In this issue

Green tech investments in Singapore are surging as the net zero deadline nears, a trend evidenced in 2023 and expected to continue into 2024. The heightened emphasis on sustainability is reflected in this year's Hottest Startups list, which features four enterprises dedicated to addressing ecological concerns. Learn about these four startups and 16 more groundbreaking companies on page 30 to 36.

Strategic locations and value-added services drive growth in self-storage sector

In Singapore, StorHub has introduced online booking for storage spaces of various sizes.

2 mins

Why Tim Hortons vies for top spot in Singapore's 'third place' Western coffee scene

Capturing this market is better than competing directly with kopitiams and grab-and-go concepts.

3 mins

CEO Justin Quek steers OrangeTee to real estate centered around customers

A step toward this commitment is the launch of the consumer-centric event 'Property Festival' in 3Q24.

3 mins

Retailers are urged to view returns management as loyalty drivers

15% of customers abort a transaction if the return policy is subpar.

3 mins

National security is put front and center with new Significant Investments Review bill

Legal experts believe cybersecurity and AI entities are likely to be affected by the measure.

3 mins

Three strategies to mitigate BEPS 2.0's tax impact for MNEs

Should the directive be implemented, selected MNES will be subject to a global minimum tax of 15%.

2 mins

JustCo debuts first pay-per-minute airport hub for business nomads

The co-working space has around 50 hot desks and nap pods, allowing travellers to 'check-in' at work.

2 mins

Fr8Labs secures major backing to digitalise Asia's freight sector

Investors are showing strong support for Fr8Labs, a company set on transforming the freight forwarding sector traditionally bogged down by manual processes.

1 min

Lessons Lazada's layoffs teach about collaborating with unions

There is generally no legal mandate for companies to consult unions about layoffs; however, the situation is different for unionised companies.

2 mins

Singapore's plan to raise retirement and re-employment age sparks debate

In six years’ time, Singapore is set to shelter one in four citizens aged 65 and older, with the majority of them expressing a desire to remain in the workforce.

2 mins

Sustainability and biomedical startups draw investors and founder focus

A nine-month study in 2023 showed green tech investments totalling $268.5m (US$201m).

9 mins

4 bills businesses should know in 2024

One of the measures will screen investments in entities critical to Singapore's national security.

3 mins

Tuas Power diversifies business for Singapore's energy transition

The country's sole operator will rely on biomass and renewable energy imports for decarbonisation.

3 mins

Generative AI, CBDCs to shape Singapore's financial future in 2024

Singapore will be piloting the use of wholesale CBDCs next year.

2 mins

Startups focusing on 'continuity of care' flourish in SG's booming health tech sector

Life sciences expert says fragmented data remains a challenge for many healthcare institutions and an opportunity for tech startups.

2 mins

Singapore faces cost and investment hurdles in hydrogen push

Tech advances will allow SG to produce 50% of its energy from low-carbon hydrogen by 2050.

2 mins

Fintech investors now prioritise profitability over valuation

An expert said fintechs must have more than one revenue stream to attract investors amidst economic slump.

3 mins

IPO scene under Singapore's threat from US, Australia

Homegrown firms such as Simpple and Grab chose to list in the US.

3 mins

10 investment ideas for 2024

Experts say it's time to shift from public to private investments.

8 mins

How OCBC's blockchain expertise is powering Singapore's digital currency ambitions

The bank is one of the institutions chosen to pilot wholesale CBDC use in 2024.

3 mins

How NETS is helping SMEs get the right data to raise their revenue

NETS has a network of about 10 million cards and 130,000 payment touchpoints in Singapore.

3 mins

Trust Bank sets the bar for digital banking in the Asia Pacific region

After just one year in operation, it has enlisted 12% of Singapore's total population as customers.

3 mins

Lylo elevates short term car rental services with care packages, delivery option

The company assures that renting a car in Singapore comes with convenience and peace of mind.

3 mins

Indonesian challenger Fore Coffee brings its sustainability ethos to Singapore

The brand uses recycled materials to furnish each of its 150 coffee shops.

2 mins

ZALORA seizes opportunity in revenge tourists' purchasing power

The e-commerce platform added more travel-related items catering to the rise in travel searches from customers.

2 mins

How brands can avoid inauthentic throwback marketing

Analysts flag common errors in using nostalgia marketing and cite brand campaigns that are winning hearts.

3 mins

Pay transparency trend relies on the labour market's future

If the labour market softens, firms can decide whether or not to openly disclose salaries.

3 mins

DPT service providers face higher costs under MAS' investor protection measures

MAS has required all providers to hold customers' money and assets in a trust.

3 mins

Accor's Hotel Faber Park SG offers unique experience for culture-seeking travellers

Singapore's first Handwritten Collection hotel was inspired by the iconic Mount Faber.

2 mins

Lendela redefines borrowing experience to fight isolation and stigma

The startup provides a platform for easy loan eligibility assessment using minimal personal data.

3 mins

Read all stories from Singapore Business Review

Singapore Business Review Magazine Description:

Singapore Business Review (SBR) Magazine is a quarterly business magazine published by Charlton Media Group. It was launched in 2001 and is the only local business magazine in Singapore guaranteed to reach senior decision makers in the top 1,700 companies with combined sales of S$692 billion and 94% of listed companies.

SBR is known for its in-depth coverage of the Singaporean business landscape, as well as its insights from leading experts in the field. It covers a wide range of topics related to business, including:

* Industry trends and analysis
* Company profiles and interviews with CEOs
* Government policies and regulations
* Technology and innovation
* Finance and markets
* Leadership and management
* Sustainability and social responsibility

SBR is a must-read for anyone who wants to stay informed about the latest trends and developments in the Singaporean business world. It is also a valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand the challenges and opportunities facing businesses in Singapore.