AGP Executive Report

Singapore–Thailand ties: PM Lawrence Wong and Thai PM Anutin Charnvirakul elevated bilateral cooperation at their leaders’ retreat, agreeing on a multi-year agenda spanning the digital economy, transnational crime, food security and supply-chain resilience, with Thailand also backing Singapore’s ASEAN chairmanship. Singapore economy: Singapore’s factory activity grew for the 13th straight month in August, with the PMI edging up to 51.5, driven by AI-linked electronics demand, even as Middle East supply-chain strain and energy costs weigh on delivery times. Rule of law: Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon said Singapore’s repeal of Section 377A shows the rule of law must adapt as society’s values and circumstances evolve. Disaster response: Singapore sent police and HSA forensic teams to Nepal to support disaster victim identification after the floods, as the death toll passed 1,100 and thousands remain missing. Stablecoins & fintech: Singapore is consulting on stablecoin rules, while regional firms push ahead with stablecoin liquidity and payment upgrades, including new institutional OTC/stablecoin infrastructure launches. Regional business tech: Singapore and Indonesia are rolling out an AI trade advisory platform to help Indonesian SMEs spot export markets, with a wider launch targeted for 2027.

Markets & Energy: Stocks slid and bond yields hit multi-decade highs as renewed US-Iran attacks pushed oil higher, stoking inflation fears and deepening a global bond selloff. Local Business Climate: A Coface survey says payment discipline among Singapore firms is worsening, with more companies seeing delays more often and more severely. Singapore Policy & Social Compact: The new SG Child Support Package extends support for single parents, while commentary highlights how Singapore is recalibrating benefits around parenthood norms. AI Governance & Cyber: Singapore is stepping up AI governance training and tightening cyber rules for critical systems as AI threats rise. Fintech Push: MAS backs fintech expansion with a S$220m push, while stablecoin rules are being consulted to allow more issuance pathways. Built Environment Research: Chee Hong Tat says S$112m more will go to built-environment R&D under RIE2030, including safer demolition and smarter building maintenance. Tech & Media in Singapore: JioHotstar launches in the UK, Canada and Singapore with interactive features and a large multilingual catalogue. Culture & Community: Baybeats marks its 25th year with 50-plus free performances, spotlighting Singapore’s alternative music scene. Regional Ties: Pacific Partnership 2026 continues in Malaysia with Singapore among participating partners for disaster preparedness.

Singapore-Pacific ties: Singapore will extend two capacity-building programmes for Pacific island officials—SPARKS (Jan 2027–Dec 2029) and SIDS of Change (Apr 2027–Mar 2029)—with training on governance, finance and AI for public service transformation. Public health & tech: EU health officials visited Singapore’s Project Wolbachia facility in Ang Mo Kio to study how the Wolbachia approach cut dengue risk by 70%+ and reduced Aedes numbers by 80–90%. Fintech regulation: MAS is consulting on Payment Services Act amendments to turn its 2023 stablecoin rules into law, including a shift that allows multi-jurisdiction issuance under “substantively equivalent” safeguards. Trade & payments: NPCI International and Uzbekistan’s NIPC partner to enable UPI merchant payments across Uzbekistan via UZQR, with HUMO as the acceptance partner. Regional economy: Moody’s says energy security is a bottleneck for data centres across South-east Asia, with Singapore and Malaysia capturing more benefits than peers. Business & markets: Singapore shares closed lower (STI -0.8%) amid a deeper global bond sell-off as Japan’s 10-year yield hit 3%.

Ramon Magsaysay Award: Singapore lawyer-diplomat Tommy Koh is named a 2026 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee for his role in shaping the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, a key legal backbone for maritime rights and dispute settlement. AI & Regional Leadership: OpenAI appoints former Meta VP Sandhya Devanathan as vice president for Australia and Southeast Asia, based in Singapore, to drive consumer growth, enterprise adoption and partnerships. Fintech & Payments: Singapore’s MINDEF says it’s looking to enhance NS milestone awards for NS60, while UPI continues expanding globally, including new Uzbekistan rollouts via NPCI International partnerships. Research & Innovation Talent: Singapore will ramp up focus on high-calibre research and innovation talent under the RIE2030 plan, alongside progress updates from RIE2025. Data Centre Security: A new report highlights identity access gaps as a growing risk for data centre security, as regulators tighten expectations. Regional Environment: Toxic haze from Indonesian fires again chokes Malaysian Borneo, disrupting flights and outdoor activities. Markets & Geopolitics: Oil pushes higher on fresh Iran warnings, while bond selloffs pressure global stocks; the yen steadies near 160. Business Watch: Shein’s Hong Kong debut disappoints, with shares sliding after the long-awaited listing. Humanitarian Response: Singapore Red Cross delivers a second $50,000 aid instalment to Venezuela for earthquake relief.

Humanitarian Aid: Singapore will send police DVI specialists plus civilian and SAF supplies to Nepal after flash floods near the Nepal-China border, with the Crisis Response Team already deployed since Aug 27 and the Singapore Red Cross fundraising now at about S$1m. Diplomacy & Regional Ties: Malaysians in Singapore were highlighted as “unofficial ambassadors” strengthening Malaysia-Singapore links at Malaysia’s National Day parade. Digital Payments: UPI is set to work across Uzbekistan via NPCI International’s partnership with Uzbekistan’s HUMO, letting Indian tourists and students pay by scanning the UZQR code. Youth & Community: The 68th Ramon Magsaysay Awards went to Singapore’s Tommy Koh, alongside Bangladesh’s Runa Khan and Myanmar’s Bo Kyi, recognising work on justice and human dignity. Tech & Safety Online: Singapore is considering daily social media limits for under-18s, with legislation planned for early 2027. Sports & Culture: Singapore’s artistic swimmers Debbie Soh and Yvette Chong look ahead to the Asian Games, while the FedEx/JA International Trade Challenge Asia Pacific finals were held in Singapore.

RIE2030 Push: Singapore will step up turning research into real-world outcomes under its S$37b RIE2030 plan, including a new Research Translation Grant to fund early-stage tech from public research and pull in investors earlier. SME Talent Perks: Rewardz launches VYBE, an enterprise-grade employee perks subscription aimed at Singapore SMEs, designed to be set up quickly without heavy HR overhead. AI Skills for Work: NTUC LearningHub highlights practical AI upskilling for workers via its NTUC AI-Ready SG pathways, showing how people use data skills to improve day-to-day roles. Cybersecurity Crackdown: New cyber rules give police more powers and raise fines, signalling tighter enforcement on online misconduct. Regional Business Links: Singapore firms are eyeing Hong Kong’s Northern Metropolis after a PM visit, with possible fact-finding missions to explore opportunities. Local Entertainment: Live Nation’s Grange House at Orchard Road is set to open by mid-2027, aiming to bridge the gap between small venues and big arenas. Sports & Travel: Klook and Mastercard team up to make APAC travel more rewarding, while Sydney Marathon boosted hotel bookings sharply, with Singapore among top international markets.

Humanitarian Aid: Singapore will seed a US$100,000 (S$127,000) Singapore Red Cross fundraising appeal for Nepal-China flood victims, after the SRC raised over S$150,000 from 900+ donors; the appeal runs until Nov 30. Regional Haze Watch: Indonesia’s forest and land fires are pushing smoke toward the Malacca Strait and Natuna Sea, with hazardous PM2.5 levels reported in parts of Kalimantan—raising the risk of transboundary haze affecting Singapore and neighbours. Aviation & Defence: The USS Abraham Lincoln sailed past Singapore early Sunday on its way home after a Middle East deployment, with a Thailand port stop expected. Singapore Sports: Two national swimming records fell at the National Swimming Short Course Invitational, with Brandon Yap and Julian Lee both setting new marks. AI Adoption Gap: A think-tank report says generative AI use varies widely by economy—Singapore ranks among the highest, while many Global South countries lag due to connectivity and skills gaps. Politics & Health: Bangladesh PM adviser Mirza Abbas is expected to return to Dhaka on Sept 2 after five months of treatment in Singapore and Malaysia.

Indo-Pacific Defence Talks: The annual Indo-Pacific Chiefs of Defence conference kicks off at Victoria this week, with senior leaders from 32 countries including Singapore, Canada and the US focusing on collective security and venue safety. Singapore’s Family Policy Push: Singapore overhauls its baby bonus scheme as births and the fertility rate hit record lows, rolling out the SG Child Support Package with expanded childcare leave and stronger support for parents. AI in Education: Singapore universities move from grading essays to assessing thinking, as schools emphasise how students reason rather than what they can write with help. Temasek & Air India: Temasek backs Singapore Airlines’ long-term Air India strategy, but says it won’t commit fresh capital—amid fresh scrutiny in Singapore over the airline’s losses. Regional Tech Leadership: OpenAI appoints Meta veteran Sandhya Devanathan as VP for Southeast Asia and Australia, based in Singapore, to drive growth and partnerships. Maritime & Security: UN urges ships to discourage seafarers from carrying firearms to defend against piracy as attacks continue. Sports: Team Singapore heads to the Asian Games with no public medal target, focusing on best performances.

Temasek Backs SIA’s Air India Bet: Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund says its support for Singapore Airlines’ 25.1% stake is based on a long-term view, while noting Air India’s turnaround is complex and will take time amid integration and operating challenges. AI Leadership in Singapore: OpenAI appoints Sandhya Devanathan—formerly Meta’s India and Southeast Asia VP—as Vice President for Southeast Asia and Australia, with her role based in Singapore and focused on growth, enterprise adoption, partnerships and regulatory engagement. Defamation Case Update: Senior Minister Shanmugam says Bloomberg did not appeal the High Court’s defamation ruling, leaving the court’s findings of malice and falsehoods on record. Disaster Relief Focus: Mercy Relief is preparing emergency aid for flood-hit communities in Nepal and the Philippines, including food packs, shelter kits and WASH support. Inclusion Push: PM Wong launches Singapore’s inaugural Paralympic Day, urging Singaporeans to “see ability before disability” and build inclusion through everyday choices. Local Community Impact: ComChest and MBS’ vertical marathon raised over S$5.2 million for social service programmes, with 188 runners taking on 57 floors.

AI & Platforms: Meta’s Sandhya Devanathan has stepped down after a decade and is joining OpenAI to lead Southeast Asia and Australia operations, with a reported base in Singapore—another sign of how fast the region’s AI race is reshuffling leadership. Workplace Safety: Singapore will strengthen heat-stress protection for outdoor workers, with four measures becoming mandatory and a push for cooler, breathable clothing and “cool water” support. Data Centres & Energy: IMDA has introduced the world’s first liquid cooling standard for data centres in tropical climates, aiming to cut energy strain as AI demand rises. Shipping & Trade: Singapore and Brazil launched a green and digital shipping corridor, while Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore reaffirmed commitments to keep the Malacca and Singapore Straits free, open and safe for shipping. Finance & Policy: MAS is proposing a tax exemption for qualifying “profit-related returns” for asset management services, targeting Singapore’s role as a fund hub. Regional Tech Links: Singapore and Vietnam issued a joint statement on technology connectivity, deepening digital cooperation. Human Stories: Singapore’s Kareen Kaur is set to become the first Singaporean in the F1 Academy Rookie Test.

Workplace Safety: Singapore will strengthen heat stress protection for outdoor workers from 1 Dec 2026, making four measures mandatory: heat stress training, cool drinking water, emergency cooling supplies (like ice packs or water spray), and suitable protective clothing. AI & Big Tech Moves: Meta VP Sandhya Devanathan, based in Singapore, is leaving after more than a decade to join OpenAI as Vice President for Southeast Asia and Australia, as OpenAI ramps up its APAC footprint. Regional Business & Tourism: SIGEP Asia 2026 and Restaurant Asia 2026 wrapped up at Sands Expo with 14,000+ trade visitors, 400+ exhibitors from 43 countries, and 5,700+ business meetings. Singapore–World Partnerships: Singapore and Brazil signed an MoU to set up a Singapore-Brazil Green and Digital Shipping Corridor, targeting maritime decarbonisation and digital port operations. Finance & Investing: Institutional investors are increasing allocations to private credit in Asia; Granite Asia raised $500m+ for a pan-Asia strategy and Partners Group secured a $1b mandate. Climate & Disaster Watch: Nepal–Tibet floods have killed 500+ and left 1,500+ missing, with Singapore among the countries reporting missing nationals.

Singapore–Kazakhstan Ties: SM Lee wrapped up a first visit to Kazakhstan, saying Singapore wants to build on goodwill and deepen business and connectivity links, including exploring direct flight demand. AI & Data Centres: Singapore introduced a new tropical data-centre liquid cooling standard (SS 726:2026) as AI workloads push up heat and energy use; separately, Sapiens AI launched Agnes 2.5 Pro Beta, pitching homegrown reasoning AI at a lower price point. Energy & Finance: Gan Kim Yong said Singapore must develop hard-to-replicate advantages so companies choose it for how flows are decided and governed, not just moved; in parallel, Equinix backs geothermal and SMRs to future-proof data centres. Regional Disasters: Nepal–China flash floods killed at least 359 and left 1,400+ missing, with many foreign tourists unaccounted for; Singapore also deployed a crisis response team and is coordinating with families. Policy & Society: Singapore rolled out stronger family support as birth rates hit record lows, while debates continue on whether growth is translating into jobs amid AI shifts. Markets & Business: Frencken plans a S$100m share placement; Seatrium and Petrobras discussed offshore natural gas solutions.

Nepal Flood Response: Singapore has deployed a crisis response team to Nepal and is working with Nepali and Chinese authorities after deadly Nepal-Tibet flash floods, with MFA urging Singaporeans to avoid flood-affected areas; reports say two Singaporeans are among missing hikers and the Singapore Red Cross has pledged S$50,000. AI & Jobs: Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong said Singapore can’t assume AI growth will automatically translate into the same job creation, stressing early job redesign, training and job matching so workers can move into more valuable roles. Air India Funding Row: Singapore Airlines says its board will carefully consider any Air India capital request, while MPs have pushed back against using Temasek funds to prop up the loss-making carrier. Manufacturing Watch: Singapore’s manufacturing output rose 6.8% year-on-year in July, led by precision engineering and electronics. Child Safety Online: Meta and Roblox agreed with Philippine officials to strengthen child-safety measures, including age verification and parental controls. Arts & Culture: A new Kengo Kuma-designed theatre and contemporary art museum is set to open at Tanglin Shopping Centre by 2030. Sports & Entertainment: Post Malone’s Asia tour, including a Singapore stop, has been postponed.

AI & Digital Economy: Singapore is urging organisations to adopt AI with purpose, focusing on solving meaningful problems rather than chasing adoption for its own sake, as it highlights domain expertise and real-world outcomes. Preparedness Gap: An Etiqa Insurance Singapore Life Preparedness Survey found only 49% of Singaporeans feel prepared for the next decade, with money worries the biggest barrier. Finance & Markets: UOB priced a €1b dual-tranche euro covered bond, citing strong investor demand, while gold held above US$4,600 as investors weighed stubborn inflation and the Fed’s path. Regional Trade & Disputes: APEC economies are pushing to cut the cost and complexity of cross-border commercial disputes as digital trade, electronic contracts and AI reshape private international law. Local Business: Gift Empire expanded with a Vietnam office and launched Packaging Empire to meet demand for one-stop gifting and packaging sourcing. Health: Singapore’s lung cancer screening guidance is being refined as research explores potential benefits for some never-smokers with added risk factors. Travel & Safety: Qantas reported a profit hit from high fuel prices, and Singapore’s KrisShop launched in Australia with local delivery and KrisFlyer miles earning.

ASEAN’s Push for Clout: The Philippines says ASEAN is gaining economic and strategic weight, using its 2026 chairship to drive deeper regional integration. Singapore as a Dispute Hub: The World Bank’s ICSID has opened its first overseas outpost in Singapore to help manage the growing number of investment disputes across Asia-Pacific. Family Support Reset: Singapore’s National Day Rally measures include direct cash support for children, aiming to tackle record-low fertility and ease pressure on parents. Digital Payments for Travellers: Bank of Baroda launched UPI Global Reverse Acceptance, letting eligible visitors in Singapore and other participating markets pay at India’s UPI QR merchants using their home apps. Energy + Data Centres: Digital Realty won a provisional 50MW allocation under Singapore’s DC-CFA2 for an AI-ready Jurong Island data centre, with a push for green energy pathways. Markets Watch: Oil prices eased as traders judged US Iran sanctions less disruptive, while Asian stocks tracked the calmer energy outlook. Local Business Moves: Guangzhou Wanglaoji opened a Singapore international HQ to expand Chinese herbal tea across ASEAN.

Singapore Policy & Society: Singapore is consulting the public on whether copyrighted works can be used to train AI, as the Government looks to set clearer rules for rights holders and tech firms. AI & Work: The financial sector is being pushed to treat AI skills as baseline capability, with job redesign rather than simple automation highlighted at a DBS event. Local Readiness: An Etiqa survey finds only 49% of Singaporeans feel prepared for the next decade, with money worries and burnout emerging as key gaps. Regional Ties: Singapore and Vietnam’s leaders wrapped a first strategic dialogue, agreeing to deepen technology connectivity and leadership exchanges. Data Centres & Energy: Agoda says its Singapore IT workloads are matched with 100% locally generated renewable energy certificates, while Singapore also continues to position itself as a tribunal hub for investor-state disputes. Business & Markets: Air India is seeking about US$1.5b in fresh equity from Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines as losses mount, and Asian stocks edged higher as oil eased on hopes around the Strait of Hormuz.