Imaging is the highlight of the vivo x500 Series

Source: vivo. Jay Chou is the ambassador for the X500 series.

- A smarter, more connected experience

- Advanced ZEISS telephoto imaging

- Cinematic video upgrades

- The largest batteries ever in an X Series phone

Singapore has welcomed the vivo X500 Series, comprising two flagship models: the X500 Pro Max and X500. The series pushes the boundaries of mobile imaging with an advanced ZEISS telephoto lens system. 

The X500 Pro Max features a 200 MP ZEISS APO telephoto camera, paired with the 400 mm-equivalent vivo ZEISS telephoto extender Gen 2 Ultra for outstanding telephoto performance. Powered by the smoother, smarter experience of OriginOS 7 and the largest battery capacity ever offered in the X Series, the new lineup elevates the flagship smartphone experience to new heights.

Next-level flagship imaging

Co-engineered with ZEISS, the X500 series combines vivo’s innovation with ZEISS’ expertise in imaging to deliver professional telephoto capabilities. The X500 Pro Max features a 200 MP ZEISS APO telephoto camera with a 1/1.4" ultra-sensing sensor HP0 and an 85 mm equivalent focal length. It incorporates CIPA 7.0 professional stabilisation, enabling longer handheld exposure times in low-light conditions while reducing motion blur.

Powered by the X-Track Engine, the X500 Pro Max delivers professional-grade subject tracking across both snapshot and video modes. Lock-On Subject Tracking keeps subjects sharply in focus, even when they move briefly out of the frame or become temporarily obstructed. The X500 Pro Max supports AF Tracking at up to 60 fps in Snapshot Mode, delivering smooth and responsive tracking performance.

The Super Snapshot Engine enhances long-range shooting capabilities, with 30x Long-Range Motion Snapshot on X500 Pro Max and 20x on X500 Pro. This makes it easier to capture fast-moving subjects from a distance with clarity and consistency. For video creation, 4K 120 fps Pro AF Tracking Video and Auto Framing Video further support precise subject tracking and framing.

For creators demanding even greater reach, X500 Pro Max supports the 400 mm-equivalent vivo ZEISS telephoto extender Gen 2 Ultra. Supporting more than 10 shooting modes, including Stage, Snapshot, and Pro, it gives creators greater flexibility when capturing distant subjects. 

The X500 is designed as an everyday creative companion, combining a 72 mm equivalent ZEISS APO telephoto camera with a ZEISS Pro-Level Ultra-Sensing Camera featuring a 50 MP 1/1.28" sensor like the one used in the X300 Pro. For portrait enthusiasts, the all-new Cinematic Portrait optimises portrait lighting across daylight, dusk, and indoor environments, applying film-inspired styles to make it easy to capture natural-looking portraits anytime, anywhere. Taking portraiture a step further, vivo Color Palette offers granular control over tone, glow, and grain.

Cinematic excellence

X500 Pro Max feature imaging systems centre around a ZEISS TrueDynamic main camera, empowering professional creators to produce exceptional video content with rich details and dynamic range in challenging lighting conditions. The camera supports Cinematic Pro Log Video, capturing greater detail across highlights and shadows for cinematic visual latitude comparable to professional cinema cameras. 

A dedicated log curve, specifically tuned to the camera’s 17 EV ultra-high dynamic range², preserves rich detail and tonal gradation while providing professional creators with greater flexibility in post-production. 

The main camera also debuts 4K Dolby Vision Portrait Video, bringing cinematic image quality and intelligent portrait enhancement to video. It preserves rich tonal depth and natural skin tones across complex lighting conditions, making it easy to capture stunning portrait videos against the backdrop of a breathtaking sunset. The new 4K Cinematic Portrait Video mode offers a range of cinematic color styles, including the Sunny Day and Vibrant styles co-developed by vivo and ZEISS. Combined with ultra-high dynamic range, these styles deliver a classic cinematic look straight out of the camera.

For high-speed video capture, the ZEISS TrueDynamic main camera supports native 4K 240 fps High Frame Rate Video with extended recording time. Available in Video, Pro Video, and Slo-mo modes, it offers greater flexibility for slow-motion shooting and post-production, preserving fine detail and fluid motion even when capturing fast-moving subjects. Complementing this high-speed capture capability, X500 Pro Max features 3° Gimbal-Grade OIS, helping keep footage stable and smooth. 

Meanwhile, the X500 series is an ideal companion for everyday content creation, offering versatile and effortless video capabilities. It supports Multi-Focal 4K 120 fps High-Spec Video and 4K Cinematic Color Video. With Film Style mode, it delivers a 2.4:1 aspect ratio and industry-leading film effects, including motion blur, halation, and grain, to faithfully recreate the distinctive look of film—enabling cinematic, atmospheric footage to be captured with a single tap. Stage Mode 3.0 features Auto Framing Fancam Video, 4K Dual-View Stage Video, 4K Stage All-in-One Recording, and Super Telephoto Stage Snapshot.

To further enable cinematic storytelling, the X500 series features enhanced 4K Cinematic Color Video, offering classic film-inspired colour styles including Paris Afterglow, Golden Hour, and Pastel, along with support for 4K recording. Additional creative tools in Movie Workshop on the X500 series bring greater versatility and creative possibilities. Auto Framing intelligently tracks subjects to keep them centred in the frame, while Vortex Shot enables ultra-steady 360° rotating shots with one tap.

OriginOS 7: Smoother, more connected, and smarter

The X500 Series runs on OriginOS 7, which provides smoothness, seamless cross-device connectivity, and AI-powered productivity. Origin Workbench enables seamless task switching with floating windows and drag-and-drop file transfers across apps, making complex workflows feel effortless. Origin Smooth Engine delivers fluid animations with interruptible interactions, making every swipe and tap feel instantly responsive. Powered by Ultra-Core Computing, Memory Fusion, and Dual Rendering, it is designed to maintain a consistently smooth experience over time.

One of the key highlights of OriginOS 7 is its enhanced cross-ecosystem connectivity, enabling seamless interoperability with Apple devices, including AirPods and Apple Watch, as well as connectivity with iCloud. For everyday sharing, Quick Share³ simplifies file transfers across devices, supporting interoperability with AirDrop, while Seamless Device Switch supports one-tap migration by transferring only essential information and excluding unnecessary cached data. For productivity and entertainment, vivo Office Kit facilitates collaboration between vivo smartphones and Mac computers through tools such as Jovi PC and Camera Sharing. It enhances productivity by providing convenient access to content and seamless continuity across devices. Together, these capabilities enable a more seamless cross-device workflow across multiple ecosystems, helping content creators stay connected and productive.

On the design front, OriginOS 7 offers a rich range of personalization features. Dynamic Translucent Material adds a distinctive visual aesthetic, while Wiggle (Boing) transforms static images into dynamic visuals. System-level StickIt extracts subjects from photos, allowing subjects to be placed anywhere for greater creative expression.  

AI-powered productivity tools further simplify everyday tasks. Snap & Go intelligently recognizes information in screenshots, while AI Next Up turns recognised schedules into automatic reminders on the home screen. AI Recorder enhances recording with intelligent features, including speaker recognition, transcript outlining, transcript refinement, and smart summaries. Supporting six templates, such as Meeting Summary, Lecture Notes, and Interview Summary, it helps turn recorded conversations and content into clear, structured insights⁴.

Advanced performance, efficiency, and endurance

The X500 Pro Max is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9600 Pro, built on TSMC's 2nm process with a new 2 + 3 + 3 architecture to deliver powerful GPU performance and power efficiency. X500 is equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 9600M for smooth everyday performance.

The X500 series introduces the largest batteries ever in the X series with the BlueVolt Battery Systemv: X500 Pro Max houses a 7800 mAh batteryvi, and X500 is equipped with a 7500 mAh battery⁷. All models support 90W wired FlashCharge and 40 W wireless FlashCharge. The 2nd-Gen Semi-Solid‑State Battery Technology enables reliable operation even at temperatures as low as -20 °C, while Bypass Charging keeps the device cool even when used while charging. In addition, On-device AI learns individual usage patterns to intelligently optimize battery consumption without compromising core experiences like photography and gaming. 

The series features a ZEISS Master Color Display, delivering master-level visual performance with natural, true-to-life colours. For an even smarter and more comfortable viewing experience, X500 Pro Max is equipped with an advanced 2K ZEISS Master Color Display, offering ultra-clear visuals. Across the series, displays deliver up to 2,000 nits of global peak brightness and a 100% P3 colour gamut.

The X500 Pro Max features a 6.85" display, the largest display ever on a vivo flat-screen smartphone, delivering a more immersive visual experience. The X500 introduces an all-new Floating Camera Module with a squared, streamlined form, available in Dusk Black & Sunny White. X500 Pro Max debuts a premium look with Tideline Design, where the camera module meets the body in a gentle slope inspired by the smooth curve of a receding tide. X500 Pro Max is available in Starry Gray & Sunset Orange. Across the lineup, IP68/IP69 dust and water resistance⁸, 3D Ultrasonic Fingerprint Scanning, USB 3.2, and an infrared blaster add even more convenience to everyday use.

The vivo X500 series is available in Singapore starting from 31 October 2026, with special launch promotions running from 31 October to 30 November 2026.

Details

Additional benefits available for in-store purchases of the vivo X500 Series:  

- Jay Chou exclusive gift box (worth S$69)  

- 0% interest instalments when paying with DBS/POSB credit or debit cards

- Extra S$50 trade-in bonus from 1-30 November 2026, with trade-in value of up to S$1,320

 

Launch promotions running until 30 November 2026 include:

- The vivo X500 (12 GB + 512 GB): S$1,899 (retail price: S$1,999)

- The vivo X500 Pro Max (12 GB + 512 GB): S$2,299 (retail price: S$2,499)

- The vivo X500 Pro Max photographer kit: S$3,099 (retail price: S$3,299)

 

Various vivo accessories are also available for purchase individually:

- The vivo ZEISS telephoto extender Gen 2 Ultra (400 mm): S$349

- The vivo imaging grip kit (compatible with vivo X500 Pro Max): S$179

- The vivo Buds Ultra (available in Black and White): S$229

- The vivo Buds clip (available in Black, White and Purple): S$199

- The vivo power bank 10000 33 W in White: S$69

 

1 Lock‐On Subject Tracking only supports human subjects.

2 The 17 EV ultra-high dynamic range is only effective in Video mode when selecting the Golden and Vivid colour styles. It is not effective in Photo mode. For the best 17 EV high-dynamic-range experience, it is recommended to use Golden Hour Portrait Video in Portrait Video mode.

3 This feature relies on third-party services. Its availability or functionality may change due to factors related to these services. The feature description on the promotional page will be updated as needed. Please refer to the actual user experience.

4 The availability of AI features may vary depending on the apps, device settings, country, region and language, etc. Please refer to the actual use.

5 This product supports 90 W FlashCharge and 40 W Wireless FlashCharge.

90 W FlashCharge means that X500 Pro Max is equipped with vivo's/JOVI's/iQOO's standard charger which supports a maximum charging power of 90 W. Actual charging power is dynamically adjusted as the scene changes and subject to actual usage.

40 W wireless charging can be achieved when the phone's standard charger and cable are used with a vivo 50W Vertical Wireless Flash Charger 2 (or iQOO 50 W vertical wireless charger 2). The actual charging power is dynamically adjusted based on the scenario and is subject to actual usage. Please note that X500 series is not compatible with the first- generation vivo 50 W vertical wireless flash charger (or iQOO 50 W vertical wireless charger).

6 X500 Pro Max features a single-cell design: typical capacity is 7,800 mAh (3.71V), with a typical energy of 28.94 Wh; rated capacity is 7605 mAh (3.71V), with a rated energy of 28.22 Wh.

7 X500 features a single-cell design: typical capacity is 7,500 mAh (3.76 V), with a typical energy of 28.20 Wh; rated capacity is 7270 mAh (3.76 V), with a rated energy of 27.34 Wh.

8 This product is rated as IP68 & IP69 for splash, water, and dust resistance under IEC standard 60529 and was tested under controlled laboratory conditions. The resistance to splashes, water and dust is not permanent and may be reduced due to daily use. Please avoid damage caused by liquid ingress.

Etihad’s A380 debuts in Thailand

- Etihad celebrates the inaugural A380 service between Abu Dhabi and Bangkok 

- The Residence, the world’s only three-room suite in the sky, is launched to Thailand  

- Daily A380 service brings greater capacity and an enhanced premium experience 

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has flown its Airbus A380 into Thailand for the first time. The service introduces The Residence, the world’s only three-room suite in the sky, to Thailand, alongside Etihad’s First Apartments, Business lie-flat seats and Economy cabin.

Daily A380 operations between Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport and Bangkok are now available as the peak winter travel season begins, supporting strong demand for travel between Thailand, the Middle East and Europe. The launch further enhances Etihad’s premium offering across Asia, following the introduction of the A380 on its daily Abu Dhabi–Tokyo service in June 2026.

Antonoaldo Neves, CEO, Etihad Airways, said: “The arrival of our A380 in Bangkok is a significant milestone and another example of how we are investing behind strong customer demand. Thailand is an important premium market for Etihad, and deploying our flagship aircraft allows us to increase capacity while bringing our most distinctive guest experience to the route.

“We see tremendous opportunity across Thailand and the wider Asian market, and our investment in the region reflects our confidence in its continued growth. Bangkok joining our A380 network is an important part of that journey as we expand our capacity, strengthen connectivity through Abu Dhabi and offer guests even more reasons to choose Etihad.” 

The Residence 

At the pinnacle of Etihad’s A380 is The Residence, the world’s only three-room suite in the sky. Accommodating up to two guests, the 125 sq ft private suite features a separate living room with a reclining two-seater sofa, a bedroom with a double bed, and an ensuite bathroom with a full-height shower. Guests can enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, luxury bedding and loungewear, premium amenities, and a tailored fine-dining experience supported by dedicated cabin crew. The experience also includes Etihad Chauffeur and access to a private lounge suite in Abu Dhabi.

First

First features nine private apartments arranged across a single aisle, each with sliding doors for greater privacy. The 39 sq ft suite includes a Poltrona Frau leather reclining lounge chair and a separate ottoman that converts into an 80.5" long bed, complemented by full turndown service, luxury bedding, designer loungewear and premium amenities. Guests can also enjoy a 24" touchscreen, a chilled refreshments cabinet, access to an onboard shower room, and an à la carte fine-dining experience accompanied by a premium selection of beverages and boutique wines.

Business 

The upper deck is home to 70 Business seats, each offering direct aisle access and converting into an 80" lie-flat bed. Guests can adjust the seat firmness, enjoy an in-seat massage function and stay entertained through an 18.5" touchscreen, with Wi-Fi connectivity and charging facilities available throughout the journey. The experience is complemented by destination-inspired à la carte dining, a curated selection of premium beverages, and LANEIGE amenities in Etihad’s new Business amenity kit line: the Destination Collection. Business guests can also relax and socialise in The Lobby, Etihad’s serviced lounge and bar area located between the First and Business cabins.

Economy 

The A380 accommodates 415 guests in Economy, with seats offering an 18.95" width, 6" recline and 32" legroom. Every seat features Etihad’s fixed-wing adjustable headrest, an 11.1" touchscreen, USB charging and access to Wi-Fi connectivity. Guests can enjoy complimentary destination-inspired meals or snacks and drinks, with pillows and blankets available on longer flights. Neighbour-Free seating also gives guests the option to enjoy additional personal space during their journey.  

Travellers can also take advantage of Etihad’s Abu Dhabi Stopover programme, extending their journey with a complimentary hotel stay of up to two nights and the opportunity to experience the UAE capital as part of a single itinerary.

Flight schedule – all times local

Flight	From	Departure	To	Arrival	Days	Aircraft
EY402	Abu Dhabi	9.20 pm	Bangkok	6.35 am+1 (next day)	Daily	A380
EY403	Bangkok	8.35 am	Abu Dhabi	12.20 pm	Daily	A380

Malaysia, Singapore, deepen bilateral trade and investment push

Malaysia and Singapore have reaffirmed their commitment to deepen bilateral trade and investment relations. At the Third Annual Ministerial Dialogue (3rd AMD) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 1 October 2026, co-chairs YB Datuk Seri Johari bin Abdul Ghani, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Malaysia and HE Gan Kim Yong, Deputy PM and Minister for Energy, Trade and Industry (Trade), Singapore discussed potentially greater collaboration in capacity building, technology and knowledge exchange, as well as stronger institutional linkages among relevant business chambers and industry associations.

Key Digital Economy achievements include the implementation of the Authorised Economic Operator Mutual Recognition Arrangement (AEO MRA); the launch of the cross-border DuitNow-NETS QR payment linkage, alongside PayNow-DuitNow real-time account transfers; as well as technical collaboration on cross-border e-invoicing.

Under the green economy pillar, key achievements include organising two capacity-building sessions for Malaysian and Singapore businesses to exchange knowledge and build sustainability capabilities to enhance export competitiveness; signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Article 6 collaboration; and an MoU on cooperation in the field of cross-border carbon capture and storage.

With the successful completion of the three-year frameworks of cooperation (FoCs), both countries will carry this momentum forward through sectoral agency-to-agency cooperation, specific bilateral arrangements and relevant regional platforms, including the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) and the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA).

Both sides also agreed to explore opportunities for deeper cooperation, capacity building, and investment across halal-related sectors. Singapore is Malaysia’s second-largest halal export destination, with exports valued at RM7.1 B in 2025 according to the Halal Development Corporation*. 

The Ministers welcomed the progress of the Malaysia-Singapore Third Country Business Development Fund (MSBDF) since its update at the AMD two years ago. MSBDF supports Malaysian and Singapore businesses to tap complementary strengths and jointly explore new market opportunities. Beyond third-country business missions and feasibility studies, MSBDF also supported joint pilots between both countries for the first time – bringing businesses together to implement solutions in sectors of mutual interest. 

Both sides encouraged businesses and industry partners to leverage the MSBDF to develop commercially viable partnerships and undertake joint market-development activities in areas of mutual interest. They also looked forward to identifying further opportunities for Malaysian and Singaporean companies to collaborate and strengthen their competitiveness in regional and global markets.

On the sidelines of the 3rd AMD, the Ministers engaged the Malaysia-Singapore Business Council (MSBC) including the business community on practical measures to support more integrated cross-border business operations, including with the JS-SEZ. Recognising the private sector as an important partner in deepening bilateral economic integration, the Ministers welcomed their feedback and reaffirmed the importance of sustained public-private dialogue and address operational bottlenecks and translate policy cooperation into practical business outcomes.  

The 2nd AMD was hosted by Singapore in 2024. Singapore is Malaysia’s second-largest trading partner and an important source of foreign direct investment (FDI), while Malaysia continues to be Singapore’s third-largest trading partner. In 2025, Malaysia-Singapore total trade reached a record high of US$94.07 B, an increase of 8.5% compared to 2024 according to the Department of Statistics, Malaysia.

*October 1 2026. Presentation at the 3rd Annual Ministerial Dialogue between Malaysia and Singapore.

Leasing available at new Grade A office and retail development in Singapore

- Singapore’s first AI-native building powered by Singtel’s 5G+ connectivity, designed to support AI and intelligent building operations

- Singapore's first end-to-end carbon-neutral Grade A commercial property and first in Asia to receive triple certification*  

- More than 1 million sq ft of office and retail space

- Singtel as anchor tenant and approximately 70% of the development available to other tenants 

Source: Singtel. Leasing begins for One Comcentre, Orchard's first Grade A office and retail development in 20 years.

Leasing has begun for One Comcentre, the redevelopment of Singtel's former headquarters in Somerset, ahead of its targeted completion by end-2028.

One Comcentre is Orchard’s first mixed-use development in 20 years, introducing more than 1 million square feet of Grade A offices, retail, dining, wellness and community spaces, transforming a site that has served as Singtel's headquarters for more than four decades.

With fully sheltered access to Somerset MRT station, it will offer panoramic views of the city and Marina Bay. Six levels of amenities include a 400-seat auditorium, medical suites, gyms and a private members' club, alongside extensive dining and wellness offerings. Together with a one-hectare elevated park, the largest in Central Singapore, these features are designed to support productivity, collaboration and wellbeing. 

The launch comes as Singapore's Grade A office market faces its tightest supply conditions in nearly two decades, with few major developments entering the market. This presents a rare opportunity for businesses seeking a flagship workplace in Orchard Road, which aims to be Singapore's next commercial precinct. 

One Comcentre has been designed with the flexibility to evolve as technologies advance and tenant needs change. As co-developer and anchor tenant, Singtel will integrate its connectivity and AI capabilities into the development from the ground up, creating Singapore’s first AI-native building. 

At its core is intelligent infrastructure powered by Singtel’s advanced 5G+ connectivity. This enables network slicing which acts as a dedicated digital expressway, ensuring high-speed, low-latency and secure communications between building systems, applications and devices. These capabilities provide a future-ready foundation for a growing range of AI applications across building and tenant operations, from intelligent building systems to physical AI such as robotics.

"When Comcentre first opened in 1979, it was aptly described as a beacon to the future. As we redevelop the site, we are creating a new beacon for future generations, setting the benchmark for how technology, sustainability and human-centred design come together to help people and businesses thrive for decades to come. 

"With Singtel as co-developer and anchor tenant, we will ensure that the infrastructure and technology stay ahead of the curve. This uniquely positions One Comcentre to give tenants first access to the latest capabilities without having to build the infrastructure themselves," said Gan Siok Hoon, Singtel’s Group Chief Corporate Officer

Tenants will also be able to tap a differentiated suite of Singtel services tailored to their business needs, including security-as-a-service to help protect employees’ devices from cyber threats and robotics-as-a-service to support workplace tasks.

To bring the vision to life, Singtel is drawing on Lendlease’s urban regeneration and placemaking expertise and decades of experience delivering mixed-use developments to transform the site into a destination beyond a workplace.  

Debra Ma, Director, Development, Singapore, Lendlease, said, "One Comcentre represents an important milestone in the ongoing evolution of Orchard Road and its next chapter as a leading lifestyle destination. It is a reflection of Lendlease’s capabilities in delivering places that are vibrant, connected and future-ready. Together with Singtel, we are proud to create a landmark that advances placemaking, sustainability and innovation, while setting a new benchmark for sustainable urban development in Asia." 

One Comcentre is Singapore's first end-to-end carbon-neutral Grade A commercial property, with sustainability embedded throughout its design, construction and operations. It has been provisionally certified Green Mark Platinum Zero Energy by the Building and Construction Authority under the Green Mark v7 pilot, making it Singapore’s only newly-built large-scale Grade A commercial development to attain the standard to date.

Through advanced building systems, intelligent technologies and a focus on resource efficiency, the development is designed to deliver measurable benefits for tenants, including lower energy consumption, greater operational resilience and healthier workplaces. It has also achieved WELL Platinum precertification from the International WELL Building Institute, recognising its commitment to employee wellbeing, comfort and performance. 

When completed, One Comcentre will comprise twin 20-storey office towers with large, efficient floorplates of approximately 25,000 to 27,000 sq ft. As the anchor tenant, Singtel will occupy 30% of the total space including its retail flagship store, with approximately 70% of the development available to other tenants.

Designed for businesses seeking to attract talent, support new ways of working and advance their sustainability ambitions, One Comcentre integrates workplace innovation, technology and sustainability in a single destination. 

Moray Armstrong, MD, Singapore, CBRE said: “Demand for quality Grade A office space in Singapore remains resilient, particularly for developments that combine location, connectivity and modern workplace capabilities. Even before formally commencing leasing, One Comcentre has attracted strong interest from a broad range of prospective tenants, reflecting pent-up demand for premium, future-ready workplace solutions. 

"Increasingly, we are seeing tenants expand their search beyond the traditional CBD as they look for workplaces that help attract talent, strengthen culture and support long-term growth. Opportunities that bring these attributes together at scale are rare, particularly within Orchard Road. This is what makes One Comcentre distinctive.”

CBD refers to the central business district.

*Achieved Green Mark Platinum Zero Energy, pre-certified International WELL Building Institute’s WELL v2 Core Platinum, and targeting to achieve International Living Future Institute’s (ILFI's) Zero Carbon Certification version 1.0.

Experian: more consumers trusting AI for financial services

Source: Experian landing page. Three quarters of
respondents would be comfortable
using AI related to a trusted financial provider.

Consumers are ready to take the next step in their relationship with AI, according to AI in Risk: The Rise of Agentic Commerce*, new research from data and technology company Experian.

Conducted by Forrester Consulting, the study of 6,247 credit-active consumers across 13 EMEA and Asia Pacific markets found that more than half (54%; 49% in Singapore) of respondents are comfortable with AI agents applying for credit on their behalf. 

Experian said the findings point to the next stage in the evolution of financial services, where consumers are becoming comfortable allowing AI to move beyond providing information to supporting parts of the lending journey, including comparing lenders, checking eligibility, completing applications and securely submitting authorised documents.

"Consumers are already changing the way they engage with financial services," said Mariana Pinheiro, CEO of Experian EMEA & Asia Pacific. 

"They are not just experimenting with AI anymore; they are beginning to trust it with more meaningful parts of their financial lives. Our research shows that 82% of the surveyed respondents already trust LLMs to compare loans across providers. For banks and lenders, the question is no longer whether AI will influence the next step of that journey, but how to prepare for it while continuing to earn and protect consumer trust. 

"What began as using LLMs to better understand financial products is already moving towards asking AI agents to help them navigate complex financial journeys.” 

Consumers are embracing AI agents because they see practical value, not simply because the technology is new, Experian noted. The research found that 85% of the survey respondents believe AI agents could help them compare more options than they could manually, while 84% say AI could help them save money by finding better prices or rates. 

A further 83% believe AI agents could help them avoid missing important details such as hidden fees or contract terms, while 81% believe AI could reduce decision fatigue by handling research and routine tasks on their behalf.

The findings suggest consumers are looking for AI that simplifies complex financial decisions, saves time and helps them make more informed choices. The research also shows that consumers have different comfort levels when it comes to how much autonomy they would give an AI agent, Experian disclosed. 

For credit applications, many still want to retain oversight, while others are open to greater delegation: 23% would allow an agent to act when certain pre-agreed rules are met, while 5% would be comfortable giving it full autonomy. 

Research highlights:

- Over half (54%) of consumers are comfortable with AI agents applying for credit on their behalf. 

- A little over than eight in 10 (82%) trust AI to compare loans across providers. 

- Over eight in 10 (85%) also believe AI agents could help compare more options than they could manually. 

- More than eight in 10 (84%) believe AI agents could help them find better prices or rates. 

- Three quarters would feel more comfortable using an LLM connected to a financial institution they already trust.

In Singapore, consumers are embracing AI agents because they see practical value, not simply because the
technology is new, Experian observed. However, comfort declines the further a task moves from research into commitment. Over a third (37%) of Singapore consumers would grant an AI agent no autonomy at all when applying for a loan or credit card; 36% would allow it to act only after their approval, and 27% would allow conditional or full autonomy.

More than three-quarters (77%) of Singapore respondents said they would feel more comfortable using AI
connected to a financial institution they already trust, highlighting the opportunity for banks and lenders to build AI experiences within trusted customer relationships rather than treating AI as a standalone service.
At the same time, 82% of Singapore consumers say AI agent manipulation - through fake offers or
impersonation by cybercriminals - is their top concern, the highest level of concern recorded for this risk
across the study's 13 markets. 

This mirrors a wider pattern in Singapore, where scams remain a national concern despite recent declines. Scam losses fell 17.9% year-on-year to around S$410.6 M in the first half of 2026, from approximately S$500.2 M in the same period a year earlier, according to Singapore Police Force figures reported by local media. 

E-commerce and phishing scams remain the most common case types, underlining why identity verification and fraud prevention will be critical as AI-assisted financial journeys take hold.

The research also lands against a backdrop of rising household borrowing. Singapore's total household liabilities reached S$415 B in the Q126, up 8.2% year-on-year - the fastest pace of growth in nearly five years - while personal loans rose 14.6% over the same period, according to Singapore Department of Statistics data reported by local media. 

As more consumers turn to credit - and increasingly compare and apply using AI - the need for secure, trusted AI-assisted journeys becomes more pressing, Experian observed. 

Kabir Khanna, GM, Experian Credit Services Singapore, said: “The opportunity is not simply to
make financial services faster with AI, but to make it possible for AI agents to act safely on a consumer’s
behalf. That requires a new layer of trust: being able to establish who the agent represents, what the
consumer has authorised it to do and whether the interaction can be trusted. Getting that foundation right will be critical to unlocking agentic finance at scale.” 

*Experian commissioned Forrester Consulting in July 2026 to survey 6,247 credit-active digitally literate consumers across Australia, China, Denmark, Germany, India, Italy, Malaysia, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Africa, Spain and Turkey. Respondents represented a balanced mix of generations and employment groups and were selected based on recent experience using digital financial services. 

**LLM stands for large language model. 

Chocolate-themed Buffet at Edge, Pan Pacific Singapore

Source: Pan Pacific Singapore. Poster for The
Cocoa Connection at Edge,
available the whole of October
and into early November.

From delightful savoury pairings to intricate desserts, The Cocoa Connection invites diners to experience chocolate beyond the familiar, brought to life through the distinct culinary perspectives of three chefs and on an ingredient loved by many.

From 1 October to 8 November 2026, Edge at Pan Pacific Singapore presents The Cocoa Connection, a chocolate-themed buffet in partnership with premier gourmet food supplier, Classic Fine Foods. 

For this limited-time dinner experience, Executive Chef Andy Oh and Executive Pastry Chef Edina Si join forces with Classic Fine Foods’ Executive Chef José Luis Del Amo, bringing together three distinct culinary perspectives united by a shared love for chocolate.

Drawing on their diverse culinary backgrounds from around the world, the chefs explore chocolate as a common language, interpreting it through the flavours and techniques that have shaped their respective journeys. The result is a creative culinary exchange that transcends borders, revealing exciting expressions of chocolate across both sweet and savoury creations that are just as decadent.

At the helm of Pan Pacific Singapore’s culinary team, Executive Chef Oh brings more than 36 years of expertise in Pan Asian cuisine, complemented by extensive experience in international and Western culinary arts. He has built a career around bringing different flavours and techniques together, lending itself naturally to the collaboration, where chocolate becomes a canvas for exploring unexpected savoury applications and flavours across cultures.

Joining him is Executive Pastry Chef Si, whose culinary journey has taken her from Singapore to Paris, where she trained in cuisine and pastry at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu from age 16. Her craft was further shaped by Japanese pastry techniques under Chef Yamashita Masataka and her experiences in France at Hôtel de Crillon and Fauchon. Influenced by her love of travel and a passion for pairing local ingredients with global flavours, Chef Si approaches chocolate through a multicultural lens, balancing classical pastry foundations with flavours closer to home.

Completing the trio is Chef Del Amo, Executive Chef of Classic Fine Foods Singapore, whose two-decade culinary journey began in a Spanish patisserie led by Miquel Comas. He went on to work at some of the world’s most acclaimed kitchens, including three-Michelin-starred El Celler de Can Roca in Spain and two-Michelin-starred Dinner by Heston Blumenthal in London, where he built a strong foundation in classical pastry techniques.

His affinity for chocolate, however, began much earlier. At 16, while working part-time in a pastry shop in Spain, one of his favourite rituals was dipping a freshly-baked croissant into the melted chocolate prepared for the day’s production. What began as a simple enjoyment has since evolved, shaping his experimental approach to the possibilities of chocolate. 

Through this collaboration, Chef Del Amo brings his technical expertise and creative instinct to the table, exploring new expressions of chocolate alongside Chef Oh and Chef Si. The savoury selection sees chocolate venture beyond convention through a series of unexpected pairings. Meat dishes find an intriguing counterpoint in bittersweet cocoa, from the oven-roasted leg of lamb with cocoa spice rub to the Braised Pork Rib with Dark cocoa and coffee glaze. Dark chocolate also finds its way into pasta, where the truffle and wild mushroom ragout with 75% dark chocolate Shavings pairs rich chocolate with the earthy depth of truffle and mushroom.

The exploration extends to white chocolate with the grilled Japanese corn on the cob with white chocolate miso fondue, where its creamy sweetness and the umami of miso come into perfect balance. The versatility of chocolate also comes through in texture, where the spinach ricotta crêpe au gratin with cocoa crisps uses chocolate as a crisp accent, adding another dimension to the dish.

And specially on weekends from Fridays to Sundays, the Chef’s Signature Creation, charcoal-grilled chocolate-fed Wagyu beef, is a highlight not to be missed. Distinguished by its buttery marbling and subtle sweetness from a unique chocolate-enriched diet, the Wagyu beef is grilled over charcoal for a deep and smoky char, with caramelised onion and dark chocolate jus rounding out its rich, savoury flavours.

For those with a sweet tooth, chocolate soufflé is freshly-made at a live station and served warm with whipped cream, berry compote and vanilla sauce. Look out for Chef Del Amo's two speciality desserts: the chocolate vanilla caramel cake with its subtle smokiness cutting through the sweeter notes, and the gianduja yuzu petit Four, which balances rich hazelnut chocolate with bright citrus.

Exclusively on 2 October 2026, Chef Del Amo takes over the live station with a special creation that brings together multiple textures of chocolate in a single dessert, showcasing the ingredient in all its versatility.

Chef Si also explores different expressions of chocolate through various intensities, textures, and flavour pairings. Darker profiles come through in the chocolate tart with kumquat, where premium couverture chocolate Kacinkoa (85%) is balanced by the tartness of the fruit, along with the french chocolate mousse, crafted with another premium couverture chocolate, Mahoe (76%). 

For a more decadent option, Edge’s signature hazelnut royaltine pairs creamy Mahoe milk chocolate (43%) with a satisfying hazelnut crunch. At the other end of the spectrum, the cocoa fruit jelly with soursop is light and refreshing, with a tropical tang.

Details

The Cocoa Connection at Edge

1 October to 8 November 2026, available daily.
Weekday Dinner | Mondays to Thursdays, from 6 pm to 10 pm
S$108++ per adult 

Weekend Dinner | Fridays to Sundays, from 6 pm to 10 pm
S$118++ per adult
 

All buffet prices are inclusive of free-flow soft drinks.

View the menu at https://www.menu-ppsin.panpacific.com/the-cocoa-connection-2026

For reservations, call +65 6826 8240 or email dining.ppsin@panpacific.com

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*Prices quoted are in Singapore dollars, and are subject to service charge and prevailing government taxes.