The Straits Times - February 27, 2025
The Straits Times - February 27, 2025
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In this issue
February 27, 2025
Timing of GST hike, cost of living among issues MPs raise at start of Budget debate
Parliament debated Prime Minis- ter and Finance Minister Law- rence Wong's Budget statement on Feb 26, with 28 MPs speaking.
9 mins
CDL's Kwek Leng Beng seeks to fire son as CEO over 'attempted coup'
A tussle between father and son for control of City Developments Limited (CDL) came to light on Feb 26, with executive chairman Kwek Leng Beng publicly criticising his son Sherman, who is the property giant's group chief executive officer.
5 mins
CDL calls for trading halt, cancels results briefing
Listed property developer City Developments Limited (CDL) called for a trading halt before the market opened on Feb 26.
2 mins
Sherman Kwek disappointed over father's 'extreme actions'
CEO says his focus, and that of directors, has always been on improving governance
4 mins
CDL through the years: A family business from the beginning
1972: Mr Kwek Leng Beng's family business, Hong Leong, acquires a controlling stake in City Developments Limited (CDL), transforming the loss-making company into a profitable one by diversifying into investment properties.
3 mins
JB-S'pore RTS Link systems 50% complete; cross-border tracks to be ready by July
Work to get the rail systems of the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link up and running has reached the halfway mark, as the cross-border rail project moves closer to completion.
3 mins
Some MPs stress need to track outcomes of govt schemes
than is needed to pay for public programmes.
1 min
Pofma orders for TOC, YouTube channel over Ridout Road claims
Alternative news outlet The On-line Citizen (TOC) and YouTube channel Twenty Two Thirty have been asked to correct their claims regarding the Ridout Road colonial bungalow leased by Home Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam's wife.
2 mins
Shanmugam, Tan See Leng sue Bloomberg, reporter for defamation
Suit centres on statements published in article concerning ministers’ property transactions
2 mins
Malaysia pension fund under scrutiny over 'losses' of up to $212m
Malaysia's statutory pension fund has been questioned by lawmakers over \"losses\" of up to RM700 million (S$212 million) it allegedly incurred by selling 163 million shares in Malaysia Airports Holdings (MAHB) for as low as RM6.80 per share just months before buying them back for RMII apiece in a privatisation deal.
3 mins
HK to cut 10,000 civil service jobs, freeze wages for a year
Hong Kong's government workers will bear the brunt of the biggest cuts in the finance chief's bid to balance the books as the city braces itself for a fourth straight year of deficit.
4 mins
Megawati delayed party heads' trip to Prabowo retreat in power gamble
Hours after her trusted aide’s arrest in a bribery case on Feb 20, Ms Megawati Soekarnoputri, chairwoman of Indonesia’s largest political party, ordered regional heads from her party to “postpone” attending a leaders retreat by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.
4 mins
Xi's call for calm signals measured approach to US trade curbs
China \"must enhance its political capabilities and calmly respond to challenges brought about by changes in the domestic and international situa- tion\", Mr Xi told top officials, including Politburo and State Council party members, according to the official Xinhua News Agency report on Feb 26.
2 mins
S'pore and other tech hubs face fallout as Washington tightens curbs on chips
US President Donald Trump is this week reportedly considering tighter rules on advanced chips to China, which could further bifurcate semiconductor supply chains along geopolitical blocs, and choke off the tap to economies like Singapore that act as nodes in the long and complicated chips value chain.
4 mins
Taiwan says China held shooting drills near island without warning
Taipei slams 'blatant provocation' and dispatches own forces to keep watch
2 mins
Pope resting well, able to move around in hospital room
Pope Francis is resting well as he battles double pneumonia, the Vatican said on Feb 26, with an official adding that he is continuing to eat normally and is able to move around in his hospital room.
1 min
White House takes control of press pool that covers Trump
The White House on Feb 25 stripped journalists of the nearly century-old power to decide which of them cover US presidential events, with US President Donald Trump boasting that he was now \"calling those shots\" on media access.
2 mins
Eyeing security guarantees from US, Ukraine says yes to minerals deal
Ukraine has agreed on the terms of a minerals deal with the US and could sign it on Feb 28, the two countries said, in a move Kyiv hopes will lay the ground for future security guarantees from Washington.
1 min
S. Korea's birth rate, the world's lowest, rises after 9 years
Number of marriages also increases, giving hope to nation facing population crisis
2 mins
Tour bus overturns in Thailand after brakes fail, killing 18
At least 18 people were killed and 23 injured in eastern Thailand on Feb 26 after the brakes on a tour bus failed and it rolled into a ditch, police said.
1 min
Hamas says solution reached over release of Palestinian prisoners
Hamas said on Feb 25 that it has agreed during a visit to Cairo on a solution to end the delay in the release of Palestinian prisoners.
2 mins
Revamped Waterplay in Botanic Gardens features bigger play area and more
Children can enjoy a bigger play area and improved amenities at the newly renovated Waterplay, which reopened at the Jacob Ballas Children's Garden on Feb 25.
1 min
SCDF mobile pod set to help cut emergency response times
Emergency medical services (EMS) crews will soon be able to take breaks between calls in a custom-built mobile pod, instead of having to return to their bases.
3 mins
Avoid 13 peak days at cemeteries, columbaria during Qing Ming
Those planning to pay their respects at cemeteries and columbaria this Qing Ming season should avoid visiting on peak days if possible.
2 mins
Concern over offers of counselling services online by unqualified people
A former psychology undergraduate and a self-professed \"ordinary teenager\" are among unqualified individuals drawing upon their life experiences to offer counselling services on online marketplace Carousell.
4 mins
Committee of inquiry not needed as LTA probe is ongoing: Minister
No systemic issue or concern with rail operators that will alter stance, he says
4 mins
Banning transport of workers in back of lorries not practical: Amy Khor
Banning the practice of transporting workers in the back of lorries is \"not practical\", as doing so may spell the end for some micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Senior Minister of State for Transport and Sustainability and the Environment Amy Khor told Parliament on Feb 26.
2 mins
Rise in cases of students reported for possessing or using vapes
There were 2,000 cases of students including those from institutes of higher learning reported for possessing or using e-vaporisers in 2024.
1 min
Schools, public hospitals, religious bodies have procedures in place for dealing with terror attacks
Schools, public hospitals and religious organisations in Singapore have put in place procedures for dealing with security threats and terrorist attacks.
2 mins
STI slips 0.2% as disappointing company results spook investors
Disappointing corporate results from two index heavyweights prompted investors to send the local market down a notch on Feb 26.
1 min
Europe's banks warn of hidden credit risk in sudden ESG retreat
Proposed rollback of rules will make it harder for lenders to analyse credit risk
3 mins
Musk's net worth dips by $30b amid unease over tariffs, cost cutting
NEW YORK Mr Elon Musk's net worth fell by US$22.2 billion (S$29.7 billion) on Feb 25 his fourth-largest one-day loss as stock markets faltered on scepticism about potential tariffs and ongoing federal cost-cutting efforts.
1 min
Grand Venture posts 2024 profit jump on rising AI adoption
The growing adoption of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) helped drive up full-year earnings at precision engineering firm Grand Venture Technology (GVT).
1 min
OCBC posts record profit, plans $2.5b capital return
2024 earnings hit $7.59b, but Q4 bottom line misses analysts' estimate
3 mins
SingPost to hold EGM seeking approval for sale of its Australia logistics business
Singapore Post will hold an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) seeking shareholders' approval to sell its Australian logistics business.
2 mins
S'pore factory output up for 7th straight month
Factory production in Singapore rose for a seventh straight month in January, with local manufacturers expressing positive business sentiment for the first half of 2025 despite global uncertainty.
2 mins
$60m top-up to boost S'pore's space tech industry, research
Singapore will invest an extra $60 million to boost its space tech industry and research ecosystem, which has in the past contributed to the development of space-based robotic arms and precision agriculture technologies.
3 mins
The limits of Malaysia's support for Gaza are showing
Since a deadly war in Gaza unfolded that has now seen 63,000 killed, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has been one of the most critical Muslim heads of government voicing support for the Palestinians, their right to self-determination and the ability to live their lives in freedom and dignity.
6 mins
Social media is a minefield. Here's how we can make it safer
When was the last time you saw a nasty comment on Instagram, and what did you do about it? If you just swiped past because you weren't sure what to do, you're not alone.
5 mins
Generative AI is most useful for the things we care about the least
It is appropriate that generative Al becomes more useful the sloppier its users are willing to be - that is, the less they care about the details.
4 mins
From symbols to memes: How far-right ideology can spread to Singapore from afar
The rise of far-right radicalisation is an increasingly troubling trend, with Singapore recently reporting its third case of this in the last four years.
5 mins
Which type of note-taking is better for school: Laptop or pen and paper?
Research shows that the kinds of notes students take when typing on a laptop differ from those taken with traditional pen and paper.
3 mins
Bullying • Take sterner action against students who physically assault others
I refer to the recent assault case at Montfort Secondary School (Police investigating Montfort Secondary bullying incident, Feb 23).
1 min
Bullying • Open communication vital as it's not just a school issue
In the article \"Parents should let schools handle fighting or bullying cases, and avoid jumping in: Chan Chun Sing\" (Feb 4), Education Minister Chan Chun Sing emphasised a balanced approach to addressing bullying in schools, highlighting both the role of schools and parents in managing such incidents.
1 min
Life's purpose • Build a supportive society with more mentorship schemes
I read with appreciation Dr Tan See Leng's letter \"Purpose is a journey, not a destination\" (Feb 25) as it eloquently captures the unpredictable yet enriching nature of life's journey. His reflection on how purpose emerges through experience resonated with me.
1 min
Acra portal • Steps taken to resolve Bizfile issues and improve IT management
We thank Mr Tan Swee Leng for the feedback in his letter \"MOF should set up panel to find root cause of Acra's portal glitches\" (Feb 20).
1 min
Cap credit card interest rates to protect the vulnerable
The current interest rates charged on overdue credit card amounts in Singapore are exorbitant, with rates exceeding 20 per cent per annum, plus daily rest.
1 min
SEPALS READY TO BLOOM IN AUSSIE GUINEAS
Cliff Brown’s Singapore Guineas roll of honour features two trophies, and both picked up by arguably the two best horses he trained at Kranji – Debt Collector (2016) and Inferno (2020).
2 mins
DUNDERDALE DUO LOOK GOOD
Atlante Legend and Gun lead cavalry for Kiwi trainer with nice gallops on Feb 26
2 mins
LEE THE LONGEVITY LEGEND
Professional gamers are not often associated with longevity, with many retiring in their mid-20s in contrast to traditional sports - but League of Legends Hall of Famer Lee \"Faker\" Sang-hyeok is defying convention after 12 years in the e-sport.
3 mins
Four-minute mile a possibility for women: Study
Nearly three-quarters of a century after Roger Bannister of Britain, in 1954, became the first man to run a mile in under four minutes, an achievement that many at the time thought unattainable, scientists are saying they believe a woman could now also break the barrier and further expand the limits of human possibility.
4 mins
I'm full: WNBA's 'greatest' star Taurasi retires
Six-time Olympic champion Diana Taurasi announced her retirement from the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) on Feb 25, closing the book on one of the most decorated careers in the game.
2 mins
Spieth in Cognizant bow with Masters in mind
Jordan Spieth is enjoying the warmer weather as he ramps up his return from wrist surgery at this week's Cognizant Classic in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
2 mins
THUNDER HOPE TO LEARN FROM LOSING LESSON
Oklahoma City aim to bounce back against Brooklyn after close defeat in previous game
3 mins
'Honest man' Blatter confident he will be cleared
Sepp Blatter, the former head of football's global governing body Fifa, is looking forward to clearing his name at a new court hearing into allegations he made corrupt payments to French footballing great Michel Platini.
2 mins
Barcelona fulfils dream with Grand Depart
BARCELONA - Barcelona will host the start of the Tour de France in 2026 with three days of racing unveiled by organisers and local officials on Feb 25, showing off the Catalan region at its best.
2 mins
TAN'S RARE GOAL PUTS SAILORS ON TITLE TACK
A calm finish by unlikely hero, Lionel Tan, lit up an otherwise drab encounter as the Lion City Sailors beat title rivals BG Tampines Rovers 1-0 in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) at the Bishan Stadium on Feb 26.
3 mins
A VITAL WIN TO BANISH THE BLUES
Enzo Maresca admitted he was relieved after Chelsea climbed to fourth place in the English Premier League with a 4-0 rout of woeful Southampton on Feb 25.
2 mins
United's transfers must be better, says Amorim
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim believes avoiding the kind of expensive mistakes the club have made in the transfer market is the key to halting the English giants' decline.
1 min
'Cool' Welbeck fuels Brighton's European hopes
Brighton & Hove Albion striker Danny Welbeck always believes that he can make a difference.
1 min
IN-VOGUE KO CHASES SLAM
World No. 3's modelling cameo won't distract her from her Major goal
3 mins
Jin & Ronic: An intoxicating mix of kindred spirits
At Le Golf National in August 2024, China's Yin Ruoning and Thailand's Jeeno Thitikul shared a hug and shed tears after the end of their Paris Olympic women's individual golf campaign.
2 mins
Theatremakers shine with multiple nods
Playwright and composer weish's resonant take on Singaporean schooling life, Secondary: The Musical, and Nine Years Theatre artistic director Nelson Chia's Mandarin family drama, Everything For You, have emerged front runners at The Straits Times Life Theatre Awards 2025.
5 mins
Timothee Chalamet mesmerises in A Complete Unknown, The Monkey is a tiresome horror
The story: Star-producer Timothee Chalamet channels American folk poet Bob Dylan in a Hollywood musical biopic up for eight Academy Awards, including best actor, director, picture and screenplay.
2 mins
Choi Woo-shik and Park Bo-young vehicle is much more than a romance
Netflix bills Melo Movie as a romantic comedy, but the K-drama is more than just that one genre.
2 mins
Nosferatu breathes new life into classic vampire tale
Actress Lily-Rose Depp shines as Count Orlok's prey in Robert Eggers' reimagination of the 1922 original
2 mins
Dream come true for Alyph as he duets with Ziana Zain on debut solo album
On his debut solo album The Storm, Singaporean rapper and producer Alyph checked off a major wishlist item - duetting with Malaysian pop diva Ziana Zain.
3 mins
Why the 2025 Oscars are the most unpredictable in a decade
For a while, Adrien Brody was sitting pretty.
4 mins
New tunes from G-Dragon, The Weeknd
After an eight-year wait, K-pop superstar G-Dragon has finally returned with new studio album Ubermensch.
1 min
Taiwanese former actor named as suspect in murder investigation
Former actor Lee Wei (right), once known for idol dramas like Kiss Of The Toast (2001) and My Lucky Star (2007), has officially been named as a suspect in a murder investigation.
1 min
Emilia Perez star to attend Oscars despite offensive tweets controversy
LOS ANGELES Spanish actress Karla Sofia Gascon (right) will be at the Oscars ceremony slated to be held on March 2 in Hollywood, despite weeks of controversy over offensive past comments and being frozen out of Netflix's awards campaign, media reports said.
2 mins
TungLok Group to open Cavern Restaurant at Rainforest Wild Asia
If you are curious about dining in a cave, there is no need to take a flight to Bali or Sarawak.
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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