Industry News

Denodo, a leader in data management, has appointed Richard Jones as Vice President and General Manager for Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ). Based in Singapore, Jones will spearhead the company’s strategic initiatives and operational execution across the region, focusing on expanding Denodo’s presence and enhancing customer success in the rapidly evolving data-driven enterprise landscape.

The Asia-Pacific region is experiencing a significant data transformation, driven by the rapid growth of AI technologies and intelligent agents. As organisations modernise their data strategies, the demand for agile, intelligent platforms is increasing. Jones’ appointment underscores Denodo’s commitment to positioning APAC as a global data powerhouse. The Denodo Platform is designed to empower enterprises by delivering real-time, trusted data efficiently, outperforming traditional data architectures.

With over 20 years of senior executive experience, Jones has held leadership roles at Dataiku, Automation Anywhere, Cloudera, and Informatica. His expertise in enterprise technology and digital transformation is expected to be pivotal in Denodo’s growth strategy. “In the age of AI, clarity is the new currency,” Jones stated. “It’s about designing architecture that shapes, connects, and gives data business relevance.”

Jones will focus on market share growth, client relationship enhancement, and ecosystem development. Denodo’s CEO, Ángel Viña, expressed enthusiasm for Jones’ appointment, highlighting his potential to drive strategic initiatives and expand Denodo’s footprint in the dynamic region. As the data landscape evolves, Jones’ leadership is anticipated to help enterprises across APAC harness the full potential of their data, delivering insights that drive business success.
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Institutional investors and wealth managers are anticipating a significant boom in the stablecoin market, with projections indicating a substantial increase in both market capitalisation and transaction volumes. According to a global study by CrossLedger Capital, a regulated credit fund, 85% of investors expect the stablecoin market cap to surpass $3 trillion within five years, a stark rise from $200 billion at the end of last year.

The research, which surveyed investors from 13 countries including the US, UK, and Singapore, highlights that over $27 trillion in transactions were processed through stablecoins last year—tripling the previous year’s figures. A notable 78% of respondents believe this will reach $100 trillion within two years, with 49% predicting the $50 trillion mark will be achieved this year.

CrossLedger Capital’s findings suggest that stablecoins will play a crucial role in decentralised finance (DeFI), with 98% of investors agreeing they provide the necessary stability and liquidity. However, concerns remain about the risks associated with stablecoins, particularly their reliance on reserves such as precious metals or fiat currencies. Regulatory uncertainty and potential instability in the US dollar are also seen as significant risks.

Graham Cooke, CEO and Founder at Brava, commented on the findings, stating, “Institutional investors and wealth managers worldwide are well aware of the stablecoin growth story and expect it to accelerate in the near term with market capitalisation and value of transactions expanding rapidly.”

As the stablecoin sector continues to evolve, the focus remains on its broader applications and the associated risks, which investors are keenly aware of.
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The June 2025 Ericsson Mobility Report reveals that 5G subscriptions in Southeast Asia and Oceania are projected to reach 630 million by 2030, accounting for nearly half of the region’s mobile subscriptions. This growth positions Singapore as a frontrunner in monetising 5G experiences, transitioning from proof-of-concept to commercial consumer offerings.

The report underscores the increasing appeal of Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) among communications service providers (CSPs) globally, with more than half of them now offering speed-based monetisation benefits enhanced by 5G. This trend is particularly pronounced in North America, Europe, and the Middle East. FWA is expected to account for over 35% of new fixed broadband connections, with a projected increase to 350 million by 2030.

Globally, 5G subscriptions are forecast to reach 2.9 billion by the end of 2025, representing about one-third of all mobile subscriptions. By 2030, this number is expected to rise to 6.3 billion. The report also indicates that 5G networks handled 35% of global mobile traffic by the end of 2024, with expectations to reach 80% by 2030.

Erik Ekudden, Ericsson’s Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, stated, “We are at an inflection point, where 5G and the ecosystem are set to unleash a wave of innovation.” He emphasised the importance of deploying 5G standalone networks to unlock new business growth opportunities.

In Singapore, service providers are focusing on differentiated connectivity to enhance user experiences, particularly for AI agents and other applications. Daniel Ode, Head of Ericsson Singapore, Philippines, and Brunei, noted, “Service providers are increasingly unlocking the true value of 5G by introducing innovative services.”

The report highlights the potential of 5G Standalone and 5G Advanced to create monetisation opportunities for CSPs globally, focusing on value delivery rather than data volume.
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Australia’s latest investment mission to Singapore and Malaysia is underway, featuring 16 leading Australian companies. Co-led by Shayne Elliott, Australia’s Business Champion to Singapore, and Tony Lombardo, Business Champion for Malaysia, the mission aims to explore the burgeoning economic opportunities in Southeast Asia. This initiative follows the Albanese Government’s pledge to send five trade missions to priority markets this year.

The mission provides delegates with firsthand insights into Singapore’s status as a regional industrial and investment hub and Malaysia’s emergence as a key industrial and trade gateway. The engagement is part of Australia’s broader Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, which includes a $2 billion Southeast Asia Investment Financing Facility and the deployment of dedicated Investment Deal Teams.

Last year, Australian businesses supported by Austrade achieved over $1 billion in trade outcomes across Southeast Asia, marking a 45% increase from previous years. This growth highlights the region’s significance for Australian exporters and investors. “When Australian businesses grow their footprint in Southeast Asia, the benefits flow back home creating jobs, opening markets, and strengthening our economy,” stated the Australian High Commission in Malaysia.

The mission underscores Australia’s commitment to deepening economic ties with Southeast Asia, promising further collaboration and mutual growth. As the region continues to expand economically, Australian companies are poised to capitalise on new opportunities, reinforcing their presence and influence in these vital markets.
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Singapore-based fintech company ROSHI has released a comprehensive report on credit card debt across Southeast Asia, revealing significant disparities in how consumers manage high-interest unsecured debt. The report, titled “Credit Card Debt in ASEAN and Beyond 2025,” highlights that Singaporean cardholders have one of the highest average credit card balances in the region, at S$5,335, which is 86% of the average monthly income. Despite this, ROSHI’s analysis indicates that Singaporeans use credit cards strategically, benefiting from cashback and point rewards due to their strong repayment habits and access to advanced financial infrastructure.

In stark contrast, the report shows that in the Philippines, the average credit card balance is S$2,092, with an average monthly income of just S$492. This results in a debt-to-income ratio exceeding 425%, underscoring the financial vulnerability faced by consumers in emerging markets with limited access to affordable credit solutions. ROSHI CEO Amir Nada commented, “Whilst Singaporeans are carrying high card balances, they tend to use credit more strategically compared to some of their regional neighbours.”

The report also examines broader macroeconomic trends such as inflation, interest rates, and digital financial adoption, providing context to the credit card debt dynamics across the ASEAN region. ROSHI remains dedicated to offering transparent, data-led insights to aid smarter financial decisions for individuals in Singapore and Southeast Asia. The full report is available on ROSHI’s website.
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Amazon Web Services (AWS) has announced the opening of its first Innovation Hub in Asia Pacific, located in Singapore, alongside the launch of the AI Springboard initiative. The Innovation Hub, a multi-million-dollar facility, aims to accelerate digital and AI transformation for organisations across the region. The AI Springboard initiative, in collaboration with Digital Industry Singapore (DISG), seeks to empower 300 Singapore-based enterprises to scale AI across their operations within the next year.

The Innovation Hub will host over 1,000 C-Suite leaders and 200 students annually, offering an immersive experience with AWS and Amazon technologies. Jaime Vallés, Vice President of AWS Asia Pacific & Japan, stated, “The AWS Innovation Hub empowers our customers to convert big ideas into real business outcomes by combining our comprehensive cloud and AI technology.”

The AI Springboard programme provides enterprises with up to $438,000 (S$600,000) in cloud credits and training, including $255,000 (S$350,000) in dedicated AI Springboard credits. Additional credits are available through AWS support programmes, such as the AWS Migration Acceleration Programme and AWS Lift. Furthermore, the Singapore Government will support 70% of consultancy costs, capped at $76,650 (S$105,000) per enterprise.

The Hub features cutting-edge technology, including an AI-powered farm-to-table system and a mini bike manufacturing line, showcasing AWS’s commitment to addressing business challenges in the region. The initiatives are part of AWS’s broader investment strategy, which includes a $9 billion commitment to cloud infrastructure in Singapore by 2028.
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LMS Compliance Ltd, a Singapore-listed company, is making waves in the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) sector by transitioning from traditional lab tests to advanced digital dashboards. Under the leadership of its technologist CEO, the firm is establishing itself as a regional powerhouse by converting invisible risks into verifiable trust, thereby enhancing safety and sustainability credentials for businesses.

The company’s innovative approach is crucial as businesses increasingly face scrutiny over their ESG practices. By providing digital tools that offer transparency and accountability, LMS Compliance is helping companies demonstrate their commitment to sustainable practices. This transformation is particularly significant in a time when stakeholders demand more rigorous proof of ESG compliance.

The CEO of LMS Compliance emphasised the importance of this shift, stating, “From lab tests to digital dashboards, we are transforming how companies prove safety and sustainability.” This highlights the company’s dedication to leveraging technology to meet the evolving needs of the market.

As LMS Compliance continues to expand its influence in the ESG sector, its digital solutions are expected to set new standards for how companies manage and report their sustainability efforts. This development not only positions LMS Compliance as a leader in the field but also paves the way for more companies to adopt similar practices, potentially leading to a more sustainable future.
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DesignSingapore Council (Dsg) has unveiled its latest initiative, “Nation by Design,” as part of Singapore’s 60th independence anniversary celebrations. This campaign highlights the integral role of design in the nation’s development over the past six decades. A significant aspect of the launch is a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with SBS Transit, a leading public transport operator in Singapore, to enhance the commuting experience through design.

The collaboration with SBS Transit will see the introduction of design elements across the rail network, developed in partnership with local designers. These enhancements aim to make daily commutes more engaging and enjoyable. Dawn Lim, Executive Director of Dsg, stated, “Singapore’s connectivity and infrastructure are living proof of how good design has improved lives.”

The “Nation by Design” campaign is the culmination of a three-year movement by Dsg, following previous initiatives “Better by Design” and “People of Design.” It underscores design as a core component of Singapore’s identity, influencing everything from public housing to digital services. The campaign also includes a project titled “60 on 60,” which gathers insights from 60 individuals across various sectors, including DBS CEO Tan Su Shan and National University of Singapore Professor Emeritus Chua Beng Huat.

Looking ahead, the public is invited to contribute their thoughts towards the Design Masterplan 2035, a strategic roadmap set to be unveiled in 2026. This plan will outline the future role of design in Singapore’s continued progress. The campaign video, developed by Kinetic Singapore, challenges viewers to consider the intentional design behind Singapore’s success.
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Singapore-based cloud provider CLDY has launched AlwaysOn Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for all WordPress sites it hosts, aiming to bolster security amidst a surge in CMS-targeted cyberattacks. This new feature, which is preinstalled and fully configured, offers robust protection from the moment a site goes live, addressing the increasing threat landscape where WordPress powers over 43% of websites globally.

Dan Chen, Managing Director at CLDY, highlighted the ease of use of their solution: “We’ve taken that barrier away—our AlwaysOn 2FA is preinstalled and enforced out of the box so site admins don’t need to lift a finger.” This approach contrasts with self-installed plugins that require user configuration, which can lead to misconfigurations, particularly for small businesses or first-time site owners.

The 2FA implementation is part of CLDY’s comprehensive security stack, which includes free SSL certificates, a Web Application Firewall (WAF), email hosting with antispam filtering, malware scanning, and free daily backups. These features are included in all hosting plans at no extra cost, reinforcing CLDY’s commitment to an all-inclusive pricing model.

Despite these security enhancements, CLDY maintains its performance standards, offering a 1-second Time-To-First-Byte for 99.9% of hosted sites and a 99.9% uptime backed by a service-level credit guarantee. Chen emphasised, “Security should never be optional or left to chance. We’re raising the baseline of protection so that even non-technical users get enterprise-grade defence by default.”

CLDY’s initiative could set a new standard in the managed WordPress hosting space, ensuring that security is a default feature rather than an optional add-on.
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Bowmore has introduced its Sherry Oak Cask Series to Singapore, marking the first domestic availability of this acclaimed collection. The series, which includes 12, 15, and 18-Year-Old expressions, highlights Bowmore’s expertise in cask maturation and the influence of sherry-seasoned oak on its signature Islay style. Each whisky is matured in Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, enhancing the depth with notes of sweet spice, dried fruit, and nuttiness, balanced by Bowmore’s coastal smokiness.

The Sherry Oak Cask Series will be available from 15 July 2025 on the Suntory Global Spirits LazMall store, with prices starting at $120. This launch offers whisky enthusiasts in Singapore a rare chance to enjoy sherry oak-matured Islay whisky locally. Mark Tay, Southeast Asia Brand Ambassador at Bowmore, stated, “The Sherry Oak Series is a celebration of balance—between spirit and cask, tradition and innovation.”

To celebrate the launch, 67 Pall Mall Singapore will feature the series as its Flight of the Month, offering members a tasting experience paired with seasonal small bites for $84++. Full bottles will also be available for purchase at the club.

The Sherry Oak Cask 12 Years Old delivers a vibrant medley of vanilla caramel and red berries, whilst the 15 Years Old offers aromas of raisins and cocoa. The 18 Years Old, finished in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, presents bold and complex flavours of dark chocolate and orange zest.

This launch not only enriches Singapore’s whisky scene but also provides collectors with an opportunity to explore Bowmore’s sophisticated offerings.
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