Industry News

The Housing Development Board (HDB) has announced the tender results for two executive condominium (EC) sites in Senja Close and Woodlands Drive 17, which could potentially offer a combined total of 715 new EC units. These sites, part of the 1H 2025 Confirmed List of the government land sales (GLS) programme, mark the first EC GLS tenders to close this year.

Both sites received five bids each, with the top bids surpassing the current record land rate for an EC GLS site. Wong Siew Ying, Head of Research and Content at PropNex, noted that despite the increased supply of EC sites and the batched tender close, developers remained keen, likely due to the strong fundamentals supporting the EC segment.

The Woodlands Drive 17 site, which could yield 420 new units, saw a top bid of $361 million from City Developments Limited, translating to a land rate of $782 per square foot per plot ratio (psf ppr). This bid narrowly surpassed the second highest bid from Sim Lian Group. The site’s proximity to the Woodlands South MRT station and other amenities makes it attractive to developers.

Meanwhile, the Senja Close site, capable of producing 295 units, also attracted a top bid from City Developments Limited at $253 million, equating to a land rate of $771 psf ppr. This site is strategically located near the Jelapang LRT station and various schools, which is expected to draw interest from HDB upgraders in the area.

With these developments, PropNex anticipates continued confidence in the EC market due to limited supply and stable demand, particularly among first-time homebuyers and HDB upgraders. The EC segment remains appealing due to its affordability compared to other new condominiums.
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The Housing & Development Board has concluded the land tenders for two Executive Condominium (EC) sites at Senja Close and Woodlands Drive 17, part of the 1H2025 Government Land Sales programme. The Senja Close site is expected to yield approximately 295 residential units, whilst the Woodlands Drive 17 site could produce around 420 units. Both sites received significant interest, with five bids each, reflecting the ongoing popularity of ECs among eligible HDB upgraders.

At Senja Close, the highest bid came from CDL Constellation Pte. Ltd. at S$252,899,000, translating to about S$771 per square foot per plot ratio (psf ppr). This bid exceeded expectations and was 6.3% higher than the next highest bid from TID Residential Pte. Ltd. The site’s proximity to schools and amenities, such as Senja Hawker Centre and Greenridge Shopping Centre, enhances its appeal. Additionally, the nearby Jelapang LRT station offers convenient transport links.

Woodlands Drive 17 saw the highest bid from CDL Divine Pte. Ltd. at S$360,899,000, or around S$782 psf ppr, setting a new record for EC land rates. This site is strategically located near primary and secondary schools and is within walking distance of Woodlands South MRT Station on the Thomson-East Coast Line. The future development of the Woodlands Regional Centre as a major economic hub further boosts its attractiveness.

The scarcity of EC and private home supply in these areas, coupled with the time elapsed since the last EC launches, suggests pent-up demand. Another EC site near Woodlands Drive 17 is set for release in October 2025, with expectations of continued strong interest from developers and homebuyers.
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SATS Ltd. has unveiled a new Bulk Unitisation Programme (BUP) Handling Centre at Changi Airport, designed to enhance airfreight operations by reducing cargo processing time by 20%. The facility, which spans 3,000 square metres, aims to streamline the handling of BUP shipments—cargo packages assembled by freight forwarders—by cutting processing time from two-and-a-half hours to two hours.

The BUP Handling Centre, operated by SATS Cargo, features six lanes and six weighing stations, allowing for more efficient processing compared to the previous system. This improvement is expected to offer customers greater flexibility and quicker response times, particularly for time-sensitive shipments. The facility also aims to alleviate congestion at existing airfreight terminals and improve the overall efficiency of cargo operations.

Kuah Boon Kiam, Senior Vice-President of Cargo Services at SATS Singapore Hub, stated, “The BUP Handling Centre’s enhanced processes are a game-changer for SATS Cargo operations at Changi Airport. The new facility will allow faster, safer, and more efficient processing and handling of air cargo shipments, by day and by night and in all-weather conditions.”

The centre will also serve as a testbed for new systems and processes that could be implemented at Changi Airport’s upcoming Terminal 5 and the Changi East Industrial Zone. This development underscores SATS’ commitment to maintaining Singapore’s status as a leading global aviation and logistics hub.

As SATS continues to expand its operations globally, the company remains committed to its Singaporean roots, with plans to invest over $250 million in upgrading ground support equipment and cargo handling infrastructure at Changi Airport.
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City Developments Limited (CDL) has emerged as the top bidder for two Executive Condominium (EC) sites at Senja Close and Woodlands Drive 17, according to Knight Frank Singapore. The Government Land Sales (GLS) tenders for these sites closed with both achieving land rates above expectations, surpassing the previous record of S$768 per square foot per plot ratio (psf ppr) set in October 2024.

The Senja Close site attracted a top bid of S$771 psf ppr, despite its distance from an MRT station. Leonard Tay, Head of Research at Knight Frank Singapore, noted that the site could appeal to first-time buyers and HDB upgraders due to the lack of recent EC projects in the Bukit Panjang Planning Area. The area is well-served by amenities such as parks, hawker centres, and schools, making it attractive for families.

Meanwhile, the Woodlands Drive 17 site, located near Woodlands South MRT Station and the Woodlands Health Campus, achieved a record land rate of S$782 psf ppr. Tay highlighted the site’s potential benefits from the Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System and the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, positioning Woodlands as a growth area.

Both sites received five bids each, indicating strong interest from developers. If awarded, CDL will significantly strengthen its presence in the EC market. Launch prices for these projects are expected to start just under S$1,800 psf, with average prices ranging from S$1,900 to S$2,000 psf, depending on various factors.
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Singapore’s Defence Minister, Chan Chun Sing, is set to embark on an introductory visit to Jakarta, Indonesia, from 5 to 6 August 2025. The visit aims to reinforce the strong defence ties between the two nations. During his stay, Chan will engage with Indonesian Defence Minister Lieutenant General Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and other key figures in the Indonesian leadership.

The agenda includes Chan delivering a lecture at the National Resilience Institute (LEMHANNAS), a pivotal institution in Indonesia’s strategic framework. Additionally, he will visit a facility under the Free Nutritious Meals programme, known locally as Makanan Bergizi Gratis, which underscores Indonesia’s commitment to social welfare.

This visit is significant as it not only strengthens bilateral defence cooperation but also highlights Singapore’s support for Indonesia’s social initiatives. Chan will be accompanied by Vice Admiral Aaron Beng, Chief of Defence Force, and other officials from the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF).

The trip is expected to bolster mutual understanding and collaboration in defence and social welfare, reflecting the enduring partnership between Singapore and Indonesia.
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Cosmos Hotel Management Co. Ltd, the operator of Japan’s leading flat hotel brand MIMARU, is set to introduce a novel holiday concept for Singaporean families. This autumn and winter, MIMARU will propose “learn-and-play” family holidays, combining STEAM-themed learning experiences with Japan’s seasonal landscapes and cultural activities. The announcement comes ahead of the NATAS Holidays 2025 event, scheduled from 15 to 17 August at Singapore EXPO.

MIMARU has become a favourite among Singaporean families, with over 90% of its guests being international families. The hotel offers spacious rooms ranging from 40 to 100 square metres, complete with kitchens and living-dining areas, making them ideal for families and groups. With 27 locations across Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, MIMARU provides convenient city stays with easy access from Singapore via direct flights.

The hotel brand’s appeal is further enhanced by its friendly, English-speaking staff from 38 countries and regions. MIMARU’s 2024 guest data revealed that one in every 25 Singaporean visitors to Japan chose to stay at their properties.

MIMARU’s new family holiday ideas include exploring science and pop culture through hands-on activities at destinations like teamLab Planets and Akihabara. Families can also enjoy Japan’s autumn and winter landscapes and participate in traditional festivities such as mochi-making and crafting New Year’s decorations. “At MIMARU, we welcome many families from Singapore throughout the year. We’re happy to propose this new travel idea combining STEAM education and cultural experiences,” said MIMARU staff.

For more information, visit MIMARU’s website.
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Alstom, a leader in smart and sustainable mobility, has been awarded a significant contract by Singapore’s Land Transport Authority to convert the East West Line stations to the Urbalis signalling system. This project, valued at several hundred million euros, aims to integrate the Thomson-East Coast Line extension (TELe) with stations at Tanah Merah, Expo, and Changi Airport, including the future Changi Airport Terminal 5.

The TELe extension is set to provide a direct, high-speed connection from Changi Airport to central city areas and residential zones, significantly reducing travel times for commuters and international travellers. The project is a crucial component of Singapore’s Land Transport Master Plan 2040, which seeks to enhance connectivity, resilience, and inclusivity within the nation’s transport network.

Alstom, as the signalling consortium leader, will deliver its Urbalis Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) system, already operational on the TEL. ST Engineering Urban Solutions Ltd, a consortium partner, will provide the Data Communication System and Platform Screen Doors. Yann Maixandeau, Managing Director for Singapore and Malaysia at Alstom, expressed pride in supporting Singapore’s rail development, stating, “This latest award reflects our leadership in advanced driverless train control systems.”

Upon completion, the 57 km TEL will run from Tanah Merah to Woodlands North, with a transfer option to the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link. The extension is expected to cut travel time between Changi Airport and Marina Bay from 55 minutes to approximately 45 minutes, and between Changi Airport and Gardens by the Bay to 40 minutes, down from the current 60-minute duration.
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Retail sales in Singapore experienced a 2.3% increase in June 2025 compared to the same month last year, according to the latest data from the Singapore Department of Statistics. When excluding motor vehicles, the growth in retail sales was a more modest 0.4%. Meanwhile, the food and beverage services sector saw a slight rise of 0.1% over the same period.

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The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Grab, Southeast Asia’s leading superapp, have announced a strategic partnership to enhance visitor experiences and bolster Singapore’s status as a premier travel destination. Through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the collaboration seeks to attract more international visitors and increase tourism spending by offering seamless and authentic travel experiences across the city.

The partnership focuses on leveraging STB’s expertise in destination marketing and Grab’s insights into dining and commuting trends to empower travellers to explore Singapore’s diverse precincts with ease. This initiative aligns with STB’s Tourism 2040 roadmap, aiming to cultivate visitor demand and drive quality tourism growth.

Terrence Voon, Executive Director for Southeast Asia at STB, highlighted the partnership’s potential: “Together with Grab, we hope to inspire more travellers to consider Singapore, and when they are here, to make every ride an adventure.”

Key initiatives include enhancing the Grab Travel Pass, which offers discounts on transport and services for international visitors, and collaborating with event organisers to elevate experiences through Grab’s mobility, food, and financial services. The partnership also aims to spotlight Singapore’s culinary scene, which saw a 6.3% increase in tourism receipts from Food and Beverage (F&B) in 2024.

Alejandro Osorio, Managing Director of Grab Singapore, emphasised the importance of showcasing Singapore’s culinary identity: “Through our partnership with STB, we hope to help travellers uncover these authentic moments, showcasing Singapore’s heritage.”

With 8.33 million international visitors in the first half of 2025, this collaboration is poised to sustain tourism momentum and extend economic benefits to local communities.
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In celebration of Singapore’s 60th year of independence, the Singapore Flyer is launching a reimagined journey that traces the nation’s history from its ancient origins to its modern-day marvels. Starting 8 August 2025, visitors can explore the newly transformed Time Capsule, a two-storey multisensory attraction that sets the stage for the Singapore Flyer experience. This immersive pre-flight journey combines cutting-edge multimedia, interactive exhibits, and cinematic storytelling, enhanced by a personalised web app.

The Time Capsule experience, created in collaboration with Untitled Project, features R65, a time-travelling robot, guiding guests through Singapore’s history. Visitors can explore the country’s past, from its mythical legends to its role as a bustling trading port, using technologies like projection mapping and LiDAR. The journey continues with Peranakan-themed installations and interactive games on Level 2, offering insights into Singapore’s cultural identity.

Ringo Leung, General Manager of Singapore Flyer, stated, “The reimagined Singapore Flyer journey invites everyone to experience the Singapore story in an entirely fresh and entertaining way, from the ground to the sky.”

The experience culminates with a ride on the Singapore Flyer, soaring 165 metres above the city, offering panoramic views and insights into nearby landmarks through the FLYER360 mobile app. The entire journey transforms the traditional 30-minute ride into a 75-minute adventure.

Additionally, the Singapore Flyer will host a waterfront night market from 6 to 10 August, featuring street eats and live performances. On 9 August, operating hours will extend until 12.30am, with exclusive National Day promotions available for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents.
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