, with the Core Central Region (CCR) and Outside Central Region (OCR) experiencing rises of 0.4% and 0.9%, respectively. Year-on-year, condo rental prices increased by 2.5%, with the CCR, Rest of Central Region (RCR), and OCR recording increases of 3.2%, 1.7%, and 2.2%, respectively. An estimated 6,708 condo units were rented in January, marking a 6.3% year-on-year increase, although this was 0.6% lower than the five-year average for January.

In contrast, HDB rental prices dipped by 0.3% compared to December 2025, with Mature and Non-Mature towns seeing decreases of 0.5% and 0.1%, respectively. Despite the price drop, overall HDB rental prices increased by 1.7% year-on-year. The report highlights that the significant 2026 Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) wave, with 13,484 flats reaching their five-year tenure, has contributed to increased supply and competition among landlords.

Luqman Hakim, Chief Data & Analytics Officer at 99.co, noted that the influx of supply in the HDB market is likely to shift bargaining power towards tenants, potentially leading to longer-term market stabilisation. As the market adjusts, tenants may find more favourable conditions in the coming months.

SIA Engineering Group has announced a net profit of $41.9m for the third quarter of FY2025-26, marking a $3.7m increase from the previous year. This growth is attributed to steady demand for Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services, with a 3% rise in flight handling volumes in Singapore. The company also expanded its line maintenance operations to Manila, now operating in 39 airports across nine countries.

The quarter saw Base Maintenance Malaysia (BMM) secure regulatory approval for its first hangar, conducting its inaugural A350 heavy check. A second hangar is anticipated to be operational in the latter half of FY2026-27. Additionally, SIA Engineering signed a Letter of Intent with Safran Aircraft Engines to explore a joint venture in CFM LEAP engine maintenance services in Singapore.

Financially, the group reported an 8.7% increase in revenue to $353.1m, whilst expenditure rose by 8.4% to $347.1m. The operating profit improved by $1.3m to $6m, despite initial losses from new subsidiaries. The share of profits from associated and joint ventures increased by $6.6m to $38.8m.

Looking ahead, SIA Engineering anticipates continued demand for MRO services, driven by global passenger traffic growth, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. The company remains focused on expanding its geographical presence and capabilities to support next-generation aircraft, aiming for long-term sustainable growth amidst supply chain challenges and geopolitical uncertainties.

Singapore’s wholesale trade sector experienced varied performance in the fourth quarter of 2025, according to the latest data from the Department of Statistics. Domestic wholesale sales fell by 1.1% compared to the same period in 2024, though excluding petroleum, sales rose by 1.1%. In contrast, foreign wholesale sales increased by 1.8%, and when excluding petroleum, the rise was a significant 8.2%.

The domestic market saw a mixed performance across industries. The Household Equipment & Furniture and Metals, Timber & Construction Materials sectors faced declines of 17.9% and 17.5% respectively, largely due to reduced demand for household electrical appliances and metals. However, the General Wholesale Trade and Industrial & Construction Machinery sectors reported robust growth, with sales increasing by 27.7% and 18.7% respectively.

Foreign sales also showed diverse trends. The Electronic Components industry experienced a substantial 55.7% increase, driven by global demand. Similarly, the Telecommunications & Computers sector grew by 29.2% due to stronger demand for computer software and accessories. The Ship Chandlers & Bunkering industry saw a 20.2% decline in foreign sales, attributed to reduced bunker fuel sales.

These figures highlight the dynamic nature of Singapore’s wholesale trade sector, with significant variations across different industries. The data underscores the importance of sector-specific strategies to navigate the changing market landscape.

Nera Telecommunications Ltd has announced the acquisition of a significant three-year contract worth approximately S$2.4m from a prominent institutional asset management group. The contract involves the provision of technical management and operational support services, focusing on cybersecurity. This includes 24/7 Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) and Security Operations Centre (SOC) support, alongside security operations platform management.

The contract aligns with Nera Telecommunications’ strategic goal to enhance its managed services and strengthen its cybersecurity capabilities. By expanding its SOC competencies, the company aims to deliver integrated, mission-critical IT infrastructure and cyber defence solutions to its clients. The contract is anticipated to positively impact the company’s financial performance for the current year.

This development marks a significant step for Nera Telecommunications as it continues to focus on delivering advanced cybersecurity solutions.

Marina Bay precinct, in collaboration with UOB, Marina Bay Sands, and the Singapore Tourism Board, is set to illuminate Singapore’s skyline with a spectacular fireworks show from 13 to 15 March 2026. This event is part of a two-month-long celebration titled “Adventure Begins: A Magical Bay Celebration with Disney Cruise Line,” marking the arrival of Disney Adventure, Disney Cruise Line’s first cruise ship in Asia.

The festivities, running from 26 February to 30 April 2026, will feature Disney-themed photo spots and activities, with exclusive promotions for UOB cardholders. The highlight is a 10-minute sky show, commencing at 8:30 pm each night, showcasing a symphony of fireworks choreographed to Disney tunes like “When You Wish Upon A Star” and “Let It Go.” The show will incorporate local elements, including Peranakan motifs and Singapore’s national flower, the Vanda Miss Joaquim.

Jacquelyn Tan, Head of Group Personal Financial Services at UOB, expressed excitement about transforming Marina Bay into a magical precinct, aiming to elevate visitor numbers and enhance customer experiences. The event also celebrates the Disney Adventure’s maiden voyage from Singapore on 10 March 2026, offering three and four-night sailings featuring Disney, Pixar, and Marvel characters.

Visitors can enjoy themed experiences at seven key locations, including Gardens by the Bay and Swissôtel The Stamford Singapore. UOB cardholders can participate in quests for limited-edition medallions and a lucky draw for a cruise holiday. Additionally, a Disney-themed in-app game on UOB TMRW will offer further rewards.

This initiative builds on previous successful collaborations, with past events boosting foreign spending in Singapore significantly. The partnership aims to cement Marina Bay’s status as a premier destination for shopping, dining, and travel.

Singapore’s Budget 2026 has unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at bolstering the international competitiveness of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Key measures include enhancements to the Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) Grant, an increased cap of $400,000 for the Double Tax Deduction for Internationalisation (DTDi) Scheme, and the introduction of the Champions of AI Programme. These initiatives are designed to support SMEs in expanding overseas and scaling into new markets.

The government is offering grant support of up to 70% for SMEs, alongside enhancements to the Enterprise Financing Scheme, signalling robust backing for companies aiming to grow internationally. Payoneer, a global financial technology platform, is poised to assist Singapore-based businesses with managing international receivables, payables, and treasury operations across multiple markets.

As Singapore enterprises evolve into multi-entity organisations, the complexity of managing financial and operational requirements increases. Budget 2026’s focus on international expansion and AI-powered transformation highlights the need for infrastructure that enables seamless cross-border operations. Payoneer provides an integrated platform that allows businesses to collect in multiple currencies, pay global suppliers, and centralise financial visibility, reducing friction as they expand.

The budget also emphasises Singapore’s ambition to become an AI-powered economy, with initiatives like the National AI Council and expanded access to AI tools. Payoneer is investing in AI-driven capabilities and innovations such as stablecoin-enabled solutions to enhance global capital movement and optimise working capital.

Nagesh Devata, SVP of APAC at Payoneer, stated, “Budget 2026 reinforces Singapore’s ambition to scale globally competitive, innovation-driven businesses. As companies expand across markets, they need financial infrastructure that matches their complexity.”

These measures are expected to accelerate the international ambitions of Singapore SMEs, making efficient financial management a critical component of their growth strategy.