Industry News

LynkiD has announced a strategic partnership with Singapore Airlines, allowing its users to convert their reward points into KrisFlyer miles. This collaboration, revealed on 14 November 2025, aims to enhance the travel experiences of LynkiD’s 8 million users by providing access to international travel services and experiences.

For years, loyalty programmes in Vietnam have been limited to domestic rewards. However, LynkiD’s partnership with KrisFlyer, the frequent flyer programme of Singapore Airlines, marks a significant milestone for the Vietnamese loyalty industry. This new alliance enables LynkiD users to redeem their points for a variety of benefits, including international flight tickets, seat upgrades, and duty-free shopping at airports.

Every 550 LynkiD points can now be exchanged for 1 KrisFlyer mile. This opens up a world of possibilities for users, such as redeeming flights or seat upgrades with Singapore Airlines, Scoot, and Star Alliance member airlines. Additionally, users can book hotel stays at global chains like Marriott and Accor and access exclusive travel deals.

The partnership not only elevates the value of LynkiD points but also positions the Vietnamese loyalty brand on a global stage. By transcending geographic boundaries, LynkiD aims to bring Vietnamese loyalty experiences closer to international standards, offering its users world-class travel opportunities.

Pan Pacific Hotels Group (PPHG) has announced the appointment of Celine Du as its new Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer, effective from 1 November 2025. With over 30 years of experience in the luxury hotel sector, Du is set to lead the commercial strategy and performance for PPHG’s brands, including Pan Pacific, PARKROYAL COLLECTION, and PARKROYAL, aiming to maximise revenue and growth.

Du’s role will encompass overseeing channel management, loyalty programmes, and global partnerships to boost the Group’s commercial reach. Her extensive background in driving revenue growth and brand equity will be pivotal as PPHG seeks to expand its international presence and strengthen its brand identity.

CEO of PPHG, Choe Peng Sum, praised Du’s leadership, stating, “Celine is an exceptional leader with a proven track record in shaping innovative, data-driven commercial strategies that have consistently delivered strong results.” He emphasised her ability to unite global teams and her focus on talent management and development.

Du’s appointment coincides with a transformative period for PPHG, following the rebranding of its core brands and a renewed focus on commercial excellence. She will play a crucial role in advancing the Group’s global brand positioning and ensuring its brands resonate with modern travellers.

Expressing her enthusiasm, Du stated, “I am honoured to join Pan Pacific Hotels Group at such an exciting stage in its growth journey,” highlighting the Group’s commitment to innovation and hospitality.

Global dividends reached a record $518.7b in Q3 2025, marking a 6.2% year-on-year increase, according to Capital Group’s latest Dividend Watch report. Singapore contributed significantly to this growth, achieving a record payout of $7.4b, driven largely by the banking sector, despite a notable cut from Singapore Airlines.

DBS was a standout performer, accounting for half of the increase in Singapore’s dividends, with a 39% year-on-year growth in its payout. This robust performance helped offset the impact of Singapore Airlines’ dividend reduction, which was necessary due to lower underlying earnings. The aviation sector’s cut was significant enough to reduce Singapore’s Q3 growth rate by over three percentage points.

The report highlights that Singapore’s core dividend growth was 3.5% in Q3, tempered by the aviation sector’s performance. However, topline growth reached 12.5%, supported by larger special dividends and a stronger exchange rate. Year-to-date, Singapore’s dividends have risen 7.4% on a core basis, setting the stage for a record year.

Andy Budden, Equity Investment Director at Capital Group, noted the importance of global diversification for investors, stating, “Firms that consistently pay and grow their dividends typically show solid earnings, healthy cash flow, and disciplined management.”

Globally, financials, software, and transport sectors were key drivers of dividend growth. The US, Asia, and Europe saw significant gains, whilst Australia, China, and the UK experienced weaker performances. Looking ahead, the outlook for 2025 remains positive, with expectations of continued strength in the Pacific region and European banks.

Western Union and TenPay Global, Tencent’s cross-border payment platform, have announced a strategic partnership aimed at revolutionising remittance services. This collaboration introduces a cobranded flagship store in Singapore’s Chinatown, combining physical and digital remittance solutions for a seamless customer experience.

The new store, located at the People’s Park Complex, integrates Western Union’s retail network with TenPay Global’s payment capabilities. Customers can initiate money transfers via their mobile devices and finalise transactions either in cash or digitally at the counter. The process is streamlined with prefilled sender and receiver information, reducing the need for physical forms and saving time.

Vince Tallent, Senior Vice President and Head of Asia-Pacific for Western Union, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are delighted to be partnering with Tencent, one of the world’s most innovative technology companies. This strategic partnership marks an exciting new chapter in our presence in the country.”

Wenhui Yang, CEO of TenPay Global Singapore, highlighted the benefits of the collaboration, saying, “Through the Weixin and Mini Programmes ecosystem, we are empowering digital transformation in offline remittances to enable users to enjoy a smoother, more connected, and efficient remittance experience.”

This partnership signifies a significant step in enhancing cross-border money transfers, making them more inclusive and accessible. With the integration of digital innovation and a trusted retail network, Western Union and TenPay Global aim to offer a more connected remittance service, bridging online and offline channels for customers. The flagship store is one of Western Union’s 20 branches in Singapore, further solidifying its commitment to serving the local community.

SATS Ltd has announced a net profit of S$78.9m for the second quarter of the financial year 2026, marking a 13.3% increase compared to the same period last year. The company’s revenue rose by 8.4% to S$1.6 billion, driven by robust cargo volume growth across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. This performance was supported by a 15.7% rise in EBITDA to S$307.4m, with margins expanding from 18.3% to 19.6%.

The company’s Gateway Services saw a 10.7% increase in revenue, reaching S$1.22b, as it continued to gain market share with cargo volumes surpassing global growth benchmarks set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Meanwhile, SATS’ Food Solutions division experienced a modest 1% revenue growth to S$356.5m, reflecting stable inflight meal demand amidst expanding air travel in the Asia-Pacific region.

Kerry Mok, President and CEO of SATS, highlighted the company’s strategic focus on managing capacity and resources as demand patterns evolve. “SATS’ second quarter results were enabled by a global network and consistent execution across our operations,” Mok stated. He also emphasised the company’s commitment to investing in specialised handling capabilities to support customer growth.

Looking ahead, SATS plans to continue enhancing its operations in Singapore, which remains central to its global network. The company is investing in next-generation mega air hubs and recently completed a S$40m upgrade at the Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore. These initiatives aim to bolster Singapore’s position as a world-class hub for trade and travel. The company has declared an interim dividend of 2 Singapore cents per share, payable on 5 December 2025.

The Investment Management Association of Singapore (IMAS) has unveiled a series of education-focused initiatives aimed at accelerating the understanding and adoption of blockchain and tokenisation within the investment community. This announcement follows a collaborative white paper with the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and the UK Investment Association (IA).

IMAS has launched an e-learning course titled “The Brave New World of Tokenisation and Blockchain in Asset Management,” developed with the support of Schroders, Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow, and Phillip Capital. This course aims to provide foundational knowledge on blockchain and tokenisation, covering real-world applications, trends, and regulatory considerations.

In addition, IMAS has introduced TokenAIse, a Gen-AI powered chatbot created in partnership with AI Singapore. This tool is designed to democratise access to information on distributed ledger technology (DLT) and tokenisation, enhancing understanding across the investment sector.

Carmen Wee, CEO of IMAS, highlighted the transformative impact of tokenisation on global capital markets, stating, “The industry can only progress by building shared knowledge and readiness.” Stephanie Magnus from Baker McKenzie Wong & Leow emphasised the importance of regulatory clarity in navigating the evolving investment landscape.

These initiatives are part of IMAS’s broader strategy to close the education gap and foster a future-ready investment community. By collaborating with fintech innovators, regulators, and asset managers, IMAS aims to support industry alignment and innovation.

The Sen, a new residential project in Jalan Jurong Kechil, launched over the weekend, selling 80 out of its 347 units, marking a 23% sales rate. The average price was approximately $2,358 per square foot (psf). This launch concludes a bustling year for Singapore’s property market, with 27 projects introduced in 2025.

The sales performance at The Sen was more measured compared to recent launches, attributed to buyer fatigue and seasonal distractions as the year-end approaches. Kelvin Fong, CEO of PropNex, noted that potential buyers might be pausing to consider upcoming projects in Q1 2026. Despite this, all 10 one-bedroom units were sold, with prices starting at $993,900. Two- and three-bedroom units, which accounted for 79% of sales, began at $1.54m and $2.06m, respectively.

Fong highlighted that the price range of $1.5m to $2.5m is attractive to HDB upgraders and property investors. The Sen’s pricing is competitive for the Rest of Central Region (RCR), where new non-landed private homes averaged $2,770 psf this year. The easing interest rates could further boost sales.

Although not within walking distance to Beauty World MRT station, The Sen is accessible by a short bus ride and offers ample amenities, including the upcoming Bukit V mall. Its proximity to nature reserves and schools enhances its appeal to families.

This launch caps a remarkable year for Singapore’s private housing market, with new home sales reaching a multi-year high. Developers sold an estimated 10,379 new units by 9 November 2025, the first time in nearly four years that sales have surpassed 10,000 units. PropNex remains optimistic about continued sales momentum into 2026, supported by favourable interest rates and strategic pricing.

The Potters Garden, a five-hectare park in JTC’s Jurong Innovation District, has officially opened to the public, offering a blend of nature and industry. Originally launched as Jurong Eco-Garden in 2014, the park has been renamed to honour Jurong’s rich pottery legacy, with connections to Singapore’s last two dragon kilns at Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle and Jalan Bahar Clay Studios. The park’s rejuvenation aims to serve workers in the advanced manufacturing hub, nearby residents, and nature enthusiasts.

Located within the CleanTech Park, The Potters Garden showcases over 1,500 trees, including new species to complement existing vegetation, creating a habitat for wildlife. Notable species such as the Straw-headed Bulbul and the critically endangered Harlequin butterfly can be found here. The park’s biodiversity is further enhanced by an expanded Butterfly Garden and a new eco-pond designed to manage rainwater sustainably.

Community feedback from 2021 surveys led to the addition of new amenities, including playgrounds, a fitness corner, and refurbished footpaths. Minister Desmond Lee, who officially opened the park, expressed delight at the park’s reopening, highlighting its celebration of pottery heritage and its benefits for all generations.

Nelson Liew, Group Director of New Estates at JTC, emphasised the importance of integrating green spaces within industrial estates to support community wellbeing. The park is easily accessible via a pedestrian bridge near Jurong West Street 81, enhancing its appeal to the public.

AJJ Medtech Holdings Limited and Autagco Limited have entered into a strategic partnership to develop and commercialise humanoid elderly care robots in Singapore. This collaboration, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 12 November 2025, aims to integrate advanced robotics and artificial intelligence into Autagco’s assisted living facilities, creating AI-powered care environments.

The partnership will see Autagco initially acquiring six AJJ-HT-X1 humanoid robots for deployment across its facilities. These robots will undergo clinical trials to assess their capabilities in companionship, rehabilitation assistance, health monitoring, and cognitive interaction. The trials will ensure the robots meet safety and effectiveness standards, with data handled in compliance with Singapore’s Personal Data Protection Act.

AJJ Medtech’s Executive Director and CEO, Zhao Xin, highlighted the significance of the MOU, stating, “We will capitalise on our expertise in digital healthcare, product know-how and understanding of Singapore’s healthcare and regulatory requirements to bring this collaboration forward.”

Autagco’s Executive Chairman and CEO, Ng Boon Hui, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, noting its potential to elevate care services and transform service delivery models.

AJJ will manage regulatory approvals, robot hardware provision, and data analysis, whilst Autagco will facilitate clinical trials and operational integration within its facilities. The MOU, valid for 36 months, may be renewed upon mutual agreement, aiming to set a benchmark for scalable, high-quality eldercare services in Singapore.

Banyan Group is set to host its inaugural Rainforest Festival from 27 November to 3 December 2025 at the Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree in Singapore. The festival will feature a range of curated paid experiences, including behind-the-scenes wildlife tours and exclusive dining options, with 20% of proceeds going to the President’s Challenge. Banyan Group will also match festival ticket sales dollar-for-dollar, further supporting the charitable initiative.

Festival-goers will enjoy complimentary same-day entry with paid experiences and a 30% discount on admission to Rainforest Wild Asia, Bird Paradise, and the new Curiosity Cove. These attractions offer unique encounters with over 3,000 birds and a nature-inspired playscape. Discounts of up to 10% are also available at select dining and retail outlets operated by Mandai Wildlife Group.

The Rainforest Festival marks the grand opening of Banyan Group’s 100th resort and its symbolic return to Singapore. The event aligns with the group’s commitment to sustainability and community support, benefiting 60 programmes across 52 charities through the President’s Challenge. The festival will run daily from 10am to 6pm, with general admission tickets priced at $7.30 (S$10) on weekdays and $11 (S$15) on weekends. Children under four, in-house guests, and participants in paid experiences will receive free entry.