A Budget for all Singaporeans?
This is a special Straits Times resource for pre-university students as part of The Straits Times-Ministry of Education News Outreach Programme.
The team behind the ST-MOE News Outreach Programme has compiled a series of news resources for you. This week, we look at Budget 2025, and how it seeks to tackle current concerns while building a strong future for the country.
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Straits Times
an hour ago
- Straits Times
Radio journalist killed in southern Philippines
Find out what's new on ST website and app. MANILA - A local radio broadcaster was gunned down in the southern Philippines on July 21, a presidential task force said, adding to the growing list of media workers killed in a country ranked among the most dangerous in the world for journalists. Mr Erwin Labitad Segovia, 63, a broadcaster for Radio WOW FM and host of a programme that focused on social issues and local governance, was shot dead by a still unidentified gunman while on his way home shortly after completing his morning broadcast. According to the police, Mr Segovia was followed by two suspects on a motorcycle. The Philippines ranked ninth on the 2024 Committee to Protect Journalists' Global Impunity Index, which tracks countries where journalist murders remain unsolved. Authorities have launched an investigation and have activated a Special Investigation Task Group to handle the case, said Mr Jose Torres Jr., executive director of the Presidential Task Force on Media Security, in a statement. "The safety of journalists remains a priority for the government, and justice for victims of media-related violence continues to be a national concern," Mr Torres said. Mr Segovia's murder highlights the continuing risks faced by journalists in the Philippines , especially in provinces where local power dynamics often go unchecked. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore 2 workers stranded on gondola dangling outside Raffles City Tower rescued by SCDF Asia Japan PM Ishiba apologises to his party for election loss, vows to stay in office to deal with US tariff talks Business $1.1 billion allocated to three fund managers to boost Singapore stock market: MAS Singapore Proof & Company Spirits closes Singapore distribution business Life Travel Journal: Safari tourism with a side of moral crisis Singapore Mandai Wildlife Group group CEO Mike Barclay to retire; Bennett Neo named as successor Singapore Jail, caning for man who held metal rod to cashier's neck in failed robbery attempt Singapore Fresh charge for woman who harassed nurse during pandemic, created ruckus at lion dance competition More than 200 journalists have been killed in the country since democracy was restored in 1986, according to the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, including 32 in a single incident in 2009 in the south of the country. REUTERS
Straits Times
an hour ago
- Straits Times
Thai land mine claims rejected by Cambodia in escalating dispute
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Three Thai soldiers were injured when they stepped on a land mine during a routine patrol on July 16. Thailand accused Cambodia of injuring its soldiers with land mines planted on the Thai side of their shared border, prompting Phnom Penh to reject the claim and suggest the incident may have been aimed at triggering a larger confrontation. Three Thai soldiers were injured when they stepped on a land mine during a routine patrol along an established route on July 16, Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement late on July 21. The mines were not of a type used by Thailand and were recently laid in a 'blatant violation of international law', it said. 'The Royal Thai Government condemns in the strongest terms the use of anti-personnel mines,' the ministry said, adding that it planned to take action against Cambodia under the United Nations' Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention while pursuing bilateral channels to resolve the ongoing dispute. Cambodia said it 'categorically denies' the claims, saying Thai soldiers violated a 2000 agreement 'by deviating from their established patrol routes and creating a new route that entered Cambodia sovereign territory'. 'Their incursion resulted in injury due to a land mine – a remnant of war,' Cambodian defense spokesperson Maly Socheata said in a statement. 'Was this an intentional act designed to provoke tension that could escalate the situation into confrontation?' Neither side's statements could be immediately verified. But land mines laid decades ago have killed or injured thousands of people in Cambodia, according to the land mine clearance charity Halo Trust. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore 2 workers stranded on gondola dangling outside Raffles City Tower rescued by SCDF Asia Japan PM Ishiba apologises to his party for election loss, vows to stay in office to deal with US tariff talks Business $1.1 billion allocated to three fund managers to boost Singapore stock market: MAS Singapore Proof & Company Spirits closes Singapore distribution business Life Travel Journal: Safari tourism with a side of moral crisis Singapore Mandai Wildlife Group group CEO Mike Barclay to retire; Bennett Neo named as successor Singapore Jail, caning for man who held metal rod to cashier's neck in failed robbery attempt Singapore Fresh charge for woman who harassed nurse during pandemic, created ruckus at lion dance competition The border dispute between the two countries has blown up into a major point of contention, especially since a May 28 exchange of gunfire which killed a Cambodian soldier. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra subsequently sought to calm tensions in a call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen , but the conversation was leaked, triggering an uproar at home and the Thai leader's suspension as premier by the Constitutional Court. Ms Paetongtarn, who is being probed for alleged ethical violations in her handling of the dispute, has insisted the government is standing up for Thai interests. The foreign ministry's late on July 20 statement on the mines represents its strongest language towards Cambodia since the dispute started in May. The mines were found in Chong Bok, site of the May exchange of fire. Thai officials said that incident occurred because Cambodian soldiers were digging a trench in the border area and opened fire on Thai soldiers, while Cambodia said its troops have long been stationed there and blamed the Thai side for shooting first. 'Thailand calls on Cambodia to cooperate on humanitarian demining efforts along the border of the two countries as bilaterally agreed by both Prime Ministers,' the country's foreign ministry said. Both countries have a history of clashes over land disputes but have largely maintained cordial relations since a deadly conflict in 2011 left dozens dead. Since May, both sides have massed troops along the frontier and limited land crossings that act as vital trade links. Cambodia has said it wants the International Court of Justice in the Hague to help settle the disputed status of Chong Bok and three other disputed border areas. Thailand does not recognise the court's jurisdiction. BLOOMBERG
Straits Times
an hour ago
- Straits Times
South Korea reviewing various options to improve North Korea ties, including tourist visits
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Tourism is one of a narrow range of cash sources for North Korea that are not targeted under United Nations sanctions over its nuclear and weapons programmes. SEOUL - South Korea is studying various plans to improve relations with North Korea, a spokesperson for South Korea's Unification Ministry said on July 21, in response to a media report that Seoul is considering allowing individual tours to North Korea. Mr Koo Byung-sam, a spokesperson for the ministry that handles inter-Korea affairs, refused to comment on a 'particular issue'. But, he said he understood individual tours were not in violation of international sanctions. Tourism is one of a narrow range of cash sources for North Korea that are not targeted under United Nations sanctions over its nuclear and weapons programmes. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has pledged to improve strained relations with Pyongyang that have reached their worst level in years. In a bid to ease tensions, Mr Lee suspended anti-North Korea loudspeaker broadcasts along the border and ordered a halt to leaflet campaigns criticising the North's leaders by anti-Pyongyang activists. The president has said he will discuss further plans with top security officials to resume dialogue with North Korea that is technically at war with the South. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore 2 workers stranded on gondola dangling outside Raffles City Tower rescued by SCDF Asia Japan PM Ishiba apologises to his party for election loss, vows to stay in office to deal with US tariff talks Business $1.1 billion allocated to three fund managers to boost Singapore stock market: MAS Singapore Proof & Company Spirits closes Singapore distribution business Singapore Malaysia-bound motorists urged to avoid Tuas Second Link on July 23 due to chemical spill exercise Singapore Mandai Wildlife Group group CEO Mike Barclay to retire; Bennett Neo named as successor Singapore Jail, caning for man who held metal rod to cashier's neck in failed robbery attempt Singapore Fresh charge for woman who harassed nurse during pandemic, created ruckus at lion dance competition North Korea recently opened a beach resort in the city of Wonsan, a flagship project driven by leader Kim Jong Un to promote tourism. But, the tourist area is temporarily not accepting foreign visitors, according to a July 16 note by DPR Korea Tour, a website operated by North Korea's National Tourism Administration. North Korea first needs to open the area to the outside world, the Unification Ministry spokesperson said, asked if South Koreans could travel to Wonsan. South Korea once ran tours to North Korea's Mount Kumgang area, but suspended them in 2008, when a South Korean tourist was shot dead by a North Korean soldier. REUTERS
