The Straits Times - April 15, 2025
The Straits Times - April 15, 2025
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In this issue
April 15, 2025
Malaysia • Ex-prime minister Abdullah Badawi dies at 85
Former Malaysian prime minister Abdullah Badawi died on April 14 at age 85, having suffered from dementia for years.
1 min
Singapore Downgrades 2025 Growth Forecast to 0%-2% Amid US-China Tariff War
The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) has cut Singapore's growth forecast for 2025 to zero per cent to 2 per cent in the face of a US-China tariff war, with some economists warning of a possible technical recession in 2025.
4 mins
S'pore No Longer Operating in a Stable External Environment, Says SM Lee
Current Uncertainty Caused by US Tariffs Is Unprecedented and Is Set to Persist, He Says
5 mins
Applications for Jobseeker Support Scheme Open Today
It provides temporary financial relief of up to $6,000 over 6 months for those eligible
4 mins
Singapore Faces Risk of Technical Recession, Say Analysts
Mr Song Seng Wun, economic adviser at securities firm CGS International, said Singapore faces the risk of a technical recession, \"given the many uncertainties surrounding the trajectory of economic growth\".
2 mins
MAS Eases Singdollar Policy to Help Economy Weather Trump's Tariff Storm
It now expects core inflation to average 0.5%-1.5% in 2025, down from 1%-2%
4 mins
US Can Be Expected To Continue Pursuing Tariffs, Says SM Lee
The situation will escalate, with far-reaching results for US-China relations and the world, he says
3 mins
General election must provide Singapore with a competent govt to lead country in crises: SM Lee
Elections in Singapore need to provide the country with a capable leadership that can run a competent and effective government, said Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong on April 14.
3 mins
Tariffs: Trump Looking at Entire Electronics Supply Chain
He says exemption is temporary and plans to apply different, specific tariff to sector
4 mins
Hong Kah North MP Amy Khor to retire from politics
Veteran MP plans to continue advocating issues like sustainability and active ageing
4 mins
Chua Chu Kang GRC and Bukit Gombak SMC New faces Jeffrey Siow, Choo Pei Ling join four-member team; Low Yen Ling to stand in SMC
Former senior civil servant Jeffrey Siow and neuroscientist Choo Pei Ling will join the four-member PAP team contesting Chua Chu Kang GRC in the coming election.
4 mins
PAP's five-member team to be helmed by Grace Fu; first-term MP to contest new SMC
Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu will helm the PAP team to contest the newly formed Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC in the general election.
4 mins
Politics 'more direct, personal way' of public service
PAP new face Jeffrey Siow is most senior civil servant to step forward ahead of polls
5 mins
Memes Maketh Man?
The who, what and why of S'pore's favourite GE memes
8 mins
Malaysia • Ex-prime minister Abdullah Badawi dies at 85
PM Anwar pays tribute, says Pak Lah’ brought new narrative to politics of power
2 mins
Mr Nice Guy leaves legacy of compassion, but failed to escape Mahathir's shadow
Malaysia's fifth prime minister, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, died on April 14, his son-in-law and former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin said in an Instagram post.
4 mins
HK Banks on Free Port Status to Soften Blow of US-China Tariff War
City's separate administrative system also gives it leeway in how it responds to US tariffs
4 mins
Taipei vows crackdown on fake 'Made in Taiwan' labels
Taipei has repeatedly vowed to ensure that it does not become a place for Chinese exporters to dodge US tariffs with fake \"Made in Taiwan\" labels, as the island seeks to strengthen its position in trade talks with Washington.
3 mins
Yoon's staunch supporters continue to rally as his criminal trial begins
S. Korea's ousted president denies charges of insurrection over attempted martial law
3 mins
KL seeks ceasefire extension in Myanmar for quake relief efforts
Malaysia, as Asean chair, will seek an extension of the ceasefire announced by Myanmar's military junta to allow humanitarian efforts in the earthquake-ravaged nation, says Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
1 min
China, Vietnam sign deals as Xi visits Hanoi amid US tariff tensions
Chinese President Xi Jinping on April 14 called for stronger ties with Vietnam on trade and supply chains amid disruptions caused by US tariffs, as he was in Hanoi for the signing of dozens of cooperation agreements between the two Communist-run nations.
3 mins
Countries Agree on UN Accord Requiring Ships to Cut Emissions or Pay a Fee
Amid the turmoil over global trade, countries around the world reached a remarkable, though modest, agreement on April 11 to reduce the climate pollution that comes from shipping those goods worldwide - with what is essentially a tax, no less.
3 mins
Australia's Ruling Labor Could Retain Power With Slim Majority in May 3 Vote, Survey Shows
Australia's ruling centre-left Labor Party could retain power with a slim majority after a national election on May 3, a widely watched opinion poll said on April 14, marking a reversal of sentiment from February, when voters wanted it out of office.
1 min
World Leaders Slam Deadly Russian Attack on Ukraine
Strike comes days after US envoy met Putin and pushed Trump's bid to end the war
3 mins
13 Fires Linked to Power Banks in 2024, a 6-Year High
A total of 58 reported fires were linked to power banks between 2019 and 2024, with 2024 seeing the highest number of such incidents ever at 13.
2 mins
NTU gets $110m gift to help needy students and the community
Nanyang Technological University (NTU) has received a $110 million gift from UOB and the Wee Foundation, one of the largest in the university's history.
2 mins
Forensic Lab Launched to Combat New Psychoactive Substances
It will help authorities identify such drugs even before they are produced and abused
2 mins
Cop who pocketed $4k and misused police computer system jailed
When a woman told a police officer that her former boyfriend was pressing her to transfer money to him, the officer asked her to send him the money instead.
2 mins
Most S'pore corals hit by bleaching event have recovered
Mortality rate in 2024 incident less severe than in previous mass bleaching events
3 mins
Clinic assistant who replaced payment QR code jailed for cheating 509 patients
A clinic assistant who replaced the payment QR code that patients scanned at the counter so that the money would go to her instead of the doctor has been sentenced to 14 months' jail.
1 min
Singapore shares close higher, in line with regional indexes
• Gainers beat losers 377 to 181 after 1.1b shares change hands • Local banks regain some ground, with DBS up 1.8% • SGX is top gainer on STI; Sembcorp is biggest loser
1 min
One Marina Gardens sells 38% of condo units at weekend launch
It is among two launches that have done reasonably well amid cautious sentiment: Observers
3 mins
Olam to focus on food ingredients business and sell the rest
Singapore-based food and agri-business conglomerate Olam Group said on April 14 it will invest US$500 million (S$657 million) in its food ingredients business and divest all remaining businesses and assets over time.
1 min
Deluge of China bond sales to help economy withstand surging US tariffs
China's credit expanded more than expected in March as the government accelerated bond offerings to help the economy offset the impact of surging US tariffs on Chinese goods.
2 mins
Ong Beng Seng to step down as managing director of Hotel Properties
Property tycoon Ong Beng Seng, who is set to plead guilty in a court case linked to former transport minister S. Iswaran, will step down as managing director of Hotel Properties Limited (HPL) at the close of the company's annual general meeting (AGM) on April 29.
1 min
GXS Bank Acquires Digital Lending Platform Validus Capital
First such deal by digital bank here allows it to tap platform's SME customer base
3 mins
US-China Trade War: Punishing Tariff Rates Not Sustainable
The economic damage goes far beyond trade, extending to the bond markets and the US dollar.
6 mins
The 'Nixon shock' might help us make sense of the Trump one
Events of 1971 ushered in the era of modern finance.
3 mins
Facing US tariffs, Asean unity helps - but nations still need solo hustle
Trump's tariffs show Asean's limits — member states must show unity but also keep bilateral work going while building stronger regional ties.
6 mins
Could data centres ever be built in orbit?
A start-up called Starcloud has plans to do just that.
2 mins
When will AI be smarter than humans? Don't ask
The term 'artificial general intelligence' is being bandied about by some of tech's smartest people, but nobody knows what it really means.
6 mins
Spotting abuse. Have free health check-ups for young kids
I refer to the article \"Megan Khung's death: At least 7 other fatal child abuse cases in Singapore over past 10 years\", April 8.
1 min
Tariffs: PM Wong's response shows thoughtful diplomacy at work
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's measured and gracious response to the recent shift in US trade policy exemplifies the depth of his diplomatic leadership – one that has drawn international admiration (US tariffs will significantly impact Singapore's growth; Budget 2025 to help in short term: PM Wong, April 8).
1 min
Sustainability key to making Singapore a top Mice destination
I applaud the Government's target of increasing tourism spending in Singapore from $29.8 billion in tourism receipts in 2024 to between $47 billion and $50 billion by 2040 (Singapore targets $50 billion in tourism receipts by 2040; eyes Mice sector as key growth driver, April 11).
1 min
GE2025 Children should not be roped in as political props
A video featuring a boy – probably not more than five – holding a political party flag and saying \"Vote for XX party\" has been circulating on Facebook.
1 min
Lerner Back in Malaysia But for Longer This Time
New Zealand was enjoyable, but the endless road trips took their toll on French jockey
3 mins
Quantum Theory to come to the fore when it matters
April 15 South Africa (Vaal) form analysis
3 mins
Derby Hero Cap Ferrat Has QEII Cup In His Sights
Double would put recent Aussie maiden in elite company in HK
2 mins
His Story Is Now Written In History
McIlroy weeps as he finally realises dream of Grand Slam, 11 years after his last Major
3 mins
Van der Poel hit by water bottle, demands action
Mathieu van der Poel was struck in the face by a water bottle thrown from the roadside during his third consecutive win at Paris-Roubaix on April 13, prompting the Dutch cyclist to call for action.
2 mins
Two very fast drivers a double-edged sword for McLaren
Be careful what you wish for — that is always very sound advice. McLaren wanted the best car, and two very fast drivers to do it justice. And now they have that.
3 mins
No Party For Me, Please: Piastri
Aussie eyes Saudi GP after his Bahrain win closes gap on McLaren teammate Norris
2 mins
We know we're a good team: Clippers' Harden
James Harden believes that composure from his Los Angeles Clippers team was key as they closed out victory in front of the Golden State Warriors' vociferous home support on April 13.
2 mins
I Don't Care About Criticism: Amorim
Embattled Red Devils boss more concerned about losing games than what people say
2 mins
Errors were all in one game, Spurs boss rues
Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou defended his side's performance, despite falling to a 17th Premier League defeat of the season in a 4-2 loss at Wolverhampton Wanderers on April 13.
2 mins
Post-Messi Barca on brink of return to elite with Flick
Barring a collapse at Borussia Dortmund on April 15, Hansi Flick has Barcelona on track for the Champions League semi-finals and a return to the European elite after a rocky decade.
2 mins
Villa To Tap Into Fans' Energy
Manager Emery has faith in comeback at home despite daunting task against PSG
3 mins
Rory, Rory, Rory: On Sunday at the Masters a hero rises in the dusk
AUGUSTA - \"Rory, Rory, Rory.\" It's past 6pm at the 18th hole at the Masters on April 13 and the scoreboard is being updated. A bellow emerges. It shows Rory McIlroy at 12 under. He's just birdied the 17th hole and has a one-shot lead over Justin Rose. A ripple of expectation stirs the crowd.
3 mins
Race To Empower Women
Own battle with illness inspires Yong to start fitness event as support platform
3 mins
Eat, shop, soak like a local
Discover the origin of bonito flakes and soak in a public bath where a mild electric current is said to relieve tension
1 min
Escape crowds at Nakazakicho, a cool hidden neighbourhood in Osaka
For many travellers, Osaka is the city of late-night eats and neon lights, while Kyoto is where you go for atmosphere and culture. But what if you could have both, without leaving Osaka?
1 min
Cartier exhibition of jewels to bedazzle London crowds
A spellbinding exhibition of Cartier jewels tracing the history of the luxury French design house beloved by the rich and famous, from Queen Elizabeth II to Rihanna, has opened in London.
2 mins
Cult sci-fi series Black Mirror returns to its roots in seventh season
The much-anticipated television series Black Mirror (2011 to present) returned to Netflix on April 10 for a seventh season, promising to immerse fans once again in its dystopian worlds replete with futuristic technology.
2 mins
Simon Trpceski's transcendental technique in full flight
Macedonian pianist Simon Trpceski last appeared here in 2013, performing at the Singapore International Piano Festival and with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra.
2 mins
Lead star Bella Ramsey grows up and out of teenhood
The English performer returns to the hit drama older in body and mind, and with new cast members too
3 mins
Obituary: Mario Vargas Llosa won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2010
Mario Vargas Llosa, a Peruvian novelist who combined gritty realism with playful erotica and depictions of the struggle for individual liberty in Latin America, while also writing essays that made him one of the most influential political commentators in the Spanish-speaking world, died on April 13 in Lima. He was 89.
4 mins
Red Velvet's Irene and Seulgi to perform in Singapore
South Korean singers Irene and Seulgi of K-pop girl group Red Velvet will launch a concert tour in Asia in mid-June, the quintet's label SM Entertainment announced on April 14.
1 min
Singer JJ Lin makes surprise appearance at Stefanie Sun's Singapore concert
Just like the 7,000-strong audience in attendance, home-grown singer Stefanie Sun was also caught by surprise at fellow Singaporean Mandopop star JJ Lin's onstage appearance at her concert on April 13.
1 min
The Straits Times Newspaper Description:
Publisher: SPH Media Limited
Category: Newspaper
Language: English
Frequency: Daily
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