The Straits Times - March 26, 2025
The Straits Times - March 26, 2025
Go Unlimited with Magzter GOLD
Read The Straits Times along with 9,000+ other magazines & newspapers with just one subscription View catalog
1 Month $14.99
1 Year$149.99 $74.99
$6/month
Subscribe only to The Straits Times
Buy this issue $1.99
In this issue
March 26, 2025
Belgium's King Lauds Singapore's Resilience, Says Both Countries Can Work Together for a Better World
Belgium's King Philippe has praised Singapore's can-do spirit and commitment to building bridges and consensus, and pledged to deepen both countries' partnership for greater common and shared prosperity.
4 mins
S'pore-Vietnam ties at a high point, set to strengthen, says PM Wong
Leaders to witness exchange of several pacts on deepening bilateral cooperation
3 mins
SUSS' New Social Work School to Offer Refreshed Curriculum
Existing programmes will be expanded to cover more specialisations, to boost sector
3 mins
Permanent secretary Jeffrey Siow steps down ahead of GE2025
He is the highest-ranking civil servant to do so; 2 other senior civil servants resign
4 mins
WP chief Pritam Singh questions fairness of electoral boundaries report
Workers' Party chief Pritam Singh has questioned the fairness of Singapore's new electoral boundaries, in his first remarks on the topic since the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee (EBRC) report was released on March 11.
2 mins
DPM Heng Kicks Off China Visit, Meets Diplomat Liu Jianchao
Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat was hosted to breakfast by Mr Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC), in Beijing on March 25, kicking off a four-day working visit.
2 mins
New Cold Storage, Giant owners see opportunities to grow in Singapore market
Although DFI Retail Group has decided to offload its Singapore supermarket business to focus on other more lucrative businesses, the new owners of Cold Storage and Giant see new opportunities to expand their supermarket empire.
3 mins
France embraces larger role in a troubled world
French Foreign Minister signals country's push for bigger presence in the Indo-Pacific
3 mins
ABUSED, SOLD, ISOLATED
Economic desperation led Ms Mawar (not her real name), a 26-year-old mother of two, to leave her home town of Medan, North Sumatra, in December 2024 for what she believed was a legitimate telemarketing job selling products for a company based in Myanmar.
6 mins
Indonesia Protesters Clash With Police at Anti-Military Law Rally
A violent clash broke out on March 24 in the Indonesian metropolis of Surabaya between police and demonstrators protesting against the country's newly passed military law, AFP journalists witnessed.
1 min
Australia Boosts Defence Spending, But More May Be Needed in Age of Uncertainty
Australia's ruling Labor Party revealed plans in its federal budget on March 25 to fast-track A$1 billion (S$843 million) in defence spending amid a growing consensus in Canberra that the amount will need to be increased to address regional security risks.
3 mins
KL Temple Relocation to Make Way for Mosque to Proceed After Heated Debate
Issue Has Galvanised Hindus; Critics See PM Anwar Being Stridently Pro-Malay Muslim
3 mins
KLIA operations not affected after airport hit by cyber attack
Operations at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) were not affected by a cyber attack by hackers who demanded US$10 million (S$13.4 million).
1 min
South Korea struggles to contain deadly wildfires
Deadly wildfires in South Korea worsened overnight, officials said on March 25, as dry, windy weather hampered efforts to contain one of the country's worst fire outbreaks.
2 mins
White House mistakenly shares Yemen war plans with journalist
Uproar over breach of US national security intelligence involving use of Signal chat
6 mins
Trump Says Auto Tariffs Coming, Not All Levies Take Effect on April 2
US President Donald Trump said on March 24 automobile tariffs are coming soon even as he indicated that not all of his threatened levies would be imposed on April 2, while some countries may get breaks, a move Wall Street took as a sign of flexibility on a matter that has roiled markets for weeks.
4 mins
UN Reducing International Staff Numbers in Gaza After Israeli Strikes
The United Nations said on March 24 it is reducing its international staff numbers in Gaza by about a third after Israeli strikes in the enclave killed hundreds of civilians, including UN personnel.
1 min
US says Russia and Ukraine have agreed to ceasefire in the Black Sea
Both sides to work out ways to implement ban on strikes against energy infrastructure
2 mins
United Airlines flight from LA to Shanghai turns back after pilot forgets passport
A United Airlines plane that left the US for China over the weekend had to make an unexpected diversion because the pilot forgot to bring his passport.
1 min
Canada says China and India may try to meddle in April's polls
China and India are likely to try to interfere in the Canadian general election on April 28, while Russia and Pakistan have the potential to do so, the country's spy service said on March 24.
2 mins
Ottawa Files WTO Action Against New Chinese Agriculture, Fishery Tariffs
Canada has launched a dispute against China at the World Trade Organization over additional duties on agricultural and fishery products, the international body said on March 24.
1 min
US Lifts Millions in Bounties on Senior Taliban Officials
The US has lifted multimillion-dollar bounties on three senior Taliban officials, according to the Afghan authorities and a senior US official.
3 mins
Turks Vow To Keep Protesting Even As Erdogan Says 'Show' Will End
Rallies Sparked By Jailing Of Istanbul's Mayor, President's Main Political Rival
2 mins
Glycerol in slush drinks: No adverse effects reported here, but exercise caution, says SFA
No adverse effects related to the consumption of slush ice drinks containing glycerol have been reported here, said the Singapore Food Agency (SFA).
2 mins
More young people detained for involvement in secret society activities
Police say safeguards in place to ensure law allowing detention without trial is used judiciously
4 mins
You don't want a govt that is embroiled in paralysis: Ong Ye Kung
Singapore needs a good and effective government to navigate rising global tensions and economic uncertainty, and this is something Singaporeans are aware of, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said.
3 mins
Two veteran public servants to retire; new permanent secretary for finance from May 1
Two senior public servants are set to retire in the next two months, and changes in the appointments of three permanent secretaries will take effect on May 1.
2 mins
Minister Cautions Against Anti-Vaccination Beliefs Seeping Into Society
Covid-19 Death Rates Here Would Have Been Much Higher If Trend Had Taken Root, He Says
4 mins
Jail for ex-business owner who tried to dupe IRAS into giving out grants
An executive director of an aquaculture business worked with a director of another firm to try to dupe the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) into disbursing $6,750 in grants.
2 mins
US firm specialising in deepfake detection among 10 chosen for global growth scheme
A US technology company specialising in detecting AI-generated deepfakes is among local and foreign companies selected for a programme aimed at accelerating the global growth of promising cybersecurity firms.
2 mins
Use of drones to detect chemical spills at sea set to go on trial
MPA to test how the machines can be used to mitigate spread of flammable, toxic fumes
3 mins
S'pore market up as Wall Street gains boost regional trading
STI up 0.5%; losers top gainers 280 to 220 in broader market SGX best performer, rising 1.9%; banking trio all firmer Region's indexes mostly up; China equities under pressure
1 min
HSBC Weighs Outsourcing Some Trading Operations to Lift Returns
Use of market makers would save Europe's largest lender millions of dollars in IT costs
3 mins
Public Bank heiress pays $94m for Tanglin mansion
A Singapore luxury mansion has been purchased at a record price per square foot by a scion of the family which backs one of Malaysia's largest banks.
1 min
Tesla's EV Sales in Europe Plunge 40% in February
Tesla's electric vehicle sales have fallen in 10 of the last 12 months in Europe, with the car-maker struggling mightily at the beginning of 2025.
1 min
Trump's Proposed Port Fees on Chinese Ships 'Threaten US Maritime Industry'
President Donald Trump's plan to revitalize the US shipbuilding industry is likely to backfire because it relies on proposed fees on China-linked vessels that will hurt domestic ship operators, seaports, exporters and jobs, industry executives said at US Trade Representative (USTR) hearings on March 24.
3 mins
Firm tied to China's fallen copper king sells Singapore office
A Singapore-based commodities trading firm linked to troubled Chinese copper tycoon Wang Wenyin has sold the top three floors of a prime office building in the Central Business District for $91.8 million, according to property transaction documents.
1 min
Rupiah tumbles to its lowest level since Asian financial crisis
The Indonesian rupiah pared losses after the country's central bank intervened to prop up the currency from its weakest level since the Asian financial crisis.
2 mins
New DBS CEO keen on 'bolt-on' deals rather than big-scale M&As
She will take over the helm amid record profits but during a time of market volatility
2 mins
Frasers Centrepoint Trust to buy rest of Northpoint for $1.17b
The manager of Frasers Centrepoint Trust (FCT) announced on March 25 it will buy the rest of Northpoint City in Yishun for $1.17 billion.
2 mins
Trust building has to go alongside MAS-led moves to revive SGX
Trading on the Singapore Exchange (SGX) has increased in the weeks after a Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)-led equities market review group on Feb 21 announced a series of measures to revitalise the local stock market.
5 mins
Jump in trading volume for S'pore stocks in February
Market support measures, strong earnings and safe-haven reputation boost interest
3 mins
Full of sound and fury: The harsh reality behind Europe's defence pledges
The figures don't tell the full story. There's also the problem of finding people willing to fight for their country.
7 mins
Musk Inc Is Under Serious Threat
The world's richest man has lost focus. His competitors are taking advantage.
5 mins
How Singapore Can Stay Ahead in a Troubled World
Strategic policy shifts are reshaping the landscape of world trade. But there are ways to thrive despite the turbulence, says Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong. The following is an edited text of his address at the opening of Singapore Maritime Week on March 24.
10 mins
China's 'engineer dividend' Is paying off big time
Graduates from lower-tier universities and smaller cities are coming up with dazzling innovations.
3 mins
My date used AI to psychologically profile me. Is that OK?
Large language models are unaware of the offline context that sensitive information might be employed in.
3 mins
CCA should support students in pursuing interests outside school
The current co-curricular activity (CCA) system, where students are expected to remain in the same CCA for four years, may no longer support the broader goal of developing students beyond academics.
1 min
Low-income households Additional grocery e-vouchers provided to support daily needs
We thank Ms Irene Pang for her letter \"Vouchers a good initiative but make them simpler to use\" (March 20).
1 min
Replies Transport linkages • Financial sustainability, commuter demand among considerations
We refer to Mr David Wong Yeng Kin's letter \"How is public transport access determined for older estates?\" (March 13).
1 min
Rape • Let's stop blaming the victim
We were shocked by the then Law Society vice-president's statements posted recently on social media, and then deleted, which perpetuated the most basic rape myths to imply that a survivor of rape consented to intercourse and was not raped
2 mins
Epilepsy Negative attitudes hindering social integration of those afflicted
March 26 marks World Purple Day, a global initiative dedicated to raising epilepsy awareness, dispelling myths and offering support to around 50 million people living with epilepsy.
1 min
Class Riser Brandenburg Up For The Job
His race rivals Man Of Action and Rocket Boy also look sharp on the training track
3 mins
Gummy Gummy To Bounce Back
8 Tradition was beaten only 2 1/2 lengths last time. He can improve on that effort second-up.
5 mins
Drop back in trip suits Pinot Grigio first-up
March 26 South Africa (Durbanville) form analysis
2 mins
Espinosa Retains Pro Dream
He's back in Singapore team for Fiba 3x3 Asia Cup after 4 knee ops in 4 years
3 mins
Butler Doesn't Care About Heat From Miami Fans
Jimmy Butler is not thinking about Miami. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said he is not thinking about Butler either.
3 mins
Vingegaard skips tour event after concussion
Two-time Tour de France winner Jonas Vingegaard revealed on March 24 that he suffered from a lengthy concussion after crashing during the fifth stage of the Paris-Nice race on March 13, leaving him feeling tired and nauseous for days afterwards.
2 mins
Miami Mojo For Hungry Raducanu
Briton finds her spark again to reach first WTA 1000 q-final; Paolini catches Osaka off guard
3 mins
De Minaur keeps his cool to oust Fonseca
Australia's Alex de Minaur put an end to Brazilian talent Joao Fonseca's challenge at the Miami Open, outlasting the 18-year-old 5-7, 7-5, 6-3 in an enthralling contest on March 24.
2 mins
My honour has returned and I'm happy, says Platini after acquittal
French football great Michel Platini said on March 25 that he was \"very happy\" and felt that his honour had been restored after a Swiss court acquitted him of fraud.
2 mins
Athletics' Swab Test for 'Integrity of Women's Sport'
Female athletes will soon have to undergo a one-time genetic test to compete in women's events, World Athletics president Sebastian Coe said on March 25, after proposals to tighten eligibility rules were discussed at the body's council meeting.
1 min
Belief in Brisbane's Venue Plan
Tough decisions for 2032 Olympics made for benefit of both Queensland and Games
3 mins
I Had a Fearful Upbringing, Ingebrigtsen Testifies in Dad's Trial
Two-time Olympic champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen described a childhood marked by fear and manipulation, when he took the witness stand on March 25 to testify against his father and former coach.
2 mins
Ghana Rely on EPL Connection in 3-0 Rout
Thomas Partey scored twice and fellow English Premier League midfielder Mohammed Kudus once, as Ghana outplayed Madagascar 3-0 on March 24 in a match between the top two sides in Group I of Africa's 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
2 mins
England Will Get There, Says Tuchel
Another lacklustre win but German boss happy with their attitude, energy and desire
3 mins
Scaloni Downplays 'Harsh Words' From Raphinha
Brazil forward Raphinha has spiced up their highly anticipated World Cup qualifying clash away to Argentina on March 25 (March 26, Singapore time), by guaranteeing he will score and suggesting the match between the bitter rivals will become more physical than it should be.
3 mins
A Lion-Hearted Display
Improved show but coach Ogura laments dropped points in 0-0 draw with HK
3 mins
'Anything can happen' after Saudi hold Japan
Saudi Arabia coach Herve Renard said \"everything can happen\", after a 0-0 draw with already qualified Japan on March 25 kept his team's hopes of an automatic 2026 World Cup place alive.
3 mins
Spot a bus shelter in a dementia ward?
Yishun Community Hospital and Khoo Teck Puat Hospital have set up familiar landmarks to help put patients at ease
5 mins
How other hospitals and a nursing home are helping senior patients thrive
To create a relaxed environment for elderly patients, Alexandra Hospital (AH) incorporated nostalgic fixtures and designs in its geriatric medicine ward in 2018.
2 mins
Six Protein Sources That Are Not Meat
Improve Your Health by Introducing Alternatives Such As Legumes And Nuts Into Your Diet
4 mins
Nepotism calls the shots in Running Point
In the comedy series, actress Kate Hudson's character is suddenly put in charge of the basketball team her family owns
3 mins
Netflix unfazed by dismal showing of $367 million movie The Electric State
Netflix spent more than US$275 million (S$367 million) to make The Electric State, a science-fiction action adventure film starring British actress Millie Bobby Brown, American actor Chris Pratt and a slew of sentient robots.
3 mins
Hit series Adolescence stokes UK parents' anxiety
Adolescence, the Netflix hit series about a 13-year-old British boy arrested on suspicion of a horrifying crime, has intensified the anxiety of parents worried about the toxic and misogynistic influences young people are exposed to online.
2 mins
Culinary Class Wars chef to cook at Singapore restaurant Gu:um on April 12
Fans of Netflix's popular South Korean reality show Culinary Class Wars (2024) can get a taste of its contestants' creations later in 2025, when some of them collaborate with Korean restaurant Gu:um in Keong Saik Road.
2 mins
Macaron king Pierre Herme to open store in Singapore
It is one of several new-to-Singapore brands set to open at Resorts World Sentosa's lifestyle cluster Weave
2 mins
Chinese Animation a Hit Among Young Audiences
Once deemed overshadowed by Japanese anime and American animation, Chinese animation is now experiencing a surge in popularity, especially among younger audiences.
2 mins
Filmgarde Cineplexes shuts down last outlet at Kallang
Home-grown independent cinema Filmgarde Cineplexes has shut down its last outlet at Leisure Park Kallang, marking its official exit from the cinema business here.
2 mins
Suzu Hirose and Kento Yamazaki split after almost 3 years
Japanese actors Kento Yamazaki and Suzu Hirose, who dated for almost three years, have reportedly broken up.
1 min
Hit manga series Kingdom will get English translation
One of Japan's most successful manga series will be translated into English, 19 years after it began dominating its home market.
1 min
Malaysian actors Diana Danielle and Farid Kamil finalize second divorce
Marriage between Malaysian actors Farid Kamil and Diana Danielle has once again ended in divorce.
1 min
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.
Cancel Anytime [ No Commitments ]
Digital Only
