Porsche’s first South-east Asian experience centre will leverage Singapore’s air hub to turbocharge numbers

The S$100 million centre will open in Q2 2027; it will create 150 jobs and improve tourism receipts.

https://bt.sg/9KYe

NEA identifies 7 companies responsible for haze fires, will issue notices requiring preventive measures: Grace Fu

Separately, Acting Minister for Manpower Jasmin Lau reminded employers of their legal obligations to protect workers from the haze.

“Protecting workers from haze is not optional,” she said, adding that employers must take reasonably practicable measures to keep their workers safe.

https://bt.sg/8CeC

‘The situation is fluid’: Singapore should prepare for prolonged haze until November, says Grace Fu

“Depending on the weather, we can expect air quality to fluctuate, including the possibility of reaching hazardous levels,” said Fu.

https://bt.sg/Cxsz

Indonesia stocks suffer worst plunge in nearly 30 years as MSCI proposes standalone status

A move to standalone status would remove Indonesian equities from MSCI’s emerging and frontier-market indices, potentially prompting investment funds tracking those benchmarks to reassess or unwind their exposure to the country.

https://bt.sg/AWSF

Singapore’s worsening haze threatens business activity, but GDP impact ‘limited’: analysts

Some firms face productivity losses, but others could benefit from higher demand for air purifiers, masks.

https://bt.sg/C5xK

Indonesia imposes US$116 million in fines over manipulation of Sinar Mas, Prajogo-linked stocks

The crackdown comes amid Indonesia’s capital-market reforms, following global index provider MSCI’s concerns over market transparency, ownership concentration and investability.

https://bt.sg/vNQP5

SGX RegCo engages listed plantation firms over haze, warns of regulatory action

SGX RegCo is also asking about the impact of the forest and peatland fires on their operations and the measures being taken in response.

https://bt.sg/4Z2hm

#Brunch: Good Class Bungalow market activity picks up pace on ‘realistic’ pricing

Singapore’s Good Class Bungalow market may have had a quiet start to 2026, but activity is picking up as wealthy buyers look to snap up trophy properties at more realistic prices.

With some sellers holding firm on lofty expectations and others willing to negotiate, BT’s Kalpana Rashiwala looks at what is driving renewed interest in these exclusive homes and whether the momentum will carry into 2027.

https://bt.sg/yjNq

PwC will keep hiring even as AI reshapes junior roles: global chairman

Productivity gains have not led to job cuts at the Big Four firm, says PwC’s Mohamed Kande.

https://bt.sg/s4Yv

Mazda opens dedicated EV showroom in Singapore

Besides functioning as a showroom, the space is aimed at letting customers learn more about Mazda’s EVs, as well as its electrification efforts and technology.

https://bt.sg/Mk94n

#BTLifestyle: Is Manila Asia’s new dining hot spot?

A wave of chefs is turning the Philippine capital into one of the region’s most promising culinary destinations.

https://bt.sg/yd5k

CapitaLand India Trust unveils US$203.2 million Chennai data centre

“The development reflects our conviction in the long-term growth of India’s data-centre sector, and is designed to meet the evolving requirements of hyperscale and enterprise customers,” says CEO of Clint’s manager, Gauri Shankar Nagabhushanam.

https://bt.sg/bVz9

‘Two-way and integrated’: Financial professional services firms see more Singapore-Indonesia work

Singapore companies are still pushing into Indonesia, while Indonesian groups are using Singapore for regional expansion, fundraising and corporate functions.

https://bt.sg/DLNB

‘We were born very privileged. What do we do with that?’: Next-gen heirs want more say in family offices

Multi-generation family offices often have to balance legacy rules against what the next-gen wants to bring to the table.

https://bt.sg/BGhoc

Looking beyond looming CEO succession, should UOB potentially pursue a transformative merger?

Should it trail its peers in performance, UOB may find it harder to attract and retain talent, and invest adequately in AI, technology and risk-management capabilities, says BT's Leslie Yee.

https://bt.sg/dKHT

Malaysia Budget 2027: Key sector winners and laggards amid wage hikes

Plantations sector are among the hardest hit by rising labour costs resulting from the higher minimum wage.

https://bt.sg/DbvD

#BTLifestyle: AO Restaurant – more ‘aiyo’ than ‘aha’ at Orchard Towers

At AO Restaurant in Orchard Towers, the former Esora chef experiments with Japanese-inspired dishes, from wagyu tongue curry to sea bream ramen, but not everything hits the mark.

https://bt.sg/8N5w

Bentley debuts its first and most accessible electric vehicle in Asia-Pacific

Starting at US$245,000, the Torcal is expected to bring new buyers to the British luxury marque.

https://bt.sg/GXPe

#BTLifestyle: 9 must-have design solutions – from chic wearable tech to a mobility aid that climbs stairs

From a mobility aid that climbs stairs to chic autofocus glasses and a stroller that folds like a book, this year’s Red Dot Award: Design Concept winners offer a glimpse into the future of everyday living. BT’s Corinne Kerk spotlights nine innovative designs we wish were already on the market.

https://bt.sg/5524g

Mass protests in France spiral into worst riots in years

Rioting erupted in cities across France on Saturday (Oct 17) as demonstrations against rising living costs and declining public services spiralled out of control in some of the worst violence the country has witnessed for decades.

https://bt.sg/rjkT