Singapore Real Estate / Built Environment
Narratives of old buildings can be shaped to appeal to youth, says SLA CEO in ST podcast
The former site of Nan Chiau High School may not resonate with young people today, but shaping its narrative helped it become the vibrant lifestyle enclave New Bahru.
More new buildings in S’pore will be required to provide lactation rooms for mothers in future
New buildings – such as offices, schools and small shopping malls – will need to provide at least one lactation room if they have a gross floor area of 5,000 sq m or more, with the upcoming revision of a code by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) later in 2025.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/watch/st11-building-code-lactation-rooms-4933726
https://www.zaobao.com.sg/realtime/singapore/story20250212-5866862
Yanlord’s United Engineers looks to sell 50% stake in 79 Anson Road redevelopment for S$325 million
United Engineers (UE), owned by Chinese developer Yanlord Land, has put up for sale a 50 per cent stake in its proposed redevelopment of 79 Anson Road for S$325 million. The 28,163 sq ft site is zoned for commercial use, with an allowable gross plot ratio of 8.4 and a building height control of up to 35 storeys.
The perks and pitfalls of young couples going solo for a BTO flat
Thinking of purchasing a Build-To-Order (BTO) flat under just one partner’s name to avoid paying stamp duty on a second property in the future? You may want to think twice.
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/property/perks-and-pitfalls-young-couples-going-solo-bto-flat
Singapore Economy/News
Recent geopolitical moves could lead to further trade disruptions, warns Chee Hong Tat
Singapore must expect more disruptions to global trade on the horizon in the wake of recent geopolitical developments, including the latest trade policies from the US and other countries, said Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat on Feb 12.
Singapore ranks first among Asia-Pacific cities in study of liveability, lovability, prosperity
Singapore has been named the top city in the Asia-Pacific region, based on where people would most like to live and visit, and where they believe they will find the best job opportunities, according to a new study.
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singapore-is-top-city-in-asia-pacific-new-study
https://www.zaobao.com.sg/realtime/singapore/story20250212-5867190
New entity to be set up to run PayNow, Giro and other national payment schemes
Businesses and consumers are now using different payment schemes, but they may enjoy more efficiency and seamlessness down the road. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Association of Banks in Singapore (ABS) announced on Wednesday (Feb 12) that they will set up a body to consolidate the administration and governance of the country’s eight national payment schemes.
https://www.zaobao.com.sg/realtime/singapore/story20250212-5865427
Business News
Citi Private Bank hires Hoo Peng Han as it rebuilds family office team in Asia
Citi Private Bank has hired Hoo Peng Han as a director of its global family office group in Asia, as it rebuilds its family office team in the region. Hoo, who was formerly in UBS and in Credit Suisse before UBS’ takeover, will focus on deal origination and syndication in Asia South in his new role.
DBS appoints group audit head Derrick Goh as group COO, a newly created role
Singapore’s largest lender DBS has appointed its current group audit head, Derrick Goh, to assume the newly created role of group chief operating officer, said the bank on Wednesday (Feb 12).
https://www.zaobao.com.sg/realtime/singapore/story20250212-5868684
Views, Reviews, Forum and Others
At least 189 Carousell, Facebook users lost over $303,000 to phishing scams since January
Users of online marketplace platforms have lost more than $303,000 to phishing scams involving fake buyers since Jan 1. In a statement on Feb 12, the police said that at least 189 people have fallen prey to fraudsters posing as interested “buyers” on platforms such as Carousell and Facebook Marketplace.
https://www.zaobao.com.sg/realtime/singapore/story20250212-5867442
At least S$32.6 million has been lost to investment scams in Singapore since January
At least S$32.6 million has been lost to investment scams in Singapore since January, with 470 cases reported, the police said on Tuesday (Feb 11).
https://www.zaobao.com.sg/realtime/singapore/story20250211-5863131
Global Economy & Real Estate
US budget deficit hits record US$840 billion over past four months
US inflation tops forecasts, bolstering case for Fed to hold
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/international/us-inflation-tops-forecasts-bolstering-case-fed-hold
https://www.straitstimes.com/business/us-consumer-prices-increase-more-than-expected-in-january
US Federal Reserve’s Powell sees a ways to go on shrinking Fed holdings
Trump calls for lowering interest rates as Powell heads to Hill
US consumer prices increase more than expected in January
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/business/us-consumer-prices-increase-more-expected-january-4933776
HSBC cuts rates on fixed mortgages in Hong Kong amid slumping sales
Renovating new office of former Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam to cost HK$2.8 million
Indonesia ministry rolls out 4-day work week, but what do country’s HR and business leaders think?
Japan’s wholesale inflation jumps, reinforcing Bank of Japan rate-hike bets
Malaysia faces potential steel import surge amid US tariff uncertainty
Seoul struggles with Trump’s tariffs amid leadership vacuum
South Korea acting president calls for agreement on extra budget amid slowing economy
Thousands of jobs at risk in UK universities amid drop in international student enrolment
Vietnam says to revise up 2025 GDP growth target to 8.0% from 6.5%-7.0%
Disclaimer & Note:
Real Estate Developers’ Association of Singapore (REDAS) does not warrant the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of the information and expressly disclaims liability for errors or omissions therein. The content, accuracy, and opinions expressed are not investigated, verified, monitored, nor endorsed by REDAS. Every effort is taken to ensure that all information extracted is correct at the time of dissemination.
The Daily News is issued as news gathering for the convenience and benefits of REDAS’ members only and not for mass circulation. Members are advised to exercise discretion in the use and dissemination of the information. The news links are time-sensitive and require registration of fee-based digital subscriptions.