Industry News

Singaporean female entrepreneurs are achieving global success by launching their brands on Amazon, reaching millions of customers worldwide. As International Women’s Day approaches, stories of these trailblazing women highlight their innovative contributions across various sectors, from pet products to lifestyle goods.

Ruth, founder of RaceHerd, left the corporate world to pursue her passion for dogs, creating science-backed toys that cater to dogs’ natural herding instincts. Her signature herding ball has gained popularity in markets including Canada, Australia, and the UK. “Seeing my ideas transform into products that make dogs happy is the most rewarding part of what I do,” Ruth shared.

Yvon, CEO and founder of Hegen, revolutionised the baby care industry with the Sqround bottle, featuring a unique Press-To-Close, Twist-To-Open design. Despite initial scepticism, her innovation has set Hegen apart, allowing the brand to expand from the US to Amazon.sg. Yvon encourages entrepreneurs to “dream big and never limit what you can achieve.”

Ann and Christina, co-founders of Nook Theory, launched their lifestyle brand during the pandemic, offering eco-friendly home products. Their brand now thrives on Amazon, reaching customers in the US, Canada, and Mexico. Christina advises, “Don’t overthink; just take that first step.”

Riyana, founder of Everiday Foods, turned her passion for holistic health into a successful business, offering authentic Asian pantry staples on Amazon. She emphasises the importance of authenticity, stating, “Building a strong brand identity matters more than size.”

These entrepreneurs exemplify the power of innovation and resilience, inspiring others to pursue their dreams on a global stage.
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FairPrice Group (FPG) is marking SG60 with the launch of its ‘FairPrice Best Sellers for Less’ campaign, offering 60 special deals on its popular Own Brands products from 6 March to 28 May 2025. The initiative aims to help Singaporeans stretch their dollar by providing weekly discounts on five housebrand items, starting with up to 36% off on Canola Oil, Thai White Fragrant Rice, Two-ply Bathroom Tissues, Roasted Chicken Mid Wings, and Tortilla Chips.

The campaign will span 12 weeks, featuring a variety of products including kitchen and bathroom essentials, as well as snack items. FPG’s Own Brands, which includes over 3,500 products, are typically priced 10 to 15% cheaper than branded alternatives. Vipul Chawla, Group CEO of FairPrice Group, noted the popularity of these products, stating, “Today, one in two shoppers check out with an FPG Own Brands product in their basket.”

Since the beginning of 2025, FPG has implemented several initiatives to support Singaporeans, such as doubling discounts for CHAS Blue and Orange cardholders and freezing prices on popular produce during the Chinese New Year season. The ‘Best Sellers for Less’ campaign is part of FPG’s ongoing efforts to provide value and quality to its customers, ensuring they have the essentials needed to celebrate SG60. For more information, customers can visit the FairPrice Group website.
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ESET, a global leader in cybersecurity, has announced the launch of its 2025 Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship in Singapore, coinciding with International Women’s Day on 8 March. This initiative aims to empower women in the cybersecurity and STEM fields by providing financial support and career advancement opportunities. The scholarship offers a $3,700 (S$ 5,000) grant and a one-day attachment at ESET’s Singapore office for hands-on experience.

The scholarship comes at a time when the cybersecurity sector in Singapore remains predominantly male, with women comprising just 26.2% of the workforce. ESET’s President for Asia Pacific and Japan, Parvinder Walia, emphasised the importance of diversity in driving innovation within the industry, stating, “As cyber threats continue to evolve, diversity is essential for driving innovation. By investing in these future leaders, we are strengthening global cybersecurity and contributing to a safer digital world.”

Since its inception in 2016, the ESET Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship has supported over 28 women globally. The programme is now expanding to Singapore and India in 2025, alongside existing initiatives in the US, Canada, Australia, and the UK.

Applications for the scholarship will be open from 8 March to 25 April 2025. It is available to Singaporean citizens or permanent residents enrolled in a cybersecurity or STEM programme. The selection process will consider academic excellence, leadership, community involvement, and commitment to the field. The winner will be announced in June 2025.
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iShopChangi has unveiled its March Spring Sale, offering travellers and non-travellers alike the opportunity to enjoy significant savings on a wide range of products. Running until 31 March 2025, the sale features tax-free prices on luxury fashion, beauty products, and travel essentials from renowned brands such as GUCCI, SK-II, and Braun Büffel. In celebration of International Women’s Day, the sale also highlights women-led brands, providing a platform for female entrepreneurs to showcase their offerings.

The Spring Sale includes exclusive promo codes, allowing shoppers to save up to 60% on their purchases. For instance, a minimum spend of S$150 can earn a 12% discount, capped at S$50, whilst a S$500 spend offers a 20% discount, capped at S$250. Mastercard users can enjoy an 18% discount on a minimum spend of S$350, capped at S$80.

Amongst the featured products are the GUCCI Women’s Flora Gorgeous Gardenia Eau De Parfum Spring Gift Set, priced at S$228.30, and the Anker MagGo Ultra-Slim Power Bank, available for S$99.88. Additionally, the sale includes exclusive travel and beauty finds, such as the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence Duo Set for S$491.80 and the Isle of Leomhann Single Malt for S$131.60.

iShopChangi’s initiative not only offers substantial savings but also supports female-led brands like Dr Ora, Scent Journer, and Bohème SG. Wynnie Tham of Dr Ora, Joyce Lian of Scent Journer, and Veronique Manchharam of Bohème SG are among the entrepreneurs featured, each bringing unique products to the market.

The sale also includes special offers for new iShopChangi shoppers and Changi Pay users, with discounts available on their first purchases. Non-travellers can enjoy tax-absorbed prices with free delivery on orders over S$59, whilst travellers can shop up to 30 days in advance and collect their purchases at Changi Airport.

Launched in 2013, iShopChangi continues to enhance the shopping experience for both travellers and local residents, providing access to over 30,000 products from 900 brands. The March Spring Sale is a testament to its commitment to offering convenience and value to its customers.
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Singapore’s CUBE Boutique Capsule Hotels has unveiled its latest venture, CUBE Social@Boat Quay, a social capsule hotel that combines affordable luxury with a community atmosphere. Situated in a restored heritage shophouse along the Singapore River, this new property aims to attract savvy travellers seeking both comfort and social interaction.

The hotel features 72 premium capsules, 13 private rooms, and a women-only section, all designed with high-quality amenities such as plush mattresses, 300-thread count linen, and sound insulation for a restful stay. Guests can enjoy shared spaces including a bar lounge, verandah with river views, and a private soundproof booth for teleconversations.

CEO Mohd K Rafin highlighted the hotel’s unique blend of heritage charm and modern amenities, stating, “CUBE Social is redesigned to provide well-travelled guests with affordable premium lifestyle capsule accommodation and a space that encourages social interaction within an elegant setting.”

The location offers easy access to Singapore’s Civic District and its cultural landmarks, making it an attractive destination for both locals and tourists. Founder and COO Sonia Anya Tay noted, “Our guests appreciate the premium capsule accommodations, safety, and cleanliness, and the vibrant, community-oriented atmosphere in our shared spaces.”

CUBE Hospitality is open to franchising and joint ventures, with plans to expand into Southeast Asian countries such as Bali, Vietnam, and Hong Kong. Rates at CUBE Social@Boat Quay start from $62 (S$85) per night, offering a budget-friendly yet upscale experience for travellers.
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Manulife has announced a significant milestone in its digital transformation journey, with 75% of its global workforce now actively engaged with GenAI-powered solutions. This development is part of a broader multi-billion-dollar investment in digital capabilities, including the introduction of ChatMFC, a proprietary GenAI assistant that saves employees up to two hours weekly. The company expects these advancements to generate a threefold return on investment by 2027.

The AI integration spans various business functions, such as sales enablement tools developed in Singapore, which are now being rolled out globally to provide personalised insights for financial consultants. Additionally, AI-powered contact centres are enhancing customer interaction efficiency across Asia and North America, supporting 110 million interactions annually.

Jodie Wallis, Global Chief Analytics Officer at Manulife, highlighted the transformative impact of AI, stating, “By equipping our teams with GenAI tools, we’re enabling them to work smarter, move faster, and make a bigger impact.” The company has already realised over S$600m in benefits in 2024 from its digital initiatives.

Manulife’s commitment to responsible AI is underscored by its adherence to ethical and sustainability standards, ensuring innovations align with these principles. The company’s AI strategy includes deploying over 35 GenAI use cases across Canada, the US, and Asia, with plans to expand to 70 more by the end of 2025.

As Manulife continues to embed AI across its operations, it aims to deepen customer relationships, improve adviser connections, and unlock new revenue streams, reinforcing its position as a leader in AI adoption within the financial services sector.
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Ocean Network Express (ONE) and the Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster a talent pipeline for the maritime industry. The agreement, effective from 2025 to 2027, will see ONE sponsor at least two MaritimeONE scholarships and two internships annually, enhancing its collaboration with SMF.

The scholarships and internships, managed by SMF, aim to connect young individuals with the maritime sector through immersive learning experiences. This initiative is part of SMF’s broader MaritimeONE programme, which includes company visits, participation in the Maritime Youth Forum, and exclusive opportunities like the MaritimeONE VIP Pass.

Tan Beng Tee, Executive Director of SMF, highlighted the importance of this partnership, stating, “The deepening of our partnership through the signing of the MoU demonstrates our collective commitment to nurturing future maritime talent. It comes at a pivotal juncture as the industry transitions into a future where technology is pervasive and shipping becomes greener, requiring a workforce with new skillsets.”

Tay Ai Lin, Senior Vice President of Global Human Resources and ONE Academy at Ocean Network Express, added, “This MoU further cements our commitment to work with our stakeholders in the industry to create opportunities for bright minds to transform challenges into opportunities.”

This collaboration underscores the commitment of both organisations to equip the next generation with the skills needed to navigate the evolving maritime landscape. As the industry embraces decarbonisation and digitalisation, such initiatives are crucial for sustaining growth and innovation.
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Indian fintech leader Razorpay has announced its expansion into Singapore, marking its second venture in Southeast Asia following successful operations in Malaysia. The company aims to empower Singaporean businesses with seamless, real-time payment solutions, reducing cross-border transaction fees by 30-40% and supporting the country’s digital economy.

Razorpay’s entry into Singapore comes as the nation leads a digital payments boom in Southeast Asia, with a 97% digital payment penetration rate. The fintech giant plans to bridge the gap between local and international payment gateways, enabling businesses to transact effortlessly across borders. Shashank Kumar, MD and Co-founder of Razorpay, stated, “Our expansion aligns with Singapore’s bold vision for a cashless, innovation-driven economy.”

The company’s payment technology platform for Singapore will include multi-currency transactions, real-time payments, and an AI-powered payments suite called Agentic-AI. This suite will transform financial operations by enabling AI agents to engage in transactions, enhancing operational efficiency. Additionally, Razorpay introduces RAY, an AI concierge for payments, and Magic Checkout, which offers a one-click payment experience.

Angad Dhindsa, Southeast Asia Head of Razorpay Singapore, highlighted the importance of addressing the unique challenges faced by small and medium businesses in Singapore. “With 30-50% of online payments being cross-border, businesses need seamless, cost-effective solutions,” he said.

Razorpay will collaborate with banks, financial institutions, and regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with Singapore’s financial landscape. This expansion is expected to strengthen Razorpay’s presence in the Southeast Asian market, following its 10X growth in Malaysia.
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Mediacorp has announced the appointment of Susan Ho to its Board of Directors, effective 1 March 2025. With more than three decades of experience in international branding, strategic corporate positioning, and reputation management, Ho is set to bring a fresh perspective to the media giant. Her career includes significant roles such as Corporate Banking Head of Creative Industries and Global Head of Brand and Sponsorships at Standard Chartered Bank, as well as senior leadership positions at Brunswick and Airwallex.

Mediacorp Chairman Niam Chiang Meng expressed enthusiasm about Ho’s appointment, stating, “Susan is a key addition to Mediacorp’s Board, given her extensive expertise and leadership experience across different sectors within the region. Her presence will enhance the diversity of perspectives crucial for navigating the challenges and opportunities in our competitive industry.”

The appointment follows the departure of former Board Directors Robin Hu and Roy Quek, who stepped down at Mediacorp’s Annual General Meeting on 30 August 2024. Niam acknowledged their contributions, noting that their insights have strengthened the company’s strategic decisions and audience engagement.

Joining Ho on the Board are notable figures including Tham Loke Kheng, CEO of Mediacorp, and Eng Chin Chin, Non-Executive and Independent Director at Olam Agri Holdings Limited, amongst others. This diverse group is expected to guide Mediacorp through its ongoing journey of innovation and growth.
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DBS Vickers Securities has released its latest Singapore Market Focus report, identifying new opportunities beyond the traditional index leaders. The report, dated 6 March 2025, highlights the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s (MAS) equity market support measures as a significant factor benefiting certain stocks. Additionally, the report provides insights into the fourth quarter (Q4) results season, recommending five stocks to buy and two to avoid.

The report’s key takeaway is the revised year-end target for the Straits Times Index (STI), now set at 4,080. DBS advises investors to consider buying on pullbacks, suggesting confidence in the market’s upward trajectory. This adjustment reflects a positive outlook on Singapore’s economic environment and the potential for growth in specific sectors.

Amongst the beneficiaries of the MAS equity market support measures, DBS identifies several stocks poised for gains. The report does not specify these stocks in detail, but it emphasises the importance of looking beyond the index titans to uncover hidden opportunities in the market.

The report also delves into the Q4 results season, offering strategic advice on stock selection. Whilst it recommends five stocks for purchase, it cautions against investing in two others, though specific names are not disclosed in the press release.

In conclusion, DBS Vickers Securities’ report underscores a bullish sentiment towards the Singapore market, driven by supportive measures from MAS and strategic stock selection. Investors are encouraged to stay informed and consider the report’s insights for potential investment opportunities.
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