The Straits Times - March 23, 2025Add to Favorites

The Straits Times - March 23, 2025Add to Favorites

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In this issue

March 23, 2025

Airlines Resume Most Flights Between Singapore and Heathrow After UK Airport Reopens

Most flights operating between Singapore and London's Heathrow Airport resumed on March 22, following a significant power outage that shut down the British capital's main airport, leaving thousands of passengers and planes stranded.

1 min

Faster Immigration Clearance at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal After Revamp

More dining options, outdoor play space for families added as part of $20m upgrade

3 mins

Hazlina Abdul Halim seen at PAP walkabout in Marine Parade

One of the ruling PAP's potential candidates, Madam Hazlina Abdul Halim - the former chief executive of Make-A-Wish Singapore - was spotted at a walkabout in Marine Parade on March 22, raising the possibility that she could be fielded in the new Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC.

3 mins

Work together to make Tengah a vibrant town like Punggol: PM Wong

He calls on residents to build community bonds that make estates like Punggol special

Work together to make Tengah a vibrant town like Punggol: PM Wong

3 mins

New face in PAP team Valerie Lee joins MPs at Pasir Ris event

One of the PAP's touted new faces, Ms Valerie Lee Nai Yi, was spotted at a jobs fair at Downtown East on March 22, fuelling speculation that she could be on the ruling party's electoral slate in the new Pasir Ris-Changi GRC.

New face in PAP team Valerie Lee joins MPs at Pasir Ris event

2 mins

Competing plushies, giant banners Parties get creative in battle for hearts and minds

Rows of teddy bears on a table, and tiny white shirts imprinted with the words \"PAP Sengkang\" neatly arranged at the side.

Competing plushies, giant banners Parties get creative in battle for hearts and minds

1 min

Auxiliary cop in vegetative state after crash was about to get married

The auxiliary police officer who was seriously hurt and left in a vegetative state after a drunk driver rammed into him at Tuas Checkpoint was about to get married and collect the keys to his new Housing Board flat.

Auxiliary cop in vegetative state after crash was about to get married

5 mins

Hougang flat PMD fire: Mother threw girl out of window to save her

Seven months after fire, family recalls what happened that night and the lessons learnt

Hougang flat PMD fire: Mother threw girl out of window to save her

4 mins

Malaysian Influencers Jazz Up Modest Homes For Clicks And Cash

Outside may remain drab, but low-cost flats become upscale 'mini-condos' on the inside

Malaysian Influencers Jazz Up Modest Homes For Clicks And Cash

4 mins

Pro-Beijing newspaper urges HK tycoon Li Ka Shing to scrap Panama port sale

A pro-Beijing newspaper has called on CK Hutchison Holdings to pull out from an agreement to sell its ports on the Panama Canal to a group led by BlackRock, marking an escalation of a pressure campaign on billionaire Li Ka Shing over the deal.

2 mins

Shadow of Trump pushing Japan, China and S. Korea closer together

East Asian giants agree to boost trade ties, but divisions on other issues remain

Shadow of Trump pushing Japan, China and S. Korea closer together

5 mins

President Tharman heads to Belgium, Luxembourg on 1st state visit by a S'pore leader

President Tharman Shanmugaratnam will embark on the first state visit by a Singapore leader to Belgium and Luxembourg, in a trip that will include meetings with top political and business leaders in both European states.

1 min

Questions Remain, With Cause of Fire Still a Mystery

Investigators combed through the burnt-out remains of a power substation near London's Heathrow Airport on March 21, seeking the cause of a spectacular blaze that shuttered Europe's busiest travel hub for much of a day and raised broader questions about Britain's energy infrastructure.

3 mins

Airlines Deal With Aftermath As Heathrow Fully Reopens

Still some disruption to flights as carriers try to recover from airport shutdown after fire

Airlines Deal With Aftermath As Heathrow Fully Reopens

3 mins

Trump Pulls Security Clearances for Kamala Harris, Hillary Clinton

US President Donald Trump on March 21 took away security clearances for former vice-president Kamala Harris, former secretary of state Hillary Clinton and others in his latest move against his Democratic opponents.

1 min

Trump Admits Musk 'Susceptible' on China

President denies his close ally, who has businesses in China, will be briefed on secret US war strategy

2 mins

US importing eggs from Turkey, South Korea to help ease prices

The US is importing Turkish and South Korean eggs to ease an avian-flu fueled supply crunch that has pushed up prices across the country, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins confirmed on March 21.

US importing eggs from Turkey, South Korea to help ease prices

1 min

Columbia University Agrees to Some Trump Demands in Bid to Regain Funding

Columbia University agreed to some changes demanded by US President Donald Trump's administration before it can negotiate to regain federal funding that was pulled in March over allegations the school tolerated anti-Semitism on campus.

Columbia University Agrees to Some Trump Demands in Bid to Regain Funding

3 mins

India Expands Global Footprint With More Diplomatic Missions

It has opened several consulates and embassies worldwide in the last 7 months

India Expands Global Footprint With More Diplomatic Missions

5 mins

Musk's estranged daughter says she doesn't know how many siblings she has

Ms Versha Sharma, the editor-in-chief of Teen Vogue, said she had started to pay close attention to Ms Vivian Jenna Wilson, the 20-year-old daughter of Elon and Justine Musk, around the time of last autumn's US presidential election.

Musk's estranged daughter says she doesn't know how many siblings she has

4 mins

Australian Woman Dies After Tourist Boat Capsizes Off Bali

A boat carrying 16 people capsized in rough waters off Indonesia's resort island of Bali, killing an Australian woman and injuring at least one other person, the authorities said on March 22.

Australian Woman Dies After Tourist Boat Capsizes Off Bali

1 min

Germany Going Ahead With F-35 Order Despite Over-Reliance Concerns

Germany said on March 21 it was committed to buying F-35 fighter jets despite reports that it was reconsidering its decision due to worries about an over-reliance on American defence supplies.

Germany Going Ahead With F-35 Order Despite Over-Reliance Concerns

1 min

EU Leaders Set 2030 Deadline for Full Capability to Defend Against Russia

European Union leaders are now in agreement that the EU must be fully capable of defending itself against a Russian attack by 2030, despite earlier resistance to the deadline from some countries, Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on March 21.

EU Leaders Set 2030 Deadline for Full Capability to Defend Against Russia

2 mins

Hamas Reviews US Truce Proposal as Israel Intensifies Military Strikes

US 'bridge' plan aims to extend ceasefire; six Palestinian kids killed in air strikes

Hamas Reviews US Truce Proposal as Israel Intensifies Military Strikes

3 mins

Johor Sets Up Special Task Force to Address Flood Hot Spots

The Johor government has introduced a special task force to address flood hot spots across the state and develop a holistic mitigation strategy, said Johor executive councillor Mohd Jafni Md Shukor.

1 min

Iconic Penang heritage zone marred by ugly graffiti

Drawings with grotesque lettering popping up next to culturally significant street murals

Iconic Penang heritage zone marred by ugly graffiti

2 mins

Counsellors say more dads are seeking help for postnatal depression

Postnatal depression is usually associated with mothers, but the condition can also afflict fathers.

2 mins

'I needed to protect her against dark thoughts' Father of 5, on wife's postnatal depression

Christine Tan finds out why women experience this condition and what some husbands are doing to help them. Tragedies can happen on Dec 3, 2023, a woman and her three-week-old baby were found dead at the foot of the block where they lived. Despite having a supportive husband and family, the coroner said, the woman likely had undiagnosed postpartum depression.

'I needed to protect her against dark thoughts' Father of 5, on wife's postnatal depression

5 mins

Around 1,000 people break fast together in Kampong Glam

A stretch of Arab Street between North Bridge Road and Beach Road was closed off on March 22, as around 1,000 attendees gathered for a mass iftar, or communal break-fast meal.

Around 1,000 people break fast together in Kampong Glam

2 mins

Lee Kuan Yew's legacy lives on in every corner of Singapore and in its people: Indranee Rajah

\"In our green spaces that provide respite from urban living; in our modern housing that provides dignity and comfort, and most of all, a home in our community; in initiatives that bring people together and bond us; and most importantly, in the spirit of our people - resilient, forward-looking and committed to making Tanjong Pagar better with each passing year,\" said Ms Indranee, who is also Second Minister for Finance and National Development and an MP for Tanjong Pagar GRC.

Lee Kuan Yew's legacy lives on in every corner of Singapore and in its people: Indranee Rajah

3 mins

Any party that comes to Tampines must know the ground: Masagos

They must meet residents' needs, he says, amid talk of potential 4-way fight

Any party that comes to Tampines must know the ground: Masagos

2 mins

Geylang West CC First Of 10 To Create 'Sparks' For The Community

Up to $1m will be set aside to fund collaborative initiatives at CCs to address residents' needs

Geylang West CC First Of 10 To Create 'Sparks' For The Community

3 mins

Kenneth Jeyaretnam gets Pofma order over falsehoods on hiring of foreign auxiliary cops

Opposition politician Kenneth Jeyaretnam has been issued a correction direction under Singapore's fake news law over false statements he made online about the hiring of foreign auxiliary police officers (APOs).

2 mins

Man who gave kidney to brother: 'I didn't think of any other thing except to help save him'

Brothers share unexpected journey from their love of sports to a kidney transplant

Man who gave kidney to brother: 'I didn't think of any other thing except to help save him'

4 mins

Mahathir's still talking shop with Jokowi. Is he 'active ageing'?

Some say it's better to leave the party than be shown the door.

Mahathir's still talking shop with Jokowi. Is he 'active ageing'?

5 mins

Stranger scolds me for neglecting my non-existent children for work

A taxi driver's tirade gives the writer an insight into how some men expect working mums to behave.

4 mins

Letting go of a loved one: When roses matter more than bread

When it comes to care and letting go, we have to consider not just what sustains life but all the things that make life worth living.

Letting go of a loved one: When roses matter more than bread

6 mins

The sadness that comes from losing a childhood home

We expect to grieve people, not places, yet losing a childhood home can stir profound nostalgia and a deep sense of loss.

The sadness that comes from losing a childhood home

3 mins

Hyatt's CEO is eyeing all those rich Asians in fastest-growing region for brand

Mark Hoplamazian expects more than 50 hotel openings in Asia this year alone

Hyatt's CEO is eyeing all those rich Asians in fastest-growing region for brand

6 mins

How financial literacy can guide investment decisions

It's important to understand products on offer, read the fine print and ask the right questions

How financial literacy can guide investment decisions

3 mins

US seniors scammed out of retirement funds face tax woes

They were conned by skilled online criminals into draining their retirement savings.

US seniors scammed out of retirement funds face tax woes

4 mins

When creditors go after half of a couple's $5m home

Husband and wife were both registered as owners and they had taken out a joint mortgage

When creditors go after half of a couple's $5m home

5 mins

Why it's hard for couples to hide their private homes from creditors

It might look good for couples to hold properties separately as a way to avoid some tax, but do your sums carefully to make sure you can afford such an action.

2 mins

An Illuminating Experience: A First-Time Home Owner Shops for Lights

Factors like the number of lighting points and types of fixtures affect the overall cost

An Illuminating Experience: A First-Time Home Owner Shops for Lights

5 mins

When Gen Z stops spending and tires of social media trends

For the past few years, opening up social media has felt like standing in front of a fire hose of fashion and internet fads and turning the nozzle to full blast.

5 mins

Tariffs Putting the Brakes on US Energy Sector's Boom

Tariff threats. Growing uncertainty about the economy. And a push for much lower oil prices.

3 mins

Baking goodies for sale as a teen holds lessons for bank CEO

He believes in continuous learning as a way to invest in oneself, and values experiences

Baking goodies for sale as a teen holds lessons for bank CEO

5 mins

A Solo Slipper For Freedman

Marhoona wins world's richest 2YO race for famous family's 6th, but Michael's first, alone

A Solo Slipper For Freedman

2 mins

Floorball team set for December juggling act

A hectic schedule awaits the Singapore women's floorball team in December, with two major events on the calendar — the Women's World Floorball Championship and SEA Games — set to overlap at the end of the year.

Floorball team set for December juggling act

2 mins

‘OLD IS IN THE MIND’ FOR OBEROI, 83

Octogenarian endurance athlete not ready to stop racing as he aims to finish race at T100

‘OLD IS IN THE MIND’ FOR OBEROI, 83

3 mins

Lakers Looking to Bounce Past 'Difficult Stretch'

The injury-ridden Los Angeles Lakers will look to get back to their winning ways against the visiting Chicago Bulls in their National Basketball Association (NBA) clash on March 22 (March 23, Singapore time).

2 mins

Bridgeman is 'super comfortable' at midpoint

Jacob Bridgeman had a \"comfortable\" day as he shot a two-under 69 to carve out a one-shot lead over Viktor Hovland and two others after the second round at the Valspar Championship on March 21 in Palm Harbour, Florida.

Bridgeman is 'super comfortable' at midpoint

2 mins

'Big George' One Of Greatest Punchers

Tributes pour in for legend Foreman, oldest boxer to win world heavyweight belt at 45

'Big George' One Of Greatest Punchers

3 mins

Elite sports stars defy age with modern science

Cristiano Ronaldo turned 40 in February and is top scorer in Saudi football's top flight. Lewis Hamilton hit the same age in January and is chasing an eighth Formula One title. LeBron James, also recently 40, is the first National Basketball Association (NBA) player to score 50,000 combined points.

Elite sports stars defy age with modern science

2 mins

Goffin turns back the clock with Alcaraz ouster in Miami

In his own words, it was a night to remember for David Goffin, as the Belgian veteran fought back for an inspired 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 win over world No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz in the Miami Open second round on March 21.

Goffin turns back the clock with Alcaraz ouster in Miami

2 mins

Piastri Delighted With 'Scruffy' Pole

Aussie 'comes alive' to chart breakthrough feat and pip Mercedes' Russell to top spot

Piastri Delighted With 'Scruffy' Pole

2 mins

Argentina Find Way to Win With Messi Out

Argentina edged closer to qualification for the 2026 World Cup on March 21, after a superb strike from Thiago Almada earned them a 1-0 victory over Uruguay in Montevideo.

2 mins

German's Debut Sees a Dash of Novelty and Deja Vu for Three Lions

It will take time, a resource Thomas Tuchel is not granted with a short, one-and-done, 18-month contract, but he has now set sail on his England career, final destination United States, Canada and Mexico for the 2026 World Cup.

German's Debut Sees a Dash of Novelty and Deja Vu for Three Lions

2 mins

Butt pours scorn on United's title target

Former Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt believes that minority investor Jim Ratcliffe's grand plan to win the English Premier League title by 2028 has no chance of becoming a reality.

2 mins

We Have To Do Better: Tuchel

England fail to impress new boss with poor display, but youngster Lewis-Skelly sparkles

We Have To Do Better: Tuchel

2 mins

Delivery driver to pro golfer, Dean drives for success

It was just over a year ago that Joe Dean was working evening shifts as a delivery driver for British supermarket chain Morrisons – three to four times weekly – while ranked 2,902nd in the world golf rankings.

Delivery driver to pro golfer, Dean drives for success

2 mins

Late Burst From Rookie

American Erickson has 'combination of everything' in solid round for 1-shot lead

Late Burst From Rookie

3 mins

Are Singaporeans scared of retirement?

Some are driven by fear and don't ever want to stop working, while others are unbothered despite little planning for the future

Are Singaporeans scared of retirement?

10 mins

The Mum Who Revolutionised Pre-Schools in Singapore

Ms June Rusdon first set up a childcare centre for her daughter. Then she became an unstoppable force in changing the landscape of early education

The Mum Who Revolutionised Pre-Schools in Singapore

7 mins

Taut period thriller The Paris Express resonates with the present

Emma Donoghue's work may be set in the 19th century, but it is a multi-layered societal critique

Taut period thriller The Paris Express resonates with the present

3 mins

Risis CEO Verene Ng reads with a cup of yuzu tea to unwind from busy schedule

Who: Ms Verene Ng, 50, chief executive of Risis Singapore. The finance professional joined the jewellery and lifestyle brand in 2020 and helped steer the company out of the red and into profitability in 2022.

Risis CEO Verene Ng reads with a cup of yuzu tea to unwind from busy schedule

2 mins

A gripping portrait of a woman fleeing abuse

Two chapters into Nesting, Ciara Fay, mother of two young daughters and pregnant with her third child, makes a seemingly split-second decision.

A gripping portrait of a woman fleeing abuse

2 mins

A blend of female rage and socio-political commentary

Argentina seems to be fertile breeding ground for feminist body horror writers who have caught the imagination of English speakers in recent years.

A blend of female rage and socio-political commentary

2 mins

Why Chefs Are Hooked on Cooking Contests

Despite the physical, mental, and financial toll of such global showdowns, chef Mathew Leong is not ruling out a third stab at the Bocuse d'Or

Why Chefs Are Hooked on Cooking Contests

9 mins

Toss up a fresh salad and gift-wrap tangy chicken

The craving for vibrant produce is intense this time of year, as the wait for asparagus, peas and tender greens drags on.

1 min

Softball teammates grew you tiao stall into a $2 million chain

Ms Wang Jing Fang and Ms Khor Ning Min are behind the You Tiao Mei chain, which has eight outlets islandwide

Softball teammates grew you tiao stall into a $2 million chain

5 mins

Mirrors, Mud and Marble

Mysterious metallic mirrors, stacks of imported marble boulders and a 3D-printed mud hut appeared in the California desert in early March, as the biennial outdoor art festival Desert X returned.

Mirrors, Mud and Marble

2 mins

Read all stories from The Straits Times

The Straits Times Newspaper Description:

PublisherSPH Media Limited

CategoryNewspaper

LanguageEnglish

FrequencyDaily

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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