Industry News

Coliwoo Holdings Limited, a prominent co-living operator in Singapore, has announced the upcoming launch of Coliwoo Midtown in the first quarter of 2026. This development follows the company’s recent listing on the Singapore Exchange (SGX) Mainboard on 6 November 2025, marking a significant milestone for Coliwoo as it continues to expand its presence in the co-living sector.

Coliwoo Midtown is set to offer a range of amenities designed to meet the modern demand for convenience and community living. The property will feature private serviced suites that are fully furnished, providing comfort and flexibility for mid- to long-term stays. Additionally, the development will include two kitchens with a shared dining area, aimed at fostering social connections and offering a platform for local chefs to showcase culinary experiences.

The property will also boast a full-fledged gym with instructor-led training programmes and an ice bath facility, catering to fitness enthusiasts. A dedicated co-working zone will be available for remote workers, residents, and digital nomads seeking productivity in a central location.

Strategically located between Bugis, Bras Basah, and Rochor, Coliwoo Midtown enhances the company’s footprint in Singapore’s central business district and city-fringe areas. This launch complements Coliwoo’s existing properties in Keppel, Beach Road, and Orchard, providing a robust network of urban living options for residents prioritising accessibility and connectivity.

The debut of Coliwoo Midtown signifies the company’s commitment to growth and leadership in Singapore’s evolving co-living landscape, reinforcing its position as a standalone entity on the SGX Mainboard.

Grab and Singapore-based StraitsX have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore the development of a Web3-enabled wallet and stablecoin-based settlement layer across Asia. This collaboration seeks to integrate digital asset wallets and stablecoin settlements into Grab’s ecosystem, facilitating compliant and efficient transactions across the region’s markets.

Southeast Asia’s payment landscape is known for its dynamism yet remains fragmented, with cross-border transactions often being slow and costly. The partnership between Grab and StraitsX aims to address these inefficiencies by proposing a unified integration layer. This includes embedding Web3-enabled wallets within Grab’s platform, allowing users to engage with digital money seamlessly.

The initiative will also equip GrabPay merchants with Web3-compatible wallets, enabling them to accept stablecoins from both local and international consumers. This move is expected to expand commercial reach without disrupting existing revenue flows. Additionally, the collaboration will introduce smart-contract settlement and programmable treasury tools to enhance liquidity and streamline operations across multiple Asian markets.

Tianwei Liu, Co-Founder and CEO of StraitsX, stated, “By uniting Grab’s scale with StraitsX’s established stablecoin infrastructure, we can deliver a financial network that is faster, cheaper, more inclusive, and regulatory-compliant.”

Looking forward, Grab and StraitsX plan to continue advancing their shared roadmap to promote adoption and interoperability across key Asian markets. This initiative is set to position Southeast Asia as a hub for regulated digital asset innovation and real-world payments, paving the way for the next era of global finance.

Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MHR) celebrated its 30th anniversary with a cocktail event at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel in Singapore, marking three decades of hospitality excellence. Since the opening of King’s Hotel in 1970, MHR has expanded into a global network of over 150 properties across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America, maintaining its Singaporean roots of warmth and efficiency.

The celebration brought together distinguished guests, including MHR’s Executive Chairman, Kwek Leng Beng, and former Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat. Employees from around the world, including those in London, New York, New Zealand, and China, joined the event virtually, underscoring the brand’s international reach.

In his remarks, Kwek reflected on MHR’s journey: “When we first embarked on this journey, our vision was clear: to build a Singapore-born hospitality brand that could stand alongside the very best in the world. Thirty years on, that vision has become a proud reality.”

A commemorative video was unveiled during the event, showcasing MHR’s journey from its Singaporean roots to its current global presence. The video featured Kwek, who expressed aspirations for further global expansion, with Singapore’s flag flying in key cities worldwide.

This milestone not only celebrates MHR’s achievements but also sets the stage for future growth, as the company aims to continue its expansion whilst maintaining its commitment to hospitality excellence.

The National University Hospital (NUH) has unveiled its new Orthopaedic Surgery and Hand & Reconstructive Microsurgery Centres, designed to integrate key specialist services into a single cohesive space. This initiative, launched on 17 November, aims to provide a seamless patient journey by combining consultations, surgery, diagnostics, physical therapy, and pharmacy services.

The centres, located on Levels 18 and 19 of the Medical Centre, mark a significant milestone in NUH’s redevelopment plan. Dr Koh Poh Koon, Senior Minister of State for Health and Manpower, officiated the opening. The strategic relocation is intended to reduce patient walking distances by nearly half and facilitate closer collaboration between clinicians and allied health services.

The Orthopaedic Surgery Centre focuses on sports injuries and degenerative joint diseases, such as osteoarthritis, which affects 10% of the general population. It also serves as a platform for innovative treatments, including Singapore’s first stem cell treatment for cartilage repair. “Our population is staying active for longer, and that means more complex bone and joint needs across all ages,” said Professor James Hui, Head of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery.

The Hand & Reconstructive Microsurgery Centre offers comprehensive care for trauma and diseases affecting the hand, wrist, and upper limb. It features a dedicated day surgery suite and serves as a regional referral centre for digital hand and major limb replantation. Dr Sandeep Jacob Sebastin Muttath, Head of the Department, highlighted the centre’s multidisciplinary approach, which includes neurology and rehabilitation medicine.

The Rehabilitation Centre complements these services by offering physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and more, all in one space. Associate Professor Isaac Sia, Head of the Department of Rehabilitation, emphasised the centre’s role in supporting both current patient care and the training of future allied health professionals.

These developments at NUH are set to enhance patient care and support the growing healthcare needs in Singapore’s Western region.

Loh Khum Yean has been appointed as the new chairman of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) board, effective 1 December 2025. This announcement was made by the Acting Minister for Transport, Jeffrey Siow. Loh will take over the role from Niam Chiang Meng, marking a significant leadership transition for the MPA.

The appointment of Loh Khum Yean is expected to bring fresh perspectives to the MPA, which plays a crucial role in Singapore’s maritime sector. Loh’s leadership is anticipated to guide the authority through upcoming challenges and opportunities in the maritime industry. His experience and vision are seen as vital for continuing the development and sustainability of Singapore’s port operations.

Niam Chiang Meng, the outgoing chairman, has been instrumental in steering the MPA through various initiatives aimed at enhancing Singapore’s status as a leading global maritime hub. His tenure saw significant advancements in port infrastructure and maritime technology.

The transition in leadership comes at a time when the maritime industry is facing rapid changes, including technological advancements and environmental considerations. Loh’s appointment is expected to align with Singapore’s strategic goals in maintaining its competitive edge in the global maritime landscape.

As Loh Khum Yean steps into his new role, the MPA is poised to continue its trajectory of growth and innovation, ensuring that Singapore remains at the forefront of the maritime industry.

Primech AI, a leader in AI-powered cleaning and facility management robotics, has secured a landmark lease agreement to deploy its Hytron autonomous bathroom cleaning robots in a Singapore army camp. This agreement signifies a major advancement in Primech AI’s mission to modernise large-scale facility management through automation and robotics.

The deployment of Hytron robots highlights the trust placed in Primech AI’s technology, which is designed to improve hygiene, reduce manpower dependency, and support sustainability initiatives in high-demand environments. Charles Ng Chew Poh, Chief Operating Officer of Primech AI, stated, “Our technology is not only improving cleaning efficiency but also supporting national sustainability and manpower optimisation goals.”

The lease includes comprehensive support from Primech AI, covering delivery, training, maintenance, and warranty-backed assistance to ensure smooth operations. This initiative marks a new growth avenue for Primech AI, expanding its presence in public sector and institutional facilities beyond commercial and educational environments.

By securing this agreement, Primech AI strengthens its position as a trusted partner in Singapore’s push towards smart, sustainable, and automated facility management solutions. The company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability positions it as a leader in the industry, contributing to advancing operational standards in mission-critical facilities.

SGX Derivatives is set to transform institutional crypto trading with the launch of Bitcoin and Ethereum perpetual futures on 24 November 2025. This initiative aims to bring the discipline and transparency of global financial markets to the dynamic world of cryptocurrencies, offering a regulated exchange-cleared framework for these popular products.

Perpetual futures, which account for over $187b in daily average volumes globally, are now being brought onshore by SGX. This move enables institutions to trade Bitcoin and Ethereum with confidence and scale. Michael Syn, President of SGX Group, stated, “Digital assets have made their way into institutional investors’ portfolios. By bringing the perpetuals into an exchange-cleared regulated framework, we offer institutions the trust and scalability they have been waiting for.”

The contracts are benchmarked to iEdge CoinDesk Crypto Indices, aligning with widely recognised institutional-grade benchmarks. Andy Baehr, Head of Product and Research at CoinDesk Indices, noted, “We are excited to see SGX Derivatives bring perpetual futures onshore with traditional margining and clearing.”

The launch has been well-received by industry participants. Leonard Hoh, General Manager of Bitstamp by Robinhood Asia Pacific, remarked on the evolving market infrastructure, whilst Patrick Yeo of DBS Bank highlighted the enhanced precision and capital efficiency offered by crypto perpetuals. Joseph Chang, CEO of Liquibit Capital, praised SGX’s move as a key step in bringing regulated liquidity to Asia’s digital asset markets.

This development marks a significant milestone in the maturation of the digital asset ecosystem, providing a robust foundation for institutional participation and long-term growth.

CQG, a leading provider of high-performance technology solutions, has announced a partnership with Webull Singapore to support the broker’s new futures trading offering. This collaboration will see CQG providing professional-grade trading infrastructure and global order routing access, enhancing Webull Singapore’s capabilities in the futures market. Webull Singapore, a subsidiary of Webull Corporation, aims to leverage CQG’s extensive experience to deliver a superior trading experience to its clients.

The partnership marks CQG’s continued expansion in the Asia-Pacific region, following similar collaborations with Webull’s subsidiaries in Hong Kong and Malaysia since 2023. Jonathan Man, CEO of Webull Singapore, expressed satisfaction with the seamless integration, stating, “At Webull, we wish to provide the best trading experience to our customers.” The collaboration is expected to support Webull’s growing retail and institutional client base in the region.

Ben Soong, CQG President APAC, highlighted the significance of the partnership, noting Singapore’s active market of investors with a growing interest in futures trading. “CQG has long been dedicated to serving this market in Singapore,” he said. John Co, Managing Director Southeast Asia for CQG, added that the partnership exemplifies how successful retail trading firms can rely on CQG’s infrastructure whilst using their own trading apps.

This development is poised to strengthen Webull Singapore’s position in the financial markets, offering enhanced trading options and connectivity to major markets globally. As the demand for futures trading grows, the partnership is expected to play a crucial role in meeting the needs of investors in the region.

The Singapore property market witnessed a remarkable surge in October 2025, with developers selling 2,424 units, a 9.5-fold increase from the previous month and a 224.1% rise compared to October 2024. This marks the highest October sales since data collection began in 2007, according to Huttons Asia CEO Mark Yip.

The surge was driven by several factors, including a significant rate cut by the US Federal Reserve in September 2025, which lowered local borrowing rates to below 2%—the lowest since 2023. This attracted investors eager to capitalise on the favourable borrowing conditions. Additionally, a steady pipeline of attractively-priced launches and pent-up demand contributed to the robust sales figures.

October saw the launch of 2,233 units, a dramatic increase from just 20 units in September 2025. Major projects such as Faber Residence, Penrith, Skye at Holland, and Zyon Grand were key contributors. Skye at Holland, for instance, sold 662 units, accounting for 91.4% of sales in the Core Central Region (CCR), with a competitive median price of $2,949 per square foot.

Singaporeans dominated the buyer demographic, making up 86.7% of purchasers, whilst permanent residents accounted for 12%. Notably, four units priced above $10 million were sold, with a record $6,501 per square foot paid for a unit in the Aman-branded Skywaters Residences.

Looking ahead, Huttons Data Analytics estimates total developer sales for 2025 could reach 11,000 units, the highest since 2021, with prices expected to grow between 3% and 4% for the year.

Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group experienced a notable rise in passenger traffic in October 2025, with a 5.3% year-on-year increase, driven by sustained demand for air travel. This growth outpaced the 3.7% rise in passenger capacity, leading to a 1.3 percentage point increase in the Group’s passenger load factor, reaching 87.3%.

SIA reported a monthly passenger load factor of 86.8%, whilst its low-cost subsidiary, Scoot, achieved 89.0%. Together, the airlines transported 3.6 million passengers, marking an 8.3% increase compared to the previous year. Scoot also expanded its network by launching services to Da Nang, Vietnam, and Kota Bharu, Malaysia, enhancing the Group’s presence in South East Asia.

Conversely, the cargo sector faced challenges due to global trade tensions, resulting in a 4.6% decline in cargo carriage year-on-year. Cargo loads dropped by 9.1%, whilst cargo capacity saw a slight increase of 0.3%. Consequently, the cargo load factor decreased by 5.6 percentage points to 53.5%.

By the end of October, the SIA Group’s passenger network spanned 130 destinations across 37 countries and territories, with SIA serving 78 destinations and Scoot 75. The cargo network included 134 destinations in 38 countries and territories.