Singapore fintech conference examined digital banking, payments, regulation and emerging financial technologies

The People Events held the 4th FinTech Week Awards & Expo Singapore 2026 on 16–17 September 2026 at the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport in Singapore, with more than 70 speakers and participants from over 30 countries. Held under the theme “Finance. Innovation. Future.”, the two-day conference focused on digital banking, artificial intelligence, payments, Web3, regtech and digital assets.

The programme featured keynote sessions, panel discussions, fireside conversations and startup showcases, with fintech executives, regulators, investors and technology specialists examining developments in financial services. Discussions covered digital banking transformation, financial inclusion, embedded finance, cross-border payments, digital assets and regulatory innovation.

The international speaker line-up reflected these themes. Speakers included Ms Anna Zotova, Chief Risk Officer and Money Laundering Reporting Officer at xpate; Ms Doreen Fadli, Deputy Director of the Market Development and Innovation Department at Malaysia’s Labuan Financial Services Authority; Ms Melanie Lennert, CEO and Co-Founder of CRO2go; and Mr Chee Keong Teo, Associate Partner and Blockchain and Digital Assets Leader at EY in Singapore.

Other speakers included Ms Julia Chin, Founder and CEO of JFourth Solutions in Malaysia and Singapore; Ms Vivien Tan Hui Yui, Senior Vice President of Alliance Bank in Malaysia; Mr Alvin Yeoh, Senior Product Manager at HSBC; Ms Avalon Ingram, Digital Assets Business Lead at Swift; Mr Aaron Sim, Head of Business Development, APAC, at Remitly; and Dr Deepika Chaudhary, Assistant Professor at K.R. Mangalam University in India.

The sessions examined practical issues affecting financial services, including banking infrastructure, financial inclusion, compliance automation, fraud prevention, risk management, cross-border payment systems and digital financial technologies. The conference also provided opportunities for participants to exchange industry perspectives and discuss business partnerships.

The FinTech Week Awards Ceremony was held as part of the programme, recognising companies and professionals for achievements in financial technology, leadership and industry excellence.

Reflecting on the event, a representative from The People Events said: “The energy and caliber of discussions over the past two days in Singapore have been truly exceptional.” The representative added that the conference provided a platform for industry recognition and discussion of future developments in finance.

The People Events said it was continuing preparations for its 2027 global series following the Singapore edition.

Webinar to examine certification, regulations, packaging and traceability for businesses targeting GCC and Europe

The International Halal Webinar 2026 will be held virtually on Saturday, 19 September 2026, 1:00pm – 3:00pm SGT, focusing on ASEAN Halal trade and international market access.

Themed “Navigating The Future Halal Trade: Connecting Batam-Bintan ASEAN Business Forum to Saudi-GCC-Europe Markets,” the webinar will provide practical guidance for businesses seeking entry into overseas Halal markets.

Jointly organised by Sun Media Pte Ltd and Everdeen Global Pte Ltd, Singapore, PT Nakia Global Sejahtera, Indonesia, and Halal Hub Vietnam JSC, with NPE Print Communications Pte Ltd as main partner, the programme will cover certification, regulatory compliance, logistics, packaging and end-to-end traceability.

The session will open with the strategic role of the ASEAN Halal economy and cross-border trade, followed by international market requirements and a dedicated segment on packaging and traceability. An interactive Q&A will address trade barriers, certification and buyer expectations.

Speakers include:

• Prof. Dr. Aldin Dugonjić – GCC regulatory alignment, Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) standards, import and labelling requirements
• Dr. Tomás Guerrero – Trade logistics, free zones, customs procedures and digital Halal certificates
• Mr. Kamel Jalloul Ratbi and Dr. Said Ratbi Bali – European Halal markets and standards
• Mr. Saleh Mokrane – Food and dairy packaging for EU, MENA and GCC markets
• Ms. Nurul Malik – Packaging and traceability for compliance, anti-counterfeiting and supply chain transparency

The webinar is open to exporters, manufacturers, business owners, supply chain professionals, media practitioners and policymakers seeking insights on international Halal trade and market access.

Register by scanning the QR code on the poster or

ASEAN Forum will connect women entrepreneurs, halal businesses and markets through business matching.

The ASEAN Business Forum 2026 will take place from 22 to 24 September 2026 at Harmoni One Hotel in Batam, Kepulauan Riau, Indonesia. The three-day forum will focus on women’s entrepreneurship, the halal economy and business matching, with participation from Indonesian institutions, businesses and international delegates.

The programme will open on 22 September with the International Gala Dinner, titled “Nusantara Heritage Night”. The evening will feature cultural presentations, welcome remarks by the Governor of Kepulauan Riau, recognition of women entrepreneurs and international networking.

On 23 September, the Women Business Forum and Halal World Forum will address women’s participation in global business, Indonesia’s opportunity in the halal economy, Batam’s role as a halal business hub and international halal gateway, and halal certification services. Sessions will also examine the transition of women-led businesses from local to global markets.

The programme will then feature International Business Matching, where participants will have opportunities to discuss potential commercial arrangements, including negotiations, product sampling and prospective memoranda of understanding or letters of intent.

The final day, 24 September, will focus on National Business Matching under the theme “From Product to Partnership”. Buyers and sellers will introduce their businesses, present products and discuss potential transactions and commitments.

The guest list includes Indonesia’s Minister of UMKM, the Deputy for Entrepreneurship, Governor and Deputy Governor of Kepulauan Riau, Mayor of Batam, BP Batam, regional government officials, universities, financial institutions, business incubators, retailers, halal institutions and overseas businesspeople.

The programme is designed to facilitate engagement between Indonesian enterprises and international business participants through discussions, networking and structured matching sessions. Its focus on women’s entrepreneurship, halal business and market access places these sectors within the forum’s business agenda in Batam.

Source: INDiplomacy Desk

Addressing over 400 global leaders at the UN Global Compact summit in Singapore, a recent keynote highlighted the urgent need for international cooperation and ESG integration to accelerate the UN 2030 Agenda.

The Second Global Business Summit on Belt and Road Infrastructure Investment to Accelerate the SDGs officially opened in Singapore on 3 September 2026. Hosted by the UN Global Compact, the event convened under the theme “Connect for Better World”. The summit brought together over 400 representatives, including government officials, international organisations, and business leaders from across the globe, to focus on sustainable development.

A central focus of the summit was the role of the private sector in the global economy. During a keynote address, multinational enterprises were urged to adopt Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. By fulfilling corporate social responsibilities, businesses can advance cooperation within the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and ensure infrastructure investments align with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Reaffirming its commitment to these objectives, China expressed its readiness to deepen practical cooperation with the Singaporean and international business communities. This approach aims to foster innovation, facilitate the green transition, and implement sustainable infrastructure projects that provide socio-economic benefits. Singapore, as a commercial hub in the Asia-Pacific region, remains a partner in facilitating these cross-border sustainability efforts.

Furthermore, the keynote speech underscored the importance of delivering tangible, impactful outcomes through established frameworks such as the Global Development Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative. By actively participating in these multilateral efforts, nations and corporate entities can ensure that development is inclusive, equitable, and environmentally sound. These initiatives serve as a practical blueprint for aligning international investments with the core tenets of the UN Global Compact.

Ultimately, the summit in Singapore highlighted that achieving the Sustainable Development Goals requires unparalleled global solidarity. By connecting for a better world, China and its international partners are laying the groundwork for resilient infrastructure and ethical business practices. Through sustained commitment and joint action, the global community can successfully build a better, greener, and more prosperous future for all.

Source: Chinese Ambassador to Singapore Cao Zhongming

Bali Interfood 2026 brings businesses together as tourists seek authentic local experiences.

Bali Interfood 2026 opened in Nusa Dua on September 2, bringing together 110 participants from eight countries as Bali seeks to strengthen its food and hospitality industries.

The seventh edition runs through September 4, 2026, at the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center. Organised by Krista Exhibitions, the event includes 35 MSMEs and targets 15,000 visitors.

The exhibition comes at a time when tourists are increasingly seeking authentic experiences through local food and culture. PHRI Bali sees this shift as an opportunity to strengthen innovation and competitiveness across the island’s hospitality industry.

Mr. Tjok Oka Artha Ardhana Sukawati, Chairman of PHRI Bali, said food is increasingly becoming part of the travel experience rather than simply a basic necessity.

“Food and beverages are not just about filling the stomach. What stands out more now is the experience. Culinary offerings have become part of an authentic experience for tourists to discover the flavours and culture of a destination,” Mr. Sukawati said in Denpasar on Monday.

This change is particularly visible among tourists staying in villas and rural areas such as Ubud and Kintamani. Some now buy ingredients from local markets and prepare their own meals, giving them a closer connection to Bali’s food culture.

Mr. Sukawati said this behaviour highlights Bali’s potential for gastronomy tourism, particularly given the island’s wealth of local food products. However, he said that potential has yet to be fully developed.

“We are still envious when we look at places such as China and Italy. Bali is so rich in local food products, but so far only one has emerged, and that is satay lilit. The others have yet to emerge,” he said.

PHRI Bali sees Bali Interfood as an opportunity to address this gap. Mr. Sukawati said the exhibition could encourage businesses to develop local ingredients into distinctive products and strengthen Bali’s culinary competitiveness.

The approach also fits the exhibition’s broader business purpose. Mr. Daud D. Salim, CEO of Krista Exhibitions, said Bali’s tourism, hotel, restaurant and food and beverage sectors are developing together, creating opportunities for businesses to introduce products, meet potential partners and follow industry developments.

To support those connections, the exhibition features business-matching sessions alongside culinary workshops and the Gelato World Cup Indonesian Selection. These programmes bring businesses and industry professionals together while providing opportunities for networking, education and competition.

By linking Bali’s food businesses with the wider hospitality sector, Bali Interfood 2026 provides a platform for the industry to respond to changing tourist preferences while encouraging greater innovation around the island’s local food products.

Source: ANTARA News

GPSS 2026 expands Singapore’s F1 experience with citywide events and entertainment.

Grand Prix Season Singapore (GPSS) 2026 will take place from 2 to 11 October 2026, bringing Formula 1-themed entertainment, motorsport activities, dining, music and cultural experiences to locations across Singapore. The programme will complement the FORMULA 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2026, which runs from 9 to 11 October at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) will present the 17th edition of GPSS through three headliners and a wider line-up of partner-led activities. The 10-day programme aims to extend the F1 experience beyond the circuit and build anticipation for race weekend among residents and visitors.

At Funan and Raffles City Shopping Centre, the adidas Motorsport Popups will run from 28 September to 12 October. The activations will connect fans with the Audi Revolut F1 Team and Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team through show cars, racing simulators, exclusive collections and interactive experiences.

The race-season atmosphere will also reach Orchard Road through Orchard Paddock 2026 at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza from 8 to 10 October. Visitors can enjoy late-night dining, live performances, car-themed challenges, interactive games and open-air movies, with Singaporean artists ALYPH and YAØ headlining the music programme on 8 October.

At CQ @ Clarke Quay, Ray-Ban presents: Beyond the Track will run from 1 to 14 October. The activation will showcase the Scuderia Ferrari Collection and offer racing simulators, a Pit Stop Challenge and other race-themed activities. A Scuderia Ferrari HP Formula 1 driver will also make a special appearance.

Beyond the three headliners, PlayStation’s Gran Turismo World Series Round 3 will take place at Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands, on 3 October, making Singapore the championship’s first Southeast Asian stop. Porsche Raceborn Fest will also debut at Guoco Midtown, featuring classic racing cars, motorsport activities and the Southeast Asian unveiling of the new 911 Challenge race car.

The wider GPSS programme will bring further race-season experiences through partners including Zouk, TRIFECTA, LEGO, Resorts World Sentosa, McLaren Racing and 1-Group, spanning nightlife, music, dining, motorsport and family activities.

With F1-themed experiences taking place across Singapore’s lifestyle, retail, entertainment and cultural districts, GPSS 2026 will give residents and visitors more opportunities to experience the energy of race season and discover new sides of the city.

Source: Singapore Tourism Board

The 2026 event brings expanded competition and national championship recognition.

Indonesian state-owned energy company Pertamina Patra Niaga is bringing back Pertamax Turbo Drag Fest in 2026, giving racers and automotive communities a platform to compete and showcase their skills on the track.

Pertamina Patra Niaga Vice President of Corporate Communication Ms. Kitty Andhora said in Jakarta on Friday (28 Aug 2026) that the event reflects the company’s support for the development of motorsport in Indonesia. It also provides a positive competitive environment for racers and automotive communities from across the country.

“Pertamax Turbo Drag Fest 2026 is not merely a speed competition, but also a platform for racers and automotive communities to demonstrate their abilities, compete in a sporting manner and strengthen Indonesia’s automotive sports ecosystem,” Ms. Andhora said.

Reflecting that broader objective, this year’s event will feature an expanded competition format, with the four-wheel Drag Race category officially becoming part of Indonesia’s national championship, or Kejurnas.

The event will be held in two rounds to accommodate the expanded programme. The first round is scheduled for Aug. 29-30 at Lanud Gading in Wonosari, Yogyakarta, while the second will take place at Lanud Sutan Sjahrir in Padang on Nov. 14-15. Across both rounds, competitors will take part in a total of 25 Drag Bike and Drag Race classes.

The competition will also showcase Pertamax Turbo, a RON 98 fuel that Pertamina Patra Niaga says is designed to support high-performance engines. By bringing the product into a competitive motorsport setting, the company aims to demonstrate its performance while strengthening engagement with automotive communities and enthusiasts in Indonesia.

Alongside the racing programme, the festival will offer visitors a range of entertainment activities, including music concerts, a bazaar and an official MotoGP simulator. Visitors can enjoy the competition and entertainment activities free of charge through the MyPertamina application.

Racers can register through the MyPertamina application, with further information available via @pertamaxseries.id and Pertamina’s website.

With its expanded competition programme and the inclusion of Drag Race in the national championship, Pertamax Turbo Drag Fest 2026 will continue providing a platform for racers and automotive communities while supporting the development of Indonesia’s motorsport ecosystem.

Source: ANTARA News

Celebrating independence through play, friendship and Indonesian cultural traditions

What does Indonesia’s Independence Day look like through the eyes of a child growing up overseas?

Perhaps it is the thrill of jumping inside a sack, the challenge of grabbing a kerupuk without using their hands, or the laughter that comes from pulling a rope together with new friends. For Indonesian children growing up in Singapore, these seemingly simple games can become something more meaningful: a way to experience a piece of home.

This was the spirit behind Temu Main Yuk: 17-an HUT ke-81 RI, a community playdate held at Sekolah Indonesia Singapura to celebrate Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day.

Supported by KBRI Singapura, the event brought Indonesian families together for an afternoon of traditional games, laughter, food and community. Rather than learning about Indonesia solely through books or stories, the children experienced 17-an through play. The programme featured a variety of traditional Independence Day games, including balap karung (sack race), makan kerupuk (kerupuk-eating competition), tarik tambang (tug of war), spoon-and-marble relay races and pencil-in-a-bottle challenges. Each activity encouraged children to develop different skills from agility and balance to focus, teamwork and perseverance.

However, the organisers were clear that the day was never really about winning. As Dyana, one of the participating mothers, shared, the games gave children an opportunity to celebrate Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day while creating lasting memories.

“Even though we are far from our homeland, we can still feel and celebrate Independence Day.” She added that the games helped children build teamwork and develop skills in a fun environment. Most importantly, “there was no winning or losing, what mattered most was the festive spirit and the joyful kids.”

Creating Memories Far From Home

For parents, the event carried a deeper significance. Kei, a mother of two, praised the Temu Main Yuk team for the effort that went into organising the celebration.

“We could really feel the Indonesian spirit through all the games. My son had such a great time, and I’m so grateful he got to experience a piece of 17-an here in Singapore.”

For families living away from Indonesia, these experiences can provide something that is difficult to recreate in everyday life: a shared cultural memory that children can call their own.

For Ing, the connection with Temu Main Yuk goes back even further. This year marked her third year joining the community’s 17-an celebration.

She described the event as a “neatly-prepared, smoothly-ran and memorable celebration” organised by the core team of three mothers and their supporting crew. While the children enjoyed the games, parents also had an opportunity to spend time together and strengthen connections within the Indonesian diaspora.

More Than Games: Keeping Cultural Roots Alive

For Baidha, who volunteered at the event for the second time, Temu Main Yuk also offered a valuable perspective on Indonesian children growing up in Singapore.

“The majority of these kids grew up in Singapore and speak English most of the time.”

Her experience volunteering gave her an opportunity to understand more about how the children grow up between two cultural environments. It also encouraged her to engage with them in Bahasa Indonesia and create a space where they could feel comfortable using the language. Her hope extends beyond the event itself.

“I just wish that these kids can grow up being able to embrace both countries and cultures, while still keeping in touch with their Indonesian roots.”

That balance, embracing life in Singapore while maintaining a connection to Indonesia, is at the heart of what makes community initiatives like Temu Main Yuk meaningful.

The event also demonstrated how community support can bring the spirit of Indonesia to life abroad. Indonesian brands including Fore Coffee, Fangko House, Mightee Wears, Toko Indo and Irvins supported the celebration, while Singapore-based brands Hey! Chips, The Dinky Shop and HDI Singapore also contributed.

Food and refreshments from participating brands added another familiar touch of home, with Dyana noting that the F&B offerings helped make the celebration “feel even more like Indonesia.”

A Celebration to Remember

For the children, the afternoon may simply have been about running, playing, cheering and laughing. For their parents, it was a chance to watch their children experience traditions they themselves may have grown up with. And for the wider Indonesian community in Singapore, it was a reminder that distance does not have to mean losing touch with home.

Temu Main Yuk shows that cultural heritage can be passed down in many ways. Sometimes it happens through language. Sometimes through food. And sometimes, it happens through something as simple as a sack race or a game of tug of war.

As Indonesia celebrates its 81st year of independence, these small moments become part of a much bigger story: a new generation of Indonesian children learning that wherever they grow up, they can carry a little piece of Indonesia with them.

And judging from the children’s laughter and the parents already looking forward to the next gathering, the spirit of 17-an is very much alive in Singapore.

Written by Arvelia Yardhika Ong

Telkom expands infrastructure and partnerships to meet surging bandwidth demand.

Indonesian telecommunications company PT Telkom Indonesia is pursuing collaboration with global operators to expand digital infrastructure as rising demand, particularly from artificial intelligence (AI), puts pressure on network capacity.

Telkom’s capital expenditure is targeted at around 18-20% of revenue in 2026, reflecting the infrastructure needed to support Indonesia’s growing digital economy, which is projected to reach US$360 billion by 2030.

Telkom President Director Dian Siswarini said the investment would support cellular networks operated by Telkomsel, domestic and international fiber networks, telecommunications towers and data centers.

“If we cannot translate this potential into adequate digital infrastructure, it will remain only potential,” Ms. Siswarini said on the sidelines of the Bali Annual Telkom International Conference (BATIC) 2026 in Nusa Dua, Bali, on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.

She said that if revenue reaches around Rp150 trillion, approximately 20% would be allocated to infrastructure investment. Telkom recorded consolidated revenue of Rp146.7 trillion in 2025.

Telkom Director of Wholesale and International Services Budi Satria Dharma Putra said AI growth could drive bandwidth requirements up to tenfold, increasing the need for additional connectivity infrastructure.

Telkom completed a submarine cable route connecting Singapore and the United States through Indonesian waters in 2025 after up to five years of construction. However, Mr. Budi said its bandwidth capacity was already nearing saturation in less than a year amid strong demand.

The pressure on capacity is prompting Telkom to deepen collaboration with global operators, particularly to develop international submarine cable infrastructure and meet growing market demand.

BATIC 2026 is providing a platform for those discussions, bringing together more than 2,700 delegates from 760 companies across more than 67 countries. The event has generated more than 4,200 business meetings, creating opportunities for new partnerships and deeper industry collaboration.

As demand for connectivity continues to rise, Telkom’s investment and international partnerships could help expand capacity and strengthen Indonesia’s position within the regional digital ecosystem.

Source: ANTARA News

Chef Devina Hermawan showcases Indonesia’s diverse culinary heritage at RISE Restaurant, Singapore.

The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Singapore and Marina Bay Sands are bringing Indonesian cuisine to Singapore through Flavours of Indonesia, an Indonesian culinary promotion running from 14 to 17 August 2026 at RISE Restaurant, Marina Bay Sands.

Renowned Indonesian chef Devina Hermawan created a specially curated menu for the promotion, showcasing flavours and dishes from different parts of the Indonesian archipelago. The menu brings together regional specialities and Indonesian favourites, giving diners an opportunity to explore the country’s culinary diversity in one setting.

The selection includes Beef Cheek Rendang, Ayam Goreng Lengkuas, Samsam Guling Bali and Nasi Gila Menteng, alongside Satay, Batagor Bandung, Martabak Telur, Rawon, Soto Banjar, Sup Ikan Sanur, Gohu Ikan and Rujak Pengantin. RISE also features Indonesian live cooking, grilled seafood and an Indonesian grill station as part of the promotion.

The promotion officially opened on 14 August with H.E. Hotmangaradja Pandjaitan, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Singapore, delivering remarks at the opening. Representatives from the Embassy, Marina Bay Sands, media and influencers in Singapore also attended the occasion.

The opening brought Indonesian culture into the celebration through a performance by Indonesian dancers. The cultural presentation complemented the culinary programme and introduced guests to another aspect of Indonesia’s cultural heritage.

The promotion forms part of activities marking Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day. The occasion gives Indonesia an opportunity to share its culinary and cultural diversity with audiences in Singapore through a dining experience that brings together flavours from across the archipelago.

This approach also reflects the role of culinary diplomacy in cultural exchange. By presenting Indonesian regional dishes in Singapore, Flavours of Indonesia gives diners a closer look at the traditions and flavours that shape Indonesian cuisine.

As the promotion brings Indonesian food and culture to a wider audience, it creates space for greater curiosity and appreciation of Indonesia’s heritage. Experiences like this can help keep cultural exchange moving forward, giving Indonesian cuisine new audiences while strengthening the connections between Indonesia and Singapore.

Source: Indonesian Embassy in Singapore