Industry News

Singapore’s Gen Z professionals are leading the charge in the job market, with 66% planning to switch jobs in 2026, according to LinkedIn’s latest report. Despite their eagerness, they face significant challenges in an increasingly automated hiring environment, where AI-driven processes often leave them in the dark.

LinkedIn’s data highlights a disconnect between Gen Z jobseekers and recruiters. Whilst recruiters associate Gen Z with a desire for speed and flexibility, these young professionals are actually seeking clarity and meaningful feedback. “Many are navigating uncertainty about what will set them apart,” said Serla Rusli, LinkedIn Career Expert. This expectation gap is causing frustration, as Gen Z feels the pressure of intensified competition and a lack of transparency in the hiring process.

The report also notes that nearly one-third of professionals are exploring opportunities beyond their current industries, reflecting a broader rethinking of career paths. Gen Z and Millennials are at the forefront of this shift, showing a willingness to explore new sectors.

Recruiters, meanwhile, are struggling to find qualified candidates, with 74% reporting increased difficulty in the past year. The reliance on AI in recruitment processes has added to the complexity, with both jobseekers and recruiters feeling the squeeze.

LinkedIn is addressing these challenges by offering AI-powered tools and real-time insights to help professionals navigate the job market. As the hiring landscape evolves, the focus on clarity and skill development remains crucial for both jobseekers and employers.

StateSquare Capital has announced the appointment of Jonathan Ma as a Partner to spearhead its European operations. With 18 years of experience in private equity, Ma will also join the firm’s Investment Committee, playing a crucial role in shaping investment strategies and decisions.

Previously a Partner at Inflexion Private Equity, Ma has a proven track record of investing in mid-market businesses across Europe. His experience includes working closely with entrepreneurial founders and management teams to drive business development and international expansion through buy-and-build strategies.

At StateSquare Capital, Ma will be tasked with building and leading the European investment platform, sourcing and executing new investments, and supporting portfolio companies in scaling their operations globally. His appointment underscores the firm’s commitment to partnering with ambitious management teams to create global champions through strategic acquisitions and organic growth.

Florian Marquis, Managing Partner and CEO of StateSquare Capital, commented on the appointment: “Jonathan’s deep experience in the European mid-market, combined with his strong track record of working alongside founders and management teams, makes him an excellent fit for StateSquare Capital’s global investment DNA.”

Ma expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, stating, “I am delighted to be joining StateSquare Capital at such an exciting stage of its growth. The firm’s focus on partnering with entrepreneurial founders and supporting portfolio companies to become true global leaders strongly aligns with my experience and investment philosophy.”

StateSquare Capital, headquartered in Singapore, specialises in control investments focused on operational transformation and long-term value creation, targeting mid-market opportunities across Asia, Europe, and North America.

Momentus Hotel Alexandra, the flagship property of Momentus Hotels & Resorts, has announced the appointment of Chantel Lim as its new Director of Commercial. With over two decades of experience in hospitality sales and business development across Southeast Asia, Lim is set to drive the hotel’s commercial strategy, focusing on sales, distribution, and partnerships.

Lim’s extensive background includes senior roles at renowned hospitality brands such as Hyatt, Pan Pacific Singapore, and InterContinental Hotels Group. Her career is marked by a proven track record in generating multi-million-dollar revenues and leading high-performing sales teams. At Momentus Hotel Alexandra, her priorities will include strengthening key accounts, expanding market reach, and ensuring sustainable revenue growth across both corporate and leisure segments.

Felix Wong, General Manager at Momentus Hotel Alexandra, expressed confidence in Lim’s appointment, stating, “Chantel’s appointment reflects our commitment to strengthening leadership at Momentus Hotel Alexandra. With her extensive industry experience, keen market insight, and client-focused approach, she will be instrumental in driving growth and further enhancing our competitive position.”

Lim herself is enthusiastic about her new role, saying, “I am excited to be part of the team, especially at a time of strong momentum for the brand. The team has built a solid foundation and I look forward to working together to strengthen partnerships, unlock new opportunities, and drive sustainable commercial growth whilst delivering meaningful experiences for our guests.”

Momentus Hotel Alexandra, located in Singapore’s Alexandra precinct, offers 442 guest rooms and a variety of amenities, making it an ideal choice for both business and leisure travellers.

Volt Auto has unveiled the all-new Dongfeng VIGO at the Singapore Motorshow 2026, marking Dongfeng’s entry into the electric SUV market. The VIGO, Dongfeng’s first Category A electric SUV, is designed to cater to modern urban lifestyles with its blend of performance, technology, and practicality.

The VIGO is available at a special Motorshow promotional price of S$166,888, inclusive of the Certificate of Entitlement (COE), from 8 to 11 January 2026. This offer includes a 10-year battery warranty and 10 years of servicing, enhancing its appeal in the electric SUV segment. The regular retail price starts at S$228,888.

The SUV boasts a spacious interior with a 500-litre boot and a 72-litre hidden compartment, making it one of the largest in its category. It features a 2,715 mm wheelbase and a 63% usable space ratio. The innovative “Heaven and Earth Gate” tailgate supports up to 150 kg, transforming the rear into a functional platform for outdoor activities.

Inside, the VIGO’s Smart Cockpit includes a 12.8-inch HD central display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offers intelligent scene modes and a range of lifestyle features such as a 50W wireless fast-charging pad and 256-colour ambient lighting.

Safety is prioritised with Level 2 advanced driver-assistance systems and a 540° panoramic camera. The VIGO’s 3C fast-charging battery system supports up to 167 kW DC charging, achieving an 80% charge in approximately 18 minutes.

The Dongfeng VIGO is showcased at Booth 6218, Suntec Convention Centre, Level 6, alongside previews of upcoming models. Test drives are available through Volt Auto, the exclusive distributor for Dongfeng in Singapore.

StraitsX has announced the successful integration of Apple Pay In-App provisioning for Pionex Cards, enabling users to add their cards to Apple Pay with just one tap within the Pionex app. This development streamlines access to secure, contactless payments, enhancing the user experience for Pionex cardholders.

The integration underscores StraitsX’s robust infrastructure, which supports Pionex Cards through Visa BIN sponsorship, issuer processing, and stablecoin settlement. By embedding Apple Pay provisioning directly into the Pionex application, StraitsX facilitates a seamless transition from card setup to real-world usage, allowing Pionex to focus on delivering a mobile-first payment experience.

Mobile wallet compatibility is now a standard expectation for global card programmes, yet achieving Apple Pay certification is both technically and operationally challenging. StraitsX’s successful completion of this process positions it as a trusted partner for fintechs and digital asset platforms seeking scalable mobile wallet capabilities.

Liu Tianyao, Head of Commercial and Co-Founder of StraitsX, stated, “The Apple Pay certification process requires issuers to meet a comprehensive range of technical and compliance requirements, and is widely recognised as a rigorous undertaking across security, provisioning, and user experience.”

The integration also supports Google Pay and includes direct provisioning via the native Apple Wallet app, wallet extension support, and Google Pay In-App provisioning on Android. These capabilities are expected to enhance card adoption for Pionex, with improvements in user onboarding and transaction activity anticipated in early 2026. StraitsX plans to expand Apple Pay and Google Pay support to additional card programmes throughout the year.

MariBank has introduced Mari Invest Gold, a pioneering investment option that enables customers to invest in the LionGlobal Singapore Physical Gold Fund with a minimum investment of just S$1. This initiative marks MariBank as the first digital bank in Singapore to offer such an accessible entry point into the gold market.

The new fund, available exclusively to MariBank customers, is managed by Lion Global Investors and offers a unique unit class, Class MariBank SGD Hedged (Acc). The fund invests in physical gold bars with a purity of at least 99.5%, securely stored in Singapore vaults. Standard Chartered Bank Singapore acts as the custodian, ensuring the secure storage of these assets. The fund’s performance is aligned with the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) Gold Price AM, a standard benchmark for daily gold prices.

Mari Invest Gold is part of MariBank’s expanding suite of investment products, which includes Mari Invest SavePlus and Mari Invest Income. Since its inception, approximately 30% of MariBank’s clientele have engaged with its investment offerings. The bank’s CEO, Natalia Goh, highlighted the strategic partnership with Lion Global Investors, stating, “Our latest partnership with Lion Global Investors to launch Mari Invest Gold extends the timeless appeal of gold to a new generation of digital investors.”

Lion Global Investors’ CEO, Teo Joo Wah, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, noting the shared vision of making physical gold accessible to retail investors and contributing to Singapore’s status as a financial and gold hub.

With this launch, MariBank continues to innovate, providing simple and reliable banking solutions tailored to meet evolving customer needs.

Grab, Southeast Asia’s leading superapp, has announced a strategic partnership with GAC, a global leader in smart electric mobility, to introduce 20,000 high-performance electric vehicles (EVs) across the region. This collaboration aims to diversify Grab’s fleet and improve the in-vehicle experience for its driver-partners by integrating both companies’ systems.

The partnership will see the introduction of GAC’s AION Y, AION ES, and AION V models in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand. These vehicles are designed to meet the demands of professional ride-hailing, featuring 90-degree door openings and ample rear legroom for enhanced comfort.

Philipp Kandal, Chief Product Officer at Grab, highlighted the benefits of integrating the Grab driver app into GAC’s intelligent cockpit system. “By integrating the Grab driver app directly into the GAC cockpit display, our driver-partners can receive timely and important data, such as precise navigation and safety alerts, in a more ergonomic way,” he said.

The collaboration aligns with GAC’s strategy of creating an integrated ecosystem for EVs and supports Grab’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2040. Grab is also enhancing infrastructure through partnerships with charging operators and offering financing support for EV ownership.

The partnership is expected to boost GAC’s brand awareness in Southeast Asia, a region experiencing significant growth in the EV market. According to the International Energy Agency, regional EV sales rose by nearly 50% in 2024. Grab’s initiatives, such as the “Eco-Friendly Ride” option and partnerships with charging networks, further support the transition to sustainable transportation.

CapitaLand Investment Limited (CLI) has announced strategic investments to bolster its logistics capabilities across the Asia Pacific region. The company is making a minority investment in Ally Logistic Property (ALP), a leader in smart logistics infrastructure, and an existing capital partner in the CapitaLand Southeast Asia Logistics Fund (CSLF).

CSLF is committing S$260m to develop OMEGA 1 Singapore, its first automated logistics facility in the city-state. These initiatives are part of CLI’s strategy to expand its logistics platform in high-growth markets such as Australia, Japan, and the United States.

CLI’s investment in ALP aims to leverage ALP’s expertise in logistics automation, enhancing CLI’s fund management and capital-raising capabilities. Patricia Goh, CEO of Southeast Asia and Global Head of Logistics & Self-Storage at CLI, highlighted the region’s rapid growth, stating, “APAC remains the fastest-growing logistics region, with a projected compound annual growth rate of 15.2% between 2024 and 2030.”

The OMEGA 1 Singapore facility, located in Jurong Industrial Estate, will feature advanced technologies like robotics and automated storage systems. Scheduled for completion in 2028, it will offer 71,000 square metres of space and accommodate 60,000 pallet positions. The facility aims to achieve Green Mark GoldPLUS certification for its sustainable design.

CSLF was launched in 2022 and it is expanding its portfolio with projects in Thailand and Vietnam. The fund’s diversification strategy includes a significant site in Thailand and a ready-built factory in Vietnam, both set to enhance regional logistics infrastructure.

PaxOcean Group and ABB have announced a significant milestone in their collaboration on Singapore’s first fully electric tug, PXO-ACE-1, which has completed its commissioning phase. The vessel, featuring ABB’s integrated electric propulsion system, is set to be deployed in April 2026 as part of Singapore’s harbour craft electrification strategy.

The PXO-ACE-1, built by PaxOcean Group, a subsidiary of Kuok Maritime Group, is a 50-tonne bollard pull tug designed for efficient, emission-free operations. This development aligns with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore’s mandate for all new harbour craft to be fully electric or compatible with B100 biofuels or net-zero fuels by 2030. The electric tug aims to improve local air quality and reduce onboard noise and vibrations, enhancing the working environment for crew members.

ABB’s Onboard DC Grid™ and PEMS™ power and energy management system are central to the tug’s operation, enabling optimal use of its three-megawatt-hour battery pack. This system supports wide variations in power demand, including instant high torque, and optimises drivetrain efficiency.

Tan Thai Yong, Managing Director and CEO of PaxOcean Group, stated, “Developing Singapore’s first fully electric tug is a significant achievement and an important step in advancing maritime decarbonisation.” Olli Tuunainen, ABB’s Local Business Line Manager, added, “We are proud to be part of this groundbreaking project for Singapore, supporting the world’s maritime capital in its journey towards fully electric harbour operations.”

This project is expected to serve as a blueprint for further electrification efforts in Singapore and across Asia.

HSBC Life Singapore has introduced the HSBC Life Indexed Flexi Income, an innovative indexed universal life (IUL) plan designed to offer lifetime income, wealth accumulation, and protection across various life stages. This launch aims to cater to Singapore’s evolving longevity and retirement trends, enabling customers to plan confidently for the future.

The plan’s standout features include flexible lifetime income options, allowing policyholders to activate guaranteed increasing income up to age 120. Customers can decide when to start receiving income and have the flexibility to pause or resume payouts as their needs change. Additionally, the plan offers the potential for wealth accumulation by allowing premium allocation to an Index Account with access to multiple market indices or a General Account for guaranteed returns. A floor rate of up to 1% ensures downside protection.

Moreover, the plan provides life insurance coverage for death and terminal illness, supporting inter-generational wealth transfer through succession planning features that can be passed down to five future generations. This launch is part of HSBC Life Singapore’s broader strategy to expand its integrated solutions portfolio, which includes the recent opening of its first integrated Health and Wellness Centre at the Star Vista Wealth Centre and enhancements to its high-net-worth product suite.

Ranked as the top high-net-worth insurance brand in Singapore by Affluential for the second consecutive year, HSBC Life Singapore continues to solidify its position as a leading wealth manager in the region. The new plan underscores HSBC’s commitment to addressing the complex wealth needs of its clients.