Industry News

Ant International, in collaboration with the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre (NVPC), has launched a new initiative to support the digital transformation of 60 non-profit organisations in Singapore.

Announced at the City of Good Summit 2025, this initiative is part of Ant International’s MSME-empowerment Programme Sirius, which focuses on equipping non-profits with vital business and digital skills to enhance their fundraising capabilities and ensure long-term sustainability.

The programme addresses a significant challenge faced by non-profits, as highlighted by the Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society, which found that 59% of Asian non-profits struggle with digital skills. The training will cover areas such as e-commerce, online payments, marketing, and audience engagement, whilst also providing networking opportunities with the tech industry.

Building on a successful pilot that enhanced digital fundraising for 13 charities, the initiative aims to create a more sustainable giving ecosystem. Gemma Bryne from NVPC stated, “We are proud to scale this partnership to reach 60 charity partners, in celebration of SG60 this year.”

Carrie Suen of Ant International emphasised the importance of supporting non-profits, saying, “Non-profit organisations are the heart of local communities, and are often underserved like MSMEs.”

The initiative comprises three pillars: Domain Expertise, Capacity Building, and Community Building, all designed to empower non-profits in their digital journey. This collaboration reflects a commitment to fostering a more inclusive and compassionate society through digital innovation.
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Sodexo, a global leader in food services and facilities management, has taken a significant step towards sustainable dining by collaborating with Chef Claus Meyer, co-founder of Noma and a pioneer of the New Nordic Cuisine movement. As part of the Oma-Kaki initiative, ten senior chefs from Sodexo Malaysia and Singapore participated in an exclusive masterclass led by Meyer, focusing on sustainable, hyperlocal, and seasonal ingredients.

The masterclass, which is part of Sodexo’s ongoing efforts to innovate and enhance culinary skills, allowed chefs to gain insights into sustainable gastronomy and inventive culinary techniques. Abel Ariza, Managing Director of Sodexo Malaysia & Singapore, stated, “By partnering with world-class experts like Chef Meyer, we’re creating unparalleled development and learning opportunities for our teams.”

Following the training, the chefs showcased their newfound skills at a private dinner attended by ambassadors, senior business leaders, and clients. The menu, inspired by Meyer’s sustainability-driven philosophy, will be incorporated into Sodexo’s Oma-Kaki series, available to customers across Malaysia and Singapore.

Chef Meyer, in Singapore for the City of Good Summit, emphasised the role of chefs in shaping the future of dining: “Sustainability in food goes beyond the ingredients we use. It’s about rethinking the entire system.”

This collaboration aligns with the growing consumer demand for sustainable products in Asia. According to PwC’s “Voice of the Consumer Survey 2024,” 51% of Asia Pacific consumers are purchasing more sustainable products. Sodexo is committed to meeting these expectations by reducing food waste and increasing plant-based menu options.

Through initiatives like Oma-Kaki, Sodexo continues to invest in its culinary teams, ensuring they remain at the forefront of global trends whilst tailoring solutions to local markets.
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KPMG in Singapore has launched its “Be in Front” talent development model, designed to bolster the nation’s global competitiveness by enhancing workforce capabilities. Announced during the Ministry of Manpower’s Job Vacancies event, the initiative aligns with Singapore’s economic goals of job creation, skills enhancement, and global competitiveness.

The “Be in Front” model focuses on strengthening global talent to create a significant impact. It emphasises advanced expertise through futurist training and knowledge sharing, promoting innovation via collaboration, and offering opportunities for talent mobility. This approach aims to empower teams to lead in complex environments and deliver valuable solutions.

Lee Sze Yeng, Managing Partner of KPMG in Singapore, highlighted the importance of talent in maintaining Singapore’s status as a global hub. “In today’s geopolitical environment, and where technology and regulations evolve at varying speeds, talent needs to navigate considerable ambiguity. Our talent model equips professionals to interpret these ‘in-between’ spaces, identify opportunities and define new pathways for success,” Lee stated.

The model also contributes to Singapore’s global competitiveness by attracting international talent and providing local professionals with multi-disciplinary exposure. This exposure is crucial for driving innovation in areas such as digital transformation and sustainability.

KPMG’s initiative is expected to support Singapore’s strategic goals by bridging global and local needs, fostering job creation, and enhancing industry readiness. The firm’s commitment to developing talent and promoting innovation underscores its role in ensuring Singapore remains a leader on the global stage.
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The Singapore International Foundation (SIF) has significantly enhanced mental healthcare services in Cambodia by equipping over 150 mental health professionals in Phnom Penh with advanced skills and knowledge. This initiative, part of the Enhancing Mental Healthcare Services project, is expected to benefit more than 225,000 patients. Launched in 2022 in collaboration with the Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital (KSFH), the project aligns with Cambodia’s Mental Health Strategic Plan 2023 to 2032.

A notable achievement of the project is the development and pilot implementation of a Suicide Risk Assessment Framework and Guidelines at KSFH. This framework, created with the help of Singapore International Volunteers (SIVs), aims to improve early detection and intervention for at-risk individuals. The initiative also focused on obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) treatment, introducing the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) to enhance diagnosis and management.

Participants in the project received specialised training, including visits to Singaporean healthcare institutions, to gain insights into evidence-based interventions. The project also produced videos to raise mental health awareness and combat stigma in Cambodia.

Prof Yim Sobotra of KSFH highlighted the collaboration’s impact, stating it has expanded their capacity to manage suicide risk and improve OCD treatment. Dr Jared Ng, SIV Team Lead, expressed hope that the project would foster more open conversations about mental health.

The SIF plans to launch a new initiative later this year to further improve health outcomes across Southeast Asia.
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Tesla has unveiled the New Model Y 110 in Singapore, expanding its electric vehicle (EV) offerings tailored for the Category A Certificate of Entitlement (CoE). This launch, announced on 28 March 2025, introduces a rear-wheel drive variant designed to enhance affordability and sustainability in the region.

The New Model Y 110 joins the Model 3 110, providing Singaporean drivers with two exclusive options that cater specifically to the local market. Priced from $197,978, including a $94,502 Category A CoE, the vehicle benefits from the EV Early Adoption Incentive and Vehicular Emission Schemes, offering rebates up to $40,000.

Tesla’s latest model boasts an updated exterior optimised for aerodynamics, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.6 seconds and offering a range of up to 466 km on a single charge. This range is sufficient for 11 round trips between Toa Payoh Experience Centre and Jewel Changi Airport. Additionally, all new Tesla vehicles registered in Singapore come with a warranty covering the Malaysian peninsula, ensuring peace of mind for owners travelling across the border.

To further support EV adoption, Tesla Singapore has launched the Tesla Home Charging Programme, providing a complimentary Tesla Wall Connector and a two-year warranty for new owners. The company is also expanding its Supercharging Network, adding four new locations across Singapore’s East, West, and South regions.

Tesla enthusiasts can experience the New Model Y first-hand by visiting Tesla Experience Centres in Toa Payoh and Millenia Walk or scheduling a test drive through Tesla’s official channels.
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Signify, formerly known as Philips Lighting, has partnered with Toa Payoh East Community Club to enhance energy efficiency in Singapore by distributing over 2,000 energy-efficient Philips LED light bulbs to 770 low-income households in Toa Payoh East. The initiative, aimed at promoting sustainability and reducing energy consumption, commenced on 23 March and will continue on 12 April.

The distribution effort is spearheaded by Saktiandi Supaat, Adviser to Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC Grassroots Organisations, and Chandra Vaidyanathan, Managing Director of Signify Singapore and President of Consumer Commercial AMEA. A team of Signify employees is also involved, assisting with the collection and recycling of old light bulbs to minimise electronic waste.

Residents have responded positively to the initiative, appreciating the improved lighting in their homes. The project not only aims to brighten living spaces but also to contribute to a Green and Resilient Singapore by reducing energy consumption.

The initiative’s success underscores the importance of community collaboration in achieving environmental goals. As the project progresses, it is expected to further raise awareness about energy efficiency and sustainable living practices amongst residents.
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Kroll, a leading provider of global financial and risk advisory solutions, has announced the launch of its Fixed Asset Advisory Service (FAAS) in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. This strategic move comes in response to the increasing investments and demand for asset valuations across the region. The service will be led by Masha Lewis, who joins Kroll as the Managing Director of APAC after a distinguished career at PwC Australia.

Masha Lewis, who previously established and grew PwC’s Tangible Asset Valuation and Advisory practice, expressed her enthusiasm about the new role. “I am excited to join Kroll’s world-leading FAAS team and to bring these valued services to the APAC market. The evolving economic landscape, plus increasing infrastructure investments in Australia and across the wider APAC region, underscore the importance of regular and accurate fixed asset valuations,” she stated.

Rebecca Fuller, Managing Director and Global Fixed Asset Advisory Service Leader, highlighted the growing need for reliable asset valuations in the APAC markets. “With increasing investor interest in APAC markets, there is a growing need for reliable asset valuations to support investment decisions. This trend is set to continue,” Fuller noted.

Kroll has been serving clients in the APAC region for over 40 years, with a team of more than 1,500 experts across 16 locations, including Sydney, Hong Kong, and Singapore. The expansion of FAAS is seen as a critical step in enhancing Kroll’s market-leading fixed asset valuation practice, providing businesses with essential tools for risk mitigation and informed investment decisions.
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Hyundai Card, a leading financial and technology company in Korea, has received upgraded credit ratings from major global agencies, including Fitch, Standard & Poor’s (S&P), Moody’s, and the Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR). These upgrades reflect Hyundai Card’s robust integration with its parent company, Hyundai Motor Group, and its innovative use of data science in credit card services.

The company has strategically balanced its General-Purpose Credit Card (GPCC) and Private Label Credit Card (PLCC) businesses, achieving significant growth in both sectors. Hyundai Card’s flagship GPCC products, such as Hyundai Card M, have become popular for their customer-focused features, including the innovative M Points system. Meanwhile, its PLCC partnerships have expanded, commanding a 78% market share in Korea.

Hyundai Card’s investment of KRW 1 trillion in data science over the past decade has culminated in the development of its AI platform, UNIVERSE. This platform, which predicts customer behaviour and preferences, has been successfully exported to Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsui Card Company, marking Korea’s largest software export deal.

The company’s strong ties with Hyundai Motor Group have been pivotal, with credit purchase services supporting 40% to 45% of the group’s domestic vehicle sales. Hyundai Card’s proactive risk management and financial soundness have also been highlighted by rating agencies, maintaining industry-leading delinquency rates.

Looking ahead, Hyundai Card plans to leverage its improved credit ratings to raise capital in global markets, aiming for stable capital acquisition and reduced funding costs. As the company continues to expand internationally, its strategic use of data science and strong industry partnerships remain central to its growth strategy.
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CBRE’s latest report, “Decarbonising Asia Pacific’s Office Buildings,” reveals that over half of the office space in the Asia Pacific region now holds green building certification, marking a 6.5% increase from the previous year. This development underscores the growing commitment to sustainability within the real estate sector, as both landlords and occupiers strive to meet global climate targets.

Green buildings are pivotal in the decarbonisation efforts of the real estate industry, offering opportunities for innovation and economic growth. Ada Choi, Head of Research, Asia Pacific for CBRE, noted, “Despite some occupiers delaying their 2030 net zero targets due to business growth and energy demand from AI adoption, more companies are showing strong commitment to achieving net zero by setting up their goals.”

The report highlights several key trends:

– **Green Building Adoption Rates**: Major cities such as Sydney, Singapore, and Tokyo are leading in green building adoption, with mainland China and India also making significant progress.

– **Green Rental Premiums**: Green buildings command rental premiums of up to 4% over non-green buildings, with the highest premiums observed in Mumbai, Hong Kong SAR, and Bangalore.

– **Occupancy Rates**: Grade A green buildings in the region boast an average occupancy rate of 83% as of Q2 2024, outperforming non-green buildings by approximately 2%. Seoul, Taipei, and Singapore have the highest occupancy rates.

As the gap between what landlords offer and what occupiers commit to narrows, the alignment on net-zero timelines is expected to improve, further advancing the region’s sustainability goals.
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Rolls-Royce and the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) have announced a new research partnership to develop advanced technologies for autonomous and hybrid ships. The collaboration, unveiled during Singapore Maritime Week, focuses on improving Equipment Health Management and Fleet Management systems to boost the efficiency and sustainability of maritime operations.

The project, supported by a $20m investment from the Singapore Maritime Institute and Rolls-Royce, will use the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore’s patrol craft, ‘MPA Guardian’, as a pilot vessel. This hybrid ship, equipped with two mtu 16V2000 engines, will be fitted with the mtu NautIQ Foresight system to collect data and optimise operations, demonstrating the potential application of this technology across other vessels.

Professor Susanna Leong, Vice President (Applied Research) at SIT, highlighted the partnership’s focus on leveraging artificial intelligence and advanced analytics to enhance ship autonomy and reduce carbon emissions. “SIT’s collaboration with Rolls-Royce will drive the future of intelligent and sustainable maritime operations,” she stated.

Kevin Daffey, Senior Vice President of Mobile Automation at Rolls-Royce Power Systems, emphasised Singapore’s role as a hub for sustainable shipping, making it an ideal location for this project. “We are promoting the reduction of CO2 emissions and supporting our customers with digital systems in line with our strategic goals,” he explained.

This initiative marks a significant step towards the development of autonomous maritime technologies, with potential implications for reducing emissions and enhancing fleet performance globally.
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