In Focus

Asia could learn to manage digital economy from Singapore

It imposed the 7% GST on cross-border digital services.

Stores turn to pop ups to survive amidst exits in the retail sector

Gap, Banana Republic, and American Eagle Outfitters recently shut down their stores in Central, whilst Chanel, MiuMiu and Fendi put up their pop up stores earlier this year.

Can Singapore casinos finally hold their ground against Macau?

The city’s two gambling resorts have been performing strongly, pressuring operators to sustain the upward trend.

Industrial leasehold prices plunged to 5-year lows in Q1

Prices for 30-year leasehold properties declined 3% in 3 years.

Where did Singapore's US$503b overseas investment go?

69% of it went to developing countries like Myanmar, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

Fundraising for acquisitions slashed S-REITs' distribution per unit by 2.6%

Acquisitions have boosted S-REITs' secondary equity offerings to $2.1b.

Embattled Hyflux speeds up asset sale amidst liquidity crunch

The company needs more time for asset disposal to buoy it from its earnings slump.

Companies in the dark about adjusting prices during GST hike

The government didn’t give a specific date on when it would raise the tax rate from 7% to 9%.

Singapore's real estate investment in Australia ballooned 141% to US$3.5b

Singaporean investors are attracted to the country's proximity, lease structures, and market transparency that investments quadrupled in the last 7 years.

Wine retailers go online to tap into Singapore's US$1.4b market

One retailer reported 25,000 orders and a revenue of $4m in Singapore.

Singapore private banking bonuses up by as much as 7% in 2017

Gone are the days of pure cash bonuses as bankers of the ultra wealthy can also expect bonuses in the form of stocks and shares.

Banks are at the forefront of Singapore's future-ready upskilling charge

OCBC recently rolled out a massive upskilling programme powered by a $20m investment to be made available for its 29,000 employees.

Singapore's ultra wealthy lured to shophouses despite lower yields

Rental yields for some shophouses have compressed over the years and average 2.5-2.7% now.

ICO boom threatens Singapore's VC scene

With a strong pipeline of ICOs in the city, analysts question the future role of venture capital firms.

AIA unveils medical case management package

A partnership with Medix makes the plan available to the insurer’s 230,000 policyholders.

With Uber dead, Singapore VCs are now investing in blockchain and AI startups

Analysts observed a surge in venture capital interest in crypto-related investments.