Industry News

NSG Bio has unveiled its NSG Bio Tomorrow initiative, aimed at accelerating biotech innovation in Singapore by supporting startups focused on respiratory and neonatal care. The programme, launched with backing from Chiesi Group, offers a selected startup a year-long membership at NSG Bio and access to a dedicated laboratory bench.

The initiative addresses the biotech industry’s need for faster, more connected pathways from lab research to real-world patient impact. It provides startups not only with infrastructure but also with essential networks, industry visibility, and opportunities to engage with partners who understand the journey from discovery to clinical relevance.

Startups developing solutions in areas such as cell and gene therapies, regenerative tissue engineering, and lung-targeted delivery platforms are encouraged to apply. The chosen startup will benefit from NSG Bio’s laboratory infrastructure, shared workspaces, and a community of biotech entrepreneurs and researchers.

Hasyim Sim, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of NSG Bio, emphasised the importance of building an ecosystem that offers more than just lab space. “Through NSG Bio Tomorrow, we are building initiatives that help promising startups connect with partners, unlock opportunities, and move their science forward,” he stated.

Fabrizio Conicella, Vice President at Chiesi Group, highlighted the group’s commitment to supporting impactful innovation. “By supporting this NSG Bio Tomorrow initiative, we want to create an opportunity for early-stage innovators to access the infrastructure and ecosystem support needed to develop impactful science in respiratory and neonatal care,” he said.

Applications for the programme open on 22 July 2026, with finalists invited to a virtual pitch event. This initiative reinforces Singapore’s position as a burgeoning hub for biotech innovation in Asia.

DKSH Consumer Goods has announced the extension of its strategic partnership with Universal Robina Corporation (URC) to enhance the market presence of Jack ’n Jill Potato Chips and Roller Coaster chips across Singapore. This collaboration aims to bring these beloved snack brands to a wider audience through comprehensive market expansion services.

Building on a successful partnership spanning several years, DKSH will continue to provide sales, distribution, merchandising, and field activation services for URC. This includes expanding the reach of Jack ’n Jill Potato Chips and Roller Coaster chips across modern trade, general trade, convenience stores, and e-commerce channels. Additionally, DKSH will support the introduction of C2 ready-to-drink tea beverages in Singapore, further diversifying URC’s product offerings.

Roger Banta, General Manager at URC, expressed confidence in DKSH’s ability to drive growth for their snack portfolio, stating, “This partnership extension reflects the strong results we have achieved together and our confidence in DKSH’s ability to continue driving growth for our Jack ’n Jill snack portfolio.”

Pascal Bardouil, Vice President of Consumer Goods at DKSH, highlighted the shared commitment to delivering quality products, saying, “We look forward to further accelerating their growth and availability across Singapore through our proven market expansion capabilities.”

The partnership underscores both companies’ confidence in the growth potential of the snacks segment and their ambition to meet evolving consumer preferences. With DKSH’s extensive distribution network and local market expertise, the collaboration is set to strengthen the market presence of these iconic snack brands, ensuring consumers can enjoy their favourite snacks wherever they shop.

Great Eastern is set to enhance its efforts in promoting family resilience by offering additional complimentary Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) certifications at its first Retirement and Legacy Planning Fair. The event will be held from 28 July to 2 August 2026 at Suntec City, addressing the significant gap where 6 in 7 Singaporeans have yet to secure an LPA.

The initiative is part of Great Eastern’s ongoing Great Legacy Programme, which has facilitated over 7,000 LPA certifications since 2024 through 100 free clinics. Notably, 40% of participants were under 50, highlighting a growing awareness of the importance of legacy planning across all life stages.

An LPA allows individuals to appoint trusted persons to make decisions on their behalf should they lose mental capacity. This is crucial for managing insurance claims and other significant decisions. Kwek-Perroy Li Choo, Managing Director of Great Eastern, emphasised the importance of planning ahead, stating, “We want to help Singaporeans plan across different life phases, even through unexpected circumstances.”

The fair will also provide resources on retirement planning, active ageing, and caregiving support. Public Guardian Mdm Rayahu Buang from the Ministry of Social and Family Development praised the initiative, noting the importance of legacy planning in a rapidly ageing society.

The Retirement and Legacy Planning Fair will offer interactive activities and expert resources, with limited slots for complimentary LPA certifications available for registration online by 24 July 2026.

Singapore has emerged as a leading global platform for corporate venturing, according to a joint publication by Arthur D. Little and the Singapore Economic Development Board. The report, titled “Singapore As A Global Platform For Corporate Venturing”, highlights Singapore’s ascent from 16th in 2020 to 4th in 2025 in the global startup ecosystem rankings. This rise is attributed to the country’s focus on advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, AI and the digital economy, and healthcare and biomedical sciences.

Daniel Chow, Principal at Arthur D. Little Singapore, emphasised the strategic importance of corporate venturing, stating, “Corporate venturing is no longer an organisational initiative, it is a core strategic capability for companies seeking to stay competitive in the rapidly changing innovation landscape.”

The report underscores Singapore’s role as a gateway to regional and global startups, facilitating efficient partner discovery and collaboration. The country’s semiconductor ecosystem, supported by global fabrication anchors and research institutes, enables rapid innovation and reduces commercialisation risks. Additionally, Singapore’s AI ecosystem benefits from a concentration of technical talent and significant public investment, fostering enterprise-scale AI adoption.

Public investment under the Research, Innovation, and Enterprise 2030 framework is set to increase significantly, further strengthening Singapore’s innovation ecosystem. This strategic focus on commercialisation and startup partnerships positions Singapore as a sustainable hub for corporate venturing.

As Singapore continues to enhance its corporate venturing capabilities, it is poised to drive deeper innovation and maintain its competitive edge in the global market.

UOB has teamed up with Visa to introduce new Visa Infinite Privilege and Visa Infinite Private card tiers across ASEAN, marking a significant multi-market launch. This initiative will see more than 300,000 UOB Visa Infinite cardholders in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam upgraded to higher card tiers, granting them access to a broader range of premium benefits.

The collaboration positions UOB as the first Visa issuer in ASEAN to execute such a large-scale launch, setting a new standard for regional card offerings. This move comes as affluent spending in the region continues to grow, with UOB reporting a more than 10% increase in new affluent cardholders and a 25% surge in card billings in 2025.

Visa’s refreshed Visa Infinite offering, unveiled on 16 July 2026, introduces a three-tier card suite designed to meet the evolving needs of affluent consumers. The new tiers offer greater flexibility, personalisation, and differentiated benefits. Selected UOB cardholders will enjoy exclusive privileges, including access to luxury travel experiences and rare timepieces.

Pratik Bhattacharjee, Head of Group Cards and Payment Products at UOB, stated, “Our partnership with Visa marks a significant milestone, allowing us to deepen our engagement with affluent customers by curating exclusive experiences that money cannot buy.”

T.R. Ramachandran, Head of Products & Solutions for Asia Pacific at Visa, added, “The refreshed Visa Infinite portfolio is designed to meet the changing expectations of affluent consumers, offering more personalised, seamless, and relevant experiences.”

This partnership aligns with UOB’s strategy to integrate banking, wealth, and lifestyle services, reinforcing its ambition to be the Bank of Choice for customers across ASEAN.

Allianz Partners has teamed up with Singapore-based Travelgoogoo to offer seamless eSIM connectivity to its travel insurance customers in the Asia Pacific region. This strategic partnership allows eligible Allianz customers to access the Travelgoogoo365 Annual Plan, which includes membership to the Travelgoogoo eSIM Travel Club.

The collaboration aims to meet the growing demand for uninterrupted connectivity during travel. Vinay Surana, Managing Director of Allianz Partners for Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa, highlighted the importance of this partnership, stating, “Today’s travellers expect a seamless, end-to-end travel experience. Partnering with Travelgoogoo allows us to address the growing expectation for always-on connectivity.”

The Travelgoogoo eSIM Travel Club offers members unlimited messaging and data voice calls across popular platforms such as WhatsApp, LINE, and WeChat in 123 destinations, without the need for a data plan. Additionally, Allianz customers will receive a complimentary 1GB Global Starter Data Pack for a limited period.

Travelgoogoo’s CEO, Richard Bok, emphasised the significance of connectivity in modern travel, saying, “Connectivity has become a fundamental part of how people travel, from staying in touch with loved ones to accessing essential services on the go.”

This partnership reflects a shift in traveller expectations, where connectivity is now seen as essential alongside insurance and mobility. Allianz and Travelgoogoo plan to explore further integration opportunities to enhance service offerings and support the evolving needs of global travellers.

The Hari Singapore has announced the appointment of Andreas Kraemer as the Founding General Manager, tasked with leading the hotel’s opening and establishing it as a distinctive lifestyle destination in the city. Set to open in spring 2027, the hotel will be located near Orchard Road and the historic Emerald Hill precinct, marking the third property under The Hari brand, alongside its counterparts in London and Hong Kong.

Kraemer brings over 30 years of international hospitality experience, having previously served as General Manager of InterContinental Singapore. His career has spanned senior roles across Europe and Asia, including Singapore, China, Thailand, India, and the Maldives. Dr Aron Harilela, founder of The Hari brand, praised Kraemer’s “remarkable track record” and expressed confidence in his ability to bring “modern luxury and impeccable service to Singapore.”

Kraemer emphasised the importance of creating a hotel with character, stating, “Singapore doesn’t need another hotel. It deserves hotels with character.” He aims to develop a property that is deeply connected to its surroundings, offering guests a unique sense of belonging.

The Hari Singapore will focus on art, design, culture, and contemporary dining, reflecting the brand’s understated hospitality approach whilst embracing Singapore’s vibrant energy. This new addition to The Hari brand promises to enhance the city’s hospitality landscape with its innovative and community-focused ethos.

Marina Bay Sands has pledged S$1.5m over three years to support the Mandai Wildlife Centre, Singapore’s latest facility dedicated to the rehabilitation of rescued native wildlife. Operated by Mandai Nature, the Centre offers a purpose-built environment to enhance the care and recovery of local species, whilst also fostering public appreciation for biodiversity through its viewing gallery.

The funding marks one of Marina Bay Sands’ most significant contributions to biodiversity conservation, aligning with its broader sustainability goals. The partnership with Mandai Nature aims to extend educational opportunities beyond the Centre, creating bespoke experiences for international guests and community partners to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity in urban settings.

Meridith Beaujean, Assistant Vice President of Sustainability and ESG at Marina Bay Sands, emphasised the importance of this collaboration, stating, “Supporting this Centre aligns with our belief that long-term destination success and wildlife conservation are closely linked.”

The Mandai Wildlife Centre, located within Rainforest Wild Adventure East, expands Mandai Nature’s capacity to provide tailored treatments for native species such as the Sunda pangolin and the common palm civet. This dedicated space allows for improved rehabilitation outcomes, enhancing the chances of successful reintroduction into the wild.

Beyond this initiative, Marina Bay Sands is actively involved in conservation efforts through partnerships with organisations like the World Wide Fund for Nature Singapore and Hutan in Malaysian Borneo. These collaborations focus on responsible sourcing, habitat protection, and ecosystem preservation, reflecting the resort’s commitment to sustainable hospitality.

Industrious, a leading flexible workplace experience company, has announced the appointment of Melvin Vu as Managing Director for the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, effective immediately. Vu will oversee operations, commercial strategy, and growth, succeeding Su Anne Mi, who co-founded The Great Room, acquired by Industrious in May 2022.

Vu brings over two decades of leadership experience in Southeast Asia, having previously served as CEO of Good Doctor Technology. His career includes senior roles at Grab, SATS-Creuers Cruise Services, Carlson Wagonlit Travel, Singapore Cruise Centre, and the Singapore Tourism Board. This extensive background positions him well to drive Industrious’ unified brand strategy across APAC, meeting the increasing demand for consistent, hospitality-driven workplace solutions.

The appointment is part of Industrious’ strategy to strengthen its presence in the region, following the recent unification of its brand across Asia-Pacific. This move aims to cater to the growing enterprise demand for a global workplace provider capable of delivering a seamless experience across various markets.

Vu’s leadership is expected to enhance Industrious’ ability to provide flexible workspace solutions that align with the evolving needs of businesses in the region. As the company continues to expand its footprint, Vu’s expertise will be instrumental in navigating the dynamic APAC market landscape.

ThreatBook has unveiled its inaugural “2026 Mid-Year Asia-Pacific Threat Landscape Report,” revealing a significant rise in cybersecurity risks across the region. The report, based on an analysis of 15,205 security incidents from June 2025 to June 2026, highlights the evolving threat landscape in over 19 markets.

The report identifies four primary types of cyber threats: data breaches, ransomware, phishing, and state-affiliated Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs). Data breaches accounted for 39.9% of all attacks, with ransomware and phishing each making up 18.3%, and APTs comprising 17.9%. The Asia-Pacific region has become a major target for ransomware, with over half of ransom payments exceeding $1 million.

China, India, Australia, Japan, and South Korea are the most targeted markets, accounting for 61.78% of all attacks. China alone faced 15.4% of the incidents. Government entities are the most targeted, followed by the technology and financial services sectors. Russia and North Korea are identified as the top perpetrators of these attacks.

Hong Kong experiences a higher prevalence of APT attacks, focusing on espionage and intellectual property theft. In contrast, Singapore’s threat landscape is shaped by its role as a regional business hub, with attacks targeting multinational headquarters and financial flows.

ThreatBook’s Co-founder and CEO, Feng Xue, noted the increasing use of artificial intelligence in phishing attacks, which now account for 80% of phishing activity. He emphasised the need for intelligence-led threat hunting to keep pace with the rapidly evolving threat environment.

The report underscores the importance of staying informed about current threats, as attackers often reuse successful techniques across different markets.