South Korea is moving forward with plans for a 4.5 trillion won (USD 3.06 billion) semiconductor foundry to support local chip production and innovation. The facility, backed by government and private investment, will allow fabless companies to develop and test AI chips while boosting domestic defence semiconductor manufacturing. A special committee under President Lee Jae Myung will oversee policies and investments to ensure South Korea retains its global semiconductor leadership. The initiative strengthens memory chip production, supports emerging chip designers, and reduces reliance on imported components in strategic sectors.Read more

Norway’s USD 2 trillion sovereign wealth fund has signalled a cautious approach toward direct investment in data centres, calling the sector too volatile. Alexander Knapp, the new real-estate head at Norges Bank Investment Management, said the fund will avoid direct ownership even though it holds equity in data-centre operators. NBIM has instead updated its property strategy to widen investments across Western Europe, the US and Canada, with a growing focus on stable residential segments such as rental and student housing. The shift follows weaker real-estate returns—1.8% in the first half of 2025—compared with stronger equity and bond performance. The fund aims to prioritise steady, lower-risk income streams.Read more

Park Hotels & Resorts is actively selling its non-core hotel assets to focus on high-performing properties across the US. This year, five non-core hotels were sold, generating around USD 198 million, with three more set for exit by year-end. Non-core properties contributed minimal earnings in 2025, while core hotels delivered steady growth. November RevPAR rose about 2% excluding renovations, and core hotel performance improved 3.8% in October and 5.5% in November. Strong results from the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort significantly boosted overall portfolio performance.Read more

Hongkong Land plans to introduce a Singapore-based private real estate fund with over SGD 8 billion (USD 6.19 billion) in assets at inception. Named the Singapore Central Private Real Estate Fund (SCPREF), it will primarily manage commercial properties, including Marina Bay Financial Centre Towers 1 and 2 and One Raffles Quay. This launch follows the sale of Tower 3 to Keppel REIT for nearly SGD 1.5 billion and aligns with Hongkong Land's capital recycling strategy. The company aims to expand its assets under management to USD 100 billion by 2035, reinforcing its long-term growth in Singapore.Read more

Sembcorp Industries has announced the acquisition of Australia-based Alinta Energy for an enterprise value of A$6.5 billion, marking one of its largest overseas expansions. The deal gives the Singapore-based group full ownership of a major integrated energy business serving about 1.1 million customers with 3.4 GW of operating capacity across gas, coal, wind and solar. The acquisition also provides access to a 10.4 GW development pipeline, including wind and hydro projects, and Alinta's key Loy Yang B power station in Victoria. Sembcorp said the transaction is expected to be immediately earnings-accretive and supports its Asia-Pacific growth and renewable energy strategy, following recent clean energy investments in India.Read more

Charter Hall Group will implement a capital reallocation of 42.28 AU cents per security after gaining securityholder approval. The move aims to optimize the company's capital structure while providing additional returns to investors. The reallocation reflects the group's strategy of balancing shareholder returns with operational flexibility for future growth. Analysts highlight that such measures are common among real estate investment trusts and property groups to maintain investor confidence. Charter Hall's history of structured capital management supports its continued focus on strategic financial planning.Read more

Dubai’s Wafi Group has partnered with Adrian Cheng’s investment firm ALMAD to launch Wafi Anime 11, bringing Chinese anime brands and cultural experiences to Wafi City from next year. The venture will include exhibitions, pop-ups, and an exclusive private members’ club for affluent clients in the Middle East and North Africa. Cheng, part of one of Hong Kong’s wealthiest families, started ALMAD to focus on digital assets and emerging markets. With Dubai attracting a growing number of Chinese visitors, the project is set to cater to increasing interest in Chinese culture and entertainment.Read more

Shinagawa Refra Co Ltd will report an extraordinary gain of around 28 billion JPY from the sale of rental properties in Shibuya, Tokyo. This one-time transaction forms part of the company's portfolio optimization strategy, aimed at strengthening liquidity and reinvesting in high-potential real estate opportunities. The Shibuya properties, located in a prime district with strong rental demand, made the sale strategically significant. Analysts expect the proceeds could be used to bolster the company's financial position or fund future investments, reflecting a disciplined approach to managing Tokyo's real estate assets.Read more

BNW Developments and Enlightened Minds Investments have formed a strategic partnership to introduce the BNW Real Estate Fund with USD 27 million in capital commitments at launch to back real estate development in the United Arab Emirates. The fund will focus on land acquisition in high growth locations, completion financing for near delivery projects, and the creation of branded, purpose built assets. It aims to deliver an 18% annualised return with an 8% yearly distribution and the remainder at exit. The fund is now open for strategic investor engagement, with allocations planned soon.Read more

TotalEnergies has reached an agreement to operate Galp's Mopane offshore permit in Namibia’s Orange Basin by acquiring a 40% stake from the Portuguese company. The deal places TotalEnergies at the helm of Namibia’s two largest oil discoveries, paving the way for a major production hub. The transaction is expected to close in 2026. TotalEnergies and Chevron were leading contenders for the stake. This move strengthens the French firm’s presence in African offshore oil, while Galp continues to maintain its majority interest in the region.Read more