The Straits Times - March 24, 2025Add to Favorites

The Straits Times - March 24, 2025Add to Favorites

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In this issue

March 24, 2025

2024 S'pore weather breaks temperature and rainfall records

Unusual rainfall patterns not linked directly to climate change: Met Service

2024 S'pore weather breaks temperature and rainfall records

3 mins

New pre-schools, primary school and Sembawang MRT linkway in the works

Residents in Sembawang GRC can expect new developments such as more pre-schools, a high sheltered linkway to Sembawang MRT station and a new primary school in East Canberra by 2029.

New pre-schools, primary school and Sembawang MRT linkway in the works

2 mins

Local TB Cases Fall for Sixth Successive Year

The number of new tuberculosis (TB) cases detected here fell for the sixth year running in 2024.

2 mins

China Prepared for External Shocks: Premier Strikes Upbeat Note Amid Trade War

China is prepared to deal with potential external shocks and will roll out new stimulus measures if needed, Premier Li Qiang told a forum of global business leaders and scholars, in a pitch to keep them engaged in the Chinese economy amid a trade war with the US.

China Prepared for External Shocks: Premier Strikes Upbeat Note Amid Trade War

3 mins

PM Wong to Singaporeans: Honour Lee Kuan Yew's legacy through actions

Leaders pay tribute to Singapore's founding father on 10th anniversary of his death

PM Wong to Singaporeans: Honour Lee Kuan Yew's legacy through actions

3 mins

Close fight to decide if WP keeps GRC or PAP wins it

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 Sengkang GRC.

Close fight to decide if WP keeps GRC or PAP wins it

9 mins

Talks Held to Integrate Plans for Joo Chiat, East Coast: Edwin Tong

Emphasis will be on minimising disruption to residents, ensuring programmes go on

Talks Held to Integrate Plans for Joo Chiat, East Coast: Edwin Tong

2 mins

Despite encounters with unfriendly residents, minister says he still engages them as MP

Despite occasional encounters with unfriendly residents, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong said he still engages them.

2 mins

SDP to field Chee Soon Juan in new Sembawang West SMC

Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) chief Chee Soon Juan will contest the newly carved out Sembawang West SMC in the 2025 General Election, while party chairman Paul Tambyah will once again run in Bukit Panjang SMC.

SDP to field Chee Soon Juan in new Sembawang West SMC

2 mins

Cost of living a global issue, but Budget gives extra help for Singaporeans: PM Wong

Speaking on his first visit to Aljunied GRC as PM, he details sums seniors will get

Cost of living a global issue, but Budget gives extra help for Singaporeans: PM Wong

2 mins

More than one new face' expected in Sembawang GRC team, says Ong

Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said he expects \"more than one new face\" to be part of the Sembawang slate for the coming general election.

More than one new face' expected in Sembawang GRC team, says Ong

2 mins

No politics, just business, says key official at Indonesia's new wealth fund

He says Danantara's role is to complement rather than compete with the private sector

No politics, just business, says key official at Indonesia's new wealth fund

4 mins

Malaysia's Bid to Redevelop Ageing Properties Upsets Some Home Owners

They worry about higher management fees, inability to afford new units after revamp

Malaysia's Bid to Redevelop Ageing Properties Upsets Some Home Owners

4 mins

Johor flood situation improves; number of displaced families falls

The flood situation in Johor has shown signs of improvement, with the number of affected families and individuals decreasing as flood waters recede in some areas.

1 min

Fears for press freedom in Indonesia after magazine is sent rats, pig's head

Activists have called for press freedom to be protected in Indonesia and demanded an investigation after a magazine critical of the government was sent a pig's head and decapitated rats.

1 min

Teslas, eggs and executive orders: Trump scrambles the status quo

Voters turned off by scale of changes; Democrats may get boost for midterms

Teslas, eggs and executive orders: Trump scrambles the status quo

6 mins

Under threat from Trump, Canada set to hold snap elections

Canada's new prime minister, Mr Mark Carney, was expected to announce snap elections on March 23, seeking a stronger mandate as his country fights off a trade war and annexation threats from President Donald Trump's US.

Under threat from Trump, Canada set to hold snap elections

2 mins

Turkish court jails Istanbul mayor pending trial

A Turkish court jailed Istanbul mayor Ekrem Imamoglu on March 23 pending trial, state media and other broadcasters said, in a move likely to stoke the country's biggest protests in more than a decade.

Turkish court jails Istanbul mayor pending trial

2 mins

So eager to get back: Travellers pour into Heathrow

Airport reopens after power blackout, but significant delays expected in days ahead

So eager to get back: Travellers pour into Heathrow

3 mins

Israel Cabinet approves independence for 13 West Bank settlements

Israel's security Cabinet approved a plan to separate 13 Jewish settlements in the Israeli-occupied West Bank from their neighboring communities, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said on March 23.

1 min

Pope Francis returns to Vatican after hospital stay

Pope Francis returned to the Vatican on March 23 after surviving a five-week battle in hospital against double pneumonia that became the most serious health crisis of his 12-year papacy.

2 mins

Israel Banks on Military Pressure to Free Remaining Gaza Hostages

It Will Keep Striking Hamas Targets, Official Says Amid Calls for Ceasefire and Aid Access

Israel Banks on Military Pressure to Free Remaining Gaza Hostages

2 mins

Russia hoping for some progress at Saudi talks: Negotiator

Moscow is hoping to achieve some progress at talks in Saudi Arabia on March 24, a Russian negotiator told state media before the US meets delegations from both Ukraine and Russia in a bid to halt the three-year conflict.

3 mins

Art, music, nature: How they boost mental health

Mental health support and resources extend far beyond the traditional realms of mental health professionals and medication.

Art, music, nature: How they boost mental health

4 mins

The Healing Touch of Animal Therapy

More people are seeking animal-assisted therapy, according to some providers. Therapy animals reduce tension and make it easier for clients to open up.

The Healing Touch of Animal Therapy

5 mins

$1.9m seized, 25 arrested in anti-scam blitz by police, banks

Twenty-five people were arrested, and another 65 are under investigation, after an islandwide anti-scam operation by the police and local banks that ran from mid-February to early March.

1 min

Terrapin saved as it crosses busy road in Ang Mo Kio

Sometimes, it pays to be slow. A reptile — which was labelled a tortoise in a social media post but which many netizens say is in fact a terrapin — that was trying to cross the road in the midst of busy traffic along Ang Mo Kio Avenue 5 was rescued by two motorists on the morning of March 22.

1 min

Animal-assisted Interventions Play Growing Role in Mental Health Care

Views From The Couch

Animal-assisted Interventions Play Growing Role in Mental Health Care

4 mins

Over 13,400 Families to Get Healthy Grocery Packs During Ramadan

More than 13,400 Malay/Muslim families will receive grocery packs containing items with whole grains and less sugar by end-March through a grocery distribution drive that encourages families to eat healthier.

Over 13,400 Families to Get Healthy Grocery Packs During Ramadan

2 mins

Pizza keychains for youth in Punggol to boost mental wellness

Young people lined up at Punggol 21 Community Club on March 23, eager to collect a crocheted keychain in the shape of a smiling pizza.

2 mins

MP Xie Yao Quan hopes to be fielded in Jurong Central SMC

Jurong GRC MP Xie Yao Quan said he hopes to stand in the new Jurong Central SMC in the upcoming general election, so he can continue serving residents there.

2 mins

The Best Team Must Run in the Election, Says Ng Ling Ling

MP says she doesn't know if she'll run in Jalan Kayu but hopes to serve Singaporeans

The Best Team Must Run in the Election, Says Ng Ling Ling

3 mins

Singapore project to cultivate rice sustainably wins WEF award

Decarbonising Rice aims to reduce methane emissions, conserve water, raise crop yields

Singapore project to cultivate rice sustainably wins WEF award

3 mins

Researchers Develop Microneedles to Accelerate Diabetic Wound Healing

Each day, about four people face having their lower limbs amputated because of non-healing diabetic wounds in Singapore, where some 400,000 people live with the disease.

Researchers Develop Microneedles to Accelerate Diabetic Wound Healing

3 mins

ST Engineering at all-time high after promising to raise dividends

Seatrium CEO's pay rises 126.4% after he leads the company to its first full-year profit in 7 years

ST Engineering at all-time high after promising to raise dividends

4 mins

Diverging US economic data raises question of a slowdown

US economic data are diverging wildly, fueling a debate over whether rising anxiety from President Donald Trump's trade policies will push a moderating economy into a serious downturn.

3 mins

SGX delistings: The inevitable shift in an evolving market

Rethink negative views if a listing is no longer as valued as it was in many markets

SGX delistings: The inevitable shift in an evolving market

4 mins

Some couples in mid-career are taking long trips far from S'pore

They recall their experiences, sacrifices for the trips that lasted from a few months to a year

Some couples in mid-career are taking long trips far from S'pore

7 mins

Manila Is Taking Beijing to Court Over the South China Sea Again

Can another lawsuit stop China's push? History suggests the real battle lies elsewhere.

Manila Is Taking Beijing to Court Over the South China Sea Again

6 mins

Donald Trump Takes On America's Elite

The US President appears determined to demolish the pillars of US liberalism.

Donald Trump Takes On America's Elite

6 mins

Tuberculosis: Wake-up call in battle against world's deadliest infectious disease

Investment in the fight against TB is an investment for the future.

Tuberculosis: Wake-up call in battle against world's deadliest infectious disease

3 mins

What does philanthropy have to do with drone football?

Philanthropists are testing and incubating ideas that can later be scaled up by governments and corporates.

What does philanthropy have to do with drone football?

5 mins

Budget 2025 leaves no Singaporean behind in 60th year of independence

This is the first of a series of eight primers on current affairs and issues in the news, and what they mean for Singapore.

Budget 2025 leaves no Singaporean behind in 60th year of independence

6 mins

Replies: MRT crowds • More trains and system upgrades for Circle Line

We thank Mr Keanen Ang for his letter \"Look at rejuvenating Circle Line too\" (March 12).

1 min

Buildings: Qualified engineers' professional assessments form backbone of safety framework

We thank Mr Dennis Tan for his letter \"Train managing agents in building inspections to flag defects which may endanger people\" (March 17).

1 min

Culture Pass: Spending credit can help market arts groups and attract new audiences

I read with great interest the letters by Forum writers Rei Poh (Fund arts practitioners directly instead of giving culture passes, March 21) and Cheng Shoong Hock (Convert SG Culture Passes to CDC vouchers for the elderly, March 18) regarding the SG Culture Pass.

2 mins

Lee Kuan Yew's values continue to thrive

It has been 10 years since founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew left us.

2 mins

Maritime heritage. Mural should reflect Singapore's history more accurately

I am concerned about a longstanding public display in the pedestrian underpass next to Parliament House.

Maritime heritage. Mural should reflect Singapore's history more accurately

1 min

Bransom romps home in Malaysia second-up

Bransom benefited from one run under his belt in Malaysia to score an easy win in the RM53,000 (S$15,900) Class 3 sprint (1,020m) at Sungai Besi on March 23.

Bransom romps home in Malaysia second-up

2 mins

Cap Ferrat Sheds Maiden Tag in a HK Derby Upset

Lui-trained galloper scores in a thriller in third leg of the HK 4YO Classic Series

Cap Ferrat Sheds Maiden Tag in a HK Derby Upset

3 mins

Gauff Sets Miami Last-16 Age Record

A double-bagel victory would have boosted the confidence of any player, but third seed Coco Gauff said she was trying to forget about her 6-0, 6-0 win over Sofia Kenin as she headed into her last-32 meeting with Maria Sakkari at the Miami Open.

Gauff Sets Miami Last-16 Age Record

2 mins

Clippers Face Test Against West's Best

After beating Cavaliers, they meet Thunder, who have won all 3 of their season's duels

Clippers Face Test Against West's Best

3 mins

Ingebrigtsen Achieves Special Indoor Double Feat

Norway's Jakob Ingebrigtsen won the 1,500m at the World Indoor Athletics Championships on March 23 to claim not only a first global gold in his favoured distance, but also a rare world indoor track distance double.

Ingebrigtsen Achieves Special Indoor Double Feat

3 mins

Red Bull will back struggling Lawson: Horner

Red Bull will support struggling Liam Lawson as best they can, team boss Christian Horner said after the New Zealander drew a blank for the second race in a row with questions being asked about his Formula One future.

2 mins

'The sky is the limit' as Fundora retains titles

Sebastian Fundora stopped Chordale Booker in the fourth round on March 22 to retain his World Boxing Council (WBC) and World Boxing Organisation (WBO) super welterweight world titles in Las Vegas.

'The sky is the limit' as Fundora retains titles

2 mins

A 'Happy Surprise' for Piastri in 1-2

He leads all the way as McLaren teammate Norris has brake issue; Ferraris disqualified

A 'Happy Surprise' for Piastri in 1-2

3 mins

PSG midfielder Lee out of S. Korea's crucial clash with Jordan

South Korea have been dealt a blow ahead of their vital home World Cup qualifier against Jordan on March 25, as midfielder Lee Kang-in will be unavailable after picking up an ankle injury.

2 mins

Jude Urged To Refine His Game

England's new manager wants 21-year-old star to embrace discipline and efficiency

Jude Urged To Refine His Game

3 mins

Dragons on fire, Norway also solid as qualifiers start

Wales beat Kazakhstan 3-1 on March 22 to start their bid to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, while Erling Haaland was among the scorers as Norway swept to a 5-0 victory in Moldova.

Dragons on fire, Norway also solid as qualifiers start

2 mins

Mansell Wins on 104th Try

Teary Englishman embraces wife, who is here after 'good feeling' of 2023 and 2024

Mansell Wins on 104th Try

3 mins

Macau Top Two Punch British Open Tickets

Former Masters champion Patrick Reed qualified for the British Open after coming second behind fellow LIV Golf player Carlos Ortiz at the International Series Macau on March 23.

Macau Top Two Punch British Open Tickets

2 mins

Triumphant Brady ready to take on anyone

Sean Brady silenced the partisan crowd in London by defeating former UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards at 1min 39sec in round 4 (submission, guillotine choke) at UFC Fight Night on March 22.

Triumphant Brady ready to take on anyone

2 mins

New netball coach to add Steel to big events in 2025

Since arriving in Singapore about a fortnight ago, new national netball coach Tara Steel's schedule has been filled with meetings and matches as she seeks to gain a deep understanding of the local scene.

New netball coach to add Steel to big events in 2025

2 mins

NG GIVES BACK – NOT JUST TO FOOTBALL

The day before getting his PR status, Cardiff City star volunteers at active ageing centre

NG GIVES BACK – NOT JUST TO FOOTBALL

3 mins

How To Use AI The Right Way

With teenagers turning to generative artificial intelligence for school and beyond, parents should guide them on proper use instead of restricting them

How To Use AI The Right Way

3 mins

Vital for teens to verify content

Some parents, like Mr Lim Yau Boon, 55, are far from fearful about AI.

Vital for teens to verify content

3 mins

'Gentle parenting' is spoiling my granddaughter. What should I do?

My stepdaughter has been a single mother for about five years.

'Gentle parenting' is spoiling my granddaughter. What should I do?

4 mins

The Great AI Job Disruption Has Started, Here Is How We Can Respond

For a start, encourage your child's entrepreneurial spirit so he or she can see how skills can be used to address a market opportunity

The Great AI Job Disruption Has Started, Here Is How We Can Respond

5 mins

Former RSAF pilot volunteers to fly rescue animals in the US

Singaporean David Tan has flown more than 420 rescue dogs, 42 cats, three goats, one piglet and a bat in his light aircraft

Former RSAF pilot volunteers to fly rescue animals in the US

4 mins

The Oscar-winning movie that pets cannot stop watching

One night shortly before the Oscars ceremony in early March, my boyfriend decided to catch up on Flow, the animated film from Latvia that would go on to win best animated feature.

The Oscar-winning movie that pets cannot stop watching

4 mins

Mariah Carey Did Not Copy 'All I Want For Christmas Is You' From Earlier Hit: Judge

\"All I Want For Christmas Is You\" (1994), the perennial hit song by American singer Mariah Carey that has become a holiday earworm for the ages, was not stolen from other songwriters, a federal judge in Los Angeles ruled on March 19.

Mariah Carey Did Not Copy 'All I Want For Christmas Is You' From Earlier Hit: Judge

2 mins

Actress Zhao Lusi Makes Public a Message From Netizen Who Calls Her 'Trash'

Popular Chinese actress Zhao Lusi has come out to combat online negativity, while removing the number of accounts she used to follow on social media.

Actress Zhao Lusi Makes Public a Message From Netizen Who Calls Her 'Trash'

1 min

Tom Cruise, Superman and Avatar hold keys to 2025 box office

Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise takes on what may be his final Mission: Impossible, a new Superman will wear the red cape and the record-setting Avatar sci-fi series will return to movie theaters in 2025.

Tom Cruise, Superman and Avatar hold keys to 2025 box office

2 mins

Snoopy the fashion icon celebrated in Paris exhibition

A new exhibition opened in Paris on March 22 charting the emergence of Snoopy as a fashion icon, with the famed black-and-white beagle embraced by designers from streetwear brands to couture houses.

Snoopy the fashion icon celebrated in Paris exhibition

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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