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Independent Singapore
a day ago
- Business
- Independent Singapore
Singapore fund inflows rebound in 2024 at S$7.6B, up 167%
Photo: Freepik/freestockcenter SINGAPORE: Singapore's fund management industry rebounded in 2024, pulling in S$7.6 billion in total net inflows, up 167% from the S$2.85 billion recorded the year before. According to Singapore Business Review, citing the latest quarterly report from the Investment Management Association of Singapore (IMAS), net inflows in the fourth quarter of 2024 (Q4 2024) alone reached S$1.72 billion, led by fixed income and allocation funds at S$758.83 million and S$630.09 million, respectively. Money market funds, which had an inflow of S$1.5 billion in the previous quarter, followed with S$158.83 million. Equity funds also recorded inflows of S$171.83 million. Meanwhile, alternative assets, commodities, and convertibles posted minor outflows. In Singapore, global equity income funds saw the highest inflows, attracting S$91.83 million, followed by Singapore equity funds, which drew in S$78.82 million. In contrast, Asia-Pacific ex-Japan equity funds had the most outflows at S$121.85 million. Globally, fund flows were mixed. In Q4 2024, the US equity market drew US$145.6 billion in fresh inflows, driven mostly by large blend funds. In Europe, equity inflows reached €13.56 billion (S$19.66 billion). Meanwhile, China bucked the trend with ¥85.48 billion (S$761.7 million) pulled from equity funds in the same period. Fixed income stayed popular with investors globally. US fixed income brought in US$128.3 billion (S$165.2 billion), while Europe recorded €75.36 billion in net income inflows for Q4. In Asia, the city-state's fixed income segment pulled in S$758.83 million, led by global fixed income at S$415.82 million and Asia fixed income at S$278.79 million. /TISG Read also: Citi sees social finance funding in Asia growing 10% in 2025 as investor interest heats up
Independent Singapore
26-05-2025
- Business
- Independent Singapore
Singapore drives over half of Southeast Asia's M&A activity
Photo: Freepik/freestockcenter SINGAPORE: Singapore contributed over half of Southeast Asia's total mergers and acquisitions (M&A) deal value in the first quarter, Singapore Business Review reported, citing a report from Datasite. The report revealed that the city-state contributed seven of the 10 biggest deals announced during the quarter, including each of the top five. A major part of the surge came from agriculture-related assets, with deal value in the sector rising to S$3.21 billion (US$2.5 billion), up from just S$203.31 million (US$158 million) in the same quarter last year, partly due to efforts to achieve supply chain security and integration. Real estate came next at S$2.06 billion (US$1.6 billion) in deal value, although this marked a 36.8% drop compared to the same period last year, while EMU fell by 57.5% to S$1.93 billion (US$1.5 billion). In terms of volume, the technology, media, and telecommunications (TMT) sector had the most deals with 41 transactions, though this was 12.8% lower than last year. Financial services went against the downward trend, increasing by 35.7% to 19 deals as investors sought stability. See also SBS Transit CEO LTC (Res) Gan no stranger to making apologies Meanwhile, the Eurozone Member Union (EMU) recorded a slight rise to 15 deals, up 7.1% from last year, despite a significant drop in deal value. /TISG Read also: SME Association warns some Singapore firms could enter 'life support mode' as US tariff pause nears end
Independent Singapore
07-05-2025
- Business
- Independent Singapore
Singapore's HDB resale flat price growth continues to slow at 1.6% in Q1 2025
SINGAPORE: HDB resale flat prices in Singapore rose by 1.6% in the first quarter of 2025 (Q1 2025), slowing for the second straight quarter from the 2.6% growth in Q4 2024 and below the 1.8% quarterly increase recorded in Q4 2023, Singapore Business Review reported, citing the latest report by OrangeTee & Tie. The report showed that while prices continued to climb for the 20th quarter in a row, the pace of growth has slowed down. Analysts pointed to a growing price resistance among buyers, especially among those mid-tier and lower-end segments. The price growth was particularly slower for 4-room and 5-room flats, which recorded quarter-on-quarter increases of 1.9% and 2.1%, respectively, both below previous levels. Two-room flats also saw a dip, with a 1.5% rise, down from 2.3% in the previous quarter. Meanwhile, 3-room flats saw a slight increase of 2.2%, while executive flats experienced a modest rise of 1.4%, up from 0.1% in the previous quarter. Across the island, fewer towns posted price increases. Only 19 towns saw price growth, down from 20 previously, while the number of towns with falling prices went up to seven. The Central Area led the declines, with a sharp 18.5% drop, followed by Geylang at 7%. In terms of transactions, 6,590 resale flats were sold in the first three months of 2025. This was a 2.6% rise from Q4 2024, but year-on-year, sales fell by 6.8%—the lowest first-quarter performance since the pandemic hit in Q1 2020. The report attributed softer demand partly to heightened competition from newly launched Build-To-Order (BTO) and Sale of Balance Flats (SBF). Over 10,000 new flats were released under these exercises in February alone. Still, demand for premium resale unit flats remains strong, with a record 348 million-dollar flats sold in Q1 2025, up from just 285 in Q4 2024. The most expensive flat sold was a DBSS unit in Toa Payoh Lorong 1A that went for S$1.6 million. The number of flats sold for S$800,000 or more also increased to 1,183 units, with Tampines, Toa Payoh, Bukit Merah, Kallang/Whampoa, and Queenstown being the top areas for high-value transactions, which analysts said are likely driven by cash-rich private property owners looking to downgrade. Looking ahead, OrangeTee forecasts resale price growth of 4% to 6% and sales volume between 25,000 and 27,000 units for the year, a decline from 2024's total of 28,986 transactions. /TISG Read also: First Mount Pleasant BTO project to go on sale in October as part of 19,600 new flats Featured image by Depositphotos (for illustration purposes only)
Independent Singapore
05-05-2025
- Business
- Independent Singapore
S$701M exits Singapore banks in April as institutions turn to telecommunications and industrial stocks
Photo: Depositphotos/tang90246 SINGAPORE: Outflows from Singapore's banking sector reached S$701 million in April, as institutional investors showed buying interest in telecommunications and industrial stocks, Singapore Business Review reported. The Straits Times Index (STI) fell 3.5% for the month, with dividends cushioning the total return loss to 2.3%. In early April it saw a steep 15% drop due to global trade concerns, followed by a 13% rebound by month-end. Amid market volatility, Singtel recorded a net inflow of S$512 million in April alone, securing its position as the most bought stock by institutions for the month and year-to-date. The telecommunications sector was the strongest-performing group with S$522 million in institutional inflows. NetLink NBN Trust and StarHub also drew positive flows while the FTSE ST Telecommunications Index posted a 9.5% total return. Others drawing institutional capital included SGX, which saw inflows of S$96.4 million, and ST Engineering, which recorded S$95.6 million in inflows, as well as Singapore Airlines. In the industrials sector, ComfortDelGro and Sembcorp Industries were among the top net buys. The real estate sector didn't fare as well, with Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) facing S$74 million in institutional outflows. However, Frasers Centrepoint Trust, CapitaLand Ascendas REIT, and CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust still attracted interest, ranking among the top 25 most net bought stocks in April. According to Singapore Business Review, Singapore equities saw a net outflow of S$73 million from institutions in April, mainly due to outflows from the banking sector, but the inflows into non-bank sectors suggest a measured confidence in sectors with stable returns amid global uncertainty. As the earnings season approaches, investors are expected to stay on defensive plays and high-yielding assets. /TISG Read also: DBS says STI 'likely to turn sideways', outlines 3 scenarios on Singapore's growth and STI levels amid tariff talks Featured image by Depositphotos (for illustration purposes only)
Zawya
02-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Kaplan Higher Education Academy Recognised For Excellence And Trust
Kaplan wins Singapore Business Review International Business Awards 2025 and Reader's Digest Trusted Brands 2025 SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 2 May 2025 - In recognition of its continued excellence in education and student development, Kaplan Higher Education Academy (Kaplan) has clinched two prestigious accolades: the Singapore Business Review (SBR) International Business Awards 2025 in the Educational Management category, and the Reader's Digest Trusted Brands Award 2025 (Gold) in the Private Higher Institutions category. Established in 2014, the SBR International Business Awards honours the outstanding achievements of foreign companies with global headquarters outside of Singapore, celebrating innovative strategies, transformative business initiatives, and impactful contributions. Kaplan's win affirms its commitment to Raising the Bar in Education with Academic Excellence and Holistic Student Development. As part of its dedication to delivering high-quality education that seamlessly integrates academic rigour and student well-being, Kaplan has made significant investments in its campuses, including its new city campuses at Odeon 331 and 333, now offering 100,000 square feet of modern learning spaces across three centrally located campuses. To encourage interactive teaching and hands-on education, Kaplan offers purpose-built High-Capacity Computer Labs that are equipped with NVIDIA graphics, Intel Core i9 processors, dual monitors, and an inverted-U layout. Kaplan Odeon Campuses also encourage collaborative learning through the 31 modern classrooms, including The Nexus and The Connexion, as well as cosy study corners for focused research, group discussions, and independent studies. Part of its well-rounded learning environment is also a Wellness Room and a Club Room, alongside a comprehensive suite of support services that prioritise mental, emotional, and social well-being. Specifically addressing the diverse needs and varied commitments of today's learners, Kaplan offers flexible learning options, including recorded classes for on-demand access, synchronous online delivery, blended learning models, and 100% assignment-based programmes. Students can further enhance their expertise through the various Double Specialisation Diplomas, Double Majors, and Double Master's Degrees offered at Kaplan, broadening their skill sets for multi-disciplinary career opportunities. Additionally, Kaplan aligns its programme offerings with the SkillsFuture Skills Demand for the Future Economy Report 1 to ensure graduates are equipped with in-demand competencies for high-growth sectors. Kaplan remains steadfast in its resolve to empower the futures of students and graduates through career readiness and employability. Through industry collaborations and practical learning experiences, personalised career coaching, a dynamic alumni network and over 400 employability events providing skills development, networking opportunities, and career insights, Kaplan ensures students are workforce-ready. With an overall student satisfaction score of 4.4 out of 5 2 and 9 in 10 graduates employed within six months 3, Kaplan continues to drive positive outcomes through its commitment to academic excellence and holistic student development. As a forward-thinking institution, Kaplan continues to shape the future of education by offering a complete package – flexible, student-centric learning models, and industry-aligned programmes, all anchored in a vibrant and supportive campus environment that fosters engagement, wellness, and success. Commenting on Kaplan's achievement, Alex Chevrolle, Managing Director at Kaplan Higher Education Academy said, "As one of Singapore's leading providers of private education, this esteemed recognition reaffirms our unwavering commitment to academic excellence, industry relevance, and holistic student development across all levels of study, such as Diploma, Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and Financial Certifications." The story of Kaplan began with Stanley Kaplan's vision to make higher education accessible to all students based on their academic merit and regardless of their background. Founded on this belief, Kaplan Inc. has built a longstanding legacy in education, empowering learners worldwide. In Singapore, Kaplan continues to uphold this commitment, guided by the conviction that education holds the power to open doors, helping students pass any test, achieve any goal, and reach every milestone they aspire to. Today, Kaplan in Singapore is recognised as a trusted brand by Singaporeans, having been awarded Gold in the Reader's Digest Trusted Brands Award 2025 for the fourth consecutive year since 2022. Since its launch in 1999, the Trusted Brands survey has become a reliable benchmark of quality and reliability, recognising brands that Singaporeans trust most in their daily lives. Being acknowledged as a Trusted Brand is more than a badge of honour; it affirms that, beyond academic outcomes, Kaplan continues to stand out as a brand that delivers on its promises—empowering individuals, nurturing aspirations, and creating positive impact on lives and careers. For more information on Kaplan's notable achievements, please visit: [1] Skills Demand for the Future Economy Report 2025. [2] Kaplan Student Course Evaluation 2024. [3] All statistics are based on the Kaplan Graduate Employment Survey 2021/2022 conducted by Nexus Link Pte Ltd for graduating cohorts between June 2021 – August 2022. Respondents include full-time (FT) graduates: 917; and part-time (PT) graduates: 2,190. This survey is not the same survey conducted by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG). The SSG Graduate Employment Survey may therefore not be directly comparable due to some differences in sample size scope between the two surveys. Base: FT & PT Diploma + External Degree Programme graduates (FT & PT employed + Self-employed + Freelance + Seeking employment). Hashtag: #KaplanSingapore #KaplanTheChoice #SingaporeBusinessReview #ReadersDigest The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Kaplan (Singapore) Kaplan (Singapore) is part of Kaplan Inc., one of the world's most diverse education providers, and is 4-year EduTrust certified, demonstrating the excellent quality of our programmes and services, as well as business operations. To date, Kaplan (Singapore) has students from over 55 countries and regions, and has served more than 100,000 graduates. With over 450 academic and professional certification programme options for higher learning and skills development, Kaplan (Singapore) provides opportunities for individuals to pursue lifelong learning. Find out more at About Kaplan Kaplan, Inc. is a global educational services company that helps individuals and institutions advance their goals in an ever-changing world. Our broad portfolio of solutions help students and professionals further their education and careers, universities and educational institutions attract and support students, and businesses maximize employee recruitment, retainment, and development. Stanley Kaplan founded our company in 1938 with a mission to expand educational opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Today, our thousands of employees working in 27 countries and regions continue Stanley's mission as they serve about 1.2 million students and professionals, 15,000 corporate clients, and 3,300 schools, school districts, colleges, and universities worldwide. Kaplan is a subsidiary of the Graham Holdings Company (NYSE: GHC). Learn more at Kaplan (Singapore)
