Media OutReach
Handshake Finance Raises S$500K Pre-Seed to Build Escrow-as-a-Service for Singapore’s High-Trust Service Industries
 and Lee Jun Xian (Right).png)
Born From Personal Experience
Handshake Finance launched in September 2025, founded by Christopher Chan and Lee Jun Xian. Both had seen the trust gap up close.
Jun’s close friend lost S$80,000 in pre-payments to a renovation company that collapsed mid-project. At the same time, Christopher’s friend paid a deposit on a rental home she had never viewed, only to discover the listing was fraudulent. Both incidents pointed to the same structural failure: in service industries, someone always carries the risk, and when trust breaks down, there is little recourse on either side.
The two founders met as university classmates in London and returned to the problem with complementary backgrounds. Christopher Chan had spent his career in fintech, designing compliant payment flows on regulated infrastructure. Lee Jun Xian came from venture capital, with experience scaling early-stage companies from zero to one.
Trust as the foundation, not the feature
Handshake operates on bank-grade payment infrastructure provided by MAS-regulated partners. All payment flows are fully MAS regulated, and funds are held with DBS in segregated escrow accounts. For the founders, this is not a checkbox — it is the entire foundation of the business.
“We are trying to solve a structural trust gap in service industries. But before any of that, our users have to trust us,” said Christopher Chan, Co-Founder of Handshake Finance. “Making sure every fund flow is fully compliant, and that our users feel completely assured handing us money in what are often life-changing transactions, is our number one priority. Everything else is built on top of that.”
Closing the Trust Gap Across Service Industries
Every high-trust service transaction carries the same structural flaw: either the customer pays before work is done, or the provider works before getting paid. Someone always carries the risk. Across industries — from renovation and interior design to event planning, creative agencies, and professional services — that risk falls entirely on one side, and when trust breaks down, there is little recourse for either party.
Handshake Finance was built to close that gap. The platform holds customer funds in escrow and releases them to service providers against agreed milestones, giving buyers protection from pre-payment risk while giving service providers the confidence to deliver. The model is designed to work across any service industry where the payment trust problem exists.
Why Renovation and Interior Design Is Handshake’s Beachhead Market
Renovation was where the structural failure ran deepest. The industry operates with no mandatory licensing or regulatory framework. Anyone can set up as an interior designer with no accreditation required, leaving homeowners with no reliable way to assess accountability before signing a contract.
There is no standard payment framework either. Homeowners routinely pay up to 50% of the total project value upfront, with funds going directly to the interior designer before any work begins. If a project stalls or a firm shuts down, there is limited protection and recourse. At the other end of the project, interior designers face the opposite problem: the final handover payment, where homeowners hold most of the leverage, can be withheld over disputes that wipe out up to half a project’s margin.
Eight Months of Listening Before a Single Line of Code
Before writing any software, the Handshake team spent eight months speaking with more than 80 interior designers and homeowners across Singapore to understand the real frictions on both sides of the transaction. What they found reinforced the decision to start here: high transaction values, a broken payment norm, an unregulated supply side, and no existing platform that protected both parties.
That research shaped how the product was built. After a renovation contract is signed, Handshake’s AI automatically generates the transaction structure with line items, payment schedules, and sub-milestones set out clearly to remove ambiguity. Homeowners place funds into escrow rather than paying upfront directly to the interior designer.
Payment releases to the designer as work progresses against agreed milestones, with sub-milestone releases providing faster cashflow access without compromising homeowner protection. The platform also replaces the manual spreadsheet-based back-office admin most interior design firms still run, and offers complimentary mediation and independent assessments in the event of a dispute.
More than 40 Interior Design Companies Onboarded and 2 Major Partnerships Signed
Handshake now has more than 40 interior design companies onboarded. The company has signed partnerships with Renonation.sg and Network SG, two of Singapore’s most established renovation marketplaces, to drive awareness and adoption across the broader ecosystem.
“It is an incredible feeling to see this much support behind us, and we are excited about what is ahead,” said Lee Jun Xian, Co-Founder of Handshake Finance. “We are industry-agnostic by design, but we are laser-focused on fixing renovation first. The scams that are still everyday occurrences in this space need to go, and the transactional experience for everyone involved needs to be better before we turn our attention to the next industry or market.”
Homeowners and interior designers can learn more or request access at handshake.finance.
Hashtag: #HandshakeFinance
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Handshake Finance
Handshake Finance is a Singapore-based fintech building escrow-as-a-service infrastructure for high-trust service industries. The platform holds customer funds in segregated escrow accounts and releases them against agreed milestones, protecting buyers from pre-payment risk while giving service providers the confidence to deliver. All payment flows are fully MAS regulated. Funds are held with DBS. Handshake is currently focused on Singapore’s renovation and interior design market as its beachhead, with plans to expand across other service industries and Southeast Asia.
Media OutReach
AECOM and Urban Land Institute launch inaugural Asia Pacific Infrastructure Innovation Index, highlighting region’s evolving infrastructure innovation priorities
Developed in collaboration between AECOM and ULI, the report brings together perspectives from stakeholders across infrastructure, government, utilities, investment, planning and development sectors. It draws on a survey of more than 100 senior infrastructure professionals in Asia Pacific, alongside in-depth interviews with industry leaders. As the first edition of the Index, it establishes a baseline for understanding how infrastructure innovation is currently being prioritized and delivered across the region.
“This report highlights how organizations are moving beyond ideas and applying innovation in practical ways to improve delivery, resilience and system performance,” said Ian Chung, chief executive of AECOM’s Asia region. “Infrastructure leaders across Asia Pacific are responding to growing complexity by strengthening digital capabilities, improving coordination across interconnected systems and focusing on long-term operational performance.”
“Our collaboration with AECOM reflects a growing recognition that infrastructure and real estate are increasingly interdependent,” said Alan Beebe, CEO Asia Pacific, ULI. “As cities in Asia Pacific evolve, infrastructure is no longer just a technical consideration, but plays a critical role in shaping how places function, grow and perform. Understanding how innovation is being applied in this context is essential for those involved in the built environment.”
Among the top ten takeaways highlighted in the report, three key themes emerged consistently across both the survey findings and interview insights: the role of AI in infrastructure systems, the integration and growing demands on energy systems, and the need to design and operate infrastructure for climate resilience. Together, these themes highlight a broader shift toward enhancing how infrastructure systems are developed and perform under increasingly complex, real-world conditions.
Read the report here: Asia Pacific Infrastructure Innovation Index | AECOM Insights
Hashtag: #AECOM #AsiaPacificInfrastructureInnovationIndex
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About AECOM
AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle — from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.
About the Urban Land Institute
The Urban Land Institute (ULI) is a non-profit education and research institute supported by its members. Its mission is to shape the future of the built environment for transformative impact in communities worldwide. Established in 1936, the Institute has more than 48,000 members worldwide and over 3,000 members in the Asia Pacific region representing all aspects of land use and development disciplines. For more information on ULI Asia Pacific, please visit 
asia.uli.org, or follow us on 
LinkedIn, 
Facebook, 
Instagram, 
X, and 
YouTube.
Media OutReach
From Masar Makkah to New destinations: Umm Al Qura for Development & Construction Launches New Five-Year Strategy and announces Its Second Destination in Makkah
The strategy also strengthens the company’s ability to manage a diversified portfolio of urban and investment destinations with long-term economic and urban impact across Makkah, Jeddah, and Madinah.
The unveiling of the new strategy comes in the wake of the company successfully achieving the objectives of its 2021-26 strategy, which served as a roadmap for its institutional transformation over the past five years. This journey led to the completion of Masar Destination’s main infrastructure and its transition into the operational phase, alongside the development of a mature investment and financial platform and the enhancement of its institutional and operational capabilities.
These achievements were further reinforced by its listing on the Saudi Exchange (Tadawul), strengthening investor confidence and positioning the company for a new phase of large-scale expansion built on its core strengths and focused on creating sustainable, long-term value for communities, people, and investors.
During the period from 2021 to 2026, the company successfully established an integrated and scalable business model driven by its accumulated expertise and strong financial performance. This included a compound annual growth rate exceeding 60% in revenues and more than 45% in net profit, alongside operating cash flows surpassing SAR 2 billion in the most recent fiscal year. The company also attracted approximately SAR 40 billion in development investments for the destination, forged more than 30 strategic partnerships, and developed a comprehensive governance framework. In parallel, it built advanced operational and development capabilities that support sustainable growth and enhance the company’s readiness for its next phase.
The new strategy is anchored in a planned and selective expansion approach that does not seek to increase the number of projects as much as it focuses on delivering sustainable value for place, community, and investors. This will be achieved through the development of high-quality urban destinations in Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah, within a carefully targeted geographic focus that enhances operational integration and maximizes the efficient deployment of resources and expertise.
In this phase, the company is adopting a clearly defined approach to capital allocation, balancing growth with the maximization of returns while maintaining the flexibility of its financial position. It aims to manage an additional development portfolio exceeding SAR 50 billion, alongside deploying incremental capital investments ranging between SAR 3-5 billion over the course of the strategy, further reinforcing its ability to deliver sustainable long-term growth.
In parallel, the company will adopt a flexible operating model that enables it to lead projects as a master developer or to participate as a partner and development manager, in line with defined investment criteria that ensure carefully considered decision-making aligned with its strategic direction.
The company also confirms that Masar Destination will remain a central cornerstone within its future portfolio, with ongoing development of its extensions and expansions in accordance with approved plans. As its flagship project, Masar continues to serve as the primary foundation for the company’s activities and the model through which it will launch new urban destinations that contribute to enhanced quality of life and support economic growth across its target cities.
Commenting on this, Yasser Abdulaziz Abuateek, CEO of Umm Al Qura for Development & Construction, stated: “The launch of our new strategy represents a pivotal turning point in the company’s journey, as we move from a phase of capability building to one of considered expansion. The achievements of the past years have provided us with the confidence, expertise, and readiness to advance toward managing a fully integrated portfolio of urban destinations. Through this, we aim to create sustainable value for place, community, and investors within a robust governance framework that supports continued growth and contributes to generating long-term impact across the western region.”
This strategy reaffirms Umm Al Qura for Development and Construction’s commitment to supporting the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 by developing high-quality urban destinations that enhance quality of life, stimulate investment, and strengthen economic integration within a growth model driven by value creation and sustainability.
For more information, visit: www.ummalqura.com.sa/en/new-strategy-2030
Hashtag: #Development #SaudiArabia
https://www.ummalqura.com.sa/en
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Umm Al Qura for development & Construction
Umm Al Qura for development & Construction is the owner and developer of MASAR destination that works with a developmental vision to elevate the urban and investment landscape of Makkah through pioneering the development of Masar destination and exploring new avenues to help improve the quality of life for Makkah residents, pilgrims and visitors.
Media OutReach
Galaxy Macau and Trip.com Group Strike Three-Year Deal to Supercharge Global Live Events Pipeline
Strategic alliance to drive headline concerts, sports events and premium travel experiences for international audiences, accelerating Macau’s push to become a global “City of Performing Arts.”
MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 June 2026 – Galaxy Macau, the world-class luxury integrated resort, has entered into a landmark three-year strategic partnership with Trip.com Group, the global leading one-stop travel services platform, spanning 2026 to 2029. Anchored in the fast-growing convergence of live entertainment, sports and premium travel, the alliance signals an ambitious push to reshape Asia’s high-value tourism and events landscape.
At the core of the collaboration lies a shared commitment to scale world-class live experiences, leveraging Trip.com Group’s expansive global membership ecosystem alongside Galaxy Macau’s proven expertise in venue operations and large-scale event execution. This includes the flagship Galaxy Arena, a premier destination for international concerts, sporting spectacles and marquee entertainment programming.
Through this partnership, both parties will deepen integration across event curation, execution and distribution, while unlocking new layers of value through cross-platform membership privileges. The result is designed to deliver a more seamless, diversified and elevated experience for audiences — from ticket access and travel planning to on-ground entertainment delivery.
The agreement marks a pivotal step forward in advancing the integration of culture and tourism, a priority theme shaping the next phase of regional tourismdevelopment. By combining digital reach with physical destination excellence, Galaxy Macau and Trip.com Group are positioned to explore a broader spectrum of co-branded initiatives, immersive event formats and destination-led campaigns that extend beyond conventional travel offerings.
As the collaboration evolves, Galaxy Macau and Trip.com Group will jointly shape emerging trends at the intersection of luxury tourism and cultural entertainment, injecting fresh momentum into Macau’s ambition to strengthen its standing as a world centre of tourism and leisure.
For more information about Galaxy Macau, please visit www.galaxymacau.com.
Hashtag: #GalaxyMacau
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
ABOUT GALAXY MACAU INTEGRATED RESORT
Galaxy Macau, world-class luxury integrated resort, delivers the “Most Spectacular Entertainment and Leisure Destination in the World”. Developed at an investment of HK$43 billion, the property covers 1.1 million-square-meter of unique entertainment and leisure attractions that are unlike anything else in Macau. Nine award-winning world-class luxury hotels provide close to 5,000 rooms, suites and villas. They include Banyan Tree Macau, Galaxy Hotel™, Hotel Okura Macau, JW Marriott Hotel Macau, The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, Broadway Hotel, Raffles at Galaxy Macau, Andaz Macau, and Capella at Galaxy Macau. Unique to Galaxy Macau, the 75,000-square-meter Grand Resort Deck features the world’s longest Skytop Adventure Rapids at 575 metres, the largest Skytop Wave Pool with waves up to 1.5-metre high and 150-metre pristine white sand beach. Two five-star spas from Banyan Tree Spa Macau and The Ritz- Carlton Spa, Macau help guests relax and rejuvenate.
As the dining destination in Asia, Galaxy Macau offers a wide variety of gastronomic delights, exquisite experiences and ingredients of the finest quality with over 120 dining options from Michelin dining to authentic delicacies; Galaxy Promenade is the hottest shopping destination featuring the latest in fashion and curated experiences in Macau. Spanning over 100,000-square-meter, luxury flagship stores, lifestyle boutiques and our selection of labels are among the more than 200 world-renowned brands for a world-class shopping journey; Galaxy Cinemas, immersive thrills and luxurious comfort go hand in hand at Galaxy Cinemas. All 10 theatres are equipped with the latest audio-visual technology; CHINA ROUGE, one-of-a-kind deluxe lounge that evokes the glitz and glamor of Shanghai’s golden era with entertainment in luxury and style; and Foot Hub presents the traditional art of reflexology to make you feel more relaxed and revitalized. For Authentic Macau Flavours & Vibrant Asian Experiences, Broadway Macau – just a 90-second walk via a bridge from Galaxy Macau, has over 35 Authentic Macau & Asian Flavours at its Broadway Food Street. The 2,500-seat Broadway Theatre plays host to world-class entertainers and a diverse array of cultural events. Meeting, incentive and banquet groups are also well looked after with a portfolio of unique venues in Galaxy Macau and a professional service staff.
Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) is the latest addition to the Group’s ever-expanding integrated resort precinct and will usher in a new era for the MICE industry in Macau. GICC is a world- class event venue featuring 40,000-square-meter of total flexible MICE, and a 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena – the largest indoor arena in Macau.
For more details, please visit 
www.galaxymacau.com,www.broadwaymacau.com.mo and www.galaxyicc.com.
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