Daily briefing: Singapore unveils Centre for Healthcare Innovation; Airbnb-style short-term accommodation still illegal

And here’s where ride-hailing app TADA is setting its sights next.

From ChannelNewsAsia:

A new facility poised to play a key role in the ongoing transformation of Singapore’s healthcare sector was opened on 9 May.

The Ng Teng Fong Centre for Healthcare Innovation (CHI) aims to be the landmark physical space for healthcare professionals and industry partners to come together to turn their ideas into possible solutions that can be used in real life.

With its opening, more new and innovative healthcare projects could be in the pipeline.

CHI is located next to the National Centre for Infectious Diseases in the vicinity of Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH), and together both facilities cost $940m to build.

The centre is one of nine new developments under the Health City Novena Master Plan 2030, launched by Health Minister Gan Kim Yong in 2013.

Read more here.

From PropertyGuru:

The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) announced that Airbnb-style short accommodation will remain illegal in Singapore as the minimum stay duration of three consecutive months will continue to apply for private residential properties.

The URA arrived at the decision following extensive consultations with key stakeholders on the proposed regulatory framework for the use of private homes for short-term accommodation (STA).

A national survey commissioned by URA in the second half of 2018 showed that majority of Singaporeans support the regulatory framework for STA.

Several home-sharing platform operators, however, called for a lighter touch approach as they deemed the proposed rules to be overly restrictive.

Management corporations also expressed concerns on the greater responsibilities placed on them.

Read more here.

From DealStreetAsia:

In an effort to stave off competition from deep-pocketed players such as Grab and GOJEK, newly launched small ride-sharing companies in Southeast Asia are increasingly seeking opportunities to set their foot in smaller frontiers.

The latest in the fray is TADA. Founded by Singapore-based MVL Foundation, TADA launched its blockchain-based ride-hailing app in Phnom Penh on Wednesday.

TADA claims it is one of the first e-hailing companies in the world to utilise blockchain technology to offer zero commission taken from drivers. After its launch in Singapore last July and in Vietnam earlier this year, the company said it has attracted more than 30,000 drivers and 230,000 users in the said region.

TADA has sealed a partnership with financial services providers including Alipay, Shinhan Bank and Pi Pay, a digital wallet based in Cambodia.

Read more here.