The Straits Times - February 26, 2025Add to Favorites

The Straits Times - February 26, 2025Add to Favorites

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In this issue

February 26, 2025

More HDB upgraders switch to private housing in 2024

More Housing Board flat upgraders made the switch to private housing in 2024 as mortgage rates moderated and resale HDB flat prices grew at a much faster pace than that of private homes.

3 mins

Budget 2025 possible as Govt has managed finances responsibly: PM Wong

If Budget 2025 is seen as generous, that is only because the Government has managed its finances responsibly and well, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on Feb 25.

2 mins

Scam victims in S'pore lost record $1.1 billion in a year

High of 51,501 cases reported in 2024, with e-commerce ruses the most common

4 mins

GE2025: Expect more multi-way fights in GRCs, say experts

Harder to avoid such contests with so many more parties showing interest: Analysts

GE2025: Expect more multi-way fights in GRCs, say experts

6 mins

Higher HDB resale prices make it easier to upgrade

12.7 per cent to 18,561 in 2024, from 16,474 in 2023, said PropNex, citing the Urban Redevelopment Authority's (URA) Realis data.

2 mins

Quarter of $1.1b scam losses in 2024 involved cryptocurrency

Figure up from 6.8% recorded in 2023; one victim lost $125m in malware-enabled ruse

2 mins

Helpline operator speaks with man for an hour, stops him from losing life savings to scammers

When Mr Aidil, 27, saw his father suddenly lock himself in his bedroom in December 2024 to answer a phone call, he became suspicious.

Helpline operator speaks with man for an hour, stops him from losing life savings to scammers

3 mins

IMDA Issues New Guidelines for Cloud Services and Data Centres

Cloud service and data centre operators must perform background checks of all employees and due diligence on third-party service providers under new advisory guidelines released by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) on Feb 25.

2 mins

News analysis Why Xi, Putin say their alliance is rock solid amid Trump's overtures to Russia

Sino-Russian ties of more value to both parties than what US can offer: Analysts

News analysis Why Xi, Putin say their alliance is rock solid amid Trump's overtures to Russia

4 mins

Macron warns peace in Ukraine can't mean 'surrender', after talks with Trump

French President Emmanuel Macron warned on Feb 24 that peace cannot mean the \"surrender\" of Ukraine, but said talks with US President Donald Trump had shown a path forward despite fears of a transatlantic rift.

2 mins

Trump fans the hopes of right-wing parties around the globe

Politicians spearheading normalisation of far-right ideas gather for lessons from US host

Trump fans the hopes of right-wing parties around the globe

4 mins

Tariffs on Canada, Mexico imports 'on schedule' despite nations' border efforts

President Donald Trump said on Feb 24 that tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports are “on time and on schedule”, despite efforts by the countries to beef up border security and halt the flow of fentanyl into the US ahead of a March 4 deadline.

3 mins

New search begins for missing MH370 plane

The search for the plane of the ill-fated Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 has begun in the Indian Ocean, in what is likely the final attempt to find the aircraft that disappeared 11 years ago.

2 mins

Filipinos Defy Marcos' Snub of People Power Anniversary

Thousands Take to the Streets to Mark Ouster of President's Late Dictator Father

Filipinos Defy Marcos' Snub of People Power Anniversary

3 mins

Public support for Yoon grows as impeachment trial hearings end

Change in sentiment due to prolonged instability, fears over next leader: Analysts

Public support for Yoon grows as impeachment trial hearings end

5 mins

Indonesia and Apple said to agree on terms to lift iPhone 16 ban

Indonesia and Apple have agreed on terms to lift the country's ban on iPhone 16s, said people familiar with the matter, paving the way to end a five-month tug-of-war that forced the US tech giant to raise its promised investment in the country to US$1 billion (S$1.3 billion).

3 mins

S'pore charity starts new round of fund raising for kids, families in Gaza

The Rahmatan Lil Alamin (Blessings To All) Foundation (RLAF) has kicked off a new round of fund raising for children and families in Gaza.

2 mins

New US sanctions on Iranian oil trade hit over 30 entities

The US imposed a fresh round of sanctions targeting Iran's oil industry on Feb 24, hitting more than 30 brokers, tanker operators and shipping companies for their role in selling and transporting Iranian petroleum, the Treasury Department said.

2 mins

Venezuelans Begin Journey Home After Dreams of Better US Life Dashed

Dozens of Venezuelan migrants boarded small boats on an island off the Caribbean coast of Panama on Feb 24, setting off towards Colombia as part of a reverse migration of families who have given up trying to reach the U.S.

1 min

Retired French doctor admits to 'despicable acts' in child rape trial

A retired surgeon accused of raping and sexually assaulting hundreds of young patients, some while they were under anesthetic, said at the opening of his trial in western France on Feb 24 that he had committed \"despicable\" acts.

3 mins

Number of foster parents has more than doubled in past decade

MSF seeks to recruit more of them as kids in family-based care fare better in long run

Number of foster parents has more than doubled in past decade

3 mins

First six EV chargers in Tengah launched; up to 32 ready by end-2025

The first six charging points for electric vehicles (EVs) in Tengah estate were launched on Feb 25.

First six EV chargers in Tengah launched; up to 32 ready by end-2025

2 mins

BG Cai Dexian to take over from MG David Neo as army chief

Brigadier-General Cai Dexian will take over from Major-General David Neo as Chief of Army from March 21.

2 mins

Hari Raya light-up kicks off Ramadan bazaar in Geylang Serai

About 500 stalls, daily live performances lined up for bazaar that runs till March 30

Hari Raya light-up kicks off Ramadan bazaar in Geylang Serai

2 mins

African white lion at Night Safari euthanised on medical grounds

A rare 15-year-old African white lion at the Night Safari was euthanised on Feb 21, The Straits Times has learnt.

African white lion at Night Safari euthanised on medical grounds

2 mins

Jail, caning for 5 men who rained blows on ex-bouncer in 2023

Orchard Road fatal brawl

Jail, caning for 5 men who rained blows on ex-bouncer in 2023

3 mins

Elections Department raises alarm over scam notice on voting status

Singaporeans need to be alert to fake messages from scammers masquerading as official notices asking them to restore their names to the Registers of Electors.

1 min

S'porean charged in Australia with importing 40kg of drugs

A Singaporean man who allegedly brought 40kg of drugs into Sydney on Feb 20 has been charged in Australia.

S'porean charged in Australia with importing 40kg of drugs

2 mins

Scheme marks 4 years of helping ex-inmates stay on the right path

It aims to foster a sense of community through regular sharing sessions

Scheme marks 4 years of helping ex-inmates stay on the right path

3 mins

KKH to offer parents of newborns car seats for loan in road safety drive

Expectant parents who are going to give birth at KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH) can sign up to borrow an infant car seat for free for a year, under a new initiative to improve the safety of children on the roads.

KKH to offer parents of newborns car seats for loan in road safety drive

2 mins

More Migrant Workers Visiting Recreation Centres As Services Grow

Many spending rest days at such centres, leaving old haunts in Little India quieter

More Migrant Workers Visiting Recreation Centres As Services Grow

5 mins

S'pore shares fall 0.3%, tracking losses in regional bourses

Decliners outpace gainers 326 to 234 on trade of $1.8b Mapletree Logistics Trust tops STI; local banks end mixed YZJ Shipbuilding slips further after US port fees proposal

1 min

China's Defence of Currency Takes Toll on Big Banks, Bond Funds

China's strategy of defending its currency by choking local liquidity is sending ripples throughout the financial system, squeezing banks and fuelling losses at bond funds.

2 mins

Great Eastern Q4 net profit falls 14% to $135m

Great Eastern on Feb 25 reported a net profit of $134.8 million for the fourth quarter ended Dec 31, down 14 per cent from $157.2 million in the previous corresponding period.

2 mins

13,000 DBS Staff to Learn AI, Data Skills Amid Plans to Reduce Workforce

DBS Bank has identified about 13,000 staff for upskilling or reskilling, and over 10,000 of them have started training for artificial intelligence (AI) and data-related skills, the bank said on Feb 25.

13,000 DBS Staff to Learn AI, Data Skills Amid Plans to Reduce Workforce

1 min

Yangzijiang shares tumble after US proposes fees for Chinese-built ships

Other Chinese shipping firms also hit as US considers port fees of up to $1.34 million

Yangzijiang shares tumble after US proposes fees for Chinese-built ships

2 mins

Trump's Panama Canal fight puts Asian ports on notice

Scrutiny over the critical waterway masks deeper fears of China's port power - and any shock therapy on this front could rattle Asia.

Trump's Panama Canal fight puts Asian ports on notice

7 mins

Creative progress or mass theft? AI art auction provokes wonder – and outrage

Debates over the creation of AI art have simmered ever since the technology became widely available in 2022.

4 mins

Super Baby Is Ready For Top Show

Last Samurai, Tavi Will Do and Flaming Phoenix also look smart ahead of their races

Super Baby Is Ready For Top Show

3 mins

Easier for Encountered to Win

Feb 26 Hong Kong (Happy Valley) form analysis

Easier for Encountered to Win

5 mins

La Pulga can go back-to-back on the 1,800m

Feb 26 South Africa (Kenilworth) form analysis

2 mins

From Football To Track To New Mark

Singaporean-Swedish sprinter Hugo breaks national 200m indoor record in Gothenburg

3 mins

Thai Somkiat Eager to Make MotoGP History

Somkiat Chantra can barely contain a beaming smile as he prepares to make history in front of his home fans as Thailand's first MotoGP rider this week.

2 mins

Mavs To Focus On Game, Not Doncic

Slovenian star faces former team for the first time since blockbuster trade to the Lakers

Mavs To Focus On Game, Not Doncic

3 mins

Stags Can Outfox Sailors

Defender Fox believes Tampines are able to 'get the job done' in high-stakes SPL game

Stags Can Outfox Sailors

3 mins

United to cut jobs, free lunches and bonuses

Manchester United will cut around 150 to 200 more jobs as part of an overhaul to return to profitability after five years of losses, the English Premier League club said on Feb 24.

2 mins

Ho aims to bring energy from winning Eurocup-3 to F3

After a three-month wait, Singaporean race car driver Christian Ho has been crowned the 2024 Eurocup-3 champion, following an appeal at the International Automobile Federation's (FIA) International Court of Appeal.

Ho aims to bring energy from winning Eurocup-3 to F3

2 mins

Green Confident of Retaining HSBC Title

Defending champ at Women's World Championship fancies her chances after breezy practice

Green Confident of Retaining HSBC Title

3 mins

Fighting gym anxiety

Gyms here ditch mirrors, conduct small classes and have private pods to help beginners ease in

Fighting gym anxiety

8 mins

Motherhood meets migration

Two Indian classical dance productions, Amma and Migration Of Form, bring stories of motherhood and migration to the stage in March.

3 mins

Read all stories from The Straits Times

The Straits Times Newspaper Description:

PublisherSPH Media Limited

CategoryNewspaper

LanguageEnglish

FrequencyDaily

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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