The Straits Times - April 22, 2025

The Straits Times - April 22, 2025

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In this issue
April 22, 2025
Maliki Osman Retiring From Politics After 24 Years
Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Maliki Osman announced his retirement from politics on April 21, ahead of the 2025 General Election.

3 mins
SM Teo will not stand in Pasir Ris-Changi, remains 'available to contribute'
PAP has announced slates for 26 of the 33 constituencies in coming election

4 mins
Pope Francis Dies at Age 88
Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has died, the Vatican said in a video statement on April 21, ending an often turbulent reign marked by division and tension as he sought to overhaul the institution.

3 mins
What it should have been
In a report on April 21, \"S'pore stocks rise; OCBC up after bank justifies $1.4b offer for GE\", we said that the bank's board will not raise its offer price for insurer Great Eastern.
1 min
Indranee to helm PAP team in Pasir Ris-Changi GRC
Minister says team will look at how to plug infrastructural gaps at the local level

3 mins
East Coast GRC MP Cheryl Chan to retire from politics
PAP MP Cheryl Chan will be retiring from politics after two terms. She announced this in a Facebook post on the morning of April 21.

3 mins
'A tremendous asset to the team': PM Wong on Ng Eng Hen
Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen was a tremendous asset to Singapore's Cabinet, and made a difference for the country and its people across the portfolios he helmed, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on April 21.

3 mins
Maliki helped rally international support for S'pore, says PM Wong
Dr Maliki Osman's decade of service at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) helped strengthen Singapore's partnerships with other countries, as well as rally international support for the Republic's survival and success, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
3 mins
Shanmugam to Lead Fresh PAP Team to Contest Nee Soon GRC
New slate brings range of experience and has potential office-holders, says minister

3 mins
Ong Ye Kung Unveils PAP's Sembawang GRC Slate in Video, Including Two New Faces
Health Minister Ong Ye Kung took to social media on April 21 to unveil the PAP team for Sembawang GRC, including two new faces.

2 mins
With its new slate, PAP looks to form 5G with more diversity, minorities
Candidates pulled from public service may form core of next-generation leadership

5 mins
Gan Siow Huang Prepared for Tough Fight in Defending Marymount Seat
Minister of State for Manpower and Education Gan Siow Huang said she is prepared for a tough fight as she defends her single seat of Marymount in the coming general election.

3 mins
WP's slate of new candidates similar in terms of qualifications, diverse in experiences
That the party is able to attract younger candidates is key to its renewal, say analysts

4 mins
Securing good jobs for citizens key priority for PSP's Sumarleki Amjah
Helping Singaporeans get good jobs and ensuring their job security are top of the agenda for PSP new face Sumarleki Amjah, 53, who is part of the opposition party's A-team contesting West Coast-Jurong West GRC.

3 mins
Political broadcasts on April 25, May 1; ELD issues campaigning guidelines
Parties fielding at least 6 candidates under recognised symbol eligible for broadcasts
6 mins
5 Ways To Follow ST's GE2025 Coverage
It's official: Parliament has been dissolved, and Singaporeans will head to the polls on May 3, with Nomination Day on April 23.

2 mins
Rest in peace, Papa
Pontiff a champion of unity and hope for the world, says S'pore archdiocese

3 mins
Singapore Leaders Pen Warm Tributes to Pontiff
Singapore's leaders have paid warm tributes to Pope Francis, who died on April 21 at the age of 88.

4 mins
Rise in remittances from Indians in advanced economies
This comes amid decline in amount sent home by those working in Gulf countries
5 mins
Respiratory issues plague Indians in world's most polluted town
Two-year-old Sumaiya Ansari, who lives in India's Byrnihat town, ranked the world's most polluted metropolitan area by Swiss Group IQAir, had breathing problems for several days before she was hospitalized in March and given oxygen support.

2 mins
Cancer' of Billion-Dollar Cyberscam Industry Spreading Globally: UN
Asian crime syndicates behind the multibillion-dollar cyberscam industry are expanding globally, including to South America and Africa, as raids in Southeast Asia fail to contain their activities, the UN said in a report on April 21.
2 mins
Russia launches missiles, drones as Easter ceasefire ends: Ukraine
Russia launched missiles and drones targeting Ukraine early on April 21, waking up Kyiv and the eastern half of the country, hours after the one-day Easter ceasefire declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin came to an end.

2 mins
Vote-rigging claims mar internal elections for PM Anwar's party
Shock results of divisional-level ballots prompt emergency meeting of party leaders

3 mins
China, Indonesia Forge Closer Security Relations Under New Talks Format
China and Indonesia held their first meeting of senior ministers under a format agreed to in 2024, a sit-down that coincides with Beijing’s push to woo Asian nations and offset trade tensions with the U.S.

2 mins
Beijing Slams 'Appeasement' of US in Trade Deals That Hurt China
China on April 21 hit out at other countries making trade deals with the US at Beijing's expense, promising countermeasures against those who \"appease\" Washington in the blistering tariff war as its neighbours rush to secure favourable terms from the White House.
3 mins
Vance Arrives in India, Will Meet Modi for Talks Under Shadow of US Tariffs
Delhi Said to Be Open to Cutting Tariffs on More Than Half of Its Imports From US

2 mins
US soya bean farmers fret as China looks elsewhere
Commodity producers in Brazil, Argentina hope to benefit from impact of trade war

5 mins
Philippines, US Launch Annual Drills in 'Full Battle Test'
More than 14,000 Filipino and American soldiers kicked off annual military exercises on April 21 for a \"full battle test\" between the two defense treaty allies in the face of regional security concerns, including tensions in the South China Sea.
1 min
Second Boeing jet returns to US from China, tracker shows
A second Boeing jet intended for use by a Chinese airline was heading back to the United States, flight tracking data showed, in what appears to be another victim of the tit-for-tat bilateral tariffs launched by President Donald Trump.
1 min
South Korea braces itself for tough trade talks with US
South Korea's Acting President Han Duck-soo said on April 21 that he expected trade talks with the US this week in Washington to be the start of meaningful cooperation, but added that negotiations may not be easy.
1 min
South Korean military under fire for 'lack of discipline' following accidents
South Korea's military has come under fire for lax discipline following a series of major accidents in recent months, including the latest involving the air force's accidental dropping of two gun pods from a KA-1 light attack aircraft during training on April 18.

2 mins
Jeju Island Positions Itself as a Test Bed for Green Hydrogen Tech
Analysts Are Hopeful That Costs Can Be Brought Down With Further Innovation

5 mins
St John's Island jetty, Kusu Island bumboat jetty to close from April 24
Two jetties on St John's and Kusu islands will be temporarily closed from April 24.
1 min
Non-practising lawyers also play role in upholding rule of law: Chief Justice
He emphasises need to secure public trust and confidence in the legal system and profession

3 mins
Man who set fire to curtain blind at airport gets 21 weeks' jail
A man who created a ruckus at Changi Airport, including setting fire to a curtain blind and verbally abusing an Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officer, has been sentenced to 21 weeks' jail.
2 mins
Orchard Road fatal brawl Bouncer did not use knife but gets jail, caning for possessing weapon
A chief bouncer at a club in Orchard Road was at work when he asked a subordinate to retrieve three knives from a nearby locker, after spotting a group of secret society members in the vicinity.
2 mins
Singapore stocks extend rally amid mixed regional markets
• STI up 1.1% at close; trio of local banks end in the black • Yangzijiang Shipbuilding the top gainer, climbing 9.2% • Advancers lead decliners 263 to 151 across broader market
1 min
S. Korea's export dip signals how US tariffs can impact world
Its preliminary April trade data shows shipment value falls 5.2% from a year ago
2 mins
Upcoming reports to show initial fallout from Trump tariffs
Three weeks after US President Donald Trump effectively declared a trade war with the whole world, new economic forecasts and surveys will point to the initial fallout.
1 min
China slashes US commodities purchases as trade war intensifies
China sharply reduced imports of many US commodities in March — in some cases, to zero — as the trade war between the world's two biggest economies intensified.

1 min
Keppel Bags $2b in Capital Commitments Across 3 Flagship Funds
Keppel secured fresh capital commitments of close to $2 billion across three flagship funds, Keppel Data Centre Fund III (KDCF III), Keppel Education Asset Fund II (KEAF II) and the Sustainable Urban Renewal (SUR) strategy.
1 min
Yangzijiang shares up as US eases port fees on China-built vessels
But effects of global trade slowdown could still dampen its growth: Analysts

2 mins
Upgraded Asean-Australia-NZ free trade area deal now in force
An upgraded agreement between Asean, Australia and New Zealand entered into force on April 21, enhancing business opportunities across a free trade area of over 703 million people, with a combined gross domestic product of more than US$5.6 trillion (S$7.3 trillion).
1 min
US dollar slides as Fed independence under threat from Trump
The US dollar's slide gathered momentum on April 21 after US President Donald Trump contemplated whether he is able to fire Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell, a move that has great consequence for the central bank's independence and for global markets.
2 mins
Johor-S'pore SEZ Lets Firms Explore How To Strengthen Supply Chains: DPM Gan
Joint project office to support S'pore-based firms keen to expand and do more in SEZ

3 mins
Why the Hurry?: What Singapore's New Tariff Task Force Is Really About
Like a plane flying through turbulence, success requires staying on top of sudden shifts, responding nimbly and setting a course for the long term.

6 mins
Charting new terrain when the trade picture is foggy
China, India and South Korea, and opens up new frontiers in emerging markets in the Gulf, Africa and Latin America.
2 mins
This is not a blip. The dominance of the US dollar is getting eroded
The process is already well under way. From here on, disruptive US economic and foreign policies could accelerate the decline.

6 mins
Employer thinks you are too old? Here's how the laws protect you
New workplace legislation promises stronger safeguards, but ageing on the job still brings challenges

9 mins
What Abundance Can't Achieve
Growth is worthwhile in itself — but it's not a cure for populism.

3 mins
Are pre-schoolers too young to be taught about sustainability?
Start small, make it fun and keep at it.

4 mins
MOH Will Review MediShield Life Coverage for Prophylactic Mastectomy
We thank Dr Tan Yia Swam for her letter \"Insurance agents asking doctors to change codes to ensure claims go through\" (April 17), on insurance coverage for prophylactic mastectomy in breast cancer patients with pathogenic gene mutations such as the BRCA gene mutation.
1 min
Autistic students • Go beyond physical placement and foster empathy for truly inclusive schools
Navigating the new rules of business protocols
1 min
Honesty: Ingrain the virtue in students so they will find it difficult to cheat
Cheating does not start when examinations begin (Why students cheat during exams and what parents can do to deter them, April 13).
1 min
Football • Old Turf City has space for mid-tier stadium
I refer to the article \"Sharjah FC do not want Asian final against Lion City Sailors to be held at Jalan Besar Stadium\" (April 18).

1 min
Overpass Eyeing Third Quokka
Sydney star ready to surpass himself to 5-from-5 Perth record

2 mins
Penang Turf Club to close on May 31
Seven months after the Singapore Turf Club staged its last meeting on Oct 5, another club on the Malayan Racing Association (MRA) is poised to gallop into the sunset — the Penang Turf Club (PNTC).
1 min
Polytrack will suit in-form Articuno to a tee
April 22 South Africa (Fairview) form analysis
2 mins
Williams Upbeat About Mr Brightside's HK Raid
Australian runner will have winningest partner astride in Group 1 FWD Champions Mile

3 mins
Piastri Knows Having F1 Lead Now Counts For Nothing
Oscar Piastri put Australia on top of the Formula One world championship for the first time since 2010 on April 20, but the McLaren driver said he was still a long way from where he wanted to be despite his Saudi Arabian Grand Prix victory.
2 mins
Turnover Woes, But Clippers Believe
Coach to retain rotation for Game 2, saying they are in good shape despite Game 1 loss

3 mins
Title contenders reveal their true colours at Saudi GP
Oscar Piastri's triumph at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, his third success in 2025, not only lifted an Australian to the top of the drivers' standings for the first time since his manager Mark Webber back in 2010, but it also made his McLaren team the only one ever to score victories at 50 different venues.

3 mins
After 'Special' Winner, Trent Silent on Real
He sinks Leicester and takes Reds to 1 win of title but refuses to talk about own future

3 mins
Rune Uses Djokovic's Example To Tame Alcaraz
Holger Rune said he took a leaf out of Novak Djokovic's book to beat top seed Carlos Alcaraz 7-6 (8-6), 6-2 on April 20 to win the Barcelona Open for the first time.
2 mins
'Patient' Thomas' play-off win is first since 2022
Justin Thomas defeated Andrew Novak in a play-off to win the PGA Tour's RBC Heritage and claim his first victory since the 2022 PGA Championship.
2 mins
Teamwork, tenacity help MGS take B Div netball title
School sports

3 mins
Brunei Club in Talks for Malaysia Return
DPMM declare intent to sign Geylang star Doi; Tengah may take their place in SPL

2 mins
Bites worth the baht
In this new series, find out which snacks to take home from your holiday — like these cheap and tasty tidbits from Thailand
2 mins
Cycle and snorkel around scenic Rottnest Island
If picturesque coastlines, wildlife encounters and relaxing bike rides are your kind of adventure, put a cycling tour of Rottnest Island high on your bucket list.

2 mins
A Whale of a Time
The writer did not spot a whale shark, but the diving in Bohol left her in awe of the vibrant marine life, such as sea turtles and schools of sardines

3 mins
There's more to Veneto than Venice
Ditch the Italian city's crowds and explore the wider Veneto region while sipping prosecco, making cheese and learning about Galileo

5 mins
Graduating students of Yong Siew Toh Conservatory triumph with Rachmaninov's Second
Subito Con Forza!

2 mins
A balance of lyricism and bravura by pianist Daniil Trifonov
Preceding every concerto performance at a symphonic concert is usually an overture, but this gala concert by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) led by Hans Graf opened with ballet music instead.

2 mins
Chinese classical group Ding Yi Music Company showcased five varied works and invited audiences to put aside their worries in a two-hour concert
The secret to appreciating chamber music is to look beyond the big sound of massed instruments, paying attention instead to details found in individual instruments.

2 mins
On social media: DJS TO LITTLE NYONYAS
Singapore's biggest show of the moment, Mediacorp's Mandarin drama Emerald Hill - The Little Nyonya Story, wrapped its run on Netflix and mewatch on April 21. Channel 8 will air the series finale later in April.

1 min
Former K-pop girl group Miss A member Min to wed in June
K-pop star Min, from the now-disbanded girl group Miss A, is getting married.

1 min
Elizabeth Hurley, Billy Ray Cyrus stun fans with romance
English actress Elizabeth Hurley and American country singer Billy Ray Cyrus dropped a bombshell on April 20 when they unveiled their romance on social media.

1 min
London whale sculpture may contain 2011 tsunami debris
A giant whale sculpture made of ocean plastic waste, titled Whale On The Wharf (Skyscraper), is being exhibited in London.

1 min
The Straits Times Newspaper Description:
Publisher: SPH Media Limited
Category: Newspaper
Language: English
Frequency: Daily
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