Industry News

The inaugural Singapore Data Festival, held on 20 July 2026, introduced significant advancements in AI governance and data protection. Minister for Digital Development and Information, Josephine Teo, announced the launch of the Digital Twin for Enterprises Playbook and new guidelines on the use of personal data in generative AI, alongside transparency guidelines for AI chatbots.

The event, hosted at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, gathered nearly 2,000 attendees, including data protection professionals, technologists, and business leaders. Commissioner of the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC), Denise Wong, highlighted the importance of adapting to the evolving threat landscape, emphasising the need for robust data protection measures against sophisticated cyber threats like ransomware and supply chain attacks.

Wong introduced an updated Guide to Data Protection Practices for ICT Systems, which compiles best practices and guidance on AI system data protection. She also underscored the significance of safeguarding children’s data, aligning with Singapore’s broader efforts to enhance online safety for minors.

The festival also addressed technological advancements, with discussions on the implications of biometric technology and AI wearables. Wong noted the legal and social questions these technologies raise, particularly concerning personal data capture in non-public spaces.

The Singapore Data Festival, featuring 47 events throughout the week, serves as a platform for sharing best practices and fostering connections within the data ecosystem. With over 190,000 companies registered with the PDPC, the festival underscores Singapore’s commitment to building a trusted data ecosystem. As the festival continues, participants are encouraged to engage in discussions that will prepare their organisations for future challenges.

Rajah & Tann Singapore has announced the appointment of Scott Tan as a partner in its International Arbitration practice. Tan transitions from the Singapore Attorney-General’s Chambers, where he served as Director of the International Disputes Practice Group within the International Affairs Division. His role involved leading Singapore’s international dispute resolution efforts, including proceedings at the International Court of Justice and the World Trade Organisation.

Tan brings extensive experience in public international law, having represented Singapore in significant trade and diplomatic negotiations, such as the China–Singapore Free Trade Agreement and the EFTA–Singapore Digital Economy Agreement. His expertise spans international trade, investment law, and the law of the sea, among other areas.

Managing Partner Ng Kim Beng expressed enthusiasm about Tan’s arrival, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Scott to Rajah & Tann Singapore. His extensive experience in public international law and international dispute resolution adds significant depth to our capabilities, particularly in complex cross-border matters where legal, commercial, and policy considerations intersect.”

Tan’s appointment is expected to bolster the firm’s ability to advise on high-value disputes involving international arbitration and public international law. Rajah & Tann Asia, the firm’s network, comprises leading law firms across Asia, offering comprehensive legal services regionally and internationally.

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Traveloka have renewed their partnership to promote Singapore as a top destination for travellers from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Australia. The agreement, signed on 17 July 2026, marks the fourth collaboration since 2019, with a new focus on including Australia as a key market.

The partnership will focus on four main areas: co-branded campaigns on Traveloka’s platform, destination storytelling, travel linked to Singapore’s events calendar, and the exchange of privacy-safe travel insights. These efforts aim to enhance Singapore’s appeal as a vibrant hub for live entertainment and tourism.

Melissa Ow, Chief Executive of STB, highlighted the significance of the partnership, stating, “This renewal reflects the importance of Southeast Asia and Australia, as well as the strength of our longstanding partnership with Traveloka.” The collaboration aligns with STB’s broader ‘We Don’t Wait For Fun’ campaign, targeting young professionals and families with children to encourage visits to Singapore.

The renewed agreement builds on previous collaborations from April 2019, May 2022, and January 2024, and aims to leverage Traveloka’s regional reach and consumer insights to boost Singapore’s tourism sector. By focusing on key traveller segments and utilising data-driven marketing strategies, the partnership seeks to drive tourism growth and position Singapore as a preferred destination in the region.

TenPay Global, Tencent’s cross-border payment platform, has reinforced its partnerships within Singapore’s remittance ecosystem amidst a growing demand for digital transfers. On 12 July, the company hosted a meeting with key partners, including DBS Bank, Panda Remit, and Western Union, to discuss improvements in the cross-border remittance user experience and explore further collaboration opportunities.

The event, which took place alongside a private screening of the film “Dear You,” aimed to highlight the evolution of remittance services from traditional methods to modern digital transfers via platforms like Weixin. This gathering underscores the increasing importance of seamless and efficient digital payment solutions in today’s globalised economy.

Wenhui Yang, CEO of TenPay Global in Singapore, emphasised the significance of these partnerships in enhancing the user experience for cross-border transactions. The collaboration seeks to address the challenges faced by users and streamline the remittance process, making it more accessible and efficient.

The involvement of major financial players such as DBS Bank and Western Union signifies a concerted effort to leverage technology in transforming the remittance landscape. Diane Chang, Executive Director of the Consumer Banking Group at DBS Bank, and Brian Reaves, Country Director for Western Union in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, were among the notable attendees.

As digital remittance continues to gain traction, TenPay Global’s initiative reflects a broader trend towards digitalisation in financial services, promising improved connectivity and convenience for users worldwide. The partnerships formed during this event are expected to drive further innovations in the sector, benefiting consumers and businesses alike.

Academia Pte Ltd has unveiled a dedicated International Baccalaureate (IB) Department in Singapore, aimed at bolstering English performance for IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) students. This strategic expansion addresses the increasing demand for specialised English training aligned with IB assessment standards.

The newly launched department will initially focus on IB English Language and Literature and IB English Literature for Year 1 and Year 2 Diploma students. The programme offers structured preparation for key IB assessments, including Paper 1 unseen textual analysis, Paper 2 comparative literary analysis, and the Individual Oral. Optional support for the Extended Essay is also available.

Classes, held at Tanglin Community Club, Whitley Road, and Upper Thomson, are open for enrolment with a rolling intake. Each term spans 12 weeks, featuring two-hour weekly sessions in small groups of six to ten students. This format ensures personalised feedback and engagement, crucial for achieving high-performance outcomes.

Singapore, home to 41 IB World Schools, saw over 4,500 students sit for the IBDP exams in 2025. The country’s students consistently outperform global averages, with a notable average score of 38.4 points in the November 2024 exams, compared to the global average of 29.2 points.

Leading the department is Azrael Tseng, an educator with over 20 years of experience, including seven years with Singapore’s Ministry of Education. The curriculum, developed by experts in English Language and Literature, emphasises analytical depth and intellectual engagement with diverse texts.

Academia’s initiative reflects a growing need for IB-specific English training, providing students with the skills to excel in their assessments and achieve top-band results.

RHB Bank has revised its full-year forecast for Singapore’s non-oil domestic exports (NODX) to 11.5%, up from the previous estimate of 7.5%. This adjustment comes as a result of a robust year-to-date performance, with NODX averaging an impressive 18.6% in the first half of the year. The announcement was made by Barnabas Gan, Group Chief Economist and Head of Market Research at RHB Bank.

The sustained strength in electronics exports is anticipated to be a major contributor to Singapore’s NODX performance throughout 2026. Recent trade data highlights the resilience of regional demand, which continues to be a crucial factor supporting Singapore’s external sector. In June, Singapore’s NODX grew by 20.7% year-on-year, although it experienced a month-on-month seasonally adjusted decline of 8.9%. This growth rate was a moderation from the 38.4% year-on-year increase observed in May and fell short of Bloomberg’s estimate of 28.7% year-on-year.

Gan’s report underscores the importance of electronics in driving export growth and the role of regional demand in bolstering Singapore’s trade sector. As the year progresses, these factors are expected to maintain their influence, potentially leading to further adjustments in economic forecasts.

Looking ahead, the revised forecast suggests a positive outlook for Singapore’s trade performance, with electronics exports and regional demand continuing to play pivotal roles in shaping the country’s economic landscape.

Travellers seeking a blend of urban excitement and serene island life can now enjoy a seamless journey between Singapore and Cambodia, thanks to a new partnership between METT Singapore and Song Saa Private Island. This six-night package, available from 6 July 2026 to 31 January 2027, offers two nights in Singapore followed by four nights on Cambodia’s Song Saa Private Island.

METT Singapore, located near Orchard Road and Fort Canning Park, provides a luxurious city stay with access to The Longevity Suite’s wellness facilities. Guests can indulge in cryotherapy and personalised wellness rituals to combat jet lag before heading to Cambodia. “Singapore is already a natural transit point for many of our guests travelling to Cambodia,” said Melita Koulmandas, founder of Song Saa Private Island.

The journey continues with a scenic speedboat ride to Song Saa, situated in the Koh Rong Archipelago. The resort, known for its commitment to marine conservation, offers 24 private villas and activities such as yoga and sound bath rituals. “The combination works because of the contrast. Singapore offers movement, dining and culture, whilst Song Saa offers privacy, nature and stillness,” Koulmandas added.

Priced from $5,100 (US$5,100) for two guests, the package includes all transfers and taxes. This itinerary allows travellers to experience the vibrant culture of Singapore before unwinding in the tranquil setting of Song Saa, creating a balanced exploration of Southeast Asia.

Lentor Garden Residences experienced a robust sales performance on its launch day, with young couples and singles, often supported by their parents, dominating the buyer demographic. The development’s efficient unit layouts were particularly appealing, resulting in a complete sell-out of the 3-bedroom Compact and 3-bedroom Compact + Study units, with all 15 units of each type snapped up within hours.

The development’s appeal extended beyond these compact units. The 2-Bedroom Premium (HS) units achieved a 93% sales rate, with 28 out of 30 units sold, whilst the 3-Bedroom Premium units saw a 79% take-up, with 61 out of 77 units sold. The commercial segment also mirrored this success, with all three retail shop units sold at an average price of $2,550 per square foot.

Justin Quek, Deputy Group CEO of Realion (OrangeTee & ETC) Group, noted the strong demand for functional spaces at a reasonable price point, with unit prices averaging between $2.05 million and $2.21 million. He highlighted the development’s strategic location near Lentor MRT station and Lentor Modern mall, as well as its proximity to reputable schools like Anderson Primary School and CHIJ St Nicholas Girls’ School, as key factors enhancing its attractiveness.

With limited housing supply in the Lentor precinct and only one more project expected to launch next year, sales momentum for Lentor Garden Residences is anticipated to continue. The development’s competitive pricing, thoughtful design, and premium location are expected to keep it in high demand among owner-occupiers and families.

Savills Singapore has revised its 2026 investment sales forecast upwards to S$55–S$60b, a significant increase from the initial S$35–S$40b projection. This adjustment follows a robust performance in the first half of the year, with investment sales reaching S$15.02b in the second quarter alone, nearly tripling the S$5.95b recorded in the same period last year.

The revision underscores strong investor confidence in Singapore’s real estate market, despite ongoing global economic uncertainties. Factors such as lower borrowing costs, capital awaiting deployment, and active capital recycling by Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) have bolstered investment activity. The commercial sector, accounting for 53% of total transaction value in Q2 2026, remains a key driver.

Significant transactions include the S$3.9b acquisition of Paragon and the S$2.48b sale of Asia Square Tower 2. Residential investment sales also saw a notable increase of 18.3% quarter-on-quarter, driven by joint ventures in Government Land Sales (GLS) sites. The S$880m collective sale of Loyang Valley marked the largest private residential sale in nearly four years.

Conversely, industrial investment sales experienced a sharp decline of 85.7% quarter-on-quarter, attributed to a lack of major transactions. Alan Cheong, Executive Director of Research & Consultancy at Savills Singapore, remarked, “Low borrowing costs, deals in the pipeline, and capital awaiting deployment are setting the conditions for investment sales value to balloon this year.” The momentum from the second half of 2025 is expected to continue throughout 2026.

Frasers Hospitality, a division of Frasers Property, has announced the soft opening of Fraser Residence Wuzhen, marking its first venture into the historic Jiangnan region of China. Situated in the heart of the 1,300-year-old water town, the property offers a blend of modern comfort and traditional charm, just 2.4 kilometres from Wuzhen’s scenic zones.

The new residence features 117 serviced flats, available in one- and two-bedroom configurations, designed for both short and extended stays. Each flat is equipped with a kitchenette, washer dryer, and open living areas. The property also boasts a 24-hour gym, a Residents’ Lounge, meeting spaces, and a Kids’ Playzone. Guests can savour contemporary Jiangnan cuisine at the on-site restaurant, which uses seasonal local ingredients.

Fraser Residence Wuzhen is part of Frasers Hospitality’s broader strategy to expand its presence in Asia, with plans to open 18 new serviced and hotel residences across the region by 2028. Chief Operating Officer Chew Hang Song stated, “Fraser Residence Wuzhen broadens the role our brands can play across China’s evolving hospitality landscape.”

To celebrate the opening, guests booking a stay of two consecutive nights or more before 15 September 2026 can enjoy a 30% discount on the Best Flexible Rate. This new development underscores Frasers Hospitality’s commitment to offering unique experiences in culturally rich destinations.