Robert Walters: Employees feel less motivated after a performance review

Robert Walters research on professionals in Singapore has found pressure is growing on employers to balance workforce engagement, progression expectations and cost control. 

Source: Robert Walters Salary Survey Singapore 2026 landing page. Key salary and compensation insights for Singapore.

Only 10% of professionals say they feel more positive about their roles after their latest performance review, according to new research from global talent solutions partner Robert Walters. The process also left more than one in four (27%) professionals feeling less positive about their roles instead.

The findings are part of a global mid-year survey of professionals, which included close to 200 respondents from Singapore. Conducted in April 2026, they show that businesses are facing growing pressure to maintain workforce confidence and engagement heading into the second half of the year. 

Andrew Powell, Chief Commercial Officer at Robert Walters said: “Performance reviews are becoming increasingly important management moments, particularly as organisations look to balance worker needs while continuing to manage budgets. Employees want to know how their skills are valued, where they can progress and whether the business is investing in their long-term development.”

Among the respondents, 42% of professionals shared that they received a pay increase for 202. One in three of these respondents (15%) saw it as an inflationary increase. 

When asked if their current salary situation is influencing their likelihood of looking for a new job, 79% of the respondents shared that they are either actively looking for a new role or now open to new opportunities. This is an increase compared to the findings of the Robert Walters Salary Survey 2026, where 26% of professionals in Singapore said in late 2025 that they did not have the intention to change or look for jobs for at least the next year or more.

“Most professionals understand the economic pressures businesses are operating under and recognise that significant salary increases may not always be realistic,” Powell said.

“But it can be challenging for organisations to keep employees motivated when they aren’t having regular open conversations around progression, future earning potential or how compensation decisions are made.”

Kirsty Poltock, Country Manager for Robert Walters Singapore said: “Performance reviews are a two-way conversation and an important opportunity for professionals to understand how their individual goals align with the organisation's priorities. Even if salary increases are modest, employees can use these discussions to identify the skills, experiences and responsibilities that will position them for future progression. 

"Over the coming months, professionals who continue to build in-demand capabilities, embrace new technologies including the partnership of AI integration, and demonstrate adaptability will be better placed to seize opportunities as hiring activity picks up.” 

The findings suggest that performance and salary reviews are carrying greater significance in today’s market. “We are seeing many organisations take a more strategic and measured approach to compensation management. Market data can play an important role in helping to understand where they are competitive, where progression gaps might exist and how salary expectations are evolving,” commented Powell.

“As the world of work continues to evolve, professionals are placing greater emphasis on long-term career value and future opportunities. Organisations that understand how workforce expectations are shifting will be better positioned to build engagement, develop critical skills and remain competitive over the longer term.” 

Other highlights from the survey for Singapore include:

Talent snapshot

- Beyond compensation and benefits, talent value having flexible work arrangements, job security and stability, and inspiring colleagues and culture from an employer 

- An expectation gap exists: 27% of employers are likely to give new hires a pay rise of above 10%. However 83% of talent looking to move jobs expect more than a 10% pay rise, with 23% of them likely to request a more than 20% increase in salary

Employer snapshot 

- 37% of employers plan to increase their headcount, with most of them looking to increase it by 5-10% 

- 69% of employers are looking to give a salary increment of at least 3% in 2026 for current employees, and 56% are likely to give a salary increment of at least 6% to new hires 

- Lack of candidates with the right skills/experience, gap in salary and benefit expectations, and talent staying put, are among the challenges faced by companies in attracting talent 

Soft skills: 65% of employers value Interpersonal, communication and collaboration skills, and 59% value problem-solving and critical thinking among their employees 

Contract hiring: 55% of companies will start or continue to hire contractors in 2026 74% of companies hiring contractors do so for project or short-term needs. Other reasons include headcount limitations, and a “wait to try” attitude.

AI-driven workplace 

- 78% of the businesses expect up to half of their workforce to need reskilling due to AI advancements Employers are looking for talent with skillsets in critical thinking and fact-checking, data analysis, and are highly adaptable. Top concerns by professionals over AI adoption at the workplace include having their jobs displaced due to automation, bias or unfair treatment due to algorithms, and the lack of relevant training.

In Australia, the research found that professionals remain mobile, with career development, fair pay, and strong leadership driving decisions. Salary movement through 2026 is expected to be moderate and targeted rather than broad-based, with increases focused on in-demand roles as employers balance cost control with retention, Robert Walters said. At the same time, AI is reshaping roles and accelerating demand for specialised expertise, while workforce expectations continue to evolve - flexibility, wellbeing, and purpose now sit alongside salary as key drivers of engagement, the company added.

When it comes to Indonesia, the hiring landscape in 2026 will continue to be shaped by disciplined growth, operational efficiency, and heightened risk awareness. As a result, employers are becoming more selective, prioritising roles that deliver clear business impact and support long-term capability building, particularly across digital maturity, governance, and workforce sustainability.

This is reinforcing demand for talent who can translate digital and AI capabilities into tangible productivity gains, especially within finance, supply chain, risk, and operations. In parallel, regulatory and environmental, sustainability and governance (ESG) considerations are increasingly embedded in core business decision-making, sustaining demand for compliance, risk, and ESG-aligned professionals.

From a talent perspective, professionals remain cautious and value-driven. Stability, leadership quality, and meaningful development opportunities are taking precedence over short-term compensation gains. To compete effectively, employers will need to articulate a credible employee value proposition, underpinned by clear career pathways and targeted, market-aligned remuneration.

Malaysia’s hiring landscape will be shaped by its focus on digitalisation, green growth, and energy transition. Key sectors such as data centres, renewable energy, electric vehicles, cybersecurity, AI, and financial technology will see strong demand for adaptable talent with data literacy and digital fluency. Contract hiring will remain prevalent following the 2025 Gig Worker Bill, while AI-driven tools will streamline recruitment processes and enhance workforce planning. Talent attraction and retention will be challenging due to limited hybrid-skilled candidates and rising expectations for flexibility, work-life balance, and purpose-driven workplaces. Employers must offer competitive salaries, career growth opportunities, and flexible arrangements while effectively managing diverse workforce models, Robert Walters advised.

Thailand’s hiring market in 2026 is likely to continue navigating cautious business sentiment. Employers are expected to maintain careful hiring approaches, prioritising C-suite leaders who can steer organisations through ongoing challenges. Demand for B2B sales & marketing roles will remain high as companies focus on expanding market share and driving revenue growth. Skills-based hiring will gain traction, with reskilling initiatives becoming central to workforce strategies. Salary increases for job movers with in-demand skills are projected at significant levels, while existing employees may see modest adjustments.

Attracting and retaining talent will remain challenging due to supply-demand imbalances, prompting employers to adopt human-centric leadership approaches and invest in continuous learning and development to foster loyalty and resilience within their teams, Robert Walters added.

As for Vietnam, Robert Walters said the hiring market is thriving as the country's economy makes a strong recovery. While the hiring market is gaining momentum, both employers and employees remain cautious and risk-averse. Hiring timelines are expected to be prolonged, and companies are increasingly relying on hiring based on potential rather than experience.

To attract and retain talent, employers in Vietnam are advised to offer competitive compensation and benefits packages, employee appreciation programmes, and growth opportunities. Creating a positive and inclusive company culture that emphasises work-life balance and teamwork is also crucial in building a strong employer brand.

Explore 

Tap on insights into pay levels and hiring trends with the Robert Walters Salary Survey 2026 for: 

- Australia at www.robertwalters.com.au/our-services/salary-survey.html

- Indonesia at https://www.robertwalters.co.id/our-services/salary-survey.html

- Malaysia at https://www.robertwalters.com.my/our-services/salary-survey.html, 

- New Zealand at https://www.robertwalters.co.nz/our-services/salary-survey.html, 

- Philippines at https://www.robertwalters.com.ph/our-services/salary-survey.html, 

- Singapore at https://www.robertwalters.com.sg/our-services/salary-survey.html, 

- Thailand at https://www.robertwalters.co.th/our-services/salary-survey.html, and for 

- Vietnam at https://www.robertwalters.com.vn/our-services/salary-survey.html

The Japanese edition (in Japanese) is available at https://www.robertwalters.co.jp/our-services/salary-survey.html while the Korean edition (in Korean) is at https://www.robertwalters.co.kr/our-services/salary-survey.html

Shopee, Meta, launch affiliate partnerships on Instagram

- Affiliate partnerships on Instagram are available for creators across Southeast Asia and Taiwan

- Builds on the success of Facebook affiliate partnerships

- Creators can earn commissions by sharing Shopee products on Instagram

Creators in Southeast Asia and Taiwan will be some of the first outside of the US to sign up for affiliate partnerships from Shopee on Instagram. The initiative from Shopee and Meta enables eligible creators in these locations to connect their Shopee affiliate account to Instagram, discover Shopee’s affiliate products and share recommendations with their audiences through Instagram Reels and Feed content. When Instagram viewers complete qualifying purchases on Shopee, the creators are eligible to earn commissions. 

The expansion builds on the success of Facebook affiliate partnerships, launched in 2025. As of March 2026, more than 5 million creators globally have connected their Facebook account to their Shopee affiliate account, with around 50% of onboarded creators new to the Shopee Affiliate Program. These numbers highlight the partnership’s success in attracting and enabling a new generation of affiliate creators.

Through this partnership, Meta and Shopee are making it easier for creators to monetise product recommendations, while helping shoppers discover relevant products through the content they already engage with. 

“Our success with Meta on Facebook affiliate partnerships has shown how powerful creator-led commerce can be when content, trust and shopping come together. We are excited to build on this momentum with Instagram, giving creators more ways to earn from product recommendations across Reels and Feed, while helping shoppers discover and purchase Shopee products more seamlessly. 

"This is part of Shopee’s broader commitment to supporting creators, sellers and brands as content becomes an increasingly important part of the online shopping journey,” said Peggy Zhu, Executive Director, Brand and Growth Marketing at Shopee.

With affiliate partnerships on Instagram, eligible creators can:

● Connect their Shopee affiliate account to their Instagram professional account

● Discover and select Shopee affiliate products to recommend in Reels and Feed content 

● Showcase multiple products in a single piece of content, with a shopping icon and a “commission eligible” label, enabling viewers to easily identify featured products and enjoy a more seamless journey from discovery on Instagram to checkout on Shopee

 ● Earn commissions when viewers complete qualifying purchases on Shopee 

Early signals from the initial Instagram Reels rollout have also been encouraging. Across markets, creators have shown strong early interest in using short-form content to share product recommendations with their audiences. 

Meta and Shopee are committed to protecting user data. Account linking and affiliate activity data are processed in accordance with applicable data protection laws, and creators maintain control over their connected accounts at all times.

“As a creator, I’ve always used Instagram Reels to share product recommendations in a way that feels personal and useful for my followers. Affiliate partnerships on Instagram make this even easier because I can add Shopee products directly to my Reels, helping viewers find what I’m recommending more quickly. It also gives me more opportunities to earn from the content I already enjoy creating,” shared Ekida (@ekidarehanf), a content creator from Indonesia.

Shopee and Meta are also testing an affiliate ad solution in a limited rollout starting with selected Southeast Asia markets, with a view to expanding over the coming months. With the creator's consent, Shopee sellers and brands can amplify select affiliate content as clearly-labelled paid promotions, with Meta's ad system helping to reach relevant audiences. This gives sellers and brands a seamless way to amplify creator content that is already resonating with audiences, driving greater reach and return on investment. 

"By bringing affiliate partnerships to Instagram with Shopee, we're creating more opportunities for creators to earn from the content they love making, while helping businesses of all sizes reach new customers. The strong adoption we've seen on Facebook shows the real demand for tools that turn creative content into meaningful commerce," said Nicole Tan, MD, Meta Singapore. 

Details 

Affiliate partnerships on Instagram with Shopee in Asia are now available to eligible creators in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

Dubai leads globally for greenfield FDI projects for 5th consecutive year

- Dubai secured a record 7% share of global greenfield foreign direct investment (FDI) projects in 2025

Dubai has reinforced its position as the world’s leading destination for greenfield FDI projects for the 5th consecutive year, according to data published by the Financial Times’ fDi Markets database.

In 2025, Dubai delivered one of its strongest inward FDI performances since 2015 with a total of 1,253 greenfield FDI projects announced, a 10.5% increase on 2024. According to the data, Dubai also secured a record 7% share of global greenfield FDI projects, the highest in Dubai's history.  

The results further reinforce the ambitions of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), to double the size of Dubai's economy by 2033 and consolidate its position as a leading global destination for business, investment, and innovation. Launched in 2023, the D33 agenda includes the launch of projects that will drive sustainable economic growth through innovative approaches and double GDP by 2033, making Dubai the fastest, safest and most connected city in the world.

HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy PM, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai said: “Dubai’s sustained global leadership in attracting foreign direct investment reflects the confidence the world places in our economyal shifts into growth pathways, our institutions and our vision for the future. It is the outcome of a long-term strategy built on openness, connectivity, strategic partnerships and a commitment to creating the conditions for businesses to succeed. 

“We are proud of the trust that investors, entrepreneurs and innovators from around the world continue to place in Dubai. This confidence reflects the resilience of our economy, the strength of our fundamentals and our ability to constantly create new opportunities for growth.

“Dubai’s competitiveness is also built on our ability to anticipate change, adapt quickly and transform global shifts into growth pathways. As we strengthen our position as the preferred global destination for investment, we remain focused on creating long-term economic value and reinforcing Dubai’s role as a major player in the global economy. 

"Our ambition is not only to attract investment, but to create an environment where the world’s brightest talent and most ambitious businesses come together to build the industries and opportunities of tomorrow.” 

Strengthening its position as a preferred global base for multinational corporations, Dubai retained the No. 1 global ranking for headquarters greenfield FDI projects for the 4th consecutive year, reflecting sustained confidence in the emirate’s ability to support regional and international expansion. Dubai also maintained its global leadership in AI-related greenfield FDI projects for the fourth year running, reinforcing its position as a centre for innovation-led growth and advanced technologies.

Dubai further ranked No. 1 globally across several strategic clusters, including information and communications technology (ICT) and electronics, creative industries, professional services, life sciences, consumer goods, financial services, industrial equipment, and environmental technology. 

For the first time, Dubai ranked No. 1 globally in manufacturing FDI projects, marking a significant milestone in the city’s economic diversification journey and highlighting its growing role as an emerging cutting-edge manufacturing centre, directly aligned with the goals of the D33 Agenda. 

Dubai also secured the No. 1 global position in transportation and warehousing across projects, reflecting its continued strength as a global logistics and trade gateway. In addition, Dubai ranked first globally in several high-impact industries, including food and beverages, electronic components, healthcare, business machines and equipment, cleantech, metals and e-commerce. 

Notably, Dubai was the only destination city worldwide to attract more than 10 greenfield FDI projects across several of these sectors, meeting the global ranking threshold and demonstrating the breadth of its diversified economic base and its ability to sustain investment momentum across both established and future-focused industries.

Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) said: “Dubai’s ability to maintain its global leadership in greenfield FDI attraction for the 5th consecutive year is a testament to the visionary leadership of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, VP and PM of UAE and Ruler of Dubai and the continued confidence international investors place in the emirate. 

"While global markets may have navigated significant challenges over recent months, Dubai entered this period with quantifiable momentum, attracting record levels of capital. This is a clear reflection of the trust that investors and multinational corporations place in our future-ready ecosystem. 

“This performance underscores the strength of Dubai’s diversified economy, the depth of its public- private partnerships, and the efficacy of a well-defined forward-looking regulatory framework that continues to attract high-quality investment across priority sectors. These results further reinforce the ambitions of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, highlighting Dubai’s position as one of the world’s most resilient investment destinations.”

Beyond the headline rankings, 2025 saw broad-based growth across capital deployment and project activity. The city attracted US$8.83 B in greenfield FDI capital in 2025, according to the fDi Markets database. Greenfield FDI also supported the creation of 38,918 jobs in 2025, an 18.8% increase from 32,754 jobs in 2024. 

Performance during the year was also shaped by a mix of investment types, with continued momentum across greenfield projects, reinvestments, venture capital-backed activity, mergers and acquisitions, as well as strategic expansions. 

Dubai attracted investment across key business functions including business services; construction; retail; logistics, distribution and transportation; and manufacturing. This reflects investor confidence in Dubai’s ability to support diverse operational requirements, from regional headquarters and logistics hubs to advanced manufacturing and consumer-facing businesses. 

HE Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), the economic development arm of DET said: “The scale and quality of FDI inflows in 2025 reflect sustained global confidence in Dubai’s long-term growth trajectory. The continued inflow of capital investment is further evidence that investors are deepening their operational presence rather than adopting short-term positioning strategies. 

"From headquarters and high-value manufacturing to AI, fintech, logistics, and creative industries, the diversity and quality of investment flows demonstrate Dubai’s ability to anticipate structural shifts in the global economy. Investors recognise that Dubai offers a unique combination of agile regulation, world-class digital infrastructure, and access to top-tier global talent. 

"As we continue to advance the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, deal activity and expansion momentum remain strong, reinforcing our outlook for accelerating momentum in 2026 and beyond.”

Dubai FDI Monitor data confirmed continued confidence from a diverse mix of international source markets, reinforcing the emirate’s role as a globally connected investment hub. Source markets varied across capital flows and project activity, reflecting broad-based investor confidence from North America, Europe, Asia, and the GCC. India topped the list of top 10 investors, with China in 5th place and Singapore ranked 7th. 

Sectoral performance remained broad-based, with strong investment activity across business services, hotels and tourism, transportation and warehousing, consumer products, real estate, software and IT services, and financial services, demonstrating continued momentum across both traditional and future-economy sectors.

A recently-announced AED2.5 B economic incentive package reflects Dubai’s proactive approach to governance. Designed to ease financial pressures, enhance liquidity, and support business continuity across key sectors, the package includes fee deferrals across hospitality, trade, and licensing, extended customs grace periods, and streamlined residency permit processes to support global talent attraction and retention. 

From Singapore consumer-led innovation in window solutions to going global: mc.2

Source: mc.2. Blinds installed at
the Warren Golf and Country Club
in Singapore.

Wilson Chew, founder, Singapore-based mc.2, pivoted from electronics retail to window solutions in 2017. He had noticed that balcony spaces in homes and offices in Singapore were underutilised because of heat, monsoon rain and persistent humidity, inspiring him to invest in purpose-built solutions designed specifically for Singapore's conditions. 

Instead of selling through samples and catalogues as was traditional for his competitors, Chew opened Singapore's first smart blinds and curtains fashion gallery in 2018, enabling home owners and businesses to see everything in person. The 4,200 sq ft showroom space showcased the first locally-researched and manufactured outdoor zip blind system in Singapore among other solutions, signalling that mc.2 understood how to address unmet needs in practical ways.

The brand's latest solution is the MAGNAZip+ system of zip blinds, which is engineered specifically for tropical conditions. The product features magnetic anti-crease technology and an eight-year warranty. According to mc.2, ordinary zip blinds lose tension over time, causing creases. Ultimately, gaps can appear, allowing wind and rain to get in.  

"Beyond residential homes, we’re also seeing growing interest from businesses looking to create more comfortable and functional spaces with zip blinds. From clubhouses and cafés to retail storefronts and commercial spaces, many are turning to zip blinds not just for their sleek aesthetic, but also for practical benefits such as improved weather protection, reduced heat and glare, added privacy, and better energy efficiency," shared Chew, MD, mc.2.

The company was acquired in May by Hunter Douglas, a manufacturer of window coverings and architectural window products operating in over 100 countries. 

"Joining Hunter Douglas marks a defining moment for mc.2. This is not just about growth, but about elevating the standards of window furnishings in Singapore. With their global expertise behind us, we are in a stronger position to lead the next phase of innovation in the market," said Chew. 

Advanced ZEISS telephoto capabilities available on the vivo X300 FE

- By combining flagship- level imaging hardware, all-day battery endurance, and seamless ecosystem connectivity in a lightweight body, X300 FE redefines what a light flagship device can achieve without compromise. 

 

Phone brand vivo has launched the X300 FE, a lightweight flagship engineered for leading imaging performance. Designed for the modern urban explorer who demands professional-grade imaging, productivity, and uncompromising performance, the X300 FE integrates the vivo ZEISS Co-engineered Imaging System, advanced AI capabilities, and long-term software support within a compact design. 

 

Source: vivo. X300 FE is available in Mist Purple and Luxe Black.

X300 FE follows a clean and compact flat-design philosophy. At 191 g and 7.99 mm thin, the device delivers a sense of lightness and effortless handling. Its 6.31" flat display features ultra-narrow bezels, presenting a symmetrical front profile that combines confidence in one-handed use with refined elegance. 

A metallic back with matte texture and soft colour gradients reflects a sophisticated, contemporary aesthetic. The Metallic Sand AG glass back with upgraded matte texture provides a smoother tactile feel and improved fingerprint resistance. Aerospace-grade aluminum framing ensures the device maintains structural resilience without compromising portability. 

The dynamic camera module is integrated through a floating, droplet-shaped cold-sculpting process, creating a seamless transition between the camera module and the phone body. X300 FE features a 50 MP ZEISS super telephoto camera, a 50 MP ZEISS main camera, and a 110° ultra-wide low-distortion camera which deliver clarity, accurate colour rendering, and flexible focal coverage. 

For the first time in the FE series, users can obtain a 200 mm equivalent focal length with the vivo ZEISS Telephoto Extender Gen 2. Built on a compact Kepler-based optical architecture, the vivo ZEISS Telephoto Extender Gen 2 integrates 15 high-transmittance glass elements in two groups. Compared to the previous generation, the weight has gone from 210 g to 153 g without compromising optical quality. 

Powered by AI True Clarity Engine, which combines NICE 3.0 Optical Reconstruction Engine, MAGIC 2.0 Image Restoration Engine, and Magic Cloud, X300 FE improves image detail and texture reconstruction across diverse shooting conditions, delivering clearer results even in challenging light or long-range capture. 

Stage Mode is optimised for concerts and live events, combining telephoto hardware with algorithm tuning to capture subjects clearly under complex lighting conditions. Powered by the Telephoto Magic 2.0 algorithm and GTR 3.0 optimisations, Ultra-Clear Stage Photography significantly enhances telephoto portrait clarity, rendering facial details with lifelike precision, accurate colour reproduction, soft tonal transitions, and vibrant yet balanced saturation. 

Dual-View Stage Video further enables users to record both the stage and their reactions simultaneously, preserving every spotlight moment with greater energy and emotional depth. Additionally, Flash Portrait enhances low-light performance with adaptive zoom flash, delivering balanced illumination and realistic skin tones.

Street Photography Mode celebrates the beauty of imperfection. By preserving natural grain, subtle motion blur, and ambient light variations, it conveys the atmosphere and emotional depth beyond technical perfection. ZEISS Multifocal Portrait provides multiple classic focal lengths from 23 mm to 100 mm for natural-looking portraits with refined background separation. 

X300 FE also supports a variety of video formats to meet diverse creative demands: 4K at 60 fps for effortless daily vlogging, 4K at 120 fps for remarkably crisp and clear footage, and 8K at 30 fps for ultra- high-definition detail.

The AI creative camera brings a new dimension of creative freedom and playfulness to the X300 FE, seamlessly blending AI Portrait with a suite of artistic styles ranging from Travel Portraits and Anime to Stage aesthetics. Complementing these tools is a robust set of AI-driven features, including AI Magic Move, AI Image Expander, AI Reflection Erase, and AI Erase. 

X300 FE comes with OriginOS 6, vivo’s latest operating system (OS). It creates a fluid hardware-to-software loop that delivers a truly unified, 'one-experience-across-all-devices' feel. There is a vivo Office Kit for seamless, enhanced productivity across Windows, Mac, and iPad, alongside One-Tap Transfer for iPhone and the Origin Island for intelligent intent recognition. This interconnected digital life is fortified by robust vivo security and a dedicated Private Space, establishing a secure sanctuary for critical files, photos, and applications through advanced isolation. 

Finally, the system ensures peak performance longevity through the Origin Smooth Engine, delivering exceptionally fluid interactions and a guaranteed five-year Smooth Experience that maintains flagship responsiveness over time.

X300 FE is powered by the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 platform, ensuring fast data access, efficient multitasking, and stable responsiveness across demanding scenarios, from gaming to content creation. To sustain performance, X300 FE features an advanced Efficient VC Liquid Cooling System with a 4,005 mm² vapour chamber and high-performance thermal graphite, maintaining stable temperatures and consistent frame rates even under extended high-load use. 

Despite its slim body, X300 FE integrates a 6,500 mAh BlueVolt battery, supported by 90 W FlashCharge and 40 W wireless charge for rapid power recovery while maintaining long-term battery stability. 4th-gen Silicon Anode technology and an intelligent Energy Efficiency Engine enhance energy density and charging efficiency without compromising safety or lifespan. 

With IP68 and IP69 dust and water resistance, X300 FE combines flagship-level performance with structural durability, adapting to diverse daily environments. For reliable long-term use, X300 FE comes with five years of OS upgrades, seven years of security maintenance, and five years of Smooth Experience. 

Details

X300 FE is available in two colourways that capture urban energy and emotion: Mist Purple and Luxe Black. Each colour is developed to reflect contemporary urban aesthetics, balancing subtle texture with refined tonal depth. 

The vivo X300FE will be available in Singapore from 6 June 2026. 

Customers in Singapore can pre-order the phone from 25 May – 5 June 2026 via Shopee, Lazada, TikTok and authorised retailers including Challenger, Best Denki, Courts, Harvey Norman, Gain City and Popular. Starting 6 June, the phone will be available at the authorised retailers and telco partners. 

• X300FE (12 GB + 256 GB): S$1,099 

• X300FE Telephoto Extender Kit: from S$299. This kit is available in limited quantities, while stocks last.  

Purchase the vivo X300 FE together with the vivo X300 FE Telephoto Extender Kit before 14 June 2026 to enjoy S$100 off.  

Any purchase of vivo X300FE will be entitled to: 

• Buds Air3 (worth S$99) 

• Two-year local warranty and 3 months screen care 

The vivo Experience and Service Store is at 313@somerset,
313 Orchard Rd, #B2-44/45, Singapore 238895 

1 Unless otherwise specified, all data is based on our technical design parameters, laboratory test results, and supplier test data. Some data may be peak performance data. Actual performance may vary depending on software version, specific test environment, and phone model. 

2 Pixel value may vary under different camera modes and is subject to actual usage.

3 Actual dimensions and weight may vary due to processes variations, measurement methods, material supplies, and production batches.

4 This product has been tested under controlled laboratory conditions and is rated as IP68 and IP69 under IEC Standard 60529. The dust and water resistance is not permanent and may be reduced with daily use. Damage caused by liquid ingress is not covered by warranty.

5 X300 FE features a single-cell design: typical capacity is 6,500 mAh (3.75 V), with a typical energy of 24.38 Wh; rated capacity is 6350 mAh (3.75 V), with a rated energy of 22.34 Wh.

6 AI features and cross-device transfer functions may vary according to local regulatory requirements. For details, please refer to the official vivo website in your country.

Manami Resort unveils new dive sites in untouched reef system

Source: Manami Resort. 

Manami Resort in Sipalay, the Philippines, has introduced two newly-discovered offshore dive sites in one of the region’s most intact and least-explored reef systems. The two sites represent a significant addition to Sipalay’s dive offering, particularly for experienced divers seeking less frequented, high-quality reef environments.

Located less than 1 km from the resort and accessible within 10 minutes by boat, the sites sit within a broad offshore reef network west of Manami. Characterised by deep reef structures, coral formations and open blue water, the area remained largely undocumented until early 2026. While signs of past weather events are still visible, the overall ecosystem continues to sustain strong biodiversity and balanced marine populations.

Manami Resort offers exclusive access to Jonel’s Garden and G A P, both of which were identified in March 2026. G A P was first discovered when a shifting current carried divers into an uncharted section of reef. Jonel’s Garden, mapped shortly after, is defined by intricate coral formations and thriving marine life.

“Even in a place like Sipalay, there are still parts of the ocean that remain largely unexplored,” said Cristina Corro, Founder of Manami Resort.

“The discovery of these sites reinforces how much there is still to protect and understand. For us, it is about creating access in a way that remains thoughtful, controlled and respectful of the ecosystem.”

Jonel's Garden

Jonel’s Garden sits at depths of 18 to 25 m and is defined by islet-like coral formations composed of both hard and soft corals. Swim-through spaces and a garden of Montipora corals create a layered underwater landscape, supporting reef species such as snappers, barracuda and resident reef fish. 

G A P 

G A P, located 25 to 30 m down, features large coral structures separated by wide gaps, along with a striking wave-shaped reef pinnacle. The site is known for encounters with large pelagic species, including schools of giant trevally, as well as groupers, emperors and barracuda.

Across both sites, divers can expect to see large green sea turtles, pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs and an abundance of fusiliers. The presence of larger predatory fish, increasingly rare in many parts of the region, reflects the relative health and low levels of human impact within these reef systems.

Diving conditions vary, with visibility ranging from 5 to 20 metres depending on the season, and optimal conditions typically occurring between April and June. Due to the depth and currents, the sites are suited to Advanced Open Water divers and above, with all dives guided by experienced professionals. 

“These sites offer something increasingly difficult to find, which is a sense of true exploration,” said Giro Solatorio, GM, Manami Resort. 

“You are not just observing marine life, you are entering a system that feels largely undisturbed. That changes how people experience the ocean.”

Details

Jonel’s Garden and G A P are exclusively accessible to Manami guests as part of the resort’s marine experiences. All dives are conducted with a strict no-touch, no-take approach, with an emphasis on buoyancy control and responsible interaction to preserve the reef’s condition. 

The introduction of these sites builds on Manami’s Reef Retreat programme, further strengthening its positioning as a destination for nature-led, conservation-conscious travel.

Manami Resort is the first and only luxury nature resort in Sipalay, Negros Occidental, Philippines. Named after the Hiligaynon word for “beautiful,” Manami features a collection of villas and suites that celebrate local craftsmanship and the art of slow living. Guests are invited to immerse themselves in curated nature and marine experiences, restorative wellness journeys at Linong Spa, and Spanish-Filipino dining infused with local Negrense flavours.