The Straits Times - March 07, 2025
The Straits Times - March 07, 2025
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In this issue
March 07, 2025
Work permit holders can stay employed in S'pore for longer
There will be no hard cap on how long a migrant worker can work here from July 1, in a move that is set to reshape Singapore's foreign workforce for years to come.
3 mins
NRIC saga: Ministers involved must bear overall responsibility, says SM Teo
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will take the NRIC incident into account when evaluating the ministers in charge of the government agencies involved, said Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean on March 6.
4 mins
JC applications from 2028 will require just five O-level subjects
Students will need 16 points or fewer for one language and four subjects to qualify
3 mins
Debate on ministries' budgets: Manpower Openness to foreign talent not zero-sum game: Tan See Leng
ed now. The list was rolled out in September 2023 in a bid to raise the quality bar for S Pass holders by allowing services and manufacturing employers more options in hiring non-professional, managerial, executive and technical (PMET) workers on work permits, rather than S Passes.
4 mins
Early results of EP revamp show firms depending less on foreigners
Early results from a points-based system to evaluate Employment Pass (EP) applications rolled out in September 2023 suggest it has made employers more selective in hiring foreign talent, said Minister for Manpower Tan See Leng on March 6.
4 mins
Debate on ministries' budgets: Trade and Industry S'pore's growth to slow as global trade tensions rise: DPM Gan
But there are emerging opportunities in the region's digital and green economy, he says
4 mins
Discounts and deals at various attractions as part of SG60 celebrations
Discounts and deals at Singapore's various tourist attractions have been rolled out as part of SG60 celebrations.
2 mins
Besides policy changes, mindsets and culture must shift too: Chan
From 2028, students will need five O-level subjects instead of six to apply for junior college, said the Ministry of Education.
3 mins
S'pore Could Buy Its First Set Of Carbon Credits In 2025; MTI To Call For Proposals
Republic Has Inked Three Bilateral Pacts To Pave Way For Purchases
4 mins
Maintaining trust central to how Govt operates: SM Teo
closed on Acra's Bizfile portal. Officers involved in the shortcomings include those whose actions contributed directly to the shortcomings, as well as senior management who were responsible for providing oversight and guidance to the officers, said SM Teo in a ministerial statement on the review.
2 mins
SM Teo: Govt should not come down 'like a tonne of bricks' on public officers involved
While the civil servants involved in the NRIC unmasking saga have caused public anxiety and need to be held accountable for their actions, the Government should not come down on them \"like a tonne of bricks\", said Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean.
3 mins
Strong Public Support for Proposal to Let Online Harm Victims Sue Tech Platforms
Proposal to Set Up Dedicated Government Agency to Help Victims Also Receives Backing
4 mins
Fight to the finish: China issues trade war warning, backs more tech and innovation
China is not intimidated by US threats, said Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, vowing to \"fight it to the finish\", days after Washington imposed a second tranche of tariffs on Chinese imports amid an escalating trade war.
3 mins
Malaysia to build $1.5b water treatment plants, reservoirs to bolster Johor's self-sufficiency
This will boost state's treated water capacity by 41% amid its growing industrial needs
3 mins
Trump Exempts Some Automakers From Canada, Mexico Tariffs For One Month
US President Donald Trump will exempt automakers from his punishing 25 percent tariffs on Canada and Mexico for one month, as long as they comply with an existing free trade agreement, the White House said on March 5.
4 mins
India speeds up free trade talks with Western nations amid US tariff threats
Delhi seeks deals with Britain, EU as access to major markets is set to get complicated
5 mins
Vivian Urges Continued Economic Engagement With S-E Asia In Call With Rubio
The US is encouraged to continue growing its economic engagement with South-east Asia, while also strengthening cooperation with Asean.
1 min
The US Remains a Critical Partner for Singapore and for ASEAN: Vivian
Minister notes that the US is the largest foreign investor in S-E Asia by a significant margin
2 mins
Russia Chides Macron for Pushing Europe Towards the Abyss of World War III
Russian officials and lawmakers on March 6 poured scorn on French President Emmanuel Macron for saying that Russia threatened Europe, and cautioned that such talk could lead the West towards the abyss of a new world war.
2 mins
Putin names veteran diplomat as new envoy to US amid warming ties
Russian President Vladimir Putin appointed Mr. Alexander Darchiev, a veteran diplomat known in the past for public denunciations of the West, as ambassador to the US on March 6 to lead a rapprochement that has stunned Ukraine and European countries.
1 min
Trump Warns Hamas as US Holds Unprecedented Talks for Hostages
Washington Breaks Longstanding Taboo by Talking Directly with Terrorist Group
4 mins
Global sea ice cover hits historic low in February: Climate monitor
It continues streak of record or near record temperatures observed over last two years
3 mins
Thailand repatriates scam-centre workers freed from Myanmar
Hundreds of Chinese nationals freed from online scam centres in Myanmar flew home through Thailand on March 6, as the kingdom said it aimed to repatriate 1,500 such workers a week.
1 min
Vietnam expands cost-cutting drive with plan to merge provinces
Vietnam is planning to merge provinces and eliminate the district-level authorities, the government said on March 6, as a streamlining drive that aims to slash billions of dollars from state budgets gathers pace.
1 min
Rain halts spread of wildfire in Japan
Rain appears to have halted the spread of Japan's worst wildfire in more than half a century, officials said on March 6, as residents expressed relief the smoke was gone.
1 min
Muslim community groups can help in interfaith understanding: Shanmugam
Important to reach out across races and build links amid security challenges, he says
2 mins
Job coaching for ITE students with special needs, more CCA options among updates
A range of measures spanning special education, skills upgrading and co-curricular activities in schools were announced in Parliament on March 6. These updates were unveiled during the debate on the Ministry of Education's budget.
4 mins
New SUSS Campus to be at site of former Rochor Centre
Central location to boost access for learners and industry and community partners: Chan
2 mins
Support for heartland businesses and local firms going abroad among new initiatives
Debate on ministries' budgets: Trade and Industry
6 mins
Regulations planned to tackle online sale of non-compliant mobility devices
Regulations against online marketplace platforms and retailers selling non-compliant active mobility devices will be introduced here, said Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Transport Baey Yam Keng on March 5.
2 mins
Extended ABSD remission deadline for big, complex projects timely: Analysts
Developers' association calls for ABSD waiver for projects that have sold at least 95% of units
3 mins
Fresh charges for trio in case of exported servers that may have Nvidia chips
We have told The Singapore Story for generations, and to celebrate ST180, we want to hear you tell yours — the memories, challenges and dreams that shape our nation.
4 mins
Tanah Merah site to be assessed for a funeral services and columbarium complex
A study will be conducted on a site in Tanah Merah Coast Road that has been identified as a potential location for the development of a new funeral services and columbarium complex (FSCC).
1 min
Singapore shares rise, lifted by tariff reprieve for US carmakers
• STI up 0.5%; Sats is top gainer while three local banks all rise • Winners outnumber losers 304 to 210 in broader market • Major regional indexes also gain, led by Hang Seng's 3.3%
1 min
Sias Queries CDL on Catherine Wu's Role, Directors' Appointment
Questions on board effectiveness, group strategic direction and legal fees also raised
4 mins
DHL to cut 8,000 jobs in Germany in cost-saving drive
DHL unveiled plans on March 6 to cut about 8,000 jobs in Germany in 2025 as part of a strategy to save more than €1 billion (S$1.4 billion) by 2027, after it reported a 7 per cent fall in annual operating profit.
1 min
Former ST Engineering CEO Tan Pheng Hock dies at 68
Mr Tan Pheng Hock, the former chief executive of ST Engineering, died on March 4 at the age of 68.
1 min
SGX revamps leadership in FX, technology teams amid push to revive stock market
The Singapore Exchange (SGX) has revamped its foreign exchange (FX) and technology management teams, following several high-level resignations.
1 min
Even as large US banks retreat, DBS steps up sustainability commitments
DBS Bank has been stepping up its commitments to sustainability and climate undertakings despite large US banks backing away from such initiatives.
2 mins
DBS chief's 2024 pay rises to $17.6m after bank's record performance
Full-year net profit rises 11% to $11.4 billion, with return on equity at 18% in 'stellar' year
3 mins
What Zelensky's Oval Office spat has to do with Singapore's foreign policy
Singapore's diplomatic and military strengths are essential cards in hand for surviving in a might-is-right world.
3 mins
Trump's Tariff Turbulence Is Worse Than Anyone Imagined
Even his concessions are less generous than expected.
6 mins
Why rating your pain out of 10 is tricky
That common upper anchor in rating scales — 'worst pain imaginable' — is a problem because how can anyone imagine it?
4 mins
The Underrated Truths of Travelling Alone as a Woman
It might seem daunting. But you'll realise you're capable of so much more than you thought.
5 mins
Banks: Why do supplementary cardholders need a savings account?
I refer to the report \"Trust Bank hits 1 million customer mark; it is second digital bank with investment offering after MariBank\" (Feb 21).
1 min
Families Let bigger households employ more maids
I refer to the article \"Budget 2025: Families with three or more young children to receive more financial support\" (Feb 18).
1 min
Families • Time to change parenthood's poor 'advertising'
Recent Department of Statistics figures show that the percentage of childless, ever-married resident women aged 40 to 49 has more than doubled from 7.1 per cent in 2004 to 15 per cent in 2024 (Married without kids? It's becoming a lot more common in Singapore these days, March 2).
1 min
Coffee shops • Grants for clean toilets must be well-managed
I refer to the article \"S'pore coffee shops can tap $10m in grants to boost toilet cleanliness\" (March 4).
1 min
Geopolitics What makes S'pore the real exceptional nation
The news coming out of the western flank of the Atlantic makes for uncomfortable viewing, with many feeling anxious every time they watch the news.
1 min
Single Warrior Set For Battle
Selvan's galloper works with gusto on the training track, has the 1,300m up his alley
3 mins
Immediate Edge to stay unbeaten
(6) DAWN'S EARLY LIGHT ran a lovely race behind Bel Canto Dream on Feb 15. He drops in trip for this maiden plate. If he can build on his last performance, he will be hard to beat.
6 mins
Latest venture to herald 'new chapter' in boxing
TKO Group Holdings, the owners of mixed martial arts' Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and wrestling's World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), announced on March 5 a new boxing promotion with the backing of Saudi Arabian court adviser Turki Alalshikh and entertainment conglomerate Sela.
2 mins
Saudi-backed fund may invest in World Athletics
A Saudi Arabia-backed sports fund is considering investing in a new body that World Athletics may potentially set up to manage the sport's commercial rights, two people with knowledge of the matter said.
2 mins
Aberg Taking in the Sights as He Hits New Heights
When the established guard of the PGA Tour talk about the rising stars who are ushering in a new era of interest, all conversations begin with Ludvig Aberg.
2 mins
Tiger's Heart 'Really Not Into Practising'
Mum's death and PGA work take a toll on ex-world No. 1 as comeback takes backseat
3 mins
Beaten Osaka hopes to serve up better display in Miami
Naomi Osaka admitted she was not at her best after she was bundled out of the first round at Indian Wells on March 5, falling 6-4, 6-4 to Camila Osorio in her first event since her injury exit at the Australian Open.
2 mins
US to Make Joint Bid for 2031 Women's World Cup
The United States Soccer Federation (USSF) said on March 5 that it will press ahead with a joint bid for the 2031 Women's World Cup, after a FIFA decision boosted the Concacaf region's chances of staging the tournament.
2 mins
Historic Money Pot for Club World Cup
Fifa announced on March 5 it will pay a total prize money of US$1 billion (S$1.33 billion) to participants in the Club World Cup taking place in the United States in 2025.
2 mins
'Frustrated' Bezecourt keen to stop Geylang's bleeding
From the trail of blood leading from the corridor to the living room, bedroom and bathroom, Geylang International midfielder Vincent Bezecourt's condominium looked more sinister than it really was.
3 mins
Poh Keen To Soar Again
A serious ankle injury grounded the S'porean indoor skydiving champ for a year
3 mins
CREATIVE CROSSOVER
Prominent brands are appointing celebrities in creative positions, reshaping the intersection between sports, music and fashion
6 mins
Beyonce for Balmain
As the BeyHive will be sure to tell you—what can Beyonce not do? The 43-year-old superstar dropped a surprise collaboration with Balmain’s creative director Olivier Rousteing, whom she worked closely with over six months to co-create what the brand calls “a truly modern couture offering.”
1 min
How Aupen Took Down a Counterfeit Ring in China
Viral bag brand's Singaporean founder Nicholas Tan worked with Chinese authorities to launch an investigation that led to a factory raid
3 mins
S'pore woman offers $2,000 bounty to find life partner
Since launching the campaign on her social media account, wellness company founder Bella Dai has received five referrals from friends
3 mins
Harper Lee's short stories to appear in a new collection for the first time
For years before she published To Kill A Mockingbird (1960), American author Harper Lee wrote short stories with themes that she would explore in that now-classic novel: small town gossip and politics, tender and tense relationships between fathers and daughters, race relations.
2 mins
The Greatest Showman to take the stage in Britain
The Greatest Showman, a hit 2017 film about American circus impresario P.T. Barnum, is being adapted for the stage by Disney Theatrical Group and will have an initial production in Bristol, England, in early 2026.
1 min
Hamilton Axes Run at Prominent US Cultural Centre After Trump Takeover
The smash hit musical Hamilton has cancelled a planned run at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the play's producer said on March 5, as he accused United States President Donald Trump of destroying the political neutrality of the premier cultural venue in Washington since taking over as its chairman.
1 min
New York hackers stole $845,000 in ticket fraud case
Two people accused of stealing and reselling more than 900 tickets to American singer Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour and other marquee events are facing criminal charges for their role in the scheme, New York prosecutors said.
4 mins
The Straits Times Newspaper Description:
Publisher: SPH Media Limited
Category: Newspaper
Language: English
Frequency: Daily
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