AI can be superior to humans in certain aspects: TikTok CEO Chew Shou Zi

“You can see a world where silicon is just superior to carbon,” said TikTok CEO Chew Shou Zi at the DBS Asia Future Forward Conference on Oct 12, he said that while AI can take over routine, low-stakes tasks, human involvement is required for high-stakes tasks that need human judgement.

https://bt.sg/p7Km

Unhealthy air quality in Singapore enough to trigger haze pollution law; NEA is monitoring situation

Those guilty under the Act can be fined up to S$100,000 a day, capped at a total of S$2 million.

https://bt.sg/aWWK

Cost over climate: Most Asean firms scaling back decarbonisation plans as higher energy prices bite

Close to eight in 10 South-east Asian businesses have seen profits squeezed by higher energy costs since the Iran war began, with Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore hit hardest.

This key finding comes from Powering Asean’s Future 2026, a regional survey commissioned by BT and market research firm Kantar, which examines how South-east Asian businesses navigate rising energy costs, sustainability targets and digital acceleration.

https://bt.sg/AiBu

Malaysia suspends sale of Chery Omoda 5 after viral incident, Singapore cars not affected 

The Omoda 5, a sport utility vehicle, has had its second recall in two years, both in relation to rear axle issues.

https://bt.sg/9taJ

New markets, tools and skills: How S’pore firms can stay resilient amid change

BRANDED CONTENT: As supply chains become more unpredictable, businesses now need to look ahead and plan for “just-in-case” scenarios, say industry leaders.

In partnership with the Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry

https://bt.sg/DyNQ

Economists expect MAS to tighten monetary policy again in October, though some see room for a pause

Another ‘very slight’ steepening of the Singdollar policy band is expected on Oct 14.

https://bt.sg/nzrE

Start your day with BT ☕️:

Stocks to watch: Jardine Matheson, Frasers Property, Advanced Systems Automation, Southern Alliance Mining https://bt.sg/F8u5

Top stories:
1. Asean: Senai’s second act: JS-SEZ reshapes Johor’s factory town as Singapore’s industrial ally https://bt.sg/GQQn

2. Property: Frasers Hospitality selective about expanding luxury serviced-living brand https://bt.sg/cMq9

3. Opinion: Singapore’s wealth management success should extend to everyday families https://bt.sg/5KVQc

‘Bringing Asean together as a single market’: PM Wong

In response to a question on Asean’s separate markets, PM Wong said: “We are like Europe, but in fact, even further behind because the complexity of operating in South-east Asia is far greater than in Europe.”

However, he noted that every challenge presents an opportunity for Asean to integrate its economies more closely.

https://bt.sg/ikXp6

IOI Properties advances Reit listing, backed by US$1.8 billion portfolio

The deal moves IOIPG Malaysia Reit closer to what is expected to be one of South-east Asia’s major property stock debuts this year.

https://bt.sg/gsZgw

🧸Buying toys with grown-up money

“My younger self would be happy to know that I’m able to buy this for myself,” says 26-year-old freelance creative Christen Teo.

From Pokemon cards to blind boxes and Studio Ghibli collectibles, young adults are spending their hard-earned money on childhood favourites. What’s driving the kidult craze - and how do they keep nostalgia from blowing their budgets?

https://bt.sg/p9Wx

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CGSI upgrades DBS to ‘add’, raises target price to S$79.50

CGSI analysts Tay Wee Kuang and Tan Jie Hui said the upgrade and higher price target follow their pegging of the bank’s valuation to its FY2027 earnings forecasts.

https://bt.sg/ywHY

More sales, less profit? Hear 3 leaders on how growing SMEs can protect their bottom line

On Oct 15, a Business Times-MariBank panel shares practical ways for growing firms to manage operations, tech and cash flow.

In partnership with MariBank

https://bt.sg/vrYN

DayOne’s Johor data centre project gets RM15 billion boost in financing from seven lenders

CIMB, Credit Agricole CIB, DBS, Maybank, OCBC, Standard Chartered and UOB are the seven lenders involved.

https://bt.sg/K7qqr

‘Wasting money, spending tokens’: Companies still in search of AI use cases with worthwhile ROI, says Broadcom’s Hock Tan

Both he and Intel CEO Tan Lip-Bu suggest that capital could be AI’s next biggest bottleneck.

https://bt.sg/KrCY

Beauty World Plaza up for collective sale for S$165 million

“The property’s proximity to educational institutions enhances its potential for hospitality, serviced apartment, co-living and other accommodation concepts catering to academia,” says Swee Shou Fern, head of investment advisory at real estate advisory firm ETC.

https://bt.sg/DpJW

PODCAST: Investing for a 100-year life? Genevieve Cua speaks with Pictet’s Victor Aerni about the endowment model, private markets, and why time — not timing — is your greatest investment advantage.

This episode is produced in collaboration with Pictet Wealth Management.

🎧 Listen here: https://bt.sg/id4Mf

#btpodcasts #wealthbt #btcorrespondents

Gridlock or growth? The Asean Power Grid faces a critical window of opportunity

More than 70% of business leaders say progress on the Asean Power Grid would make them more willing to invest and expand in the region, according to a BT-Kantar survey of more than 500 regional decision-makers.

However, the bloc faces a critical window of opportunity to agree on standards and frameworks that can actually turn vision into action.

https://bt.sg/HHQN

People are just wasting money: Intel, Broadcom CEOs on companies tokenmaxxing

“Today, most companies out there cannot find any bloody return on investment on AI. I’m telling you people are just wasting money,” said Broadcom CEO Hock Tan at the DBS Asia Future Forward Conference, during a dialogue with Intel CEO Tan Lip-Bu on where the next trillion dollars of AI investment will come from.

https://bt.sg/KrCY

City Plaza owners in private talks after close of S$970 million en bloc tender

This is the third en bloc attempt by the freehold development.

https://bt.sg/oymBH

AI agent platform Drylab AI raises US$3 million seed round from Vertex Ventures and PatSnap

“This funding will help us accelerate adoption and build powerful, locally deployed intelligence that enables scientists to move from biological questions to validated discoveries faster,” John Phan, co-founder and CEO of Drylab tells BT's Benjamin Cher.

https://bt.sg/aeoZA