Industry News

MS Amlin, a Lloyd’s global specialist (re)insurer, renewed Singapore-based Phoenix Re sidecar for the fifth consecutive year, increasing its collateralised capacity to over S$151.21m (£90m). This marks a 12.5% increase from 2024, driven by strong performance and heightened investor interest in Asia’s catastrophe risks.

Phoenix Re supports MS Amlin’s reinsurance portfolio across the Asia-Pacific region. Since its inception in 2021, the vehicle has expanded significantly, doubling its capacity to address the region’s substantial protection gap. William Ho, CEO of MS Amlin Asia Pacific, highlighted the vehicle’s success, stating, “The successful renewal of our multiple Phoenix Re investment vehicles demonstrates the growing appetite amongst investors for Asian catastrophe risks.”

Phoenix Re has absorbed various regional loss events, including floods and super typhoons, whilst maintaining consistent returns. Last year, it achieved returns exceeding 11.5%, showcasing MS Amlin’s disciplined underwriting approach. The sidecar offers diversification through over 150 layers annually across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East and North Africa, functioning similarly to a portfolio of catastrophe bonds.

Tim Yip, Executive Director of HSZ Group, which co-invests in the vehicle, expressed satisfaction with the continued growth in interest for MS Amlin’s Asia Pacific portfolio. He noted that advances in data and modelling have bolstered investor confidence in navigating this challenging market.

Phoenix Re, established with an insurance-linked securities (ILS) catastrophe bond grant from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), remains the most established Asian-focused ILS sidecar, providing investors with exposure to Asian catastrophe risk without correlation to peak zones.

Condo resale prices in Singapore remained unchanged in December 2024, whilst the number of units sold decreased by 2.5% compared to the previous month, according to the latest 99-SRX Media Flash Report. The decline in sales volume is attributed to the typical year-end slowdown and competition from new project launches in November, which attracted many buyers.

Despite the dip, the resale market showed resilience, with overall prices increasing by 4% year-on-year. The Core Central Region (CCR) saw a slight price decrease of 0.2%, whilst the Rest of Central Region (RCR) and Outside Central Region (OCR) experienced increases of 0.1% and 0.5%, respectively. Luqman Hakim, Chief Data & Analytics Officer at 99.co, noted that demand remains robust, driven by interest in move-in-ready units and larger homes.

The report highlighted that 992 units were resold in December, with resale volumes 29.9% higher than in December 2023 and 10.1% above the five-year average for the month. The OCR accounted for 47.2% of sales, followed by the RCR at 34.4% and the CCR at 18.4%.

The highest resale price in December was S$19,750,000 at Eden Residences Capitol. The overall median capital gain for resale condos stood at S$370,000, with District 13 posting the highest gain at S$679,000.

Looking ahead, the resale market is expected to benefit from a significant rise in new unit completions and potential interest rate easing in 2025, which could further strengthen demand.

Bank of Singapore has announced six strategic appointments at its Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) branch to bolster its advisory specialisation and thought leadership in the region. These new hires aim to enhance the bank’s advisory and product solutions, aligning with its growth ambitions in the Middle East.

Ranjit Khanna, Head of Private Banking for Europe & Middle East and Chief Executive of the DIFC Branch, expressed enthusiasm about the new team members, stating, “Providing our clients with timely and relevant advice is our key deliverable and I am elated that our new colleagues will add to our already compelling global advisory and product proposition.”

Amongst the new appointees, Zeena Abou Elnaja joins the Investment Advisory team from Julius Baer, bringing her expertise from Standard Chartered Bank in the Middle East. Mehvish Ayub, previously with State Street Global Advisors, will serve as a Senior Specialist for Managed Solutions and Alternatives, focusing on Funds Advisory and mandate solutions.

Brandon Chee and Anish Mehta have also joined as product specialists, covering Equity and Structured Products advisory and FX Advisory, respectively. Chee brings over 15 years of experience from OCBC and CIMB, whilst Mehta, relocating from London, has a background with Rabobank.

Additionally, Yasmine Omari will lead Wealth Planning, and Fatima Al Zadjali will direct Marketing and Communications. Omari’s experience includes roles at Ernst & Young, PWC, and Deloitte, whilst Al Zadjali comes from Habib Bank AG Zurich.

These appointments underscore the bank’s commitment to building intellectual capital and thought leadership, particularly as it prepares for the Global CIO Advisory Summit in Dubai in February 2025. This annual event, initiated by the bank’s Chief Investment Office, aims to foster investment insights and strategies.

Singapore’s economy is set to experience moderate growth in 2025, with RHB Bank forecasting a 3% increase in both gross domestic product (GDP) and industrial production (IP). This projection comes from the latest Global Economics and Market Strategy Report, attributed to Barnabas Gan, Acting Group Chief Economist and Head of Market Research at RHB Bank.

The report highlights an upgrade in Singapore’s fourth quarter (Q4) 2024 and full-year GDP growth estimates, surpassing the Ministry of Trade and Industry’s (MTI) advance estimates for Q4 2024. December’s industrial production figures showed a significant year-on-year increase of 10.6%, exceeding market expectations of 6.4% and RHB’s own estimate of 3.3%. This growth, however, marks a slight moderation from November’s revised 10.8% year-on-year rise.

Gan’s analysis suggests that the robust performance in December’s industrial production is a positive indicator of the country’s economic trajectory in 2025. The report underscores the resilience of Singapore’s manufacturing sector, which continues to drive economic growth despite global uncertainties.

Looking ahead, RHB Bank’s forecast reflects cautious optimism, balancing the potential for growth with the challenges posed by the global economic environment. The bank’s projections are closely watched by investors and policymakers, as they provide insights into Singapore’s economic health and future prospects.

Mapletree Investments has announced the acquisition of its first logistics property in the United Kingdom and a portfolio of 10 logistics assets in Spain, valued at approximately $444.46m (€315.1m). These acquisitions will serve as the foundational assets for Mapletree’s second European logistics-focused fund, marking a significant expansion of the company’s logistics footprint in Europe.

The UK acquisition, Derby DC1, is strategically located in Derby Commercial Park, offering excellent access to major roads and proximity to East Midlands Airport. This site plays a crucial role in the supply chain of its tenant, who recently renewed their long-term lease. Meanwhile, the Spanish portfolio is spread across key logistics hubs in Barcelona, Valencia, and Madrid, providing immediate access to city centres and supporting last-mile delivery operations.

Ralph van der Beek, CEO of Commercial and Logistics, Europe at Mapletree, stated, “Logistics remains a highly attractive sector that has consistently enjoyed strong demand from occupiers as well as investors. E-commerce continues to thrive and companies are making efforts to secure and expand their supply chains.”

Maybank Securities has released a comprehensive report detailing the progress and key developments of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). The report, compiled by the Maybank Securities team, provides insights into the economic indicators of the ASEAN-6 region, currency forecasts, and government bond yield predictions.

The report highlights significant advancements within the JS-SEZ, including flagship areas with dedicated sectoral focus, fiscal support for new investments, and updates on foreign talent passes. Notably, the Forest City Special Financial Zone is amongst the key initiatives discussed. The report also features an Economic “Report Card” on the JS-SEZ, providing a detailed assessment of its current status.

Chua Hak Bin, Regional Co-Head of Macro Research, presents the ASEAN-6 key macroeconomic indicators, whilst Saktiandi Supaat, Head of FX Research, offers forecasts on the USD against major and regional currencies. Winson Phoon, Head of Fixed Income Research, provides insights into government bond yield forecasts.

The report is crucial for stakeholders interested in the economic trajectory of the JS-SEZ, as it outlines potential growth areas and challenges. It serves as a valuable resource for investors and policymakers aiming to understand the economic landscape of the region.

As the JS-SEZ continues to develop, the insights provided by Maybank Securities will be instrumental in guiding future investments and policy decisions. The report underscores the importance of strategic economic planning in fostering regional growth and development.

DAS Universe Pte Ltd has announced a collaboration with the Singapore Golf Association (SGA), LG Electronics Singapore Pte Ltd, and Keppel Club to launch an immersive digital signage project. This initiative, set to debut in early 2025, marks the first installation of such technology at a golf club in Singapore, aiming to enhance the advertising experience with dynamic visuals.

The project involves the installation of an advanced LED Display Screen at the Golf Bag Drop-Off Point at Keppel Club, sponsored by SGA and Lexus. This digital signage will showcase immersive visuals and promotional content, transforming the venue into a modern advertising space. DAS Universe will oversee the project management and digital content production, whilst LG will supply the display technology.

Joshua Ho, General Manager of SGA, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating it would enhance the experience for golfers and offer new engagement opportunities. Desmond Chua, General Manager of Keppel Club, highlighted the club’s commitment to modernisation whilst maintaining its premium reputation. Lee Kunho, Managing Director of LG Electronics Singapore, noted the display’s vibrant colours and dynamic content as a testament to LG’s innovation.

James Hong, Managing Director of DAS Universe, shared plans to expand the Immersive Digital Signage model to other golf courses and leisure locations across Singapore and Southeast Asia, following the anticipated success at Keppel Club. This project underscores DAS Universe’s dedication to delivering cutting-edge digital experiences.

ST Engineering has announced a significant five-year contract with Korean Air to provide maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for the airline’s LEAP-1B engines, which power its Boeing 737 MAX fleet. This agreement marks a new partnership between the two companies, with ST Engineering delivering quick-turn services, including high pressure turbines and Performance Restoration Shop Visit (PRSV) services, from its facility in Singapore.

The contract highlights ST Engineering’s status as the first independent MRO provider in Asia to be designated a Premier MRO provider in CFM International’s LEAP open MRO ecosystem. Tay Eng Guan, Head of Engine Services at ST Engineering, stated, “This agreement underscores Korean Air’s confidence in our ability as a trusted partner who can deliver high-quality engine services and support their long-term growth plans.”

ST Engineering has been expanding its capabilities to meet the growing demand for LEAP engine maintenance. The company achieved testing capabilities for LEAP-1A and LEAP-1B engines at its Singapore facility in 2024 and is now enhancing its services to include LEAP PRSV. This expansion is crucial as airlines increasingly require comprehensive engine maintenance solutions.

Korean Air, one of the world’s top 20 airlines, operates a modern fleet of 162 aircraft and serves 116 cities globally. This collaboration with ST Engineering is expected to bolster the airline’s operational reliability and support its long-term growth strategy. As the aviation industry continues to recover and expand, such partnerships are vital for maintaining high standards of safety and efficiency.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has announced the extension of its Global-Asia Bond Grant Scheme (G-ABGS) and the introduction of a new Global-Asia Digital Bond Grant Scheme (G-ADBGS). The G-ABGS, which began in 2017, supports bonds issued in Singapore by first-time issuers with an Asian nexus. The new G-ADBGS aims to support the issuance of digital bonds, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing costs.

The funding period for both schemes spans five years, from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2029. The G-ADBGS is designed to encourage the adoption of digital bonds in Singapore, a move seen as crucial for the development of the digital bond market and investor base. Notably, all issuers of digital bonds are eligible for the G-ADBGS, regardless of their previous bond issuance history in Singapore.

The G-ABGS has been extended for another five years, with adjustments to co-funding levels and per-issuance caps for eligible expenses. The co-funding for digital bond issuances under the G-ADBGS will cover up to two issuances per qualifying issuer.

Similar schemes have been introduced in other regions, such as the Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s Digital Bond Grant Scheme, highlighting a global trend towards supporting digital bond markets. The MAS’s initiatives are expected to foster growth in Singapore’s bond market, leveraging distributed ledger technology in capital market transactions.

These developments mark a significant step in Singapore’s efforts to remain at the forefront of financial innovation, particularly in the digital bond sector.

Singapore’s real estate market demonstrated resilience in 2024, with investment volumes growing by 32.5% compared to the previous year, according to Colliers’ latest report. The year saw a total investment of SGD 26.6 billion, bolstered by significant government land sales (GLS) and robust activity in the industrial and retail sectors.

The fourth quarter of 2024, however, experienced a 21.8% decline in investment volume quarter-on-quarter, totalling SGD 7.0 billion. This dip was attributed to several GLS tenders, which accounted for SGD 1.2 billion or 17.6% of the quarter’s investments. Despite this, the annual growth remained strong, reflecting sustained confidence in Singapore’s real estate assets.

Key sectors contributing to the year’s growth included industrial, residential, and retail, with industrial investments alone growing by 124.7% over 2023. “Looking ahead, 2025 offers the prospect of stability, clarity, and new deals as market conditions settle,” said Bastiaan van Beijsterveldt, Managing Director of Colliers Singapore.

For 2025, Colliers anticipates a further increase in investment sales, estimating growth between 10% and 20%, driven by increased capital flows to the region. However, high borrowing costs and a gradual decline in interest rates may temper the pace of recovery.

Catherine He, Head of Research at Colliers Singapore, noted that selective buying will dominate the market, with investors focusing on retail, industrial, and hospitality properties, alongside assets with redevelopment potential.