The Straits Times - March 17, 2025
The Straits Times - March 17, 2025
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In this issue
March 17, 2025
New task force to help Singaporeans, businesses seize opportunities from JB-Singapore RTS Link
A task force has been set up to help Singaporeans and local businesses seize opportunities and reap benefits from the upcoming Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link.
3 mins
We will do everything we can to help you, PM tells young parents
During visit to Sengkang, he highlights support measures unveiled in Budget 2025
3 mins
Lim Guan Eng fails to retain chairmanship, offered adviser role
Veteran leader Lim Guan Eng of the Democratic Action Party (DAP) lost his bid to retain the post of chairman in his party's triennial election held on March 16.
3 mins
Labour chief Ng Chee Meng seen at Fernvale, part of Jalan Kayu SMC
Labour chief Ng Chee Meng was spotted at a family carnival at Fernvale on March 16, ahead of the upcoming general election.
2 mins
Singapore's harmony is precious and must always be protected: PM Wong
S'poreans are only ones who can come together to protect nation, he says
2 mins
Spotlight on Punggol: Fierce PAP-WP fight expected in Singapore's youngest GRC
With battle lines redrawn and significant changes to many constituencies, which will be the ones under the spotlight in GE2025? The Straits Times dives into the issues and concerns on the ground, starting with the newly created Punggol GRC.
8 mins
PSP says it faces 'uphill battle' in new West Coast-Jurong West GRC
The opposition Progress Singapore Party (PSP) faces \"an uphill battle\" in the new West Coast-Jurong West GRC at the next general election, said the party's Non-Constituency MP Leong Mun Wai.
4 mins
Retaining boundaries helps reduce uncertainty in Marymount, Bishan-Toa Payoh: Chee
Those serving there will focus on making improvements for residents, he says
3 mins
An early start to build a career with heart
University offers programmes for students who want more out of work than just a paycheck
1 min
Ex-president Jokowi plans 'Super Party' to boost his influence
Former Indonesian leader wants an entity that is super open, owned by all its members
4 mins
Indonesia Set To Lift Ban On Migrant Workers To Saudi Arabia
Indonesia is set to sign an agreement to lift its decade-long moratorium on sending citizens to Saudi Arabia as domestic workers and formal sector employees, following assurances of stricter labour protections from the Gulf nation.
1 min
Thai Officials to Visit China to Check on Uighur Deportées
A delegation from the Thai government will visit China this week to check on the welfare of dozens of Uighur refugees after their controversial deportation drew global condemnation and US travel sanctions on Thai officials.
2 mins
Protests Intensify as Ruling on Yoon's Impeachment Nears
Critics Say He Must Be Sacked as President; Supporters Cry Foul Over 'Anti-State Forces'
3 mins
Is it the end of the road for HK's once-powerful opposition parties?
Some remain hopeful for negotiation room amid narrowing space for differing views
4 mins
China tells SMEs to be familiar with foreign laws amid tensions with US
China has urged its small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to familiarize themselves with foreign laws in their overseas operations, in what analysts call a timely reminder amid worsening US-China trade tensions.
3 mins
Trump Launches Large-Scale Strikes on Yemen's Houthis
At Least 31 Killed in Biggest US Military Op in the Middle East Since Trump Took Office
4 mins
Canadians rally under 'elbows up' cry in the face of Trump's threats
Canadians are upset. At first, it was the threat, and then the reality, of tariffs. Now, US President Donald Trump's talk of Canada's forced annexation - no longer laughed off as a joke - has really angered a population better known for its politeness.
2 mins
Ukrainian troops not surrounded in Kursk: Zelensky
Move comes after Kyiv's allies agree to exert pressure so Moscow accepts truce deal
4 mins
Five volunteers exposed to Covid-19 virus in first such study in S'pore
It is part of efforts to strengthen country's preparedness and response to diseases
4 mins
More Students Pick Up French, German Under Flexible Language Programme
Teenager Adam Jamari, who can already speak three languages, jumped at the chance to pick up a fourth in 2024 through a flexible language programme.
3 mins
Safra members get 12 months' free insurance, other goodies for SG60
Free insurance for a year is among the slew of SG60 goodies for national servicemen and their families, as the nation celebrates its 60th year.
3 mins
Potential NSP candidates for GE spotted in Tampines
Several new and old faces from the National Solidarity Party (NSP) were spotted during a walkabout in Tampines on March 16.
3 mins
57 Eurasian family trees on display at library exhibition
It showcases history, contributions and culture of Eurasian community here
2 mins
Safety tips to prevent fires when using power banks
Expert advice on what to look out for when buying such products, and how to use them
4 mins
How a mystery spider's 'candyfloss' egg sac spun a worldwide web of links
A tiny blob on a plant captured the attention of Singaporean freelance photographer Nicky Bay in January — and mystified him.
4 mins
Scientists Worry About 'Darth Vader' Isopod Sold as Seafood in Vietnam
Newly Discovered Giant Species Could Become Extinct, Disrupting the Marine Food Chain
3 mins
DBS Group Raises $2.7b via Multi-Tranche US Dollar Senior Bonds
Issuance of one fixed-rate and two floating-rate notes more than three times oversubscribed
1 min
What if someone mocks you as a 'diversity hire'?
In this series, manpower correspondent Tay Hong Yi offers practical answers to candid questions on navigating workplace challenges and getting ahead in your career. Get more tips by signing up to The Straits Times' Headstart newsletter.
3 mins
Trump sows profound uncertainty for stocks, making the market 'untradable'
Investors are braced for a rough ride, taking positions to protect against a big jump in volatility
3 mins
S'pore banks slip on concerns that US tariffs could impact S-E Asia
OKP shares hit 10-year high, buoyed by property and construction boom
4 mins
2 S'pore Fintech Firms Have an Edge Amid Africa's Digital Payments Push
Having been in the continent for years, they stand to benefit as infrastructure takes shape
3 mins
Govt pushes for change, but shadow education system stands in the way
Students should go beyond academics. But every effort to evolve in that direction gets thwarted by some who game these well-meant moves.
5 mins
Are some parents doing their children a favour?
So many parents hanker after elite schools for their children?
1 min
Decoding Trump's 'peace through strength'
The real story behind the snappy slogan is the US government is divided about defence policy.
7 mins
What price peace? The Trump-Nobel poser
Distasteful as his version of 'diplomacy by shock therapy' has been, the US President has kick-started action on resolving two major conflicts.
7 mins
How to Spot a Low Performer
It's a lot harder than it should be, despite decades of corporate effort.
3 mins
When it is never too young to be too old in the digital age
Criticism of former child star Millie Bobby Brown highlights the pressures on even women in their 20s.
4 mins
Building inspections • Train managing agents to flag defects that may endanger people
We read with concern about a metal structure that was part of a building's facade falling off (27m metal structure falls from Inspace building in Bartley, narrowly missing man, March 11).
1 min
Transport Make it easier to get a ride at taxi stands
I refer to the article \"New measures may help taxi firms grow fleets but don't tackle problem of street-hail availability\" (March 13), and want to relate my recent experience.
1 min
Voices of Youth Learning: Look at game-based methods to nurture students' critical thinking skills
The Forum letter \"AI-driven education solutions can reduce reliance on tuition\" (Jan 23) said that artificial intelligence-driven education solutions could help improve learning in the classroom by providing students with a personalised learning experience, and empowering educators.
1 min
Parliament • Use of dialects or non-official languages limited to brief instances
We refer to the letters by Mr Liew Kai Khiun (A good reason for official languages being spoken in Parliament, March 13) and Mr Chan Pak Chuen (Same Cantonese content spoken in English would not have generated same interest, March 13).
1 min
Keeping coffee shops clean a challenge — no economies of scale or aid
I refer to the recent articles and discussions regarding cleanliness of coffee shops.
1 min
Siva Claims First Group 1 Win With Noah Khan In KL
Malaysian trainer over the moon after Swiss Ace six-year-old saluted in Tunku Gold Cup
3 mins
Win a $4,100 Brompton G Line bike in ST-OCBC Cycle 2025 contest
One lucky winner of The Straits Times-OCBC Cycle 2025 contest will get to own and ride the new Brompton G Line foldable bicycle.
1 min
Skateboarding's Bishan Boost
First facility at sports centre for promoting youth engagement, community building
3 mins
Tough times help France capture Six Nations title
The French rugby team's heartbreaking defeat in the 2023 World Cup quarter-finals and their 2024 Six Nations runners-up spot shaped their success in the 2025 tournament, coach Fabien Galthie said on March 15.
2 mins
IOC Presidential Hopefuls Welcome Climate-Change Call
More than 400 Olympians from nearly 90 countries around the world have joined in a call for the winner of this week's International Olympic Committee (IOC) presidential election to make climate their top priority.
2 mins
Kohli backs India for cricket glory at LA 2028
Virat Kohli welcomed the inclusion of cricket at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and, although the Indian great will not be coaxed out of retirement for the showpiece, he believes a new generation of Indian athletes would be ready to strike gold.
2 mins
Lakers Turn To Suns For Brighter Result
After four losses on the road, LA hope for Doncic return at home against Phoenix
2 mins
Aussie Teen Runs Quickest 200m This Year
Australian sprinting prodigy Gout Gout ran the fastest men's 200m in the world in 2025 on March 16, with the 17-year-old saying that he felt \"literally free\".
2 mins
Norris Learns From Mistakes To Win Opener
McLaren driver leads from start to finish, holding off Verstappen in wet Australia race
3 mins
Alcaraz rues 'worst set of career' in Indian Wells defeat
Carlos Alcaraz admitted that nerves played a key role in \"one of the worst sets I have played in my career\", as he crashed out of his Indian Wells three-peat bid on March 15.
2 mins
I'll Leave United If Abuse Gets Too Much: Ratcliffe
Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe said he will walk away from the club should the abuse he has received reach the same level endured by the Glazer family.
2 mins
'9 Finals' for City to Make It to Champs League
Pep Guardiola and Manchester City are in the unlikeliest of positions, having to battle desperately for a Champions League spot next season, but the manager is confident about the \"nine finals\" ahead.
2 mins
Arsenal Keep Faint Title Hopes Alive
Arteta says 'only thing we can do is try to win our matches' after London derby joy
3 mins
Niemann Eyes Major Win
Cool Chilean delivers bogey-free final round to collect second LIV Golf triumph this year
3 mins
From a nation of poets comes a golfer with gifts
From the land of Nobel Prize-winning poets has come a calm bard with a golf club. Joaquin Niemann of Chile doesn't read Pablo Neruda, but with a club in hand he has a fine imagination.
3 mins
Grounds For Play
A number of estates feature unique playgrounds, and here are some free places your kids will love, from Bidadari to Tengah
1 min
Get tips to help your child revise better
At this session organised by The Straits Times, experts share strategies that can make a difference to your child's preparation
2 mins
My YouTube Channel for an Audience of Three
Forget money or fame. I created a channel on YouTube to give my daughter, who has autism, access to the songs we both love and made them our own
5 mins
Actress Tasha Low overcomes cat phobia after Emerald Hill
Singaporean singer-actress Tasha Low has always been scared of cats, for fear of getting scratched. Yet, the dog lover found herself becoming pawrent to two kitties she rescued from the streets in the most serendipitous way.
3 mins
Understanding and managing the rising cost of pet healthcare
Vet Talk
3 mins
Prada cuts ties with K-star Kim Soo-hyun
Brands are cutting ties with South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun, amid an ongoing scandal about the 37-year-old star allegedly dating late actress Kim Sae-ron when she was underage.
2 mins
Obituary: Chang Chen-huan Rose to Fame Through TV Wuxia Series Xiao Li Fei Dao
A former martial arts actor, who was once a star of Taiwanese films and television series, has died.
1 min
Cathay Busker Embraces Fatherhood
The Cathay Busker is now a dad.
1 min
Disney's Snow White gets muted Hollywood premiere
Disney's live-action remakes of animated classics are usually safe bets. But a new version of the oldest of them all, Snow White, has become mired in controversies, receiving an unusually low-key premiere in Hollywood on March 15.
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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