Singapore’s COVID‑19 Showdown: The Current Scene
The battle against the coronavirus is still on, but a bright spot has emerged in Singapore’s story. The daily tally of new infections has slid down into the single‑digit range, and on several occasions the government has declared zero community cases.
That’s encouraging, but we’re still not sitting on our laurels. The “nice‑to‑have” bubble of calm we’re dreaming about is getting closer, yet it comes with a reminder: keep the eye on the ball.
What’s Been Happening?
- Phase I: Reopening Begins – businesses resumed, malls buzzed again.
- Phase II – Safe Transition (06 Jun): traffic eased, but the virus was still keeping a close watch.
- Phase III – Coming Soon? – depicts a world where schools can play beyond the playground, travel bubbles crack open, and the five‑person rule might loosen a bit.
While the spike hit new lows, any slip‑up could be a back‑slide. That’s why every relaxation must be finely tuned to avoid a re‑surge. Still, several sectors stand to gain a lot once Phase III goes live.
Three Businesses That Could Hit the Jackpot
- Outdoor Food & Events – With social distancing gear reduced, food‑trucks, pop‑up markets, and garden festivals are primed for a revival. People are yearning for fresh air and fresh flavors.
- Eco‑Tourism & Airport Lounges – The international travel bubble is on the verge of opening. Airlines will need more lounge space, in‑flight services, and green‑lane processing. Now’s the time for hospitality startups to step up.
- Online Learning Platforms – As schools push for more “co‑curricular” or blended learning, digital classrooms will see higher demand. A sleek, interactive platform can capture those teachers and students ready for a richer school life.
Why This Matters
Each of these sectors is riding the wave of Singapore’s gradual shift. A robust economy, a livelier social scene, and a stronger community feel await those who get ahead of the curve. And yes, with openness comes room for laughter, relief, and a bit of that “home‑is‑just‑life” charm we all crave.
Singapore’s path to Phase III is not just a set of milestones—it’s a map for businesses aiming to thrive in the next chapter of the world’s fight with COVID‑19. Let’s keep the momentum, stay vigilant, and be ready to celebrate as the restrictions ease. Jordan’s a big one in the road ahead, but your business could be the next success story in the story of new life after lockdown.
1. SBS Transit Limited
SBS Transit’s Ride‑Back Road to Recovery
When the COVID‑19 wave hit Singapore, SBS Transit felt the shockwave. The group runs a mix of bus services and the North‑East + Downtown MRT lines that keep people moving.
Ridership in a Crying State
- Mid‑April (Circuit Breaker): Daily bus passengers down over 71 %.
- Same period: Train rides slashed by 75 %.
- Result: First‑half 2020 earnings listed in the red.
Numbers that Bite
- Revenue – a 15 % drop to $603.2 million.
- Operating profit – a shocking 43.3 % slump.
- Without the $61.6 million government relief, the group would have recorded an operating loss of $29.4 million.
Still Lagging in Phase II
By August, ridership had only climbed to about 50 % of pre‑pandemic levels. Teleworking has become the new norm, forcing people to stay at home.
Hope on the Horizon
The government has eased office return rules: at any given time, 50 % of employees may go back, provided they keep safe distances. That should see a boost in bus and train use.
Phase III is set to loosen restrictions on gatherings even more, encouraging folks to “behave” outside once more. A good chance the fourth quarter of 2020 could turn into a springboard for future growth.
2. UnUsual Ltd
Unusual Ltd’s Rollercoaster Ride Through the MICE Muddle
Spotlight on Success
Unusual Ltd has earned its stripes as one of Asia’s top concert promoters and event production powerhouses. From the dazzling Singapore Arts Festival to the high‑octane Formula One Grand Prix, this company knows how to turn a stage into a stadium of memories. Star‑studded line‑ups featuring legends like Air Supply, Andy Lau, and Jay Chou have kept fans buzzing for years.
Pandemic Pothole
- The COVID‑19 tsunami hit the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions & Exhibitions (MICE) industry hard, forcing countless events into the maintenance mode of “postponed indefinitely” or outright cancellation.
- Consequently, Unusual’s financial snapshot for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2020 reflected a dramatic 52 % drop in net profit, shrinking to a mere $0.6 million.
- That sharp decline was largely because the final quarter of 2020 saw most concerts and events shift from “onsite” to “offline” (or to zero).
The Profit Plunge
It turned out that the cost of canceling a concert is a lot more than the size of your ticket price. The company’s earnings took a hit, but the team was far from flat‑lined, using the setback as fuel to rethink how to keep the music alive.
A Glimmer on the Horizon
On a hopeful note, the government rolled out a fresh guide just last week detailing how MICE events can thrive safely during the ongoing crisis. The new approach is a hybrid model – seeing both physical attendees and virtual fans sharing the experience, all under new safety protocols.
- When the market moves into Phase III of reopening, expectations are for even looser restrictions, breathing fresh life into the MICE sector.
- That means a potential lift for Unusual’s bottom line, less “offline” cancellations, and more head‑lining performances that can jam both in the venue and across the digital realm.
In short, while the pandemic took the volume down to a whisper, the next chapter sees Unusual Ltd turning that low note back into a roaring crescendo—thanks to government guidance and the ever‑versatile hybrid stage.
3. Jumbo Group
Jumbo Group’s Dining Dilemma
Meet Jumbo Group, the Asia‑wide F&B powerhouse that owns six hit restaurant brands, including the ever‑lovable chilli crab. With 38 outlets sprawled across 15 cities, they’ve got their eye on every hungry customer in the region.
Current Snapshot
When they sounded the March 2020 bell, the group announced that a temporary closure of 10 of 16 Singapore spots was the cost of the “circuit breaker” COVID‑cutback. Talk about a stomach ache!
Phase II: The Thin Plate Era
- Dining‑in is back, but tables still feel like puzzle pieces: only five people allowed per table.
- Social distancing is mandatory—so imagine the awkward, spaced‑out diners.
- The move gives a small win, but revenue still feels raw.
Half‑Year Hopes (2020, Q3)
Gone are the “mild revenue” numbers—Jumbo is anticipating a downbeat earnings set for the half‑year ending Sept 30. Sounded pretty bleak.
But the silver lining? Government backing is set to cushion the blow.
Phase III: Big Table Freedom?
- Parliament wants to drop the five‑person cap for gatherings.
- A Phase III release could pave the way for bigger reservations.
- Bigger tables = higher utilisation = healthier profit, right?
In short, Jumbo’s next big win hinges on the government’s decision to loosen the rules and allow happier, fuller plates. Keep your eyes on the headlines—we expect a brighter buffet ahead.
