The Straits Times - March 24, 2025

The Straits Times - March 24, 2025

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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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

2 mins
So eager to get back: Travellers pour into Heathrow
Airport reopens after power blackout, but significant delays expected in days ahead

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

3 mins
Singapore project to cultivate rice sustainably wins WEF award
Decarbonising Rice aims to reduce methane emissions, conserve water, raise crop yields

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.

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

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

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

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.

6 mins
Donald Trump Takes On America's Elite
The US President appears determined to demolish the pillars of US liberalism.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

2 mins
A 'Happy Surprise' for Piastri in 1-2
He leads all the way as McLaren teammate Norris has brake issue; Ferraris disqualified

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

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.

2 mins
Mansell Wins on 104th Try
Teary Englishman embraces wife, who is here after 'good feeling' of 2023 and 2024

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.

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.

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.

2 mins
NG GIVES BACK – NOT JUST TO FOOTBALL
The day before getting his PR status, Cardiff City star volunteers at active ageing centre

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

3 mins
Vital for teens to verify content
Some parents, like Mr Lim Yau Boon, 55, are far from fearful about AI.

3 mins
'Gentle parenting' is spoiling my granddaughter. What should I do?
My stepdaughter has been a single mother for about five years.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

2 mins
The Straits Times Newspaper Description:
Publisher: SPH Media Limited
Category: Newspaper
Language: English
Frequency: Daily
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