logo
Two new town councils established in Jalan Kayu and Punggol

Two new town councils established in Jalan Kayu and Punggol

CNA3 days ago

SINGAPORE: Two new town councils have been established in Jalan Kayu and Punggol following the conclusion of the 2025 General Election.
This brings the total number of town councils to 19, the Ministry of National Development (MND) said in a press release on Friday (May 30).
Twelve town councils have been reconstituted due to changes in electoral boundaries, which resulted in some areas being transferred between towns, MND added. Five remain unchanged.
Under the Town Councils Act, elected MPs are to form a town for their own constituency or by grouping up to three constituencies together to form a town. Each town is to be managed by its own town council.
The new Jalan Kayu Town Council will comprise the Single Member Constituency won by labour chief Ng Chee Meng. He will chair the council.
Punggol Town Council also comprises only the Group Representation Constituency, which was won by a People's Action Party (PAP) team led by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong.
Four town councils have been renamed.
Jurong-Clementi Town Council is now known as Jurong-Clementi-Bukit Batok Town Council. Marine Parade Town Council has been renamed Marine Parade-Braddell Heights Town Council.
Pasir Ris-Punggol Town Council will now be Pasir Ris-Changi Town Council, while West Coast Town Council is now West Coast-Jurong West Town Council.
The remaining eight reconstituted town councils are Aljunied-Hougang, Ang Mo Kio, Chua Chu Kang, East Coast, Holland-Bukit Panjang, Jalan Besar, Tampines and Tanjong Pagar Town Councils, and their names are unchanged.
Bishan-Toa Payoh, Marsiling-Yew Tee, Nee Soon, Sembawang and Sengkang Town Councils will continue with their names and town boundaries unchanged.
Town councils have up to 90 days to complete the handover and takeover of the management of the areas to be transferred.
This means the two new town councils and the 12 reconstituted town councils will take over the management of the transferred areas from Aug 1.
Town councils can also mutually agree to complete the handover and takeover before Aug 1. They will have to inform residents of this date.
"MND encourages all town councils to work together to ensure a smooth transition, so that the needs of residents can continue to be served," said the ministry.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Grow greener: Home-grown firm expands urban design expertise to over 40 countries
Grow greener: Home-grown firm expands urban design expertise to over 40 countries

Business Times

timean hour ago

  • Business Times

Grow greener: Home-grown firm expands urban design expertise to over 40 countries

You step out for lunch. The heat and humidity hit you immediately. Within minutes, your skin is sticky, your shirt clings to your back and you long for the cool embrace of air-conditioning. Scientists estimate that Singapore endured 122 extra days of dangerous heat in 2024 due to climate change. These are defined as days when the mean temperatures were higher than the warmest 10 per cent of readings from 1991 to 2020. Compounding this is the urban heat island effect, says Mr Henry Woon, director of Environment, Buildings + Cities, at Surbana Jurong Group (SJ). Headquartered in Singapore and wholly owned by investment company Temasek, SJ is a global consultancy specialising in urban development, infrastructure and managed services, with offices in more than 40 countries. It brings together 10 global member brands to design and develop smarter, more sustainable solutions for the future. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 12.30 pm ESG Insights An exclusive weekly report on the latest environmental, social and governance issues. Sign Up Sign Up Speaking to The Straits Times along the Read Bridge in Clarke Quay, Mr Woon explains that the urban heat island effect is a phenomenon where cities tend to be hotter than rural areas. 'It is more pronounced in areas that are densely built-up and lack sufficient greenery and wind flow,' says the 44-year-old, who has over 20 years of experience in environmental and sustainable design. Familiar urban materials such as concrete, glass and steel are key contributors, Mr Woon explains. They trap heat and raise temperatures in the surroundings. So what can we do? Use the art and the science of design to create cooler, smarter, and friendlier urban spaces, he says. Expanding expertise Surbana Jurong Group (SJ) has helped shape Singapore's housing and industrial landscapes, including designing over a million homes. The company has broadened its global reach and expertise in recent years – especially in sustainability. One ongoing project: Exploring ways to protect Singapore's coastline from rising sea levels. A key driver of this transformation was Temasek's investment in 2015. 'Cities are increasingly integrating smart technologies, sustainable materials and resilient urban design into their built environments,' says Mr Russell Tham, head of Emerging Technologies, Temasek, and former board member of SJ. The Singapore-headquartered investment firm saw growing opportunities in the urban development sector, he adds. 'As an active shareholder, we (Temasek) are committed to engaging our portfolio companies, such as SJ, on their growth strategies to create sustained long-term value.' For SJ, this has meant strategic investments to accelerate expansion, including the acquisition of 10 companies to offer a wider range of sustainable solutions, says Mr Tham. Mr Sean Chiao, group chief executive officer of SJ, adds: 'Temasek's support has been crucial in fuelling our growth, by bringing together companies who are leaders in their respective fields, to form a collective of problem solvers.' Today, SJ operates in over 40 countries and employs 16,000 globally. Its annual revenue has surged from $400 million in 2015 to $2.3 billion in 2024, with 7,000 active projects worldwide. Expand Designing comfort Stepping under the shade of the iconic CQ @ Clarke Quay canopies, Mr Woon points out how the temperature immediately feels about 2.5 deg C cooler – even though the actual temperature hasn't changed. Mr Henry Woon, director of Environment, Buildings + Cities, SJ, is part of the team that worked on making CQ @ Clarke Quay more conducive for daytime activities. PHOTO: CAROLINE CHIA The canopies are made from a lightweight, transparent plastic membrane called ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE). The ETFE material enables the canopies to reduce solar heat gain by more than 60 per cent, says Mr Woon, improving comfort during the day. The goal of the CQ @ Clarke Quay rejuvenation project – completed in 2024 as part of a $62 million asset enhancement initiative by CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust – was to make the precinct more conducive for daytime activities. Mr Woon, who contributed to the project, shares how SJ uses environmental design elements to improve urban spaces and buildings. Cooler The new ETFE canopies at CQ @ Clarke Quay reduce the surface temperature of the concrete floors from over 40 to around 32 deg C at mid-day, says Mr Woon. This same material is used to shelter the indoor gardens at SJ's headquarters, located within CleanTech Park at Jurong Innovation District, keeping temperatures down while allowing natural light to filter through. Smarter For CQ @ Clarke Quay, SJ designed a customised misting fan system that provides an evaporative cooling effect to the surrounding food and beverage zones. This new fan design reduces energy consumption by about 50 per cent compared with the original fan system, he says, and helps lower the environmental temperature in the surrounding area by about 2 deg C. Greener Situated between Fort Canning and the Singapore River, CQ @ Clarke Quay 'has open spaces in all directions, allowing for natural ventilation', says Mr Woon. The team worked with CQ @ Clarke Quay's unique location to create a comfortable outdoor environment without relying on energy-intensive cooling. The enhanced natural ventilation, combined with the customised misting fans, helps counter the urban heat island effect by preventing heat from accumulating in the surrounding street area, he adds. SJ applied this same approach – of integrating a building with its natural surroundings – to one of its latest projects: Mandai Rainforest Resort. Nestled within the lush Mandai Wildlife Reserve, the resort was designed with nature-based principles. It was carefully built around existing trees in the area to preserve them, while maximising natural ventilation and shading. Building better Surbana Jurong Group (SJ) has over 120 offices in more than 40 countries across its 10 global member brands. Here's how it's helping to shape more sustainable and resilient cities. Snowy 2.0 in Australia. PHOTO: SJ Snowy 2.0, Australia: The pumped-hydro project will deliver 2,000 megawatts of on-demand renewable power and about 350,000-megawatt-hours of large-scale energy storage, helping to stabilise Australia's electricity supply. Sarawak Energy Transition Masterplan, Malaysia: The project aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions in Sarawak and drive sustainable economic growth through renewable energy resources like hydropower, and low-carbon fuels such as hydrogen and ammonia. Google London King's Cross, United Kingdom: Google's London headquarters integrates green roofs, energy-efficient lighting and natural ventilation to reduce its environmental impact and improve employee well-being. Kigali City Master Plan, Rwanda: This urban development blueprint aims to transform Rwanda's capital into a modern financial hub while addressing residents' needs through affordable housing, transport and infrastructure services. King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA), Saudi Arabia: As the project management consultant, SJ helped KAIA expand capacity and enhance traveller experiences, especially for the millions of pilgrims transiting through the airport annually during haj and Umrah. Expand For people and planet, a positive impact Over half of the global population (55 per cent) currently resides in urban areas, according to data from the United Nations (UN). This figure is projected to reach 70 per cent by 2050. But every building carries an environmental cost. Already, the built environment is responsible for 37 per cent of global energy-related emissions, says a 2023 UN Environment Programme study. As part of the World Green Building Council's Net Zero Carbon Building Commitment, SJ has pledged to develop and implement a decarbonisation roadmap. This will outline key actions and milestones to achieve carbon-neutral operations by 2030. Carbon neutral means that any carbon emissions released into the atmosphere is balanced by an equivalent amount being removed. But is reducing or offsetting carbon emissions enough? No, says SJ's Mr Woon. 'For those of us shaping urban spaces, our responsibility shouldn't stop at just minimising impact,' he adds, introducing the concept of regenerative design in the built environment. Regenerative design goes beyond sustainability, Mr Woon explains, by moving away from doing less harm to creating a 'net-positive impact'. It is about designing spaces that are better for the planet and people, he adds, enhancing the well-being of those who use it. SJ group chief executive officer Sean Chiao says the company is focused on a 'regenerative future', beyond just carbon reduction. PHOTO: CMG 'We're driving towards a regenerative future,' says Mr Sean Chiao, group chief executive officer of SJ. 'Beyond carbon reduction, we're committed to shaping cities and buildings that regenerate, not just sustain, in the long term.' The transformation of CQ @ Clarke Quay, which reimagined the precinct for daytime use and integrated the space with its natural surroundings, reflects this vision. The goal wasn't to change CQ @ Clarke Quay's identity but to breathe new life into it, says Mr Woon. It's an approach that embodies SJ's mission – designing urban spaces that create a positive impact for people and the planet. 'The growth of Temasek's portfolio companies from local to regional and global leaders reflects Singapore's pioneering spirit and its DNA of determination, innovation and vision. 'As an active shareholder, Temasek engages them to enhance shareholder value as they grow their competitive edge and generate sustainable long-term returns, while fostering meaningful change for people and communities – so every generation prospers.' – Mr Dilhan Pillay Sandrasegara, executive director and chief executive officer, Temasek Our Singapore DNA, a series in partnership with Temasek, spotlights how home-grown companies in its portfolio have grown into regional and global leaders. It also explores how Temasek has partnered them throughout their journeys. Expand This was first published in The Straits Times.

Forum: ​Singapore-France partnership can unlock nuclear energy potential
Forum: ​Singapore-France partnership can unlock nuclear energy potential

Straits Times

time2 hours ago

  • Straits Times

Forum: ​Singapore-France partnership can unlock nuclear energy potential

I read with interest the article 'S'pore and France to expand defence ties, cooperate on nuclear energy in upgraded relationship' (May 30). The elevation of Singapore-France relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, including cooperation on nuclear energy, is both timely and forward-looking. France is among the world's most advanced nuclear nations, with over 70 per cent of its electricity generated from nuclear power. Its experience in design, safety, regulation and public engagement presents a valuable opportunity for Singapore to deepen technical cooperation, jointly explore feasibility studies, and co-develop regulatory and safety frameworks appropriate for the Republic's context. French collaboration could also support public communication strategies to build confidence and counter misconceptions. Trust and transparency are essential, particularly when public sentiment often associates nuclear energy with historical accidents rather than technological evolution. As Singapore ramps up its decarbonisation efforts under the Singapore Green Plan, small modular reactors (SMRs) deserve serious consideration as a long-term option for enhancing energy security. Unlike traditional reactors, SMRs are compact, inherently safer due to passive safety features , and can be modularly deployed to match demand. Their scalability and reduced footprint make them especially suitable for Singapore, where large-scale renewables are limited by geography and weather dependency. While site selection remains a key challenge, underground, offshore and restricted-access sites offer potential pathways. Semakau Island, already engineered and distanced from residential areas, presents one possibility for hosting an SMR facility. Singapore has long taken a methodical, science-based approach to policymaking. With global partners like France, we are well-positioned to position the SMR as a strategic investment in a resilient and low-carbon energy future. Irwan Jamil More on this Topic Forum: What readers are saying Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

ST Engineering hits all-time high; stock picks roll in after MAS update on $5 billion equities boost
ST Engineering hits all-time high; stock picks roll in after MAS update on $5 billion equities boost

Straits Times

time2 hours ago

  • Straits Times

ST Engineering hits all-time high; stock picks roll in after MAS update on $5 billion equities boost

Shares of SGX climbed through the week to reach a high of $14.33 on May 30 before dropping abruptly by almost 2 per cent to close at $14.02. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI SINGAPORE - Shares of ST Engineering hit an all-time high last week after rising by 4.3 per cent to close on May 30 at $7.82. The company's shares have been on a tear since the start of 2025, climbing more than 68 per cent on the back of record 2024 results and increased dividends over the period. It also reported a solid first quarter for 2025, driven by strong growth in its defence and public security segment. The strong share price performance came ahead of the weekend's anticipated annual defence-focused Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. Addressing the audience at the dialogue on May 31, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth suggested that US allies and partners in Asia should take their cue from Europe, where members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation are committing to spend 5 per cent of their gross domestic product on defence. Shares of Singapore Exchange (SGX) climbed through the week to reach a high of $14.33 on May 30 before dropping abruptly by almost 2 per cent to close at $14.02. No announcements were made on the day. Trading activity on the exchange has increased in recent months, driven by market revival measures announced in February and growing investor interest in Singapore stocks as a safe haven amid global volatility. Almost 29.5 billion shares worth around $41 billion were traded in April, up from around 26.8 billion shares valued at $29.6 billion traded in March, according to SGX data. The average daily value of shares traded in April, at $1.9 billion, is the highest level since March 2020. Analysts pick potential winners ahead of $5 billion boost Trading on the SGX has included shares in companies outside the benchmark Straits Times Index (STI), supported by a central bank-led programme to allocate $5 billion in seed capital to Singapore-based funds for investing in local, non-STI stocks. Announced in February as part of the measures to revive the stock market, the Equity Market Development Programme (EQDP) has received positive interest from global fund managers, and suitable investment strategies will be shortlisted by end-September, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) said last week. Analysts reckon the funds will likely be deployed before the end of 2025 and have been highlighting stocks they believe could benefit from this bonanza. SIA Engineering is one of their favourites, with CGS CIMB, UOB KayHian, DBS and Morgan Stanley including the company in their list of stock picks. They like the company as demand for its aircraft maintenance, repairs and overhaul services is expected to grow. Systems assembly provider Frencken Group and property agency PropNex are also among the analysts' top picks, owing to the companies' strong revenue forecasts for 2025. Other selected stocks include instant coffee maker Food Empire, finance platform iFast, precision engineering business UMS Integration, supermarket chain Sheng Siong, Raffles Medical, technology solutions provider CSE Global, palm oil producer First Resources, transportation giant ComfortDelGro and construction firm Hong Leong Asia. Some analysts also like Oiltek International, a provider of vegetable oil processing technology, and Centurion Corp, which operates workers' dormitories in Singapore. Both companies have seen their share prices climb since the start of 2025, driven in part by Oiltek's upcoming transfer from the Catalist board to the mainboard and the potential listing of a real estate investment trust (Reit) by Centurion. Analysts from UOB KayHian said they are now more bullish on the Singapore market as a result of the anticipated injection of liquidity from the EQDP, and have raised their forecast for the STI to 4,054 points by the end of 2025 from 3,720 points previously, implying an upside of 5 per cent from current levels. They noted, though, that 'it will be critical for the authorities to ensure that the $5 billion is not a one-off and that as the market grows, it will be able and willing to continue to lend its support'. More firms could leave the local bourse Two more companies announced moves that may impact their SGX listing status even as efforts are being made to boost market interest and attract new initial public offerings (IPOs). Singapore Paincare on May 27 received a privatisation offer from Advance Bridge Healthcare at 16 cents a share, valuing the company at about $27 million. The local medical services company will be delisted from the Catalist board if the deal is successful, it said. Meanwhile, Chinese manufacturer Fuxing China Group said on May 29 that trading in its American depositary shares would begin 'very shortly' after it received approval to list on the Nasdaq on May 23. When contacted by The Straits Times, Fuxing China Group declined to confirm whether it would maintain its SGX listing or provide further details on the Nasdaq move. In 2025 so far, at least 15 companies have received privatisation offers, compared with just one IPO. This is despite ongoing efforts to draw more companies to list on the SGX, including proposals announced on May 15 to ease the disclosure requirements for firms pursuing an IPO here. Other market movers Shares of Samurai 2K Aerosol jumped by over 52 per cent last week and closed on May 30 at 9.6 cents. The aerosol paint distributor said on May 28 it had agreed with its insurer on a RM16.06 million (S$4.9 million) indemnity claim for a May 2024 fire at its Johor premises. It can also claim an extra RM1.79 million if the damaged properties are repaired according to certain conditions and within a set timeline. The insurance claim had initially been declined due to non-compliance of the insurance policy terms, according to its insurer. However, Samurai 2K escalated the matter to the Malaysian central bank and engaged consultants to help it negotiate the claims. The company reported on May 30 after market close a 31.4 per cent jump in revenue for the year ended March 31, to RM104.9 million. However, it registered losses of RM7.8 million due to the write-off of inventory worth RM12.7 million and property damage totalling RM3.5 million as a result of the fire. The insurance claims receivable will be registered in 2026. Acrophyte Hospitality Trust (AHT) jumped 23.4 per cent last week and closed May 30 at 29 US cents. AHT's managers on May 30 said they were evaluating a 'range of strategic options' that could result in a 'potential transaction' involving AHT's stapled securities, although this is not guaranteed. Stapled securities are financial instruments where two or more different securities are contractually bound together and traded as a single unit. The AHT group comprises Acrophyte Hospitality Property Trust and Acrophyte Hospitality Management Trust. The strategic review comes in the light of potential spending needs to upgrade AHT's current properties. This involves upgrades to seven Marriott and Hyatt-branded hotels in 2025, after six other hotels were upgraded in 2024. It also comes after a similar move by Frasers Hospitality Trust (FHT) in April, following which FHT's sponsor Frasers Property made a second attempt to privatise the stapled group at 71 cents per stapled security in May. FHT comprises Frasers Hospitality Reit and Frasers Hospitality Business Trust. AHT was formerly known as ARA US Hospitality Trust before the manager changed hands to come under Acrophyte AM, a unit of Acrophyte, which largely consists of the businesses of the formerly listed Chip Eng Seng. The entities are all ultimately controlled by property tycoon Gordon Tang and his wife Celine, who have multiple interests in property and construction, including Suntec Reit and Singapore property developer SingHaiyi. What to look out for this week Shares of OKP Holdings, which rose 9 per cent last week, could see more trading activity – after the market closed on May 30, it announced a $258.3 million contract from the Land Transport Authority to construct cycling paths across 11 towns in the eastern part of Singapore. The win brings OKP's net contract order book to a record high of $735.8 million, with contracts extending until 2031. Oiltek could see more trading, too. The company will officially transfer from Catalist to the SGX mainboard on June 6. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store