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Singapore SMEs expect to face multiple business challenges in 2025, with over half expecting AI to significantly impact business productivity, finds QBE Singapore annual SME survey

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Two-thirds of survey respondents say increased costs and reduced profitability is a challenge, with over half seeing reduced customer spending and financial challenges.To meet these issues, most are rolling out a variety of measures, including the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) to bolster business productivity.While AI is having a positive impact, risks loom, say one-third of respondents. Exacerbating these concerns, Singapore SMEs are less informed about cyber risks, with knowledge in this area declining over the past year.SMEs are spending less on cyber insurance despite a rise in the number of cyber events experienced by these businesses.

SINGAPORE, Feb. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — QBE Insurance today announced key findings from its annual QBE Singapore SME Survey. Conducted between December 2024 and January 2025, 600 decision-makers gave their views on a wide range of business risks and opportunities, including the impact of artificial intelligence and cyber risks, and their readiness for insurance digitalisation.

Foremost among this year’s findings is how today’s top business challenges are being acutely felt by many more Singapore SMEs than before. This year, two-thirds (66%) of survey respondents find increased costs and reduced profitability their number one business challenge, versus just half last year. Likewise, 56% are concerned with growing sales and reduced customer spending today, compared to 40% 12 months ago. Regarding company finances in areas like managing cash flow and access to funding, 51% are experiencing difficulties, in comparison to 36% found in 2024’s survey.

Accordingly, the economic outlook for the next 12 months is less positive than a year ago. Only 52% of respondents believe this year will be better than the past 12 months, versus 60% last year. Some 70% feel that increasing operating costs will impact the economy negatively, while 60% feel rising inflation and a GST increase will also impact the economy. SME executives are similarly downbeat about the performance of their respective businesses: in the 2024 survey, 62% of respondents believed sales during the ensuing year would be better, compared to 55% this year.

“While there is much concern over the state of the economy and their own prospects in the future, businesses aren’t standing still,” said Shun Quan Goh, Head, Underwriting, Retail & SME, QBE Singapore. “The proportion of respondents taking action to tackle today’s conditions has increased. This is notably the case with cost control, diversification of customer base, and business streamlining — some 70%, 49%, and 40% of respondents having acted on these fronts to ensure business viability.”

SMEs adopting AI in business productivity drive

Over half (52%) of respondents said AI has a significant impact on business productivity, up from 49% a year earlier. Of note, 55% of survey respondents don’t believe AI will replace jobs in their respective companies.  

While SMEs are upbeat about the current and future trajectory of AI, they are also wary of the risks the technology poses. Some 34% said it presents a threat to business activity — up from 30% last year.

Concern for the top AI risks among SME professionals is significantly more widespread than in previous years. The threat of AI replacing jobs was cited by 68% of respondents, versus just 17% last year — around 25% of Singapore SMEs foresee jobs in customer service, finance and accounting to be fully replaced by AI within three years, while 22% expect roles in routine manual work and labour-intensive tasks to be fully replaced after six years. In addition, 66% of SME leaders have AI-related privacy concerns in contrast just 10% in 2024; and 51% are anxious about AI-linked security breaches, compared to 15% a year earlier.

While awareness of the pitfalls of AI is on the rise, knowledge of cyber risks is declining: just 40% of Singaporean SMEs believe they are fully informed of the risks, down from 47% a year earlier. This may be one reason behind the proportion of businesses experiencing a slight increase in cyber events, from 25% to 27% year-on-year.

SMEs are actively seeking solutions to meet cyber threats across a wide range of measures. However, these don’t include insurance, where the proportion of businesses covered has dropped from 38% to 36%. Of the 68% of respondents who do not have any form of cyber insurance, 51% would consider purchasing it, while 15% would categorically not consider it. The top reasons behind this stance include cost; the fact that their business doesn’t store data; and the perceived low impact of such events on their businesses.

“While local SMEs are aware of their knowledge gap on cyber risks, they are still not compelled to purchase insurance, on the basis of cost control. Though a worrying trend, given increased technology dependencies, we believe insurers like us can still add value to the SME community by providing tools that assist them with risk mitigation in the current cyber risk landscape,” added Mr. Goh.

An omnichannel customer experience is still preferred

Despite cyber concerns, an omnichannel customer journey that fuses offline and online touchpoints remains the preferred purchasing option by Singapore SMEs. In line with last year’s survey findings, some 65% prefer buying offline (2024: 66%), while 35% prefer online (2024: 34%). In the offline space, use of agents as the preferred channel is up (2025: 29%; 2024: 27%), while the use of broker (2025: 13%; 2024: 16%) and bank (2025: 10%; 2024: 14%) channels are both down. In the online area, online-direct is up (2025: 22%; 2024: 18%), yet the online-aggregator channel is down (2025: 13%; 2024: 16%).

Notably, reliance on agents and brokers across the end-to-end insurance buying journey has increased across all touch points, except when asking questions. As such, 73% of SMEs prefer an insurance package tailored to their unique needs, covering multiple business risks — while 27% want individual products that cover specific business risks.

“Businesses that are able to successfully upskill their current workforces with the abilities to operate and oversee AI will reap the many rewards the technology offers now and in the future. The proliferation of AI is not about replacing people with machines, but rather, about adapting our workforces to meet this new paradigm,” said Ronak Shah, CEO of QBE Singapore. “That SMEs continue to embrace an omnichannel buying experience underscores how policyholders acknowledge that the future of conducting business is humans harnessing technology – transforming both insurance and customer experiences, and the risks as well as benefits associated with its usage.”

Appendix: Singapore-Hong Kong SAR SME survey: Business outlook summary

For results of a similar survey conducted with Hong Kong SMEs, please visit this link.

2025 vs. 2024 results

Singapore

Hong Kong SAR

Top 5 business challenges

(2025: 2024)

1)      Increasing costs / reduced profitability (66% : 50%)

2)      Sales growth / reduced customer spending (56% : 40%)

3)      Finances (cash flow, funding, investments, forex etc.) (51% : 36%)

4)      Growing the business (50% : 36%)

5)      Increasing competition (50% : 39%)

1)      Increasing costs / reduced profitability (59% : 40%)

2)      Staff acquisition and retention / labour shortage (50% : 39%)

3)      Finances (cash flow, funding, investments, forex etc.) (49% : 34%)

4)      Economic uncertainty and financial resilience / economic downturn (47% : 30%)

5)      Shortage of orders / business decline / closing down (46% : 33%)

 

Top 5 business concerns

(2025: 2024)

1)      Cost of running the business (62% : 39%)

2)      Getting new customers / keeping customers (55% : 37%)

3)      Long-term profitability (53% : 34%)

4)      Cost of staff (48% : 33%)

5)      Possible economic downturns in Singapore or other countries (48% : 29%)

1)      Cost of running the business (46% : 35%)

2)      Possible economic downturns in Hong Kong or other countries (41% : 27%)

3)      Long-term profitability (39% : 30%)

4)      Shifting to a sustainable business model (39% : 30%)

5)      Consolidating services (39% : 33%)

Business outlook

(2025 : 2024)

Economic confidence

•         Better (52% : 60%)

•         Unchanged (26% : 22%)

•         Worse (22% : 18%)

Business sales outlook

•         Increase (55% : 62%)

•         Unchanged (29% : 25%)

•         Decrease (17% : 13%)

Economic confidence

•         Better (64% : 70%)

•         Unchanged (19% : 14%)

•         Worse (17% : 16%)

Business sales outlook

•         Increase (65% : 70%)

•         Unchanged (21% : 20%)

•         Decrease (14% : 10%)

About QBE Singapore

Present in Singapore for more than a century, QBE Insurance (Singapore) Pte Ltd, a general insurance and reinsurance company, is the Republic’s oldest registered Australian company.

Established in 1891, QBE Singapore is a trusted provider of specialist expertise and professional insurance services. Our insurance specialists develop leading-edge products that are client-focused, delivering cover tailored to deal with everything from complex risks to more simple and straightforward insurance needs.

QBE Insurance (Singapore) Pte Ltd is part of the QBE Insurance Group which is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange and headquartered in Sydney. To learn more about QBE Singapore, please visit www.qbe.com/sg

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SOURCE QBE Singapore

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Dental Expert Dr. Kari Sakurai Explains Early Tooth Decay and Enamel Remineralization in HelloNation

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The Article Explains When Early Enamel Damage May Be Reversed and When a Filling Becomes Necessary

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Nov. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Can early cavities be reversed before a filling? HelloNation has published an article in which Dr. Kari Sakurai, dental expert at Pacific View Smile Center, answers this by explaining how early tooth decay can sometimes be addressed before permanent damage develops.

The article explains that early tooth decay does not always require an immediate filling. During the earliest stage, decay may involve mineral loss from tooth enamel without creating a physical hole. When the enamel support structure remains intact, the tooth may still regain lost minerals.

According to the article, dentists often call this process enamel demineralization. Bacteria in the mouth produce acids that remove calcium, phosphate, and other minerals from tooth enamel. Frequent exposure to sugars and fermentable carbohydrates can increase these acid attacks and contribute to continued mineral loss.

The HelloNation article notes that a white or chalky area can be an early sign of enamel changes. At this point, the surface may not have collapsed into a cavity. Dental Expert Dr. Kari Sakurai helps explain why recognizing this stage matters.

The article describes fluoride toothpaste as an important tool for supporting enamel remineralization. Fluoride can help strengthen weakened enamel and encourage minerals to return to affected areas. Depending on a person’s cavity risk, a dentist may also recommend professional fluoride treatments or other fluoride products.

According to the article, saliva also supports natural repair. It helps wash away food particles, reduce harmful acids, and carry calcium and phosphate back to tooth surfaces. These functions create conditions that may help slow or reverse early tooth decay before permanent enamel damage occurs.

The article also discusses dry mouth as a factor that can interfere with this protection. Medications, health conditions, and lifestyle factors may reduce saliva production. With less saliva available to control acids and restore minerals, teeth may face a greater risk of developing cavities.

Eating habits also play a role. The article explains that frequent sugary snacks and drinks repeatedly expose teeth to acids. Reducing how often teeth encounter sugar gives saliva more time to restore a healthier oral environment between meals.

Daily oral hygiene also matters. Brushing twice each day with fluoride toothpaste helps manage plaque while supporting tooth enamel. Cleaning between teeth reaches areas brushing may miss, while regular dental care can identify changes before symptoms appear.

The article emphasizes that enamel remineralization has clear limits. Once decay breaks through the enamel surface and creates a true cavity, missing tooth structure cannot naturally grow back. A filling or another professional treatment may then be necessary to restore the damaged tooth.

Pain alone cannot reliably show how far decay has progressed. The article notes that some cavities cause no discomfort until they become deeper. A dental examination, sometimes supported by dental X-rays, can help determine whether the enamel remains intact or permanent damage has occurred.

The HelloNation article concludes that the distinction between reversible mineral loss and a cavity depends largely on the condition of the enamel surface. Fluoride, saliva, consistent oral hygiene, and reduced sugar frequency can support enamel during its earliest stages. Dental Expert Dr. Kari Sakurai helps explain these factors for readers considering how early dental care may affect treatment needs.

Can Early Cavities Be Reversed Before a Filling? Features insights from Dr. Kari Sakurai, a dental expert in Santa Monica, California, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dental-expert-dr-kari-sakurai-explains-early-tooth-decay-and-enamel-remineralization-in-hellonation-302926634.html

SOURCE HelloNation

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HelloNation Examines Older Homes’ Heating Efficiency With Insights From HVAC Expert Reid Sittler

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The article explains practical ways to reduce heat loss and improve comfort in older homes in Massillon.

MASSILLON, Ohio, Nov. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What steps can homeowners take to improve comfort and reduce energy use in aging houses? HelloNation has published the answer in an article exploring the heating efficiency of older homes, with insights from HVAC Expert Reid Sittler of Massillon, Ohio.

Quality Heating & Cooling’s HVAC Expert Reid Sittler explains that many older properties face heating-efficiency challenges due to outdated construction methods and materials. It notes that heat loss in older houses often begins with insufficient insulation, especially in attics, walls, and crawl spaces. Without an effective barrier, warm air escapes easily, making heating systems work harder to maintain indoor comfort.

The article explains how an insulation upgrade can significantly improve the heating efficiency of older homes by slowing the transfer of heat to colder outdoor areas. By adding or replacing insulation in key areas of the home, homeowners can retain more heat and reduce overall energy use. HVAC Expert insights featured in the article emphasize that addressing insulation first often creates a strong foundation for other efficiency improvements.

Air leaks sealing is another major focus of the article. Small openings around windows, doors, and utility lines allow cold air to enter and warm air to escape, contributing to the heat loss that older houses commonly experience. The article notes that air leaks sealing with caulk or weatherstripping is a cost-effective way to improve indoor temperature stability without requiring major renovations.

Windows also play a role in the heating efficiency of older homes. The article explains that single-pane or poorly sealed windows allow more heat transfer than modern designs. While a full replacement may not always be necessary, adding storm windows or thermal coverings can help reduce heat loss in older houses during colder months.

Heating system performance is another key factor discussed in the article. Older furnaces often operate at lower efficiency levels, increasing energy use over time. Regular maintenance helps, but the article explains that a furnace upgrade may be worth considering when systems reach 15 to 20 years of age. A high-efficiency furnace can convert more fuel into usable heat, improving overall system performance.

The article also highlights that a furnace upgrade should be evaluated alongside other improvements, such as insulation upgrades and air-leak sealing. In some cases, these combined efforts can deliver benefits similar to those of a high-efficiency furnace alone. HVAC Expert perspectives in the article reinforce the importance of taking a balanced approach to home efficiency.

Zoning controls are presented as another strategy to improve comfort. The article explains that zoning controls allow homeowners to divide the house into separate heating areas, directing warmth where it is needed most. This approach helps reduce energy waste and improve heating efficiency in older homes, particularly in larger or multi-level homes.

Quality Heating & Cooling’s HVAC Expert Reid Sittler emphasizes that improving the heating efficiency of older homes requires addressing multiple factors simultaneously. Insulation upgrades, air-leak sealing, furnace upgrades, and zoning controls all help reduce the heat loss that older houses commonly experience. When combined, these steps can create a more consistent indoor environment and better energy management.

In conclusion, How can older Massillon homes improve heating efficiency? features insights from Quality Heating & Cooling’s HVAC Expert, Reid Sittler of Massillon, Ohio, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hellonation-examines-older-homes-heating-efficiency-with-insights-from-hvac-expert-reid-sittler-302922160.html

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Church Tech Company, Subsplash Gives $8.4 Million Back to Churches through GrowCurve

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Subsplash Giving’s GrowCurve program automatically lowers processing rates as giving grows, with no monthly fees and no rate negotiation.

DALLAS, Nov. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Subsplash, the leading church engagement platform trusted by 21,000+ churches and ministries, today announced it has given $8.4 million back to churches since 2016 through GrowCurve, the exclusive rate reduction program built into Subsplash Giving™. GrowCurve automatically lowers a church’s processing rate as its giving volume grows, so churches never have to negotiate for a better rate.

“Every dollar we give back is a dollar churches can put toward their people & their mission.” —Tim Turner, CEO & Founder

Most churches now offer digital giving options, but Subsplash is the only church giving provider that publicly guarantees automatically lower rates as giving grows. Subsplash Giving also charges no monthly fees.

“Every dollar we give back through GrowCurve is a dollar churches can put toward their people and their mission. $8.4 million is an awesome milestone, and we’re grateful that churches trust us to be their partner in ministry. The Great Commission—let’s go!” shared Tim Turner, CEO and founder of Subsplash.

Lower processing costs show up in church budgets, too. “We saved over $30,000 in the first year by switching to Subsplash,” said Mitchell Newholt, Creative & Production Director, New Life Church, Everett, WA.

Since it launched in 2016, Subsplash Giving has grown well beyond card and ACH gifts. Churches can now accept recurring donations, stock, cryptocurrency, donor-advised fund (DAF) gifts, and qualified charitable distribution (QCD) gifts. They can offer tap-to-give in person with Subsplash Tap discs, prompt viewers to give during live streams, and run campaigns and pledges from the Subsplash Dashboard.

Churches use these tools for projects big and small. Ethiopian Evangelical Church in Minnesota (EECMN), a St. Paul congregation of about 450 members, used Subsplash Giving to run a building campaign that brought in more than $500,000 in gifts and pledges toward a new church home within a few months. Their Digital Ministry Leader, Melaku Bartolomeos, explained, “The Subsplash platform has been a blessing for us. I don’t know why any church wouldn’t use it, honestly. We may not have accomplished what we did without it.”

Subsplash is also building church-focused AI tools that put giving data to work. Trends AI brings giving, people, and attendance data into one place, so church leaders can ask questions about giving trends in plain language. With Subsplash Workflows, staff can set up a first-time donor follow-up that gives every new giver an assigned next step.

Giving typically rises at year-end. With Subsplash Giving, donors can give in the app, on the church website, by text, with a tap, and during live streams. Learn more about Subsplash Giving.

ABOUT SUBSPLASH:
Subsplash is an industry leader in SaaS, fintech, and AI with an award-winning digital engagement platform used by over 21,000 leading churches and ministries around the world. Subsplash is passionate about helping mission-minded organizations engage their audiences through centralized, easy-to-manage systems. As the creators of the Ultimate Engagement Platform™, they’re dedicated to delivering delight to billions of people through custom mobile apps, AI, websites, live streaming, media hosting and delivery, online giving, events, church management, communication tools, and more. Additional information about Subsplash is available at www.subsplash.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/church-tech-company-subsplash-gives-8-4-million-back-to-churches-through-growcurve-302926640.html

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