Media OutReach

Cushman & Wakefield responses to the Policy Address 2025/26

Published

3 months ago

17/09/2025

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 September 2025 – Response to the Policy Address 2025/26 by KK Chiu, International Director, Chief Executive, Greater China of Cushman & Wakefield:

Housing Supply and Land Policy
Optimize land resource allocation and accelerate public housing supply

Hong Kong’s land allocation policies have a profound impact on people’s lives. We are pleased to see the government actively promoting Light Public Housing and other subsidized housing in recent years, as the overall policy direction helps improve living conditions. While we recognize the government’s efforts to introduce various measures to support housing needs, we believe it remains necessary to continuously increase the supply of public housing and accelerate the turnover and allocation of public housing resources.

Welcoming lower construction costs to drive land development

A major difficulty in land development lies in the persistently high construction costs. We are pleased to see the government adopting a multi-pronged approach to reduce construction costs and optimize process design.

On this basis, we recommend that the government further rationally and timely allocate financial, human, and other resources. At the same time, it should proactively strengthen communication with the central government to strive for more centralized procurement benefits that meet Hong Kong’s needs, thereby compressing core costs such as building materials and equipment to enhance overall cost-effectiveness. This move will help accelerate the pace of land supply and provide the market with a more stable and affordable development space.

Cross-District Transfer of Plot Ratio to Help Advance Redevelopment

We support the government in promoting urban renewal with a more flexible approach, especially the relaxation of arrangements for the cross-district transfer of plot ratio. This helps to enhance the incentive for redevelopment and can also effectively alleviate the disputes and difficulties in land resumption and compensation, allowing redevelopment projects to be implemented more smoothly.

Enriching the Home Ownership Ladder to Help Citizens Settle and Purchase Homes

In addition to the continuous increase in the construction of public rental housing, I am pleased to see the government providing home ownership opportunities for families with general economic capabilities. With a significant increase in the supply of Home Ownership Scheme (HOS) flats, raising the Green Form quota ratio will assist more public rental housing tenants in purchasing their own homes. At the same time, this allows other applicants on the public housing waiting list to be housed more quickly, achieving a win-win situation.

Furthermore, I am also pleased to see the Housing Authority’s plan to add another 1,000 quotas for eligible applicants of the “White Form Secondary Market Scheme.” Half of these will be allocated to young families and single-person applicants under the age of 40, helping young families realize their dream of home ownership.

Response to the Policy Address 2025/26 by Alva To, Vice President, Head of Consulting, Greater China of Cushman & Wakefield:

Northern Metropolis Development
From “Supervision” to “Development”: The Northern Metropolis Enters a Critical New Phase of Implementation

Our organization is pleased to see the Northern Metropolis officially transition from the “supervision” upgrade to the “development” phase, with the new “Northern Metropolis Development Committee” to be personally led by the Chief Executive. This structural change not only symbolizes a shift in policy focus but also demonstrates the government’s strong emphasis and determination for the project’s implementation. The establishment of three dedicated working groups will effectively enhance overall planning coordination, execution efficiency, and regulatory capacity, laying a solid foundation for the substantive development of the Northern Metropolis.

I. Development and Operation Model Design Group: The Core Driver for Landing Mainstream Industries

Operation-First, Construction-Led: This group is responsible for promoting the introduction and operation of mainstream industries, including the formulation of public-private partnership models such as “Build-Operate-Transfer” (BOT). This move reflects the government’s awareness that the key to the Northern Metropolis’s success lies not just in construction itself, but in sustainable subsequent operations and the successful establishment of industries.
Incorporating a Technology-Oriented Approach in the “Two-Envelope Approach”: Our organization supports the government’s adoption of the “two-envelope approach” and recommends further increasing the weighting of the technical bid. This would make the quality of the industrial proposal, long-term commitment, and implementation capability the core criteria for evaluation.
Introducing the “1.5-level development” Model: The concept of “1.5-level development” requires not only the initial introduction of facilities for entertainment, dining, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), but more importantly, how to prepare and nurture the foundation for mainstream industries in the early stages. Therefore, our organization suggests first completing the research and positioning of mainstream industries. In the initial phase, ancillary facilities that require lower development intensity and smaller capital investment but can support the growth of mainstream industries should be introduced. Through several years of incubation and operation, population flow and industrial elements can be gradually gathered. Once the industries mature, the second phase of development can commence, thereby extending the value of the space and amplifying economic momentum.
Adopting Flexible Land Development Models: We are pleased to see the government adopting diversified land grant methods, including leases, open tenders, restricted tenders, and even direct grants, coupled with industry-specific conditions to accelerate the implementation of high-potential projects. We welcome the government’s encouragement of broad market participation in the construction of the Northern Metropolis to enhance the efficiency and precision of land allocation.

II. University Town Planning and Construction Group: Building the “Talent Engine” Behind Industrial Development

Mutual Empowerment of Education and Industry: The University Town is not only a base for talent cultivation but also a cradle for promoting innovative research and development and high-value-added industries. Universities have a powerful “enabling effect”; in addition to exporting talent, they help upgrade mainstream industries to higher levels of technology and knowledge intensity.
Construction of a Research Commercialization Platform: The government is encouraged to leverage universities to promote scientific research and attract local and international academic resources, establishing the Northern Metropolis as a base for international innovation talent.

III. Planning and Development Working Group: The Key Force for Implementing Hardware Infrastructure and Managing Pace

Hardware construction is the foundation that supports the industrial and population development of the Northern Metropolis. Our organization is pleased to see the government establish a dedicated working group to coordinate planning, land, transport, engineering, and environmental protection to ensure synergistic development across all functional areas. We recommend prioritizing the development of transport hubs, living facilities, and public services to align with the simultaneous influx of industries and population, thereby avoiding the scenarios of a “ghost town” or “hollowed-out industries.” Furthermore, the government should establish a clear timetable and a phased reporting mechanism to enhance project transparency and execution efficiency, reducing delays and resource misallocation.

Response to the Policy Address 2025/26 by John Siu, Managing Director, Hong Kong, Cushman & Wakefield:

Retail Market
Supporting Pet-friendly Policies to Promote Diversified Development of the Retail Property Market

We welcome the government’s push for pet-friendly policies. We believe this will not only expand potential customer traffic, but also help legitimize existing operating models. Once implemented, the policies can attract a broader clientele and enhance the overall consumer experience.

Some shopping malls have already prepared for the “pet economy,” creating pet-friendly zones and adding pet retail and grooming services. As the policy rolls out, we expect more malls to transition into pet-friendly spaces, unlocking new customer segments, increasing dwell time, and expanding market opportunities for retail and F&B—creating fresh avenues for growth.

Data Centre

Support Launching the Sandy Ridge Data Facility Cluster Land Tender to Consolidate Hong Kong’s Status as a Regional Data Centre Hub

We welcome the government’s launch this year of the land tender for the Sandy Ridge Data Facility Cluster, which will further strengthen Hong Kong’s position as a regional data center hub and promote related industry development. Given that infrastructure such as water supply, power capacity, fiber-optic networks, and road transport is critical to data center operations, we recommend that the government clearly specify, in the tender documents, the completion timelines and technical specifications of these supporting facilities. This would improve project transparency, bolster market confidence, and help investors and operators better assess investment costs and project completion dates.

Response to the Policy Address 2025/26 by Rosanna Tang, Executive Director, Head of Research, Hong Kong of Cushman & Wakefield:

Student Accommodation
Building an International Education Hub and Improving Student Accommodation

We welcome the government’s decision to raise the cap on self-financed non-local students at publicly funded post-secondary institutions from 40% to 50% of local intake. This will increase admissions flexibility, strengthen the international competitiveness of Hong Kong’s education sector, and inject new momentum into the local economy.

According to the latest data, the number of non-local students at bachelor’s level and above reached 89,000 in the 2024/25 academic year, up around 24% from 72,000 in 2023/24. However, the average student-to-bed ratio at the eight UGC-funded universities stands at 3.4:1, indicating a clear shortfall. With the new policy taking effect, we estimate the overall shortage of student accommodation in Hong Kong could expand to over 70,000 beds.

We therefore welcome the government’s adoption—outlined in the Policy Address—of the recommendations from our earlier research report “Hong Kong Talent Housing Part Two: Student Accommodation” Specifically, the reservation of new commercial or other land for purpose-built Student Accommodation (PBSA) with detailed arrangements to be announced within the year. This demonstrates a firm commitment to increasing bed supply in the medium to long term, facilitates near-term activation of existing building stock, and, over time, helps build a more complete education-support ecosystem—further advancing Hong Kong’s positioning as an attractive international education hub.

Response to the Policy Address 2025/26 by Tom Ko, Executive Director, Head of Capital Markets, Hong Kong of Cushman & Wakefield:

Capital Market
Support for Easing Investment Thresholds and Extending Trading Hours to Promote Market Diversification

We support easing the restrictions in the “Capital Investment Immigration Scheme” regarding the inclusion of purchased residential and non-residential properties as part of the investment amount. We believe this adjustment will not only attract more investors to Hong Kong but also help stimulate turnover in the high-end residential and non-residential property markets, injecting new impetus into the capital market.

Support for Relaxing the Exemption Arrangement for Car Park Gross Floor Area

We welcome the government’s adjustment to the requirements for constructing car parks in new development projects. This means the industry will no longer need to place car parks in basements due to gross floor area considerations. This move can reduce the difficulty of project development and save developers’ project development costs. In the long run, it can also make the price of parking spaces more affordable.

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Hashtag: #CushmanWakefield

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Media OutReach

Payment Options Singapore Secures In-Principle Approval from MAS for Major Payment Institution Licence

Published

6 hours ago

08/12/2025

Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 December 2025 – Payment Options Pte Ltd, a Singapore-based payment solutions provider, is pleased to announce that it has received In-Principle Approval (IPA) from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) for a Major Payment Institution (MPI) licence under the Payment Services Act 2019.

Payment Options Pte Ltd office in Singapore

This milestone underscores Payment Options’ commitment to supporting Singapore’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with simple, secure, and accessible digital payment solutions.

If granted the licence, Payment Options Pte Ltd will be authorised to provide three regulated payment services: Merchant Acquisition, Domestic Money Transfer, and Cross-Border Money Transfer. Through these services, the company aims to empower SMEs with a full suite of payment capabilities — from online payment gateways and QR code payments to the upcoming SoftPOS payments technology — enabling merchants to accept digital payments easily and securely.

“We remain deeply committed to supporting Singapore’s SMEs as they grow and compete in an increasingly digital-first economy. Our vision is to position digital payments as a growth enabler — not a challenge — for small businesses”, said Aaron Yip, Director of Payment Options Pte Ltd. “Our goal is to make digital transactions seamless, secure, and accessible for every business, regardless of size.”

Building on this vision, if the licence is granted, Payment Options will continue to work closely with local merchants, financial institutions, and technology partners to enhance payment accessibility and drive innovation across Singapore’s SME ecosystem.

“We reaffirm our commitment to regulatory compliance and innovation, as we contribute to Singapore’s ongoing journey toward a secure, inclusive, and cash-lite economy.”

The IPA granted by the MAS indicates that a licence may be issued upon the fulfilment of specified conditions and provided there are no material adverse developments affecting the applicant. The IPA does not constitute a licence to provide payment services at this stage, and MAS reserves the right to rescind the approval if it deems appropriate.
Hashtag: #PaymentOptions

https://www.paymentoptions.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/payment-options/
https://www.facebook.com/PaymentOptions.int/
https://www.instagram.com/payment.options/

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Payment Options Pte Ltd

Payment Options Pte Ltd is a Singapore-based financial technology company providing innovative and secure payment solutions designed to help SMEs and merchants simplify digital transactions. With a focus on compliance, technology, and customer experience, the company aims to make digital payments accessible for every business.

Media OutReach

Financial Assistance at SIM: Breaking Barriers to Education

Published

7 hours ago

08/12/2025

Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 December 2025 – For many aspiring learners, financial constraints remain one of the biggest obstacles to achieving their goals. SIM is determined to change that. Guided by the principle that no student should be left behind because of cost, SIM has built a comprehensive ecosystem of financial aid, scholarships, and bursaries to make quality education attainable for all.

At the heart of this mission is the SIM Impact Fund, a S$60 million initiative dedicated to empowering students from diverse backgrounds and ensuring that financial hardship never stands in the way of academic or personal growth. By blending need-based assistance with merit-driven opportunities, SIM is creating an inclusive learning environment where talent and ambition define success.

Empowering Learners Through the SIM Impact Fund

In 2024, SIM introduced the SIM Impact Fund, a S$60 million initiative dedicated to supporting students from lower-income households and ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder educational aspirations. Administered through SIM Trust, the fund is designed to empower learners within and beyond SIM’s community by removing barriers to access. Beginning in 2025, Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents with a per-capita income of S$1,750 or below can benefit from tiered assistance, ranging from S$6,000 up to S$13,500 for those with PCI of S$600 or less, S$4,500 to S$6,750 for PCI between S$601 and S$1,000, and S$2,000 for PCI between S$1,001 and S$1,750. Beyond tuition aid, the fund also provides support for overseas internships and merit-based scholarships, benefiting approximately 500 students annually.

Beyond Tuition: Comprehensive Financial Aid

SIM’s commitment to learning accessibility goes far beyond tuition subsidies. Through its Financial Assistance schemes, students can tap into a range of support options tailored to different needs. These include Enhanced Bursaries Aid, which provide up to S$13,500 per year for Singapore Citizens, and a SIM GE Crisis Fund offering emergency relief of up to S$5,000 for unforeseen circumstances. In addition, SIM encourages global exposure through Study Abroad Awards, enabling students to broaden their horizons without financial strain. Together, these initiatives reflect SIM’s ethos of inclusivity and resilience, ensuring that financial challenges never derail academic aspirations.

Community-Focused Support

The Dr Richard K M Eu – SIM Social Entrepreneurship Centre (RESSEC) exemplifies SIM’s deep-rooted commitment to community empowerment and social impact. Launched in July 2024 in partnership with the late Dr Eu’s family,

RESSEC received a combined S$8 million donation, S$6 million from the Eu family and S$2 million from SIM, marking a significant investment in nurturing social entrepreneurship. Guided by Dr Eu’s vision of transforming social service through ethical leadership and innovation, the Centre equips learners and social service professionals via initiatives such as a specialised postgraduate Diploma in Social Entrepreneurship, mentorship, and collaborative dialogues.

RESSEC also provides 12 bursaries of S$10,000 each for SIM Global Education students (check that this is accurate and that it’s not also extended to those outside the SIM ecosystem) who demonstrate strong community service and leadership and those with per-capita income up to S$1,750, prioritising those with per-capita income less than S$1,000. Through this initiative, SIM embeds purpose-driven learning into its mission, empowering students to create sustainable, positive impact in Singapore and beyond

Scholarship for Excellence

SIM offers a diverse range of scholarships under SIM Global Education to recognize excellence and resilience among its students. These include the SIM STARRR Award, which provides up to S$36,000 to outstanding achievers who demonstrate academic distinction and leadership qualities, and the Sports & Arts Talent Award, also valued at S$15,000 for students who excel in athletic or artistic pursuits. Additionally, the Chairman’s Award for Resilience grants S$3,000 to students who successfully balance work and study commitments, showcasing perseverance in the face of challenges. Together, these scholarships complement SIM’s need-based financial aid, creating a holistic support system that rewards merit while ensuring inclusivity.

Conclusion: Building a Future Without Barriers

SIM’s financial assistance framework is more than a set of policies, it is a promise to the community. By investing in initiatives like the SIM Impact Fund and expanding bursaries and scholarships, SIM is actively dismantling the barriers that prevent talented individuals from reaching their potential. This approach does not just benefit students, it strengthens society by cultivating a diverse pool of graduates equipped to lead, innovate, and give back. In a world where education often comes with a hefty price tag, SIM stands out as a beacon of accessibility and empowerment. For students and families seeking assurance that quality education is within reach, SIM offers not just hope but a clear, actionable path forward.

References:

Bursaries & Financial Aid (Enhanced) – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/admissions/bursaries-and-financial-aids
Dr Richard K M Eu – SIM Social Entrepreneurship Centre (RESSEC) – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/sim-global-education/ressec
The Dr Richard K M Eu – SIM Social Entrepreneurship Centre (RESSEC) Opens to Advance Singapore’s Social Sector – https://www.sim.edu.sg/news-events/the-dr-richard-k-m-eu-sim-social-entrepreneurship-centre-%28ressec%29-opens
SIM Scholarship – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/admissions/scholarships
SIM’s STARRR Award – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/admissions/scholarships/sim-starrr-award-for-new-undergraduate-students
SIM Award and Sports & Artistic Award – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/admissions/scholarships/sim-global-education-scholarship
SIM Global Education Diploma Scholarships – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/admissions/scholarships/sim-global-education-diploma-scholarships
Chairman’s Award for Resilience – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/admissions/scholarships/chairman-s-award-for-resilience

Hashtag: #SIMGlobalEducation #SIMGE #GlobalEducation #InternationalDegree #CareerReady #FutureSkills

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About SIM Global Education

SIM Global Education (SIM GE) is a leading private education institution in Singapore and the region. We offer more than 140 academic programmes ranging from diplomas and graduate diploma programmes to bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes with some of the world’s most reputable universities from Australia, Canada, Europe, United Kingdom, and the United States. SIM GE’s cohort is made up of 16,000 full- and part-time students and adult learners, of which approximately 36% are international students hailing from over 50 countries.

SIM GE’s holistic learning approach and culturally diverse learning environment aim to equip students with knowledge, industry skills and employability competencies, as well as a global perspective to succeed as future leaders in a fast-changing, technologically driven world.

For more information on SIM Global Education, visit sim.edu.sg

Media OutReach

Beyond Academic Excellence: SIM Scholarships Champion Leadership, Resilience, and Talent

Published

24 hours ago

07/12/2025

Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 December 2025 – The Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) is proud to reaffirm its commitment to developing future-ready graduates through a comprehensive scholarship framework that goes beyond academic achievement. These scholarships are designed to recognize and nurture qualities such as leadership, resilience, and talent. These attributes are essential for success in today’s dynamic global environment.

For decades, scholarships have been synonymous with academic excellence. SIM is redefining this narrative by adopting a holistic approach that values character, contribution, and courage alongside academic performance. This initiative reflects SIM’s mission to prepare graduates who are adaptable, innovative, and socially responsible.

Scholarships That Go Beyond Academics

SIM’s scholarship ecosystem reflects its belief that success is multidimensional. Rather than focusing solely on grades, these awards celebrate qualities such as resilience, leadership, and talent. The SIM STARRR Award, for instance, supports freshmen who embody Resilience, Resourcefulness, and Responsibility, offering up to S$36,000 in tuition fees, along with living and exchange allowances, without any bond requirement.

For students who shine in sports or the arts, the SIM Award & Sports/Artistic Talent Award provides S$15,000, disbursed in two tranches, to help them balance academic and extracurricular excellence.

International students pursuing diploma programmes can benefit from the Diploma Scholarships, which cover up to 100% of course fees for academic excellence or 50% for merit-based achievements.

For working adults who have overcome significant challenges, the SIM Chairman’s Award for Resilience offers S$3,000, recognizing perseverance and determination in the face of adversity.

Stories That Inspire

SIM’s scholarships are more than financial aid. They are catalysts for transformation, opening doors for students to turn challenges into triumphs. Take Ernita Tanudjaja, an international student who refused to let pandemic disruptions derail her ambitions. Instead, she leveraged technology to livestream events and boost engagement, showcasing resilience and resourcefulness.

Similarly, Chow Kah Ying, an ICU nurse, managed the intense demands of frontline healthcare during COVID-19 while completing her degree, showcasing perseverance and purpose. Likewise, Michelle Seah transformed O-level failure into triumph, excelling in javelin and academics to earn the SIM Sports & Artistic Talent Award, proof that determination and discipline can rewrite any story.

These journeys reflect SIM’s unwavering belief that leadership and resilience matter as much as grades, and that true achievement lies in character and contribution as much as in academic performance.

The Broader Vision

SIM’s scholarships represent more than financial assistance. They serve as a strategic platform for transformation and growth. Recipients benefit from networking opportunities that connect them with alumni and industry leaders, fostering mentorship and career development. Many scholarships also provide international exposure through exchange programmes that broaden perspectives and enhance global competencies.

In addition to academic achievement, students cultivate essential life skills such as leadership, resilience and adaptability through experiential learning and community engagement. These qualities equip graduates to excel in uncertain environments and contribute meaningfully to society.

This commitment reflects SIM’s core belief that education is not limited to examinations. It is about shaping leaders who create impact and drive positive change in a rapidly evolving world.

References: