Industry News

The Housing Development Board (HDB) is set to launch 9,144 flats across 10 projects in its October 2025 Build-To-Order (BTO) exercise, marking the largest BTO offering since November 2022. This significant release includes a 5 percentage point increase in allocation for second-timers, potentially boosting applications from this group.

Among the offerings, 3,294 flats across four projects will feature a shorter waiting time of less than three years, which could attract demand from the resale market and help stabilise resale prices. The exercise includes projects in Bishan, Mount Pleasant, and Telok Blangah, with expectations that the total number of applicants could exceed 20,000.

The October 2025 BTO exercise categorises the flats into three types: Prime, Plus, and Standard. Prime flats account for 3,787 units (41.4%), Plus flats for 1,425 units (15.6%), and Standard flats for 3,932 units (43.0%).

In Bukit Merah, two projects, Redhill Peaks and Berlayer Residences, are anticipated to be popular. Redhill Peaks, a former Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS) site, offers proximity to amenities and transport links. Berlayer Residences, located at the former Keppel Club site, promises high demand due to its prime location and potential views of the sea or city.

Mount Pleasant Crest in Toa Payoh and Bishan Terraces are also expected to draw significant interest. Mount Pleasant Crest benefits from excellent transport links, whilst Bishan Terraces is strategically located near Bishan centre and MRT interchange.

The largest project, Oak Ville @ AMK in Ang Mo Kio, is a Plus flat development, offering numerous educational facilities nearby. Meanwhile, Standard flats in Yishun, Jurong East, and Sengkang provide diverse options for potential homeowners.

As the October 2025 BTO exercise unfolds, the increased allocation for second-timers and the variety of projects available are likely to influence the dynamics of Singapore’s housing market.

Workday, Inc., a leading AI platform, has released a report revealing that whilst AI agents are increasingly integrated into Singaporean workplaces, employees desire clear boundaries. The study, titled “AI Agents Are Here – But Don’t Call Them Boss,” highlights that 83% of Singaporean workers are comfortable collaborating with AI agents, yet only 8% are willing to be managed by them. This presents a challenge for businesses to leverage AI’s capabilities without compromising the human element.

The report indicates that 79% of organisations in Singapore are either deploying or operating AI agents, particularly in finance and human resources. However, ethical, security, and governance concerns are significant barriers to wider adoption, especially in sensitive areas like finance and compliance.

Jess O’Reilly, general manager of ASEAN at Workday, emphasised the importance of using AI as a partner rather than a leader, stating, “To drive productivity and trust, it is important that we rely on AI as a partner rather than a leader.”

CGS International Securities has announced a strategic expansion of its regional asset management capabilities, introducing initiatives aimed at revitalising ASEAN capital markets. The firm is facilitating secondary listings of Chinese companies in Singapore and dual listings, such as Singapore-listed UMS Holdings on Bursa Malaysia, to broaden investor access.

The company’s Asset Management team in Singapore has launched the CGSI Ascend Access Strategy, a discretionary portfolio mandate designed to offer investors access to initial public offerings (IPOs) and secondary markets, traditionally reserved for institutional investors. This strategy targets a minimum 50% allocation to Singapore, allowing investors to engage with ASEAN’s growth and Hong Kong’s IPO market resurgence.

James Ong, Group Head of Asset Management, highlighted the firm’s commitment to expanding regional investment capabilities. “CGS International is expanding our regional investment capabilities to give our clients access to rising opportunities in both public and private spaces in Asia,” he stated. The team, comprising seasoned professionals like Ong, Phua Zhenghao, and Grace Yan, leverages CGS International’s award-winning research and regional presence to provide comprehensive market insights.

The introduction of the CGSI Ascend Access Strategy marks a significant step in CGS International’s efforts to enhance market access and governance, with equities market veteran Chew Sutat appointed as Chair of the Investment Committee. This initiative is part of the firm’s broader strategy to deliver high-conviction deal participation and dynamic capital preservation for investors.

DBS has been named the World’s Best AI Bank at the inaugural Global Finance AI In Finance Awards 2025, marking a significant achievement in its journey to become an AI-enabled bank. This accolade recognises DBS’s leadership in integrating responsible AI and digital innovation to enhance banking experiences whilst maintaining its commitment to empathy and customer-centric solutions.

The bank’s success is further underscored by additional awards for Best Corporate/Institutional AI Bank and Best Enhanced Customer Experience in the consumer AI banks category. Joseph Giarraputo, Founder & Editorial Director of Global Finance, praised DBS for its extensive AI model deployment, strong experimentation culture, and data-driven workforce. The bank has implemented over 1,500 AI models across more than 370 use cases, with an anticipated economic impact exceeding $730m (S$1b) in 2025.

DBS began its AI journey in 2014, investing heavily in platforms, processes, and people to scale AI innovations. These efforts have led to hyper-personalised customer experiences and enhanced employee productivity. For instance, DBS uses AI to provide investment insights and financial planning nudges, whilst its iCoach tool supports employee career development.

In addition to its AI accolades, DBS also triumphed in the Digital Bank Awards 2025, securing titles such as Best Corporate/Institutional Digital Bank in the World. Overall, DBS garnered six global, 15 regional, and 52 domestic awards, reinforcing its commitment to digital transformation and customer-focused banking services.
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Moove Media, the advertising arm of ComfortDelGro, has launched a groundbreaking advertising platform in Singapore—Dynamic Bus advertising. This innovative initiative features Southeast Asia’s first double-decker bus equipped with a large-format digital landscape screen, measuring 6.9 metres wide and 0.58 metres tall. The launch marks a significant advancement in transit advertising, combining the extensive reach of mass transit with the precision of digital targeting.

The Dynamic Bus offers advanced adaptive capabilities, allowing advertisers to deliver real-time, contextually relevant messages based on time, location, and weather. This includes features such as day-parting, geo-fencing, weather triggers, and programmatic scheduling. Advertisers can also opt for a hybrid format by pairing the digital screen with a full bus wrap, enhancing brand visibility and engagement.

This new addition is part of Moove Media’s expanding digital transit media ecosystem, which includes Dynamic Cab, In-Cab Displays, Impact Screens, Dynamic Rail, and the upcoming Dynamic Hub. Together, these formats create a connected network of transit media designed to deliver smarter, more adaptive, and accountable advertising.

Jeffrey Kwek, CEO of Moove Media, stated, “Out-of-home is evolving, and Moove Media is proud to lead that change. Dynamic Bus represents the future of transit advertising where scale, creativity, and digital agility come together.”

The launch partners for this initiative include Singtel and DBS, with Tiger Brokers set to roll out its campaign shortly. This development signifies a shift towards more dynamic and data-driven advertising solutions in Singapore’s transit media landscape.

Reclaims Global, a Singapore-based eco-friendly service provider for the construction industry, has announced a proposed placement of up to 15,384,700 new shares at S$0.39 each, aiming to raise approximately $4.4m (S$6m). SAC Capital Private Limited will act as the placement agent, with Maybank Securities Pte. Ltd. as the sub-placement agent. The placement price reflects an 8.8% discount to the volume-weighted average price of S$0.4277 per share on 9 October 2025.

The company, known for recycling construction and demolition waste and providing customised excavation solutions, plans to use the proceeds to strengthen its general working capital. Additionally, Reclaims Global intends to pursue business expansion initiatives, including tendering for higher-value contracts and exploring new opportunities in excavation, demolition, and building construction services.

Reclaims Global’s strategic move aligns with Singapore’s construction macro trends, aiming to enhance its market position by targeting new business opportunities and potential acquisitions of related business entities. The company has built a strong reputation over the years, supported by its extensive fleet of tipper lorries and a wide network of vendors, including transport companies and building material suppliers.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) of Singapore is set to significantly upgrade its railway video surveillance infrastructure with Nokia’s IP/MPLS and fibre Optical LAN solutions. This collaboration with Hitachi Rail aims to enhance the reliability, bandwidth, and efficiency of the CCTV network across more than 50 train stations, ensuring improved safety and traffic management for millions of passengers daily.

Nokia’s deployment will enable real-time monitoring and video surveillance, crucial for public safety and traffic pattern management. The fibre Optical LAN, featuring hardened ONUs and future-proof OLTs, supports speeds up to 25Gb/s, requiring less cabling and power compared to traditional LAN networks. This upgrade is designed to meet the growing capacity demands of LTA’s expanding network.

Joaquim Santos, Vice President of Integrated Communication and Supervision Solutions at Hitachi Rail, stated, “We are pleased to have selected Nokia to collaborate with Hitachi Rail in enhancing passenger safety & security across Singapore’s railway network.” Stuart Hendry, Vice President of Enterprise Sales, Network Infrastructure, Asia Pacific at Nokia, added, “Partnering with Hitachi Rail, we were able to deliver a complete solution for LTA that would ensure they had the video capacity needed to serve their expansive CCTV surveillance and broader network operations for years to come.”

This initiative underscores the importance of advanced technological solutions in maintaining and improving public transport safety and efficiency. The upgraded infrastructure is expected to serve Singapore’s transit lines effectively for years to come.

Centurion Corporation Limited has announced its acquisition of a land site in central London, marking its entry into the city with plans to develop a 225-bed Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA). The site, located at William Road, Euston, is strategically positioned near University College London’s Bloomsbury campus, making it an attractive option for students.

The acquisition, valued at $50m (£41m), was executed through Centurion’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Centurion Overseas Investments Pte. Ltd., in partnership with US-based Landmark Properties. Centurion holds a 99% equity interest in the joint venture, with Landmark holding the remaining 1%.

The development, branded under Centurion’s EPIISOD label, will feature a mix of studio units and en suite cluster accommodation, along with communal amenities. Additionally, part of the site will be refurbished to provide affordable office space.

This move expands Centurion’s UK portfolio to six cities, reinforcing its presence in key student markets. The acquisition follows the recent listing of Centurion Accommodation REIT on the Singapore Exchange, showcasing the company’s strategic capital deployment.

Kong Chee Min, CEO of Centurion Corporation, stated, “We are excited to extend our EPIISOD brand into London, a city with resilient student demand.” He emphasised the company’s commitment to reinvesting proceeds from the CAREIT spin-off into strategic opportunities that enhance portfolio quality and income visibility.

With London’s student housing demand outpacing supply, Centurion’s new development is poised to meet the needs of both domestic and international students, further solidifying its position in the global student accommodation market.

Surbana Jurong (SJ Group) is celebrating its 10th anniversary by announcing a significant partnership with the National Parks Board (NParks) and the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD). This collaboration aims to integrate nature, technology, and people, aligning with Singapore’s City in Nature vision. SJ Group will contribute up to $1.46m (S$2m) in cash and in-kind support to NParks’ Garden City Fund, enhancing climate resilience and sustainability.

The partnership includes the establishment of the Design and Artificial Intelligence (D•AI) Fab Lab at SJ, a first-of-its-kind collaboration between academia and industry in Singapore. This initiative will nurture talent skilled in combining design, AI, and domain expertise to tackle urban and environmental challenges. Professor Tai Lee Siang of SUTD remarked, “The AI future that once seemed so remote has arrived. Our collaboration with SJ through the SUTD D•AI Fab Lab embodies this vision.”

Additionally, SJ has launched the SJ Digital Experience Centre, which showcases advanced tools like Building Information Modelling and Digital Twins. This centre aims to empower clients to make informed decisions on performance, cost, and carbon, enhancing the digital capability in the built environment.

Sean Chiao, CEO of SJ, stated, “These partnerships may look different, but they are guided by the same belief, that the future will be shaped by bringing nature, technology and people together.” With these initiatives, SJ aims to deliver sustainable solutions that extend beyond Singapore, fostering a shared sustainability and innovation landscape.

INFiLED, a leading LED display solutions provider, has officially launched its Singapore subsidiary following a two-day event on 9-10 October 2025. This strategic move is part of the company’s broader Asia-Pacific expansion plan, aiming to deliver more localised and responsive services across the region. The Singapore entity will enhance INFiLED’s ability to support projects with greater speed and proximity, building on its existing operations in Japan, Korea, and Malaysia.

The establishment of the Singapore subsidiary marks a shift from regional offices to a fully-fledged local entity, granting it enhanced decision-making authority and resource allocation capabilities. This transition is expected to facilitate faster response times, deeper collaboration, and solutions tailored specifically for local market needs. “Strong products open doors, but sustainable growth comes from deeply localised operations,” INFiLED emphasised during the event.

Singapore’s strategic position as a hub for finance, innovation, and logistics makes it an ideal location for INFiLED’s expansion. The new subsidiary will streamline processes such as presales consulting, engineering, project management, and aftersales support, ensuring consistent service quality and accountability across cross-border projects.

Looking forward, INFiLED plans to further strengthen its Asia-Pacific network by investing in local talent and enhancing operational capabilities. The company is also considering expanding its presence in Southeast Asia, with Indonesia as a potential next step. This initiative aims to pair high-performance LED solutions with speed, reliability, and proximity, transforming creative concepts into dependable outcomes.