‘When you build a bank for the underserved, you build for almost everybody': New GXS CEO Lai Pei-Si
SINGAPORE - Three decades ago when she was a management trainee with Overseas Union Bank, Ms Lai Pei-Si was often at the teller's station to count out the notes brought in by customers, or being withdrawn by them.
Customers seated in rows at the bank branch would wait for the bell to ring to signal that the next person could go to the window to be served.
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Straits Times
29 minutes ago
- Straits Times
Alexander Isak says ‘change' best for everyone after Newcastle trust broken
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Alexander Isak released a statement on Aug 19 saying his departure from Newcastle is 'in the best interests of everyone'. LIVERPOOL, United Kingdom - Alexander Isak believes his departure from Newcastle is 'in the best interests of everyone' after breaking his silence on the saga of the Premier League transfer window amid speculation over a move to Liverpool. The Swedish international, who was the second highest goalscorer in the Premier League last season, has not featured for the Magpies in pre-season or their opening game of the campaign, a 0-0 draw away at Aston Villa on Aug 16. Liverpool have reportedly had a £110 million bid (S$190 million) rejected for the 25-year-old, with Newcastle holding out for a British transfer record fee of up to £150 million. Isak released a statement on Aug 19 after deciding not to appear at the Professional Footballers' Association awards event despite being selected in the Premier League 2024/25 team of the year. 'I've kept quiet for a long time while others have spoken. That silence has allowed people to push their own version of events, even though they know it doesn't reflect what was really said and agreed behind closed doors,' Isak posted on Instagram. 'The reality is that promises were made and the club has known my position for a long time. To now act as if these issues are only emerging is misleading. 'When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can't continue. That's where things are for me right now - and why change is in the best interests of everyone, not just myself.' According to reports, Isak had been promised an improved contract only for the club to hold off due to pressures of meeting financial sustainability rules. He has scored 62 goals in 109 appearances since joining from Real Sociedad in 2022, including the winner against Liverpool in the League Cup final earlier this year that ended Newcastle's 70-year wait to win a domestic trophy. Liverpool have already spent around £300 million in overhauling a squad that romped to the Premier League title last season. But they have also recouped over £200 million in sales and are still in the market for attacking options after the departures of Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez and tragic death of Diogo Jota. Any deal is unlikely to be done before the two clubs face off in their next Premier League game on Monday at St James' Park. AFP
Straits Times
29 minutes ago
- Straits Times
Proposals sought to develop Changi East Urban District next to T5
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox An aerial view of the construction area of Changi Airport Terminal 5. The proposed Changi East Urban District will occupy a 40 ha tract of land – about the size of 56 football fields. SINGAPORE – The authorities are calling for proposals to sketch out the concept for the new Changi East Urban District next to Changi Airport Terminal 5, in the first step towards developing the future business and lifestyle hub . Part of the new Changi East development, the district will occupy a 40 ha tract of land – about the size of 56 football fields – between the upcoming T5 and Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal. The district is meant to be a destination that appeals to both international visitors and Singapore residents, based on tender documents by the Ministry of Transport (MOT) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) published on government procurement portal GeBiz on Aug 13. It will strengthen the Changi air hub and complement developments at the airport and in the surrounding Changi region, said the authorities. When ready in the mid-2030s, T5 will allow the airport to serve 140 million passengers yearly, over 55 per cent more than its present capacity of 90 million . The authorities said the Changi East Urban District will strengthen the Changi air hub, as well as complement developments at the airport and in the surrounding Changi region. Noting that the district will be located near a potential waterfront district to the south of Changi, the authorities said it should reap synergies with the region while distinguishing itself from other places in Singapore. The Changi East Urban District 'should be a destination unto itself' while 'integrating work and play', they added. In their call for proposals, MOT and CAAS invited multi-disciplinary teams to carry out a demand study and concept planning for the district. Mr Phua Chai Teck , director of airport development and planning at CAA S, said the study will inform the Government's vision and plans for the district. The appointed consultant will work with both MOT and CAAS to conduct the study and develop a concept plan. Other agencies – like the Urban Redevelopment Authority – and stakeholders will be consulted, said Mr Phua . Stage one of this tender will close on Sept 24 , with the final tender to be awarded around mid-2026 . The second stage of the tender entails drawing up a detailed concept plan for the Changi East Urban District, which the authorities said must encourage community building in public spaces, as well as convey a clear sense of identity and belonging. The concept plan has to factor in transport connectivity and propose car-lite measures, on top of green corridors and public spaces. It should make the most of underground spaces – where feasible – and align the district with the national sustainability goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 . The appointed consultant will also have to submit a demand study to forecast demand for the district up to the mid-2050s, and analyse long-term user trends based on wider socio-economic and travel patterns. Another requirement is a financial study detailing the benefits and financial feasibility of each development there. Professor Lam Khee Poh , provost's chair professor of architecture and the built environment at the College of Design and Engineering at the National University of Singapore, suggested that the district can differentiate itself from the Changi region by functioning as a development with net-zero carbon emissions. This could entail having a renewable energy distribution hub, buildings that generate more renewable energy than what they consume , and adopting automated processes powered by artificial intelligence for more efficient energy consumption, he added. On attracting visitors, Prof Lam said the new district should feature a 'stress-free' experience, given that travel can be stressful. He proposed a mix of 'highly active places' with options to detour easily and quickly to some quieter outdoor areas that can offer 'natural respite', which wellness businesses can support. Professor Cheong Koon Hean , chair of the Lee Kuan Yew Centre for Innovative Cities at the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) , said the district's unique location lends itself to demand from business and leisure travellers due to its proximity to the airport and the waterfront. It could draw from its surrounding infrastructure and activities – such as Changi Business Park, SUTD, Changi General Hospital and the Singapore Expo convention centre – to be unique and attractive. Highlighting that the Changi Point area is known to be idyllic, Prof Cheong said the district could leverage its laid-back and rustic character with beaches, mangrove boardwalks and built heritage through recreational opportunities. She suggested enhancing the demand by setting up an aviation business campus, offices to serve firms that want easy airport access, exhibition centres to host business events or exhibitions, and premium transit hotels or resorts for short-stay passengers who want to be near the airport. Prof Cheong noted that nature and wellness activities can take place there, with beachfront living residences or hotels, seafront walks with cycling trails and links to mangrove boardwalks, as well as wellness-themed resorts that could encourage medical tourism at the nearby Changi General Hospital. The district can also focus on experiential retail, she added, with themed retail stores, dining options and integrated cultural venues for arts activities. 'The unique waterfront location does offer some opportunities for not only retail, but combined with lifestyle and play can be marketed as a weekend or short-trip attraction, which appeals to both tourists and locals,' she said.
Straits Times
29 minutes ago
- Straits Times
Forum: Canopies with solar panels can make shophouse districts cool
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox I read with interest the recent commentary on revitalising Singapore's nightlife ( Revitalise nightlife? Let's get the crowds out first , Aug 16). The Government's move to allow alcohol to be sold till 4am on Thursdays and Fridays is a good one, as is the writer's suggestion to start car-free zones earlier to support activities for the sober curious. However, more can be done to make visiting our shophouse districts appealing during the day. Rising temperatures are discouraging people from going out, and the lack of shade on these streets worsens the problem. It may be time for the authorities to consider permanently pedestrianising these streets and erecting canopies over them. Similar concepts already exist in Clarke Quay and Smith Street. However, the falling cost of solar panels gives us the opportunity to improve on these through canopies that incorporate alternating panels of solar cells and clear glass. This enables energy to be harvested while still letting natural light through. The canopies can cut the amount of electricity needed for air-conditioning, leading to lower operating costs. They can also enhance thermal comfort for visitors by shielding them from the sun. These improvements would make Singapore's shophouse districts more enjoyable and more sustainable. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore NDP 2026 to be held at National Stadium to accommodate more Singaporeans Singapore Girl, 14, among 3 injured after minibus falls into Bukit Panjang canal Singapore Man to be charged after allegedly slashing another man with Swiss knife at City Plaza Singapore Hyflux founder Olivia Lum and ex-CFO gave input to 'play down' energy component of Tuaspring project Singapore FairPrice apologises after worm found in salmon bought from Bedok North outlet Singapore What led to Changi Airport runway incident involving 2 China Eastern Airlines planes in Aug 2024 Singapore Married man who offered cash to 12-year-old girl for sexual acts gets 19 months' jail Lim Jia Yi
