This Week’s Top 3
1) Singapore actively dealing with ongoing cyberattack on critical infrastructure
Singapore is facing rising threats from state-linked cyber groups like UNC3886, believed to be connected to China. Home Affairs Minister Shanmugam warned that “advanced persistent threats” (APTs) are highly sophisticated and well-resourced, with attacks in Singapore more than quadrupling since 2021. Singapore will need to reassess its vendors and supply chains, and accept that some attacks may get through despite strong defences. Trust in Singapore’s digital systems remains vital.
Mr Shanmugam said that the world faced more dangers in cyberspace now than it did 10 years ago. “It is no longer enough only to guard our most critical systems. Potential targets have increased. They include external vendors, suppliers, service providers along the entire supply chain. Even residential devices like home routers, IP cameras are now being exploited by cyber attackers,” he said.
Full article: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/unc3886-cyber-security-threat-actor-attack-singapore-5245791
2) MAS Appoints First Batch of Equity Market Development Programme (EQDP) Asset Managers
MAS is deploying S$1.1 billion through Avanda, Fullerton, and JP Morgan as part of a larger S$5 billion push to support the local stock market. The goal is to increase liquidity and investor interest, especially in small and mid-cap SGX-listed companies. Over 100 fund managers applied, with more to be selected later this year. MAS is also rolling out tax rebates, streamlined listing rules, and grants for equity research to support this effort.
https://www.mas.gov.sg/news/media-releases/2025/mas-appoints-first-batch-of-eqdp-asset-managers
3) Taiwan Launches AI and Robotics Alliance
Taiwan has established the Taiwan AI and Robotics Alliance, aiming to spearhead the next industrial revolution. Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim emphasized the need for investment in AI and robotics to maintain Taiwan’s technological edge and national security. The alliance, formed by six industry groups including the Taiwan Automation and Intelligence Robotics Association, targets a production output of over NT$1 trillion (US$33.95 billion) by 2030. Plans include developing autonomous vehicles, robot walkers, humanoid robots, and specialized application platforms. The initiative focuses on sectors such as medicine, logistics, agriculture, manufacturing, long-term care, food, disaster relief, and rovers. Taiwan’s strengths in components like controllers, sensors, chips, and machinery position it well to build a competitive AI robotics ecosystem.
Full article: https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2025/07/23/2003840755
💡 Headhunter’s Lens
We’ve met many impressive, high-performing tech leaders lately, and there’s one trait they all share: multidisciplinary exposure throughout their careers.
One Head of Digital Innovation at a leading manufacturing MNC stood out. She has deep experience not just in tech, but also in legal, sales, and people management. Her curiosity and drive led her across industries and functions, giving her a unique understanding of both people and technology. That mix of hard and soft skills, combined with sharp intelligence and sound judgment, enabled her to achieve major breakthroughs such as turning around a struggling company, landing Apple as a client when others couldn’t, and continuing to push boundaries today.
This is what we mean by multidisciplinary. It’s not about becoming a modern day Da Vinci in architecture, anatomy, and art. It’s about building adjacent skills that complement what you already know. Sometimes it’s learning to manage people after years as a specialist. Other times, it’s picking up a technical skill to better communicate with your team.
Personally, I’ve done sales and BD but never marketing. Writing this newsletter is my way of learning a new skill: content and narrative. There’s no perfect time to start. Just begin. You might be surprised by what you’re capable of.
🚀 Executive Move to Watch
Steven Hoi → Alibaba
According to South China Morning Post, Alibaba has consistently been proactive in attracting AI talent. Veteran AI researcher Steven Hoi was named a vice-president at Alibaba, joining its Intelligent Information Platform unit based in Singapore. He will lead research and development of multimodal foundation models, agent-related studies and applied solutions for consumer-facing AI businesses.
📬 One to Forward
🎧 Fireside Chat with Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Singapore
Moderator: Demetri Sevastopulo, Financial Times