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Business Times
30-06-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Singapore's snares its largest Reit IPO in a decade while HK looks to another bumper year driven by China companies
[SINGAPORE] The past week has seen good news for the Singapore Exchange (SGX), with NTT filing to list a Reit - likely to Singapore's largest in a decade - and software company Info-Tech Systems debuting this week the first mainboard listing in two years. While SGX's initial public offering (IPO) fortunes may be looking up, it's still a long way off from that of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX), which with a new chief executive at the helm is likely to see another bumper year of listings. Hong Kong IPO boom Some 40 IPOs are expected in Hong Kong in the first half of this year, based on publicly available information as at Jun 11. These offerings are projected to raise HK$108.7 billion (S$17.7 billion). This represents a 33 per cent increase in deal volume, and more than 700 per cent in total proceeds compared to the same period the previous year. PwC expects 70 to 80 companies to list in Hong Kong in 2025, raising an estimated HK$130 billion to HK$160 billion. There were 71 IPOs in Hong Kong last year, which raised a total of HK$87.5 billion. Of the 36 new listings in Hong Kong so far this year, 21 have traded above their offer prices, according to Bloomberg data. This strong performance has prompted South-east Asian companies to reconsider Hong Kong as a listing venue, noted Jason Saw, group head of investment banking at brokerage CGS International. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up According to a report from EY, Hong Kong accounted for 24 per cent of global IPO proceeds in the first half of 2025. Mega IPOs helped HKEX to secure the top global position by funds raised, reaching US$14 billion. A key contributor to this surge was the listing activity of A-share companies – companies already listed on mainland Chinese exchanges – and their spin-offs. These deals significantly lifted the average deal size, with proceeds rising more than five-fold year on year. Another driver was China companies that are turning to Hong Kong to raise funds outside the mainland amid tightening capital controls, Leon Lim, partner at law firm TSMP Law Corporation told The Business Times. He added that Beijing has facilitated this shift by easing filing requirements for overseas listings. Hong Kong's pro-market stance, on top of the deep capital pools and access to China that it offers, is also helping to attract listing aspirants, said CGS International's Saw. Strained US-China relations is also working in Hong Kong's favour, observed TSMP's Lim. 'The current US administration has been slightly unpredictable, and observers are cautioning a repeat of 2023, which saw Chinese state-owned enterprises delisting their US American Depositary Receipts en masse to avoid having to disclose information under rules imposed by the previous Trump administration,' he said. HKEX allows secondary listings from companies on 'recognised' exchanges such as those in Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. However, mainland Chinese companies typically list in Hong Kong via separate 'A+H' or dual-primary listings. Examples include major Chinese drug maker Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals, condiment maker Foshan Haitian Flavouring and Food as well as battery giant CATL. While the exact number of Hong Kong's current secondary, A+H dual, or dual-primary listings is not publicly disclosed, SGX currently hosts 28 secondary listings -- including names such as Mandarin Oriental, DFI Retail and electric vehicle maker Nio. Different niches Singapore and Hong Kong have different strengths, said Carmen Lee, head of OCBC Investment Research. Besides being a natural listing venue for Chinese companies, Hong Kong is strong in sectors such has technology, pharmaceuticals and insurance. Hence, companies in these industries – especially those looking for the likes of BYD in the electric vehicle sector or China Life in insurance – are more likely to choose Hong Kong as their listing venue, Lee said. However, companies in other sectors such as banking, real estate or aviation may consider Singapore, where they can find more appropriate benchmarks, Lee added. Chan Yew Kiang, Asean IPO leader at EY, said SGX has an edge in Reits and could serve as an attractive platform for companies across South-east Asia. He said: 'Exchanges do compete for quality listings, but they are also complementary in that success will make for a robust IPO and capital market. Alliances between exchanges and secondary listings enable companies to leverage on a broader capital market ecosystem.' When it comes to secondary listings, TSMP's Lim highlighted Singapore's stable political environment and transparent legal system as key advantages. He also pointed out that the 2020 imposition of the National Security Law in Hong Kong has raised concerns about the city's autonomy. This means 'any issuer choosing to list its shares in Hong Kong would have to be comfortable with this risk', he noted. In contrast, Saw emphasised Singapore's appeal, describing it as a 'very transparent and neutral ground' with clear regulations that make it 'easier to access'. He also noted that SGX offers a faster time to market, backed by its international presence and the ability to attract capital in both US dollars and Singapore dollars, alongside a shorter IPO queue compared to Hong Kong. With Singapore's status as a hub for industries such as banking and capital markets, EY's Chan believes that these sectors will 'continue to be the cornerstone of being attractive to companies to consider a primary or secondary listing in Singapore'. Doorway to South-east Asia Even as SGX is seeking to attract high-growth companies from South-east Asia, HKEX's newly appointed CEO Bonnie Chan has similar plans to boost its global profile by attracting secondary listings from such companies. EY's Chan sees Singapore as having a clear advantage, describing it as the 'doorway to companies that seek to build brand equity and tap into capital across South-east Asia'. Growing interest among companies considering a Singapore IPO has been observed by TSMP's Lim. This might be due to recent measures announced by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. He added that many of these businesses operate in sectors with strong investor appeal, and are generally less exposed to global trade tensions and tariffs. CGS International's Saw said Singapore-based advisers have actively engaged companies not only in South-east Asia but also in North and Central Asia. He added that 'it has been harder to swing South-east Asian companies to the SGX, given the vibrant local market in their respective home bases'. Still, other regional dynamics could nudge companies towards listing in Singapore. Lim, for instance, observed spillover from Malaysia's active IPO market, where issuers may face stiffer competition and need to work harder to stand out. 'Some of these issuers also view a Singapore listing as a strategic one – which speaks to Singapore's reputation as a well-regulated and reputable global market,' he said.
Business Times
29-06-2025
- Business
- Business Times
As Singapore snares its largest Reit IPO in a decade, the Hong Kong exchange is busier than ever
[SINGAPORE] The last week has seen good news for the Singapore Exchange (SGX). Not only is NTT's upcoming real estate investment trust (Reit) listing likely to be the largest S-Reit listing in a decade, software company Info-Tech Systems is debuting later this week – marking SGX's first mainboard listing in two years. Meanwhile, the Hong Kong stock exchange – with a new chief executive at the helm – is likely to have another bumper year of initial public offerings (IPOs) again. Hong Kong IPO boom Some 40 IPOs are expected to be listed on the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) in the first half of this year, based on publicly available information as at Jun 11. These offerings are projected to raise HK$108.7 billion (S$17.7 billion), marking a 33 per cent increase in deal volume and a remarkable 711 per cent surge in total proceeds compared to the previous year. There were 71 IPOs last year, a 3 per cent decrease from 2023, but total funds raised reached HK$87.5 billion. PwC forecasts that the upward trend will continue in 2025, with about 70 to 80 companies expected to list in Hong Kong, raising an estimated HK$130 billion to HK$160 billion. Of the 36 IPOs that have already launched in Hong Kong this year, 21 have traded above their offer prices, indicated Bloomberg data. This strong performance of new IPOs has prompted South-east Asian companies to relook at Hong Kong listings, noted Jason Saw, group head of investment banking at brokerage CGS International. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up According to professional services firm EY's Chinese mainland and Hong Kong IPO report for the first half of 2025, Hong Kong accounted for 24 per cent of global proceeds. Mega IPOs helped HKEX to secure the top global position by funds raised, reaching US$14 billion. A key contributor to this surge was the listing activity of A-share companies – companies already listed on mainland Chinese exchanges – and their spin-offs. These deals significantly lifted the average deal size, with proceeds rising more than fivefold year on year. Another driver are Chinese companies that are turning to Hong Kong to raise funds outside the mainland amid tightening capital controls, Leon Lim, partner at law firm TSMP Law Corporation told The Business Times. He added that Beijing has facilitated this shift by easing filing requirements for overseas listings. Hong Kong's pro-market stance also helps attract companies which get 'access both to deep global capital pools and China, as well as rising demand for shares in Hong Kong listings', said CGS International's Saw. Strained US-China relations are further accelerating this shift, observed TSMP's Lim. 'The current US administration has been slightly unpredictable, and observers are cautioning a repeat of 2023, which saw Chinese state-owned enterprises delisting their US American Depositary Receipts en masse to avoid having to disclose information under rules imposed by the previous Trump administration,' he said. HKEX allows secondary listings from companies on 'recognised' exchanges such as those in Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. However, mainland Chinese companies typically list in Hong Kong via separate 'A+H' or dual-primary listings. Examples include major Chinese drug maker Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals, condiment maker Foshan Haitian Flavouring and Food as well as battery giant CATL. While the exact number of Hong Kong's current secondary, A+H dual, or dual-primary listings is not publicly disclosed, SGX currently hosts 28 secondary listings, including names such as Mandarin Oriental, DFI Retail and electric vehicle maker Nio. Different niches Singapore and Hong Kong have different strengths, said Carmen Lee, head of OCBC Investment Research, who sees Hong Kong attracting more Chinese and China-related companies Lee, who spoke to BT at OCBC's mid-year 2025 outlook briefing last week, expects Hong Kong to remain strong in sectors such as technology, pharmaceuticals and insurance. Companies in these industries – especially those looking for relevant comparables like BYD in the electric vehicle sector or China Life in insurance – are more likely to choose Hong Kong as their listing venue. However, she believes that companies in other sectors such as banking, real estate or aviation may consider Singapore, where they can find more appropriate benchmarks. Chan Yew Kiang, Asean IPO leader at EY, similarly finds that SGX has an edge in Reits, serving as an attractive platform for companies across South-east Asia. He said: 'Exchanges do compete for quality listings, but they are also complementary in that success will make for a robust IPO and capital market. Alliances between exchanges and secondary listings enable companies to leverage on a broader capital market ecosystem.' When it comes to secondary listings, TSMP's Lim highlighted Singapore's stable political environment and transparent legal system as key advantages. He also pointed out that the 2020 imposition of the National Security Law in Hong Kong has raised concerns about the city's autonomy. This means 'any issuer choosing to list its shares in Hong Kong would have to be comfortable with this risk', he noted. In contrast, Saw emphasised Singapore's appeal, describing it as a 'very transparent and neutral ground' with clear regulations that make it 'easier to access'. He also noted that SGX offers a faster time to market, backed by its international presence and the ability to attract capital in both US dollars and Singapore dollars, alongside a shorter IPO queue compared to Hong Kong. With Singapore's status as a hub for industries such as banking and capital markets, EY's Chan believes that these sectors will 'continue to be the cornerstone of being attractive to companies to consider a primary or secondary listing in Singapore'. Doorway to South-east Asia Even as SGX is seeking to attract high-growth companies from South-east Asia, HKEX's newly appointed CEO Bonnie Chan has similar plans to boost its global profile by attracting secondary listings from such companies. EY's Chan sees Singapore as having a clear advantage, describing it as the 'doorway to companies that seek to build brand equity and tap into capital across South-east Asia'. Growing interest among companies considering a Singapore IPO has been observed by TSMP's Lim. He added that this could possibly be in response to recent measures announced by the Monetary Authority of Singapore; and such businesses typically operate in sectors with strong investor appeal and are generally less exposed to global trade tensions and tariffs. CGS International's Saw echoed this, noting that Singapore-based advisers have actively approached companies not only in South-east Asia but also in North and Central Asia. However, he acknowledged that 'it has been harder to swing South-east Asian companies to the SGX, given the vibrant local market in their respective home base'. Still, other regional dynamics could nudge companies towards listing in Singapore. Lim, for instance, observed spillover from Malaysia's active IPO market, where issuers may face stiffer competition and need to work harder to stand out. 'Some of these issuers also view a Singapore listing as a strategic one – which speaks to Singapore's reputation as a well-regulated and reputable global market,' he said.
Business Times
04-06-2025
- Business
- Business Times
More Chinese corporates eyeing deals in Asean, secondary listings on SGX
[SINGAPORE] Chinese corporates are increasingly looking for deals in South-east Asia amid rising uncertainty from US trade policies, said Jason Saw, head of investment banking at CGS International. Saw expects CGSI will see eight to 10 major deals in the coming months, in its four key markets in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand, with many of these transactions coming from Chinese and Hong Kong-based companies. These companies are in the infrastructure, green energy, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors. 'Essentially, our focus is to look for companies that have growth – they're not your old-school economy ideas where growth is in the single digits; a lot of the opportunities we bring are new thematics,' said Saw in an interview with The Business Times. Particularly in Singapore, Saw said he sees interest from Chinese companies to make secondary listings on the Singapore Exchange (SGX). 'If you have monitored the markets this year, A+H share listings have been very hot... So if we can replicate a bit of that success in Singapore, I think it'll be a very big win,' Saw said. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up He raised the example of Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL)'s dual listing in Hong Kong and Shenzhen. A+H share listings refer to Chinese companies that list their shares on the Shanghai or Shenzhen Stock Exchange, known as A-shares, and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, known as H-shares. In May, Shenzhen-listed CATL listed in Hong Kong in the world's biggest initial public offering (IPO) this year, signalling strong prospects for Chinese equities despite global market uncertainty. These Chinese corporates like that Singapore can give them international recognition, and that the SGX is a transparent neutral ground. They can also have a shorter time to market if they list in Singapore, given that the queue for IPO listings in Hong Kong or mainland China is 'quite long', Saw said. Deglobalisation After US President Donald Trump's 'Liberation Day', Saw said he saw rising engagement from corporates, especially from Chinese companies. The escalation in the trade war between US and China has increased the appetite for diversification, he noted. Saw said: '(Chinese corporates) seem to understand the need to diversify from the US and into other markets, and South-east Asia is clearly on their radar.' Chinese companies are also interested in building distribution channels in the region. Saw said the South-east Asian consumer distribution is 'under appreciated' because the markets are fragmented. 'What they want to do is to export that product out into this region, find local partners and grow the business to cater for the local population – Asean has 600 million consumers; if every head count consumes one item, that's a huge market for each and every Chinese product out there.' Much of the conversation that he has with Chinese companies also revolves around serving the local markets. 'Beyond capital market equities, we are driving a lot of conversations in terms of foreign direct investment (FDI) as well,' he said. 'Iff anything, the last (few months) taught you that you cannot rely on one country as your end market and you cannot depend on one location as your manufacturing.' Asean-China growth For CGSI, Saw sees the biggest opportunities from the growth of China-Asean business relations. He noted that the securities company has a unique position – it has been present in South-east Asia for decades, yet its parent company is Chinese state-owned brokerage and investment bank China Galaxy Securities. 'Because we are state owned, (Chinese companies) are even more comfortable to work with us to share information and their strategy,' he said. Nevertheless, Saw said the firm services 'anyone that comes into South-east Asia' – around 90 per cent of its revenue from IPOs today are still intra-Asean. 'We are just starting this journey of people wanting to come to South-east Asia in a more aggressive manner, and there's a lot of sectors that require investments and have growth opportunities,' he said. In the past two years, CGSI has obtained investment banking business licenses in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand – allowing it to participate in activities including IPOs, corporate financing and fundraising. Saw expects China flows will have a greater part to play in the business in the years ahead, given that most deals need time to progress. 'I'm quite excited about the future…because there are deals that we're trying to do now, and if they materialise, that fits into the Asean-China (trend) that we are seeing.'
The Star
19-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
More Chinese firms target SGX listings
SINGAPORE: At least five companies from mainland China or Hong Kong are planning initial public offerings (IPOs), dual listings, or share placements in Singapore in the next 12 to 18 months, four sources say, as Chinese firms look to expand in South-East Asia amid global trade tensions. The companies include a Chinese energy company, a Chinese healthcare group, and a Shanghai-based biotech group, said the sources, who have direct knowledge of the matter, but declined to name the firms as the plans are not finalised. The listings would give a boost to Singapore Exchange Ltd (SGX), which, despite being a popular venue for yield plays such as real estate investment trusts, has been struggling to attract mega listings and bolster trading volumes. SGX hosted just four IPOs in 2024, according to its website. That compares with 71 new company listings recorded by its rival regional bourse Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Ltd. Chinese companies are looking to tap the Singaporean bourse as they look to enter, or expand business in, South-East Asia amid a trade war with the United States, Jason Saw, investment banking group head at CGS International Securities (CGSI), said. Enquiries about listings on SGX 'shot through the roof' after President Donald Trump ramped up his trade actions against China, Saw said. 'For the next years and decades, gateways from China to the world are going to be more important,' said Pol de Win, senior managing director and head of global sales and origination at SGX. 'Singapore is an important gateway, whether it's trade (or) business activity from China to the outside world, and a listing in Singapore is an important component of that.' CGSI, a unit of state-owned brokerage China Galaxy Securities, is working with at least two China-based companies to list on the SGX as early as this year, according to Saw. He declined to name the companies. Some of the mainland Chinese and Hong Kong companies could raise around US$100mil via primary listings in Singapore, said one of the sources. SGX is usually not the first choice for Chinese companies eyeing an offshore market debut. Most of them prefer Hong Kong due to Beijing's support and a large pool of institutional and retail investors more familiar with Chinese brands. Beijing's efforts to boost ties with South-East Asia, amid escalating tension with Washington, have, however, encouraged some Chinese companies to increase their presence in the region, capital market advisers said. The listing plans in Singapore come after the city-state in February announced measures to strengthen its equities market, which included a 20% tax rebate for primary listings, and vowed to unveil a next set of measures in the second half of 2025. The initiatives are set to boost interest in the local IPO market, said Ringo Choi, EY's Asia-Pacific IPO Leader, adding that Singapore's 'political stability and neutral stance' on geopolitical matters should appeal to companies. Not many, however, see Singapore closing its gap with Hong Kong in equity listings in the near future, due to factors including Singapore's relatively conservative investors and stricter listing requirements. 'You need to make it easier for companies, especially technology companies, to list,' said the managing director of a Singapore-based multinational software company, who declined to be named as he was not authorised to speak to the media. 'Most of the startups in the region are headquartered in Singapore, so this should be the place they list.' — Reuters
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Exclusive-Some Chinese companies eye Singapore listings to expand markets amid trade war
By Yantoultra Ngui SINGAPORE (Reuters) -At least five companies from mainland China or Hong Kong are planning IPOs, dual listings, or share placements in Singapore in the next 12 to 18 months, four sources said, as Chinese firms look to expand in Southeast Asia amid global trade tensions. The companies include a Chinese energy company, a Chinese healthcare group, and a Shanghai-based biotech group, said the sources, who have direct knowledge of the matter, but declined to be named or to name the firms as the plans are not finalised. The listings would give a boost to Singapore Exchange Ltd (SGX), which, despite being a popular venue for yield plays such as real estate investment trusts, has been struggling to attract mega listings and bolster trading volumes. SGX hosted just four initial public offerings in 2024, according to its website. That compares with 71 new company listings recorded by its rival regional bourse Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Ltd. Chinese companies are looking to tap the Singaporean bourse as they look to enter, or expand business in, Southeast Asia amid a trade war with the United States, Jason Saw, investment banking group head at CGS International Securities, said. U.S. President Donald Trump imposed tariffs of 145% on imports of Chinese goods, and China in turn raised tariffs on U.S. goods to 125%, before the two sides agreed a 90-day pause last weekend. But uncertainty remains, given the time limit and the Trump administration's unpredictability. Enquiries about listings on SGX "shot through the roof" after Trump ramped up his trade actions against China, Saw said. "For the next years and decades, gateways from China to the world are going to be more important," said Pol de Win, senior managing director and head of global sales and origination at SGX. "Singapore is an important gateway, whether it's trade (or) business activity from China to the outside world, and a listing in Singapore is an important component of that." De Win did not mention the listing plans of the Chinese and Hong Kong firms. 'GROWING INTEREST' CGS International, a unit of state-owned brokerage China Galaxy Securities, is working with at least two China-based companies to list on the SGX as early as this year, according to Saw. He declined to name the companies. Some of the mainland Chinese and Hong Kong companies could raise around $100 million via primary listings in Singapore, said one of the sources. SGX is usually not the first choice for Chinese companies eyeing an offshore market debut. Most of them prefer Hong Kong due to Beijing's support and a large pool of institutional and retail investors more familiar with Chinese brands. Beijing's efforts to boost ties with Southeast Asia, amid escalating tension with Washington, have, however, encouraged some Chinese companies to increase their presence in the region, capital market advisers said. The listing plans in Singapore come after the city-state in February announced measures to strengthen its equities market, which included a 20% tax rebate for primary listings, and vowed to unveil a next set of measures in the second half of 2025. The initiatives are set to boost interest in the local IPO market, said Ringo Choi, EY's Asia Pacific IPO Leader, adding that Singapore's "political stability and neutral stance" on geopolitical matters should appeal to companies. Not many, however, see Singapore closing its gap with Hong Kong in equity listings in the near future, due to factors including Singapore's relatively conservative investors and stricter listing requirements. "You need to make it easier for companies, especially technology companies, to list," said the managing director of a Singapore-based multinational software company, who declined to be named as he was not authorised to speak to the media. "Most of the startups in the region are headquartered in Singapore, so this should be the place they list."
