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Horizon Vision

Singapore’s key exports rise 24.2% in July due to strong AI demand, but miss forecasts

Singapore’s key exports rise 24.2% in July due to strong AI demand, but miss forecasts

Singapore’s July non-oil domestic exports rose 24.2% on strong AI-driven electronics demand, missing forecasts. The government raised its 2026 growth outlook, despite declines in non-electronics exports and new US levies.

How useful are the Ukraine and Iran wars to Taiwan’s defence strategy?

How useful are the Ukraine and Iran wars to Taiwan’s defence strategy?

Taiwan's 2027 defence budget will focus on drones and asymmetric warfare, influenced by the Ukraine and Iran wars, though local adaptation may be difficult.

Taiwan wraps up its largest annual military exercises

Taiwan wraps up its largest annual military exercises

Taiwan has concluded its 42nd annual Han Kuang military exercises, incorporating lessons from global conflicts to strengthen its defenses against increasing pressure from China.

US semiconductor equipment firm Lam Research to add 200 jobs in Singapore amid AI boom

US semiconductor equipment firm Lam Research to add 200 jobs in Singapore amid AI boom

Lam Research is hiring 200 specialized engineering and technical staff in Singapore to support rising demand for AI-driven chipmaking technologies, primarily targeting local talent to strengthen the semiconductor ecosystem.

Singapore bankers, China-linked clients gear up for Beijing’s scrutiny of offshore trusts

Singapore bankers, China-linked clients gear up for Beijing’s scrutiny of offshore trusts

China’s new tax rules on offshore trusts increase scrutiny for wealthy Chinese clients. Singaporean bankers are now advising clients to ensure compliance and navigate complex tax liabilities under these stricter regulations.

North Korea may increase western Russia deployment to 50,000 troops

North Korea may increase western Russia deployment to 50,000 troops

Russia and North Korea plan to increase North Korean troop deployments to 50,000 by November to support Russia’s offensive in Ukraine’s Donbas region.

Russia’s Putin visits Japan-claimed islands for first time; Tokyo protests

Russia’s Putin visits Japan-claimed islands for first time; Tokyo protests

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the Japan-claimed Kuril Islands for the first time, prompting a formal protest from Tokyo over the long-standing territorial dispute.

DeepSeek publicises efforts to challenge Anthropic’s Claude code

DeepSeek publicises efforts to challenge Anthropic’s Claude code

DeepSeek is recruiting a specialized team to develop AI agent software, aiming to compete with Anthropic’s Claude Code and expand its presence in the automated business tools market.

Singtel Q1 profit falls 71% in absence of Airtel stake sale, with weaker Singapore business

Singtel Q1 profit falls 71% in absence of Airtel stake sale, with weaker Singapore business

Singtel’s Q1 net profit dropped 71% due to missing one-off divestment gains. Despite weaker Singapore performance, underlying profit rose 21% on strong regional associate contributions and growth in Digital InfraCo.

In the AI Race, Export Controls Are Dividing the Global Compute Ecosystem

In the AI Race, Export Controls Are Dividing the Global Compute Ecosystem

Global export controls on AI chips are fragmenting the tech ecosystem into rival compute blocs. This geopolitical divide threatens to slow innovation, increase costs, and destabilize international relations over semiconductor supply chains.

Commentary: Complacency is the hidden risk in Singapore’s success

Commentary: Complacency is the hidden risk in Singapore’s success

Singapore’s long-term peace and prosperity have fostered dangerous complacency. Experts warn this mindset threatens national security and economic resilience, necessitating greater public vigilance and transparent communication to navigate future global uncertainties.

Wall Street ends down as US-Iran peace optimism fades

Wall Street ends down as US-Iran peace optimism fades

Wall Street fell as fading optimism regarding a US-Iran peace deal and inflation concerns dampened investor sentiment, despite gains in the energy sector and select asset management firms.