In a week marked by pivotal developments in Singapore’s stock market, significant movements across various sectors were recorded, notably with Alibaba’s strategic exit from Singapore Post, outstanding performances from DBS Group, and advances in the Straits Times Index.
This week, Alibaba Group made headlines by substantially reducing its stake in Singapore Post Limited, offloading 151.3 million shares to bring its ownership below 5%. This divestment represents a significant shift in Alibaba’s investment posture within Southeast Asia’s logistics sector, particularly in Singapore. The Chinese e-commerce giant had been a key shareholder in SingPost since its initial investment aimed at enhancing its regional presence. SingPost is currently undergoing transformation efforts to bolster its e-commerce logistics capabilities, and Alibaba’s exit raises questions about future partnerships but also opens avenues for new investors aligned with SingPost’s long-term vision.
In a different vein, semiconductor optics firm MetaOptics Technologies celebrated a remarkable debut on the SGX’s Catalist board. On September 9, 2025, shares surged by 25% on its initial public offering (IPO), starting at S$0.21 and closing at S$0.24, following an optimistic market reception. The company, specializing in metalenses technology, completed its S$6 million placement, fully subscribed by 209 investors. Despite posting a net loss of S$2.3 million on revenues of just S$79,440 in 2024, optimistic investor sentiment around its growth potential signals strong confidence in emerging technology firms on the SGX.
Meanwhile, Centurion Accommodation REIT announced it would be offering 262 million units at S$0.88 each in an upcoming mainboard listing, aiming to raise around S$230 million. Focusing on workers’ dormitories and student accommodation properties, the REIT aims to tap into the growing demand for purpose-built accommodation in Singapore, enhancing visibility among institutional investors. The offering’s pricing reflects the manager’s confidence in the REIT’s underlying portfolio value, positioning it to benefit from anticipated growth in foreign worker numbers and the return of international students.
DBS Group continued its impressive trajectory, surpassing S$53 for the first time and elevating the Straits Times Index (STI) to a record high of 4,367.51 points. As Singapore’s largest bank, DBS outperformed its peers and solidified its status as a market leader. The bank’s consistent delivery of record profits and a robust dividend policy have attracted both retail and institutional investors, reflecting strong confidence in its digital transformation and capital management strategies. The STI’s growth underscores the overall resilience of Singapore’s equity market amid shifting global economic conditions.
In a strategic move for Singapore’s capital markets, the Singapore Exchange (SGX) announced plans to introduce a new index aimed at tracking mid-cap stocks, moving beyond the 30 constituents of the STI. Minister Chee Hong Tat highlighted this initiative during a conference, emphasizing it as part of efforts to attract investor interest in growing companies that may be undergoing significant transformations. The introduction of this index is expected to enhance visibility for emerging firms and potentially foster a pathway for their inclusion in the STI.
The SGX also aims to develop additional indices related to corporate governance and sustainability, creating a positive momentum within the Singapore stock market. These efforts reflect the evolving landscape of investor focus, with a shift toward companies demonstrating strong growth narratives and strategic directions.
In summary, this week’s developments highlight a dynamic period for Singapore’s stock market, showcasing strategic shifts in major companies, significant IPO movements, and broader efforts by the SGX to enhance market attractiveness amid evolving investor priorities.
