The Straits Times - February 01, 2025
The Straits Times - February 01, 2025
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In this issue
February 01, 2025
MRT and LRT ridership surpasses pre-Covid-19 levels
But 2024's average daily number of overall public transport rides is still below 2019's
4 mins
Registration limit on unmanned aircraft above 250g to be lifted
Move to allow more such aircraft among efforts to boost development of industry
3 mins
New Malaysia border agency to oversee all checkpoints nationwide
The newly formed Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) is expected to formally begin operations on Feb 1, taking over 114 border checkpoints nationwide in stages.
2 mins
Chinese Community Has Played Key Role in Building a Multiracial S'pore: SM Lee
He says it prioritises national interests and the bigger picture, supporting inclusive policies
4 mins
Chinese Clan Associations Here To Get More Money For Cultural Activities
Clan associations in Singapore will get more money to organise activities with the expansion of a fund to promote Chinese culture.
3 mins
India joins global race to develop AI models
India is accelerating its efforts to catch up with global artificial intelligence (AI) players by supporting researchers and private companies in the country to develop foundational models based on local needs.
3 mins
Singapore Draws Scrutiny Amid US Probe into DeepSeek Over Nvidia Chip Purchases
Analysts Expect Such Checks to Intensify and Warn of US Overreach in Trade Controls
4 mins
Washington air disaster cause still unclear; black boxes found: Officials
Trump criticised for saying that federal diversity efforts could have been a factor
4 mins
EU renews toothless sanctions against Russia
Grouping to persist with move as it has few other viable options to end Ukraine war
3 mins
Anwar's focus on Gaza, overseas trips draw criticism in Malaysia
He is seen as neglecting concerns over graft cases at home, slow pace of reforms
3 mins
Joy, relief for parents of freed Thai hostages
Hamas freed three Israeli and five Thai hostages in Gaza on Jan 30, and Israel released 110 Palestinian prisoners after delaying the process in anger over the swarming crowds at one of the hostage handover points.
5 mins
Israeli start-ups make global plans after role in war
Offers roll in after drone makers, other defence firms show off capabilities in Gaza
3 mins
2 Killed as Israel Strikes Hezbollah Targets in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley
Israel's military said on Jan 31 that it struck multiple Hezbollah targets in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley, two months into a fragile ceasefire with the Lebanese group after major hostilities in 2024.
1 min
China takes aim at 'race to the bottom' between companies
Neijuan-style competition risks hobbling its pursuit of an innovation-driven economy
4 mins
Calls to Penalise Foreigners Pumping RON95 in Malaysia
If a foreigner buys subsidised fuel at a local petrol station in Malaysia, the dealer can be fined up to RM1 million (S$304,000) or jailed for three years - but the foreigner gets away scot-free.
2 mins
Myanmar Junta Extends State of Emergency to Support Election Plans
Myanmar's ruling military has extended a state of emergency for another six months, state media reported on Jan 31, a day ahead of the four-year anniversary of a coup that plunged the country into chaos after a decade of tentative democracy.
1 min
Pentagon workers used DeepSeek for 2 days before ban
US Defence Department employees connected their work computers to Chinese servers to access DeepSeek's new artificial intelligence chatbot for at least two days before the Pentagon moved to shut off access, according to a defence official familiar with the matter.
2 mins
Japan Sinkhole Grows to 40m Across; Driver Still Missing
Emergency workers in Japan began building a ramp on Jan 31 to try and reach a 74-year-old truck driver who has not been heard from since his vehicle was swallowed by a sinkhole this week.
2 mins
Hundreds of firms blocking staff access to DeepSeek's AI model
Potential data leaks to Chinese govt, weak privacy protection among reasons
3 mins
Yoon's visitor ban lifted; lawyers expected to seek bail
Right-wing politicians seek to rally support for South Korean leader Yoon Suk Yeol amid eased restrictions.
2 mins
Syria's New Rulers Overhaul Economy With Firings, Privatisation of State Firms
Pace of declared crackdown on corruption, waste has triggered protests from workers
5 mins
South Korea to begin on-site probe of burnt Air Busan plane
Passengers evacuated from an Air Busan plane that was engulfed in flames this week at a South Korean airport will have their checked baggage returned to them, after the authorities on Jan 31 deemed the jet safe for a full investigation.
1 min
Delayed Third Phase of Britain's Post-Brexit Border Rules Kicks Off
The delayed third phase of Britain's post-Brexit border regime for imports from the European Union began on Jan 31 – four years after Britain left the bloc's single market and nine years after it voted to exit the EU.
1 min
Trump's Intel Pick Faces Criticism Over Russia, Snowden
Senators Question Her Views at Confirmation Hearing Amid Doubts From Both Sides of Aisle
3 mins
Denmark stands firm on Greenland after Rubio says Trump's interest is no joke
Denmark said on Jan 31 it seriously meant that Greenland is not for sale, after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said US President Donald Trump's interest in acquiring the island was \"not a joke\".
2 mins
China may shut down Panama Canal in any conflict, Rubio warns
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Jan 30 he had \"zero doubt\" that China has a contingency plan to shut down the Panama Canal in the event of a conflict with the U.S., and that Washington intends to address what it sees as a national security threat.
2 mins
Coastal Corridors, Mangroves Key to Horseshoe Crabs' Conservation: Study
NUS researchers come up with strategies tailored to protect each species
4 mins
Two men accused of loan shark harassment taken to crime scene
Less than a week after two Chinese nationals had allegedly acted on behalf of an unlicensed moneylender in harassing the occupant of a Housing Board flat in Towner Road, they were taken back to the scene of the crime by the police.
1 min
Violet Oon closing restaurant at Jewel and moving it to Dempsey Hill
Singaporean restaurateur and cooking doyenne Violet Oon is closing her restaurant at Jewel Changi Airport after five years, and moving it to the leafy restaurant enclave of Dempsey Hill.
1 min
Shell heist Jail for man who perverted course of justice by preventing access to crucial evidence
A man who worked as an operations executive at a firm linked to the largest marine gas oil heist in Singapore's history has pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice.
3 mins
Docs in family of 12 help save chef hit by severe asthma
They perform CPR on TungLok restaurant chef who turned pale after gasping for breath
2 mins
STI rises as Singapore shares track regional gains
Gainers beat losers 282 to 140 across broader market • Genting top gainer in local index; local banks all up • Mapletree Logistics Trust biggest decliner, down 3.2%
1 min
News analysis Trump gets his wish for lower interest rates from everyone but the Fed
Major central banks are cutting while their US peer maintains a holding pattern
3 mins
Adani Flagship Reports Record Slump in Q3 Profit
India's Adani Enterprises, the flagship company of the Adani Group, on Jan 30 reported its biggest quarterly profit slump in three years in the third quarter, as a fall in power demand weighed on its key coal trading division.
1 min
DBS in talks with candidates keen on Singapore IPO
DBS Bank, South-east Asia's biggest bank, has several listings lined up for the Singapore market, including some potential blockbusters with valuations of US$1 billion (S$1.35 billion).
2 mins
Federated Hermes leverages Singapore HQ to target Asia's wealth market
CEO predicts Asia will account for 40% of global financial flows in the next five years
3 mins
Singtel's Optus Secures $1.64 Billion in Credit Facility with 12 Banks
Singtel's Australian subsidiary, Optus, has inked a A$1.95 billion (S$1.64 billion) committed revolving credit facility with 12 banks to refinance its existing credit facilities, as well as for general corporate purposes.
1 min
Competition watchdog gives conditional nod to expanding SIA and Lufthansa joint venture
The Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) announced on Jan 31 that it has conditionally approved the proposed expansion of a 2016 joint venture between Singapore Airlines and Lufthansa, which would give a boost to tourism in Singapore, among other benefits.
2 mins
Youth in Singapore buying into 'buy now, pay later' services: Report
Over 70% of Gen Z use such services, the highest among all age groups here
4 mins
MBS' Q4 revenue rises 7.2% to $1.54 billion on higher casino earnings
The numbers came up trumps for Marina Bay Sands (MBS) in a bumper final quarter of 2024.
1 min
Celebrating Chinese New Year away from family
But in an evolving world, the writer feels at home with the new people she has forged ties with.
6 mins
There's magic in the roar of the stadium, glory or not
The beauty of live sport is in the shared moments and electric atmosphere. Television viewing can't match that.
6 mins
Has Shenzhen eclipsed
At the Shenzhen Civic Centre, dazzling patterns formed on towering skyscrapers, lit by more than a million LED light panels that bathed the city's skyline in brilliant colours.
6 mins
Has Shenzhen eclipsed
After four decades of rapid growth, mainland China's 'Silicon Valley' has surpassed its once richer neighbour across the border in many areas. But while Shenzhen may have the tech, the 'Pearl of the Orient' still holds the prized key to research and funding.
10+ mins
Johor's Pineapple Industry in a Jam and Sarawak Sees Juicy Opportunity
Land squeeze in Johor means less acreage for plantations despite booming global demand for the fruit.
6 mins
Greaterix has Gauteng Guineas in his sights
Feb 1 South Africa (Turffontein/Kenilworth) form analysis
6 mins
Pacific Padrino Gets CNY Luck
Ex-Kranji galloper hands trainer Ong and jockey Queiroz their first trophies in M'sia
2 mins
WitnessImpact To Make Stand In Silver Bowl
Trainer Dunderdale has smart five-year-old looking fit and ready for race-to-race double
3 mins
Trip up William Robertson's alley
Feb 2 SA (Scottsville) form analysis
2 mins
Grizzlies Ground High-Flying Rockets for 7th Win in 8 Games
Jaren Jackson Jr. sank two free throws with 8.6 seconds remaining to lift the Memphis Grizzlies to a 120-119 National Basketball Association (NBA) victory over the visiting Houston Rockets on Jan. 30.
2 mins
CNY Sacrifice Pays Off For S'pore's Teh
Forgoing festivities sees him enter Bangkok semis, where he needs to be fully focused
2 mins
Ambitious game plans from seven IOC candidates
The seven candidates for the most powerful job in global sport - the presidency of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) - unveiled their plans and vision for the Games in a brief presentation to the IOC membership on Jan 30.
2 mins
Filling Boris' Big Boots
New Stags attacker Enomoto confident he can score at will like ex-Tampines star
3 mins
Everything is good' as Kim grabs 4-shot lead
Kim A-lim of South Korea shot a sterling seven-under 65 on Jan 30 that handed her a four-stroke lead after one round of the Tournament of Champions, the LPGA's season opener in Orlando, Florida.
2 mins
Rubiales' trial over forced kiss to begin soon
Spain's disgraced former football chief Luis Rubiales goes on trial on Feb 3 over his forced kiss of star striker Jennifer Hermoso that triggered global outrage.
2 mins
Messi Keen On 2026 World Cup, Says Coach
Argentina great Lionel Messi wants to play at the 2026 World Cup, but it is too early to make any official announcement, his national coach Lionel Scaloni said on Jan 30.
2 mins
Anything's possible: Amorim eyes Europa title
Ruben Amorim insisted that despite his difficult start as Manchester United manager, they must target winning the Europa League after booking their last-16 spot with a 2-0 victory over Romanian side FCSB on Jan 30.
3 mins
City v Real Feels Like a Derby: Pep
Guardiola's side drawn in tough Champions League tie against familiar European foes
3 mins
Record-breaking 78,742 football transfers in 2024: Fifa study
Clubs worldwide made a record 22,779 international transfers in men's football in 2024 for a total spend of US$8.59 billion (S$11.6 billion), the sport's governing body Fifa said in its Global Transfer Report published on Jan 30.
2 mins
No other way but back to basics, says Forest's Nuno
Just two weeks ago, Nottingham Forest were pushed into the conversation about being English Premier League title contenders, but a sobering 5-0 defeat by Bournemouth on Jan 25 has refocused the surprise package's outlook.
2 mins
Stay On, Reds' Slot Advises Salah
Ahead of Bournemouth game, boss cautions his talisman against taking big Saudi offer
3 mins
Anna Builds Confidence
Kalinskaya regaining belief as she reaches Singapore Open semis after challenging tie
3 mins
Tough draw, but locals counting on home support
The Singapore Smash has been a table tennis tournament where Izaac Quek achieved breakthroughs, with the teenager notching notable results in the last two editions.
2 mins
A BAR TOO HIGH
Young adults are being priced out of bars and clubs in a struggling nightlife sector
9 mins
Retired Men Are The Top Visitors To South Korea's Libraries
On the second day of the new year, the National Library of Korea in southern Seoul had its usual visitor profile - senior male citizens - forming a predominant majority.
4 mins
In this series, The Straits Times speaks to designers and residents about urban spaces that inspire them
Who: Managing director Ng Meng Hui, 59, is part of a team helming RSP Architects Planners & Engineers. The multidisciplinary practice is one of Singapore's earliest architectural design firms, founded in 1956 by British architect Raglan Squire as Raglan Squire & Partners. It was renamed RSP Architects Planners & Engineers in 1980. The firm was ranked in the top half for 2025 in an annual ranking of 100 firms, called World Architecture 100, by British architecture magazine Building Design.
2 mins
Big city living
Stylish penthouse evokes life in New York and London
2 mins
Octa, the Defender of Offroad Champs
Land Rover's new flagship boasts increased firepower and fanciful hydraulic dampers to excel on and off tarmac
5 mins
Honda's Accord Strikes a Chord with Boomers
Eleventh-generation saloon revisits past glory with hybrid drivetrain, more features and sporty fastback styling
3 mins
HS revs up and edges upmarket
MG's new sport utility vehicle is more polished and refined
5 mins
S'porean Victoria Chen to Play Lead Role in West End's My Neighbour Totoro
Singaporean actress Victoria Chen will play the lead role of Mei in a stage adaptation of Japanese animation studio Studio Ghibli's cult classic animated film My Neighbour Totoro (1988), which opens at London's West End on March 8.
1 min
Squid Game 3 to Premiere on June 27
The popular South Korean drama Squid Game (2021 to present) will return to Netflix on June 27 for a third and final season, the streaming platform announced at its Next On Netflix event on Jan. 30.
2 mins
Obituary: Marianne Faithfull Was a Beautiful Singer and a Great Actress: Mick Jagger
Marianne Faithfull, the wild woman of London's Swinging Sixties who survived drug addiction, homelessness, two comas, cancer, and Covid-19, has died at age 78, after a singing career that began as a teenager and lasted until her 70s.
3 mins
FireAid Concert Draws Huge Stars To Raise Funds For Los Angeles
The lights dimmed at indoor arena Kia Forum, American rock band Green Day began to perform, and as a large screen showing photographs of burnt homes flashed in the background, American singer Billie Eilish stepped onstage to sing with them.
1 min
The Straits Times Newspaper Description:
Publisher: SPH Media Limited
Category: Newspaper
Language: English
Frequency: Daily
Unlock your access to award-winning journalism on Singapore and the world. With bureaus in major cities around the world, The Straits Times correspondents bring world news to readers on a Singapore platter, helping them appreciate world events from a Singaporean perspective.
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