Singapore Real Estate / Built Environment
HDB eases income assessment rules, move gives young couples more BTO options
About 12,000 HDB flats with shorter wait times to be launched by 2027, surpassing total of past 5 years
The Housing and Development Board (HDB) will relax the way it assesses the income of young couples when they buy a Build-To-Order flat, making it easier for those who are still studying or just started working to buy pricier units. National Development Minister Desmond Lee announced this on Wednesday (Mar 26) during an engagement session about public housing at the National University of Singapore.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/hdb-flats-shorter-waiting-times-bto-desmond-lee-5024261
https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/singapore/story20250326-6075196
Technology like drones, lorry crane stabilisers key to reducing workplace deaths, injuries: Zaqy
Investment in technologies such as lorry crane stabilisers, video analytics and drones can help prevent workplace deaths and injuries, said Senior Minister of State for Manpower Zaqy Mohamad on March 26.
Workplace deaths in Singapore rise to 43 in 2024; major injury rate at its lowest
The number of workplace deaths in Singapore crept up to 43 in 2024, after falling to 36 in 2023. Vehicular incidents were the top cause, followed by suffocation or drowning, and the collapse or breakdown of structures and equipment, said the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) on March 26.
https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/singapore/story20250326-6074957
Singapore News / GE 2025
President Tharman meets Belgian business leaders, visits Louvain research and innovation hub
President Tharman Shanmugaratnam met top business leaders from various sectors, ranging from pharmaceuticals and offshore engineering to sustainability and finance, at a breakfast dialogue in Brussels on March 26, and had the opportunity to understand their concerns and ways they might invest in Singapore.
GE2025: PM Wong seeking to renew country’s leadership, refresh PAP ranks for ‘the next 10, 15 years’ in upcoming polls
A key priority in the upcoming General Election will be to renew the country’s leadership and the ruling People’s Action Party’s (PAP) ranks, to place them in good stead for the next 10 to 15 years, said Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Wednesday (Mar 26).
GE2025: Leong Mun Wai re-elected as Progress Singapore Party chief, will lead party into next General Election
Former Progress Singapore Party (PSP) chief Leong Mun Wai was re-elected to the party’s top position on Wednesday night (Mar 26), and will lead his team into the upcoming General Election.
Singapore’s factory output sees shock 1.3% fall in February, contrary to high growth expectations
The Republic’s manufacturing output fell 1.3 per cent year on year in February, breaking its seven-month expansion streak after the biomedical and electronics clusters fell into contraction. This missed private-sector economists’ forecasts of a 7 per cent expansion, in a poll by Bloomberg. February’s data was also a sharp reversal from January’s revised growth of 8 per cent.
https://www.zaobao.com.sg/finance/singapore/story20250326-6074401
Business News
Distressed Cathay Cineplexes to shutter JEM outlet on Thursday as landlord ends lease
Struggling cinema chain Cathay Cineplexes will wind down business operations at its JEM outlet in Jurong East on Thursday (Mar 27). This comes as the landlord for the outlet, Lendlease Global Commercial Real Estate Investment Trust (Reit), has issued a notice to terminate the lease with the embattled cinema chain with effect from Thursday, said MM2 Asia which operates Cathay.
FCT’s private placement raises S$220 million to finance Northpoint City deal, repay debt
Frasers Centrepoint Trust (FCT) closed its upsized private placement at S$2.09 apiece, raising around S$220 million in gross proceeds with some 105.3 million new units to be issued. At the enlarged size, it was about four times covered. Alongside a preferential offering, this brings its total equity fundraising to around S$421.3 million, said the manager in a Wednesday (Mar 26) media statement.
Global Economy / Real Estate News
Trump hints at tariff concessions if China agrees to TikTok deal
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/world/trump-china-tariffs-tiktok-deal-5026516
Trump announces 25% tariffs on foreign-built vehicles
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/international/trump-announces-25-tariffs-foreign-built-vehicles
More South-east Asian countries are ‘in the line of fire’ from Trump’s reciprocal tariffs: Maybank
Half of American households hold 97.5% of the national wealth
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/international/half-american-households-hold-97-5-national-wealth
Australian inflation ticks lower in February, backs bets for more rate cuts
Brazil holds off big tech tax amid Trump tariff talks, say sources
China adviser urges boosting consumption to 70% of GDP by 2035
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/international/china-adviser-urges-boosting-consumption-70-gdp-2035
More measures on the way to attract family offices to Hong Kong, Paul Chan says
Hong Kong eyes ‘pay for what you build’ approach for developers adjusting leases
Hong Kong to benefit more from capital flows out of China, central bank chief says
Hong Kong’s Parkview avoids loan default, plans mall refinancing
Nomura in talks for offices at Manhattan’s Penn 2 tower
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/property/nomura-talks-offices-manhattans-penn-2-tower
Annyeong, investors: ‘Strategic’ JS-SEZ projects can get customised incentives, says Malaysian official
Vietnam’s state-backed Becamex to set aside 2.5 trillion dong to fund Singapore JVs
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.