Industry News

The latest report from PropNex Research reveals a subdued commercial shophouse market in Q2 2025, with transactions dropping by 10% compared to Q1 2025. The decline is attributed to a mismatch in price expectations between buyers and sellers, compounded by global economic uncertainties following the US’s introduction of sweeping trade tariffs in April.

In Q2 2025, 18 shophouse transactions were recorded, a decrease from 20 in the previous quarter and 21 in the same period last year. Despite the drop in volume, the total value of these transactions rose by 6.6% quarter-on-quarter to $127 million, although this figure remains 35% lower than the $195 million recorded in Q2 2024.

Leasing demand also saw a decline, with 800 rental contracts signed, down 4.9% from Q1 2025. However, shophouse rentals showed signs of recovery, with a 3.1% increase in the monthly median rental to $6.68 per square foot.

The report highlights that prolonged uncertainty and volatility may continue to affect investment appetite, particularly for high-value purchases. However, shophouses, with their limited supply and heritage value, may attract investors seeking stability during turbulent times. The recent revisions to Singapore’s Seller’s Stamp Duty could also shift investor focus from residential to commercial properties, potentially benefiting the shophouse market.

Looking ahead, PropNex suggests that whilst leasing demand may remain stable, the evolving tariff landscape could impact future market dynamics.
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The National Heart Centre Singapore (NHCS) has unveiled a pioneering Graduate Certificate in Cardiac Interventional Radiology Nursing, marking a significant advancement in specialised nursing education. This 4.5-month programme, launched to coincide with Nurses’ Day, is designed to equip nurses with the necessary skills to address the rising demand for sophisticated cardiac care in Singapore, where cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death.

The curriculum, developed in collaboration with SingHealth’s College of Clinical Nursing, combines advanced theoretical knowledge with practical training at NHCS’s Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory. This structured programme aims to transform traditional on-the-job training into a formal certification process, enhancing nurses’ expertise in complex cardiac procedures and emergency management.

Deputy CEO and Senior Consultant at NHCS, Aaron Wong, emphasised the programme’s importance: “Highly skilled nurses are integral to the success of each procedure. This graduate programme presents a major stride forward in professionalising and deepening the capabilities of our Cardiac Cath Lab nurses.”

The programme addresses a critical healthcare need, as cardiovascular disease claims nearly one-third of lives in Singapore. By providing comprehensive, structured training, the initiative aims to improve patient safety, clinical outcomes, and care delivery. Amy Tay, Chief Nurse at NHCS, highlighted the programme’s impact, stating, “Through investing in nurses’ professional development, we ensure patients receive the highest quality care.”

The first cohort includes nurses from NHCS, Singapore General Hospital, and KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, with plans to expand to other public healthcare institutions. This initiative is set to strengthen cardiovascular care across Singapore, ensuring nurses are well-prepared for both routine and emergency cardiac procedures.
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Singapore’s Central Business District (CBD) office rents remained stable in the second quarter of 2025, according to Savills Singapore, with the City Hall submarket emerging as a standout performer. Whilst the overall CBD market held steady, City Hall recorded a 1.1% quarter-on-quarter rental increase, the highest since Q2 2023, and achieved the lowest vacancy rate at 2.2%.

The City Hall submarket’s strong performance reflects a sustained demand for centrally located, high-specification office spaces. Alan Cheong, Executive Director of Research and Consultancy at Savills Singapore, noted, “We’re seeing a game of musical chairs play out among occupiers. Tenants are moving but not necessarily expanding.”

Across the CBD, Grade A office rents rose by 0.3% quarter-on-quarter, marking the fifth consecutive quarter of growth, albeit at a moderated pace compared to the previous quarter’s 0.4% increase. The overall vacancy rate for Grade A offices declined by 0.7 percentage points to 7%, driven by improved take-up in selected buildings.

Micro-market performance varied, with Marina Bay and Tanjong Pagar experiencing increased vacancy rates due to new developments, whilst Orchard Road maintained a tight vacancy rate of 1.6%. The recent US tariffs have introduced caution among businesses, impacting leasing decisions, with many opting to renew existing leases or downsize.

Looking ahead, the redevelopment of Shaw Tower will add over 400,000 square feet of new office space to the CBD, significantly less than recent additions. Despite global trade tensions, Savills forecasts a gradual return of leasing momentum, with CBD Grade A office rents expected to grow by 2% per annum in 2026 and 2027.
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JLL has announced the sale of a rare freehold landed property at 436 Dunearn Road, Singapore, priced at $60m. This 24,189 sq ft site, located in the prestigious District 11, offers significant redevelopment potential under the draft 2025 URA Master Plan, allowing for the construction of multiple detached or semi-detached houses.

The estate, formerly home to the family behind Singapore’s historic Green Bus Company, is being sold with vacant possession. Built in the 1950s, the property has served as a multi-generational home for over 70 years. Nicholas Ng, Senior Director at JLL, noted the site’s potential for redevelopment, stating, “It could potentially be redeveloped into either 4 detached houses or 2 pairs of semi-detached and a detached.”

Situated in a prime location, the property is a short walk from Tan Kah Kee MRT station and offers easy access to major roads and expressways. It is also close to the Singapore Botanic Gardens and Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. The area is well-served by shopping amenities and educational institutions, including elite primary and secondary schools.

Despite not being in a Good Class Bungalow area, the site is highly sought after for its peaceful, low-density environment. Ng added, “It offers a great blend of tranquillity and accessibility. It will be more than a home – a legacy asset, ideal for multi-generational ownership.” This sale presents a unique opportunity for buyers and developers familiar with the locale.
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A recent study by CMC Markets has unveiled that Singapore’s top traders are not only adept at managing risks but also engage in diverse trading strategies and lifestyle choices that contribute to their success. The survey, which included over 500 active investors in Singapore, highlights that 83% of high-performing traders view risk-taking as a crucial element of trading success.

The research reveals that these traders are significantly more likely to trade daily and hold a variety of assets, including Forex, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and commodities. They are also more inclined to trade at market open and pre-opening times, seizing opportunities as they arise. Christopher Forbes, Head of Asia at CMC Markets, noted, “These insights highlight that trading success goes beyond technical knowledge – it’s equally about mindset and discipline.”

Beyond trading strategies, the study found that lifestyle factors play a role in trading success. High-performing traders are more likely to be married, own pets such as cats, and engage in activities like golf and martial arts. These lifestyle choices, according to the report, contribute to a well-rounded approach to trading and risk management.

The findings are part of CMC Markets’ “Own Your Trade” campaign, which aims to reshape perceptions of trading by emphasising the importance of mindset and strategic risk management. As Singapore’s traders continue to navigate the complexities of the market, these insights offer valuable lessons on the interplay between personal habits and professional success.
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OUE REIT Management Pte. Ltd. has reported a 5.4% year-on-year increase in its distribution per unit (DPU) to 0.98 Singapore cents for the first half of 2025. This growth is attributed to the company’s effective capital management and the robust performance of its diversified Singapore portfolio. The core DPU, excluding capital distribution, saw an even more significant rise of 11.4% year-on-year.

Despite a moderate decline in revenue and net property income (NPI) by 2.7% and 2.0% respectively, the Singapore commercial portfolio’s resilience helped offset lower contributions from the hospitality segment. Finance costs also saw a notable reduction of 17.3% year-on-year, reflecting the benefits of a declining interest rate environment.

The Singapore office properties maintained a healthy committed occupancy rate of 95.5%, with a positive rental reversion of 9.1% in the second quarter of 2025. Mandarin Gallery’s occupancy remained high at 99.0%, with a significant rental reversion of 34.3% recorded in the same period. The hospitality segment’s revenue per available room stood at S$233.

Chief Executive Officer Han Khim Siew highlighted the portfolio’s income resilience amidst macroeconomic uncertainties and emphasised the importance of disciplined capital management in supporting DPU growth. Looking forward, the company plans to focus on optimising asset performance and exploring new value creation opportunities.

OUE REIT’s proactive capital management has resulted in a slight decrease in aggregate leverage to 40.3%, with 71.1% of total debt hedged. The company remains committed to tenant retention and optimising occupancy across its office assets, positioning itself to capture emerging market trends.
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Sabana Industrial Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) has announced a significant 27.2% year-on-year increase in income available for distribution per unit for the first half of 2025, reaching 1.87 cents. This marks the highest level since the first half of 2018. The REIT’s net property income also saw a substantial rise of 23.4% year-on-year, amounting to $33.5m, supported by higher occupancy rates and positive rental reversions.

The REIT’s gross revenue for the first half of 2025 increased by 7.6% year-on-year to $59.3m. The declared distribution per unit rose by 26.9% to 1.70 cents. Despite a slight decline in portfolio occupancy to 85.7% as of 30 June 2025, the REIT has maintained a strong performance with 92.2% of its gross rental income derived from multi-tenanted properties.

Chief Executive Officer of the Manager of Sabana Industrial REIT, Donald Han, stated, “We are very encouraged by the sterling performance of the REIT’s portfolio in 1H 2025, enabling the Manager to achieve a significant 27.2% y-o-y increase in 1H 2025 income available for distribution per unit to 1.87 cents, highest since 1H 2018.”

The REIT has proactively engaged tenants, beginning lease renewal discussions 12 months ahead of expiries, compared to the previous six to nine months. This strategy has resulted in the renewal or activation for renewal of approximately 60.1% of leases expiring in FY2026. The REIT’s performance underscores its ability to extract value from existing assets and deliver growth organically, despite external challenges.
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Dr Roy Yap, Head of the School for Business and Law at the London School of Business and Finance (LSBF) Singapore, recently appeared on Channel 8 News to discuss the evolving landscape of electric vehicle (EV) insurance. The segment, aired on 3 June 2025, highlighted the complexities of risk profiling, consumer protection, and insurers’ responsibilities in the context of a green economy.

The rise of EVs in Singapore is prompting a re-evaluation of traditional insurance models. Dr Yap emphasised that the shift towards EVs necessitates new considerations in risk assessment, policy coverage, and regulatory safeguards. He urged stakeholders to rethink legacy systems to accommodate technological advancements. “The rise of EVs in Singapore is not just about infrastructure or adoption. It raises important questions about how we insure, regulate, and protect consumers in a fast-changing landscape,” Dr Yap stated.

LSBF Singapore, a member of the Global University System, has been recognised for its forward-thinking approach to education. With over 25,000 students across more than 40 countries, LSBF offers a wide range of programmes in business, finance, law, hospitality, and technology. The institution’s commitment to industry-aligned education has earned it the Singapore Business Review’s International Business Award in Education for two consecutive years, 2024 and 2025.

As the dialogue on EV insurance continues, LSBF Singapore’s contributions underscore the importance of adapting to the evolving needs of the green economy. This engagement not only highlights the institution’s role in shaping future-ready professionals but also its influence in national discussions on sustainable innovation.
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Korean lifestyle brand Wiggle Wiggle is celebrating Singapore’s 60th National Day with a vibrant SG60 promotion at its Singapore Flyer pop-up store. From 26 July to 10 August 2025, the brand is offering bold discounts, bundles, and exclusive member perks, all themed around the number 60.

The pop-up store is festively decorated for the occasion, and members can enjoy a 60% discount on select items, limited to 60 pieces each. During the first week, from 26 July to 2 August, the Ready Bag – Wiggle Bear is reduced from $34.50 (S$47) to $13.80 (S$18.80). In the second week, from 3 to 10 August, the Camping Mug will be available for $11.60 (S$16), down from $29.00 (S$40). Each member is restricted to one purchase per item, whilst stocks last.

Additionally, the SG60 Bundle Offers allow customers to mix and match home and lifestyle products for $43.90 (S$60). Options include a Coil Floor Mat, Soap Tray, and Bathroom Slippers, amongst others. These bundles, originally priced up to $65.00 (S$89), are available whilst stocks last.

For those looking for individual items, the SG60 Specials feature must-haves like the Bath Wrap Towel and Two-Way Laptop Bag, each priced at $43.90 (S$60). Shoppers can also explore new arrivals, including the Wiggle Wiggle x Singapore Flyer exclusive Camping Mug and Strap Tumbler.

The pop-up store will extend its hours on 9 August, providing an opportunity for post-fireworks shopping.
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Xiaomi has introduced two new smart cleaning devices in Singapore, the Xiaomi Robot Vacuum H40 and Xiaomi Robot Vacuum S40, available from 24 July. These devices aim to simplify household cleaning with innovative features tailored for modern homes.

The Xiaomi Robot Vacuum H40 is designed for deep cleaning, featuring a 4-litre dust bag that can last up to 90 days, reducing the need for frequent maintenance. It also boasts anti-tangle mopping capabilities and an LDS laser navigation system, ensuring seamless movement across various surfaces. Users can manage cleaning tasks remotely via the Xiaomi Home app, which offers real-time monitoring and personalised settings. The device is compatible with voice control through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

Meanwhile, the Xiaomi Robot Vacuum S40 provides powerful cleaning with a 10,000Pa suction fan blower and four cleaning modes: Silent, Standard, Strong, and Turbo. It is equipped with a 5200mAh battery, allowing up to 180 minutes of operation on a single charge. The S40 also features a 520ml dustbin and a 270ml water tank, minimising the need for constant refills. Like the H40, it can be controlled through the Xiaomi Home app and supports voice commands.

Both models are available for purchase through mi.com, Shopee, Lazada, and authorised retailers. The H40 is priced at $240 (SGD 319), while the S40 is available for $172 (SGD 229). These devices reflect Xiaomi’s commitment to enhancing user convenience through smart technology.
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