why are they banned ? is it violation of local regulations or is it pressure from the hotel lobby - specifically singapore which has capitalist aspirations.

Singapore is a global financial hub. I'm not sure, what do you mean by "capitalist aspirations"?

just curious why they would not let a business like airbnb operate - is it pressure on housing (investors soaking up the housing stock) or is it something else ? By capitalist aspirations I meant friendly to business, and less regulations. I do understand that - housing, like education and healthcare cannot be left entirely to private means.

in my experience, the local regulations are at least somewhat "informed" by the hotel lobby - that was the watercooler talk in/around Honolulu, at least. i still prefer hotels to AirBnBs in almost all cases but i see the benefit for large groups/families.