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I'm a single mom to a wonderful kid and I could not be more exhausted. Do I need a vacation? Ask Lisi

I'm a single mom to a wonderful kid and I could not be more exhausted. Do I need a vacation? Ask Lisi

Toronto Star09-07-2025
I need a holiday. I know, First World problems right? But I'm exhausted. I'm a single parent with one child and no partner. I have a sister who is helpful when she's around, but her family just moved away for her husband's work. Our parents live here, but they're getting on and have never been interested in my child.
I work long hours in a stressful job to make money to give my child everything possible. It's now summer and I've organized a few weeks of camp, plus a two-week holiday together. We have loads of fun together, but my child is still young and fully dependent on me, therefore a holiday together is not a holiday for me.

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A toast to the movers and shakers behind 60 years of economic prosperity in Singapore
A toast to the movers and shakers behind 60 years of economic prosperity in Singapore

Straits Times

time6 hours ago

  • Straits Times

A toast to the movers and shakers behind 60 years of economic prosperity in Singapore

Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox (From left) SPH Media CEO Chan Yeng Kit; MBS COO Paul Town; Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations Grace Fu; SPH Media chairman Khaw Boon Wan; MBS senior VP for communications and corporate affairs Nicholas Ionides; and BT editor Chen Huifen at the Singapore Stories gala dinner. SINGAPORE - Singapore's remarkable transformation from a fishing village to a First World financial hub owes much to the country's ecosystem of home-grown corporates and multinationals that have proudly called it home. The Business Times celebrated this success story in style on Aug 12, when more than 400 people – including current and former political office-holders, industry heavyweights, business leaders and diplomats – gathered at Marina Bay Sands for the Singapore Stories gala dinner. The evening served as a tribute to the nation's vibrant business community, recognising its hard-won achievements and commitment to creating jobs, expanding industry capabilities and fostering innovation. The event was supported by Temasek. In her keynote address, Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations and Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu noted that BT has played a crucial and enduring role in telling Singapore's economic story. 'Since its founding in 1976, BT has been more than a financial daily. It has been a fact-checker, a storyteller, a convenor, and a catalyst – shaping discourse, celebrating excellence, and strengthening market function through information access,' she said. 'Beyond timely and accurate reporting on global developments – such as the US tariffs and the Covid-19 pandemic, BT has continued to provide thoughtful, in-depth features that clarify the roles of key companies in our economy and help spread broader messages like supply chain resilience and energy transition,' continued the minister. Ms Fu brought up two recent features on companies that were also present at the event. One story put the spotlight on Zuellig Pharma, one of Asia's largest integrated healthcare solutions providers, and its use of digital tools to build trust and enhance supply chain visibility. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Luxury items seized in $3b money laundering case handed over to Deloitte for liquidation Singapore Power switchboard failure led to disruption in NEL, Sengkang-Punggol LRT services: SBS Transit Singapore NEL and Sengkang-Punggol LRT resume service after hours-long power fault Business Ninja Van cuts 12% of Singapore workforce after 2 rounds of layoffs in 2024 Singapore Hyflux investigator 'took advantage' of Olivia Lum's inability to recall events: Davinder Singh Singapore Man who stabbed son-in-law to death in Boon Tat Street in 2017 dies of heart attack, says daughter Singapore Scoot to launch flights to Chiang Rai, Okinawa, Tokyo-Haneda, and boost frequency to other places Singapore Man who stalked woman blasted by judge on appeal for asking scandalous questions in court She also named BT's piece on petroleum giant ExxonMobil and its collaboration with the Singapore government, as part of a consortium with Shell, to evaluate and develop the nation's first cross-border carbon capture and storage project. Highlighting BT's consistent efforts in celebrating excellence through its awards, Ms Fu added that the publication has innovated to remain relevant. This is exemplified by BT's Sustainability Impact Awards, which recognise individuals and corporates in Singapore that demonstrate leadership in sustainability; as well as the Design AI and Tech Awards that aim to spur innovators from startups and companies to harness design and technology to tackle real-life business challenges. Ms Fu also listed four other annual awards organised by BT, namely the Singapore Business Awards, Singapore Corporate Awards, Enterprise 50, and the Emerging Enterprise Awards. 'These awards do more than reward excellence – they inspire action. They signal what the business community values, and what progress we aspire to achieve,' she said. Beyond its reporting and awards, BT also expanded its platforms, fostering financial literacy among the youth with Thrive and continuing to engage regional tech and startup communities with its Tech in Asia partnership, she added. 'For all these efforts, BT deserves our appreciation – not only for chronicling Singapore's economic journey, but for shaping the values, relationships, and aspirations of our business community,' concluded the minister. A night to remember Ms Fu was presented with a hardcover copy of a book titled SG60 Singapore Stories, featuring content from a special 72-page supplement earlier released by BT on Aug 6 that outlined the evolution of various companies and government agencies. Those at the dinner returned home with individual copies too. SPH Media chairman Khaw Boon Wan (left) presented Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations and Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu with a copy of The Business Times' SG60 Singapore Stories book. PHOTO: THE BUSINESS TIMES Said BT editor Chen Huifen in her welcome address: 'A dynamic enterprise ecosystem isn't just about multinationals or capital providers. It's also about our small and medium-sized enterprises, the backbone of our economy. 'It's about encouraging entrepreneurship, providing platforms for growth, and building the infrastructure to innovate and scale. Every part of this ecosystem contributes to our collective success.' Guests were treated to performances by international award-winning young violinist Travis Wong; local singer-songwriter and ChildAid alumna Amni Musfirah; as well as home-grown musician Jessie Meng. Ms Meng is the youngest musician to be named a Young Steinway Artist, having been selected in January 2024 by renowned American piano manufacturer Steinway & Sons. She performed on a Steinway Grand Piano, hailed by some as the gold standard of musical instruments. Paper artist Dawn Koh created an installation specially for the gala dinner, in partnership with Ms Rachel Chua from The Weekend Florist. Titled Where Grace Takes Root, the piece is a poetic interpretation of Singapore as a living, evolving garden that thrives amid a rocky terrain. As the Republic marks 60 years of economic transformation, the global operating environment has shifted in fundamental ways and Singapore must adapt to that, said Fu in her speech. 'In an era when major decisions are announced through social media, sometimes in less than 30 words; when the cadence of decision-making requires speed in information; when competition for attention demands information to be eye-catching, the role of a credible fact-checker, objective analyst, and neutral convenor remains critical,' said the minister. 'As a trusted voice in our business community, BT helps us surface ideas, connect changemakers, and shine a light on what matters. The stories it tells, the values it celebrates, and the platforms it provides will help galvanise the business community in support of our refreshed economic strategies.'

A toast to the movers and shakers behind 60 years of economic prosperity in Singapore
A toast to the movers and shakers behind 60 years of economic prosperity in Singapore

Business Times

time7 hours ago

  • Business Times

A toast to the movers and shakers behind 60 years of economic prosperity in Singapore

[SINGAPORE] Singapore's remarkable transformation from a fishing village to a First World financial hub owes much to the country's ecosystem of home-grown corporates and multinationals that have proudly called it home. The Business Times celebrated this success story in style on Tuesday (Aug 12), when more than 400 people – including current and former political office-holders, industry heavyweights, business leaders and diplomats – gathered at Marina Bay Sands for the Singapore Stories gala dinner. The evening served as a tribute to the nation's vibrant business community, recognising its hard-won achievements and commitment to creating jobs, expanding industry capabilities and fostering innovation. The event was supported by Temasek. In her keynote address, Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations and Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu noted that BT has played a crucial and enduring role in telling Singapore's economic story. 'Since its founding in 1976, BT has been more than a financial daily. It has been a fact-checker, a storyteller, a convenor, and a catalyst – shaping discourse, celebrating excellence, and strengthening market function through information access,' she said. 'Beyond timely and accurate reporting on global developments – such as the US tariffs and the Covid-19 pandemic, BT has continued to provide thoughtful, in-depth features that clarify the roles of key companies in our economy and help spread broader messages like supply chain resilience and energy transition,' continued the minister. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up Fu brought up two recent features on companies that were also present at the event. One story put the spotlight on Zuellig Pharma, one of Asia's largest integrated healthcare solutions providers, and its use of digital tools to build trust and enhance supply chain visibility. She also named BT's piece on petroleum giant ExxonMobil and its collaboration with the Singapore government, as part of a consortium with Shell, to evaluate and develop the nation's first cross-border carbon capture and storage project . Highlighting BT's consistent efforts in celebrating excellence through its awards, Fu added that the publication has innovated to remain relevant. This is exemplified by BT's Sustainability Impact Awards , which recognise individuals and corporates in Singapore that demonstrate leadership in sustainability; as well as the Design AI and Tech Awards that aim to spur innovators from startups and companies to harness design and technology to tackle real-life business challenges. Fu also listed four other annual awards organised by BT, namely the Singapore Business Awards , Singapore Corporate Awards , Enterprise 50 , and the Emerging Enterprise Awards . 'These awards do more than reward excellence – they inspire action. They signal what the business community values, and what progress we aspire to achieve,' she said. Beyond its reporting and awards, BT also expanded its platforms, fostering financial literacy among the youth with Thrive and continuing to engage regional tech and startup communities with its Tech in Asia partnership, she added. 'For all these efforts, BT deserves our appreciation – not only for chronicling Singapore's economic journey, but for shaping the values, relationships, and aspirations of our business community,' concluded the minister. A night to remember Fu was presented with a hardcover copy of a book titled SG60 Singapore Stories, featuring content from a special 72-page supplement earlier released by BT on Aug 6 that outlined the evolution of various companies and government agencies. Those at the dinner returned home with individual copies too. SPH Media chairman Khaw Boon Wan (left) presented Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations and Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu with a copy of The Business Times' SG60 Singapore Stories book. PHOTO: YEN MENG JIIN, BT Said BT editor Chen Huifen in her welcome address: 'A dynamic enterprise ecosystem isn't just about multinationals or capital providers. It's also about our small and medium-sized enterprises, the backbone of our economy. 'It's about encouraging entrepreneurship, providing platforms for growth, and building the infrastructure to innovate and scale. Every part of this ecosystem contributes to our collective success.' Guests were treated to performances by international award-winning young violinist Travis Wong; local singer-songwriter and ChildAid alumna Amni Musfirah; as well as home-grown musician Jessie Meng. Meng is the youngest musician to be named a Young Steinway Artist, having been selected in January 2024 by renowned American piano manufacturer Steinway & Sons. She performed on a Steinway Grand Piano, hailed by some as the gold standard of musical instruments. Paper artist Dawn Koh created an installation specially for the gala dinner, in partnership with Rachel Chua from The Weekend Florist. Titled Where Grace Takes Root, the piece is a poetic interpretation of Singapore as a living, evolving garden that thrives amid a rocky terrain. As the Republic marks 60 years of economic transformation, the global operating environment has shifted in fundamental ways and Singapore must adapt to that, said Fu in her speech. 'In an era when major decisions are announced through social media, sometimes in less than 30 words; when the cadence of decision-making requires speed in information; when competition for attention demands information to be eye-catching, the role of a credible fact-checker, objective analyst, and neutral convenor remains critical,' said the minister. 'As a trusted voice in our business community, BT helps us surface ideas, connect changemakers, and shine a light on what matters. The stories it tells, the values it celebrates, and the platforms it provides will help galvanise the business community in support of our refreshed economic strategies.'

Letters: Maybe the Government should reward us with butter for reporting on road cones
Letters: Maybe the Government should reward us with butter for reporting on road cones

NZ Herald

time29-07-2025

  • NZ Herald

Letters: Maybe the Government should reward us with butter for reporting on road cones

The Minister for Workplace Relations wants motorists to report situations where they believe too many road cones are being used. The problem is that, like her, they wouldn't have a clue why road cones are used and what determines the numbers of cones used on any particular roadworks site. Roadworks construction sites are among the most dangerous of all construction work sites and for that we can partly thank the wonderful driving skills and utmost patience of the average New Zealand driver. Cones are spaced at distances (that determines their numbers) so as to deny drivers (as far as possible) the urge to change lanes, overtake others or to perform U-turns within the worksite, in addition to that most annoying of all factors, of actually slowing our vehicles down. The minister might consider visiting and observing the behaviour and activities of a busy site. She might then leave roadworker safety to people who know what they are doing. Ron Halewood, Rothesay Bay. Power to the people It is fantastic to see in the Herald (July 28) the first of four reports on the state of the power supply in New Zealand. For those of us who follow such aspects of our country's performance, it has been obvious for some years that we have been heading into serious trouble. It is also indeed sad that the people who now struggle the most to pay their power bills are those also struggling to pay for other necessities. Steve Clerk, Meadowbank. Respect for Māori I was very pleased to read Winston Peters' thoughtful comments on the immigrants flooding into Europe (July 27). He was quite concerned that those immigrants didn't salute the flag or respect the people who were there before them. Perhaps it's time that he reminded his coalition partners that New Zealand was not an empty space when the Pākehā arrived. The world of the Māori needs to be honoured, too. Terry Lord, Mt Wellington. Laws of the land We all know by now that Winston Peters will say something that resonates but may not be followed up. But I totally agree when he says that we should be very careful with immigration and, in particular, allowing it to change the fabric of our society. It is not at all a racist statement in that if you wish to come here to live, then you should be totally prepared to integrate and adapt to the culture of this country. Exactly the same in reverse applies when a Kiwi decides to live abroad. You have to accept that country's laws and culture, whether you like it or not. Paul Beck, West Harbour. Looting and influencing Winston Peters says immigrants are changing the fabric of the First World. Similarly, the colonisers changed the fabric of the independent and self-sufficient countries they went into, without permission being granted to do si. They did not just loot all the taonga but influenced the culture, fashion etc. Tsk tsk. Nishi Fahmy, Avondale. The impact of GST It is very sad that in this food-producing country that people need to choose between being warm or eating. GST, introduced by Sir Roger Douglas during the fourth Labour Government, had its last rise enacted under the Key Government, from 12.5% to 15%, while the top personal tax rate was lowered. This hit those who already spent most of their earnings on essentials but when the present government altered the tax thresholds, those on the least income barely benefited. It seems beyond those in power to look ahead and realise that today's children are the workers of the future and we need them to be healthy and educated. Those who are barely surviving are more likely to be filling hospital beds or have insufficient skills to be useful. Removing GST on dairy products and fresh fruit and vegetables and perhaps bread or meat would be much easier than hoping some third grocery chain will come and provide competition. Is it too much to hope that politicians can look ahead and use common sense? It may even get them some votes in the next election. Phyl Belsham, Mt Albert.

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