Industry News

The National University Health System (NUHS) has unveiled its Clinical Quality & Patient Safety e-Book during the NUHS Quality Day 2026, highlighting the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare. The event, held on 9 February, brought together senior policymakers, clinicians, and international experts to discuss the responsible integration of AI and data-enabled systems in clinical practice.

The NUHS Institute of Clinical Quality (NICQ), led by Executive Director Professor Quek Swee Chye, is at the forefront of this transformation. The institute focuses on quality improvement, patient safety training, data innovation, research, and value-based care. Professor Quek emphasised the importance of responsible AI implementation, stating, “Quality and patient safety must remain the anchor of every innovation we introduce.”

The event featured keynote lectures from international experts, including Professor Koo Ho Rha from Korea and Dr Ross Wilson from the US, who shared insights on digital healthcare and quality journeys. A panel discussion explored how technology can enhance quality, safety, and value in healthcare systems.

NUHS Quality Day 2026 underscores the institution’s commitment to fostering a culture of continuous learning and collaboration, aiming to strengthen trust and sustainability in Singapore’s public healthcare system. The launch of the e-book marks a significant step in sharing best practices and innovations across the academic health system, ensuring that emerging technologies translate into meaningful improvements for patients.

Carro, a leading automotive marketplace in Asia Pacific, has announced its new role as an authorised dealer for Dongfeng Motor Corporation, establishing exclusive showrooms in Sin Ming, Singapore, and Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. This strategic move marks a significant expansion in Carro’s brand-new car offerings, further solidifying its presence in the region.

The collaboration with Dongfeng Motor Corporation, facilitated through a partnership with Volt Auto, the sole distributor of Dongfeng vehicles, aims to deliver enhanced customer value. Carro’s robust customer relationship management ecosystem will support this initiative by providing competitive trade-in options, integrated financing, and insurance solutions. This partnership is expected to offer a seamless end-to-end ownership experience for Dongfeng customers.

Carro’s new showrooms will feature the latest models, including the Dongfeng VIGO, Dongfeng 007, and Dongfeng BOX. Each vehicle will come with authorised dealer warranties, alongside Carro’s financing and insurance packages. This development is part of Carro’s broader strategy to deepen its Brand New Car initiative, which now includes two automotive brands, Dongfeng and Zeekr.

The company plans to expand further, with additional showrooms set to open across Malaysia in the first half of 2026. This expansion underscores Carro’s commitment to enhancing its automotive ecosystem and marketplace in Southeast Asia.

tesa, a global leader in adhesive solutions, is celebrating its 45th anniversary in Singapore, underscoring its long-standing commitment to the nation’s industrial and technological advancement. Since its establishment in 1981, tesa has been integral to Singapore’s transformation into a global hub for business and advanced technologies, supporting precision manufacturing and fostering talent development across the Asia-Pacific region.

Backed by over 125 years of expertise in adhesives, tesa’s technologies are embedded in everyday products, from smartphones to automotive vehicles. Andreas Gunnestrand, President and Regional Manager of tesa tape Asia-Pacific, stated, “Singapore has become a strategic partner in our growth across Asia-Pacific. Over the past 45 years, we have grown together with Singapore’s industrial ecosystem.”

Tesa’s commitment to innovation is evident through initiatives like the Debonding on Demand laboratory, developed in partnership with A*STAR. This facility aims to enhance Singapore’s position as a hub for advanced manufacturing and circular economy innovation. The lab’s technologies enable efficient disassembly and reworking of components, aligning with evolving recycling targets.

Sustainability remains a core focus for tesa, aligning with the Singapore Green Plan 2030. The company is dedicated to reducing emissions and improving resource efficiency by introducing solvent-reduced technologies and recyclable designs.

As Singapore advances into smart manufacturing and digitalisation, tesa’s adhesive technologies are set to play a crucial role. Gunnestrand remarked, “45 years is both a milestone and a moment of reflection. We remain committed to contributing to the nation’s next phase of growth through innovation, talent development and sustainable progress.”

Atome, Southeast Asia’s leading digital finance platform, has announced that users of the Atome Singapore app can now shop and pay in Malaysia using the same app. This new feature, unveiled on 10 February 2026, marks the first time Atome Singapore users can enjoy a seamless cross-border shopping experience. The app allows over 1.5 million users to shop at 15,000 Atome partner retail outlets across Malaysia by simply scanning the Atome QR code at checkout.

The bill, initially in Malaysian ringgit, is automatically converted to Singapore dollars at a competitive exchange rate and split into three interest-free payments. Additionally, purchases in Malaysia earn A reward points. This launch is timely, coinciding with the Chinese New Year festive season and major infrastructure projects like the Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link, set to boost cross-border travel and retail activity.

Bryan Quek, General Manager of Atome Singapore, stated, “The launch of Atome’s cross-border functionality is especially timely with major infrastructure projects set to further boost cross-border travel and retail activity.” Atome Singapore users can now shop in cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, and Penang.

Popular Atome merchants in Malaysia include electronics brands like Samsung and Xiaomi, fashion retailers such as Coach and Ralph Lauren, and sports outlets like Nike and Decathlon. From 11 to 28 February, Atome Singapore is running a Chinese New Year campaign offering a red packet lucky draw of up to S$888 and cashback capped at S$88. Terms and conditions apply.

The Energy Efficiency Technology Centre (EETC), a collaboration between the National Environment Agency (NEA) and Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), has launched a new Energy Efficiency Training Facility (EETF) at SIT Punggol Campus. Opened by Senior Minister of State Dr Janil Puthucheary, the 430 square-metre facility is designed to provide practical training simulating real-world manufacturing conditions for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises.

The EETF is Singapore’s first facility to offer an integrated suite of industrial systems, including pumps, compressed air, lighting, and more, enabling participants to conduct energy efficiency assessments in a controlled environment. This setup allows for hands-on training without disrupting actual operations. SIT students participating in the Integrated Work Study Programme will gain practical energy audit skills alongside EETC professionals.

Additionally, the facility serves as a platform for applied research and digital innovation. SIT has partnered with Willowglen Services Pte Ltd to develop a Sustainability Reporting System, leveraging operational data for real-time monitoring and analytics of energy consumption and carbon emissions. This initiative aims to enhance both training and research outcomes.

SIT President Professor Chua Kee Chaing highlighted the facility’s role in providing industry-relevant education, stating, “This training facility underscores SIT’s commitment to applied learning and industry-relevant education.”

Since its inception in 2020, the EETC has supported over 50 companies and trained more than 500 professionals. With the new facility, it is expected to deliver 1,500 hours of training annually, benefiting around 400 participants through various programmes, including the Energy Efficiency Upskilling Programme and the Singapore Certified Energy Manager programme.

Metro Holdings Limited has announced the establishment of Grand Brands Asia Pte Ltd, a new brand management company aimed at introducing international retail brands to Singapore. This venture is a collaboration with EUT Solutions Pte Ltd, a wholesaler and retailer of international fashion brands.

Grand Brands Asia, a subsidiary of Metro Lifestyle Pte Ltd, will focus on curating a diverse portfolio of contemporary international retail brands. The company aims to introduce new brand concepts to the Singaporean market, enhancing consumer choice and exposure to global offerings. Yip Hoong Mun, Group CEO and Executive Director of Metro Holdings, stated, “Consumers today are increasingly looking for variety, quality and brands that reflect their lifestyles.”

Metro Holdings, listed on the Main Board of the SGX-ST since 1973, has evolved from a textile store in 1957 into a diversified property and retail group. The company operates in key markets including Singapore, China, Indonesia, the UK, and Australia. Its property division manages prime retail and office properties in major Chinese cities and other high-growth areas, whilst its retail division operates flagship Metro department stores in Singapore.

The launch of Grand Brands Asia marks a strategic move for Metro Holdings to expand its retail footprint and offer Singaporean consumers a wider array of international brands. This initiative is expected to enhance the retail landscape in Singapore, providing more options for consumers seeking global brand experiences.

The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) has announced that Singapore’s economy grew by 6.9% year-on-year in the fourth quarter of 2025. This robust performance has led to an upgrade in the GDP growth forecast for 2026, now projected to be between 2.0% and 4.0%, up from the previous estimate of 1.0% to 3.0%.

The growth in Q4 2025 was driven by strong performances in the manufacturing, wholesale trade, and finance and insurance sectors. Notably, the electronics cluster within manufacturing saw significant growth due to high demand for AI-related electronics. The finance and insurance sector also experienced broad-based growth amidst favourable financial conditions.

Looking ahead to 2026, the global economic environment is expected to remain supportive, with expansionary fiscal policies in major economies like the US, Germany, and Japan. The AI investment boom is anticipated to continue, bolstering demand for semiconductor chips and benefiting Singapore’s electronics and precision engineering sectors.

However, challenges remain, including potential impacts from US tariffs and rising trade barriers. Despite these, the MTI remains optimistic about Singapore’s economic prospects, citing strong order books in aerospace and marine engineering, as well as steady growth in the construction sector.

The upgraded forecast reflects confidence in sustained economic momentum, driven by both global and domestic factors. As Singapore navigates these dynamics, the focus will remain on leveraging growth opportunities whilst mitigating potential risks.

AsiaPhos Limited has entered into a strategic partnership with China Mobile International to explore opportunities in artificial intelligence (AI) computing services and data centres across Southeast Asia. The collaboration, formalised through a Letter of Intent signed on 9 February 2026, seeks to leverage the strengths of both companies in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore.

The partnership is designed to identify synergies between AsiaPhos and China Mobile International, one of the world’s largest telecommunications companies, to create joint or allied efforts in the region. Under the agreement, China Mobile will introduce potential customers to AsiaPhos for projects related to data centres and AI computing services. In return, AsiaPhos will prioritise China Mobile for data centre fit-out works and related services if these introductions lead to new business.

AsiaPhos CEO Ong Eng Keong expressed optimism about the partnership, stating, “AsiaPhos is honoured to have the opportunity to work with China Mobile International to explore opportunities in the data centres and artificial intelligence computing services in Southeast Asia.” He noted the exponential growth in Artificial Intelligence Data Centres globally, citing a report by S&P Global that highlighted a record US$61b investment in data centres worldwide in 2025.

The partnership is not expected to affect AsiaPhos’s proposed acquisition of Exquisite Mode Sdn Bhd. However, shareholders and potential investors are advised to exercise caution, as the agreement is non-binding and can be terminated by either party. The collaboration marks a significant step for AsiaPhos as it continues to seek opportunities to enhance shareholder value.

XPENG, a leader in intelligent electric vehicles (EV), has teamed up with Ant International’s Antom to introduce a streamlined payment solution for EV charging. Launched on 9 February in Hong Kong, this collaboration marks XPENG as the first Chinese new-generation EV maker to establish a global payment partnership with Antom. The initiative aims to simplify the charging process for users by integrating payment options directly into the XPENG APP.

The partnership allows XPENG users in Hong Kong to initiate and complete charging payments using AlipayHK, with credit card options to follow. This service is part of a broader strategy to expand into Southeast Asia and other global markets by 2026. Antom’s solution integrates over 300 payment methods across more than 200 markets, supporting payments in over 100 currencies, thus addressing the challenges of fragmented payment channels.

Gary Liu, General Manager of Antom, highlighted the strategic importance of this collaboration, stating, “Payment becomes a strategic capability for automakers’ charging platforms to deliver better user service, improve efficiency and achieve sustainable growth.”

XPENG’s global expansion is evident, with overseas deliveries reaching 45,008 units in 2025, a 96% increase from the previous year. The company’s charging network now spans 31 countries, connecting over 2.66 million charging piles. Lawrence Li, General Manager of XPENG Overseas Charging, noted that the collaboration with Antom extends beyond payments, aiming to foster broader cross-industry partnerships.

In 2026, the partnership will expand to Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and additional global markets. Antom will help XPENG enable DANA (Indonesia), Touch ‘n Go eWallet (Malaysia), TrueMoney (Thailand), and other regional payment methods.

Metro Holdings Limited has announced the divestment of its 26% stake in the Boustead Industrial Fund (BIF), a move expected to generate approximately S$116m in net proceeds. The transaction involves Metro’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Metrobilt Construction, selling its interest in BIF’s 15 properties to UI Boustead REIT. The properties, valued at S$765.7m, include industrial, business park, and logistics sites across Singapore.

The divestment, finalised on 9 February 2026, is part of a unit purchase agreement with UI Boustead REIT. Alongside Metrobilt Construction, BP-Real Estate Investments and AP SG 21 Pte. Ltd. will also sell their stakes in BIF. The sale includes 12 properties directly owned by BIF and three properties held through BIF’s 49% equity interests in other entities.

Upon completion, Metro will receive cash from the sale of its units and the redemption of its 26% of the 7.0% Notes, in addition to its share of the distribution from the sale of the properties. The divestment allows Metro to unlock value and recycle capital into strategic opportunities, according to Yip Hoong Mun, Group CEO and Executive Director of Metro Holdings.

Metro Holdings, listed on the SGX-ST since 1973, has evolved from a textile store into a diversified property and retail group with a global presence. The divestment is not expected to significantly impact Metro’s net tangible assets or earnings per share for FY2026. Completion of the divestment is anticipated by March 2026, coinciding with the listing of UI Boustead REIT on the Singapore Exchange.