The Straits Times - March 20, 2025
The Straits Times - March 20, 2025
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In this issue
March 20, 2025
Ties between Govt, businesses more important than before: PM Wong
Global changes will have big impact on S'pore economy, companies, people, he says
3 mins
Islandwide cooling spaces part of Singapore's heatwave response plan
Gearing up for future heatwaves A new inter-agency task force has released a suite of measures that will kick in during a heatwave in Singapore. Shabana Begum outlines the new plan.
4 mins
President Tharman approves record Budget, says S'pore must keep looking far ahead
President Tharman Shanmugaratnam has approved 2025's bumper Budget, he said in a Facebook post on March 19.
2 mins
Trump's Call With Putin To Broker Ukraine Ceasefire A Clear Flop
Russian President Offers Meaningless Concessions, No Workable Ideas To End War
4 mins
PAP could face WP, NSP in three-cornered fight
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 in Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC.
9 mins
S'pore Committed to Responsible Innovation Amid Tech Risks: DPM Heng
Singapore will remain steadfast in its commitment to facilitating innovations and partnerships so as to advance global security, Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat said on March 19.
4 mins
It mimics densely built-up town to meet rising need for urban ops training
Soldiers from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) now have a state-of-the-art urban training facility to hone their skills and tactics for a range of missions, including homeland security, counter-terrorism and disaster relief operations.
3 mins
Jensen Huang bullish about maintaining Nvidia's edge, but US-China AI race is tight
China has been rapidly evolving into an AI \"supermarket\" by leveraging its highly competitive AI start-ups, the country's industrial prowess and the sheer scale of the local market. China has so far registered nearly 200 generative AI models, with more than 600 million users. US experts believe that whoever invests and builds AI infrastructure fastest and best will eventually win the AI race.
5 mins
Google to pay $37m to settle claims it favored white, Asian staff
Google agreed to pay US$28 million (S$37 million) to settle a class-action lawsuit claiming that it favored white and Asian employees by paying them more and putting them on higher career tracks than other workers.
1 min
Aussie electoral funding caps not in time to stop Trumpist tycoon
Changes to scale back, boost transparency of donations to apply only after 2025 polls
4 mins
Russian oil from sanctioned tankers ends up in China
A ship carrying Russian crude transferred from three smaller tankers that are under US sanctions unloaded last week at a Chinese port, ship tracking data shows, ending an unusual month-long voyage highlighting the efforts of producers and traders to keep Moscow's oil flowing despite tightened curbs.
2 mins
Thailand Eyes Hosting Formula 1 Race From 2028
Thailand expects to start hosting a Formula 1 race from 2028, marking a key milestone for the South-east Asian nation's bid to position itself as a venue for world-class events, according to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
1 min
Myanmar relief camps get last handout from UN agency
Myanmar relief camp dwellers received final handouts from the World Food Programme (WFP) on March 19 as the UN agency begins halting aid to a million people in Myanmar because funding has dried up.
2 mins
Wives Elected But Husbands Took Oaths Instead In Viral Video
Incident In Indian Village Shows Govt Seats Reserved For Women Being Usurped
3 mins
Malaysian lorry associations say ban on using fast lane 'not practical'
While express bus owners say they will abide by rules under the Road Transport Act, lorry drivers' associations want the authorities to consider the reality on the ground before enforcing a ban on heavy vehicles travelling on the right-most lanes of highways.
2 mins
JB Slapping Incident: Man Claims Trial After Court Rejects Plea
A Malaysian man accused of slapping a non-Muslim for eating in public during Ramadan has claimed trial at the Magistrate's Court in Johor Bahru.
1 min
Israeli Strikes Kill 10 as Gazans Told to Leave Combat Zones
EU Official Tells Israeli Foreign Minister That Attacks Are 'Unacceptable'
3 mins
Families Accuse Netanyahu of Sacrificing Hostages
Relatives of Israeli hostages held in Gaza said on March 18 that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to return to fighting in the Palestinian territory could \"sacrifice\" their loved ones after the military carried out a wave of air strikes.
1 min
Canada to develop Arctic radar system with Australia as trust in US erodes
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on March 18 a C$6 billion (S$5.5 billion) deal with Australia to develop an Arctic radar system, warning that Canada must take more responsibility for its defence as US priorities shift.
2 mins
US Chief Justice rebukes Trump over call for judge's impeachment
He says the appellate review process exists for any disagreement with court decisions
3 mins
Judge says Musk and Doge's cuts to USAID 'likely violated' Constitution
A federal judge on March 19 blocked billionaire Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) from taking any more steps to shut down the US Agency for International Development (USAid), saying their efforts to close the agency likely violated the US Constitution.
2 mins
'Stranded' astronauts back on Earth after 286 days
They had been stuck on the ISS since June 2024 due to failed Boeing spacecraft
3 mins
$200k raised for full-ride scholarship for Palestinian students
A ground-up effort to sponsor Palestinian students to complete further studies in Singapore has raised half of its $400,000 target so far.
3 mins
Nominations Open for New Scheme to Support S'pore Heritage Brands
Selected businesses will benefit from greater brand visibility, get help to grow and innovate
3 mins
HDB Flats Will Remain Affordable for All Singaporeans: Desmond Lee
He Points to Strong Pipeline of New Flats Amid Efforts to Stabilise Public Housing Market
3 mins
Tough fight likely in West Coast-Jurong West GRC, says minister
West Coast-Jurong West GRC will likely see a keen contest in the coming polls but if residents give them a mandate, National Development Minister Desmond Lee and the PAP team stand ready to serve, he said.
2 mins
Influencer turned prolific fraudster jailed for over 32 months
As a local influencer, Chin Tung Sheng had more than 334,000 followers on his Instagram account, where he flaunted the high life in branded garb and posted pictures of himself in fancy cars and at luxury brand events.
3 mins
NS defaulter jailed for remaining overseas after exit permit expired
He was arrested at airport after staying away for 5½ years longer than allowed
3 mins
Monsoon surge brings widespread rain, lowers temperatures
A third monsoon surge brought rain and lowered temperatures to 23.6 deg C at around noon on March 19.
2 mins
COE prices rise across the board; Cat B, E premiums cross $116,000
The price of a Category B certificate of entitlement (COE) climbed to $116,890 at the latest tender exercise on March 19, as COE prices rose across the board.
2 mins
STI inches up in cautious trading ahead of Fed rate decision
• Gainers beat losers 250 to 233 in broader market • Seatrium biggest loser; local banks all close firmer • Kospi and Hang Seng up amid mixed regional trading
1 min
Helens warns of losses as PC Partner posts buoyant profit
Two Hong Kong-listed firms with secondary listings on the Singapore Exchange (SGX) have had contrasting fortunes in 2024, with one warning of losses for the year and the other reporting a 4.3-time surge in earnings over the same period.
2 mins
Most memecoins will end up worthless, says famed investor
Most of the so-called memecoins that are flooding the US$2.6 trillion (S$3.5 trillion) cryptocurrency space will probably end up \"worthless,\" according to famed investor Cathie Wood.
1 min
Morgan Stanley Plans 2,000 Job Cuts to Keep Lid on Costs: Sources
Morgan Stanley is planning to cut about 2,000 employees later in March in the first major workforce reduction under chief executive Ted Pick.
1 min
Siemens to Cut Over 6,000 Jobs Worldwide
German industrial giant Siemens said on March 18 that it planned to cut more than 6,000 jobs worldwide due to weak demand and increasing competition in China and in its home market.
1 min
Indonesia Eases Share Buyback Rules After Stock Market Rout
Nation's central bank also keeps key interest rate unchanged to safeguard the rupiah
2 mins
Economists Keep S'pore Growth Forecast for 2025 at 2.6%
Geopolitical tensions cited as top downside risk amid expanding Trump tariff threats
3 mins
Grab, GoTo yet to notify watchdog on plans to merge
The Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) has not received notification from ride and delivery company Grab or Gojek owner GoTo on a proposed merger, it said on March 19.
1 min
S. Korea moves to curb rising speculation in housing market
South Korea plans fresh curbs on housing transactions in Seoul as Acting President Choi Sang-mok vowed to take \"all available steps\" to prevent a frenzy in the property market that could potentially complicate efforts by policymakers to shore up the economy.
2 mins
Singapore Resident Employment Rebounded in 2024
More Found Jobs But Layoffs Rose in Q4 and the Year-on-Year Job Vacancy Ratio Dipped
4 mins
Duterte Deserves To Be Brought To Book, But Not Like This
The former Philippine leader's arrest reveals the ICC's main flaw — at the mercy of domestic politics, it becomes a tool of opportunism, not accountability.
6 mins
Is Donald Trump above the law?
Legal experts say the US President's willingness to defy America's judiciary threatens a constitutional crisis.
4 mins
Mixue: How to Make Billions Selling a Dream and Lemonade
The chain's growth is fueled by an army of franchisees and changing dynamics in China's labor market.
2 mins
NSmen and mental health: Our soldiers don't need to suffer in silence
Mental health struggles among soldiers are often dismissed as a lack of resilience, but the reality is more complex. New support measures signal progress.
4 mins
Community Notes Can't Save Social Media From Itself
It is not enough for Musk and Zuckerberg to hide behind the crowd. They need to remove the incentives that spur the spread of misinformation and disinformation on their platforms.
9 mins
Scams: Hang up immediately when calls appear suspicious
The recent case of \"Jane\", who lost $1.2 million to scammers posing as police officers, highlights the need for a stronger and clearer message to prevent such incidents (Woman loses $1.2m to scammers who pretended to be officers from police's Anti-Scam Centre, March 18).
1 min
Letter of the day Vouchers a good initiative, but make them simpler to use
The Tampines SG60 Cares grocery vouchers initiative is well intentioned, but its execution leaves much to be desired, especially for the elderly and less tech-savvy residents.
1 min
Buildings Collective effort key to ensure their safety, integrity
We thank the MCST Association of Singapore for highlighting concerns regarding the recent unfortunate incident involving an external structure falling off a building in Bartley (Train managing agents in building inspections to flag defects which may endanger people, March 17).
1 min
Biodiversity: Fogging Kills Not Only Mosquitoes
Thank you for the fascinating article \"How a mystery spider's candyfloss-like egg sac in Singapore spun a worldwide web of connections\" by Ang Qing (March 17).
1 min
Road safety • Enforce a safe passing distance for drivers overtaking cyclists
There was a recent news report on a food delivery rider who was fined after damaging the side mirror of a car that nearly hit him.
1 min
SIVA HAS RS DREAM ON SONG
Cinnamon Blaze, Groovy also show their intentions at Sungai Besi trials
3 mins
My Best Shot will give this another fair crack
March 21 South Africa (Fairview) form analysis
2 mins
Wide draw won't stop Sutherland
March 20 SA (Turffontein) form analysis
2 mins
North England Bott's Best Fit to 3rd Slipper
Randwick co-trainer is bullish about colt's chance of landing world's richest 2YO race
2 mins
Bach's speech a reminder of Olympic values' fragility
Thomas Bach focused on how peace is the essence of the Olympics, but also how fragile it is, in a speech on March 18 at the opening of the final International Olympic Committee (IOC) session he will preside over after 12 years in power.
2 mins
Thunder Look To Keep Rivals Guessing
The Oklahoma City Thunder have all but shifted their attention towards the National Basketball Association (NBA) post-season. The Philadelphia 76ers, meanwhile, are already staring at next season and beyond.
2 mins
Nuggets Aim To 'Play Hard' Again
They have big names back for showdown, but hosts Lakers still missing James and Hachimura
3 mins
Andreeva shuts out hype in bid for third big title
Teenage starlet Mirra Andreeva is currently the talk of the town, but she said that she is staying off social media and ignoring the hype after her triumph at Indian Wells last weekend.
2 mins
Tennis Bodies Slam Suit
They say players' union's claims of 'systemic failures' and 'monopolistic control' baseless
3 mins
Ohtani is a marketer's dream in Japan
It's hard to be ubiquitous in Tokyo, one of the largest cities in the world, but Shohei Ohtani has found a way.
3 mins
Rhythmic Gym Head Coach Is Now Performance Director
In a bid to become medal contenders on the Asian and global stage, Singapore Gymnastics announced on March 19 the appointment of Berfin Serdil Ors as its new performance director.
1 min
Okada's Giving The Lions More Bite
Analyst working with Ogura to provide insights into performance and strategy
3 mins
Duplantis gunning for glory at world championships
Armand Duplantis headlines a stellar cast in the Chinese city of Nanjing for a world indoor athletics championships delayed three times by the Covid-19 pandemic.
2 mins
Conmebol boss sorry for Tarzan remark on Brazilians
South American Football Confederation (Conmebol) president Alejandro Dominguez apologised on March 18 for saying that the Copa Libertadores without Brazilian teams would be like \"Tarzan without Cheetah\", after a club official had suggested sides could withdraw due to racism.
1 min
Upbeat Aussies won't take improving Indonesia lightly
The Australian public has every right to expect a victory in the crunch World Cup qualifier on March 20, but nobody is underestimating the improvement Indonesia have made in recent years, Socceroos coach Tony Popovic said on March 19.
2 mins
Contrite Courtois Looks Ahead After Belgium Powwow
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said on March 18 that he had thrashed out the circumstances of his lengthy exile from the national side with teammates on his return, and hoped the controversy over his almost two-year absence was now settled.
2 mins
World Cup Desire Fuels Burn's Debut
Newcastle's tough defender driven to make the most of his maiden England call-up
3 mins
MacIntyre Eager to Relive Ryder Cup Glory Again
A booze-fuelled bus ride accompanied by a medley of chants and anthems was what the 2023 Ryder Cup-winning European team were treated to as they made their way back from Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome to their hotel.
2 mins
Scrutiny On Selection
False submission for fin swimmers shines light on sport bodies, duty and integrity
3 mins
We never grow tired of their songs
Veteran Hong Kong and Taiwan acts are still bringing in the crowds in Singapore, thanks to demand fuelled by nostalgia
7 mins
Too Woke or Not Woke Enough? Hollywood Reconsiders Progressive Agenda
Hollywood is re-evaluating its progressive agenda, with studios such as Disney and Paramount rolling back aspects of the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) push that has defined the industry for years.
3 mins
Hong Kong diva Liza Wang gives back at upcoming concerts
For Hong Kong diva Liza Wang, her concerts at the Sands Grand Ballroom on March 22 and 23 will be particularly meaningful.
2 mins
Live-action Snow White is a lacklustre update of a classic
Rachel Zegler shines in the title role, but Gal Gadot's evil stepmother falls flat
2 mins
Binge-worthy Family saga will make you laugh and cry
Binge-worthy
2 mins
Soderbergh horror Presence captivates; The Electric State sputters
The story: An American family moves into a two-storey suburban residence occupied by a supernatural entity.
2 mins
Chinese acting couple Hu Jun and Lu Fang return to Esplanade for modern take on playwright Cao Yu's classic family drama
Chinese acting couple Hu Jun and Lu Fang return to Esplanade for modern take on playwright Cao Yu's classic family drama
2 mins
Young Musicians Make Worthy Debut as Duo
When young musicians with loads of competition prizes behind them are described as \"the future of classical music\", a healthy dose of scepticism is to be expected.
2 mins
Agam Theatre Lab marks milestone as major company with new black box space
Agam Theatre Lab will mark two achievements in April.
2 mins
New Immersive Art Theatre at Gardens by the Bay Opening in December
A new attraction is opening at Gardens by the Bay in December, housing a dedicated exhibition space for immersive art experiences that Singaporeans have come to love in recent years.
2 mins
French Male Film Stars Tell #MeToo Inquiry About 'Clumsy' Remarks
Some of France's biggest male movie stars have testified at a parliamentary inquiry into sexual violence in the film business, saying they might have missed or even been guilty of inappropriate remarks before the #MeToo movement changed attitudes.
2 mins
Baby No. 2 on the way for Taiwanese actress Ariel Lin
Taiwanese actress Ariel Lin, who has a three-year-old daughter with her husband Charles Lin, is expecting her second child later in 2025.
1 min
K-star Yoo Yeon-seok hit with $6.4 million tax bill amid scrutiny over celebrity finances
Hot off the heels of hit romance drama When The Phone Rings (2024 to 2025), South Korean actor Yoo Yeon-seok has joined a list of celebrities facing hefty tax bills from the authorities.
2 mins
The Straits Times Newspaper Description:
Publisher: SPH Media Limited
Category: Newspaper
Language: English
Frequency: Daily
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