The Straits Times - April 19, 2025
The Straits Times - April 19, 2025
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In this issue
April 19, 2025
Candidates Announced for Two-Thirds of Constituencies 5 Days to Nomination Day
Political parties have announced their slates across about two-thirds of Singapore's 33 constituencies, with five days to go before Nomination Day on April 23.
5 mins
Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen retiring from politics, will not contest GE2025
He will step down after over two decades in the Cabinet; cites leadership succession
7 mins
Military-to-military ties deepened during his tenure
A significant reorganization of the SAF in 2022 established the Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS) as a full-fledged fourth branch.
4 mins
About 20 PAP MPs Likely to Retire Before GE2025
Four Incumbent MPs Have Already Confirmed They Are Stepping Down
5 mins
PAP New Face Goh Pei Ming Hopes To Blend Community And Military Stints
Deployment In Afghanistan Taught Him The Importance Of Defence, Governance, Politics
5 mins
Ex-AIC chief Dinesh Vasu Dash answered two calls to serve
It was a done deal. The papers had been signed and Mr Dinesh Vasu Dash, then 45, was ready to hang up his army greens after 23 years for his first taste of the private sector life as a chief operating officer at a trade finance firm.
5 mins
Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat to lead Bishan-Toa Payoh PAP team
He succeeds Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen; Gan Siow Huang to defend Marymount seat
5 mins
WP introduces another four new faces, including IMH psychologist
Party is expected to field a record 17 first-timers and contest 31 seats
4 mins
Leadership renewal an ongoing exercise for the WP, say party leaders
Letting younger party leaders take the helm has always been the WP's focus, as any political party that does not renew itself will become irrelevant to voters and ossify naturally, said WP chair Sylvia Lim.
3 mins
Opposition People's Alliance for Reform to field 14 candidates in 5 SMCs, 2 GRCs
Among the single seats it is contesting is Potong Pasir, which could see a three-way fight
3 mins
18,389 Overseas Voters Successfully Registered, Will Be Notified Via E-mail
A total of 18,389 Singaporeans living abroad have successfully registered as overseas voters and will be notified via e-mail on the polling process after Nomination Day on April 23.
1 min
Red Dot United unveils line-up for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC
Team includes a 25-year-old, one of the youngest candidates in coming election
3 mins
Chinese netizens vent anger at Trump's trade war with memes
While China's leaders use their economic and political might to fight US President Donald Trump's trade war \"to the end\", its social media warriors are embarking on a more humorous campaign online.
2 mins
Trump signals tit-for-tat China tariffs may be near end; TikTok deal on hold
US President Donald Trump on April 17 signaled a potential end to the tit-for-tat tariff hikes between the US and China that shocked markets, and that a deal over the fate of social media platform TikTok may have to wait.
1 min
Indonesia to Increase US Imports, Lower Orders From Other Countries
Indonesia will increase imports of US food and commodities, and reduce orders from countries the South-east Asian nation currently buys the products from, chief economic minister Airlangga Hartarto told reporters in Washington.
1 min
Xi Plays Long-Term Game of Keeping S-E Asia Onside During Regional Tour
Chinese leader's message of solidarity was received with varying enthusiasm
4 mins
Police Identify 33 Victims of Collapsed Building in Bangkok
The Royal Thai Police's Central Institute of Forensic Science on April 17 announced that 33 victims in the collapse of the State Auditor Office building have been positively identified.
1 min
US strikes on Yemen fuel port kill 74, say Houthis
US strikes on the Ras Isa fuel port in western Yemen have killed at least 74 people in the deadliest attack since Washington launched its large-scale campaign against the Houthis in March, according to the Houthi-run Health Ministry.
1 min
Hamas Says It Is Ready To Release All Remaining Hostages For An End To Gaza War
Hamas wants a comprehensive deal to end the war in Gaza and swap all Israeli hostages for Palestinians jailed in Israel, a senior official from the Palestinian militant group said, rejecting Israel's offer of an interim truce.
2 mins
Myanmar Junta and Opposition Set to Extend Ceasefire: Anwar
Malaysian PM Seeking to Curb Conflict to Allow More Earthquake Aid into Country
2 mins
Would Europe Pivot to China in Trump's Tariff War?
Beijing has been quick to fill the void left by the Americans, but there are still concerns
5 mins
Amid university protests, Trump calls Harvard 'a disgrace'
Hundreds of students, faculty and community members on a California campus booed on April 17 as speakers accused the administration of US President Donald Trump of undermining American universities, as he questioned whether Harvard and others deserve tax-exempt status.
3 mins
US Eases Port Fees on China-Built Ships After Industry Backlash
Exemptions for Vessel Owners Servicing Great Lakes, Caribbean and US Territories
3 mins
Trump Faces Challenges in Efforts to Secure Nuclear Deal With Iran
But analysts say task might be less difficult than forging peace in Gaza and Ukraine
4 mins
Kyiv Aims to Wrap Up Talks on Minerals Deal With Washington Within a Week
Kyiv said on April 18 that it aims to complete talks by the end of next week about a deal with Washington on jointly exploiting Ukrainian mineral resources — an agreement Ukrainian officials hope will go some way to firming up softening US support for the country in its war with Russia.
2 mins
More Japanese Embracing Foreign Rice, Even Before Tariff Saga
When a severe rice shortage sent prices skyrocketing in Japan in 2024, Tokyo restaurant owner Arata Hirano did what had once seemed unthinkable: He switched to an American variety.
3 mins
US to Stop Ukraine Peace Push If No Progress Soon
Secretary of State's Warning Reflects Washington's Frustration Over Negotiations to End War
3 mins
Theft at allotment garden plots leaves avid gardeners frustrated
Some seek more surveillance as signs and nets put up fail to prevent such incidents
4 mins
JTC to have new chairman on July 1
JTC Corporation will have a new chairman come July 1.
1 min
NUS High students set to get more research, overseas trip opportunities
Students from NUS High School of Math and Science will get more support to conduct research and go on overseas school trips, as the school hopes to raise funds to give them more opportunities.
3 mins
Pregnant RSAF pilot who couldn't fly scales new heights in Norway
31-year-old wanted to challenge herself as she went through a transition in life
3 mins
Chinese Tea Chain CEO Turns Billionaire at 30 After US IPO
Chagee shares make bullish debut despite listing amid worsening US-China trade war
2 mins
Japan's core inflation speeds up, complicating BOJ's rate path
Japan's core inflation accelerated in March due to persistent rises in food costs, data showed on April 18, complicating the central bank's task of weighing mounting price pressures against risks to the economy from higher US tariffs.
2 mins
US Tariffs Threaten to Crush Vietnam's Factory Boom Towns
Jobs, Businesses at Risk in Binh Duong Province That Built Its Fortunes on Exports
4 mins
How China Took Over the World's Strategic Rare Earths Industry
China shook the world in 2010 when it imposed an embargo on exports of crucial rare earth metals to Japan.
5 mins
Digital Investment Platforms Set to Stay Despite Concerns
Lower barriers to entry part of appeal even amid some doubts on their sustainability
4 mins
Malaysia's Q1 Growth Slower Than Expected Even Before Tariff News
Malaysia's economy expanded at a slower-than-expected pace in the first quarter, dragged down by weaker growth in manufacturing and construction even before the US announced plans for punishing tariffs.
2 mins
Donald Trump's Gift to Globalization
Not since the crash of 2008 has free trade held the moral and intellectual high ground.
4 mins
Amid Trump's tariffs and Asia's digital pivot, the quiet end of dollar dominance is under way
As countries pursue digital alternatives and build new trade rails, we could be witnessing early signs of de-dollarisation.
5 mins
3 Takeaways From Singapore Leaders' Blockbuster Foreign Policy Speeches
Major speeches by PM Wong and SM Lee offer a clear-eyed view on global transition and commitment to multilateralism, and link political stability to diplomatic strength.
6 mins
Philippine Political Clans Set To Tighten Grip In Upcoming Polls
The Philippines' party-list system, introduced in 1987 to ensure the poor and marginalized have a say in government, is instead dominated by rich and powerful families today.
10+ mins
Peony power: China's unofficial national flower gives city a boost
Dubbed China's 'peony capital', Heze accounts for over 85 per cent of the country's peony seedling supply.
6 mins
Get ready to Get Impressed
April 20 SA (Greyville) form analysis
3 mins
Machine Gun Gracie Locked And Loaded
Erkelens' boom filly shooting for feature race treble in WATC Derby at Ascot
2 mins
Easier Task For Bundle Award
April 20 Hong Kong (Sha Tin) form analysis
6 mins
Wind-aided throws in US meet spark criticism
Performance-enhancing drugs have long been the scourge of athletics field events, but now some observers are claiming \"weather doping\" was behind a slew of discus records at a US meet on April 13.
2 mins
If Morant's 'good to go', Grizzlies will trust him
The Memphis Grizzlies need one victory to reach the National Basketball Association (NBA) playoffs and there is no telling whether their best player will be on the floor.
2 mins
Doncic Leads Lakers' Charge in Playoffs
Slovenian star can prove his worth as NBA post-season begins after chaotic changes
3 mins
Thomas ties RBC Heritage record on layout he loves
Justin Thomas missed a new Harbour Town Golf Links record by inches, but still bagged the early lead at the RBC Heritage on April 17 in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.
2 mins
Spurred by His Duelling Rivals
Evenepoel regains fighting spirit watching Pogacar and van der Poel while recovering
3 mins
Stay the course and keep believing
PGA Tour player blog — Rory McIlroy
3 mins
French Open to Honour Nadal With Ceremony
The French Open will pay tribute to record 14-time champion Rafael Nadal on the opening day of the Grand Slam in May, a year after the Spaniard played his final match on the clay of Roland Garros, the organisers said on April 17.
2 mins
Gripes Over Final Venue
FAS working with AFC for solution after Sharjah object to Jalan Besar for ACL2 clash
2 mins
Horner Sure Max Will Stay at Red Bull in 2026
Max Verstappen will be racing for Red Bull next season and there is no crisis at the Formula One team, team principal Christian Horner said on April 18, as speculation swirled about the four-time world champion's future.
2 mins
Europa League Can Transform United's Season
Manchester United can turn a miserable season into a memorable one, manager Ruben Amorim said on April 17 after watching his Red Devils mount a stunning fightback to beat Lyon 5-4 and reach the Europa League semi-finals 7-6 on aggregate.
2 mins
Chance For Reds To Wrap Up EPL Title
2nd-placed Arsenal may choose to focus on Champs League after progressing to semis
2 mins
Darwin Wants Fifa Action Over Electoral Process
Former Balestier Khalsa vice-chairman Darwin Jalil has lodged an appeal to Fifa after his team were deemed ineligible to contest the upcoming Football Association of Singapore (FAS) elections following the disqualification of a replacement candidate.
2 mins
Li's Mission of Pride, Joy
Incoming FAS boss hopes to unite the fraternity and drive meaningful change
3 mins
CREAM OF THE CROP
Social media is rife with millennial home owners' minimalist interiors in neutral hues – but there is a method to the 'Mujicore' madness
8 mins
WORLD'S BIGGEST FURNITURE FAIR WRAPS UP IN MILAN WITH INSPIRING GLOBAL DESIGNS
The world's biggest furniture fair in Milan, the Salone del Mobile. Milano 2025, wrapped up its six-day global showcase on April 13 after attracting more than 300,000 visitors.
1 min
Architect returns to source of Singapore story by the river
In this series, The Straits Times speaks to architects and residents about urban spaces that inspire them
3 mins
Suite fit for a gentleman
The owner of this two-bedroom apartment in East Coast was drawn to the 1,306 sq ft unit because it is on the ground floor, with generous outdoor balconies and terraces.
2 mins
Lirica Arts' Recital Series Combines Outreach and Education That Is Not Dumbed Down
Want to learn something about opera besides listening to wonderful singing? One could do worse than attending Lirica Arts’ Opera 101 recital series.
2 mins
Concert: An Odyssey of Humanity and Nature
The thread of over-achieving young orchestras in Singapore continues with Musicians' Initiative, formerly known as The Young Musicians Foundation Orchestra, led by its dynamic London-based music director Alvin Arumugam.
2 mins
Actor Edwin Goh has cleaned up his act
After moving to Sydney in 2023, the home-grown celeb quit smoking and drinking and worked in retail, and is now back in Singapore with his wife-to-be
3 mins
Plenty of value in a big package
Tesla's Model Y RWD 110, specially created for Singapore's COE system, is a steal
4 mins
Torque Shop
What does it mean when car manufacturers list \"air suspension\" in the data sheet? How different is this from a double-wishbone, multi-link or MacPherson strut system?
2 mins
Audi A5 Is a Cushy Executive Express
Its appeal includes generous equipment level and design
3 mins
Vintage Vespas in Indonesia Go Electric
As the country pushes for more electric vehicles to combat air pollution, a company has converted and sold around 1,000 old Vespas since 2021
3 mins
Japanese Actor Mizuki Itagaki Was Member of M!lk
Japanese actor and idol Mizuki Itagaki has been found dead at age 24, months after he went missing in January.
1 min
Former T-ara member Lee A-reum gets suspended prison term for fraud
Lee A-reum, a former member of K-pop girl group T-ara, has been sentenced to a suspended prison term for fraud.
1 min
Nora Aunor Considered the Philippines' Greatest Actress
Nora Aunor, considered by many Filipinos as their country's greatest actress and singer, has died at age 71, the government and her family said on April 17.
1 min
Han Kang to Release First New Book Since Nobel Prize Win
South Korean writer Han Kang is set to release her first new book since receiving the Nobel Prize in literature in 2024.
1 min
New Star Wars film with Ryan Gosling set for 2027
Oscar-nominated Canadian actor Ryan Gosling will star in a new Star Wars film that will reach movie theatres in May 2027, Walt Disney's Lucasfilm announced on April 17.
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.
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