Industry News

Trip.com is set to make its inaugural appearance at the NATAS Travel Fair 2025, taking place from 15-17 August at Singapore Expo Halls 5 and 6. At Booth 5H45, the global travel service provider will showcase 33 exclusive package tours, including group, private, and custom trips, alongside enticing promotions on flights, hotels, and attractions.

Visitors can expect special airfare deals with return flights from Singapore to destinations such as Shanghai for (S$299), Bangkok for (S$169), and Taipei for (S$249), available on China Eastern Airlines, Thai Airways, and China Airlines. Hotel flash sales will feature rates starting from (S$41) per night in Bangkok and (S$40) per night in Batam, extending to premium hotels in Taipei and popular destinations like Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

Additionally, Trip.com is offering buy-one-get-one-free attraction deals, including Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast and Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park. Cruise enthusiasts can enjoy (S$300) off Royal Caribbean bookings.

Beyond travel deals, Trip.com is enhancing the visitor experience with rewards such as the Instant Lucky Grab, where attendees can win merchandise by downloading the Trip.com app. Purchases over (S$10) qualify for the Lucky Box draw, offering prizes like a 4-day Penang cruise and hotel stays. Exclusive banking partnerships with DBS/POSB, Citibank, and Standard Chartered provide up to (S$100) off flights and hotels, whilst offline-exclusive codes offer up to (S$300) off business class flights.

Edmund Ong, General Manager of Trip.com Singapore, expressed enthusiasm about the debut, stating, “We hope to engage with travellers from all walks of life and combine our digital expertise with physical presence to create new value and experiences for Singapore travellers.”

Trip.com’s participation promises to deliver a seamless and inspiring travel experience, aligning with its commitment to modern travel solutions.
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Interactive Brokers has launched its IBKR Lite pricing plan in Singapore, offering investors a commission-free way to trade US stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) around the clock. This new plan provides true cost transparency, eliminating platform, settlement fees, and minimums, thus facilitating low-cost access to the US markets for Singaporean investors.

The IBKR Lite plan complements the existing IBKR Pro plan, allowing clients to switch between the two based on their trading needs. Both plans offer access to Interactive Brokers’ award-winning platforms and global market access. Yujun Lin, CEO of Interactive Brokers Singapore, stated, “With IBKR Lite, clients benefit from cost-effective access to the US markets, with zero commissions and no platform or settlement fees.”

Key features of IBKR Lite include:

– Zero commissions on US stocks and ETFs, available 24/5
– No platform or settlement fees, ticket charges, or account minimums
– Transparent, low commissions on options, futures, and mutual funds
– Participation in the Stock Yield Enhancement Programme
– Competitive interest on uninvested cash balances and low margin loan interest rates

Singapore-based investors will also enjoy access to over 160 global markets, trading in up to 28 currencies, and the use of modern platforms like IBKR Desktop and IBKR GlobalTrader. Additional features include overnight trading on over 10,000 US stocks and ETFs, fractional shares, recurring investments, and AI-powered news summaries.

This initiative underscores Interactive Brokers’ commitment to providing the best value and trading experience globally, positioning Singaporean investors to leverage a powerful and transparent platform.
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TIH Limited, a private equity fund company listed on the SGX Mainboard, has announced a total comprehensive deficit of S$1.8 million for the first half of 2025. This financial result is primarily due to a fair value loss on equity investments and rising operating expenses, partially offset by gains in debt investments and fee income.

The company’s recurring fee income from its fund management business decreased to S$2.09 million from S$2.66 million in the same period last year. The net asset value stood at S$132.28 million as of 30 June 2025. The fair value loss on equity investments amounted to S$1.44 million, whilst operating expenses increased to S$3.63 million. However, these losses were somewhat mitigated by a fair value gain on debt investment of S$1.98 million and other operating income of S$2.09 million.

Allen Wang, Executive Director of TIH and CEO of TIH Investment Management Pte. Ltd., commented on the results, stating, “Our focus on disciplined capital deployment and active portfolio management has enabled us to maintain resilience amid a more cautious investment environment.” He emphasised the company’s commitment to expanding third-party fund strategies and exploring strategic investment opportunities in Southeast Asia.

Chairman Kin Chan added that TIH aims to leverage its strong investment track record and regional partnerships to source differentiated opportunities in Southeast Asia and Greater China. He expressed confidence in the company’s ability to navigate market challenges and create sustainable value over the long term.

TIH’s financial performance highlights the challenges faced in the current investment climate, but the company remains optimistic about future opportunities in the region.
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Megachem Limited has announced a 1.7% decrease in revenue for the first half of 2025, totalling S$64.1 million. The decline is attributed to reduced demand for chemicals amid ongoing macroeconomic and geopolitical challenges. Despite the revenue drop, the company’s net profit after tax remained stable at S$1.7 million, excluding the impact of a fire incident in July 2023.

The company, a global provider of speciality chemical solutions, maintains a healthy financial position with a net gearing ratio of 0.25 times. An interim dividend of 0.5 pence per share has been declared for H1 2025. Managing Director Sidney Chew highlighted the resilience of the business amidst global challenges, stating, “Prudent and optimal inventory management will continue to be a key focus area for us.”

Megachem’s new warehouse construction is progressing well, with structural work largely completed. The warehouse is expected to be finished by the end of 2025, which is anticipated to enhance the company’s competitiveness in the long term. The company faces minimal direct impact from US tariffs due to insignificant sales to the US market, but indirect effects are felt through customers’ inventory management difficulties.

Looking ahead, Megachem is bracing for continued uncertainties in the global economy, including US trade policies, geopolitical conflicts, and sluggish economic recovery in China. These factors pose heightened downside risks to the global economy, impacting business conditions in the chemical industry.
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Tech Week Singapore 2025 is set to return on 8-9 October at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre, promising to be a transformative event for the region’s tech landscape. The event will feature Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information, Tan Kiat How, as the Guest of Honour. Organised by CloserStill Media, the event will bring together government officials and senior executives from major companies like Google, Microsoft, and Oracle to explore the boundless potential of Asia’s digital economy.

Building on its award-winning 2024 edition, Tech Week Singapore 2025 will highlight innovations in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation. The event aims to foster collaboration across industries, with over 600 regional and international speakers, including representatives from AI Singapore, The World Bank Group, and the governments of Japan and Canada. Notably, DMEXCO Asia will make its debut, marking the first time Europe’s leading digital marketing event is held in Asia.

The event will feature six co-located shows, including Cloud & AI Infrastructure, DevOps Live, Cyber Security World, Data Centre World, Big Data & AI World, and eCommerce Expo Asia. Each show will offer specialised keynotes and workshops, providing attendees with insights into emerging trends and technologies. Key speakers include Michael Conley from the Cleveland Cavaliers, Sam Cannicott from the UK Government, and Laurence Liew from AI Singapore.

Andy Kiwanuka, Managing Director for Asia Pacific at CloserStill Media, emphasised the event’s role in catalysing collaboration across industries. “With an expanded line-up of industry stakeholders, we have expanded the conversation to include AI and technology’s role in sectors such as digital marketing and eCommerce,” he said. Registration is now open, offering complimentary access to all shows for technology professionals.
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Medulla Communications Pvt. Ltd., a leading healthcare advertising agency, has announced its expansion into Singapore, establishing a strategic hub to serve the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. Known for its expertise in healthcare marketing, Medulla aims to introduce a new super-specialist category as the first digital healthcare advertising agency in Asia.

Medulla has been recognised globally, winning prestigious awards such as the Healthcare Agency of the Year at Cannes Lions and securing top positions at the APAC Effies. This expansion reinforces Medulla’s commitment to delivering comprehensive healthcare marketing services, including brand strategy, performance marketing, and highly targeted digital campaigns.

The Singapore hub will offer specialised digital healthcare advertising services to consumer healthcare, pharmaceutical, hospital, diagnostic, and health-tech brands across the region. Praful Akali, Founder and Managing Director of Medulla Communications, expressed enthusiasm about the expansion, stating, “We are excited to offer this expertise more directly and seamlessly through an office in Singapore.”

Leading the APAC operations is Taffy Ledesma, a seasoned executive with experience in healthcare, FMCG, and agency leadership. Ledesma emphasised his commitment to driving commercial effectiveness for clients, stating, “My focus is on driving commercial effectiveness—and that’s what true partnerships achieve.”

Medulla has collaborated with global companies such as Pfizer, Novartis, and Bayer. With this expansion, the agency is poised to further its mission of delivering transformative healthcare marketing solutions across new frontiers. Founded in 2008, Medulla has consistently been recognised as one of the top healthcare agencies globally.
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Perennial Holdings has announced a refreshed brand identity, set to be implemented on 18 August 2025, as part of its strategic shift towards a healthcare-led, real estate-enabled business model. This transformation marks the company’s evolution from a purely real estate-focused entity, established in 2009, into an integrated healthcare and real estate company.

The new brand architecture introduces a unified logo and standardised naming system across its four core business verticals: medical, eldercare, real estate, and hospitality. Each vertical is represented by distinct colours—Sapphire Blue for medical care, Green for eldercare, Terracotta for real estate, and Gold for hospitality—highlighting the company’s commitment to clarity and legacy.

Recent milestones underscore Perennial Holdings’ pivot to healthcare, including securing China’s first wholly foreign-owned private tertiary general hospital licence in Tianjin and launching an integrated medical care, eldercare, and hospitality development linked to high-speed rail in the same city. Additionally, the company operates China’s first Alzheimer’s care village in Xi’an and is set to introduce Singapore’s first private assisted living development and integrated rehabilitation and traditional Chinese medicine centre.

Perennial Holdings aims to leverage its expertise across these sectors to create a synergistic ecosystem of care. The company’s new logo, featuring an artistic ‘P’, reflects its strong foundation in real estate and its vision for sustainable growth in healthcare and real estate developments.
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Delfi Ltd has been downgraded to “fully valued” by DBS Group Research in a note, with a revised target price of SGD0.70, following a significant drop in earnings for the first half of 2025. The company’s earnings fell by 38% year-on-year to $12 million, which accounted for only 41% of the previous full-year forecast, falling short of expectations.

The downgrade comes as Delfi Ltd faces increased distribution costs aimed at maintaining its market share in Indonesia’s challenging consumer market. The company has adjusted its earnings forecast for the fiscal years 2025 and 2026, reducing them by 20% and 29%, respectively. This adjustment reflects the ongoing pressure from higher distribution expenses.

In addition to the earnings decline, Delfi Ltd announced an interim dividend of 1.0 US cent, representing a 51% decrease compared to the previous year, with a payout ratio of 50%. This reduction in dividend highlights the financial strain the company is experiencing.

The downgrade and revised forecasts underscore the challenges Delfi Ltd faces in navigating a weak consumer market in Indonesia. As the company works to defend its market position, the financial outlook remains cautious. The revised target price and earnings projections reflect the need for strategic adjustments in response to the current market conditions.
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POCO, a prominent technology brand, has unveiled the POCO M7 in Singapore, aiming to captivate young tech enthusiasts with its blend of entertainment, performance, and design. The smartphone, launched on 15 August, boasts a substantial 7000mAh battery, promising up to two days of usage, and features a 6.9-inch FHD+ display for an immersive viewing experience.

The POCO M7’s battery utilises advanced silicon-carbon technology, offering up to 28 hours of video playback or 46 hours of calls. It also supports 33W fast charging and 18W reverse charging, making it a versatile choice for users with multiple devices. “POCO M7 blends affordable mobile entertainment with practical upgrades and all-day endurance,” said Kang Lou, Senior Product Marketing Manager at POCO Global.

The smartphone is available in three colours—Silver, Blue, and Black—and comes in two storage variants: 6GB+128GB and 8GB+256GB, priced at $146 (SGD 199) and $168 (SGD 229) respectively. An early bird offer is available from 14 August to 27 August, reducing the prices to $131 (SGD 179) and $153 (SGD 209).

Equipped with a Snapdragon 685 processor and running on Xiaomi HyperOS 2, the POCO M7 promises enhanced performance and efficiency. It also features a 50MP dual rear camera and an 8MP front camera, catering to photography enthusiasts.

The POCO M7 is available for purchase on platforms such as mi.com, Shopee, and Lazada, providing easy access for consumers eager to experience its features.
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Bank of Singapore has launched the Family Office Catalyst, a new initiative designed for ultra-high net worth individuals (UHNWI) seeking professional wealth management in Singapore. This solution provides the benefits of a single-family office (SFO) — such as specialised investment expertise and tax exemptions — without the need to set up and manage a dedicated SFO.

The Family Office Catalyst allows Bank of Singapore to act as the fund manager for the UHNWI’s investment vehicle, which can qualify for tax exemptions under Sections 13O and 13U of the Income Tax Act 1947. The investment vehicle must have at least $20 million in assets under management and will be managed through either discretionary or advisory portfolio management.

Lim Leong Guan, Global Head of Financial Intermediaries, Family Office and Wealth Advisory at Bank of Singapore, highlighted the growing interest among UHNWIs to professionalise wealth management. “Concerns around high operating costs and the challenge of attracting suitable investment talent amid intense competition are prompting them to consider more efficient solutions,” he said.

The Bank’s portfolio management teams, known for their expertise in Asian markets and multi-asset portfolios, have delivered impressive returns. As of June 2025, the Asia equity portfolio achieved a 14.2% year-to-date return, whilst the Singapore equity portfolio posted 12.6% gains. The Bank’s ESG mandate, introduced in 2023, has also delivered over 20% annualised returns.

The Family Office Catalyst aims to provide a cost-efficient and holistic alternative to setting up an SFO, with the flexibility for clients to transition to an SFO structure if desired. This initiative underscores Bank of Singapore’s strategic focus on the UHNWI segment, which saw double-digit growth in assets under management in 2024.
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