Manulife champions longevity in Asia

Source: Manulife. From left: Harshal Shah, Chief Marketing & Experience Design Officer, Manulife Asia; Koh Hui-Jian, CEO, Manulife Investments; Steve Finch, President and CEO, Manulife Asia; Benoit Meslet, President and CEO, Manulife Singapore; and Mark Czajkowski, CMO, Manulife Singapore.

Manulife has enhanced ManulifeMOVE, Manulife’s flagship lifestyle programme, launching it at the inaugural Longevity Symposium in Asia. Originally introduced to promote physical activity, the platform now supports holistic wellbeing across six key pillars: healthcare, home and nursing care, fitness and wellness, lifestyle privileges, legacy planning services and community engagement.

“Insurance is no longer just about protecting people financially after something happens. It’s about helping them stay prepared for life’s changes. With ManulifeMOVE, we’re giving customers the power to take charge of their health and financial choices, so they can make confident decisions every day,” said Harshal Shah, Chief Marketing & Experience Design Officer, Manulife Asia.

Key programme enhancements include: 

• A tiered membership structure (Essential, Ascend, Prestige, Signature) offering access to differentiated benefits and partner privileges. 

• An expanded suite of services covering preventive health services, medical and assistive care, cancer care support, health and wellbeing coaching, fitness and wellness experiences. 

• Community engagement, such as a dedicated platform to foster a vibrant community with exclusive experiences, access to new offerings, and health content. 

ManulifeMOVE Partners*, including AMILI, ClassPass Singapore, Chi Longevity, Doctor Anywhere, Fullerton Health, Guardant Health AMEA, Hin Tat Augustine & Partners, Homage, Kin Teck Tong, Padang Trust, Parkway Cancer Centre, Parkway Shenton, Naluri, Q & M Dental Group, SportsMed, Ten Lifestyle Group and others, offer solutions that help people navigate everyday health and life management, supporting them through milestones from entering the workforce to becoming parents, managing chronic illness, or planning their legacy. 

“As a purpose-driven bank, we’re committed to using our business as a force for good – creating long-term value for our customers, community, and the nation. With Singapore transitioning into a super- aged society, our focus is on closing the gap between lifespans and ‘living spans’ by supporting financial, physical, mental, and social wellbeing at every stage of life," said Karen Ngui, Head, DBS Foundation and DBS Group Strategic Marketing and Communications.

"Ageing presents challenges, but also opportunities – the onus is on us to act early, and act together. At the DBS Foundation, we’re glad to join hands with likeminded partners like Manulife to build a future where everyone, regardless of age or circumstance, can live and age with dignity, purpose, and joy.”

“Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in Singapore, underscoring the urgent need for continuous innovation in how we detect, monitor, and treat it. At Guardant Health, we believe molecular data is essential for precision oncology to guide each patient’s journey with insights that matter," said Simranjit Singh, CEO, Guardant Health AMEA.

"Through our partnership with Manulife Singapore and the ManulifeMOVE programme, we are expanding access to cutting- edge liquid biopsy technology. With just a simple blood draw, we can unlock vital information to help personalise treatment decisions for patients with advanced solid tumours.”

“Good gut, good health. At AMILI, we believe gut health is foundational to long-term well-being. The microbiome in our gut plays a vital role in how we age, affecting immunity, metabolism, and chronic disease risk. By harnessing microbiome insights, we can deliver truly personalised preventive health strategies that go far beyond generic advice," said Jeremy Lim, CEO & Co- founder, AMILI.

"Our collaboration with Manulife Singapore is an important step in making science-backed, localised solutions for longevity more accessible across Asia. Through the ManulifeMOVE programme, we’re empowering individuals to take charge of their health in ways that are tailored and culturally relevant.”

The Longevity Symposium in Asia was convened to tackle one of the region’s most pressing challenges: how to live not just longer, but better.

“As an insurer, our role goes far beyond paying claims or managing risks. We have a responsibility to improve lives – not just by protecting our customers, but by empowering them to make better decisions for their health and financial future,” said Benoit Meslet, President and CEO, Manulife Singapore.

“Our latest Asia Care survey shows that only 6% of respondents wished for a longer lifespan, the vast majority prioritised staying physically, mentally and socially active, achieving financial independence and ageing gracefully. 

"Through initiatives like this symposium, we’re raising awareness across every dimension of longevity, from preventive health and financial planning to mental wellbeing and social connection, we’re helping our customers plan ahead and live with greater clarity, resilience and peace of mind.”

According to Manulife, one in four people in Asia will be over the age of 60 by 2050**. This demographic shift is driven by longer life expectancies and declining fertility rates. As countries in Asia adapt to these changes, people may no longer follow the traditional 'school, work, retirement' paradigm***. Instead, they transition more frequently between learning, working, caring, and recreation****. 

In addition, Manulife's Asia Care Survey showed that physical wellbeing is central to both financial and mental wellbeing for people across Asia, and that rising healthcare costs are a major concern, fuelling anxiety about insufficient savings.  

"Extending lifespan in our ecosystem is no longer our key focus. Instead, optimising healthspan is becoming our key imperative. Healthy ageing requires early intervention, data-driven behavioural change and integrated support across healthcare, technology and finance - across all stages of life," said Professor Dean Ho, Provost’s Chair Professor, Director, The N.1 Institute for Health, Director, The Institute for Digital Medicine, and Head, Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore.

"The Manulife Singapore Longevity Symposium is an important catalyst for bringing scientific research into everyday insights and actions. By bridging science and education, we can address aging preparedness, helping people thrive across a longer life - physically, mentally and financially.”

“Healthy longevity isn’t just about adding years, it’s about adding good years that is not just extending your lifespan but your healthspan. That means having the energy, cognitive ability and independence to keep enjoying life as we age. To do that, we must take a proactive approach to health and start long before retirement age," said Professor Andrea B. Maier Oon Chiew Seng, Professor of Medicine at National University of Singapore, and Co-Founder of Chi- Longevity.

"In healthy longevity medicine, we look beyond short-term outcomes and focus on how individuals want to feel 10 or 20 years from now, and how we can help them get there. This future-oriented approach is why partnerships with organisations such as Manulife are essential. Through the ManulifeMOVE programme, we are enabling more individuals to proactively manage their health and better prepare for the realities of ageing."

Manulife and UpLink, the World Economic Forum’s early-stage innovation initiative, and the Forum’s Centre for Financial and Monetary Systems additionally announced 10 winners of the Innovating for Asia’s Demographic Future Challenge, launched earlier this year.

The challenge sought breakthrough solutions to support multigenerational financial resilience, equitable healthy ageing, and lifelong fulfilment across Asia’s rapidly ageing societies. The winning ventures — ranging from digital tools that enhance home safety and caregiving for older adults, to AI-powered platforms that modernise primary healthcare delivery, wearable rehabilitation solutions for post-surgery recovery, and lifelong learning and reintegration support for migrant workers — were selected for their potential to drive meaningful impact across Asia.

The winners will join UpLink's Innovation Ecosystem with access to exclusive networking, visibility, and partnership opportunities to help scale their solutions. Additionally, three of the winning innovators will share a prize pool of CAD$200,000.

“Longevity is reshaping how people across Asia think about their future. Our Asia Care Survey shows a growing focus on quality of life, independence, and financial security – underscoring that it’s not just about adding years, but enriching them,” said Steve Finch, President and CEO, Manulife Asia.

“We see a clear opportunity to help close the gap between aspiration and action. Through platforms like the Longevity Symposium and the UpLink challenge, we’re working with partners to deliver practical, preventive solutions that help people live well, for longer.” 

"Early-stage innovation is vital to turning the challenges that come with Asia's demographic shifts into meaningful opportunities for communities across the region," said John Dutton, Head of UpLink, World Economic Forum. 

"Through the Global Longevity Innovation Initiative, we are proud to partner with Manulife and the Forum's Centre for Financial and Monetary Systems to build an innovation ecosystem that promotes healthier, more financially resilient and fulfilled lives for all generations."

The event, held in Singapore, marks a milestone in Manulife’s commitment to advance Asia’s longevity movement. This builds on Manulife’s global commitment to longevity, following two successful longevity symposiums in in the US led by John Hancock.

*Access to services offered by ManulifeMOVE partners may vary by membership tier and customer eligibility.

**ADB: Adapting to Aging Asia and the Pacific

***Stanford Center on Longevity 

****  Andrew J. Scott and Lynda Gratton, The New Long Life: A Framework for Flourishing in a Changing World 

Singtel launches TikTok masterclass for SMEs

Singtel has launched a TikTok masterclass – a brand-building and e-commerce enablement programme, aimed at helping small and medium enterprises (SMEs) strengthen their digital presence, connect with customers more effectively, and capture growth opportunities in the digital economy.

Developed in partnership with SIM Academy, the masterclass will equip local enterprises with practical skills to create impactful content, leverage social platforms for business growth, and navigate the opportunities and risks of social commerce. The initiative is supported by SkillsFuture Singapore. Eligible participants from qualifying SMEs can get up to 90% funding for this programme.

Participants will receive hands-on training in content creation, livestream selling, e-commerce activation and cybersecurity – critical capabilities in today’s fast-evolving, mobile-first marketplace. Participants will also benefit from post-workshop support, including engagement with retail merchants to aid e-commerce transition and potential co-marketing opportunities.

Ng Tian Chong, CEO of Singtel Singapore, said, “With Asia’s young, mobile-first population and growing appetite for social commerce, it’s vital that our SMEs are equipped with smarter, faster ways to reach their customers. Singtel is proud to provide SMEs with the digital tools, platforms and training to grow and compete in today’s connected world. Our new TikTok Masterclass is the latest in our series of efforts to help SMEs achieve more in the digital economy."

Ho Seong Kim, CEO of SIM Academy added: “At SIM Academy, we focus on delivering applied, outcome-driven learning through learner-centric course design. The TikTok Masterclass reflects our commitment to equipping businesses with practical skills for their business outcomes in today’s fast-changing digital economy.”

The three-day TikTok Masterclass includes three key components: 

• Training: Learn content creation, TikTok shop setup, and social selling techniques tailored for business growth on social platforms. 

• Application: Gain practical, hands-on experience at Singtel’s TikTok Creator House, located at its 313@Somerset flagship store. Participants will get two hours’ complimentary use of the professional-grade studio to create and livestream content in a simulated selling environment. 

• Cyber awareness: Develop an understanding of cybersecurity best practices for digital marketing and TikTok, to ensure safe and responsible online engagement. 

As of 2023, 82% of SMEs in Singapore had adopted at least one digital solution, with 91% having started their digital journey – leading the Asia Pacific region. Despite this progress, fewer than half report fully successful implementation, underscoring the need for continued guidance and support.

This masterclass is part of Singtel’s commitment to help SMEs digitalise, innovate and grow. In September 2023, Singtel introduced Cyber Elevate to help businesses bolster their cyber resilience, followed by the SPEED programme in April 2025, which supports SMEs in digitalising their operations and aligning them with sustainability goals.

As a SkillsFuture Queen Bee, Singtel plays a pivotal role in enabling enterprises – especially SMEs – to upskill, digitalise and innovate. Its end-to-end solutions – spanning mobility and connectivity, to cybersecurity, Internet of Things (IoT) and collaboration tools – are tailored to evolving business needs, helping SMEs scale sustainably. 

Details

The programme fee is S$3,000 per participant (before GST), with up to 90% funding available for eligible businesses under the Enhanced Training Support for SMEs programme, supported by SkillsFuture Singapore. To qualify, companies must meet the following requirements: 

• Be registered and incorporated in Singapore 

• Have a minimum 30% local shareholding by Singapore citizens or PRs 

• Have an annual sales turnover of not more than S$100 M or employment size of fewer than 200 employees 

Singtel plans to conduct 24 masterclasses over two years, with each class accommodating approximately 15 SMEs. Businesses interested in the programme can register their interest at https://www.singtel.com/business/smb/solutions/tiktok-masterclass

Jin Ting Wan debuts at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

Marina Bay Sands has unveiled Jin Ting Wan, a new destination for Cantonese cuisine. Overlooking views of the city skyline and sea, the restaurant honours authenticity while embracing modern sophistication in Chinese dining.

Leading the kitchen is Executive Chef Albert Li, a Guangxi-born talent who seeks to shine a light on the regional depth of Guangdong province, including influences from Shunde, Teochew, and Hakka culinary traditions. The result is a distinctive menu enriched with subtle accents from other Chinese regional styles such as Szechuan.

Source: Jin Ting Wan. Executive Chef Albert Li presents the Angus short rib with preserved vegetable wrapped in straw  leaves (九九梅菜安格斯牛肋).

Jin Ting Wan’s menu features roasted meats, dim sum, and comforting soups. Signature dishes include roasted pipa duck with black pepper (堂剪黑胡椒枇杷鸭), presented on a customised pipa-shaped dish, and the Angus short rib with preserved vegetable wrapped in straw leaves (九九梅菜安格斯牛肋). The preserved mustard greens are prepared using the traditional “nine-steam, nine-sun (九蒸九晒)” technique, adding depth and authenticity.

Chef Li demonstrates a wide repertoire of techniques and textures across the menu. Take the poached Hokkaido squid with peanut and garlic in chilli oil (脆爽北海道火箭鱿鱼蒜香红油), where rocket squid, caught at peak freshness, is swiftly poached to preserve its texture and served with a Szechuan-inspired sauce.

Another highlight is the simmered homemade fresh beancurd skin with baby spinach in fish broth (自制鲜腐竹鱼汤菠菜苗), featuring tofu skin delicately separated using a time-honoured technique from housemade soy milk. The soybeans are specially sourced from Heilongjiang, China’s largest soybean-producing province, lending the dish a rich character.

For soup, the Hokkaido geoduck with seaweed in clear seafood broth (海藻冲浪北海道海蚌片) stands out with delicate slices of mini geoduck clam gently poached tableside in an umami-laden broth. This clear soup is simmered for four hours using kombu, chicken, pork, scallop, and regional fish varieties, delivering depth in every sip.

A fitting finale comes in the form of the baked taro tart with bird’s nest and ginkgo nut (燕窝银杏芋泥挞), where the velvety richness of taro is balanced with delicate bird’s nest, long prized in Chinese culinary culture for its elegance and nutritional value.

Complementing the cuisine is a beverage programme that offers depth, heritage, and innovation. The Art Lounge at Jin Ting Wan offers an immersive tea experience led by Head Tea Master Jacky Zhao Gang, one of the region’s most respected experts in Chinese tea. 

With over 20 years of mastery, Zhao curates a collection of more than 80 carefully sourced teas many of which are rare, limited-edition selections from private producers. Guests are invited to explore varieties such as feng huang dancong from Guangdong, aged pu’er from Yunnan, and the house-exclusive fu yu jin ting, a poetic fusion of wildflower-scented raw pu’er and moonlight white tea.

In parallel, the wine programme curated by Head Sommelier Joe Yang brings into focus the excellence of Chinese winemaking with around 100 labels.

Aligned with Jin Ting Wan’s philosophy of seasonality, provenance, and ingredient-led storytelling, the restaurant will debut its first seasonal tasting menu this September, celebrating the bounty of early autumn with wild foraged mushrooms from the highlands of Yunnan. Guests will be among the first in Singapore to savour freshly flown-in matsutake (pine mushrooms), cherished for their intense aroma, alongside rare golden fungus, revered for its gelatinous texture, in new dishes that capture the transition of the season.

Vanta set to become a culture, connection and creativity hub

Source: Vanta. Members will enter the private club into a two-level dining and lounge salon where Italian marble, quartz finishes, and bespoke materials set a sophisticated tone. 

Singapore private club Vanta is set to launch this December along Orchard Road.

Envisioned as an invitation-only community for those poised to shape the future of business and culture, Vanta aims to reflect the values of Asia's new tastemakers. 

Spanning 16,000 sq ft at MacDonald House, the club boasts a two-level dining and lounge salon, private dining rooms and an AI golf simulator.

“Vanta represents the intersection of influence, culture and connection within Singapore's dynamic landscape. We aren't just creating a beautifully designed space,” said Wayne Lin, CEO of Vanta. 

“We're cultivating an ecosystem where leaders, creators, and investors come together to spark meaningful ideas and lasting impact. Our vision is for Vanta to become the epicentre of innovation and cultural exchange in Asia.” 

A defining feature of Vanta will be its approach to food and drink. Michelin-starred Consulting Chef Alvin Leung will curate the culinary programme, while the beverage selection includes investment-grade whiskies, rare single malts and collectible bottlings; vintage and limited-release wines; as well as small-batch sake brews, aged koshu, and coveted junmai daiginjo. 

Beyond the bottle, Vanta's calendar will be filled year-round with art exhibitions, talks, and cultural salons. 

“At Vanta, exclusivity isn't about status - it's about significance,” Lin added. 

“We've designed this club for individuals who are actively shaping conversations and leading change across industries. It will be a place where connoisseurs, especially those with a passion for whisky, wine and sake, can connect, collaborate, and define what's next for business and culture.” 

Improve cybersecurity awareness with ESET training in Singapore

ESET, a global cybersecurity solutions provider, has launched ESET Cybersecurity Awareness Training in Singapore. This online resource is designed to educate, test, and improve the cyber resilience of employees.

With this offering, ESET responds to one of the main problems for business owners — low cybersecurity skills among employees that can lead to costly breaches and reputation losses. At the same time, ESET Cybersecurity Awareness Training helps organisations meet compliance and insurance requirements. According to ESET, 68% of breaches involve a human element, social engineering or an error, while employee education is the No. 1 factor that reduces the cost of a breach.

The launch comes at a critical time as Singapore’s critical infrastructure continues to face persistent threats from advanced attacks that could lead to operational disruptions, economic losses, and loss of trust in Singapore’s digital ecosystem. With higher incidence of business email compromise (BEC) attacks reported by small and medium-sized businesses (SMB) than regional peers, it is becoming increasingly essential for businesses here to bolster their cybersecurity posture to defend against the expanding threat landscape, ESET stated.

“At ESET, we believe that building a cyber resilient organisation starts with well-informed employees,” said Parvinder Walia, President of the Asia Pacific region at ESET. 

“Our Cybersecurity Awareness Training is designed to change behavior through interactive content, gamification, and real-world cybersecurity insights. Backed by over 30 years of research and hands-on training expertise, it equips employees at every level with the knowledge they need to stay secure.”

Businesses can reinforce the training using realistic phishing attack simulations via a phishing simulator. This tool helps organisations test their employees with an unlimited number of phishing tests using hundreds of regularly-updated templates, or create their own simulation. Employees can thus be tested on real-world scenarios while companies can adjust their training plans based on the results. 

Key features of ESET Cybersecurity Awareness Training include: 

- Interactive training: Uses gamification and real-world scenarios to make learning engaging and impactful. 

- Phishing simulation: Allows deployment of realistic phishing campaigns using prebuilt or custom templates. 

- Smart reporting and compliance: Real-time tracking, dashboards, and detailed reports to monitor progress and meet compliance needs. 

- Regulatory alignment: Supports requirements such as Cyber Essentials Mark, GDPR, PCI DSS, and NIS2. 

An easy-to-use dashboard gives IT admins an overview of available courses, statistics about employees’ training progress, and phishing campaign simulation results. Admins can also organise employees in customisable groups so they can prepare campaigns and training enrollments tailored to the needs of both employees and their superiors.

ESET has also reduced all necessary IT administration duties typically associated with employees’ training to a minimum. The deployment is easy and seamless thanks to deep integrations with many popular third-party, cloud-based services, and a full API. Whether employees are using learning management systems (LMS), single sign-on (SSO), customer relationship management systems (CRMS), or human resource information systems (HRIS), ESET can sync with businesses’ existing workflows. 

All these features follow the ESET commitment to a prevention-first strategy that minimises the attack surface and reduces the complexity of cyberdefence. ESET Cybersecurity Awareness Training covers most human-related attack vectors, and its smooth deployment and management help to keep cybersecurity simple.

Explore

Find out about ESET Cybersecurity Awareness Training features, capabilities, and management options at https://www.eset.com/SG/business/solutions/cybertraining/

POCO Carnival 2025 in Singapore highlights innovation

Source: POCO. The POCO X7 Pro.

POCO's biggest celebration of the year, POCO Carnival 2025, returns to Singapore from August 14 to August 27*. Held under the theme Ride Bold, Win Loud, this year's POCO Carnival is both a showcase of new product innovations and a thank-you to the global fan community. 

Featured products include: 

POCO F7 Pro 

Equipped with the upgraded Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform, Xiaomi HyperOS 2, and a 2 K display, it handles demanding tasks with ease while offering a rich and vivid visual experience. Paired with a 6,000 mAh (typical) battery, 90 W HyperCharge, and upgraded LiquidCool Technology 4.0, POCO F7 Pro is engineered to stay fast, stable, and cool under pressure.

POCO X7 Pro

POCO X7 Pro is powered by the Dimensity 8400-Ultra - the most powerful chipset ever in the X Series. Paired with Xiaomi HyperOS 2 and enhanced with WildBoost Optimization 3.0, it delivers smooth, responsive performance even during intensive gameplay. 

Featuring a 6.67" CrystalRes 1.5 K 120 Hz AMOLED display, a 6,000 mAh (typical) battery, and a 50 MP optical image stabilisation (OIS) main camera, all in a sleek design, POCO X7 Pro is built for those who want more power, for less.

Also part of the Carnival lineup are the POCO F7, POCO X7, and POCO M7 Pro. The F series features higher-end models, while the M series is more entry-level. The X series sits in between in terms of performance and capabilities. 

Fan challenges and giveaways  

POCO will launch two global fan activities across X and Facebook, including a word puzzle challenge and a visual hunt game. To mark POCO's 7th anniversary, users are also invited to post stories under the #MyPOCO7Years hashtag for a chance to win exclusive gifts. 

Promotions

Customers can enjoy promotional prices for the POCO F7 Pro and X7 Pro while stocks last from August 14 8 pm to August 27, on Shopee and Lazada, and from August 19 to August 27 on mi.com

Highlights include:

Product	Variant	Recommended retail price (S$)	Promotional price (S$)
POCO F7 Pro	12 GB + 512 GB	729	549
POCO X7 Pro	12 GB + 512 GB	499	439

 

*Starting dates for the POCO Carnival differ: August 19 to August 27 for mi.com, and August 14 8 pm to August 27 for Shopee and Lazada.

Singapore Polytechnic establishes the Enabling Platform Partnership

Singapore Polytechnic (SP) has introduced an Enabling Platform Partnership designed to empower Singapore-based enterprises as they embark on their transformation journey into the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). The initiative, initiated and spearheaded by SP, addresses critical industry needs across business transformation, talent development, and technology adoption. 

The announcement was one of the highlights of the Automation SolutionGO! and the Regional Industry Networking Conference (RINC) 2025, which was jointly organised by SP and AutomationSG at the end of July 2025. Formerly the Singapore Industrial Automation Association, AutomationSG is a professional association for companies and professionals in the automation, Internet of Things (IoT) and robotics sectors. 

The Enabling Platform Partnership brings together institutes of higher learning, trade associations, and agencies from Singapore and Malaysia to close gaps in manpower, talent development, and technology adoption within the JS-SEZ by enhancing industry-ready skills training, upskilling, and reskilling programmes. 

The stakeholders include Singapore Polytechnic, Singapore Polytechnic International, Southern University College, Sunway University, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, AutomationSG, Federation of Malaysian Manufacturing, Singapore Manufacturing Federation, Johor Skills Development Centre, and Johor Talent Development Council. 

The benefits of this cross-border partnership are already evident in ongoing collaborations. A prime example is SP’s recent partnership with the Johor Skills Development Centre, which successfully leveraged a funding scheme from Malaysia's Human Resource Development Corporation (HRDF) to develop and deliver a two-day training programme across four runs. 

This initiative equipped over 140 Malaysian employees of Tai Sin Electric, a Singapore enterprise, with essential knowledge in sustainability 101, aligning their skills with the company's Singapore-based workforce. This success now allows other Singaporean companies in Johor to access similar funding for their subsidiaries' upskilling and reskilling needs.

Soh Wai Wah, Principal and CEO of Singapore Polytechnic, said: “The Enabling Platform Partnership is a strategic catalyst for enterprise transformation, directly supporting Singapore’s goal of helping businesses expand into Johor and Batam. It solidifies Singapore Polytechnic’s position as a leading regional education and training institute with continual relevance to Singapore’s economic development.”

Source: Singapore Polytechnic. Principal & CEO, Singapore Polytechnic, Soh Wai Wah (4th from left) and Guest-of-Honour, Alvin Tan, Singapore Minister of State for the Ministry of Trade & Industry, and Ministry of National Development (6th from left) with industry partners commemorating the Enabling Platform Partnership.

The event also featured the GO! Awards as a key initiative by AutomationSG to recognise outstanding solution providers and end-users who excel in business growth, sustainability, and technology utilisation. There were two GO! Sustainability award winners, Ranpak which makes sustainable, paper-based protective packaging solutions, and LeanCost International, whose SmartCarbon AI-Expert System determines carbon footprints. The GO! Technology Utilisation award was given to Black Sesame Technologies Singapore, which offers the Sesame X full-stack AI computing platform for real-time AI inference in robotics.

Terence Teo, President of AutomationSG said: “Through strategic collaborations, real-world pain point discussions, and groundbreaking initiatives with Singapore Polytechnic and regional partners, we are creating an ecosystem where smart manufacturing, AI, and workforce transformation drive sustainable growth amidst turbulent times.” 

Automation SolutionGO! and RINC 2025 also featured the first Manufacturing Jobs & Skills Fair, co-organised by SP, AutomationSG and e2i, to help job seekers and mid-career switchers. 

Celebrate SG60 with Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree

Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree joins Singapore’s 60th birthday celebrations with a room package with S$60 nett room credits, buffet dinner at Planter’s Shed and exclusive gifts at the Banyan Tree Gallery. Nestled within the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, the resort provides convenient access to the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and Rainforest Wild Asia.

SG60 collection

Source: Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree. Facade.

To honour six decades of progress and resilience, Banyan Tree Gallery’s SG60 Collection features commemorative Blooming in Harmony gift sets adorned with six Vanda Miss Joaquim orchids, symbolising strength, beauty and Singapore’s enduring spirit. The mini set (S$60) features a crystal stone diffuser and aromatherapy oil from the Banyan Tree Spa, with the full set (S$160) also providing an upcycled cassava wireless charging tray.

Dining accessories showcasing the orchid motifs are also available, with linen table runners (S$260), linen table placemats (S$160 for four), and ceramic coasters (S$60 for four) on offer. The collection is available from now to 31 August. 

Buffet dinner at Planter’s Shed 

The resort’s all-day dining destination, Planter’s Shed, invites guests to celebrate Singapore’s Diamond Jubilee year with a dinner buffet at S$60++ per adult (usual price S$68++ per adult), available only from 4 to 10 August 2025. 

The buffet showcases of local signature flavours such as Planter Shed’s laksa and big prawn noodle, brought to life through live cooking stations. Known for its selection of local and international cuisine, Planter’s Shed promises a relaxed yet immersive dining experience surrounded by lush greenery.

SG60 room credit

From 1 to 31 August 2025, guests staying at Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree will receive a S$60 nett resort credit per room, per stay. This credit can be enjoyed across the resort’s signature experiences—dining at Forage and Planter’s Shed, treatments at the Banyan Tree Spa, or at Banyan Tree Gallery. Book from now to 31 August 2025.

“Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree is proud to be part of this national celebration,” said Glen Cook, GM.

“From revitalising spa experiences and exclusive keepsakes to interactive nature walks, we offer a truly unique way to celebrate Singapore’s 60th birthday, surrounded by the beauty of mother nature.”

Details

Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree
60 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729979

Reserve at https://www.banyantree.com/singapore/mandai-rainforest-resort-by-banyan-tree/sg60-in-the-wild, or email PlantersShed-MandaiRainforest@banyantree.com for reservations at Planter’s Shed.

Canon PhotoMarathon 2025 showcases visual stories for SG60

The 19th edition of Canon PhotoMarathon 2025, one of Singapore’s highly anticipated photography events, welcomed over 600 photography enthusiasts. Organised by Canon Singapore, it was themed One Click, One Vibe and aims to promote photography as a vital visual arts form by celebrating innovation, storytelling and artistic expression through the lens. 

This year’s competition saw submissions across three mystery themes – Home, Vintage and Vibe(s) – unveiled at intervals during the day. Participants raced across the island, conceptualising, shooting and submitting each photo within a two-hour window per theme for a chance to win Canon products worth around S$50,000 in total. 

“As Singapore’s photography scene continues to evolve, we understand what photography enthusiasts need and endeavour to continue supporting them in telling their creative stories. Canon PhotoMarathon has grown from a competition into a vibrant showcase of creativity, diversity and technical excellence that fuels the photography community in Singapore. 

"One of the themes this year reflects the values of SG60 and serves as a reminder of the everyday lives and spirit of the people in Singapore,” said Andrew Koh, Senior VP and Head of Singapore Operations, Canon Singapore.

Mark Teo, a Commercial and Action Sports Photographer and a third-time judge of the Canon PhotoMarathon shared: “It is always inspiring to see how different people interpret the same theme. Each year, the standard just keeps rising. This year’s themes were trickier, prompting participants to think outside the box in order to differentiate themselves from the crowd. Clean composition, good lighting and clear relevance to the theme really made the winning entries stand out.” 

Canon Singapore has also continued its partnership with APSN, a social service agency that provides special education, vocational training and employment support services for individuals with mild intellectual disabilities. Through this collaboration, Canon seeks to unite individuals through photography — a universal art form that knows no boundaries. 

This year was no different as students from APSN were invited to participate in the student categories. This is reflective of Canon’s philosophy of kyosei (共生) – living and working together for the common good, and empowering individuals of all abilities to excel in harmony.

“Beyond encouraging students to express their creativity and build confidence, the Canon PhotoMarathon reflects our school’s values – I Can, I Want, I Will – and motivates them to believe in themselves. Most importantly, the event fosters inclusivity by empowering individuals with special needs to become active contributors of society. Through platforms like this, we not only showcase their talents but also inspire the broader community to celebrate their achievements,” said Muhammad Faris, CCA Arts Coordinator, APSN Delta Senior School. 

The Canon PhotoMarathon 2025 winners: 

	Open categories	Student categories
Theme 1: Home	1st prize: Kenneth Chia 2nd prize: Dongli Zhang 3rd prize: Samuel Sze	1st prize: Ryan Yeo 2nd prize: Chen Xi Teo 3rd prize: Isaac Sin
Theme 2: Vintage	1st prize: Ahmad Iskandar Abdullah 2nd prize: Irfan Djorhanaen 3rd prize: Mohd Safuan Salahudin	1st prize: Keller Seah 2nd prize: Dionne Pang 3rd prize: Alvaro Vincent Wijaya
Theme 3: Vibe(s)	1st prize: Hui Min Lee 2nd prize: Rita Chang 3rd prize: Farha Patel	1st prize: Rewan Teh 2nd prize: Bryant Bong 3rd prize: Keller Seah

Wayne Kwan, an educator who has joined over 11 editions said: “I first participated in the Canon PhotoMarathon in 2012. Photography is my way of capturing memories, and I enjoy the thrill of the hunt for unique angles. This year is extra special as my wife and son have joined me in this year’s PhotoMarathon, turning this event into a meaningful family experience built upon our shared love for the hobby.”

De Long Goh, 58 years old, engineer and long-time participant of 10 years, shared, “Every year brings something new, reconnecting with friends, exploring different subjects and challenging myself to think creatively about what to shoot. Some themes can be difficult to interpret, but that is exactly what makes the event so rewarding – it pushes me to improve my photography skills every year.”  

Home Open category first prize winner:

Source: Canon. The winning picture in the Open category for the theme Home.

Kenneth Chia, 39 years old, engineer and first prize winner of the Open category for the Home theme said: “I was very surprised to win the first prize, and my hands are still shaking. When I think of home, I think of my 17-month son and all the things that I treasure the most. 

Once the theme was announced, I went back to my HDB flat to capture what was most important to me. My kid is home. This image of my child was taken against the flag which embodies Home, a symbol of our shared identity.”

Aaron Low, Photo Director and one of the judges said: “The Canon PhotoMarathon really brings the community together by forming lasting bonds through a shared passion for photography. To me, the most important part of photography is storytelling, and a strong photo should convey a clear message that resonates with many. Composition and the overall impact of the image, beyond technical details, are crucial. The winning photos comprised these elements and turned out outstanding.” 

Celestia Tan, Fashion Photographer and also a judge said: “Canon PhotoMarathon offers a unique platform for photography enthusiasts to explore, experiment and have fun. For me, the true magic of photography lies in capturing a moment and bringing a vision to life. The second theme, Vintage, was probably the most challenging for participants, where many adopted a literal interpretation due to the time constraints. The most exciting part of this competition is seeing how participants interpreted these themes, capturing diverse stories and unique perspectives through the lens.”

Launched in 2003, the Canon PhotoMarathon is designed to inspire and provoke creative expression by pushing participants to think beyond conventional boundaries. With mystery themes, tight timelines and an open invitation to all levels of photographers, participants race against the clock in a test of creativity and quick thinking to capture fresh, unique perspectives that bring each theme to life.  

The themes encourage photographers to explore new ideas, experiment with different techniques to tell stories. This fosters a vibrant community where creativity flourishes, and diverse voices come together to redefine the art of photography.

Beyond Canon PhotoMarathon 2025, photographers can engage in a range of Canon-led activities aimed at nurturing Singapore’s photography scene. Activities include immersive workshops and guided shoots that offer valuable opportunities for both emerging and experienced photographers to sharpen their skills, expand their creative horizons and receive mentorship from seasoned professionals to elevate standards of photographic excellence in Singapore. 

Xiaomi Smart Band 10 debuts

Source: Xiaomi. The Xiaomi Smart Band 10 combines fashion, fitness and functionality.

Xiaomi, a consumer electronics and smart manufacturing company, has launched Xiaomi Smart Band 10, a wearable that blends fashion, fitness, and smart functionality.

A 1.72" AMOLED display with symmetrical 2 mm bezels, 326 pixels per inch (PPI) resolution and 1,500 nits High Brightness Mode (HBM) deliver vibrant visuals.

The 73% screen-to-body ratio, 60 Hz refresh rate,¹ plus over 200 watch faces,¹⁵ including five interactive mini-games, offer a touch of fun. Moisture-resistant touch control ensures reliable interaction in a wide range of environments. 

Xiaomi Smart Band 10 offers over 150 workout modes, including six auto-detection³ activities and advanced metrics such as VO₂ max, training load, and recovery time. The upgraded swim mode features real-time heart rate monitoring and 96% lap count accuracy⁴ thanks to a 9-axis motion sensor and 5 ATM water resistance⁵.

Xiaomi Smart Band 10 also offers 24x7 tracking of heart rate,⁹ SpO₂,¹⁰ and stress¹¹.  A new heart rate broadcast⁶ feature via Bluetooth enables real-time data sharing with compatible devices.⁷

For rest and recovery, Xiaomi Smart Band 10 offers professional sleep management,⁸ combining foundational sleep monitoring with two new dimensions: sleep efficiency and distribution. These provide users with a more comprehensive understanding of their sleep quality. Xiaomi Smart Band 10 further delivers personalised guidance¹⁷ based on these insights, helping to improve sleep habits.

In collaboration with the World Sleep Society, the Asian Society of Sleep Medicine, and the Chinese Sleep Research Society, Xiaomi introduced its first-ever 21-day professional sleep improvement programme. Users can set personalised sleep goals, receive expert-recommended guidance, and gain deeper insights through continuous sleep monitoring. The programme delivers tailored insights to help enhance sleep quality with greater clarity and precision.

Xiaomi Smart Band 10 also connects to Xiaomi HyperOS 2-enabled Xiaomi smartphones, tablets and earphones¹⁶ through Xiaomi Smart Hub,¹² offering quick control over paired devices directly from the wrist. Real-time notifications, calendar sync,¹³ and customisable quick replies¹⁴ help users stay connected throughout the day, while a silent mode¹⁴ adds flexibility.

Every alert feels more intuitive thanks to a precision linear motor and updated haptic algorithm that supports customisable vibration for calls, alarms, and messages.

Backed by a 233 mAh battery, Xiaomi Smart Band 10 delivers up to 21 days of typical use,³ or nine days with Always-on Display, and fully recharges in about an hour³.

Xiaomi also shared the return of the Xiaomi POP Run in Singapore. Open to everyone, the Xiaomi POP Run 2025 will be held on July 12 at Gardens By The Bay’s Silver Garden. Limited to the first 200 participants, those interested can sign up online via https://new.c.mi.com/poprun/sg/index.html

Details

The Xiaomi Smart Band 10 comes in a new Pearl White ceramic edition and has 10 accessories, including a pearl-chain pendant² with four wearing modes

The wearable will be available for purchase in Singapore on mi.com, Shopee ,Lazada, Xiaomi stores and authorised retailers from June 27. From June 27 to July 27, consumers can top up S$0.10 to purchase selected accessories, or enjoy up to 50% discount on accessories such as Xiaomi Band 10 straps.

Xiaomi Smart Band 10
Product	Colours	RRP
Regular edition	Mystic Rose, Midnight Black, Glacier Silver	S$56
Ceramic edition	Pearl White	S$78

*RRP stands for recommended retail price. 

Xiaomi's POP Run 2025 in Singapore is in July

Source: Xiaomi. Poster for the Singapore Xiaomi POP Run 2025.

Xiaomi POP Run 2025 is a global initiative that takes place annually across 16 regions, including Singapore. During the run event, participants can sync their progress and fitness data to the Mi Fitness app via their Xiaomi wearables. This year's theme is Passion Beyond Limits.

The Singapore run, which will be held on July 12 at Gardens by the Bay’s Silver Garden, will take on a fun run format across 3 km. This year’s run is open to the first 200 participants who register.

All registered participants will receive a unique race kit along with perks from Xiaomi - more details will be shared through the POP Run confirmation email that they receive after registration*. Race kits can be collected between July 5 and 11. More details will be shared closer to date via email.

Details

Sign up online at https://new.c.mi.com/poprun/sg/index.html

Date	July 12, 2025 (Saturday)
Time	Registration starts at 7am
Venue	Silver Garden, Gardens By The Bay 18 Marina Gardens Drive Singapore 018953

*Successful registrants of the Xiaomi POP Run 2025 will be notified via email. They will also receive race kit collection details.

Singapore SMBs stay focused on growth despite rising costs and uncertainty: Xero

 

Despite a challenging operating environment, Singapore’s small and medium businesses (SMBs) remain resilient and focused on growth through digitalisation, according to a new report by global small business platform Xero.

Polling over 500 owners and senior decision-makers from SMBs in Singapore, the report found that six in 10 (61%) have been impacted by inflation and rising costs, alongside changes in consumer demand (48%) and labour shortages (44%).

Despite this, Singapore’s SMBs continued to grow, with nearly two-thirds (63%) reporting revenue growth and 77% reporting wage increases over the past year. Nearly half (47%) increased headcount within the business, primarily to support business growth (69%). Crucially, 76% of business owners said they feel optimistic about the future.

"It’s exciting to see such strong optimism and momentum among Singapore’s SMBs, especially in a tough economic climate. Their continued investment in people and technology shows just how focused they are on building for the future,” said Koren Wines, MD, Xero Asia.

“That said, as businesses continue to scale and grow, it’s important to recognise that many still face operational barriers that can slow progress—whether it’s managing cash flow, accessing real-time financial insights, or juggling fragmented systems. Addressing these pain points and building stronger digital foundations will be key to unlocking greater efficiency, agility, and long-term success."

The report also identified common operational challenges they will need to overcome, such as strained cash flow from delayed payments.

91% of Singaporean SMBs said late payments from customers have impacted their business. When polled on typical payment timelines, nearly a fifth (18%) of businesses said they received payments from customers in an average of 31-45 days, with timelines stretching to 46-60 days for 7% of businesses surveyed. 

To increase the likelihood of timely payments, many SMBs have started strengthening credit terms (53%), charging late fees (47%), and even offering discounts to incentivise early payments (43%) in a bid to keep cash moving.

According to the research, many SMBs still struggle with establishing long-term, real-time visibility on their business’ finances. Eight in 10 (81%) Singaporean SMBs recognise the importance of customisable financial reports that contain insights that may be useful for regulatory compliance and strategic decision-making. However, around half cite a lack of real-time access to financial data (52%) and difficulty consolidating information from multiple sources (49%) as key barriers to developing them.

Source: Xero, The State of Small and Medium Businesses - Singapore 2025. Average customer repayment timeframe.

To overcome these operational challenges and support growth, Singaporean SMBs are actively using digital tools such as digital marketing platforms (56%), customer relationship management systems (54%) and cloud-based accounting or finance software (42%).

Almost all (99%) believe digital tools are essential to their business, while 82% cited digital adoption as a top or significant business priority. A further 99% said they were comfortable experimenting with or implementing new technologies, with the ability to generate better reports (51%), enhanced decision-making (46%), and automation of repetitive tasks (46%) topping the list of motivations driving adoption.

Said Wines: “Singaporean SMBs have shown a strong appetite for digitalisation—not just as a means to keep up, but as a deliberate strategy to drive growth and resilience. They increasingly understand that digital tools are not simply operational add-ons, but enablers that can transform the way they manage cash flow, streamline processes, unlock opportunities and respond to evolving market demands.”

“By adopting the right technologies, small businesses can gain deeper financial visibility, make faster, data-driven decisions, and build the agility needed to thrive amid uncertainty. This shift isn’t just about staying compliant—it’s about becoming future-ready.”

Explore

Download The State of Small and Medium Businesses - Singapore 2025 at https://brandfolder.xero.com/NE531UQB/as/3fxggcx7bk96gxs5tpxwfrh/Final_State_of_Small_and_Medium_Businesses_-_Singapore_2025

POCO F7: Futuristic design meets power

Source: Xiaomi. Poster for the new POCO F7 smart phone.

POCO, a technology brand for young tech enthusiasts, has launched the POCO F7 in Singapore. The smart phone is powered by the new Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 Mobile Platform, bringing flagship-level power and efficiency to more users. 

To mark this evolution, POCO has rolled out a bold new look - the POCO F7 Cyber Silver Edition - featuring a Snapdragon logo on the back. This launch also marks the debut of Rydr, POCO's first-ever virtual avatar. 

"With POCO F7, we're advancing our commitment to redefine flagship performance by making it accessible to a wider audience. The launch of POCO F7 Cyber Silver Edition - with its distinctive aesthetic - further embodies our vision to connect more deeply with a new generation by blending futuristic style and powerful technology," said Angus Ng, Head of Product Marketing at POCO Global.

POCO F7 embodies speed, power, and intelligent action, a reflection of the brand's ongoing pursuit of breakthrough performance and deeper engagement with the tech-savvy generation. 

Looks

Introducing an all-new design language inspired by speed, POCO F7 features a streamlined surface, an aluminum alloy frame, and a glass back cover. Minimal bezels in front frame the display, achieving a 94.23% screen-to-body ratio², adding to the sense of immersion and visual flow. Complementing this, large-radius curves enhance ergonomics, offering a comfortable grip. At the back, a blade-like neon flare camera deco embodies precision and a sense of motion, while a golden-angle tangent line divides the panel.

Ruggedness

Beyond appearance, POCO F7 is engineered to endure. The reinforced structure offers bending resistance rated up to 70 kg², reducing impact from accidental pressure. IP68 dust and water resistance⁸ add further dependability.

Power

At the core of POCO F7 is the recently-debuted Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 Mobile Platform, built on an all-big-core CPU architecture that enables faster, more efficient processing. With an AnTuTu benchmark score of 2,084,535¹, it achieves over 30% performance improvement² over the previous generation.

To keep this power stable under pressure, POCO F7 features the brand's most advanced and effective cooling system yet: a 6,000 mm² 3D Dual-Channel IceLoop System. with the biggest loop heat pipe ever used in a POCO device. 

Supporting this is a 6,500 mAh (typical) battery - the largest in the POCO F Series. Paired with 90W HyperCharge³, which charges the battery to 80% in just 30 minutes⁴, it delivers extended screen time with minimal downtime. For added convenience, POCO F7 supports 22.5 W reverse charging⁵, offering broad compatibility across Xiaomi and other major smartphone brands.

Display

To match its flagship-level performance, POCO F7 features a 6.83" 1.5 K ultra-bright display that strikes the ideal balance between visual impact and everyday usability. With high brightness, precise touch response, and advanced eye comfort features, it delivers flagship-level clarity, comfort, and control.

For clear visibility even in harsh light, the display reaches 3,200 nits peak brightness and covers up to 25% average picture level (APL), enhancing brightness across a larger screen area without being limited to high dynamic range (HDR) or standard dynamic range (SDR) content. This is further supported by POCO's Sunlight Display 4.0, which enhances contrast in real time for vivid, accurate visuals.

Built with both comfort and precision in mind, POCO F7 is equipped with TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light (Hardware Solution) certification, TÜV Rheinland Flicker Free certification, and TÜV Rheinland Circadian Friendly certification, reducing eye strain. Paired with 3,840 Hz pulse width modulation (PWM) dimming, Wet Touch Display 2.0, and a 2,560Hz⁷ instant touch sampling rate, the screen adjusts seamlessly across different use scenarios, whether navigating with damp fingers or responding to fast-paced gaming.

Camera

The camera interface has also been redesigned for clearer navigation and a smarter user experience. At the heart of the camera system is a 50 MP Sony IMX882 main camera with optical image stabilisation (OIS), delivering high-quality images across diverse lighting conditions.

Features like UltraSnap and Live Photo further elevate the shooting experience with speed, depth, and motion. POCO F7 offers versatile 26 mm, 35 mm, and 52 mm focal lengths for portrait photography, coupled with a real light spot feature that gives backgrounds a soft blur. A new AI function, AI Beautify, further enhances image quality by refining tone, clarity, contrast, and brightness levels. 

Performance 

Translating performance into real-world responsiveness, POCO F7 runs on Xiaomi HyperOS 2⁶. On the gaming front, WildBoost Optimization 4.0 brings further gaming enhancements with support for 1.5 K Super Resolution and Smart Frame Rate for up to 120 frames per second (FPS) in Genshin Impact. Completing the flagship experience is the Surge T1s signal tuner, which enhances cellular performance and boosts Wi-Fi and Bluetooth stability to keep the device reliably connected.  

Details

POCO F7 comes in Black, White, and Cyber Silver, with two storage variants. 

Variant	Recommended retail price (RRP)	Early bird price	Additional online voucher	Price after applying voucher
12 GB + 256 GB	S$559	S$529	S$30	S$499
12 GB + 512 GB	S$599	S$579	S$30	S$549

 

From 9 pm, 24 June 2025 to 9 July 2025, consumers can enjoy early bird pricing when they buy the POCO F7 at mi.com and its Shopee store, while stocks last. They are also eligible for a S$30 online discount if they shop on mi.com and Shopee, while the vouchers last. The exclusive Shopee early bird promo is at https://shopee.sg/product/1540255279/44003963704

From 9 July 2025, the phone will retail at mi.com, as well as its Shopee and Lazada stores.

*Available storage and RAM are less than the total memory listed due to storage of the operating system and software pre-installed on the device.

¹ Data tested based on AnTuTu v10.4.9 by POCO Internal Labs. Actual results may vary.

² Data tested by POCO Internal Labs, actual results may vary.

³ 90 W HyperCharge means the adapter output power is 90 W. Actual power output may vary depending on the environment.

⁴ Data is obtained from POCO Internal Labs with a test room temperature of approximately 25 ℃. Actual results may vary due to different test environments. Please refer to actual experience.

⁵ Supports up to 22.5 W wired reverse charging, compatible with devices verified through POCO labs testing.

⁶ Availability of Xiaomi HyperOS 2 features, apps and services may vary depending on region, software version and phone model.

⁷ 2,560 Hz instant touch sampling rate is activated under Game Turbo Mode.

⁸ The device is certified to be water and dust resistant exclusively under specific laboratory conditions not corresponding to normal use conditions. The warranty does not cover liquid damage caused by conditions other than test conditions. Ingress protection might deteriorate due to wear and tear, physical damage and/or disassembly needed for repair. Please visit the official website for more information.