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Industry News


Energy & Offshore

H2G sells GEIH stake for S$4m

H2G Green Limited has announced a strategic decision to divest its entire 50.10% stake in Green Energy Investment Holding Private Limited (GEIH) for approximately S$4m. This move is part of H2G’s broader strategy to optimise its portfolio and enhance capital efficiency, with a focus on accelerating growth in its core business areas, particularly GasHubUnited Utility Private Limited (GasHub) and its liquefied natural gas (LNG) and bio-liquefied natural gas (Bio-LNG) operations.

The divestment, made to RD Property Holdings Pte. Ltd., marks a significant milestone in H2G’s strategic transformation. By shedding its stake in GEIH, H2G aims to sharpen its focus on its core gas platform, positioning itself to capture the rising demand for LNG in Asia. This strategic shift underscores the company’s commitment to strengthening its presence in the energy sector, particularly in the rapidly growing LNG market.

H2G’s decision reflects its dedication to enhancing its capital efficiency and driving growth in its core business areas. The company believes that this divestment will allow it to better allocate resources and capitalise on emerging opportunities within the LNG and Bio-LNG markets.

As H2G continues to realign its business strategy, the company is poised to leverage its strengthened focus on GasHub and LNG to meet the increasing energy demands in Asia. This strategic move is expected to enhance H2G’s competitive edge and drive future growth in the region’s energy sector.


Markets & Investing

Societe Generale dominates SGX with gold, silver DLCs

Societe Generale has introduced a new series of Daily Leverage Certificates (DLCs) on the Singapore Exchange (SGX), marking the first time investors can access leveraged and inverse exposure to gold and silver on the platform. Available from 23 June, these DLCs track the SPDR™ Gold Shares (GLD) and iShares Silver Trust (SLV) ETFs, the largest and most liquid gold and silver ETFs globally.

This launch positions Societe Generale as the sole issuer of Leveraged & Inverse (L&I) Exchange Traded Products (ETPs) in Singapore that provide directional exposure to both gold and silver. The current market volatility offers investors opportunities to take positions in both rising and falling markets.

Marcus Ng from Societe Generale highlighted the growing investor interest in gold and silver, particularly under volatile conditions. “These listings bring leveraged and inverse exposure to both metals onto SGX for the first time, expanding the range of exchange-traded instruments available to Singapore investors,” he stated.

Soh Yee Fei, Head of Products and Intermediaries at SGX Group, noted the significance of this launch in diversifying SGX’s product ecosystem. “As our investor base becomes more sophisticated, we are seeing increasing demand for a broader and more innovative suite of products,” he said.

The introduction of these DLCs follows the successful launch of US Stock DLCs and aligns with Societe Generale’s strategy to expand investor access to global markets. With over 200 leveraged and inverse products now listed on SGX, the bank continues to cater to the rising demand for diverse investment options.


Aviation

Singapore and Malaysia Airlines deepen partnership with joint fare launch

Malaysia Airlines (MAB) and Singapore Airlines (SIA) have unveiled a strategic joint business partnership, introducing joint fare products for travel between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. This initiative, formalised in January 2026 after regulatory approvals, builds upon the airlines’ existing codeshare partnership, offering customers a wider range of fare options and improved connectivity across their combined networks.

The joint fare products aim to provide greater flexibility and convenience for travellers between the two cities. Additionally, MAB and SIA are working on further customer benefits, such as reciprocal lounge access, coordinated flight schedules, and joint corporate travel arrangements. These enhancements reflect the airlines’ commitment to strengthening connectivity between Malaysia, Singapore, and the broader region.

Bryan Foong, CEO of Airline Business at Malaysia Aviation Group, stated, “This joint business partnership with Singapore Airlines marks a significant milestone in the expansion of our commercial collaboration. By introducing joint fare products, we are giving our customers greater choice, improved flexibility, and a more seamless travel experience.”

Lee Lik Hsin, Chief Commercial Officer of Singapore Airlines, added, “The introduction of joint fare products with Malaysia Airlines expands the range of fare options available to customers travelling between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, offering more flexibility and convenience when planning their journeys.”

Since their commercial cooperation framework agreement in October 2019, MAB and SIA have expanded their collaboration, including codeshare services across multiple regions and reciprocal frequent flyer benefits. This partnership aims to enhance travel experiences and strengthen the longstanding connections between Singapore and Malaysia.


Utilities

MediSun and Yanrun drive global water tech push

MediSun Energy, a Singapore-based leader in brine management, has partnered with Yanrun Membrane Technology Co Ltd, a Chinese electromembrane pioneer, to establish a joint venture aimed at revolutionising water treatment solutions. Announced at the Singapore International Water Week 2026, this collaboration will focus on developing advanced systems for global markets, particularly targeting the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region and Southeast Asia.

The joint venture will create a new Singapore-based entity, serving as the exclusive global launchpad for their combined solutions outside mainland China. The partnership will leverage MediSun’s expertise in energy-efficient brine management and Yanrun’s advanced membrane technology to address global water scarcity and environmental regulations. The suite of systems includes Electrodialysis Bipolar Membrane (EDBM), Electrodialysis Metathesis (EDM), Electrodialysis (ED) stack systems, and Pressurised Forward Osmosis (PFO) systems, alongside integrated Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) solutions.

Dusun Kim, CEO and Co-Founder of MediSun Energy, highlighted the importance of this venture, stating, “The global industrial market is facing an inflection point where conventional wastewater disposal is no longer sustainable.” Huang Quansen, Chairman of Yanrun, added that the partnership marks a significant milestone in Yanrun’s global expansion strategy.

By anchoring this initiative in Singapore, the companies aim to leverage the nation’s business ecosystem to promote climate resilience and long-term water security globally. This venture underscores Singapore’s status as a leading centre for green technological innovation.


Insurance

QBE strengthens Asia marine strategy with O’Brien hire

QBE has announced the appointment of Callum O’Brien as the Head of Protection and Indemnity (P&I) for Asia, a strategic move to enhance its British Marine operations in a region pivotal to the company’s marine ambitions. O’Brien, who will be based in Singapore, brings over a decade of P&I expertise to the role and will report to Richard Inman, Portfolio Manager of British Marine P&I.

O’Brien joins QBE from an International Group P&I Club, where he served as an Underwriting Director in Singapore, managing underwriting activities across Asia and spearheading the development of the Club’s small craft portfolio. His extensive experience spans both brown and blue water segments, with previous underwriting roles in London.

He takes over from Sebastian Tjornelund, who has moved on to become Asia Head of Underwriting, Marine, at QBE. Richard Inman commented on the appointment, stating, “Callum is a well-respected underwriter with longstanding relationships across the Asia market. His appointment highlights the importance of the region to our P&I strategy and the progress we have made in building the British Marine portfolio, as the business marks its 150th year.”

O’Brien expressed enthusiasm about his new role, saying, “QBE has built a respected marine platform in Asia across key segments. It’s a business I’ve come to know well, and I’m excited to be joining at this point in its journey. I look forward to building on that foundation, working closely with clients and brokers, and growing the portfolio in a disciplined and consistent way.”

QBE Asia is part of the International Division of QBE Insurance Group Limited, headquartered in Sydney and listed on the Australia Securities Exchange. British Marine, founded in 1876, is a leading marine insurer known for catering to smaller vessels worldwide.


HR & Education

Disengagement costs Singapore economy S$95b

The Singapore Institute of Directors (SID) and Gallup have unveiled the Singapore Workplace Report 2026, revealing a concerning engagement rate of just 14% among Singapore’s workforce. This figure is significantly lower than the Southeast Asia average of 25% and the global average of 20%, with younger workers under 35 showing an even lower engagement rate of 10%.

In 2025, 86% of Singapore’s workforce was disengaged, costing the economy an estimated US$73.6b (approximately S$95b) in lost productivity annually. With GDP growth forecast to slow to 2–4% in 2026, the report argues that low engagement is transitioning from a cultural concern to a strategic liability.

The report, launched on 22 June, identifies four key priorities for Singapore’s leaders: enhancing manager capability, aligning organisational culture with employee experience, repositioning HR as a strategic function, and maximising talent density across all age groups.

A significant finding is the generational engagement gap, with younger workers experiencing higher stress levels and lower engagement compared to their older counterparts. The report attributes this to structural conditions such as high living costs and limited career pathways. It also highlights the impact of generative AI, which is reducing entry-level opportunities that traditionally helped build foundational skills.

The report stresses the role of managers, with 70% of team engagement variance linked to direct management. However, Singaporean leaders rated their organisations’ manager effectiveness poorly. Kanika Singh, Regional Director of Gallup Singapore, stated, “The generational engagement gap is a management gap.”

To address these challenges, SID is collaborating with Singapore Management University to launch a new module on Strategic Human Capital Stewardship. This initiative aims to equip directors with the tools needed to govern workforce issues strategically, ensuring long-term organisational resilience and performance.


Commercial Property

Cushman & Wakefield pushes S$90m pharma facility sale

Cushman & Wakefield has announced the sale of a state-of-the-art pharmaceutical manufacturing facility located at 21 Tuas South Avenue 6, Singapore, with an indicative price of S$90m. The property spans approximately 935,341 square feet and includes a Gross Floor Area (GFA) of 397,387 square feet, with potential for further development.

The facility, situated in the heart of Tuas Biomedical Park, benefits from a 32-year remaining lease, a significant advantage over typical industrial leases in the area. The site also offers approximately 535,000 square feet of untapped GFA, supported by a greenfield land parcel ready for expansion. Its proximity to the upcoming Tuas Mega Port enhances its appeal for global distribution, particularly for temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical products.

Singapore’s reputation as a leading biomedical sciences hub in Asia makes it an attractive location for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. The city-state’s robust talent pool, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and dynamic research ecosystem continue to draw global investment. Total fixed asset investments in the biomedical manufacturing sector have nearly doubled year-on-year, reaching S$4.4b in 2025.

Brenda Ong, Executive Director of Logistics & Industrial at Cushman & Wakefield, highlighted the facility’s strategic location and expansion potential, stating, “This presents a rare opportunity for occupiers to acquire a plug-and-play facility with top-tier specifications, strategically located within Tuas Biomedical Park and in close proximity to the future Tuas Mega Port.”

The property is available for sale via private treaty. Interested parties are encouraged to contact Cushman & Wakefield Singapore’s Logistics and Industrial Services Team for further enquiries or to schedule a viewing.


HR & Education

Singaporean talent rejects poor work-life balance

In a revealing study by Randstad, the 2026 Employer Brand Research highlights that work-life balance remains the foremost priority for Singaporean employees, with 68% of respondents ranking it above salary and benefits. The report, based on a survey of 2,500 working adults in Singapore, underscores the shifting expectations of the workforce amidst economic uncertainties.

The research indicates that 43% of employees would leave their current jobs to achieve better work-life balance, and 30% are planning to switch employers in the first half of 2026. Despite the rise in digitalisation, 70% of Singaporean talent still value in-person interactions during their career journey, with Gen Z leading this preference at 75%.

Randstad’s findings suggest that organisations offering flexible work arrangements, clear career progression, and equitable environments will have a competitive advantage in attracting and retaining talent. “Employees recognise that a sustainable career requires a holistic approach,” the report states, emphasising the importance of a supportive work environment and reasonable workload.

The study also reveals generational differences in priorities. Gen Z values equal opportunities highly, whilst millennials and Gen X focus on salary and work-life balance. The report suggests that employers should address these diverse needs to strengthen their employer brand.

As Singaporean professionals increasingly seek a balance between work and personal life, companies that fail to adapt may struggle to retain their workforce. The full 2026 Randstad Employer Brand Research report is now available, offering further insights into these evolving trends.


Information Technology

Singapore ICT revenue surges, challenges rivals

Singapore’s enterprise ICT market is poised for substantial growth, with revenue expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.4% through 2029, according to GlobalData. This expansion is attributed to rising enterprise budgets and accelerated digitalisation in both public and private sectors, focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud technologies.

GlobalData’s report indicates that the ICT market size in Singapore will grow from US$66.7b in 2024 to US$140.7b in 2029. This growth aligns with the positive ICT investment sentiment among enterprises, as evidenced by a 95.5% increase in enterprise ICT budgets in 2026 compared to the previous year.

Bhushan Firke, a Technology Analyst at GlobalData, noted, “Cloud computing is reshaping Singapore’s ICT landscape as organisations transition from traditional, on-premises IT to more agile, scalable, and service-driven digital foundations.” In 2024, cloud computing services accounted for over 27.6% of Singapore’s total ICT services revenue.

The shift towards cloud adoption is supported by national digital priorities and infrastructure investments, including initiatives like Smart Nation and the Digital Connectivity Blueprint. These programmes have encouraged public-sector adoption of commercial cloud, which in turn has normalised cloud usage across enterprises.

Additionally, Singapore is investing S$1b over the next five years to enhance public-sector AI research under the Research Innovation and Enterprise 2030 programme. The country is also supporting enterprise AI and cloud adoption through targeted funding, such as the National Productivity Fund.

Key sectors driving ICT spending include energy, banking, financial services, and insurance, with significant adoption of AI, machine learning, and IoT technologies. Firke concluded that Singapore’s micro, small, and medium enterprises are accelerating ICT adoption, bolstered by government support aimed at enhancing productivity and cybersecurity.


Utilities

BlueNexus disrupts legacy water systems with AquaX Hub

BlueNexus Technologies has launched the AquaX Hub, an innovative AI-powered device, at the Singapore International Water Week (SIWW) 2026. This compact, plug-and-play edge device is designed to bring autonomous operations to standalone water equipment and legacy treatment plants, marking a significant advancement in water management technology.

The AquaX Hub aims to modernise existing water infrastructure by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, allowing for more efficient and sustainable operations. The device’s introduction has garnered considerable interest from utilities, industrial operators, and engineering firms, highlighting its potential impact on the industry.

Jack Zhang, CEO of BlueNexus Technologies, presented the AquaX Hub to Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry, Gan Kim Yong, during the event. The launch signifies a step forward in addressing the challenges faced by ageing water systems, offering a solution that enhances operational efficiency without the need for complete infrastructure overhauls.

The AquaX Hub’s ability to autonomously manage water systems is expected to reduce operational costs and improve resource management, making it an attractive option for industries looking to upgrade their existing facilities. As water scarcity and sustainability become increasingly pressing global issues, innovations like the AquaX Hub are crucial in ensuring the longevity and efficiency of water resources.

With its successful debut at SIWW 2026, BlueNexus Technologies is poised to play a pivotal role in the future of water management, potentially setting new standards for the integration of AI in utility operations.


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