The Business Times

Overseas internships: advantage or just another line on the CV? As undergraduates in Singapore navigate one of the toughest graduate job markets in recent years, some are looking beyond local internships to strengthen their resumes. But employers say that the “overseas” label alone is unlikely to move the needle. Read more: https://bt.sg/oMBB3

Malaysia’s RM163.4 million (US$40 million) investment in Indonesian startup eFishery has become the latest in a string of controversies over the years involving the country’s public and retirement funds. BT's Aileng Tan unpacks the fallout from one of South-east Asia’s biggest startup scandals and what it means for investors.

Beyond extravaganzas such as F1, Singapore is developing a calendar of recurring “tier-two” events, from table tennis, badminton and rugby tournaments to marathons with mass participation. While some are of smaller scale, they are collectively designed to keep the tourism engine running throughout the year. “Mega-events can be powerful, but can also be more risky,” says a marketing professor. “A year-round sports portfolio gives Singapore repeat visibility, not just a short spike.” BT's Jean Low with more.

#BTLuxe: Growing up, Yeoh Pei Xien says it was strange being told by employees of YTL Hotels that she would be their boss one day. “These aunties and uncles were just joking, but as a kid, you’re like, ‘What does that mean?’” Yeoh, the vice-president of strategy and transformation at YTL Hotels, is the youngest grandchild of Yeoh Tiong Lay, who founded Malaysian multinational conglomerate YTL Corporation Bhd. The work, she says, has been both invigorating and humbling. She is also keenly aware of her privileged position in one of Malaysia’s wealthiest clans. “I’m a ‘nepo baby’. I have to acknowledge that. But maybe it’s my determination or my stubbornness – I want to break that stereotype and work harder and be more passionate and more hands-on with the work that I do.” Read her story: https://bt.sg/8bYs

Chinese car brands like BYD and Chery Automobile snapped up more than a third of new plug-in hybrid sales in Europe last month, as automakers from the country push those models ahead of any potential tariffs.

Countries are rolling out social media bans, from France to Australia and the UK. Singapore, however, is unlikely to copy these models wholesale, says this writer.

IPO-aspirant EPG Energy may have a firm foothold in the Singapore electricity transmission and distribution market, but capturing the lucrative growth in Malaysia and Indonesia may prove more challenging. Find out more in this week's ESG Insights. #sustainability #esg #sustainableinvesting #esginvesting #energytransition

The Middle East has long been a key market for many Asian companies, which have sought to tap the region’s vast oil and natural gas reserves, as well as its growing consumer demand. Even amid geopolitical uncertainties, some Singaporean companies are looking to capture growth opportunities in the Middle East. BT sits down with SINGATAC, Masterscan Engineering and EtonHouse International Education Group to hear how they are weathering the storm and learning to adapt.

Consumer confidence remains resilient in Asean, although sentiment across the region were more mixed, a survey by UOB found. Consumer sentiments improved in Singapore and Thailand, but declined in Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia.

Professionals in Singapore and Hong Kong are less optimistic than their regional peers about AI's impact on their jobs, a survey by recruitment agency Robert Walters has found. The two financial hubs are at the bottom of regional career optimism rankings, behind markets like mainland China, Vietnam, Japan and Taiwan.