01

MAS and banks to tighten GIRO safeguards after double-charging incidents

The Monetary Authority of Singapore is working with banks to strengthen GIRO protections, including allowing customers to set monthly limits on transaction amounts and frequency. Enhanced due diligence on billing organisations will also be introduced, following recent incidents of consumers being double-charged.

Sources (3) STZBBH
  • ST — “MAS, banks to tighten GIRO safeguards after double-charging incidents”
  • ZB — “GIRO交易强化监管 每月金额次数或设限 (GIRO transactions to be regulated; monthly amount and frequency limits may be set)”
  • BH — “MAS dan bank giat perkemas perlindungan Giro, pelanggan boleh tetapkan had bulanan (MAS and banks to enhance GIRO protection, customers can set monthly limits)”
02

All government facilities ordered to adopt energy-saving measures

Every government ministry, agency and statutory board has been directed to implement energy conservation measures, including setting air-conditioning to 25 degrees Celsius or higher, reducing non-essential lighting, and cutting electricity use where operationally feasible. The public is also urged to save energy at home and work.

Sources (4) BTSTZBBH
  • BT — “Government facilities told to adopt measures to save energy”
  • ST — “Govt facilities told to adopt measures to save energy amid Middle East conflict”
  • ZB — “政府机构带头节能 吁家庭企业齐省电 (Government agencies lead on energy saving, urge households and businesses to join)”
  • BH — “Kemudahan pemerintah diarah ambil langkah jimat tenaga (Government facilities ordered to adopt energy-saving measures)”
03

FairPrice freezes prices of 100 daily essentials for over a month

FairPrice Group will freeze prices on its 100 most popular daily essentials and double CHAS discounts to help Singaporeans cope with rising costs from the energy crisis. The move aims to ensure basic necessities remain affordable, particularly for vulnerable groups.

Sources (3) STZBBH
  • ST — “FairPrice freezes prices of 100 daily essentials and doubles CHAS discounts”
  • ZB — “平价超市冻结100种最畅销必需品价格 (FairPrice freezes prices of 100 best-selling essentials)”
  • BH — “FairPrice beku harga 100 barangan harian lebih sebulan demi bantu kos sara hidup (FairPrice freezes 100 daily item prices for over a month to help cost of living)”
04

COE prices spike across all categories; Cat A premium hits $118,000

Certificate of entitlement prices rose across all vehicle categories, with the Category A premium for cars up to 1,600cc climbing 5.5% to $118,000. Strong demand from EV buyers and stock clearance by legacy brands drove the increase, marking the third consecutive round of across-the-board rises.

Sources (3) BTSTZB
  • BT — “Strong demand drives COE spike as mainstream car premium hits S$118,000”
  • ST — “COE prices up across the board, with Cat A premium rising 5.5% to $118,000”
  • ZB — “拥车证成价连续三轮全面攀升 (COE premiums rise across all categories for third consecutive round)”
05

Grab unveils 13 AI-powered solutions including its own map system

Grab launched 13 new AI-driven features spanning payments, navigation and travel assistance. These include converting smartphones into contactless payment terminals, an indoor mall navigation system, and a personalised AI travel assistant for cross-border trips across Southeast Asia.

Sources (3) BTSTZB
  • BT — “Grab unveils 13 AI-powered solutions for businesses, consumers, travellers”
  • ST — “Grab embraces AI as it rolls out new features, including own map system, smart assistant”
  • ZB — “Grab推出13项AI产品提升用户体验 (Grab launches 13 AI products to improve user experience)”
06

Fewer than half of private institute graduates land full-time work

A survey found that fewer than 50% of fresh graduates from private education institutions secured full-time employment in 2025, even as median gross monthly salaries held steady. The tightening job market is making it harder for these graduates to find permanent positions.

Sources (2) STBH
  • ST — “Fewer than half of grads from private institutes land full-time work”
  • BH — “Kurang 50% siswazah institusi swasta dapat kerja sepenuh masa pada 2025 (Fewer than 50% of private institute graduates get full-time work in 2025)”
07

Veterinary Practice Act passed; Veterinary Council to launch in H2 2026

Parliament passed the Veterinary Practice Act, creating a new Veterinary Council as the professional regulatory body for vets in Singapore. Errant veterinarians face fines of up to $50,000. MPs also called for greater fee transparency and the possibility of a local vet degree programme.

Sources (3) STZBBH
  • ST — “Fines of up to $50,000 for errant vets under new law”
  • ZB — “兽医学理事会下半年成立 全面监管本地兽医 (Veterinary Council to be set up in H2, comprehensive regulation of local vets)”
  • BH — “Rang undang-undang amalan veterinar dilulus, tubuh Majlis Veterinar pada 2026 (Veterinary Practice Act passed, Veterinary Council in 2026)”
08

Competition watchdog reviews proposed SIA-Vietnam Airlines commercial tie-up

The Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) is seeking public feedback on a proposed commercial cooperation between Singapore Airlines and Vietnam Airlines. The tie-up would deepen code-sharing and joint operations on routes between the two countries.

Sources (1) BT
  • BT — “Competition watchdog seeks feedback on proposed commercial tie-up between SIA and Vietnam Airlines”
09

Vietnam's FTSE upgrade to secondary emerging market confirmed for September

FTSE Russell confirmed Vietnam will be upgraded from frontier to secondary emerging market status in September 2026, placing it alongside China, India and Indonesia. The upgrade follows reforms in global broker access and non-prefunding requirements that aligned Vietnam's market with international standards.

Sources (2) BTZB
  • BT — “Vietnam's FTSE upgrade locked in for September after market reforms”
  • ZB — “富时罗素:与中国等同级 越南9月晋升次级新兴市场 (FTSE Russell: on par with China; Vietnam upgraded to secondary emerging market in September)”
10

IATA chief warns jet fuel recovery will take months even if Hormuz stays open

Global jet fuel supplies will take months to normalise even if the Strait of Hormuz remains open under the ceasefire, the International Air Transport Association's director-general warned. Airlines may cut capacity if they cannot sell seats in the coming 3-5 months, as fuel costs remain elevated.

Sources (2) STZB
  • ST — “Jet fuel supply will take months to recover even if Hormuz stays open: IATA chief”
  • ZB — “国际航协理事长:未来数月机票若滞销 航企或削减运力应对高油价 (IATA chief: if tickets don't sell in coming months, airlines may cut capacity to cope with high oil prices)”

Follow-ups

Iran war: 2-week ceasefire declared; oil plunges below US$100 as markets rally

Iran war: 2-week ceasefire declared; oil plunges below US$100 as markets rally

The US and Iran agreed to a 14-day ceasefire just before Trump's deadline expired, with the Strait of Hormuz to reopen. Oil prices plunged below US$100 per barrel (the biggest drop in nearly 6 years), stocks surged across Asia, and gold and Bitcoin rallied. Talks on a permanent settlement are expected Friday in Islamabad. However, Israel backed the truce only on condition that its parallel campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon remains separate, launching its largest strikes on Hezbollah since the war began. Both Washington and Tehran claimed victory. China played a quiet but significant behind-the-scenes role in brokering the deal. Pope Leo XIV praised the ceasefire after criticising Trump's threat to "wipe out Iranian civilisation."

Sources (5) STBTZBBHTM
  • ST — “2-week Iran war truce declared but concerns remain as strikes continue”
  • BT — “Stocks and bonds jump as oil's plunge lifts market mood”
  • ZB — “美伊停火14天展开谈判 国际担忧缓解 (US-Iran 14-day ceasefire; international concerns ease)”
  • BH — “AS, Iran setuju gencatan senjata dua minggu, Selat Hormuz dibuka semula (US, Iran agree to 2-week ceasefire, Strait of Hormuz reopened)”
  • TM — “உடன்படவில்லை எனில் ஈரானை ஒரே இரவில் முடித்துவிடுவேன்: அதிபர் டிரம்ப் (If no agreement, I'll finish Iran in one night: Trump)”

Government unveils ~$1 billion relief package in Parliament

Government unveils ~$1 billion relief package in Parliament

Parliament debated and approved a nearly $1 billion support package to cushion the Middle East conflict's impact. Key measures include: corporate income tax rebate raised to 50%, $500 CDC vouchers for all families in June, enhanced energy subsidies, and support for transport operators. Hawkers and SMEs welcomed the direction but said short-term cash pressures remain acute. Contingency plans are being developed for the 2026 Haj pilgrimage. Minister Shanmugam warned the conflict has elevated the global security threat landscape, including risks of self-radicalisation in Singapore.

Sources (4) TMZBBH
  • TM — “நெருக்கடிகளைச் சமாளிக்க $1 பில்லியன் மதிப்பிலான கூடுதல் ஆதரவு ($1 billion in additional support to cope with crises)”
  • ZB — “学者:迅速出台援助配套 政府及时派定心丸 (Scholars: swift relief package gives timely reassurance)”
  • ZB — “成本涨售价难涨 小贩吁政府伸援手 (Costs up but prices hard to raise; hawkers plead for government help)”
  • BH — “Zaqy: Pemerintah sokong syarikat pembekal makanan harungi konflik Timur Tengah (Govt supports food suppliers through Middle East conflict)”

Singtel discounted shares: holders can now sell; ~100 inquire on first day

Singtel discounted shares: holders can now sell; ~100 inquire on first day

The CPF Amendment Bill was tabled, allowing holders of Singtel's 1996 discounted shares to sell directly. About 100 people visited designated service points on the first day. Analysts note some may benefit from holding for dividends as Singtel pivots to digital tech.

Sources (2) ZBST
  • ZB — “新电信优惠股可脱售套现 首日约百人询问 (Singtel discounted shares can now be sold; ~100 inquire on first day)”
  • ST — “Should you sell or hold on to your Singtel discounted shares?”

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