Rewards Updates: Revolut #HuntTheMouse: Hunt Across Singapore For A S$250,000 Gold Coin & Other Prizes For First-Timers, Youth And Seniors

Source:

https://www.littledayout.com/huntthemouse-gold-coin-hunt-sqkii/

ChatGPT:

The #HuntTheMouse 2025 event by Sqkii, in partnership with Revolut, returns from 16 October to 14 December 2025, offering S$1 million in total cash prizes. Hidden across Singapore are a S$250,000 Gold Coin and 600 Silver Coinsworth between S$500 and S$2,000 each. The first person to find a coin redeems its full value in cash.

This year introduces two new categories for inclusivity:

• First-timers, Youth (≤21), and Seniors (≥50) – 400 Silver Coins worth S$500 each are reserved for these groups to encourage intergenerational play.

• #IKWL (“I Know Where Liao”) – An online prediction challenge running from 16 Oct to 30 Nov, where players guess the Gold Coin’s coordinates using daily hints. The top 10 closest guesses within 20 metres share a S$250,000prize pool, with individual winnings from S$25,000 to S$250,000.

A new AI companion named Timii debuts this year, guiding players with real-time tips and hints. The game remains free to play, with real-time maps on huntthemouse.sqkii.com showing coin zones that shrink throughout the day. Power-ups such as Circle Shrink, Coin Sonar, and Metal Detector enhance the gameplay experience.

Hints for the Gold Coin are released thrice daily (10 am, 2 pm, 6 pm) on Sqkii’s Instagram, Facebook, and Telegram. Players must follow safety and property-respect rules to avoid disqualification.

Last year’s edition attracted nearly one million participants, with 79% spending over three hours per hunt. Beyond the chase, the in-game map also highlights Places of Interest, blending adventure with cultural and historical exploration.

Opinion:

Interesting.

Not going to try it though. Lack of time 😅

Investing Updates: SGX launches Indonesia depository receipts featuring blue-chip listcos

Source:

https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/international/asean/sgx-launches-indonesia-depository-receipts-featuring-blue-chip-listcos

ChatGPT:

The Singapore Exchange (SGX) has launched Singapore Depository Receipts (SDRs) for three Indonesian blue-chip companies — Bank Central Asia, Telkom Indonesia, and Indofood CBP — enabling Singapore investors to trade these Indonesian-listed securities in Singapore dollars through local brokers during SGX hours. Issued by Phillip Securities, these unsponsored SDRs grant investors beneficial ownership of the underlying shares listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) and are part of the Indonesia–Singapore Depository Receipt (DR) Linkage, aimed at strengthening cross-border market connectivity.

SGX CEO Loh Boon Chye described the initiative as a milestone in regional collaboration, following a 2024 partnership with IDX. The linkage aligns with broader Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) recommendations to enhance the local equities market.

Retail investors have driven SDR growth, with daily trading turnover reaching S$16 million in September 2025, a 30-fold jump since the product’s launch three years ago. Total assets under management now stand at about S$200 million, reflecting increasing retail participation.

The Indonesian SDRs follow the earlier rollout of Thai and Hong Kong SDRs, expanding SGX’s total SDR listings to 26. SGX plans to add more Indonesian names and expand to other ASEAN markets such as Vietnam by 2026.

SGX’s Serene Cai highlighted that SDRs simplify overseas investing while maintaining regulatory integrity across jurisdictions. Although discussions on a unified ASEAN exchange have slowed, SDRs are viewed as a pragmatic step toward deeper regional capital-market integration.

The three Indonesian firms were chosen for their exposure to domestic growth — banking, telecommunications, and consumer demand — representing Indonesia’s dynamic, reform-driven economy.

Opinion:

Interesting developments.

I hope this boosts our market.

Food Updates: KITKAT Launches Collectible Plushies In 4 Adorable Designs

Source:

https://eatbook.sg/kitkat-plushies-singapore/

ChatGPT:

KITKAT Singapore has launched a line of limited-edition collectible plushies called Break Buddies, giving fans a fun, tangible way to “take a break.” Released on 15 October 2025, the collection features four unique designs, each reflecting popular local ways to unwind: BBT Buddy, Gym Bro, Travel Kaki, and Chill Homie.

Priced at S$14.90 per box, each package contains one random plushie and two KITKAT 10s share bags. The plushies are available at major supermarkets and convenience stores, including FairPrice, Cold Storage, Giant, Sheng Siong, Prime, 7-Eleven, Cheers, and FairPrice Online, while stocks last.

Each plushie represents a different “break personality.” BBT Buddy is perfect for those who enjoy a midday bubble tea run. Gym Bro targets fitness enthusiasts, featuring a KITKAT bar plushie holding a pickleball paddle. Travel Kakiappeals to those who destress through holidays, equipped with a suitcase and passport, reflecting Singaporeans’ love of travel. Finally, Chill Homie is designed for those who prefer quiet nights in with snacks and music, embodying the calm, relaxing side of taking a break.

This launch follows KITKAT’s July 2025 collaboration with DIMOO, which featured a limited-edition blind box collection, continuing the brand’s playful engagement with collectors and fans. The Break Buddies plushies combine cute design, local cultural references, and KITKAT branding, making them both a collectible item and a fun gift for fans of the chocolate bar.

With their limited availability, these plushies are likely to generate excitement among collectors and KITKAT enthusiasts, reinforcing the brand’s message of taking enjoyable, stress-free breaks. Fans are encouraged to grab them while supplies last, making them a charming addition to KITKAT’s creative merchandise lineup.

Opinion:

So many plushies marketing... 😅

Investing Updates: Singapore keeps monetary policy settings unchanged in October, for second straight quarter

Source:

https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/singapore-monetary-policy-october

ChatGPT:

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) kept its monetary policy settings unchanged for the second consecutive quarter at its October 2025 review, maintaining the current rate of appreciation of the Singapore dollar nominal effective exchange rate (S$NEER) policy band, along with its width and centre. The decision, widely expected by economists, reflects MAS’s confidence in the economy’s resilience amid moderating inflation and global uncertainty.

MAS also lowered its 2025 inflation forecasts, projecting core inflation at around 0.5% and headline inflation between 0.5% and 1.0%, down from the previous 0.5%–1.5% range. The central bank expects core inflation to bottom out soon and rise gradually in 2026 as temporary disinflationary factors fade.

The policy statement struck a more optimistic tone than July’s, noting that while growth will moderate, “the extent of the downturn should be contained.” Economists such as Maybank’s Chua Hak Bin and UOB’s Jester Koh said MAS’s language suggests confidence in maintaining stability and conserving policy space for potential action in 2026.

Recent data supports this optimism. Core inflation eased to 0.3% in August, while headline inflation dipped to 0.5%. Meanwhile, Singapore’s Q3 GDP grew 2.9% year on year, surpassing forecasts despite trade headwinds. MAS said the output gap remains positive, indicating above-trend growth for now, though it expects a return to near-trend pace in 2026.

Easing global import costs, improved productivity, and government subsidies have helped cool price pressures. MAS reaffirmed it remains “in an appropriate position to respond effectively” to any risks to medium-term price stability, signaling a steady stance heading into 2026.

Opinion:

Pray that economic mixed rice prices stay the same!

Investing Updates: Singapore economy beats forecasts with 2.9% growth in third quarter despite US tariffs

Source:

https://www.straitstimes.com/business/singapore-economy-grows-2-9-in-third-quarter-mti-advance-estimate

ChatGPT:

Singapore’s economy expanded 2.9% year on year in Q3 2025, outperforming economists’ forecasts of 2%, despite global trade tensions and new US tariffs. The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) said the stronger-than-expected performance reflected resilience in construction, services, and domestic consumption, even as manufacturing growth stalled. Quarter-on-quarter, manufacturing rose 6.1%, rebounding from a 0.7% contraction, while construction grew 3.1%, supported by both public and private projects. Services industries expanded 3.5%, led by finance, ICT, and professional services.

Analysts attributed the growth to fiscal stimulus, falling interest rates, and AI-driven demand in tech exports, which offset external headwinds. Maybank and Goldman Sachs raised their 2025 GDP forecasts to 3.5% and 3.6%respectively, while RHB lifted its estimate to 3%, citing resilient domestic demand. However, economists warned that growth momentum may ease in Q4 as front-loading of US-bound exports fades and uncertainty persists over possible tariffs on semiconductors and pharmaceuticals, which make up nearly a third of Singapore’s US exports.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) noted that the economy grew 3.9% in the first three quarters of 2025, but expects moderation ahead as trade activity normalises. It added that AI-related investments, particularly in memory chips and servers, should support manufacturing for the rest of the year. Retail spending remains stable, though benefits from SG60 vouchers are set to taper. Overall, while Singapore’s near-term outlook remains cautiously positive, external risks and tariff uncertainties could weigh on exports and investments heading into 2026.

Opinion:

Nice figures.

Hopefully, the job economy gets better.

Investing Updates: Trust Bank to launch US equities trading function within its mobile app

Source:

https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/trust-bank-launch-us-equities-trading-function-within-its-mobile-app

ChatGPT:

Digital lender Trust Bank is set to launch a US equities trading platform within its mobile app, expanding its investment offerings under TrustInvest. The new feature, announced on Oct 15, 2025, will allow users to trade US-listed stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) directly from the Trust app. A waiting list for the service opened the same day, with customers to be progressively invited to open trading accounts in the coming weeks.

A key highlight of the new platform is fractional trading, which Trust claims is a first for any banking app in Singapore. This feature enables investors to buy fractions of expensive US stocks instead of full shares — for instance, owning part of a stock like Netflix, which trades above US$1,200 per share. Such accessibility aims to make investing in major US companies more inclusive, especially for retail investors with smaller budgets.

The trading service will be integrated under TrustInvest, the bank’s investment arm launched in February 2025, which already offers a variety of investment products tailored to different risk profiles.

Fractional trading has already been offered by online brokerages like Interactive Brokers, Tiger Brokers, and Webull, but Trust’s move marks its entry into the digital wealth space as the first local bank-backed app to do so. By embedding stock trading into its ecosystem, Trust Bank continues to position itself as a one-stop financial platform, bridging traditional banking with accessible investing for Singapore’s growing digital-savvy market.

Opinion:

Interesting.

Wonder if it's too late for this.

If the trading prices are not right, I doubt it will gain much traction.

Food Updates: will you eat this atas mixed veg rice?

Source:

https://www.reddit.com/r/SingaporeRaw/comments/1o0y8ju/will_you_eat_this_atas_mixed_veg_rice/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

Entertainment Updates: 'Not financial advice': How new content creation guidelines could shake up Singapore's finfluencing landscape

Source:

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/finfluencer-sg-budget-babe-sethisfy-kelvin-learns-investing-chocolate-finance-octafx-5389336

ChatGPT:

Singapore’s Monetary Authority (MAS) and the Advertising Standards Authority (ASAS) have introduced new guidelines for responsible financial content, effective March 25, 2026, following past controversies such as unlicensed trading platform promotions and the Chocolate Finance saga. These rules aim to curb misleading “finfluencer” content and ensure creators avoid giving personalised financial advice or inducing panic and FOMO through posts.

Finfluencers like Seth Wee (Sethisfy), Chris Chong (HoneyMoneySG), and Kelvin Tan said the guidelines reinforce practices they already follow, such as transparency and educational framing over recommendations. Chong plans to stress that financial advice should not be one-size-fits-all, while Tan has toned down sensational content and now avoids risky topics like cryptocurrency.

The guidelines also hold financial institutions accountable for marketing content shared through influencers and state that disclaimers such as “not financial advice” do not remove legal liability. Content creators are urged to disclose sponsorships clearly and balance pros and cons in financial product reviews.

Veteran creators like Aaron Wong (The MileLion) and Dawn Cher (SG Budget Babe) welcomed the changes, saying clearer disclosure is overdue and vital for audience trust. They noted that some lifestyle influencers unknowingly promoted unregulated platforms like Octa due to a lack of due diligence.

MAS recently issued advisory letters to five creators for potentially offering unlicensed advice and warned of future enforcement. Some finfluencers proposed a separate licensing scheme for financial educators. Overall, the industry views the move as necessary to professionalise the space and protect consumers from misleading or risky content.

Food Updates: Amid S’pore’s tough food scene, this vending biz has 120+ machines & offers a new F&B alternative

Source:

https://vulcanpost.com/899197/instachef-hot-meal-vending-machines/

ChatGPT:

InstaChef, created by food tech company Aikit Pte Ltd, is reimagining vending machines as AI-powered mini restaurants. Launched in 2023 after two years of R&D, the company now operates over 120 units across Singapore, including at NUS, offices, and residential areas. Unlike typical reheated vending meals, InstaChef dishes are par-cooked and finished on-demand using induction (5–10 minutes, preserving texture) or microwave heating (2–3 minutes for speed). Meals cost S$5–S$9, ordered on-site or via the InstaChef app, which tracks cooking progress and alerts customers when food is ready.

Aikit’s proprietary ChefGenie AI manages stock levels, hygiene schedules, and menu customization by location to minimize waste—offices tend to get Asian meals, schools more Western items. Hygiene is emphasized, with machines cleaned every two days, or more in busy spots. Each unit carries about 15 dishes, rotated every two to three months, from a pool of 80+ recipes.

Despite growth, customer skepticism remains. To counter this, InstaChef holds tasting events whenever new units launch. Feedback has been positive, with online reviews praising taste and variety. In 2024, InstaChef introduced a franchising programme, now running 30% of its machines. Franchisees focus on locations, while Aikit handles backend operations, offering a low-effort business model.

The brand’s model has drawn attention from Enterprise Singapore (ESG) amid rising F&B closures. In September 2025, ESG launched a pilot at Punggol Digital District with local names like Springleaf Prata and Shihlin Taiwan Street Snacks, using InstaChef machines to expand without heavy overheads.

With five machines already in the U.S., InstaChef aims to prove globally that vending machines can deliver fresh, restaurant-quality meals, shifting perceptions of automated dining.

Investing Updates: Singapore gets noticed as IPO activity rises

Source:

https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/opinion-features/singapore-gets-noticed-ipo-activity-rises

ChatGPT:

Singapore’s IPO market has drawn attention after overtaking London in Bloomberg’s 2025 ranking of busiest listing venues. With US$1.44 billion raised this year, largely from REITs, Singapore is now ranked ninth globally, while London slipped to 23rd. The surge comes as companies and sponsors capitalize on buoyant investor sentiment, with the Straits Times Index hitting record highs.

Recent Catalist board listings have performed well. MetaOptics, which sold shares at S$0.20, ended last week at S$0.53. Lum Chang Creations, spun off from Lum Chang Holdings, peaked at S$0.59 before settling at S$0.455, while Dezign Format rose from its S$0.20 IPO price to close at S$0.29. These successes contrast with mixed results from mainboard debuts. Centurion Accommodation REIT delivered gains, rising from S$0.88 to S$1.04. However, NTT DC REIT stumbled initially, falling below its IPO price due to concerns over yields and tenant risks, before recovering to US$1.02. Info-Tech Systems, the first mainboard IPO in nearly two years, debuted at S$0.87 and remains volatile, closing at S$0.88.

Momentum appears strong, with upcoming listings in the pipeline. Coliwoo, a co-living property player with 25 sites and expansion plans to 4,000 rooms, and Soon Hock Enterprise, an industrial developer, have filed for mainboard IPOs. Catalist may also see Leong Guan Holdings, a food producer, and Infinity Development, a chemical supplier, entering the market.

While IPO participation carries risks, the rise in listings boosts the broader ecosystem. Investor relations firms are hiring, and research houses, law firms, and banks may follow suit. If Singapore sustains this momentum, surpassing London in IPO activity could become a norm rather than a headline.

Investing Updates: Keppel DC REIT Preferential Offering – What should unitholders do?

Source:

https://growbeansprout.com/keppel-dc-reit-preferential-offering-2025

ChatGPT:

Keppel DC REIT (KDCREIT) has announced a preferential offering in conjunction with its acquisition of Tokyo Data Centre 3. Entitled unitholders can subscribe to 80 new units at S$2.24 each for every 1,000 units held, with the offer running from 3–13 October 2025.

The acquisition, valued at JPY 82.1 billion (~S$707 million), will give KDCREIT a 98.47% stake in the asset, with Keppel Ltd holding the rest. Tokyo Data Centre 3 is a newly built, five-storey hyperscale facility in Greater Tokyo, fully leased to a global hyperscaler under a 15-year contract with annual rent escalations. Strategically located with low-latency connectivity, the centre enhances KDCREIT’s position in one of Asia-Pacific’s most robust data centre markets.

Financially, the deal is attractive. It is priced at a 1.1% discount to independent valuation and is expected to be yield-accretive, lifting FY2024 pro forma distribution per unit (DPU) by 2.8% to 9.712 cents. Aggregate leverage will rise from 30.0% to 34.5%, but the balance sheet remains healthy with about S$559 million debt headroom. Portfolio metrics also improve, with occupancy increasing to 95.9% and weighted average lease expiry extending to 7.2 years.

The preferential offering will raise about S$404.5 million via 180.56 million new units at S$2.24, a 6.7% discount to the S$2.40 closing price on 2 October 2025. At current levels, KDCREIT offers a 4.2% historical yield and trades at a price-to-book of 1.54x.

For existing unitholders, the offering provides an opportunity to accumulate units at a discount while benefiting from exposure to a stable, income-generating freehold asset. Given the accretive nature of the deal and strong tenant profile, subscribing appears attractive for long-term investors.

Opinion:

I've owned Keppel DC since 2017. There have been 2 such exercises so far I recall.

It's one of the best performing REITs in my portfolio.

I think it's worth investing as a unit holder too. DYOD.

Investing Updates: Singapore, UAE are the ‘most crypto-obsessed’ countries: Report

Source:

https://cointelegraph.com/news/singapore-uae-top-global-crypto-obsession-rankings?utm_source=rss_feed&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss_partner_inbound

ChatGPT:

Singapore and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have emerged as the world’s most “crypto-obsessed” countries, according to a report by ApeX Protocol. Singapore took the top spot with a perfect score of 100, reflecting 24.4% of its population owning crypto and the world’s highest search activity—2,000 crypto-related queries per 100,000 people. Adoption in Singapore has surged, with ownership more than doubling from 11% in 2021 to over 24% by 2022.

The UAE followed closely with a score of 99.7, ranking first in global ownership at 25.3%. Adoption in the Gulf state has climbed 210% since 2019, peaking in 2022 when more than a third of residents held digital assets. ApeX’s study assessed countries across four categories: ownership, adoption growth, search activity, and crypto ATM availability.

The United States ranked third with a score of 98.5, leading globally in infrastructure with over 30,000 ATMs—ten times more than any other country—and reporting a 220% increase in usage since 2019. Canada placed fourth, fueled by the report’s highest adoption growth rate at 225%. While only 10.1% of Canadians own crypto, its 3,500 ATMs pushed its score to 64.7.

Turkey rounded out the top five with a score of 57.6, where 19.3% of the population own digital assets, ranking third in global ownership, supported by strong search activity. Other notable entries in the top 10 include Germany, Switzerland, Australia, Argentina, and Indonesia.

The report highlights how crypto is shifting from a niche asset class to a mainstream component of financial systems. ApeX noted that digital currencies now represent both investment opportunities and broader transformations in how societies view money and trust in the digital era.

Technology Updates: AI tutors are on the rise. Could they disrupt Singapore's billion-dollar tuition industry?

Source:

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/ai-tutors-tuition-industry-moe-learning-5357791

ChatGPT:

AI-powered tutors are gaining traction in Singapore, offering parents and students a cheaper and more convenient alternative to the S$1.8 billion tuition industry. Platforms like Tutorly and WizzTutor provide on-demand explanations, practice questions, and feedback tailored to the local syllabus. Tutorly, for example, charges S$49 a month with unlimited resources, while WizzTutor costs S$74 monthly. Established edutech firms such as Geniebook have also seen rising demand, reporting a 25% increase in use of their AI services.

For parents like IT professional Ms Shubhada Bhide, whose son now uses Tutorly, AI tutors are “gamechangers” compared with traditional tuition, which can cost up to S$172 per lesson at top centres. Students appreciate accessibility and affordability, especially when traditional classes are full or expensive.

However, experts warn of risks. The Ministry of Education (MOE) clarified that AI tools are for self-directed learning and not subject to registration under the Education Act, but advised cautious use. Academics stress that AI tutors could promote “shortcut thinking,” where students become reliant on instant answers and fail to build critical skills like analysis and judgment. NUS lecturer Jonathan Sim and NIE’s Dr Wong Lung Hsiang highlighted the importance of pairing AI with human guidance to ensure meaningful learning.

Businesses themselves acknowledge these limits. Tutorly relies on parental oversight, while WizzTutor offers dashboards for parents to monitor usage. Edutech leaders and researchers agree AI cannot replace the motivation and personal touch of human teachers. Instead, hybrid models are expected to grow, with firms like Geniebook expanding both physical centres and AI tools.

Ultimately, AI tutors are disrupting the industry, but human educators remain essential in inspiring, motivating, and guiding students.

Investing Updates: MAS to warn 5 content creators in S’pore who may have given financial advice without a licence

Source:

https://www.straitstimes.com/business/companies-markets/mas-to-warn-5-content-creators-in-spore-who-may-have-given-financial-advice-without-a-licence

ChatGPT:

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) will issue advisory letters to five content creators suspected of offering unlicensed financial advice, marking the first such action against online “finfluencers.” They have been told to adjust their practices or risk enforcement under the Financial Advisers Act, which carries penalties of up to $75,000 in fines or three years’ jail.

The move follows MAS’ release of new guidelines on Sept 25, aimed at promoting responsible online financial content. These guidelines stress encouraging informed decision-making, such as understanding risk tolerance, conducting independent research, and seeking licensed advice. Content creators are urged to highlight budgeting, caution against overspending, and disclose risks as well as rewards. They should avoid exploiting fear of missing out and must prioritize followers’ financial well-being.

MAS clarified that disclaimers like “this is not financial advice” do not remove liability. A licence may be required when recommending products, tailoring advice to individuals, or facilitating trades. Creators are advised to vet collaborations by checking MAS’ Financial Institutions Directory and avoiding entities on its Investor Alert List. Sponsored content must also be disclosed.

The regulator said promotional content must comply with the Singapore Code of Advertising Practice, and financial institutions must ensure their marketing is professional and accurate. Complaints against finfluencers have risen, with eight lodged in 2025 as of April, compared with an average of five annually in previous years.

Industry players welcomed the guidelines. Executives from Beansprout, The Weeblings, and The Financial Coconut said clearer standards will raise industry credibility, protect consumers, and build trust, though some cautioned that even regulated advice has limits.

Opinion:

Don’t take my word for it! 😂
YouTube feels overloaded with ads and flashy clickbait — big headlines, big reactions everywhere. 

I get it, that’s how creators drive views and income. Still, I wish there were a better, less in-your-face way to do it 😛

Technology Updates: Flustered by jargon in financial documents? Digital tool Redflags aims to be go-to guide

Source:

https://www.straitstimes.com/tech/concerns-over-investment-linked-plans-behind-redflags-a-digital-tool-that-dissects-financial-papers

ChatGPT:

Young consumers often struggle to understand complex financial documents, leading to costly mistakes. This was the experience of 25-year-old Teo Yi Ki, who bought an investment-linked insurance policy (ILP) with her first pay cheque, only to later discover restrictive terms. Her experience inspired her and five teammates to create Redflags, a digital tool designed to simplify financial jargon and highlight key details in product documents.

The team met during the Sparks x Build for Good Community Hackathon in June 2024 and built Redflags using Google’s Gemini large-language model, strengthened with guardrails to ensure accuracy. The tool analyses documents, summarises them, and categorises information into high, medium, and low importance based on advice from senior financial experts. Critical details like fees, coverage, risks, and returns are flagged in red, while disclaimers and administrative notes are ranked lowest. Importantly, Redflags does not judge products as good or bad but instead empowers users with clarity.

A Straits Times test of a 31-page ILP summary showed how Redflags translated dense terms into plain language, explaining risks such as potential capital loss and high costs of early termination. The tool revealed 18 key points of high importance in that document alone.

The launch comes amid rising concerns about ILPs. Complaints to the Financial Industry Disputes Resolution Centre surged from 55 in 2023 to 211 in 2024, many citing mis-selling or poor disclosure. A survey by the Redflags team found young adults often skim contracts and struggle with hidden fees and jargon.

Looking ahead, Redflags aims to partner financial advisory associations to enhance credibility and may eventually connect users with trusted advisers, helping make finance more transparent and less intimidating.

Investing Updates: Coinbase users can now access Singapore dollar stablecoin in StraitsX tie-up

Source:

https://www.theedgesingapore.com/digitaledge/cryptocurrency/coinbase-users-can-now-access-singapore-dollar-stablecoin-straitsx-tie

ChatGPT:

Coinbase has partnered with StraitsX to list XSGD, a Singapore dollar-backed stablecoin recognised by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) under the upcoming Single Currency Stablecoin (SCS) framework. The collaboration expands stablecoin offerings beyond the US dollar, enhancing local and cross-border payment options for individuals and businesses.

XSGD allows users to convert one Singapore dollar into one tokenised equivalent, enabling transactions in local currency while reducing foreign exchange risks and volatility. This development aims to strengthen financial inclusion, encourage digital asset adoption, and support economic activity in Singapore. StraitsX CEO Tianwei Liu highlighted that direct access to non-USD stablecoins helps dismantle long-standing USD-centric barriers in on-chain FX markets, moving closer to a truly multi-currency and borderless financial ecosystem.

The partnership will also build liquidity pools across multiple currency corridors. XSGD will begin trading on Coinbase and Coinbase Advanced on September 29 (UTC), and will be issued on Base, Coinbase’s Ethereum Layer 2 network. A key feature is the launch of an XSGD/USDC pool on Aerodrome, a central liquidity hub on Base. Incentives will be offered to deepen liquidity and encourage adoption.

With XSGD live on Coinbase Singapore, users and developers can unlock new use cases in local currency. These include blockchain-based AI agent transactions, digital art purchases, acquisition of tokenised real-world assets, and permissionless, 24/7 foreign exchange activities.

Hassan Ahmed, Coinbase Singapore’s country director, noted that the move brings the company closer to its vision of instant, accessible payments worldwide, giving users greater participation in the global financial system.

Investing Updates: SGX launches new indices. Explore opportunities beyond STI blue chips?

Source:

https://growbeansprout.com/iedge-singapore-next-50-index

ChatGPT:

The Singapore Exchange (SGX) has introduced the iEdge Singapore Next 50 Indices, designed to spotlight mid-cap companies beyond the 30 blue-chip constituents of the Straits Times Index (STI). This move follows strong market momentum—STI rose nearly 18% over the past year, supported by the S$5 billion Equity Market Development Programme (EQDP) and corporate restructuring efforts.

The indices track the “next in line” 50 large and liquid companies on SGX’s Mainboard. To qualify, firms must have a market cap above S$100 million, adequate free float, and meet liquidity and trading velocity thresholds. Constituents are capped at 5% each, with rebalancing every quarter. Two versions exist: the iEdge Singapore Next 50 Index and the Liquidity Weighted Index.

Key constituents include ComfortDelGro, Yangzijiang Financial, NetLink Trust, Keppel REIT, Parkway Life REIT, and iFAST, with real estate investment trusts (REITs) representing about 45% of the index. Financials and industrials also carry significant weight.

Performance has been mixed. Over the past decade, the Next 50 Index returned 5% annually versus STI’s 8.9%, while the Liquidity Weighted Index delivered 3.1%. However, recent years show outperformance: year-to-date in 2025, both indices have gained around 25%, topping the STI’s 19.3%. Notably, in 2019 and 2025, they outpaced the STI by wide margins.

The indices aim to broaden Singapore’s investable universe, enhance market engagement, and create potential benchmarks for future ETFs. For now, no direct ETF exists, meaning investors must buy individual stocks to mirror performance. While the new indices highlight promising mid-cap opportunities, they come with greater volatility and liquidity risks compared to STI blue chips.

Opinion:

New indexes still include many REITs, haha.

Would be interesting to see if having both STI and Next 50 indices in portfolio works better long-term.

Food Updates: Yakult Singapore Launches Y1000: Its Most Powerful Probiotic Drink Yet

Source:

https://alvinology.com/2025/09/20/yakult-singapore-launches-y1000-its-most-powerful-probiotic-drink-yet/

ChatGPT:

Yakult Singapore has unveiled Y1000, its strongest probiotic drink yet, containing over 100 billion live probiotics per bottle. Launching on 1 October 2025, Y1000 expands the company’s cultured milk range alongside Yakult Ace Light and Yakult Gold, offering Singaporeans a more potent way to support gut health and overall wellness.

At the heart of Y1000 is Yakult’s signature Lacticaseibacillus paracasei strain Shirota (LcS), cultivated to survive digestion and reach the intestines alive. Once there, it enhances beneficial bacteria, suppresses harmful microbes, supports digestion, and strengthens immunity. Building on 90 years of probiotic research, Y1000 reflects Yakult’s ongoing commitment to health innovation.

The drink first debuted in Japan as part of the Yakult 1000 series, which now sells over 3 million bottles daily. Its popularity and proven effectiveness have earned accolades such as the Food Category Gold Award at the DIME Trend Awards and the X Trend Award in 2022, reinforcing its global reputation.

Gut health plays a critical role beyond digestion, affecting nutrient absorption, serotonin production, mood, energy, stress levels, and sleep quality. It can also reduce risks of conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which impacts one in five Singaporeans. Y1000 is designed to address these growing health concerns.

Yakult now offers three distinct options: Ace Light with 30 billion LcS and 30% fewer calories, sweetened with Stevia; Gold with 10 billion LcS, less sugar, vitamin D, and the Healthier Choice Symbol; and Y1000, the most concentrated formulation to date.

Available at S$3.50 per bottle, Yakult Y1000 will be sold individually at FairPrice and selected Japanese supermarkets including Isetan Scotts and MEIDI-YA outlets.

Opinion:

Do we really need a stronger version? 😅

Investing Updates: Commentary: Singapore’s stock market is no longer just about the big boys

Source:

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/sgx-singapore-stock-market-sti-record-high-new-equity-index-mid-caps-5348586

ChatGPT:

After years of sluggishness, Singapore’s stock market is showing renewed vitality. The Straits Times Index (STI) rebounded 29 per cent from an April low to a record 4,375 in September 2025, driven by the big banks and Singtel. Yet the focus is shifting beyond these blue-chip counters. National Development Minister and MAS Deputy Chairman Chee Hong Tat announced plans for a new index to track large, liquid companies outside the STI, recognising that the STI’s 30 components represent just 5 per cent of over 600 SGX-listed firms.

The timing reflects a broader market upswing. Once-neglected mid-caps and second liners such as Boustead, LHN, Centurion, Wee Hur, and Kingsmen are hitting record levels. Trading since the second quarter has been dominated by these stocks, supported by the MAS’s S$5 billion Equity Market Development Programme, with S$1 billion already allocated to funds boosting mid-cap activity. A dedicated index could further draw institutional money and enable passive ETF trackers, expanding liquidity.

However, structural improvements also require companies to engage investors more actively. Beyond earnings briefings, management must communicate consistently and consider “safe harbour” rules for forward-looking disclosures to reduce regulatory fears. Such outreach would strengthen investor confidence, raise liquidity, and lower funding costs by allowing firms to tap equity markets instead of borrowings—creating a virtuous cycle of growth and capital access.

Global conditions add momentum. With funds flowing into Singapore amid geopolitical uncertainty and interest rates set to decline, equities are increasingly attractive. For investors who once overlooked Singapore in favour of regional plays, the tide may be turning. If the US economy stays steady and shocks are avoided, Singapore’s stock market could be on track for its strongest year in more than a decade.

Opinion:

Positive messaging from Singapore's press.

Investing Updates: SGX to launch index that tracks listcos beyond STI: Chee Hong Tat

Source:

https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/sgx-launch-index-tracks-non-sti-listcos-chee-hong-tat

ChatGPT:

The Singapore Exchange (SGX) will launch a new index to track listed companies beyond the Straits Times Index (STI), said Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) deputy chairman and Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat on Sept 12. The initiative aims to showcase a broader segment of Singapore’s equity market, given that the STI – comprising the 30 largest firms by market capitalisation – only represents part of SGX’s listed companies.

Chee, who also chairs MAS’ equities review group, explained that the new index will highlight the performance of the next tier of large and liquid companies, focusing on business transformation, governance, and capital management. The move comes alongside a S$5 billion equity market development programme to boost liquidity, complemented by tax incentives for listings and streamlined disclosure processes.

Chee noted growing investor interest in non-STI stocks, and said more indices may follow, covering areas such as corporate governance and sustainability. Indices, he added, act as recognition mechanisms that enhance company visibility and investor awareness. SGX is also working on roadshows, trade fairs, and media features to help smaller companies improve exposure.

However, Chee emphasised that companies must also take responsibility by actively communicating their strategies, growth stories, and long-term plans. Effective communication—through regular updates, media engagement, and forward-looking guidance—builds investor confidence and ultimately drives shareholder value. MAS is reviewing regulatory frameworks to reduce legal concerns around such disclosures.

Industry leaders echoed the call for stronger corporate practices and more proactive investor engagement. SGX executives stressed that unlocking shareholder value and greater transparency are essential to sustaining market growth. Further measures from the review group will be unveiled later this year to support listed companies in strengthening value creation and visibility.

Opinion:

Nice development on local market.

Let's see what this new index is about and whether it's worth considering.