Industry News

Play Interactive Holdings has announced a partnership with The Smiley Company to introduce the Smiley lifestyle retail experience to Malaysia and Singapore. As the exclusive franchise licensee, Play Interactive will open lifestyle stores featuring Smiley’s fashion, home, and everyday living products. The initiative aims to immerse consumers in the Smiley brand, known for its positivity and creativity.

The collaboration will see the debut of Malaysia’s first Smiley Home Store, focusing on homeware and lifestyle collections. To enhance the brand’s impact, Smiley will work with local fashion icons and designers in both countries to create exclusive collections that blend Smiley’s global identity with Southeast Asia’s creative flair.

Gary Chong, CEO and Founder of Play Interactive Holdings, stated, “Smiley is all about positivity, joy, and happy vibes. Our mission is to create not just stores, but vibrant destinations where people can experience the Smiley lifestyle in its fullest form.” Nicolas Loufrani, CEO of The Smiley Company, added, “I am thrilled to have found such a strong partner in Play Interactive, to help us implement them and expand our growing fanbases in those territories.”

This partnership marks a significant step in Smiley’s physical retail strategy, building on successful franchise partnerships in China and Thailand. The move aims to expand Smiley’s presence in Asia’s dynamic retail markets, offering immersive experiences and strengthening the brand’s commercial retail strength.

Johnson Controls has unveiled its Silent-Aire Coolant Distribution Units (CDUs) at Data Centre World Asia 2025 in Singapore, aiming to revolutionise cooling solutions for high-density data centres in the Asia Pacific region. The new platform offers scalable cooling capacities from 500kW to over 10MW, designed to support the increasing demands of AI workloads whilst significantly reducing energy consumption.

The Silent-Aire CDUs are engineered to deliver up to 50% energy savings in non-IT power use, thanks to Johnson Controls’ integrated thermal management portfolio. Their compact and flexible design allows for rapid deployment in dense urban markets like Singapore, where land scarcity and high temperatures pose significant challenges to data centre operations. The units can be installed in various configurations, ensuring efficient cooling across a range of environments.

Ali Badreddine, vice president of Data Centre Solutions and Project Delivery for Asia Pacific at Johnson Controls, highlighted the importance of this innovation: “As AI accelerates, denser chips are generating unprecedented heat, making cooling innovation a critical priority. The launch of this expanded series of CDU technology marks a pivotal step in our commitment to advance data centre cooling.”

The introduction of these CDUs is particularly timely, as the Asia Pacific region attracted $15.5b in cross-border data centre investment in 2024, more than any other market globally. With built-in redundancy and advanced control capabilities, the system ensures continuous uptime and reliability, adapting automatically to fluctuations in cooling demand.

Johnson Controls’ new platform not only addresses the immediate needs of data centres but also supports sustainable growth in the region’s digital infrastructure. By reducing energy consumption and enhancing efficiency, the Silent-Aire CDUs represent a significant advancement in data centre technology.

The Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) celebrated its largest graduating cohort to date, with over 3,400 students receiving their degrees at the 2025 Convocation held at Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre. The event, spanning three days, not only marked academic achievements but also highlighted findings from a new study on youth employability, revealing that financial security and job stability are top priorities for young Singaporeans.

SUSS President Professor Tan Tai Yong shared insights from the study, which surveyed more than 1,000 young Singaporeans and 250 employers. The research indicates a significant interest among youths in seeking new job opportunities, with six in 10 actively looking for roles that offer stability. However, a disconnect was noted in learning preferences, as employers favour in-house training whilst youths prefer external courses and independent learning. The full findings will be discussed at the SUSS Youth Forum on 10 October 2025.

The convocation also showcased SUSS’s commitment to lifelong learning and diverse academic offerings. Highlights included the graduation of 73 students from the inaugural Master of Science in Management programme, taught in Chinese, and the first cohort from the newly launched School of Social Work & Social Development. Additionally, the Executive Management Programme celebrated its 10th year, focusing on leadership development for C-suite executives.

The event underscored the university’s ethos of “Dream, Dare, Do,” encouraging graduates to pursue their careers with integrity and compassion. As Singapore celebrates its 60th year of independence, the theme “Shaping Our Tomorrow” resonated with the graduates’ journey and the support systems that have enabled their success.

NetLink NBN Management Pte. Ltd. has officially inaugurated the Seletar Central Office, a $110m investment aimed at bolstering Singapore’s Nationwide Broadband Network. The facility, opened on 7 October 2025, was officiated by Tan Kiat How, Senior Minister of State for the Ministry of Digital Development and Information. This marks the 11th Central Office of the network, reinforcing NetLink Group’s commitment to enhancing Singapore’s digital infrastructure.

The Seletar Central Office is strategically positioned to serve Singapore’s northern and northwestern regions, which are set for substantial growth. The area will see the development of approximately 40,000 new homes and significant transport projects, including the North–South Corridor and the Johor Bahru–Singapore RTS Link. Additionally, next-generation industrial districts like the Sungei Kadut Eco-District will benefit from the enhanced connectivity.

Tong Yew Heng, CEO of NetLink NBN Trust, stated, “The Seletar Central Office adds important capacity to the nationwide broadband network, ensuring that the Northern Region’s new housing, transport, and industrial developments are well supported with reliable, future-ready fibre connectivity.”

The facility is designed with scalability and energy efficiency, aligning with Singapore’s sustainability goals. It strengthens network redundancy and expands coverage, contributing to the nation’s Smart Nation journey. NetLink has also partnered with the National University of Singapore to host quantum key distribution equipment at the site for testing.

Since 2008, NetLink has been pivotal in developing Singapore’s passive fibre network infrastructure, supporting high-speed broadband services nationwide. The Seletar Central Office further solidifies NetLink’s role as a key player in Singapore’s digital transformation.

Aster has unveiled a S$1.5m philanthropic initiative aimed at nurturing Singapore’s future engineers. The programme will provide bursaries to students at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), National University of Singapore (NUS), and Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), prioritising those with academic merit and financial need. This initiative seeks to empower students to contribute to Singapore’s technological and economic growth.

The bursaries, which are bond-free, allow recipients to pursue their chosen career paths without financial constraints. At NTU, the funds will support students from the School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, and the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. NUS will use the bursary to aid students from the College of Design and Engineering, whilst SIT will focus on financially needy students, many of whom are first-generation university attendees.

Erwin Ciptura, Aster’s CEO, emphasised the importance of investing in Singapore’s human capital, stating, “These bursaries represent more than financial support; they are an investment in the brilliant minds who will drive Singapore’s technological advancement.” Professor Warren Chan from NTU and Professor Teo Kie Leong from NUS both expressed gratitude for Aster’s support, highlighting the positive impact on students’ educational journeys.

The initiative also benefits from government matching schemes, enhancing the impact of Aster’s contributions. This commitment underscores Aster’s dedication to fostering educational opportunities and innovation within Singapore’s power and energy sector, ensuring the nation remains at the forefront of industry advancements.

AIA Singapore has partnered with Amplify Health to introduce a Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP) designed to help Singaporeans manage common chronic illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Launched on 8 October 2025, the programme is available to eligible AIA insured members through the Amped mobile app at no additional cost for the first 1,500 participants.

The CDMP leverages technology and multidisciplinary health expertise to promote sustainable lifestyle changes, complementing Singapore’s national Healthier SG initiative. With Singaporeans living longer but often spending the last decade of their lives in poor health, the programme aims to enhance personal wellbeing and reduce the strain on healthcare services. Research suggests that such initiatives could save Singapore up to $650 million in healthcare costs by 2050.

Participants will have access to a range of resources, including unlimited text-based coaching, video consultations, and personalised health plans. The app also features AI-driven tools for meal logging, sleep and activity tracking, and motivational nudges. Axel Baur, CEO of Amplify Health, noted, “Patients using Amped have seen real improvements in managing chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.”

The CDMP is part of AIA Singapore’s broader suite of wellness solutions, which includes the award-winning AIA Vitality programme. This initiative builds on AIA’s commitment to improving healthcare access, following collaborations with Mount Alvernia and Raffles Hospital Group, and enhancements to corporate insurance policies for mental health support.

SISTIC, Singapore’s premier ticketing service provider, has announced a strategic partnership with AXS, the global ticketing division of US-based Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG). This collaboration, which sees AXS taking a majority stake in SISTIC, aims to bolster Singapore’s position as a top entertainment destination by merging local expertise with global innovation.

The partnership is set to deliver enhanced value for event organisers, venues, and audiences across Singapore and the region. Blaine Legere, President, International at AXS, highlighted the potential of the collaboration, stating, “By combining SISTIC’s deep regional expertise with AXS’s global technology platform, we have a unique opportunity to redefine how fans discover, access, and experience live events.”

For over 30 years, SISTIC has been integral to Singapore’s live events scene, connecting millions of fans with memorable experiences. The partnership will continue to support initiatives like the SG Culture Pass, further enriching Singapore’s arts and culture landscape. Joe Ow, CEO of SISTIC, emphasised the gradual integration of technology to ensure a seamless experience for clients and ticket buyers.

AXS, known for its advanced ticketing technology, supports iconic venues and events worldwide, including the LA28 Olympic Games and Coachella Music Festival. With this strategic stake in SISTIC, AXS plans to offer a more diverse range of live events in Singapore and beyond.

This partnership promises to expand access to world-class productions, ensuring Singapore’s celebrated arts scene thrives on the global stage. Existing SISTIC ticket buyers will continue to access their e-tickets without any changes required.

Union Gas Holdings Limited has launched its second Cnergy service station at 743 Dunman Road, Singapore, marking a significant expansion in its service station business. The new station, which opened on 7 October 2025, features a vibrant Peranakan theme, highlighted by a mural titled “An Ode to Joo Chiat” by artists Victor Emmanuel, Stellah Lim, and Marcel Gaspar. This station is equipped with 26 nozzles, including 16 for petrol, eight for diesel, and two for electric vehicle charging.

The grand opening was celebrated with the support of the Lamborghini Club Singapore, whose members attended the event in their luxury vehicles. Union Gas generously donated all proceeds from the event to the Kidney Dialysis Foundation, aiding kidney patients in need.

Looking ahead, Union Gas plans to further expand its Cnergy brand with two additional service stations at Queensway and Marsiling, set to open in 2026 and 2027, respectively. CEO Teo Hark Piang stated, “The new station at Dunman Road will enable us to serve a wider community and diverse group of drivers. It will also be the blueprint for future Cnergy stations, focusing on delivering a unique customer experience and offering a variety of fuelling and EV charging options.”

Union Gas, a leading provider of fuel products in Singapore, continues to strengthen its presence in the market, with expectations that the expansion will positively impact its revenue.
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Singaporeans are leading the world in their concern over deepfake impersonations and AI voice cloning, according to a recent global survey by Ping Identity. The 2025 Consumer Survey highlights that 39% of Singaporeans are worried about deepfakes, whilst 33% are concerned about AI voice cloning. This anxiety is coupled with a significant rise in AI usage, with 85% of Singaporeans now using AI, compared to 41% globally a year ago.

The survey indicates a growing distrust in organisations managing identity data, with only 12% of Singaporeans expressing full trust. This erosion of trust is driving demand for stronger authentication methods and tighter government regulation. Jasie Fon, Regional Vice President of Asia at Ping Identity, noted, “The rising concern among Singaporeans for deepfake impersonations and AI voice cloning highlight the urgent need for stronger and more user-friendly identity verification methods as AI adoption grows.”

Key findings from the survey include:

– 85% of Singaporeans are more concerned about personal data security than five years ago.
– Only 13% of Singaporeans feel very confident in spotting scams.
– 73% believe government regulation of AI is important for protecting identity data.
– Biometrics and multi-factor authentication are top features desired to increase trust in online brands.

The survey, conducted by Talker Research, involved 10,500 consumers across various countries, including Singapore. As AI continues to permeate daily life, the need for robust security measures becomes increasingly critical to maintaining consumer trust.

Universal Investment Group has announced the opening of its first office in Singapore, marking its expansion into the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. This strategic move aims to enhance the company’s global presence and support its clients’ international growth strategies. Bjoern Beck, an executive with extensive expertise in real estate and APAC markets, has been appointed to lead the new office.

The Singapore office will serve as a gateway for APAC asset managers and institutional investors looking to access European fund markets. It will provide comprehensive support, including fund structuring, management, administration, and risk management solutions. Additionally, clients will benefit from Universal Investment’s extensive DACH investor network for active distribution support.

Francesca McDonagh, CEO of Universal Investment Group, highlighted the significance of this expansion, stating, “Establishing our first office in the Asia-Pacific region is a significant milestone in our ambition to become a truly global partner for our clients.” She emphasised the opportunities in the APAC region and the company’s commitment to putting clients’ needs at the centre of its operations.

Bjoern Beck, Managing Director of Universal Investment Singapore, expressed enthusiasm about the dynamic investment landscape in APAC, particularly in real estate. He stated, “By combining our scalable platform with local market knowledge, we look forward to serving as a trusted partner on the ground, creating meaningful opportunities for both existing and new clients.”

This expansion is part of Universal Investment’s broader strategy to leverage its strong market positions in Germany, Luxembourg, and Ireland, further solidifying its role as a leading global third-party ManCo and fund services provider.