Portfolio Forecast 2025: What's in A Word, Part 2

MICHAEL AW
Wildlife Photographer, Ocean Advocate, Founding Director & Board Member of OceanNEnvironment

Share one word that resonates and holds a special meaning for you.
Hope

What positive industry forecast do you foresee for 2025 and how does this word help in turning that prediction into a reality?
Our planet has reached a disastrous milestone. 2024 will go down as the hottest year ever recorded. January 2024 marked the warmest month on record, and for the first time, the global average temperature over 12 consecutive months was more than 1.5°C above pre-industrial times – a streak that has continued month after month. This trend is deeply concerning for the future of humanity and all life on Earth.

Meanwhile, the Arctic has been warming nearly four to five times faster than the global average over the past 35 years, with Europe now the fastest-warming continent. Polar ice is melting, driving sea levels to rise around the world. Rising seas are already eroding coastlines and contaminating freshwater supplies in many low-lying island nations – some of which may soon become uninhabitable or even disappear entirely.

In 2025, my hope is for transformative change. I hope that each of us will take responsibility for our carbon footprint and that corporations and governments will commit to accelerating a full transition to renewable energy over the next decade. To prevent climate catastrophe, we must all act, and we must act with urgency, conviction, and hope for a habitable planet for our future loved ones.

HILARY LOH
Design Director, 2nd Edition

Share one word that resonates and holds a special meaning for you.
Authenticity

What positive industry forecast do you foresee for 2025 and how does this word help in turning that prediction into a reality?
The shift towards craft narratives rooted in Asian contexts marks a pivotal moment in design, signalling a new chapter in creative expression. This approach transcends fleeting trends, aiming for a harmonious fusion of creativity and craftsmanship, upholding both professional rigor and a timeless aesthetic.

The design landscape of 2025 will be defined by genuine storytelling, sustainable practices, and personalized experiences will drive the demand for products that reflect individual identities. This will fuel the rise of personalized design, enabling individuals to express their unique selves in a world dominated by mass production. This emphasis on personalization caters to a growing desire for individuality. Authenticity fosters deeper and more meaningful dialogues, inspires, and unlocks infinite possibilities.

ANGELA LEE
Partner and Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Europe and Middle East, Founding Director, HKS Singapore

Share one word that resonates and holds a special meaning for you.
Compassion

What positive industry forecast do you foresee for 2025 and how does this word help in turning that prediction into a reality?
Fred Kofman once said, “Wisdom without compassion is ruthlessness; compassion without wisdom is folly.” This insight resonates with me as I consider the kind of leadership HKS needs for the future. The future will be defined by how well we leverage technology and adapt to change while staying true to our core values – relationships, character, and purpose.

I want to lead HKS into a new era that balances innovation and compassion. My vision is to build our EMEA and APAC regions into ones that are not only the most innovative and influential, but also the most empathetic and inclusive, remaining steadfast in our foundational principles. That is where my deepest passion lies.

MICHAEL LEE
Founder & CEO, Hustle & Bustle Group

Share one word that resonates and holds a special meaning for you.
Hustle

What positive industry forecast do you foresee for 2025 and how does this word help in turning that prediction into a reality?
In 2025, I foresee that AI and blockchain will enable immersive experiences, transforming how we engage with events and entertainment. For example, yesterday’s experience might have been watching a football match live at a purpose-built venue. Today, many enjoy games from the comfort of a home mini-theatre, feeling fully immersed in the action. With AI-driven personalization, future experiences might include real-time insights, tailored commentary based on individual preferences, or even interactive elements that allow remote audiences to participate actively in the event. Blockchain technology, on the other hand, enhances security and transparency in the delivery of these experiences, ensuring trust and fostering stronger relationships between brands and their audiences.

As technology raises expectations and audiences become more demanding, brands need to continuously innovate to meet those needs. This is where hustle plays a pivotal role. Hustle is more than just hard work; it’s about being open to new ideas and bridging global trends with local applications. Smart hustle isn’t always about reinventing the wheel – it’s about reimagining existing solutions. Sometimes, it’s about bringing fresh, impactful content to the markets we serve.

KELLY KEAK
Managing Director, mtm labo

Share one word that resonates and holds a special meaning for you.
Impactful

What positive industry forecast do you foresee for 2025 and how does this word help in turning that prediction into a reality?
I believe 2025 will be a defining year where brands start taking greater care of the holistic wellness of their clients. Brands are more mindful of the impact they have on their consumers through their offerings and marketing. By integrating wellness and self-care in their messaging, they can uplift their clients’ self-image and create a big impact on their lives.

On the other hand, consumers these days care about how a product aligns with their beliefs and contribute positively to the world around them. Next year’s SG60 celebrations also remind us of the importance of coming together as a community, so I believe many leaders will reflect on our shared values and leverage on one another’s strengths for an impactful year towards a better Singapore. At mtm labo, we take this responsibility seriously and use our platform to create meaningful impact. This is reflected in both our approach to custom-blended skincare and commitment to charitable work. Giving back is not just about fulfilling corporate social responsibility; it’s about us creating impactful connections within the community and aligning growth with purpose.

DON POH
CEO, Curasia Endoscopy Centre

Share one word that resonates and holds a special meaning for you.
Do

What positive industry forecast do you foresee for 2025 and how does this word help in turning that prediction into a reality?
At Curasia Endoscopy Centre, we believe in the power of doing. This means not only identifying challenges but actively implementing solutions that set us apart. Whether it's adopting advanced medical technologies, streamlining patient workflows, or enhancing the overall patient experience, doing is at the heart of our strategy. We are committed to taking decisive steps to innovate in diagnostics, improve access to care, and prioritize patient satisfaction.

In a saturated market, those who succeed are the ones who do – who actively create new opportunities and solve problems as they arise. 2025 will be a year of decisive action, where the private healthcare players who focus on execution, rather than mere ideas, will thrive. By embracing the philosophy of “do,” we can navigate the complexities ahead and transform challenges into lasting success.

JAMES LI
Founder, Jolt

Share one word that resonates and holds a special meaning for you.
Self-optimization

What positive industry forecast do you foresee for 2025 and how does this word help in turning that prediction into a reality?
High stress levels are almost like a fact of life in our society now: Consumers are both mentally and physically saturated, and the trend now is to prioritize their mental well-being and holistic health. I think this is a boon for the nutrition supplementation industry. This "self-optimization" trend – consumers wanting to maximize their daily potential while staying mindful and healthy – has gained much momentum and will continue on in 2025. The convenience factor also can't be overlooked. Doing more with less time required is key to maximizing results!

Given the pervasiveness of both information and disinformation online, brands in our industry have a responsibility to be transparent and genuine. I do see brands in general becoming more honest and receptive to consumers, and most of them (especially the smaller ones) are making a difference in the lives of their customers, connecting with them at a deeper level. That said, I also believe in pushing our bodies and minds to the limits at all stages of our lives. After all, we only have this one vessel to take us through life. Wouldn't you want to see how far you can go?

TYSON LIM
Founder, Homeez

Share one word that resonates and holds a special meaning for you.
Collaboration

What positive industry forecast do you foresee for 2025 and how does this word help in turning that prediction into a reality?
In 2025, I foresee that the Singapore renovation space will continue its uptrend, coming off the backs of the post-Covid demand boom and increasing property supply. Homeowners are smarter – doing extensive research and comparisons before locking down choices, valuing more sustainable selections, integrating new and smart technologies, and weighing options of going direct and saving cost or splurging on unique premium materials.  

On the product front – the industry will continue to push boundaries. Last year, we saw an increase in demand for more eco-friendly and safety-conscious materials like low-formaldehyde glue or full aluminum cabinets. We may continue to see more of such product options, including smart home brands and solutions that enhance functionality and comfort for a tech-savvy demographic of Singaporeans.

Collaboration between industry leaders and entrepreneurs is key. Not only should new technologies or materials introduced to the local market be marketed or educated, we need to work together to keep it accessible. Also, cost is a key factor. Stakeholders can work together to bring the supply higher and make it more accessible to meet this demand.

DYLAN LIM
Founder, Math Paradigm

Share one word that resonates and holds a special meaning for you.
Empathy

What positive industry forecast do you foresee for 2025 and how does this word help in turning that prediction into a reality?
In 2025, I see education evolving towards a compassionate, student-centered model, with empathy at its foundation. For me, empathy is about truly understanding each student’s unique path – their challenges, strengths, and aspirations. At Math Paradigm, empathy drives us to foster environments where students feel supported, valued, and understood. Today’s students are under intense academic and social pressures, often feeling burdened by expectations or fear of failure. Through empathy, we create spaces where students feel safe to ask questions, make mistakes, and grow.

Building connections on a personal level does more than improve academic performance; it instils confidence and resilience that will serve students well beyond the classroom. By making empathy a cornerstone of education, we are equipping students to overcome obstacles and realize their potential. Empathy isn’t just a word – it’s the means to shape a brighter, more inclusive future in education.

ALEXANDRA JARITZ
Senior Vice President, Brand Management, Asia Pacific, Hilton

Share one word that resonates and holds a special meaning for you.
Gemütlichkeit – a German word that embodies the feeling of warmth, friendliness, and coziness

What positive industry forecast do you foresee for 2025 and how does this word help in turning that prediction into a reality?
As we look ahead to 2025, one of the most exciting forecasts for the travel industry is the growing influence of Generation Alpha on family travel decisions. This generation, though young, is already shaping the way families choose destinations and experiences. In fact, Hilton’s 2025 Trends Report found that 87% of Generation Alpha and Generation Z in Asia Pacific actively shape family travel plans, positioning them as key decision-makers. With 78% of these young travelers expecting to travel at least once a year, they view travel not only as a reward, but an essential for personal growth.

At Hilton, we recognize that adaptability will be key to turning this forecast into reality. By continuously innovating to meet these evolving demands – whether it’s through more eco-friendly initiatives, offering family-friendly experiences, or enhancing digital amenities – we’re ensuring our properties resonate with both today’s and tomorrow’s travelers, offering brands and experiences that inspire and enhance their journeys.