Industry News

Bain & Company has announced the appointment of Shintaro Okuno as the new Regional Managing Partner for Asia-Pacific (APAC), effective 1 July. With over 20 years at Bain, Okuno has led significant transformation projects across various industries, including industrial goods, technology, and consumer products. He succeeds Satish Shankar, who has led the APAC region since April 2019.

Okuno’s appointment underscores Bain’s commitment to its rotational servant leadership model, which has been integral to its talent and succession planning. Christophe De Vusser, Bain’s Worldwide Managing Partner, expressed confidence in Okuno’s leadership, highlighting his “inclusive style, calm presence, and sharp client instincts.” Okuno, who previously served as Chairman of Bain’s Japan business, will split his time between Tokyo and Singapore.

During Shankar’s tenure, Bain’s APAC region navigated challenging macroeconomic conditions, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his leadership, the region expanded into new markets and strengthened client relationships. Shankar will return to client service after a brief hiatus, focusing on strategy and transformation projects.

Okuno expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him, stating, “I look forward to partnering with our APAC teams to deliver exceptional results in meaningful ways.” The leadership transition is being managed collaboratively by Okuno and Shankar, ensuring a smooth handover. Bain & Company, a global consultancy, continues to drive change and redefine industries with its integrated expertise and commitment to client success.
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Mizuho Bank, one of Japan’s leading financial institutions, has joined forces with SGX FX, a top global exchange-backed over-the-counter (OTC) foreign exchange platform. As of June 2025, Mizuho Bank has begun streaming its prices on the SGX FX platform, aiming to enhance the global FX ecosystem by leveraging its extensive expertise and robust pricing capabilities.

This strategic partnership is set to provide investors, financial institutions, and global traders with increased transparency, efficiency, and liquidity. Takumi Okubo, Deputy General Manager for EFX Sales at Mizuho Bank, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “This partnership marks a significant step towards furthering our commitment to contributing to a more integrated and efficient global financial market.”

Jean-Philippe Malé, CEO of SGX FX, echoed this sentiment, noting that the partnership aligns with SGX FX’s mission to deliver exceptional market access and innovative trading solutions. The collaboration is expected to elevate the FX trading experience and foster greater market participation.

SGX FX is renowned for being among the top five global exchange-backed OTC FX platforms, offering a gateway to the global FX ecosystem. It is anchored by the world’s most liquid Asian FX futures exchange and features cutting-edge FX technology and workflow solutions from BidFX and MaxxTrader.

Mizuho Bank, part of the Mizuho Financial Group, Inc., is a global banking leader with a vast international network. The bank is the 17th largest in the world by total assets, according to S&P Global 2024, and employs 65,000 people across 36 countries. This partnership with SGX FX opens new opportunities for both entities to explore synergies that benefit the global financial ecosystem.
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Kahoot!, the global learning and engagement platform, has officially launched its Asia Pacific (APAC) hub in Singapore, aiming to bolster its rapid growth across the region. Announced at a media event on 30 June 2025, the new hub is set to support educators, HR leaders, and learners with curriculum-aligned teaching, onboarding, upskilling, and internal communications.

The decision to establish the hub in Singapore comes as Kahoot! experiences a surge in demand for digital learning tools, with over 250 million non-unique participants in APAC over the past year. Ahteram Uddin, Vice President Commercial, APAC at Kahoot!, highlighted Singapore’s strategic position as a gateway for regional growth, stating, “This marks a key step in expanding the reach of our solutions to more educators, students, and professionals across APAC.”

Kahoot!’s platform, which has hosted over 12 billion participants globally since its launch in 2013, is increasingly being used in classrooms and workplaces. In Southeast Asia and Japan, over 750,000 teachers utilise Kahoot! to enhance academic performance. The platform’s appeal is further boosted by AI-powered features and content partnerships with renowned providers like Disney and Microsoft.

The Singapore hub will focus on transforming learning experiences through interactive tools and premium content, whilst also localising its offerings in regional languages. Uddin noted, “Singapore is one of the most forward-looking markets in the world when it comes to lifelong learning and digital transformation.”

The launch event featured testimonials from users like Sabina Mammadova, a science teacher, and Billy Yip, an HR professional, who shared how Kahoot! has improved engagement and streamlined learning in their respective fields. As Kahoot! continues to expand its footprint, the Singapore hub is poised to play a pivotal role in the company’s APAC strategy.
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Chaucer Group, a global speciality (re)insurance company, has announced the appointment of Emily Brand as Deputy Class Underwriter for Energy in its Singapore office. Brand, who brings over a decade of experience in the insurance industry, will report to Scott Ho and play a crucial role in expanding Chaucer’s energy business across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.

Brand’s extensive background includes her recent position as an Energy Underwriter at AEGIS, where she advanced from an Underwriting Assistant role. Her career also includes stints at Markel and Lloyd’s, focusing primarily on marine and energy insurance. Her new responsibilities at Chaucer will involve supporting the underwriting strategy and broadening the company’s reach in the APAC energy insurance market.

Scott Ho, who leads the Energy team in Singapore, expressed enthusiasm about Brand’s appointment, stating, “Chaucer recognises Asia Pacific as a vital part of the global re/insurance market and is dedicated to bringing in people who will add value to our clients there. Emily’s experience in the energy market will play a huge role as we look to expand our energy offering across the region.”

Chaucer, a member of the China Re Group, is known for its bespoke approach to (re)insurance, leveraging the expertise of its teams to support business activities worldwide. Brand’s addition to the Singapore office underscores Chaucer’s commitment to strengthening its presence in the APAC region and enhancing its energy sector offerings.
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SATS Ltd., a prominent player in aviation cargo and ground handling services, has announced an increase in the retirement age to 64 and the re-employment age to 69 for its Singapore-based employees. This policy, effective immediately, is set to benefit more than 700 employees who will reach these ages by 2025, ahead of the Singapore Government’s legislative changes.

The initiative is part of SATS’ commitment to fostering an inclusive and future-ready organisation. Chief Human Capital Officer Tan Chee Wei highlighted the importance of recognising and retaining the contributions of experienced employees. “This progressive move, undertaken in collaboration with our union partners, reflects our dedication to building an inclusive, future-ready organisation and supporting our mature employees who wish to continue contributing their skills and experience,” she stated.

SATS has also introduced job redesign initiatives to enhance long-term employability, aligning roles with evolving business needs and promoting employee engagement. The company is committed to continuous learning and development, ensuring all employees, regardless of age, are equipped to meet changing job requirements. The SATS Employee Development Programme offers training on growth mindset and workplace diversity, whilst roles requiring digital skills receive targeted training.

Govinden Sathasivam, General Secretary of SATS Workers’ Union, expressed support for the policy, noting the assurance of job security it provides to senior workers. Cham Hui Fong, Deputy Secretary-General of NTUC, emphasised the importance of such initiatives in maintaining a dynamic workforce as Singapore strengthens its position as a regional aviation hub.
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The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has announced proposals to improve the clarity of Product Highlights Sheets (PHS) and streamline the framework for complex investment products. These changes are designed to empower investors to make informed decisions whilst ensuring those needing extra guidance receive appropriate support.

MAS’s proposed enhancements to PHS include revised templates that highlight key product features on the first page and employ a “question and answer” format to engage investors. Complex products will be marked with a red label, signalling the need for professional advice. Additionally, Investment-Linked Policies will now require a PHS.

The complex products framework, established in 2012, categorises products as “complex” or “non-complex” and mandates distribution safeguards for complex products. MAS is considering removing the requirement for mandatory financial advice, except for those needing additional protection, due to improved investor access to product knowledge. Instead, a Product Knowledge Assessment (PKA) will be introduced as a self-assessment tool to evaluate an investor’s understanding of complex products.

MAS is also proposing targeted safeguards for “Selected Clients” who require added protection. These clients will undergo a mandatory financial advisory process, ensuring they have access to safeguards such as having a trusted individual present during advisory sessions and a call-back process to confirm investment decisions.

MAS is seeking feedback on these proposals, with comments due by 1 September 2025. This initiative reflects MAS’s commitment to adapting its frameworks to the evolving needs of Singapore’s retail investors.
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Frasers Property and Sekisui House have announced the launch of The Robertson Opus, a 999-year mixed-use development in Singapore’s prestigious District 9. The preview is set for 5 July 2025, with sales bookings beginning on 19 July 2025. This development is the only 999-year residential launch in the prime districts of 9, 10, and 11 this year.

The Robertson Opus will feature 348 luxury residential units spread across five mid-rise buildings, complemented by upscale dining and retail options on Level 1 and Basement 1. The project is expected to receive its Temporary Occupation Permit in the first half of 2029. Homebuyers can choose from the Premier, Luxury, and Legacy Collections, with prices starting at $1.01 million (S$1.37 million) for a suite.

Soon Su Lin, CEO of Frasers Property Singapore, stated, “We are proud to unveil The Robertson Opus—the only 999-year residential launch in the prime districts of 9, 10, and 11 this year. Set within the upscale lifestyle enclave of Robertson Quay along the Singapore River, this masterpiece is poised to redefine luxury riverside living.”

The development promises exceptional connectivity, with nearby MRT stations and access to the Central Expressway. Residents will enjoy proximity to cultural and recreational districts, including Clarke Quay and Marina Bay. The Robertson Opus also emphasises holistic well-being, featuring amenities such as a sky forest, private gardens, and a smart home system.

Takehisa Yanagi, Managing Officer of Sekisui House, remarked, “The development’s state-of-the-art facilities are designed to enhance the living experience, promoting sustainability and well-being.”

The Robertson Opus sales gallery opens on 5 July 2025, offering potential buyers a glimpse into this luxurious riverside lifestyle.
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The High Court has approved the collective sale of Thomson View Condominium for S$810 million, with the buyer being a consortium of UOL Group, Singapore Land, and CapitaLand Development. This approval marks a significant milestone in the collective sale journey, which has been fraught with challenges, according to Swee Shou Fern, Head of Investment Advisory at ETC.

The condominium, which consists of 255 units including a shop unit, 54 townhouses, and 200 flats, is the largest residential collective sale since Chuan Park’s S$860 million sale in May 2023. It is also the only residential collective sale transaction in 2024. The property boasts strong locational advantages, such as proximity to the Upper Thomson MRT station, top-ranked schools, and various amenities.

Henry Toi, Chairman of Thomson View Condominium’s collective sale committee, expressed gratitude for the successful sale, acknowledging the efforts of ETC and their solicitors, Wee Swee Teow LLP. He also thanked the owners for their patience and support throughout the process.

The condominium’s strategic location offers easy access to Orchard Road and the Central Business District, along with nearby educational institutions like Ai Tong School and Raffles Institution. The sale highlights the continued demand for well-located residential properties in Singapore.
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HSBC Life Singapore has announced the appointment of Luzanne Chong as its new Chief Commercial Officer, effective 21 July 2025. Chong will report directly to Harpreet Bindra, CEO of HSBC Life Singapore, and will spearhead the commercialisation of strategic initiatives in a role that unifies strategic planning, customer experience, and digital leadership.

Chong, a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in banking and insurance, previously served as Head of Customer Experience at Prudential Singapore. Her extensive background includes senior roles at FWD Singapore and DBS Bank, focusing on customer experience, segment strategy, and digital transformation.

In her new position, Chong will manage end-to-end customer lifecycle management, data analytics, digital strategy, and marketing across HSBC Life’s life and health portfolios. This appointment underscores HSBC Life Singapore’s commitment to customer-led, insight-driven, and digitally enabled growth.

Harpreet Bindra expressed enthusiasm about Chong’s appointment, stating, “I’m delighted to welcome Luzanne to my leadership team. This newly created leadership role marks a pivotal step as we continue advancing our customer-led transformation agenda. Luzanne’s experience and proven track record will be key in connecting strategy, insights and execution, enhancing the delivery of our integrated health and wealth solutions to meet the evolving needs of our customers in Singapore.”

This strategic move aligns with HSBC Life’s broader ambition to become Singapore’s preferred insurer and supports HSBC’s goal to be the leading wealth manager in the region.
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CapitaLand Development (CLD) and UOL Group have announced the High Court of Singapore’s approval for their collective acquisition of Thomson View Condominium, a significant en bloc transaction valued at $590 million (S$810 million). This joint venture, split equally between CLD and UOL, received backing from over 80% of the condominium’s residents by strata area and share value.

The strategic acquisition, located along Upper Thomson Road, offers panoramic views and excellent connectivity, being adjacent to Upper Thomson MRT Station. Ronald Tay, CEO of CLD (Singapore), and Liam Wee Sin, Group Chief Executive of UOL, expressed their enthusiasm in a joint statement: “We are pleased to expand our joint venture portfolio with this strategic acquisition. The progress of this sale puts us on track to leverage our combined expertise to rejuvenate and contribute to the vibrancy of this prime estate.”

The 5-hectare site is poised to benefit from its proximity to lifestyle amenities like Thomson Plaza, reputable schools such as Ai Tong School, and a network of parks and nature reserves. This acquisition is part of CLD’s and UOL’s broader strategy to enhance their portfolios with prime real estate developments.

Further details on the development plans for Thomson View Condominium will be released in due course, promising to transform the area into a vibrant community hub.
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