Monday Wrap: deals surge, workers ‘trapped’, and Changi goes driverless

Commercial property investment rebounded in the final quarter of 2025.

Last week in Singapore Business Review, investment sales hit $11.5b on a surge in commercial deals, workers feel ‘trapped’ amidst rising stress and job insecurity, and Changi Airport rolled out its first fleet of fully driverless baggage tractors.

A report revealed that the country’s commercial property investment rebounded sharply in the fourth quarter of 2025 (Q4 2025), with sales surging 277% to reach $11.5 b, driven by major office and retail deals, including a 33% stake in MBFC Tower 3 and retail transactions at Clementi Mall and PLQ Mall.

Although many workers are staying with their employers, seven in 10 are eyeing new roles. A majority reported feeling burned out, whilst over half worry about potential job losses from AI.

More than 80% of Singaporeans expect inflation to rise modestly over the next 12 months, amidst trade and geopolitical uncertainties.

Growth in northern Singapore’s working population is expected to offset any rise in cross-border retail spending after the Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System Link opens later this year.

ERA has urged a review of property cooling measures in Budget 2026, saying moderating price growth offers a chance to better balance affordability and market stability.

Changi Airport has deployed its first fleet of fully driverless tractors for airside operations, with two units currently transferring passenger bags between Terminal 1 and Terminal 4.

Lastly, SMEs extended their growth in Q4 2025, supported by higher collections and payments, with manufacturing, ICT, and wholesale trade leading the expansion.

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