Yeo Jia Min ends 6-year badminton title drought with 2025 German Open win; Singapore stands with Gaza, supports Palestinian statehood: Singapore live news
Hello to all our readers, Yahoo Singapore will be bringing you live news updates today. The editorial team will be curating the latest must-know local and international news.
First off, Singapore's Yeo Jia Min celebrated a major milestone at the 2025 German Open, ending a six-year title drought with a dominant 21-16, 21-17 victory over Nguyen Thuy Linh Sunday (2 March).
The win, her first BWF Super 300 title, adds to her growing list of accomplishments in international badminton.
The 26-year-old said victory is a result of consistent improvement, both mentally and tactically, under the guidance of coach Kim Ji-hyun.
Meanwhile, Loh Kean Yew impressed with his performance in the men's singles final, despite falling short to Denmark's Viktor Axelsen.
With this win, Yeo is now looking ahead to more successes, aiming to break into the top 10 rankings and claim further titles in 2025.
Singapore Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong reaffirmed Singapore's commitment to providing humanitarian aid to Gaza in a speech at the Humanity Matters Relief Packing Exercise Sunday (2 March).
With the conflict worsening, Singapore continues to contribute financially and logistically to alleviate suffering in the region.
Wong highlighted the importance of unity within Singapore as the world faces growing instability.
The nation has pledged more than $19 million in aid to Gaza and will continue to support international efforts for Palestinian statehood.
With the launch of the M3 Bazaar for Gaza and grassroots volunteer initiatives, Singaporeans are showing their generosity and compassion, standing firm in a turbulent global landscape.
More on PM Wong's pledge for continued support for Gaza here.
Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates.
In a triumphant return to form, Singapore's Yeo Jia Min clinched her first Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Tour title in six years at the German Open on Sunday (2 March) by defeating Vietnam's Nguyen Thuy Linh 21-16, 21-17 in the women's singles final.
Meanwhile, her compatriot, Loh Kean Yew, despite falling short in the men's final, also impressed with a strong performance.
With her win at the Westenergie Sporthalle in Mulheim, Germany, Yeo claimed her third World Tour title and fifth international title overall, following her Polish Open win in 2023.
The 26-year-old's victory came after a long stretch of near misses, including a painful defeat at the 2021 Hylo Open.
She then recorded a good run in 2024, breaking her winless streak against 2019 world champion P V Sindhu of India, and defeating four top-10 players An Se-young of South Korea, Akane Yamaguchi of Japan, Han Yue of China and Gregoria Tunjun of Indonesia.
The world No 13's good form continued in early 2025 by making the quarter-finals at the Super 1000 Malaysia Open and Super 750 India Open.
Yeo dominated the final in Mulheim sealing the match in just 41 minutes.
From the start, she showcased her exceptional skills, pulling off well-timed drop shots and dominating the net play.
Nguyen, ranked 29th in the world, struggled to match Yeo's sharp angles and strategic play, despite briefly fighting back in the second game.
Alongside Yeo's victory, her compatriot Loh Kean Yew also showcased his resilience, although he fell short against Denmark's Viktor Axelsen in the men's singles final.
Loh gave a spirited performance, coming from behind multiple times, but ultimately lost 21-19, 21-18.
Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong reaffirmed the nation's strong commitment to aiding Gaza, as the ongoing conflict in the region continues to highlight broader global instability.
Speaking at a humanitarian relief event on Sunday (2 March), which coincided with the first day of Ramadan, Wong underscored the importance of international solidarity in addressing Gaza's crisis while emphasising unity and kindness within Singapore to face global challenges.
Wong reiterated Singapore's long-standing support for Palestinian statehood and humanitarian aid efforts at the Humanity Matters Relief Packing Exercise for Gaza.
In February, Singapore's first female president Halimah Yacob dismissed US President Donald Trump's controversial plan for the US to take over Gaza and re-settle Palestinians in other countries. Singapore's former President described the idea as 'truly horrifying' and a 'a clear violation of international laws.'
The nation has contributed more than $19 million in aid and sent seven humanitarian shipments to Gaza, reflecting its commitment to addressing the urgent needs of the region.
'The suffering of civilians speaks to our shared humanity,' Wong said, urging Singaporeans to continue contributing to humanitarian efforts despite the geographical distance from Gaza.
He also stressed that while Gaza's needs are vast, every contribution – from volunteer work to donations – matters greatly.
Wong highlighted the growing global instability, warning that the world was becoming more dangerous and resembling a 'lawless jungle' where might often prevails over international norms.
He called on Singaporeans to stay united, reminding them that solidarity and mutual respect are what make the nation resilient in the face of global turbulence.
In addition to the relief packing exercise, the Singapore government continues to support various initiatives like the M3 Bazaar for Gaza, launched during Ramadan, to raise funds for the region.
Singapore's efforts are also reflected in its ongoing support for a negotiated two-state solution for Palestine, ensuring long-term peace in the Middle East.
Read on PM Wong's pledge for continued support for Gaza here.
In a triumphant return to form, Singapore's Yeo Jia Min clinched her first Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Tour title in six years at the German Open on Sunday (2 March) by defeating Vietnam's Nguyen Thuy Linh 21-16, 21-17 in the women's singles final.
Meanwhile, her compatriot, Loh Kean Yew, despite falling short in the men's final, also impressed with a strong performance.
With her win at the Westenergie Sporthalle in Mulheim, Germany, Yeo claimed her third World Tour title and fifth international title overall, following her Polish Open win in 2023.
The 26-year-old's victory came after a long stretch of near misses, including a painful defeat at the 2021 Hylo Open.
She then recorded a good run in 2024, breaking her winless streak against 2019 world champion P V Sindhu of India, and defeating four top-10 players An Se-young of South Korea, Akane Yamaguchi of Japan, Han Yue of China and Gregoria Tunjun of Indonesia.
The world No 13's good form continued in early 2025 by making the quarter-finals at the Super 1000 Malaysia Open and Super 750 India Open.
Yeo dominated the final in Mulheim sealing the match in just 41 minutes.
From the start, she showcased her exceptional skills, pulling off well-timed drop shots and dominating the net play.
Nguyen, ranked 29th in the world, struggled to match Yeo's sharp angles and strategic play, despite briefly fighting back in the second game.
Alongside Yeo's victory, her compatriot Loh Kean Yew also showcased his resilience, although he fell short against Denmark's Viktor Axelsen in the men's singles final.
Loh gave a spirited performance, coming from behind multiple times, but ultimately lost 21-19, 21-18.
Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong reaffirmed the nation's strong commitment to aiding Gaza, as the ongoing conflict in the region continues to highlight broader global instability.
Speaking at a humanitarian relief event on Sunday (2 March), which coincided with the first day of Ramadan, Wong underscored the importance of international solidarity in addressing Gaza's crisis while emphasising unity and kindness within Singapore to face global challenges.
Wong reiterated Singapore's long-standing support for Palestinian statehood and humanitarian aid efforts at the Humanity Matters Relief Packing Exercise for Gaza.
In February, Singapore's first female president Halimah Yacob dismissed US President Donald Trump's controversial plan for the US to take over Gaza and re-settle Palestinians in other countries. Singapore's former President described the idea as 'truly horrifying' and a 'a clear violation of international laws.'
The nation has contributed more than $19 million in aid and sent seven humanitarian shipments to Gaza, reflecting its commitment to addressing the urgent needs of the region.
'The suffering of civilians speaks to our shared humanity,' Wong said, urging Singaporeans to continue contributing to humanitarian efforts despite the geographical distance from Gaza.
He also stressed that while Gaza's needs are vast, every contribution – from volunteer work to donations – matters greatly.
Wong highlighted the growing global instability, warning that the world was becoming more dangerous and resembling a 'lawless jungle' where might often prevails over international norms.
He called on Singaporeans to stay united, reminding them that solidarity and mutual respect are what make the nation resilient in the face of global turbulence.
In addition to the relief packing exercise, the Singapore government continues to support various initiatives like the M3 Bazaar for Gaza, launched during Ramadan, to raise funds for the region.
Singapore's efforts are also reflected in its ongoing support for a negotiated two-state solution for Palestine, ensuring long-term peace in the Middle East.
Read on PM Wong's pledge for continued support for Gaza here.
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