The Straits Times - April 29, 2025
The Straits Times - April 29, 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
April 29, 2025
Some surprises, pointed jabs at opponents as hustings cross midpoint
After six days of hustings, and with four days to go before Singaporeans cast their votes on May 3, some surprises have emerged.
5 mins
PM Wong appeals to voters to pick the best team, says more opposition will weaken S'pore
He calls for strong support to take country through uncertain times
4 mins
We are making real progress for workers': Tan See Leng says in May Day message
Workers in Singapore have made progress and this has come about through the close partnership between the Government, unions and employers that is the bedrock of Singapore's economic progress, said Manpower Minister Tan See Leng.
2 mins
Trump's Trade War Puts Republic's Economic Growth, Jobs, and Wages at Risk: MAS
The raft of tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump and the uncertainty over the extent of damage they will cause across the global economy will depress economic and wage growth in trade-driven Singapore, said the Republic's central bank.
5 mins
Unemployment Rate in Singapore Up Slightly in Q1; Employment Growth Slows
Workers May Face Slower Wage Growth as Labour Demand Could Soften Further: MAS
3 mins
GST hike implemented with 'great care', opposition ignored facts to maximise votes: PM Wong
Permanent GST vouchers ensure less well-off Singaporeans pay less than headline rate, he says
4 mins
Same results with fewer PAP MPs a myth from opposition: Indranee
The opposition has been selling the \"myth\" that even if more of them are voted in and there are fewer PAP MPs, Singapore will still get the same results, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Indranee Rajah.
3 mins
Expect more scrutiny, pointed rebuttals in last days of hustings: Experts
May 1 will mark climax with opposition parties set to address points in PM's May Day Rally
4 mins
Pasir Ris-Changi GRC SM Teo's shoes too big to fill, but Indranee says she will serve with the same passion
Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Indranee Rajah says she cannot fill Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean's big shoes in the newly created Pasir Ris-Changi GRC, but will serve with the same commitment if elected.
4 mins
SDP's Chee has walked long political path, but not served the community: Poh Li San
Organising town hall meetings to hear residents' issues, reducing waiting times at Meet-the-People Sessions (MPS), and arguing for full-time MPs to manage estate work make for good rally speeches.
3 mins
Sembawang GRC Ong Ye Kung criticises SDP for downplaying role of PAP MPs in transforming town
He also explains why opposition party's policy proposals not feasible or realistic
4 mins
Murali warns against populism, polarisation taking root in S'pore politics
Singaporeans must reject populism, polarisation and post-truth politics, which caused political systems in other countries to turn dysfunctional, said Minister of State for Law and Transport Murali Pillai on April 28.
4 mins
Grace Fu: Who will pay for opposition's plans to put money in people's pockets?
Their proposals fall short of suggesting how plans will be funded, says minister
4 mins
Mission Possible' as voting for WP in Punggol GRC will benefit all Singaporeans: Pritam
He says stronger opposition will make PAP consider timing of policies more carefully
4 mins
Seize chance to vote for WP's most promising batch of candidates: Sylvia Lim
The current slate of WP general election candidates is the most promising batch the party has fielded thus far, said party chair Sylvia Lim as she urged Singaporeans not to miss the chance to vote for them.
2 mins
SDP Calls for Nationalising Mental Health Care, Universal Healthcare
It proposes formal mental health leave, community wellness centres, among others
3 mins
Sharp political rhetoric in campaign's final stretch is healthy – if within bounds
If there is a pattern emerging in this election's main campaigns between the ruling PAP and its rival WP – it follows a clear arc: a steady, almost equanimous start, followed by a decisive sharpening at the midpoint.
4 mins
RDU says it is not out to 'ruin establishment' but let voices of people be heard
Opposition party Red Dot United (RDU) said its raison d'être is to make sure that the voices of those who do not support the PAP and its policies are heard in Parliament.
3 mins
Sustainability a key pillar of PAP's plans for West Coast Jurong West: Desmond Lee
Western parts of S'pore to get an infusion of nature and culture if party's team is elected
5 mins
WP's Faisal Says Contest in Tampines GRC Not Between Him and PAP's Masagos
The WP's Faisal Manap, who is leading the opposition party's slate in Tampines GRC, said he does not see the contest as a battle between himself and the PAP's Masagos Zulkifli, but rather as a competition between teams.
2 mins
Govt will have 'enough leeway' even if all WP candidates are elected, says Pritam
Ratio of WP MPs to PAP MPs will be only about 2 or 3 to 9 in that scenario, he says
4 mins
Alexis Dang on a health scare, rallies and going up against DPM Gan
When the gates at Temasek Junior College opened ahead of WP's second rally on April 26, the party's supporters streamed into the compound with banners, inflatable hammers and loudhailers.
5 mins
WP's Andre Low says he offers 'something different' to Jalan Kayu voters
He cites private sector experience in law, technology, consulting at major companies
3 mins
US Urges India and Pakistan to Work Towards a 'Responsible Solution'
The US State Department on April 27 said that Washington was in touch with both India and Pakistan while urging them to work towards what it called a \"responsible solution\", as tensions rise between the two Asian nations following a recent Islamist militant attack in Kashmir.
3 mins
Fresh Delhi-Islamabad tensions split families, dash reunions
India suspends visa services for Pakistanis following deadly attack in Kashmir
6 mins
Japan, Vietnam Pledge to Support Free Trade as PM Ishiba Visits Hanoi
Japan and Vietnam agreed to boost bilateral trade and uphold global rules on the free flow of goods, as Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba met Vietnamese leaders in Hanoi while both countries engage in talks with Washington to avoid tariffs.
2 mins
India Seen as a Much Closer US Partner
Mr Michael Kugelman, a Washington-based South Asia analyst and writer for Foreign Policy magazine, said India is now a much closer US partner than Pakistan.
2 mins
Beijing, Manila Trade Barbs Over Disputed Reef in South China Sea
Philippines Denies Chinese Broadcaster's Reports That Beijing Has Seized Sandy Cay
2 mins
Myanmar marks month of misery since historic quake
Myanmar on April 28 marked one month since suffering its fiercest earthquake in more than a century, with bombardments by the ruling military unabated despite a humanitarian truce as thousands of survivors camp in makeshift shelters.
2 mins
Australia's Ruling Party Pledges to Hike Student Visa Fees Again if Re-elected
Australia's ruling Labor Party on April 28 said it would raise visa fees for international students to A$2,000 (S$1,680) if re-elected, the latest measure aimed at the lucrative education sector which has been a major source of immigration.
1 min
Putin Announces Surprise Ukraine Truce for May 8-10
In response, Kyiv says it wants immediate truce with Russia for 'at least 30 days'
3 mins
Suspect Charged in Canada Car-Ramming Attack That Left 11 Dead
The suspect in a Canadian car-ramming attack that left 11 dead at a Filipino street party was charged with murder, police said on April 27, adding that additional charges were anticipated.
2 mins
Conclave to elect new pope to start on May 7
Catholic cardinals will meet on May 7 to start voting for a new pope, the Vatican announced on April 28, a week after the death of Pope Francis.
3 mins
Millions Affected by Power Failures in Spain and Portugal
Rare atmospheric event sparks outage, paralyzing transport and communications
2 mins
SCDF officer accused of sex offences involving at least one underage girl
A Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) officer has been charged with 10 counts of sexually penetrating a minor and one count of being in possession of obscene films.
1 min
Two Men Charged Over Alleged Robbery of Woman in Hotel Room
Two men appeared in the district court on April 28 after they allegedly used pieces of clothing to tie a woman's hands and legs in a hotel room before robbing her last weekend.
1 min
Ex-NSF Cop Jailed a Week for Stealing Superior's AirPods
He was a corporal working as a staff assistant when he committed the offence
2 mins
S'pore stocks close lower amid caution over economy's outlook
STI falls 0.3%; Yangzijiang Shipbuilding is top gainer Gainers beat decliners 243 to 220 in the broader market Regional bourses end mixed; Greater China equities slip
1 min
US Treasury market's 'new world order' brings fear of the long bond
Bond buyers question haven status of govt debt, seek higher yields on longer maturities
3 mins
Trump, China ramp up Panama Canal pressure with Li Ka-Shing deal in limbo
China dialed up scrutiny of Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-Shing's planned Panama ports sale to a BlackRock-backed group, while US President Donald Trump sought preferential treatment for US ships in the waterway, adding to uncertainty over whether the blockbuster deal will proceed.
2 mins
CapitaLand Ascott Trust Lifted by New Hotels' Gross Profit
CapitaLand Ascott Trust's (Clas) managers said in a business update on April 28 that the trust's gross profit rose 4 per cent year on year in the first quarter of 2025.
3 mins
Notebook brand Moleskine expanding in S'pore
The global stationery and supplies market has been on an incline over the years and is forecast to reach US$186.19 billion (S$245 billion) in market value by 2030, despite the infiltration of laptops, tablets and smartphones.
1 min
Amara Holdings Receives $514.6m Takeover Offer
Group's chairman, S'pore developers part of consortium seeking to take it private
2 mins
It takes more than a tariff wall to make US manufacturing great again
More substantive policies are needed. The US must fashion its trade deals to work with other economies, not against them.
5 mins
Supermarkets need to innovate to get shoppers through their doors again
Our grocery shopping habits are changing. The modern supermarket needs to bring more to the table than cheap deals.
6 mins
Trump and the art of 'dealism'
His acolytes are discovering that it's not so much about any particular policy as having blind faith in the man himself.
3 mins
Want to make a critically ill child's wish come true?
Many such children get better because strangers stepped in and helped them realise their wishes.
3 mins
GE2025 Don't call NCMPs 'best losers'
The Non-Constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP) scheme was introduced in 1984 to ensure a minimum number of opposition members in Parliament.
1 min
GE2025: MPs Play a Big Role in Getting Voters' Voices Heard
I refer to the Forum letter \"Election gives parties a good opportunity to debate issues rationally\" (April 25).
1 min
Gyms 30-minute usage guideline for machines updated
We thank the writer for his letter “Users should not hog weight-bearing machines at gym” (April 8) and for championing the importance of shared responsibility and courtesy at our ActiveSG gyms.
1 min
Letter of the day New facilities at Pasir Ris Park lack the quality and charm of the old
I commend the authorities, especially the National Parks Board, for their continued efforts to upgrade and maintain facilities at Pasir Ris Park.
1 min
Energy Baby Leads Tan 1-2
Former Kranji jockey finally lands first win in Malaysia on debutant Forever Sixty-One
2 mins
Turkish Delights Coming to Singapore
After Germany on April 13, Pools to launch Turkiye as their 13th racing product in May
2 mins
Heroic Act to go one better
April 29 South Africa (Vaal) form analysis
2 mins
Wolves first of City's 'four finals' in EPL: Pep
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola was in little mood to dwell on reaching a third successive FA Cup final after beating Nottingham Forest 2-0 on April 27, with his thoughts quickly turning to the race to secure Champions League football next term.
2 mins
Dream Realised, No. 1 Next For Saigo
Japanese targets top ranking after claiming first LPGA title via largest Major play-off
3 mins
For hurdler Ang, life is a brilliant battle with time
0.01 is nothing to us. Just one-hundredth of a meaningless second. Faster than just another blink of the eye.
3 mins
Arteta and mentor Enrique to face off
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will have to beat one of the most influential figures in his football life when the Gunners face Luis Enrique's Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League semi-finals.
2 mins
Slot-ting in Perfectly
His calm magic turned 'poisoned chalice' from Klopp into glittering league trophy
3 mins
Li's arrival is football's chance to emerge from doldrums
As he nurses one \"baby\" — tech conglomerate Sea Limited — to full health, Singaporean billionaire Forrest Li has decided to adopt another one as he was sworn in as the new Football Association of Singapore (FAS) president on April 28.
3 mins
Fraternity hope Sailors' Li can help FAS make waves
Optimism is rising within the local football fraternity with the arrival of Forrest Li as the new Football Association of Singapore president on April 28.
4 mins
Bold Changes Ahead: Li
New FAS head has a multi-pronged approach, with emphasis on youth
3 mins
Birds
Inspired by the work being done to conserve the seahorses in Knysna, I headed along the Garden Route to De Hoop Reserve.
2 mins
A shrine to old Hong Kong rises in Lung Wah Hotel
In its heyday in the 1950s and 1960s, the Lung Wah Hotel, a converted Spanish revival villa, offered a leafy refuge from the bustle of city life, near a cove and surrounded by parks in Hong Kong's New Territories.
4 mins
Lush landscapes and a gourmet trail in Gippsland
The fertile region in Victoria, Australia, is a relaxing respite from city life and its folks are big champions of local produce
5 mins
Director Coppola bags lifetime achievement award
Multiple Oscar-winner Francis Ford Coppola picked up a lifetime achievement award on April 26 at a star-studded ceremony, which praised his \"fearless\" attitude to film-making.
1 min
The Pillowman probes toxic masculinity
In the play, director Chong Tze Chien and his all-male cast will dive deep into issues such as anger and violence
3 mins
Japan's Nintendo fans test Switch 2 ahead of launch amid tariff worries
Nintendo fans were given a chance to try the company's new Switch 2 gaming device at an event near Tokyo on April 26, ahead of a release that some worry could be overshadowed by tariffs driving up prices.
1 min
Squid Game 2's Yim Si-wan to give travel talk at S'pore event
Korea Travel Fair 2025: Your Gateway To K-Culture
1 min
Stars of Papa and The Last Dance win big
Hong Kong Film Awards
2 mins
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
