The Straits Times - April 17, 2025Add to Favorites

The Straits Times - April 17, 2025Add to Favorites

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In this issue

April 17, 2025

S'pore 'is not without agency', has built capabilities and is stronger: PM

It will respond to the global transition with agility, actively shape own destiny, he says

S'pore 'is not without agency', has built capabilities and is stronger: PM

5 mins

Xi Calls for Unity Against 'Unilateralism'

Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasised the importance of unity in preserving the shared future of Asia on the second day of his state visit to Malaysia.

Xi Calls for Unity Against 'Unilateralism'

1 min

Singapore's New Task Force to Address Immediate Tariff Shock, and Also Plan for the Future

Businesses and workers in Singapore will get help to cope with the immediate impact of the recent US tariffs and, in time, new measures will be rolled out to ensure Singapore continues to thrive even as global trade is reshaped, and supply chains are reconfigured.

Singapore's New Task Force to Address Immediate Tariff Shock, and Also Plan for the Future

3 mins

Singapore Will Help Shape a More Stable, Resilient, Inclusive Global Environment: PM

Republic Reaching Out to New Frontiers in Africa, Latin America and Middle East

Singapore Will Help Shape a More Stable, Resilient, Inclusive Global Environment: PM

5 mins

Nation's survival and success depend on all Singaporeans: PM Wong

We can only depend on ourselves.

2 mins

PM Wong on relations with big powers, US tariffs and the future of the greenback

Singapore's foreign policy approach is to have many best friends, including the US, China and Europe, and the city state does not want a world where it can have only one friend, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at a dialogue after he delivered the 14th S. Rajaratnam Lecture on April 16.

3 mins

US-led world order that allowed Singapore to thrive is fraying, says PM Wong

Global developments deeply worrying for small, open economy like S'pore, he adds

US-led world order that allowed Singapore to thrive is fraying, says PM Wong

4 mins

Frank exchange' as DPM Gan shares Singapore's concerns over tariffs with US trade chief

Officials from both sides continue to discuss how to work together on issue: Minister

Frank exchange' as DPM Gan shares Singapore's concerns over tariffs with US trade chief

6 mins

Plans for workers and businesses

A new task force formed to support businesses and workers amid the uncertainty arising from US tariffs and a looming trade war has outlined its plans in three streams of work.

Plans for workers and businesses

3 mins

More Workshops, Regular Updates to Help S'pore Firms Cope With US Tariffs

Singapore will organise more workshops and conferences, and have more media updates, to help firms here understand and navigate the changing business environment amid uncertainties triggered by the sweeping tariffs recently imposed by the US.

3 mins

Singapore Has the Fiscal Resources to Get Through Tariff Crisis, Says Chee Hong Tat

The Republic is facing significant challenges as a result of tariffs imposed on the goods it exports to the United States, but the Government has the fiscal resources to get through the crisis.

2 mins

GE2025 Social entrepreneur among 10 potential candidates in PAP video

Social entrepreneur Cai Yinzhou is one of 10 potential candidates featured in the latest PAP video released on April 16.

GE2025 Social entrepreneur among 10 potential candidates in PAP video

2 mins

Fresh Grads, Mature Workers May Face Job Challenges Amid US Tariffs: Tan See Leng

Mature workers and fresh graduates may face more challenges in the jobs market amid a global economy shake-up, said Manpower Minister Tan See Leng.

2 mins

PAP Stalwart Heng Chee How to Step Down From Jalan Besar GRC

MP Who Oversaw Whampoa Ward for 27 Years Will Be Succeeded by Shawn Loh

PAP Stalwart Heng Chee How to Step Down From Jalan Besar GRC

4 mins

Shawn Loh says son wants to know how he'll address cost of living

When PAP candidate for Jalan Besar GRC Shawn Loh, 38, told his four children that he was going to run in the 2025 General Election and serve the country, his elder son wanted to know how he would be addressing the cost of living.

Shawn Loh says son wants to know how he'll address cost of living

4 mins

Potong Pasir SMC Lawyer Alex Yeo replaces Sitoh on PAP slate

Lawyer Alex Yeo will stand in Potong Pasir under the PAP banner at the upcoming polls, replacing three-term MP Sitoh Yih Pin, who is stepping down from politics.

Potong Pasir SMC Lawyer Alex Yeo replaces Sitoh on PAP slate

3 mins

Public warned against irresponsible online conduct ahead of election

Members of the public have been warned to refrain from spreading misinformation, engaging in online harassment, or posting content that could incite racial or religious tensions during the upcoming general election.

1 min

RDU unveils line-up for Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC, Jurong Central SMC

Two candidates for GRC have political experience; piano teacher to contest SMC

RDU unveils line-up for Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRC, Jurong Central SMC

3 mins

Political parties can apply for rally sites from Nomination Day onwards

Police give details on use of sites, assembly centres to await results, vehicle broadcasts

2 mins

Japan's tariff envoy seeks 'win-win' deal in talks with US

Tokyo's envoy for US tariff talks left for Washington on April 16, saying he is confident of a \"win-win\" outcome while protecting Japanese national interests.

2 mins

China stands with S-E Asia to counter unilateralism, says Xi

Chinese President emphasises importance of unity in preserving region's shared future

China stands with S-E Asia to counter unilateralism, says Xi

3 mins

WTO slashes 2025 trade growth forecast, warns of deeper slump

It says uncertainty sparked by Trump's tariff offensive threatens to halt global expansion

WTO slashes 2025 trade growth forecast, warns of deeper slump

2 mins

Richard Armitage: An envoy who knew the reach of US power

Pragmatism, alliance-building and a commitment to American engagement with the world were his calling cards. He knew the reach of American power. And the value of restraint.

Richard Armitage: An envoy who knew the reach of US power

6 mins

3D-Printed Animal Parts Offer Hope of Saving Endangered Wildlife in India

Such replicas offer a compromise for many tribal people to keep their cultures alive

3D-Printed Animal Parts Offer Hope of Saving Endangered Wildlife in India

4 mins

Nato chief visits Odesa, says support for Ukraine unwavering

Nato Secretary-General Mark Rutte said he had visited the southern Ukrainian city of Odesa with President Volodymyr Zelensky on April 15 and declared the military alliance's unwavering support for Ukraine.

1 min

Landmark deal reached by WHO a booster shot for tackling pandemics

Years of negotiations culminated in countries agreeing on the text of a landmark accord on how to tackle future pandemics, aimed at avoiding a repeat of the mistakes made during the Covid-19 crisis, in the wee hours of April 16.

2 mins

Singapore to send medical contingent to treat Palestinians in Egypt

A medical contingent from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the Health Ministry will fly to Egypt in the coming weeks to provide care to Palestinians and help the people of Gaza.

Singapore to send medical contingent to treat Palestinians in Egypt

2 mins

Trump Administration Proposes Scrapping UN Peacekeeping Funding

The White House budget office has proposed eliminating funding for UN peacekeeping missions, citing failures by operations in Mali, Lebanon and Democratic Republic of Congo, according to internal planning documents seen by Reuters.

2 mins

No humanitarian aid will enter Gaza, says Israeli defence minister

Crisis grows with Israel applying pressure to secure release of hostages still held in Gaza

No humanitarian aid will enter Gaza, says Israeli defence minister

2 mins

Young entrepreneurs talk about going beyond grades and pay

As a young boy, Mr Nabill Shukry Johari always saw entrepreneurship as a way out of poverty—and he has proven himself right.

Young entrepreneurs talk about going beyond grades and pay

2 mins

Hunt for family history turns into heritage project on Seletar village

Former residents' stories will quickly be forgotten if not recorded: Amateur historian

Hunt for family history turns into heritage project on Seletar village

3 mins

COE quota rises 6.4% to 18,232 for May-July period

There will be 1,099 – or 6.4 per cent – more certificates of entitlement (COEs) available for tender from May to July, compared with the February to April period.

COE quota rises 6.4% to 18,232 for May-July period

3 mins

Small Claims Tribunals Roll Out AI-Powered Translation Service

Consumers and merchants resolving disputes at the Small Claims Tribunals can now opt for documents submitted by the other party to be translated into Chinese, Malay, or Tamil using artificial intelligence (AI).

3 mins

Open-air HDB carparks get their first EV fast chargers

At least 14 more such carparks expected to get them in the next six months

Open-air HDB carparks get their first EV fast chargers

3 mins

Singapore market bucks regional falls with modest gains

• STI up 1%, with DFI Retail as index's top gainer • Three local banks continue to recoup recent losses • Major regional indexes fall between 0.6% and 1.9%

1 min

World's biggest trade fair in China confronts effects of Trump tariffs

Executives at the world's biggest trade fair in China found themselves staring into the abyss as the seams of global commerce came apart.

4 mins

Qantas marks 90 years in S'pore, its first international destination

The Republic is now its largest operation and busiest global port outside Australia

Qantas marks 90 years in S'pore, its first international destination

2 mins

China's Q1 Economic Growth Beats Forecasts Ahead of Tariff Impact

China's economy expanded at a faster pace than expected in the first three months of 2025, though its outlook is deteriorating rapidly due to US President Donald Trump's massive tariffs.

China's Q1 Economic Growth Beats Forecasts Ahead of Tariff Impact

3 mins

Stocking up on shares? Experts call for caution

Trump's 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs not a back-to-square-one moment, they say

Stocking up on shares? Experts call for caution

5 mins

70 Years After Bandung, the 'Global South' Seeks Leadership, Direction

The world now, as in 1955, is primed for fundamental changes in power relations.

70 Years After Bandung, the 'Global South' Seeks Leadership, Direction

8 mins

Indonesia Could Still Play Key Role in 5 Years

Marco Rubio acknowledges what this all means: America's time as the global hegemon is over.

Indonesia Could Still Play Key Role in 5 Years

5 mins

China hawks losing influence in Trumpworld, despite trade war

'Restrainers' are taking over from 'primacists'

5 mins

Trump is halfway to making America a police state

US President's refusal to accept a Supreme Court ruling on illegal deportation is a turning point.

Trump is halfway to making America a police state

3 mins

If Japan can't get a good trade deal, can anyone?

Talks between Tokyo and the Trump administration are about to get under way—and the world should be watching.

If Japan can't get a good trade deal, can anyone?

4 mins

Why It's Time Singapore Has a Design Museum

It would be a place to celebrate our global design success, preserve our creative legacy—and be so much fun to visit.

Why It's Time Singapore Has a Design Museum

5 mins

Bouquets Death of ex-Malaysian PM Pak Lah focused on bridging people and communities

It was sad to hear of the death of former Malaysian prime minister Abdullah Badawi (Ex-Malaysian PM Abdullah Badawi dies at 85, April 14).

1 min

Musical tribute • Fans and music lovers celebrate BigO's indie spirit

The April 12-13 weekend was a big one for the local indie music scene.

Musical tribute • Fans and music lovers celebrate BigO's indie spirit

1 min

Letter of the day Insurance agents asking doctors to change codes to ensure claims go through

I am a breast surgeon in private practice for six years. Even with my involvement in the Singapore Medical Association council and the Multilateral Healthcare Insurance Committee, I find myself bewildered and confused by the state of health insurance coverage, with its many terms and exclusions, and ever-changing rules.

1 min

Unbeaten Direct Hit is gunning for a third win in a row

April 18 South Africa (Fairview) form analysis

3 mins

Jimmysstar Set To Shine In All Aged

Oakleigh Plate winner banks on searing finish to win 2nd Group 1

Jimmysstar Set To Shine In All Aged

2 mins

Shirvo Ready For First Salvo

Former Macau sprinter throws in promising effort, as does Ong's The Man Is Danma

Shirvo Ready For First Salvo

3 mins

Night Vigil is worth following

April 17 South Africa (Vaal) form analysis

2 mins

Van der Poel's bottle assailant regrets 'stupidity'

A 28-year-old Belgian man has apologised after hurling a plastic bottle at former road cycling world champion Mathieu van der Poel during the Paris-Roubaix race on April 13, an act that led to a criminal investigation by French authorities.

Van der Poel's bottle assailant regrets 'stupidity'

2 mins

Mixed-Team Golf at 2028 Games

New format announced, along with an array of venues, like Dodger Stadium for baseball

Mixed-Team Golf at 2028 Games

2 mins

World champion Liu feels she can 'improve so much more'

Peaking Ahead of Schedule

World champion Liu feels she can 'improve so much more'

1 min

Bulls feeling the Heat as injuries pile up

By virtue of a better overall record than the Miami Heat, the Chicago Bulls earned home-court advantage for their National Basketball Association (NBA) Eastern Conference play-in game on April 16 (April 17, Singapore time).

2 mins

Great to see a real role model in Norris: Vettel

Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel praised Lando Norris as a \"real role model\" on April 15 and said the Formula One leader's open self-criticism was a strength rather than a weakness.

Great to see a real role model in Norris: Vettel

2 mins

Limping Mavs Face Peaking Kings

A year on from reaching the NBA Finals, Dallas could miss out on the play-offs

Limping Mavs Face Peaking Kings

3 mins

'Crazy' winning debut for 17-year-old in Munich

Diego Dedura-Palomero became the first player born in 2008 or later to take part in an ATP Tour match on April 15, when he stunned eighth seed Denis Shapovalov of Canada to reach the last 16 at the Munich Open.

'Crazy' winning debut for 17-year-old in Munich

2 mins

'Cool To Watch McIlroy Get Career Slam'

Scheffler is pleased for his friend as he knows the pressure that comes with chasing a target

'Cool To Watch McIlroy Get Career Slam'

2 mins

7 Commonwealth Nations Battle to Stage 2030 and 2034 Games

Commonwealth sport has hit the jackpot with seven nations across four continents jostling to host future editions of the Commonwealth Games, as the race for the prestigious centennial 2030 celebration heats up.

7 Commonwealth Nations Battle to Stage 2030 and 2034 Games

2 mins

Amorim shows faith in Onana against Lyon

Andre Onana will return in goal for Manchester United's Europa League quarter-final, second leg against Lyon despite his errors in the first leg, manager Ruben Amorim said on April 16.

Amorim shows faith in Onana against Lyon

2 mins

Semi-final spot justified for Barca, says Flick

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said that his side deserved to reach the Champions League last four despite a 3-1 loss in their quarter-final, second leg at Borussia Dortmund on April 15.

2 mins

Proud Emery Looks Ahead After Exit

Villa beat PSG 3-2 on the night but lose 5-4 on aggregate in Champions League quarter-final

Proud Emery Looks Ahead After Exit

3 mins

Lee Frustrated by Stags' Profligacy in Draw with Pathum

It was a frustrating night for BG Tampines Rovers as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Thai side BG Pathum United in the first leg of their Singapore Cup semi-final at the Jalan Besar Stadium on April 16.

Lee Frustrated by Stags' Profligacy in Draw with Pathum

2 mins

Dreamy Sailors In Uncharted Waters

Treble-chasers are first S'pore side to reach Asian final after ousting Sydney in ACL Two

Dreamy Sailors In Uncharted Waters

3 mins

Actress unleashes killer instinct in Havoc

Known for serious drama, Yeo Yann Yann plays a triad boss in the Tom Hardy action thriller

Actress unleashes killer instinct in Havoc

6 mins

Actor brings the South-east Asian experience to his Hollywood debut Sinners

In the horror thriller Sinners, in a dream-like musical sequence set in a 1930s music hall, the cultures of the American South, both past and present, swirl about on the dance floor, moving to the same beat.

Actor brings the South-east Asian experience to his Hollywood debut Sinners

4 mins

With The Studio, Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg Grow Up

Amoeba Records in Hollywood Boulevard is not the best place for someone of Seth Rogen's visibility to shop hassle-free.

With The Studio, Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg Grow Up

4 mins

Daniela Forever: An Inventive Fable, Gripping True Story Unfolds in September 5

Blood, blues music and illegal booze come together in dazzling fashion in director Ryan Coogler's latest work, Sinners

Daniela Forever: An Inventive Fable, Gripping True Story Unfolds in September 5

4 mins

Gritty medical drama The Pitt praised for realism too

Ever wondered what it is like to work in the emergency department of a major hospital?

Gritty medical drama The Pitt praised for realism too

2 mins

Actress Ryoko Hirosue released from police custody

Japanese actress Ryoko Hirosue was released from police custody eight days after she was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a nurse at a hospital in central Japan.

1 min

Yusnor Ef hailed as 'the quintessential pop lyricist'

Cultural Medallion recipient and Malay music veteran Yusnor Ef died in the early hours of April 16 at the age of 87.

Yusnor Ef hailed as 'the quintessential pop lyricist'

2 mins

Cat Bite Club, Manhattan among the world's top bars

The Pinnacle Guide

Cat Bite Club, Manhattan among the world's top bars

1 min

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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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