Industry News

Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, has partnered with OutSystems to overhaul its flight disruption management system using an AI-powered low-code platform. This transformation has more than doubled the development speed of Scoot’s internal communications application, significantly enhancing operational response times during flight disruptions. The new system, known as the Virtual Operations Command Centre (vOCC), was developed in just two and a half months, compared to the eight months typically required.

The vOCC application integrates multiple internal communication systems, facilitating real-time access to critical information and eliminating communication bottlenecks. This integration allows for effective cross-department coordination and better decision-making during flight disruptions. Key features include direct connection with Scoot’s Operations Command Centre and integration with downstream commercial applications, ensuring timely updates to passengers via email and text messages.

The adoption of OutSystems has led to a 90% increase in data visibility across stakeholders and a reduction of over 60% in manual processing time. Scoot can now track disruption metrics, such as flight retiming and the number of connecting passengers, enabling data-driven decisions to improve operational efficiency. Jaya Balaji MV, Vice President of Information Technology at Scoot, stated, “As a digital-first airline, we believe modern technology is essential to enhancing customer satisfaction whilst maintaining cost efficiency.”

Looking ahead, Scoot plans to further enhance its vOCC application by integrating AI capabilities for automated, personalised communication with passengers. This move underscores Scoot’s commitment to delivering reliable, quality services and elevating customer travel experiences. Leonard Tan, Regional Director at OutSystems, expressed pride in powering Scoot’s vision for smarter, more connected travel, setting new standards for service excellence in aviation.
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Global Mortgage Group is stepping up to meet the growing demand for bridging loans and private credit in Singapore, as the country’s bank lending experiences a slowdown. This shift in the financial landscape has prompted the company to enhance its offerings, providing alternative financing solutions to individuals and businesses affected by the tightening of traditional bank lending.

The slowdown in bank lending has created a gap in the market, with many borrowers seeking quick and flexible financing options. Global Mortgage Group is capitalising on this opportunity by offering bridging loans, which provide short-term funding solutions for those in need of immediate liquidity. These loans are particularly beneficial for property buyers who require funds to bridge the gap between the purchase of a new property and the sale of an existing one.

In addition to bridging loans, the company is also focusing on expanding its private credit offerings. This move aims to cater to the needs of businesses and individuals who may not meet the stringent criteria set by traditional banks. By providing more accessible financing options, Global Mortgage Group is positioning itself as a key player in Singapore’s evolving financial market.

The company’s proactive approach is expected to have significant implications for the local lending landscape. As more borrowers turn to alternative financing solutions, traditional banks may need to reassess their lending strategies to remain competitive. Global Mortgage Group’s efforts highlight the growing importance of flexible and innovative financial products in addressing the needs of a diverse clientele.
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CIMB Singapore has introduced CIMB FlexiPay, a pioneering loan product designed to provide small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with flexible financing options. This innovative “pay-as-you-earn” loan, launched on 19 August, links repayments directly to a business’s daily revenue, allowing repayments only when revenue is earned. This approach aims to alleviate cash flow pressures for SMEs, a segment often underserved by traditional banking.

CIMB FlexiPay is the first of its kind in Singapore, offering a fully digital solution that eliminates the need for physical forms or document submissions. The loan’s key features include revenue-linked repayments, where a predetermined percentage of daily earnings is automatically deducted. For instance, if a business selects a 5% holdback rate and earns $1,000 in a day, $50 is repaid that day. On days without revenue, no repayment is required.

The loan also provides management with full certainty and transparency, requiring only a single upfront fee with no interest, prepayment, or late fees. Benjamin Tan, Head of Commercial & Transaction Banking at CIMB Singapore, stated, “With CIMB FlexiPay’s pay-as-you-earn structure, SMEs gain flexibility, transparency and control in managing their financing.”

This launch reflects CIMB’s commitment to rethinking traditional banking and supporting businesses with solutions that adapt to their cash flow realities. By removing traditional barriers and offering a seamless digital experience, CIMB aims to help SMEs grow with confidence. For more details or to apply, businesses can visit the CIMB FlexiPay website.
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Trident Digital Tech Holdings Ltd, a Singapore-based leader in digital transformation, has announced a strategic investment in Tongxin Innovation Limited, acquiring a 30% equity stake. The transaction, valued at approximately US$3m, will be completed through the issuance of Trident’s American Depositary Shares (ADSs) to Tongxin’s shareholders. This move underscores Trident’s commitment to advancing blockchain-enabled e-commerce solutions.

Tongxin operates the ToMe Web 3.0 e-commerce platform on Telegram, a messaging service with over one billion users. The platform aims to address traditional e-commerce challenges with its “4F” value proposition: Fair, Fast, Friendly, and Free. This includes a focus on digital property rights, stablecoin settlements, and a community-based ecosystem. Tongxin has also formed strategic partnerships with blockchain projects and real-world asset companies in Southeast Asia.

The integration of Trident’s blockchain-based identity platform, Tridentity, with ToMe’s infrastructure is expected to enhance security and user experience. This partnership will leverage Trident’s presence in high-growth markets like Singapore and Africa to expand ToMe’s reach. Soon Huat Lim, Trident’s CEO, stated, “The synergies between ToMe’s Web 3.0 commerce capabilities and our Tridentity platform create tremendous opportunities for innovation and growth.”

This investment aligns with Trident’s mission to become a global leader in Web 3.0 enablement, potentially accelerating blockchain adoption in mainstream commerce and creating new revenue opportunities.
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Pelita Air, an Indonesian airline and subsidiary of Pertamina, has officially launched its first international route to Singapore, marking a significant milestone in its expansion strategy. The inaugural flight landed at Changi Airport on 18 August 2025, establishing Singapore as Pelita Air’s first international destination. This move aims to strengthen air connectivity in Southeast Asia and support Indonesia’s national economic growth.

Pelita Air’s President Director, Dendy Kurniawan, highlighted Singapore’s strategic importance as a hub for tourists, business travellers, and investors heading to Indonesia. “Singapore was selected as our first international destination because it serves as a key hub in Southeast Asia and plays a central role as a central gateway for the tourists, business travellers, and investment to Indonesia,” he stated.

The airline’s domestic network already connects 17 cities across Indonesia, including popular destinations such as Bali, Yogyakarta, and Surabaya. This extensive network allows passengers from Singapore to easily explore Indonesia’s diverse cultural and natural attractions. The new route is expected to boost foreign tourist arrivals and promote Indonesian tourism through affordable and reliable flight services.

Lim Ching Kiat, Executive Vice President of Air Hub & Cargo Development at Changi Airport Group, expressed enthusiasm about the new route. “We are pleased to welcome Pelita Air to Changi Airport. It is an honour to be the airline’s first international point and the launch of its daily Singapore-Jakarta service is a testament to the strong travel demand between Indonesia and Singapore,” he said.

Pelita Air enhances passenger experience with services like PASflix, an in-flight entertainment app, and “Dine in the Air,” a pre-book meal service. The airline prioritises on-time performance, supported by Pertamina’s strategic backing, ensuring a reliable travel experience. Daily flights between Jakarta and Singapore are now operational, with tickets available on Pelita Air’s website and mobile app.
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Influential Brands is set to mark its 14th anniversary with a prestigious awards ceremony in Singapore in March 2026. The event will recognise outstanding achievements in brand leadership, workplace excellence, and sustainability across Asia. The awards will highlight the contributions of over 500 influential companies, with a special focus on the Top CEO award, celebrating leaders who drive business success.

The awards selection process is based on comprehensive quantitative and qualitative market research, assessing consumer preferences, employee expectations, and sustainability practices. Jorge Rodriguez, Managing Director of Influential Brands, stated, “We are honoured to be the award platform of choice adopted by some of the most progressive companies in Asia.”

Prominent companies such as AirAsia, DBS, and Samsung are among the notable brands recognised for their excellence. The awards will also spotlight top employers, brands, and sustainability companies, with criteria including leadership, employee engagement, and consumer preference.

The event will feature the 2026 Regional CEO Summit, welcoming business leaders from across Asia. The summit aims to foster collaboration and share insights on sustainable leadership. The awards ceremony will also honour exemplary CEOs from Thailand, with recognition for their innovation and financial performance.

As Influential Brands continues to celebrate business excellence, the upcoming awards and summit promise to be a significant event for recognising and inspiring leadership across Asia.
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Singapore’s economic landscape is set for a positive shift following the National Day Rally 2025, with analysts forecasting a favourable outlook for local equities. The rally’s focus on innovation, healthcare, ageing, and urban renewal is expected to provide significant momentum for sectors such as healthcare, industrial real estate investment trusts (REITs), and construction.

The rally’s policies are anticipated to enhance the performance of Singapore REITs, high-yield equities, and small to mid-cap stocks. Investors are advised to concentrate on quality, domestic-oriented, income-generating plays within consumer staples, healthcare, land transport, and industrial REITs. This strategic focus is expected to leverage the tailwinds from the rally’s policies, providing a robust foundation for growth in these sectors.

In addition to the rally’s impact, the report also noted the potential for improved momentum in Singapore’s small and mid-cap companies. The emphasis on domestic policy headroom and the anticipated easing of US interest rates are seen as pivotal factors that could further bolster the local market. As Singapore navigates these economic shifts, the focus remains on maintaining a stable and growth-oriented investment environment.

Looking ahead, the implications of these developments suggest a promising trajectory for Singapore’s economic sectors, particularly those aligned with the rally’s strategic priorities. The continued emphasis on innovation and urban renewal is poised to drive sustained growth and investment opportunities in the region.
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TalkMe AI, the flagship product of Singapore-based Inspired AI, made a significant impact at Google I/O by presenting a fully AI-generated brand film. Built on Google’s Gemini Veo 3 and Flow models, the film tells the story of a penguin learning English, embodying the mantra “Don’t worry, Give it a try.” This innovative approach highlights TalkMe’s mission to make language learning as natural and expressive as real life.

The app’s storytelling-first strategy has resonated with users, boasting over 1 million learners and a curriculum of 10,000 lessons. Users engage with the app 34 times per week on average, speaking over 2,000 words weekly, with more than 60% remaining active after three months. TalkMe maintains a 4.8 global store rating and reached the top spot on ProductHunt in March 2025.

TalkMe’s collaboration with Google, initiated through the Google for Startups Accelerator in 2024, underscores its commitment to innovation. The app’s upcoming release will allow users to create complete lessons from a single sentence, marking a step towards an education AI Agent. Guided by the slogan “Real talk, Real confidence,” TalkMe is demonstrating that language learning powered by generative AI can be simple, human, and inspiring.

Founded in 2023, Inspired AI continues to redefine language learning and communication through its AI-native applications, transforming education worldwide.
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Corporate and Specialty insurer HDI Global SE has reported robust financial results for the first half of 2025, driven by new business growth. The company, part of the Talanx Group, saw its insurance revenue increase to €5.1 billion, up from €4.8bn in the same period last year. Operating profit rose by 24% to €377b, whilst the return on equity improved by 1.7 percentage points to 17.4%.

The Singapore branch of HDI Global played a significant role in these achievements, focusing on growth and resilience with innovative solutions tailored to individual client needs. Alex Tarantino, Managing Director and Principal Officer of HDI Global Singapore, highlighted the branch’s strengthening of its Renewable Energy and Construction portfolios, aligning with the region’s infrastructure and energy transition. “Our Property book remains strong, amidst external pressures like the Thai earthquake,” Tarantino noted.

Globally, HDI Global’s insurance revenue, adjusted for currency effects, rose by 8%, with large loss payments well below budget. The combined ratio stood at 91.6%, within the expected range for the full year. The company’s contribution to Talanx Group’s net income increased by 23% to €274m.

Looking ahead, Tarantino expressed optimism for the remainder of 2025, emphasising HDI Global’s focus on profitable growth and strategic technology investments in South-East Asia. Despite geopolitical tensions, the company aims to forge strong partnerships and unlock new opportunities, ensuring continued superior service delivery.
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UOB Kay Hian Research has maintained its “hold” rating on Singapore Technologies Engineering (ST Engineering), following the company’s announcement of a 19.7% year-on-year increase in net profit for the first half of 2025. The net profit reached $403m, aligning with UOB Kay Hian’s expectations and representing 49.5% of the full-year forecast. The company’s revenue for the period was $5.92b, slightly behind projections but expected to catch up in the second half of the year.

ST Engineering, a global technology, defence, and engineering group, reported that its defence and public security (DPS) segment outperformed expectations with an 11.7% increase in revenue, supported by growth across all subsegments. The commercial aerospace (CA) segment also showed resilience, with a 5.2% revenue increase, despite challenges from the US-China tariff war. However, the urban solutions and satcom (USS) segment underperformed, with revenue growth of only 0.3%.

The company’s orderbook reached a record high of $31.2b by the end of the second quarter, with significant contract wins across its business segments. Management remains optimistic about the company’s growth prospects, maintaining its five-year targets, including an 8.6% revenue compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2025 to 2029.

ST Engineering plans to use proceeds from the disposal of Leeboy and SPTel shares to reduce debt further, with net gearing expected to decrease. The company has also maintained its quarterly dividend of 4 Singapore cents, translating to a 2.1% dividend yield for 2025. UOB Kay Hian has raised its target price for ST Engineering to $8.56, citing the company’s strong orderbook and growth potential.
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