Daily Briefing: Singapore office tenants get upper hand; HDB to build 4 new neighbourhood centres

And read about how robots are now leading workouts for the elderly in Singapore.

The tables have turned when it comes to Singapore’s downtown office rents. Tenants will now be getting the upper hand at rental negotiations as leasing rates posted their first quarterly drop since 2012, according to DTZ Holdings Plc. With both demand and the city-state’s economy slowing, the pace of decline is set to accelerate. Read more here.

Designed based on public feedback, the new neighbourhood centres will have lush terraces, waterfront features, green systems such as rainwater harvesting and public transport connections. Find out more here.

Singapore’s government this weekend unveiled a “robo coach” – a robot that will help senior citizens exercise and stay healthy. “Enhanced with sensors, RoboCoach offers personalized exercise routines that are more enjoyable for the seniors,” said Dr. Yaacob Ibrahim, Singapore’s Minister for Communications and Information, in a speech about using technology to shake up healthcare. Read more here.