Standard Chartered agrees to buy digital-asset custodian Zodia
The proposed purchase includes a regulated Singapore unit; current custody clients are being served as usual, the bank says, while closing awaits approvals.
Southeast Asia Connect
News
Named and dated developments across Southeast Asia.
Central Java reports about Rp73 trillion in realised investment through Q3, led by Kendal
The province disclosed Rp40.77tn in foreign and Rp31.77tn in domestic investment; district figures give site selectors a location comparison, not a new project announcement.
CLMT’s industrial-property shift shows in Q3 income growth
Assets acquired in 2025 helped lift property income alongside existing holdings, offering investors a check on diversification beyond retail without a site-level return split.
e-Conomy SEA projects 17% growth in Southeast Asia’s digital transaction value
Google, Temasek and Bain forecast US$368bn in 2026 gross merchandise value, giving regional operators a benchmark for the value traded through digital platforms.
EnterpriseSG opens AI co-funding route for Singapore manufacturers
EnterpriseSG has set aside more than S$45 million over three years; trade associations can help manufacturers identify operational gaps and qualified AI vendors, while eligible adoption may receive co-funding.
Singapore seeks views on new appliance energy labels and efficiency rules
NEA's consultation, open until 9 November, proposes a two-tier label and efficiency rules for household fans, washing machines and dishwashers. The changes are not yet law.
ABB’s $495m deal covers Mitsubishi Electric low-voltage JV stake and sales outside Japan, pending approvals
If approved, ABB would own 51% of the venture that includes an existing Hanoi factory and separately take over related sales outside Japan; closing is expected in 2027.
Enterprise AI Moves Downmarket as Workato Opens Access to Singapore’s Smaller Businesses
Workato’s self-service launch lowers barriers to enterprise automation for smaller teams. But Singapore’s persistent AI adoption gap raises a bigger question: will easier access translate into actual business use?
Homage opens care-management platform to Singapore providers as standalone business
Singapore care operators can now assess Esteem AI as a separate software supplier, following existing use by more than 50 organisations.
Malaysia launches digital bond platform linked to round-the-clock payments
Bank Negara’s SSDS+ records ownership of digitally represented bonds and Islamic securities and links their transfer to payment in central bank money.
Thai food producer Betagro takes control of restaurant procurement platform Freshket
The majority acquisition links a digital ordering platform for hotels and restaurants to Betagro’s food production and nationwide logistics network.
Oil-based raw materials put Southeast Asian chemical makers at a cost disadvantage
Bain says the region relies heavily on naphtha, an oil-derived feedstock, while competitors can use cheaper ethane.