Industry News

JLand Group, the real estate and infrastructure arm of Johor Corporation, has launched the Ibrahim Technopolis (IBTEC), a 7,290-acre integrated development in Johor, Malaysia. Officially inaugurated by Tunku Abdul Rahman Al-Haj Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, the Tunku Panglima of Johor, IBTEC is set to be a key economic driver within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone.

IBTEC is designed to integrate medtech, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, logistics, data centres, and agritech into a cohesive innovation ecosystem. Supported by research and development capabilities and sustainable systems, the development aims to elevate Johor’s industrial base into higher-value, tech-enabled activities. Datuk Syed Mohamed Syed Ibrahim, President and CEO of JCorp and Chairman of JLand Group, described IBTEC as “an investment for the next generation” and a signal of Johor’s readiness to compete globally.

The development is positioned as a world-scale innovation sandbox, allowing industry, government, and innovators to pilot and scale new solutions. It is Malaysia’s first 5-Diamond-rated data centre park under the national Low Carbon City Framework, featuring Livilab at Exclaim Discovery City, a mixed-use nucleus designed by Zaha Hadid Architects.

Structured as an investor-ready platform, IBTEC aligns with national and state agendas, including the 13th Malaysia Plan and Johor’s Maju Johor 2030 aspirations. Datuk Sr Akmal Ahmad, Group Managing Director of JLand Group, emphasised that IBTEC will facilitate faster investor entry and growth.

As IBTEC develops, it is expected to create higher-value jobs, enhance SME participation, and offer new opportunities for local entrepreneurs, contributing to Malaysia’s transition to a high-income economy. “We will measure IBTEC’s success not only by the investments it attracts but by how it helps Malaysians and Johoreans move up the value chain,” said Datuk Sr Akmal.
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Digital Realty, a leading global provider of data centre solutions, has partnered with BW Digital to enhance cross-border connectivity between Singapore and Batam, Indonesia. This collaboration involves the integration of BW Digital’s Nongsa Changi Cable System (NCC) with Digital Realty’s SIN12 data centre, aiming to support the growing demand for AI and digital transformation in the region.

The partnership will see the direct landing of the NCC submarine cable into Digital Realty’s SIN12 facility, significantly boosting network resilience and capacity. This enhanced interconnection is expected to facilitate faster and more reliable data exchange, crucial for enterprises expanding across Southeast Asia. The NCC is designed to deliver over 1.6 petabits per second of new capacity with less than 2 milliseconds latency to Singapore, making it a strategic hub for hyperscale and AI infrastructure.

Digital Realty’s Managing Director and Head of Asia Pacific, Serene Nah, highlighted the importance of subsea networks in the region’s digital economy, stating, “By integrating BW Digital’s Nongsa–Changi system into SIN12, we are working to deliver faster and more resilient connectivity to support customers as they scale next-generation workloads.”

BW Digital’s Chief Business Officer, Virginie Frouin, emphasised the partnership’s role in bridging the gap between submarine cable infrastructure and land-based digital platforms, aiming to provide reliable and secure connectivity.

AJJ Healthcare Management, a subsidiary of AJJ Medtech Holdings Limited, has entered into a strategic partnership with Suzhou ZOEY Medical Devices to develop and produce hollow fibre haemodialysers in Singapore. This collaboration marks AJJ’s entry into the renal dialysis value chain, offering a cost-competitive alternative to current imported dialysis products, potentially saving patients between 10% and 30%.

The partnership leverages AJJ’s ISO 13485-certified quality infrastructure and OEM management platform, enabling the company to expand into the high-value renal care sector. This move is part of AJJ’s strategic transformation from a trader to a system-driven medical manufacturing and registration platform. The collaboration is expected to address the rising treatment costs in Singapore’s healthcare system without compromising quality.

Singapore’s haemodialysis market, serving approximately 7,800 patients, presents a significant opportunity for AJJ. The recurring nature of dialysis treatments ensures a stable demand, providing a solid foundation for long-term revenue. The partnership also promises to bring solutions to market 12 to 18 months faster than conventional approaches, thanks to AJJ’s integrated OEM framework.

The collaboration is built on strong quality standards, with both parties maintaining ISO 13485-certified systems. AJJ retains audit rights and will benefit from supply arrangements that provide access to future product innovations. The financial impact is expected to be minimal for FY2025, with significant contributions anticipated from the second half of 2026, following successful Health Sciences Authority approval.

DBS and the Korea Ocean Business Corporation (KOBC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to facilitate the expansion of Korea’s maritime and logistics sector throughout Asia. This collaboration, announced on 3 December, marks KOBC’s first partnership with a foreign bank, enabling Korean maritime companies to leverage DBS’ extensive regional network and financing solutions.

The agreement coincides with the opening of KOBC’s first overseas branch in Singapore, a strategic move to strengthen the Republic of Korea’s maritime links with the city-state, recognised as the world’s leading maritime hub. The partnership aims to support Korean firms in diversifying into new markets by providing access to DBS’ digital cross-border payment capabilities, trade financing, and sustainable financing solutions.

Korea, a global leader in shipbuilding and high-value vessels, stands to benefit significantly from this collaboration. The initiative aligns with broader efforts to promote green shipping and digitalisation between Singapore and Korea, enhancing supply chain resilience and expanding global investment opportunities for Korea’s maritime industry.

Under the MOU, DBS and KOBC will work together to facilitate KOBC’s access to Singapore’s financial market, develop sustainable finance solutions, and enhance competitiveness across the maritime value chain. Han Kwee Juan of DBS expressed the bank’s commitment to supporting Korean firms in their sustainable regionalisation efforts, whilst Byung-Gil Ahn of KOBC highlighted the partnership’s role in strengthening Korea’s maritime industry.

This collaboration builds on DBS’ longstanding relationship with Korea, furthering its commitment to driving sustainable innovation and growth in the region.

HDB resale prices in Singapore experienced a modest increase of 0.2% in November 2025, according to the latest 99-SRX Media Flash Report. This slight rise follows a softer October, with year-on-year prices up by 3%. The report highlights a significant rebound in transaction volumes, with 1,674 flats sold, marking a 24.3% increase from the previous month.

The report, attributed to Luqman Hakim, Chief Data & Analytics Officer at 99.co, indicates that the market’s resilience is evident despite higher interest rates and policy adjustments. Demand remains strong, particularly for well-renovated units and those near transport nodes or schools. “This steady annual growth is consistent with broader market resilience,” Hakim noted.

Breaking down the figures, prices for 3-room, 4-room, and Executive flats saw increases of 0.3%, 0.7%, and 1.3%, respectively, whilst 5-room flats experienced a 0.6% decrease. Year-on-year, all room types recorded price gains, with Executive flats leading at 6.9%.

The report also reveals a robust market for million-dollar transactions, with 120 such flats sold in November, up from 87 in October. This increase reflects both the volume recovery and sustained demand for high-quality units. Notably, Bukit Merah recorded the highest number of million-dollar sales, followed by Toa Payoh and Queenstown.

Looking ahead, the continued demand for well-located and high-quality flats suggests a stable outlook for the HDB resale market, even amidst economic uncertainties.

Manulife Investment Management has been selected by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) as an asset manager under the Equity Market Development Programme (EQDP), a S$5b initiative aimed at enhancing liquidity and investor engagement in Singapore’s equities market. The programme focuses on actively managed strategies, particularly in small and mid-cap companies, to broaden market depth and research coverage.

The appointment will see Manulife launch a Singapore All-Cap Equity strategy, which is benchmark-unconstrained and research-driven. This strategy will allocate approximately 40% of its portfolio to small and mid-cap companies whilst maintaining significant exposure to large caps to ensure liquidity and diversified opportunities. HuiJian Koh, CEO of Manulife Investments, Singapore, stated, “This appointment reinforces our commitment to Singapore. By combining our global capabilities with deep local expertise, we aim to enhance market vibrancy and create long-term value for investors.”

With over 120 years of investment management experience in Asia, Manulife has managed Singapore equities since 2007. The firm plans to leverage its ability to raise external capital across various channels to support market development. Hock Fai Chan, Head of Equities, Singapore, noted the potential in Singapore’s small and mid-cap space, which has been historically under-researched. “These companies represent high-quality businesses with strong fundamentals and growth potential,” Chan said.

The EQDP is expected to catalyse greater research coverage and liquidity, fostering a more dynamic market for both institutional and retail investors. Manulife’s involvement underscores its focus on delivering long-term value and supporting Singapore’s ambition to become a leading investment hub in Asia.

Tuan Sing Holdings Ltd has received a crucial planning permit from the Melbourne City Council, paving the way for the redevelopment of its flagship property at 121-131 Collins Street. The project, managed through its subsidiary Grand Hotel Group, aims to transform the site into a premier destination featuring luxury retail and a world-class hotel. The redevelopment is set to commence early next year.

The property currently houses the 550-room Grand Hyatt Hotel and various retail spaces. The redevelopment plans include a new luxury retail podium spanning three levels, with flagship duplexes and a revitalised façade to enhance the streetscape along Collins and Russell Streets. This initiative aims to inject new energy into Melbourne’s “Paris End,” enriching the community experience.

Chief Executive Officer William Liem expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, “This milestone sets the stage for redevelopment works to commence early next year.” He emphasised the project’s commitment to environmental sustainability, noting that the approach focuses on re-imagining rather than rebuilding.

The redevelopment will be funded through a combination of bank financing and internal resources. Upon completion, the property is expected to command higher rents, boost cashflow, and achieve a stronger valuation, contributing to Tuan Sing’s long-term growth strategy.

The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has unveiled the Talent Accelerator Programme (TAP), a S$200m initiative designed to bolster Singapore’s media industry over the next three years. Announced by Tan Kiat How, Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information, at the Asia TV Forum and Market 2025, TAP aims to develop local talent, enhance co-production partnerships, and strengthen the global distribution of Singaporean content.

TAP is structured to support the entire media value chain, from development through to production and distribution, ensuring that Singaporean ideas reach international audiences. The programme will provide structured pathways for talent growth, focusing on genre-driven Intellectual Property (IP) development. “The S$200m Talent Accelerator Programme is a major investment to ensure that Made-with-Singapore content stands out on the international stage,” Tan stated.

The programme includes mentorships and masterclasses in story development, pitching skills, and deal negotiation, alongside co-funding for regional and global co-productions. Additionally, a dedicated marketing team and fund will elevate the profile of Singaporean content globally.

Yvonne Tang, Assistant Chief Executive of the Media Industry Group at IMDA, emphasised the importance of international partnerships, stating, “We believe that Singapore talent can hold their own alongside the world’s best.” TAP is set to open for applications in Q1 2026, marking a significant step in bringing Singaporean stories to the global stage.

The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) has announced two strategic partnerships with Jiangsu, China, to expand the pipeline of Chartered Accountant (CA) Singapore-qualified talent and support the overseas growth of Singaporean companies. These partnerships were formalised on 3 December 2025 during the 19th Singapore-Jiangsu Cooperation Council Meeting in Nanjing, co-chaired by Liu Xiaotao, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Jiangsu Provincial Committee, and Indranee Rajah, Singapore’s Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office.

The collaboration with Jiangsu aims to address the increasing demand for accountants with international expertise, mobility, and cultural fluency. ISCA’s partnership with the Jiangsu Institute of Certified Public Accountants (JICPA) focuses on professional exchange, talent development, and business expansion. Li Zailin, President of JICPA, highlighted the significance of this collaboration, stating, “Through this partnership, we will strengthen professional exchange, develop global-ready talent, support member firms in cross-border development, and enhance the international competitiveness of our accounting firms.”

Additionally, ISCA has signed a memorandum of understanding with Nanjing Audit University (NAU) to foster accountancy talent and industry advancement. This partnership will involve resource-sharing, curriculum collaboration, and continuous professional development. Professor Li Qianwen, Vice President of NAU, expressed enthusiasm, noting, “This partnership creates a strong bridge for our students to step onto the international stage.”

These initiatives are expected to bolster the accountancy sectors in both regions, facilitating the development of globally competent accountants and supporting Singaporean companies in their expansion into China. ISCA President Teo Ser Luck emphasised the importance of these partnerships, stating, “By working closely together, we can develop global-ready accountants, uplift professional standards, and support Singapore companies as they grow overseas.”

Informatica, a leader in AI-powered cloud data management, is collaborating with Singapore’s Income Insurance Limited to enhance its data governance framework. This partnership aims to improve decision-making and operational efficiency by integrating Informatica’s Cloud Data Governance and Catalogue solutions, which streamline data processes and increase productivity.

Income Insurance is scaling its financial data usage across various teams and systems, necessitating a robust data governance framework. David Tan, Chief Data Officer at Income Insurance, highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, “Strong data governance lays the foundation of trust, which is essential for connecting technology and business teams to deliver accurate and timely insights.” The collaboration with Informatica has enabled Income Insurance to automate data governance processes, enhancing data visibility and ownership.

The implementation of Informatica’s solutions has significantly reduced data investigation time, with processes like impact analysis and data tracing now completed in minutes instead of hours. This automation reduces manual effort and improves data accuracy for business and reporting teams.

Steven Seah, Vice President for Informatica in ASEAN, Korea, and India, emphasised the importance of data management in today’s environment, saying, “In today’s data-driven and highly regulated environment, knowing where your data comes from and how it’s being used is essential.”

As data complexity and volume increase, Informatica’s Intelligent Data Management Cloud™ provides a comprehensive platform for managing data across various environments, ensuring organisations like Income Insurance can access reliable and governed data efficiently.