Industry News

Assure Healthcare Holdings, a subsidiary of SingWealth Holdings, has officially opened its second clinic, Assure Family Clinic Woodlands, located at 132 Marsiling Rise. This expansion is part of the group’s strategy to provide quality and comprehensive healthcare services to more families and individuals in Singapore.

The new clinic offers a range of services, including general consultations, chronic disease management, vaccinations, preventive health screenings, and minor procedures. This development follows the success of their first clinic in Bukit Merah, extending their reach to residents in northern Singapore.

Chief Medical Officer of Assure Healthcare Holdings, Joanne Koay, highlighted the significance of the new clinic, stating, “The launch of the Assure Family Clinic in Woodlands marks an important milestone in our growth journey. Our goal is to bring compassionate, reliable care closer to the communities we serve.”

The clinic is led by General Practitioner Vikneswaran V. Paranjothy, who has specialised training in occupational medicine, dermatology, aesthetics, and andrology. His approach focuses on holistic and patient-centred care, ensuring comprehensive service to the community.

Jeffrey Chow, Executive Director and Group CEO of SingWealth Holdings, emphasised the broader vision of the company, noting, “Healthcare is a cornerstone of SingWealth Holdings’ vision to provide holistic solutions across health, wealth, and legacy planning.”

The opening of this clinic underscores Assure Healthcare’s commitment to enhancing healthcare accessibility and supporting the well-being of Woodlands’ residents.

Singtel has launched Singapore’s first 50Gbps XGS-PON fibre broadband technical trial, designed to prepare homes and businesses for the integration of AI and emerging technologies. This initiative supports ultra-immersive augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality experiences, as well as cloud gaming and AI-enabled smart systems, anticipating their widespread availability in the next three to five years.

The trial is a response to the growing global demand for bandwidth, driven by the adoption of ultra-high-definition streaming, immersive media, and AI-driven applications. According to Deloitte’s 2025 Connected Consumer Survey, there is a significant shift towards integrating remote work, virtual services, and immersive media into daily life. Singtel’s trial will assess the network capabilities required to support these data-intensive environments.

Ng Tian Chong, CEO of Singtel Singapore, emphasised the importance of this development, stating, “Digital technologies are deeply embedded in everyday life in Singapore.” The trial positions Singapore at the forefront of fibre broadband innovation, aligning with the nation’s Digital Connectivity Blueprint to build a robust digital infrastructure.

The 50Gbps XGS-PON trial offers several benefits, including ultra-high-definition entertainment, cloud gaming, support for home businesses, telemedicine, and AI-driven smart homes. Singtel’s history of innovation includes the world’s first nationwide standalone 5G deployment and network slicing for cloud gaming, reinforcing its commitment to delivering advanced connectivity solutions.

As Singtel continues to innovate, the trial marks a significant step towards future mass deployment, ensuring that Singapore remains a leader in digital connectivity.

Suresh Nair, Jennifer Chih, and Bryan Tan, three partners from Mayer Brown PK Wong & Nair Pte. Ltd., have announced their departure to form a new independent law practice in Singapore. The newly established firm, Nair, Jen & Tan LLC, will specialise in litigation, restructuring and insolvency, corporate, and employment matters.

The move is a strategic decision by the trio to create a platform dedicated to contentious, advisory, and crisis-driven mandates. This comes amidst increasing restructuring activities and complex commercial disputes in Singapore and the Asia-Pacific region. The partners bring extensive experience in advising multinational corporations, financial institutions, and senior executives on high-value commercial disputes and cross-border restructuring.

Suresh Nair is recognised for his leadership in corporate litigation and employment disputes, whilst Jennifer Chih brings nearly three decades of expertise in corporate governance and regulatory strategy. Bryan Tan’s practice includes arbitration and disputes involving technology and digital assets.

In a joint statement, the partners expressed their commitment to providing specialised, senior-level advice: “We are establishing an independent practice that allows us to deepen our work in core areas where clients increasingly require specialised, senior-level advice. This move enables us to offer a more agile and conflict-free platform whilst continuing to deliver the depth and quality our clients expect.”

Nair, Jen & Tan LLC is headquartered at SGX Centre 1 in Singapore, positioning itself as a key player in the region’s legal landscape.

GDS Global Limited, a specialist in commercial and industrial door and shutter solutions, has successfully raised S$4.08m through a share placement. The placement, involving 60 million shares at S$0.068 each, was fully subscribed by prominent institutional investors, including Asdew Acquisitions and ICH Capital Pte Ltd. SAC Capital Private Limited acted as the placement agent.

The funds will be used to pursue larger projects both locally and internationally, enhance export sales and marketing capabilities, and provide working capital for the proposed acquisitions of Asiabuild Metal Engineering Pte. Ltd. and Integrated Aluminium Pte. Ltd. These acquisitions aim to diversify GDS’s revenue base and capture new growth opportunities in the structural steel, metal works, and architectural aluminium sectors.

Non-Executive Non-Independent Chairman Tang Hee Sung commented, “Building on the positive momentum from our recent return to profitability, the successful completion of the placement marks another important milestone for the Group and we are pleased to welcome new shareholders to our GDS family.”

GDS reported a 70.6% increase in revenue to S$22.79m for the financial year ending 30 September 2025, with a significant rise in gross profit to S$7.52m. The company maintains a healthy cash position of S$6.59m with no borrowings, positioning it well for future growth.

Alexandra Hospital (AH) is set to welcome a new Chief Executive Officer as Margaret Lee takes the helm on 1 January 2026, succeeding Dr Jason Phua. Dr Phua, who has been the inaugural CEO since AH’s transition to the National University Health System (NUHS) in 2018, will continue his work in clinical transformation within NUHS.

Dr Phua’s tenure saw AH navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic whilst enhancing its integrated general hospital model. Under his leadership, AH became a hub for healthcare innovation, including virtual hospital initiatives and artificial intelligence projects. The hospital is currently undergoing redevelopment into a 1,300-bed facility, expected to open progressively from 2028.

Margaret Lee, who has been with AH since 2018, brings a wealth of experience from her 30-year career in healthcare. As the inaugural Chief Nurse, she developed the “Future of AH Nursing” roadmap and championed nurse-led care models. Her leadership was recognised with prestigious awards, including the President’s Award for Nurses in 2021.

Lee’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to ensure continuity and innovation at AH. She has already played a pivotal role in the hospital’s strategic transformation, focusing on future-proofing the workforce and fostering a culture of continuous learning. “The redevelopment of AH is a significant project,” Lee stated, emphasising the importance of technology and new care models in meeting future healthcare needs.

As AH prepares for its next phase, Lee’s leadership is expected to inspire future generations of healthcare professionals, particularly in leadership and management roles.

FairPrice Group (FPG) has announced a new initiative to support Singaporeans in managing rising costs by offering a S$6 Return Voucher for every S$60 spent using CDC supermarket vouchers at FairPrice stores. This offer is available from 2 to 11 January 2026, with the Return Vouchers valid for use from the day after issuance until 27 February 2026.

The initiative is part of FPG’s ongoing efforts to complement the government’s CDC Vouchers Scheme, which provides each Singaporean household with S$300 in vouchers. The scheme aims to help families stretch their dollar as they enter the new year. Vipul Chawla, Group CEO of FairPrice Group, stated, “As families start the new year, we hope these Return Vouchers will provide some support and help ease everyday expenses.”

In 2025, FPG launched several initiatives to assist Singaporeans, including four tranches of FairPrice Return Vouchers, doubling discounts for CHAS Blue and Orange cardholders, and price freezes on popular food items ahead of Chinese New Year. Additionally, FPG extended various discount schemes for seniors and cardholders until 31 December 2026.

These efforts underscore FairPrice Group’s commitment to making daily essentials accessible and affordable for all Singaporeans, as the company continues to seek meaningful ways to support the community.

Zouk Group, a prominent name in international entertainment and lifestyle, has unveiled plans for a significant transformation of its Singapore club venues, including Zouk Mainroom, Phuture, Capital, and RedTail. The renovation, set to begin in the first quarter of 2026, will be completed by June 2026, coinciding with Zouk’s 35th anniversary. The phased revamp will start with Capital closing on 17 January, followed by Phuture and Zouk Mainroom in March. RedTail will also evolve to include daytime operations.

The renovation is expected to boost foot traffic by 20%, building on a 28% year-on-year growth in total footfall. This ambitious project is supported by a lease extension with CapitaLand, ensuring Zouk’s flagship presence at CQ @ Clarke Quay. The collaboration underscores a shared commitment to enhancing Singapore’s entertainment, nightlife, and lifestyle sectors.

The Zouk Mainroom will feature a modular layout with movable acoustic walls, allowing for flexible event formats. The spaces will be upgraded with cutting-edge design and immersive aesthetics, catering to both nightlife and daytime events. Zouk plans to expand its offerings to include lifestyle and community-driven experiences, such as fashion pop-ups, wellness sessions, and creative networking events, whilst maintaining its core focus on music and culture.

The transformation aims to attract a broader audience through limited edition collaborations and corporate partnerships, ensuring Zouk remains a key player in Singapore’s vibrant nightlife scene.

XIAO NOODLES, a leading Chinese quick-service restaurant chain listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, has opened its 500th global outlet at 313@Somerset, Singapore. This marks the brand’s first foray into the Southeast Asian market, with plans for further expansion in the region, including a new location at Tampines Mall.

Founded in 2014, XIAO NOODLES has built its reputation on delivering authentic Chongqing-style noodle cuisine. The brand’s philosophy, “Small things make a big difference,” is reflected in its menu, which features signature dishes such as Red Bowl Noodle, Mala Noodles with Peas and Meat Sauce, and Maocai Hot Pot Series. The chain’s successful IPO in Hong Kong has paved the way for its international expansion, aiming to introduce a standardised Chinese casual dining model globally.

The Singapore outlet not only showcases XIAO NOODLES’ signature dishes but also introduces a digital operational framework designed for consistent quality and scalability. “Launching our first store in Singapore is a pivotal milestone for XIAO NOODLES,” said Song Qi, Founder and CEO. “This flagship location serves as a blueprint for how we can honour our Chinese culinary heritage whilst catering to local taste preferences.”

The opening in Singapore is part of XIAO NOODLES’ broader Asia-Pacific strategy, serving as a model for understanding overseas operations and further expansion. With over 500 stores across Greater China, the brand is committed to sharing authentic Chinese noodle cuisine with the world.

The Assembly Place Holdings Pte. Ltd., Singapore’s largest community living operator, has lodged a preliminary offer document with the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited (SGX-ST) for a proposed initial public offering (IPO) on the Catalist Board. The move, announced on 30 December 2025, marks a significant step towards converting the company into a public entity, to be renamed The Assembly Place Holdings Ltd.

The IPO is being managed by SAC Capital Private Limited, which serves as the sponsor, issue manager, underwriter, and placement agent. The Assembly Place (TAP) operates an asset-light model, managing approximately 3,422 keys across 100 properties in Singapore, including residential co-living, hotels, serviced flats, and student accommodations.

The company plans to expand into Malaysia in 2026, with a site secured in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, intended for a hotel with community living elements. TAP’s diverse portfolio includes brands such as “CAMPUS by the Assembly Place” and “Stay by the Assembly Place,” catering to a wide range of customers, from young professionals to seniors.

The final offer document will be available for download from SGX-ST’s Catalodge website once the offering is made. Interested parties will need to apply as outlined in the document. This IPO is a strategic move for TAP as it seeks to enhance its market presence and operational capabilities in the region.

JTC has announced the launch of a site at Kaki Bukit Avenue 5 under the second half of the 2025 Industrial Government Land Sales (IGLS) Programme. This site, which comes with an enhanced 33-year lease tenure, is the final Confirmed List site for this period. The tender for the site will close on 3 March 2026 at 11:00 am.

The Kaki Bukit Avenue 5 site spans 1.54 hectares and features a gross plot ratio of 2.5, zoned for B2 industrial use. This launch is part of JTC’s efforts to enhance the industrial land lease framework by offering longer lease tenures, providing businesses with greater stability and planning certainty.

Interested parties can acquire the Tenderer’s Packet for S$185.30, inclusive of GST, through the official JTC website. The packet contains all necessary details for potential bidders. This initiative is expected to attract businesses looking to expand their industrial operations in Singapore, offering a strategic location with a longer lease period.