The Straits Times - March 04, 2025
The Straits Times - March 04, 2025
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In this issue
March 04, 2025
Be realistic, yet confident as new world order takes shape: Vivian
Republic can emerge stronger if it remains principled and S'poreans stay united, he says
5 mins
Govt will help S'poreans cope with cost pressures for as long as needed: PM
Every bit of support to address the cost of living counts, and the Government will keep doing what is necessary to help Singaporeans for as long as needed, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on March 3.
2 mins
Debate on ministries' budgets: Defence Singapore to buy new submarines, infantry fighting vehicles, maritime patrol aircraft
Upgrades part of SAF's plan for military fit for country's security purposes: Minister
4 mins
Debate on ministries' budgets: Defence Singapore to buy new submarines, infantry fighting vehicles, maritime patrol aircraft
Upgrades part of SAF's plan for military fit for country's security purposes: Minister
4 mins
Hopes for peace should be tempered even as S'pore is prepared for a more dangerous world: Sim Ann
The local Chinese community has had a fairly positive assessment of Mr Donald Trump's re-election as president of the US, given beliefs that he is pro-business and will be a changemaker.
3 mins
Servers likely containing Nvidia chips exported to Malaysia may have been bound elsewhere
An anonymous tip-off about computer servers that might contain Nvidia chips being exported to Malaysia, and possibly to an unknown final destination, sparked a police investigation.
3 mins
Hopes for peace should be tempered even as S'pore is prepared for a more dangerous world: Sim Ann
The local Chinese community has had a fairly positive assessment of Mr Donald Trump's re-election as president of the US, given beliefs that he is pro-business and will be a changemaker.
3 mins
Debate on ministries' budgets: Foreign Affairs S'pore to keep lines of communication open on Gaza conflict, says Maliki
While the ongoing Gaza conflict has strong emotional resonance here, especially in the Malay-Muslim community, it should not be politicised or used to divide Singaporeans, said Second Minister for Foreign Affairs Maliki Osman.
4 mins
Malaysia's ex-PM Ismail named as suspect in $212m graft case
Former Malaysian prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob has been named a suspect in a graft case involving RM700 million (S$212 million) spent on government publicity during his 15-month tenure.
2 mins
Review of NRIC saga uncovers key shortcomings of Acra, MDDI
Panel finds no evidence of malicious intent in disclosure of full NRIC numbers on portal
4 mins
Inadequate communication, lack of clarity among missteps flagged by panel
A review panel investigating the disclosure of full NRIC numbers last December on the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority's (Acra) Bizfile portal published its findings on March 3.
3 mins
Malaysia's ex-PM Ismail named as suspect in $212m graft case
Former Malaysian prime minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob has been named a suspect in a graft case involving RM700 million (S$212 million) spent on government publicity during his 15-month tenure.
2 mins
Review of NRIC saga uncovers key shortcomings of Acra, MDDI
Panel finds no evidence of malicious intent in disclosure of full NRIC numbers on portal
4 mins
Zelensky still keen on minerals deal, says he can salvage ties with Trump
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on March 2 that he believed he could salvage his relationship with US President Donald Trump after their explosive meeting in the Oval Office, but that talks needed to continue behind closed doors.
3 mins
Starmer, Macron Pledge to Develop Ceasefire Plan for Ukraine, But Will the US Bite?
Few indications that Washington will be keen on proposal, which is short on details
4 mins
Philippine-US defense pact to stay intact, says envoy to Washington
Existing defense agreements between security allies the Philippines and the United States will remain intact under US President Donald Trump, Manila's ambassador to the US said on March 3.
2 mins
Japan's security apparatus on edge as China ramps up activities near Taiwan
Abrupt appearance of a Chinese buoy in Japan's EEZ causing diplomatic friction
5 mins
Philippine-US defense pact to stay intact, says envoy to Washington
Existing defense agreements between security allies the Philippines and the United States will remain intact under US President Donald Trump, Manila's ambassador to the US said on March 3.
2 mins
Marcos and Duterte wage war of words in mid-term polls campaign
Election has become a proxy battle between Philippine President and his predecessor
3 mins
China's Envoy Chides Australia Over Move to Limit DeepSeek
China's ambassador to Australia has warned that a decision to ban artificial intelligence app DeepSeek from government systems and devices risks further politicising trade and technology ties between the two countries.
1 min
Bangkok cracks down on sale and use of e-cigarettes in and around schools
Bangkok city officials have announced a stringent new initiative to eradicate e-cigarette sales and usage around schools, with a target of achieving 100 per cent smoke-free environments.
1 min
Bangkok cracks down on sale and use of e-cigarettes in and around schools
Bangkok city officials have announced a stringent new initiative to eradicate e-cigarette sales and usage around schools, with a target of achieving 100 per cent smoke-free environments.
1 min
China's Two Sessions Meetings to Focus on Tackling Shaky Economy
Analysts Do Not Expect Beijing to Reveal All Its Cards as More US Tariffs Loom
3 mins
China's Envoy Chides Australia Over Move to Limit DeepSeek
China's ambassador to Australia has warned that a decision to ban artificial intelligence app DeepSeek from government systems and devices risks further politicising trade and technology ties between the two countries.
1 min
Indian minister heads to US for talks as tariffs loom: Officials
India's Trade Minister Piyush Goyal started on a trip to the US on March 3 to pursue trade talks, two government officials said, with just weeks before President Donald Trump's planned reciprocal tariffs.
2 mins
Poll: Most Thais Not Confident in PM Paetongtarn's Government
Most Thais are not confident in Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's government as it has failed to revive the nation's struggling economy over the past six months, according to an opinion poll.
1 min
US Congress nowhere close to deal to avert govt shutdown
With less than two weeks to go before a March 14 deadline, Republicans and Democrats in the US Congress appear to be nowhere close to a deal to avert a government shutdown that would throw Washington into deeper turmoil.
3 mins
At least 1 killed after car rams into crowd in German city
A car drove into a crowd of people in the western German city of Mannheim on March 3, killing at least one person and injuring several others, the police said.
1 min
Europe Eyes Asia for Economic Opportunities Amid US Rift
But senior EU official says transatlantic ties remain key
4 mins
Israeli fire kills two in Gaza amid impasse over ceasefire deal
Fears rise among Palestinians that fighting could resume, as Israel imposes total blockade
3 mins
Hegseth Orders Stop to US Offensive Cyber Ops Against Russia
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the US Cyber Command to halt offensive operations against Russia, according to a current official and two former officials briefed on the secret instructions.
5 mins
Love scam victim with intellectual disability waited in vain at ferry terminal
A man with an intellectual disability fell for a woman he got to know on social media and transferred more than $100 to her from his savings account.
3 mins
Driver killed in high-speed Porsche crash was director of food firm
37-year-old was director of Chee Song Foods, known for its halal-certified meat products
2 mins
Higher allowance for NSFs from July 1; new training areas in Pulau Tekong
Helicopter-borne and amphibious training on island; bilateral air I patrol by Singapore and Indonesia
3 mins
SAF to invest further in unmanned capabilities
Drawing lessons from recent overseas conflicts, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) will invest further in unmanned capabilities, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said on March 3.
2 mins
Police alerted HSA to over 4,000 vaping cases in 2023-24
The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) received between 4,000 and 5,000 reports from the police regarding the possession or usage of e-vaporisers from 2023 to 2024.
2 mins
Measures Used to Quickly Pass Law Blocking Income-Allianz Deal 'Used Sparingly': Indranee
Normally, such law proposals would have gone to a select panel before being passed
4 mins
Human error led to premature announcement of new policy on private-hire car ownership: Amy Khor
Human error by a team at the Land Transport Authority's (LTA's) information technology vendor NCS resulted in information on a new policy about private-hire car ownership being revealed weeks earlier than planned.
3 mins
Home TeamNS servers hit by ransomware attack
A ransomware attack discovered on Feb 25 affected access to Home TeamNS servers that contained employee data past and present, with no evidence so far that any data was stolen.
1 min
Jail for antique seller who sold customer's 18th-century vase, replaced it with a fake
An antique seller sold a customer's 18th-century vase worth more than $300,000 without his permission, used the proceeds to pay his own debts, and replaced the vase with a fake.
2 mins
Helplines
MENTAL WELL-BEING• Institute of Mental Health's Mental Health Helpline: 6389-2222 (24 hours)
1 min
Home TeamNS servers hit by ransomware attack
A ransomware attack discovered on Feb 25 affected access to Home TeamNS servers that contained employee data past and present, with no evidence so far that any data was stolen.
1 min
Judge voids sham marriage after mum of dead man sues his Vietnamese 'wife'
Flat was in his sole name, so mum, 74, living there couldn't deal with his assets
3 mins
3 Montfort Secondary students involved in classroom fight to be punished: MOE
All three Secondary 1 students involved in the fighting incident in Montfort Secondary School will be punished, and that will include caning, detention and suspension.
2 mins
Singapore market up, with ST Engineering leading gains
STI rises 0.3% as it tracks Wall Street performance Gainers outnumber losers 308 to 257 in broader market Genting S'pore top loser, while local banking trio end mixed
1 min
Shell Said to Be Exploring Sale of Its Chemicals Assets in Europe, US
Shell is considering a potential sale of its chemicals assets in Europe and the US, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on March 2, citing sources familiar with the matter.
1 min
More US dollar bears amid trade war fear, cooling economy
President Donald Trump's tariff threats once again lifted the US dollar last week, but a growing group of investors is betting against the greenback amid signs the US economy is cooling and on concern a trade war will weaken it further.
3 mins
Casino giant Star Entertainment's shares suspended from trading
Star Entertainment Group shares were suspended from trading on March 3 as the struggling Australian casino giant tries to arrange a last-ditch funding package and stave off collapse.
1 min
More US dollar bears amid trade war fear, cooling economy
President Donald Trump's tariff threats once again lifted the US dollar last week, but a growing group of investors is betting against the greenback amid signs the US economy is cooling and on concern a trade war will weaken it further.
3 mins
US Commerce Chief Wants to Strip Out Government Spending From GDP Report
Lutnick Also Allays Fears That Trump's Policies Will Trigger a Recession
2 mins
CDL loses place as S'pore's largest listed developer
Stock resumes trading amid boardroom fight, diving 6.5% before ending 2.3% lower
2 mins
CDL CEO ropes in legal heavyweight Davinder Singh
City Developments Limited (CDL) group chief executive Sherman Kwek has roped in Senior Counsel Davinder Singh to his team of lawyers as he faces his billionaire father Kwek Leng Beng in Singapore's biggest boardroom battle in recent years, The Straits Times understands.
2 mins
Crystal Jade to open first outlet in Laos in fourth quarter, with more to come
Restaurant chain Crystal Jade will open its first outlet in Laos in the fourth quarter of 2025 as part of its plans to expand into the South-east Asian country, where a rising middle class and urbanisation present opportunities for the group, it said on March 3.
1 min
China factory activity picks up despite rising costs
China's factory activity grew at a faster pace in February, driven by stronger supply and demand including a rebound in export orders, and partly due to seasonal factors related to the holiday period, a private-sector survey showed on March 3.
1 min
Bitcoin up 20% after Trump names tokens for US crypto reserve
US President Donald Trump has unveiled five cryptocurrencies that he said would be included in a new US strategic reserve, sending the price of Bitcoin and the other named digital tokens soaring.
2 mins
Singapore Manufacturing Indicators Slow for 2nd Straight Month
Mixed reactions from analysts as PMI dips again in Feb, a back-to-back deceleration for first time in nearly 2 years
2 mins
Trump's War on Science Will Gift America's Golden Goose to Global Rivals
The administration's assault on science could spark a brain drain, potentially turning America's innovation engine into a windfall for global rivals.
6 mins
Here's what botanic gardens can do to keep up with the biodiversity crisis
We need to focus on three key actions that make a real difference to save endangered plants.
4 mins
Road safety: Enforce the law to keep children safe in cars
I often see children in private cars (especially) sitting on adults' laps, either in the back or, worse, in the front passenger seat, or standing between the two front seats or sitting and kneeling in the back seat without being safely secured.
1 min
Payment: Some Cabbies at Airport Refuse to Accept Cards
I am writing about an issue I have encountered on many occasions when taking a taxi from Changi Airport terminals 1 to 3 after returning from overseas assignments.
1 min
Prescribing retirement sum can have unintended consequences
Financial experts often come up with a specific amount of retirement savings deemed adequate to retire well in Singapore.
1 min
Abound should be able to win another round
March 4 South Africa (Fairview) form analysis
3 mins
Wada Expands Drugs Ops to Oceania, Asia
A World Anti-doping Agency (Wada) programme, aimed at building cooperation with law enforcement in Europe, led to seizures of more than 25 tonnes of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), and officials now hope to see a similar impact in Oceania and Asia.
2 mins
Newey's Old-School Way at Aston Martin
'Dinosaur' designer brings buzz to new F1 team as he tries to recreate previous success
3 mins
Pegula ends 3-match losing streak in finals
World No. 4 Jessica Pegula powered to her first WTA title of 2025 on March 2, beating McCartney Kessler 7-5, 6-2 in an all-American final in Austin, Texas.
2 mins
ST's weekend football debrief Underdogs can go all the way in open FA Cup
The fifth round of the FA Cup saw the exit of heavy hitters, in Manchester United and Newcastle United, while Manchester City had to come from behind to overcome Plymouth Argyle.
2 mins
Tour de France's foreign starts bring big bucks
As the Tour de France unveiled its fourth foreign start in five years in Barcelona, organisers could point to the financial logic while fending off political criticism from those who believe the world's greatest cycling race should exclusively showcase its home country.
2 mins
Arsenal Look to Champions League to Salvage Season
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is hoping the glamour of the Champions League can galvanise his injury-ravaged squad from their English Premier League funk.
2 mins
Alvarez The Real Deal For Atletico
Argentina ace has ability to help Simeone's side outdo city rivals in Champions League
3 mins
Falsehoods, lies, deception, that's not me: Blatter
Former Fifa president Sepp Blatter said he was innocent when he appeared in a Swiss court on March 3, alongside France football great Michel Platini, 2 1/2 years after they were both cleared of fraud.
2 mins
New high raises Kam's hopes for SEA Games
For the first time in over five years, national high jumper Kampton Kam is looking at an injury- and incident-free journey to the SEA Games – and keeping his fingers crossed that it stays that way – after missing out on the last few editions.
2 mins
Conquering Her Demons
'Proudest moment' for Ko was getting over the self-doubt during 2023 slump
3 mins
Indies and outsiders take the spotlight
Anora, made on a tiny budget, bags five Oscars, the most of any movie at the 2025 awards
5 mins
Heaven in a tent in Chiang Rai
Reconnect with nature and the community at Visama Mae Chan, a glamping site in northern Thailand
4 mins
Thai actress came out of retirement for White Lotus
Lek Patravadi was unaware of the celebrated American series before being approached to join the cast of Season 3, set in Thailand
2 mins
Feeling empowered as heart of vampire horror story
Actress Lily-Rose Depp finds it appealing that a female character calls the shots in Robert Eggers' Nosferatu
2 mins
Global resurgence of interest in Pokemon trading cards
Nostalgia, artwork and the community behind the product are some of the reasons
4 mins
SM Entertainment to Launch K-pop Training Academy in S'pore
Want to be a K-pop star? Come June, K-pop giant SM Entertainment's subsidiary training academy SM Universe will launch South-east Asia's first K-pop training academy in Singapore.
2 mins
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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