Singapore is planning a fresh set of tax and visa incentives to strengthen its asset management industry and stay competitive with Hong Kong. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the finance ministry will introduce tax exemptions on investment profits earned by fund managers managing certain funds, including single family offices.

The government also plans to make it easier for investment professionals to access Singapore's Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass, which is valid for up to five years before renewal and allows holders to work for multiple companies.

More details on the planned tax measures are expected to be announced in the 2027 budget. MAS will also support hedge funds that are committed to establishing or expanding their presence in Singapore through an investment programme.

The move comes as competition between Singapore and Hong Kong, two of Asia's major financial centres, continues to grow. Hong Kong is also working on expanding tax-free carried-interest measures to a wider range of fund houses and individual fund managers, aiming to attract more investment funds and financial talent.

The developments have raised concerns among Singapore-based funds that the growing tax gap could make Hong Kong more attractive to investment professionals. The Alternative Investment Management Association (AIMA) had warned MAS in July that Hong Kong's proposed tax benefits for individual fund managers could increase its appeal.

National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat, who is also deputy chairman of MAS, said it was important to provide the industry with clarity on the government's plans as companies consider where to locate and expand their businesses.

Kher Sheng Lee, AIMA's Asia-Pacific co-head, said the speed of Singapore's response had caught the attention of investors and added that the measures could strengthen the country's position in attracting managers, talent and capital.

MAS has also held discussions with hedge funds in recent months to understand their requirements and preferred tax rates. Singapore's asset management industry has grown at an average rate of 7.5% annually over the past five years, reaching nearly S$7 trillion, according to MAS data. The latest measures highlight Singapore's efforts to remain an attractive base for fund managers and investment professionals as competition with Hong Kong intensifies.

Qatar Airways has reached a new milestone in its onboard connectivity programme with 150 Starlink-equipped widebody aircraft, including the world’s first Starlink-equipped Boeing 787-9.

The airline has also completed the Starlink rollout across its Boeing 787-8 sub-fleet in seven months, with more than half of its Boeing 787 fleet now equipped with the technology. Qatar Airways remains on track to complete the rollout across its Boeing 787 fleet by the end of 2026.

The latest milestone follows the airline’s earlier rollout across its Boeing 777 fleet in nine months and Airbus A350 fleet in eight months. Qatar Airways now operates Starlink-equipped Boeing 777, Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 fleets, making it the world’s first and largest Starlink-equipped widebody fleet.

Starlink Wi-Fi on Qatar Airways can offer speeds of up to 500 Mbps, allowing passengers to stay connected while travelling. The service gives travellers the option to work, stay in touch with family and friends or enjoy online entertainment during their journey.

Qatar Airways was also the first airline to offer Starlink connectivity on long-haul and ultra-long-haul routes across six continents. Complimentary gate-to-gate Starlink Wi-Fi is being made available across more journeys on the airline’s global network, covering destinations across the Americas, Australasia, Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

Since Starlink connectivity was introduced onboard in October 2024, more than 23 million passengers have used the service across over 86,000 Qatar Airways flights.

The airline’s Starlink installation programme has now crossed 83 per cent completion, with up to 323 Starlink-equipped flights operating daily. The expansion is aimed at making fast and reliable onboard connectivity a more regular part of the passenger experience. Passengers can access complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi throughout their journey through seamless Privilege Club membership authentication or enrolment.

The Surfing Champions Trophy is returning to the Maldives, with the 14th edition set to take place at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa from 4th to 11th September 2026.

Held at the famous Sultans break, the invitation-only competition brings some of the biggest names in surfing together for a week of high-level competition, island experiences and time in the Indian Ocean.

The contest is unique in its format, with surfers competing across three board disciplines: single fin, twin fin and thruster. The different formats challenge competitors to adapt their technique and style while showcasing different eras of surfing. The 2026 line-up is already taking shape, with Kai Lenny, Mason Ho and Victor Bernardo among the first surfers confirmed to return to Sultans. More names are expected to be announced in the coming months.

Where Surfing Legends Meet

The Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy began in 2011, bringing a different approach to competitive surfing. Since then, the event has attracted some of the sport's most recognised names to Kuda Huraa. The list of past champions includes Mark Occhilupo, Damien Hardman, Taylor Knox, Dave "Rasta" Rastovich, Shane Dorian, Taj Burrow, Josh Kerr, Kelly Slater and Joel Parkinson. Taj Burrow also claimed his third title in 2024.

Over the years, the event has welcomed surfing stars including Carissa Moore, Maya Gabeira, Tom Curren, Rob Machado, Layne Beachley, Bethany Hamilton, Mikey February, Jeremy Flores and Jadson Andre.

A Memorable 2025 Edition

The 2025 competition delivered one of the event's most dramatic moments when Michel Bourez competed despite an injury and went on to win the thruster division and grand final. Bourez had torn his hamstring during the twin fin division but returned just 24 hours later. He also scored the event's only perfect 10 in the final minute of the grand final.

Owen Wright, Jesse Mendes, Craig Anderson and Maldivian wildcard Ismail "Smiley" Rasheed were also part of the 2025 field.

Surf Alongside the Pros

For guests who want to experience the Maldives' surf culture themselves, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa offers its Surf's Up package.

The experience includes four days of expert coaching with Tropicsurf professionals, guided boat trips to surf breaks, daily yoga, a post-surf massage at ŪRJĀ Naturopathy Island, round-trip speedboat transfers, daily breakfast and surf equipment. The week also features Four Seasons cocktail parties at different locations around the island, giving guests opportunities to relax, enjoy specialty cocktails and meet surfers and other guests.

The 2026 competitor line-up will be announced in stages over the coming months, adding to the anticipation around this year's Surfing Champions Trophy. Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa is set to once again bring together surfing, luxury hospitality and the natural beauty of the Maldives for a week dedicated to the sport.