Singapore's FTSE Straits Times Index closed 0.5% higher at 3769.55 after a subdued and shortened trading session ahead of the Christmas break. Shipbuilding-related stocks led gains on the benchmark index;
Sembcorp Industries rose 1.7%, while Seatrium added 1.55% after announcing a new contract with BP. Keppel closed 1.3% higher. Among decliners, DFI Retail Group fell 2.0%, Yangzijiang Shipbuilding lost 0.7% and Jardine Cycle & Carriage was 0.1% lower.