CNA938 Rewind - A Letter to Myself: How The Social Outcast's Chef Mint found his authentic self in culinary artistry
Aminurrashid Hasnordin — better known as Chef Mint is co-owner of the acclaimed omakase restaurant, The Social Outcast, which used to be at Katong. But on the road to culinary success, he's had to overcome many challenges, especially during his youth. Chef Mint shares the most valuable lessons he's gained through his journey.
36 mins
CNA938 Rewind - A Letter to Myself: How former investment professional Qi Zhai-McCartney found her calling as a psychotherapist
For almost 20 years, Qi Zhai-McCartney thrived as an investment professional, working for large investment houses in the US, China, and Singapore. But the native of Harbin, China, always felt something was amiss. The passing of a close family member caused her to re-evaluate her life's calling. Today, as a psychotherapist and coach, Qi helps individuals and couples through rough periods in their life. She shares the most valuable lessons her journey has given her.
35 mins
CNA938 Rewind - #TalkBack: Whampoa fire: Why can't keep our corridors hazard-free?
A fire recently broke out at a HDB block at 20 Jalan Tenteram, with 5 people being taken to hospital and 40 others evacuated due to the blaze. According to the SCDF, the fire involved items that had been left along the corridors on the second and third floors. Lance Alexander and Daniel Martin discuss further with Dr Annabelle Chow, Clinical Psychologist, Annabelle Psychology and Kelvyn Ong, Fire Safety Specialist and Managing Director, King Fire.
29 mins
CNA938 Rewind - Will they or won't they: U.S tariffs continue to cause uncertainty
U.S President Donald Trump can celebrate a temporary reprieve for his aggressive tariff strategy, after an appeals court preserved his sweeping import duties on China and other trading partners -- for now. The short-term relief will allow the appeal process to proceed, after the U.S Court of International Trade barred most of the tariffs announced since Trump took office. Lance Alexander and Daniel Martin learn more from Kevin Chen, Associate Research Fellow with the U.S. Programme, Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies, RSIS.
13 mins
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Straits Times
3 hours ago
- Straits Times
Hong Kong democrat Jimmy Lai given heart monitor for final stretch of marathon trial
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox People queue to enter the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts building for the closing submissions in the national security collusion trial of Jimmy Lai. HONG KONG - Hong Kong pro-democracy businessman Jimmy Lai was provided with medication and a heart monitor for the start of his final submissions in a landmark national security trial, following health concerns over heart palpitations. Lai, 77, who founded the Apple Daily newspaper that was forced to close after a police raid and asset freeze in June 2021, has pleaded not guilty to two charges of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces, and a charge of conspiracy to publish seditious material. Lai's lawyer Robert Pang told the court on Aug 15 that Lai had some episodes where he felt that he was collapsing and had heart "palpitations", prompting the court to adjourn proceedings and order that he be provided with a heart monitor and medication. Prosecutor Anthony Chau confirmed that Lai had been provided with these items on Aug 15 and that he was now fit for court. Lai, noticeably thinner than when the trial began in late 2023 , was dressed in a white jacket in the glass dock and pressed his palms together in a prayer gesture several times to his family and supporters. One of the judges, Ms Esther Toh, said additional breaks could be provided for Lai if need be, while also acknowledging the opinion of a medical expert who examined Lai that he was "physically and mentally fit for court." "I'm worried for him. He's already in his 70s and has diabetes, and now palpitations," said Ms Lucille, a supporter who queued for hours to get into the packed courtroom. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore NDR 2025: Age Well Neighbourhoods will help improve seniors' access to healthcare, social activities Singapore NDR 2025: New govt-funded traineeship scheme for ITE, poly, university graduates Singapore NDR 2025: More avenues for S'poreans to be heard, get involved will be opened up, says PM Wong Business Singapore key exports fall worse than expected in July as shipments to US plunge 42.7% World Trump, tech and Texas: What's next for the US? Singapore N(T) students more likely to finish school, do as well in job market as N(A) peers: Study Singapore Singapore-developed device for diabetics measures long-term average blood sugar levels within 6 mins Business Asean can fend off protectionism blow by boosting integration: Singapore Business Federation chief Lai, a British citizen, has been held in solitary confinement for around 1,700 days. His son and some rights groups have expressed fear over his deteriorating health. Some Western governments have called for Lai's immediate release and raised concerns about the erosion of fundamental rights in the financial hub under China-imposed national security laws. Hong Kong and Chinese authorities have said Lai is being given a fair trial and have warned against such interference in the city's internal affairs. US President Donald Trump said in a media interview last week that he would "do everything I can to save him." An Australian foreign affairs spokesperson told Reuters on Aug 18 that Canberra was "deeply concerned by Hong Kong's widespread application of national security laws to repress civil society and prosecute pro-democracy advocates... such as Jimmy Lai". REUTERS
Straits Times
4 hours ago
- Straits Times
Ringgit rally not over yet as analysts eye Malaysia rate cuts
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia's ringgit is poised to restart a rally, potentially hitting its strongest level against the US dollar in almost a year, as analysts see a dovish central bank and fiscal pledges boosting sentiment. The ringgit may appreciate to 4.15 per US dollar in the fourth quarter on further central bank easing, according to OCBC, while Maybank forecasts 4.10 by December. MUFG Bank expects a gain of 1.5 per cent from current levels as a US tariff deal boosts Malaysia's export competitiveness. The ringgit's rebound from an April low has stalled, but upcoming inflation data may revive expectations of Bank Negara (BNM) Malaysia rate cuts, spurring bond inflows. While looser monetary policy can weigh on currencies, prospects of a Federal Reserve cut in September reduce the risk of a sell-off against the US dollar. Analysts are now focusing on the potential benefits of lower domestic rates, with currency sentiment further buoyed by government structural reforms that may support long-term growth. Expectations for a stronger ringgit also hinge on sustained foreign inflows and the government's 'commitment to follow through on fiscal consolidation,' said Christopher Wong, executive director and foreign-exchange strategist at OCBC. His bank projects another rate cut by Malaysia's central bank later in 2025. Global funds poured a record US$4.3 billion (S$5.5 billion) into Malaysia's bonds in the second quarter, betting the last rate-cut holdout central bank in South-east Asia would lower rates – a move BNM delivered with a 25-basis-point reduction in July. Prospects of looser US monetary policy and a weaker dollar may also stoke demand for Malaysia's sovereign debt. Risks remain despite Malaysia securing a reduction in the US reciprocal tariff rate to 19 per cent from a threatened 25 per cent. Some analysts warn that global trade volatility could still weigh on the ringgit. 'The prolonging of the trade uncertainty, and the lingering possibility that the tariffs land higher than current levels' presents a sizeable risk for Malaysian businesses, said Matthew Ryan, head of market strategy at Ebury Partners. In this scenario, 'we would expect a moderate hit to Malaysia's economy, and a more pronounced sell-off in the ringgit,' he said. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore NDR 2025: Age Well Neighbourhoods will help improve seniors' access to healthcare, social activities Singapore NDR 2025: New govt-funded traineeship scheme for ITE, poly, university graduates Singapore NDR 2025: More avenues for S'poreans to be heard, get involved will be opened up, says PM Wong Business Singapore key exports fall worse than expected in July as shipments to US plunge 42.7% World Trump, tech and Texas: What's next for the US? Singapore N(T) students more likely to finish school, do as well in job market as N(A) peers: Study Singapore Singapore-developed device for diabetics measures long-term average blood sugar levels within 6 mins Business Asean can fend off blow from protectionism by boosting integration: Singapore Business Federation Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim unveiled an ambitious five-year plan to boost growth through 2030 , alongside a one-time RM2.8 billion (S$855 million) stimulus with cash handouts and lower fuel prices. But the government has also made attempts to rein in fiscal largesse, including cutting diesel subsidies and expanding the sales and service tax. These measures, combined with contained inflation – 'which could give rise to market expectations for further BNM policy easing,' – are seen as a key pillar for the ringgit's strength, according to Lloyd Chan, a currency strategist at MUFG, who expects the currency to reach 4.15 by year-end. 'What stands out for the ringgit is the ongoing government-led structural reforms aimed at boosting productivity and enhancing fiscal discipline, which should provide enduring support for the currency,' he said. BLOOMBERG
Straits Times
4 hours ago
- Straits Times
Australia edge China for Asia Cup 'three-peat'
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Australia landed a third straight Asia Cup title when China's Hu Mingxuan missed a three-point buzzer beater at the end of Sunday's final, leaving the Boomers to lift the trophy with a 90-89 victory at Jeddah's King Abdullah Sports City. Xavier Cooks, who was named game MVP, scored 30 points and tournament MVP Jaylin Galloway poured in 23 as Australia fought back from an early deficit to deny China a record-extending 17th triumph in the continental championship. "The main thing is I am so proud of the character of our guys," said Boomers coach Adam Caporn. "We were down by 15, but we saw our players' toughness, their problem-solving attitude. We have great people in the programme, and in my opinion that's why we won." Hu was the standout for China with 26 points and captain Zhao Rui said coming so close to snatching the title proved the team were on the right track. "This loss actually motivates us," he said. "Some fans probably didn't expect a close game, but we delivered a wonderful game for the fans tonight. "This one-point loss will remind us to work harder and get better. Today is just the start, not the end." Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore NDR 2025: Age Well Neighbourhoods will help improve seniors' access to healthcare, social activities Singapore NDR 2025: New govt-funded traineeship scheme for ITE, poly, university graduates Singapore NDR 2025: More avenues for S'poreans to be heard, get involved will be opened up, says PM Wong Business Singapore key exports fall worse than expected in July as shipments to US plunge 42.7% World Trump, tech and Texas: What's next for the US? Singapore N(T) students more likely to finish school, do as well in job market as N(A) peers: Study Singapore Singapore-developed device for diabetics measures long-term average blood sugar levels within 6 mins Business Asean can fend off blow from protectionism by boosting integration: Singapore Business Federation Australia joined FIBA's Asian zone from Oceania a decade ago and Sunday's victory kept them unbeaten in 18 Asia Cup matches going back to their debut in 2017. Earlier on Sunday, Iran beat New Zealand's Tall Blacks 79-73 to secure third place. REUTERS
