Singapore

SKK (NASDAQ: SKK) will hold its 2025 Annual General Meeting on December 17, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Singapore Time, at 27 First Lok Yang Road, Singapore. Shareholders of record by November 21, 2025, are eligible to vote. The Notice of AGM, Proxy Statement, Form 20-F (audited financial statements), director’s report, and summary financial report are available on SKK’s investor website (https://skkworks.com.sg) and the SEC website (www.sec.gov). SKK specializes in subsurface utility operations in Singapore, focusing on infrastructure projects.

DBS Group CEO Tan Su Shan states the bank is already seeing significant returns from its AI investments, unlike many firms skeptical about AI profitability. DBS has integrated AI for over a decade, using 1,500 models across 370 use cases. AI is expected to boost revenue by over S$1 billion this year, up from S$750 million in 2024. DBS is leveraging AI to enhance financial services for institutional clients, improve risk management, and provide personalized financial advice through AI assistants like “DBS Joy.” Ongoing investment and employee reskilling are crucial to maximizing AI’s potential.

Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong advocates for strengthened ASEAN-EU collaboration, particularly through a digital economic agreement, to navigate global trade tensions. Speaking at the Singapore Fintech Festival, Gan highlighted the potential for enhanced ASEAN-EU ties, envisioning a phased approach to establishing foundational rules for digital collaboration. He also emphasized the need for WTO reform to adapt to contemporary trade challenges and Singapore’s commitment to a multilateral, rules-based trading system. The goal is to support the growing Southeast Asian digital economy, projected to exceed $300 billion in 2025.

DBS Group CEO Tan Su Shan warns investors to anticipate higher market volatility amid concerns about inflated valuations, especially in AI stocks like the “Magnificent Seven.” She highlights the systemic risk of capital concentration and suggests a 10-20% market correction is possible. Tan, echoing sentiments from other financial leaders, advocates diversification across portfolios, supply chains, and demand distribution, positioning Singapore as a “diversifier market” due to its stable financial and political environment.

Northern Trust expands its partnership with Avanda Investment Management to support a mandate from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) under the Equity Market Development Programme (EQDP). Northern Trust will provide investment operations outsourcing, fund administration, and risk analytics, building on a decade-long relationship. The EQDP is a S$5 billion initiative aimed at strengthening Singapore’s asset management ecosystem. Avanda’s strategy under the EQDP seeks to increase investor access to Singapore-listed equities. This collaboration underscores Northern Trust’s commitment to the Southeast Asian financial market.

Pony.ai is entering the Singaporean market in partnership with ComfortDelGro to launch autonomous vehicle (AV) services, initially in the Punggol district. This move aligns with Singapore’s smart mobility vision and aims to address driver shortages. The partnership builds on a previous MoU and a successful pilot program in Guangzhou. The Singaporean government supports AV integration, with plans to deploy AVs within public housing estates. Pony.ai currently operates driverless Robotaxi services in multiple Chinese cities and is expanding globally, including partnerships in Qatar and Luxembourg.

Reports surfaced alleging ByteDance dismantled its chip team, transferring operations to a Singaporean entity and cutting system access without severance. ByteDance denies these claims, stating the chip business entity remains unchanged and the action is a routine data migration to a new Lark tenant. CNBC analysis highlights the strategic importance of in-house chip development amid geopolitical tensions. The move to a new tenant could be preparatory for future separation, offering strategic flexibility in complex regulatory environments and potentially proving technological independence critical for valuation in future IPO possibilities.

Interactive Brokers has launched IBKR Lite in Singapore, offering commission-free trading of US stocks and ETFs around the clock. This plan eliminates commissions, platform, and settlement fees, providing Singaporean investors with cost-effective access to US markets. IBKR Lite complements the IBKR Pro plan, allowing clients to choose between the two. Singaporean investors also gain access to global markets, trading in multiple currencies, fractional shares, and AI-powered news. This launch intensifies competition in Singapore’s online brokerage space.

The Global Property Expo, organized by JLL, will be held at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Singapore from July 18-20, 2025. This event provides Singaporeans with opportunities to explore international residential properties from over 20 countries. Attendees can access expert-led talks and connect with developers, legal advisors, and mortgage specialists. The expo aims to equip buyers with the knowledge and resources needed for overseas property investment, including insights into market trends, financing, and legal considerations, and residency implications.

KKR has launched Ascend Asia, a new financial advisory platform in Singapore, led by former Prudential Singapore CEO Tomas Urbanec. Ascend Asia acquired finexis advisory, making it the platform’s first member. The initiative aims to elevate financial advisory services in Singapore through enhanced client service, best practices, and strategic resources for member firms.