• Small businesses expand workforce and invest in innovation amid softer growth.
• Technology investments are paying off.
• Cyber resilience remains a vulnerability.

SINGAPORE, April 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Small businesses in Singapore are pressing ahead with hiring and innovation plans despite softer growth and ongoing economic uncertainty, according to the latest annual Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey by global professional accounting body CPA Australia.

The survey found that 44 per cent of Singapore’s small businesses reported growth in 2025, below the survey average of 63 per cent and down from 51 per cent in 2024. Against the backdrop of weaker growth, the findings point to underlying resilience and medium-to-long-term confidence.

Last year, 54 per cent of small businesses increased employee numbers, the highest among the 11 markets surveyed and well above the survey average of 36 per cent. While growth expectations remain relatively subdued with only 53 per cent expecting to grow in the next 12 months, hiring intentions remain strong, with 63 per cent anticipating an increase in 2026.

The drive for innovation continues to strengthen. In a sharp rise from 23 per cent in 2025, 46 per cent of small businesses report that they will introduce a new product, service or process in 2026, the highest result across all surveyed markets. This underscores a strong emphasis on innovation-led growth in the years ahead.

CPA Australia Singapore Divisional President, and Digital Business and Risk Services Leader at PwC Singapore, Greg Unsworth, said: “Despite weaker sentiment, Singapore’s small businesses are prioritising investment in talent and innovation. This suggests they are positioning themselves to seize opportunities for future growth once conditions improve.”

Technology adoption has demonstrated strong returns. In 2025, 68 per cent of small businesses reported improved profitability from technology investments, a significant increase from 45 per cent in 2024 and above the survey average.

At the same time, reliance on online sales declined. The proportion of businesses generating more than 10 per cent of revenue from online sales fell from 63 per cent in 2024 to 47 per cent in 2025. This finding indicates that small businesses are moving beyond basic e-commerce adoption and are leveraging technology to improve operational efficiency, manage cost and boost profitability rather than focusing solely on online sales expansion.

CPA Australia Singapore Divisional Deputy President, and Managing Partner at Baker Tilly, Joshua Ong, said: “The survey findings align with Singapore’s Digital Enterprise Blueprint and the Government’s push to strengthen productivity, innovation capability and workforce upgrading. Programmes such as SMEs Go Digital and Productivity Solutions Grant are clearly reflected in small businesses’ behaviour. We are seeing a shift from basic digital adoption to more advanced, productivity-enhancing use of technology.”

Singapore remains the easiest market for small businesses to access external finance, with 72 per cent reporting that it was easy or very easy access to obtain funding, the highest among the surveyed markets.

Ong added: “Favourable financing conditions have likely enabled small businesses to increase investment in people, innovation and digital capabilities despite cost pressures.”

Cyber resilience, however, remains an area of concern. The survey revealed that 44 per cent of small businesses lost time and/or money due to cybersecurity incidents in 2025. These findings echo the recent Business Technology Survey by CPA Australia, which highlighted that while digital adoption is accelerating among Singapore businesses, cybersecurity maturity remains a key vulnerability.  

Unsworth said, “Singapore’s small businesses are operating in an increasing complex and digitally connected environment, and that brings both opportunities and risks. By strengthening cyber governance and risk management frameworks, small businesses can safeguard productivity gains and build greater customer confidence, paving the way for a safer, smarter and more resilient future.”

About the survey

CPA Australia’s 17th annual Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey was conducted among small business owners/senior managers during November and December 2025 to identify the characteristics of successful small businesses across the region. The findings for the survey come from 4,166 small businesses in 11 markets. From the commencement of the survey in 2009, we have surveyed over 50,000 small businesses across the region. These include Australia, Mainland China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Vietnam.

About CPA Australia

CPA Australia is Australia’s leading professional accounting body and one of the largest in the world. We have more than 176,000 members in over 100 countries and regions. Our core services include education, training, technical support and advocacy. CPA Australia provides thought leadership on local, national and international issues affecting the accounting profession and public interest. We engage with governments, regulators and industries to advocate policies that stimulate sustainable economic growth and have positive business and public outcomes. A CPA is a Certified Practising Accountant. More at cpaaustralia.com.au

SHANGHAI, April 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — DFRobot, a global leader in open-source hardware, recently participated in the Robot Hokoten @ Akihabara event in Tokyo, appearing at the DigiKey booth. The company presented two AI-driven projects based on open-source hardware—an “Electronic Nose” gas recognition system and an AI-powered cell recognition teaching system—demonstrating how AI and open hardware can be effectively applied in STEAM education and maker scenarios.

Electronic Nose: Integrating TinyML with On-Device AI

The “Electronic Nose” project combines edge AI with embedded hardware. It uses four MEMS gas sensors connected to an ESP32 running a TinyML model for real-time odor analysis. 

During the demonstration, the sensor probe was placed above a glass of beer. Within 20 to 30 seconds, the system completed odor sampling and analysis. The results were then transmitted to the LattePanda Sigma, a compact x86 computing module, which generated descriptive content or tasting notes using a locally deployed language model. The entire process was executed on-device, without relying on network connectivity.

Xia Qing, Senior Engineer at DFRobot, commented: “This demonstration shows how makers can combine TinyML-based sensing with local AI models to transform sensor data into intuitive insights. Potential applications include coffee flavor analysis, fermentation monitoring, and food freshness detection.”

AI Cell Recognition: Bringing AI into the STEAM Classroom

Another featured project focused on educational applications. DFRobot presented an AI-powered cell recognition teaching system designed to integrate artificial intelligence into middle school biology education. The system is built using the HUSKYLENS 2 AI vision sensor and the UNIHIKER K10 development board.

Powered by the K230 processor with up to 6 TOPS of AI computing performance, HUSKYLENS 2 can efficiently run both pre-trained and user-trained models with low latency. In the demonstration, the system performed real-time identification and classification of cells under a microscope, making abstract AI and machine learning concepts tangible through hands-on interaction.

The project showcases the complete AI workflow—from data collection and model training to edge inference—highlighting its practical applicability in educational settings.

Partnering with DigiKey to Expand the Open-Source Hardware Ecosystem

DFRobot and DigiKey jointly showcased at Robot Hokoten to promote open-source hardware and AI education. The two parties will continue collaborating on technical content, global marketing, and educational solutions, lowering the barrier to AI and open hardware adoption, and accelerating the transition from maker projects to real STEAM classroom applications.

SHANGHAI, April 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The 93rd China International Medical Equipment Fair (CMEF) will be held from April 9 to 12 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC) in Shanghai. As the largest global medical device industry chain exhibition, this year’s event under the theme of “Innovation Fusion, Boundless Evolution,” will focus on cutting-edge technologies and international trade cooperation.

Covering a total area of over 320,000 square meters, it will bring together nearly 5,000 brands and companies from more than 20 countries and regions and is expected to attract over 200,000 professional visitors and buyers from 150 countries and regions.

This year’s CMEF highlights the rapid rise of AI, with a new lineup of “AI + healthcare” products reshaping the industry. Making its global debut, an AI agent capable of “one scan, multiple diagnoses” enables simultaneous detection of conditions across different parts of the body. A specialized AI diagnostic software suite is already in clinical use, while an integrated AI training and inference platform will enhance computing capabilities for healthcare institutions.

With advances in medical robotics, the exhibition will showcase new products across surgery, rehabilitation, and elderly care, driving the field toward greater intelligence and precision.

For the first time, CMEF is setting up a Future Tech Arena focusing on three key tracks: BCI, embodied intelligence, and university innovation achievements. The exhibition zone will showcase cutting-edge products such as AI-assisted MRI diagnostic systems for Alzheimer’s disease, brain-computer interface systems for cognitive impairment assessment and training, and exoskeleton robots.

CMEF also serves as a premier trade hub for enterprise globalization and industry collaboration. The International Zone will host exhibitors from over 20 countries and regions, showcasing the latest global innovations, including Germany, the U.S., South Korea, Japan, the U.K., France, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand.

CMEF’s upgraded “We” series of international brand activities will host the “WeTalk Stage,” featuring representatives from foreign consulates, leading industry associations, and multinational corporations; the “WeMatch Hub” is designed to enable targeted matchmaking based on verified buyer demand; and the “International WeTour” customizes tours to help international visitors explore exhibitor offerings. During the show, CMEF will also partner with the international departments of several leading hospitals to provide tailored medical services, ensuring comprehensive healthcare support for global attendees.

Hundreds of forums will be held during the fair, bringing together global experts and industry leaders to explore the evolving healthcare landscape.

Global Harmonization Working Party (GHWP) and the Ministry of Health of Malaysia will convene to co-host a series of high‑level events, including the 3rd GHWP Innovative Medical Device Seminar and the ASEAN Forum on Medical Device Innovation and Collaboration (Shanghai). On‑site sessions will deliver targeted insights into regulatory policies and market access opportunities across key global markets, supporting the convergence and alignment of international medical device regulatory frameworks and facilitating more efficient global trade.

For registration, visit: https://reg.reed-sinopharm.com/pc/#/login?id=0fe1fc984f9147b49ad107cda4d97a88&channelUuid=744003af4a2b4310a819f2d14ff447f1

• Will collaborate with the Vietnamese government and educational institutions to train construction equipment professionals
• Plans to provide comprehensive support and technical expertise for the entire process leading to WorldSkills Shanghai in September
• “Committed to fostering young technical talent and bolstering industrial competitiveness in Vietnam.”

SEOUL, South Korea, April 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — HD Construction Equipment, the intermediary holding company of HD Hyundai’s construction equipment business, will be expanding its commitment to nurturing global technical talent in the construction machinery sector by supporting Vietnam’s national team for WorldSkills.

HD Construction Equipment announced on Sunday, April 5 that it signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Hanoi with the Directorate of Vocational Education and Training, or DVET, under the Vietnamese Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, and the Central College of Transport No. 1 (CCT1), a local vocational training college. The agreement aims to support Vietnam’s participation in the WorldSkills competition.

Under this agreement, HD Construction Equipment will assist with the entire process—from training to competition entry—for the Vietnamese national representative competing in the Heavy Vehicle Maintenance category at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, scheduled for this September.

The company plans to offer comprehensive technical training to Nguyen Xuan Khanh, who was selected as the national representative last year. Furthermore, the company will cover all expenses related to this training, including airfare, registration fees, and accommodation, in order to create an optimal environment for the competitor to maximize his performance.

In July of last year, HD Construction Equipment signed an MOU with CCT1, which includes the Green and Smart Construction Equipment Talent Project. This initiative is part of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA)’s inclusive business program. The collaboration aims to support the development of smart equipment in Vietnam and to create localized training curricula.

The company has deepened its commitment to Vietnam through a series of key initiatives, including hosting government officials and instructors for training in October, supporting national skills trials in November, and awarding scholarships.

An official from HD Construction Equipment stated, “This collaboration is not just a one-time event; it is part of our commitment to sustainable, locally integrated business practices. We will continue to foster Vietnam’s young technical talents, helping them compete on the global stage.”

• Will collaborate with the Vietnamese government and educational institutions to train construction equipment professionals
• Plans to provide comprehensive support and technical expertise for the entire process leading to WorldSkills Shanghai in September
• “Committed to fostering young technical talent and bolstering industrial competitiveness in Vietnam.”

SEOUL, South Korea, April 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — HD Construction Equipment, the intermediary holding company of HD Hyundai’s construction equipment business, will be expanding its commitment to nurturing global technical talent in the construction machinery sector by supporting Vietnam’s national team for WorldSkills.

HD Construction Equipment announced on Sunday, April 5 that it signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Hanoi with the Directorate of Vocational Education and Training, or DVET, under the Vietnamese Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, and the Central College of Transport No. 1 (CCT1), a local vocational training college. The agreement aims to support Vietnam’s participation in the WorldSkills competition.

Under this agreement, HD Construction Equipment will assist with the entire process—from training to competition entry—for the Vietnamese national representative competing in the Heavy Vehicle Maintenance category at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, scheduled for this September.

The company plans to offer comprehensive technical training to Nguyen Xuan Khanh, who was selected as the national representative last year. Furthermore, the company will cover all expenses related to this training, including airfare, registration fees, and accommodation, in order to create an optimal environment for the competitor to maximize his performance.

In July of last year, HD Construction Equipment signed an MOU with CCT1, which includes the Green and Smart Construction Equipment Talent Project. This initiative is part of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA)’s inclusive business program. The collaboration aims to support the development of smart equipment in Vietnam and to create localized training curricula.

The company has deepened its commitment to Vietnam through a series of key initiatives, including hosting government officials and instructors for training in October, supporting national skills trials in November, and awarding scholarships.

An official from HD Construction Equipment stated, “This collaboration is not just a one-time event; it is part of our commitment to sustainable, locally integrated business practices. We will continue to foster Vietnam’s young technical talents, helping them compete on the global stage.”

• Resumes services to Fukuoka, Japan from September 2026 after nearly two decades
• Expands China footprint with new direct services to Shenzhen and Changsha, commencing July 2026
• “MAG Arena” showcases Asia’s Largest Airline Pavilion at MATTA Fair 2026, featuring the region’s premier sports partnership activation by an airline
• Increases frequencies across ASEAN, South Asia, Australia and New Zealand and Europe to further strengthen global connectivity

SINGAPORE, April 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Malaysia Airlines is significantly expanding its East Asia footprint with the return of direct flights to Fukuoka, Japan, and the launch of new services to Shenzhen and Changsha, China. Commencing between July and September 2026, these additions bring the airline’s China network to nine key gateways and reinforce its commitment to providing greater travel flexibility across the region.

As part of this expansion, the airline will introduce new services between Kuala Lumpur and Shenzhen (SZX) and Changsha (CSX) in China, alongside the resumption of services to Fukuoka (FUK) in Japan, which the airline last operated in September 2006. With the launch of these destinations, Malaysia Airlines consolidates its presence across a total of nine strategic destinations in China, including Beijing (PKX), Shanghai (PVG), Guangzhou (CAN), Xiamen (XMN), Hong Kong (HKG), Taipei (TPE), and Chengdu Tianfu (TFU). Ticket sales for the new services commence today, supporting the growing travel demand and strengthening connectivity between Malaysia and these high-growth regional hubs.

Captain Nasaruddin A. Bakar, President and Group Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), said, “This expansion reflects our strategic focus on scaling our presence in key growth markets across East Asia while cementing Kuala Lumpur’s position as a key strategic gateway. Both Shenzhen and Changsha align perfectly with our network strategy, driven by robust demand across both business and leisure segments. The return to Fukuoka further enhances our network depth. As the only carrier operating direct flights on this route, we are proud to offer passengers a seamless non-stop experience that eliminates the need for transit. These developments demonstrate our ongoing commitment to optimising our network and delivering a more integrated travel experience for our customers.”

Beyond the East Asia expansion, Malaysia Airlines is increasing flight frequencies across key routes namely Brisbane, Australia; Manila, Philippines and Colombo, Sri Lanka to meet rising demand while supporting growing tourism and trade links. In addition, the airline will operate ad-hoc Kuala Lumpur–London flights on 18 and 22 April 2026 to accommodate passengers affected by recent Middle Eastern carrier disruptions.

As the returning Official Airline Partner and Premier Sponsor of MATTA Fair 2026, MAG unveiled its most ambitious presence yet with the launch of the MAG Arena, recognised by both the Asia Records and ASEAN Records as Asia’s Largest Airline Trade Pavilion at a consumer travel fair.

Spanning approximately 46,000 square feet, nearly three times the scale of its participation in September last year, the expanded pavilion transforms the MATTA Fair experience into a fully immersive destination showcasing curated experiences and next-generation travel technology that brings journeys to life before travellers even board the aircraft. Visitors will be able to explore destinations, discover travel innovations and experience the warmth of Malaysian Hospitality through interactive engagements designed to inspire their next journey.

In addition, the pavilion will host Asia’s largest sports partnership activation by an airline, celebrating Malaysia Airlines’ collaborations with global clubs like Manchester United and national sporting icons Datuk Azizulhasni Awang and others. The dedicated sports experience zone will allow football fans and travellers to engage with legends and their favourite sports personalities — reinforcing how sport and travel connect people across borders and generations.

Through the expansion of its network and increased flight frequencies, the airline continues to strengthen Kuala Lumpur’s position as a key gateway to Asia and beyond, while supporting Malaysia’s tourism ambitions under Visit Malaysia 2026 and advancing its journey towards becoming one of the world’s Top 10 global airlines by 2030.

-ENDS-

New Routes

Malaysia Airlines’ Additional Frequencies

About Malaysia Aviation Group

Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) is a global aviation organisation comprising three core business portfolios: Airline Business, Loyalty & Travel Services, and Aviation Services.

The Airline Business portfolio serves global, domestic, and segmented markets through Malaysia Airlines – the national carrier; Firefly – the regional airline focused on connecting communities across Malaysia and ASEAN; and Amal by Malaysia Airlines – the leading one-stop pilgrimage travel solutions centre.

The Aviation Services portfolio offers a full suite of capabilities, comprising MAB Engineering, the maintenance, repair and overhaul services provider; MASkargo, the cargo and logistics solutions provider; AeroDarat Services, the ground handling services provider; MAG Culinary Solutions, overseeing all F&B-related strategies, operations and services across MAG; and MAB Academy, the centre of excellence for aviation and hospitality training.

The Loyalty & Travel Services portfolio delivers end-to-end travel solutions and loyalty programmes, strengthening MAG’s core expertise in airline and aviation services. It includes Journify – an integrated digital platform offering travel and lifestyle experiences; Enrich – Malaysia Airlines’ award-winning travel and lifestyle loyalty programme; and MHholidays – the Group’s dedicated flight and hotel package platform.

With its clear business portfolios, MAG is committed to realising its vision of becoming Asia’s Leading Travel and Aviation Services Group by delivering exceptional customer experiences, nurturing a culture that empowers its people, and ensuring sustainable, profitable growth.

For more information, visit www.malaysiaaviationgroup.com.my

Issued by Group Communications, Malaysia Aviation Group.