In Focus

Flexible, costlier staff arrangements needed as “new normal” kicks in

HR firms highlight the importance of employees’ mental well-being.

Double-digit GDP contraction imminent in Q2: analyst

Labour conditions are also slated to get worse, even after Q2.

Singaporeans feel less optimistic on the real estate market in H2

More than half of Singaporeans call for ease of property curbs.

IPO fundraising plunged 53.2% to $725m in H1

IPO momentum was interrupted by the pandemic and circuit breaker.

Funding rounds intensify as crisis management adds up to VCs' investment criteria

Investors are expecting a bulk of changes in the ‘new normal’, making it harder for cash-strapped startups.

Retail sales crashed 52.1% in May

The last full month of the Circuit Breaker came worse, but is expected to lighten by June.

Property deals crashed 45% to $6.13b in H1 2020

Despite the surge in big commercial deals, the lack of hospitality deals dragged overall volume.

One in four Singaporeans laid off amidst pandemic

However, three in four hirers would still consider recruiting retrenched workers.

Webrooming customers spent twice more in Singapore stores

Companies are likely to leverage on this behaviour to offer seamless omnichannel shopping.

Infocomm sector satisfaction dips 1%

This marks the first decline for the sector since 2014.

ESG, SSC to develop new standards for business resilience

These aim to mitigate the impact of the pandemic and bolster recovery efforts.

Inflation down 0.2% in May

CPI‐All Items inflation also fell no thanks to a larger decline in private transport costs.

MOM imposes new fair hiring conditions to employment agencies

It will also appoint selected EAs to hire fairly as placement partners.

Government to invest $20b for R&D projects: Heng

They will create alliances to prototype new ideas within the coming months.

Health Ministry watchful as economy reopens

Phase 2 reopening kicks off from today, with restaurants and retail outlets open again.