The new age of AI
The world's most advanced AI models are exhibiting troubling new behaviours – lying, scheming, and even threatening their creators to achieve their goals.
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 artificial intelligence.
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Straits Times
10 minutes ago
- Straits Times
India's Gill celebrates first series as captain with dramatic win
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Cricket - International Test Match Series - Fifth Test - England v India - Kia Oval, London, Britain - August 4, 2025 India's Shubman Gill poses after winning the match to draw the test series Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs LONDON - Shubman Gill celebrated his first series as India captain by leading his team to a dramatic victory in the fifth test against England at The Oval on Monday to share a series 2-2 in which the result has been in doubt until the final day of each match. "There are moments like this when you feel the journey is worth it," Gill said at the post-match press conference. "There have been a lot of highs and lows. That's kind of expected, especially with sport. Obviously, every time you go in to bat you want to score a century but that's not how the game of life works. "You should be able to navigate through the high and lows of life. I wanted to stay balanced. I'm still learning but so far so good." Gill, 25, was appointed captain in May following the retirement of two great Indian batsmen and leaders in Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has also quit test cricket while the world's premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah was rested for two tests in this series, including the Oval match. Gill has responded magnificently with the bat, scoring four centuries and finishing with an average of 75.40 in his first seven weeks as captain, the second-highest aggregate as a skipper behind Australia's Don Bradman. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Singapore launches review of economic strategy to stay ahead of global shifts Singapore A look at the five committees reviewing Singapore's economic strategy Business More support for sectors and workers vulnerable to tech disruptions, global competition Business Singapore to tap advanced manufacturing, AI under strategic review Singapore Strong S'pore-Australia ties underpinned by bonds that are continually renewed: President Tharman Singapore All recruits at BMTC will be trained to fly drones and counter them: Chan Chun Sing Singapore Ong Beng Seng to be sentenced on Aug 15, prosecution does not object to fine due to his poor health Singapore Pritam Singh had hoped WP would 'tip one or two more constituencies' at GE2025 The final test ended when Gill's outstanding pace bowler Mohammad Siraj, who bowled with undiminished vigour throughout the match, yorked Gus Atkinson to give his team victory by six runs. "What happened this morning summarised what this team is all about," Gill said. "This team believes if there is some kind of opening we can get through that opening." He noted that the dismissals of Yorkshire pair Harry Brook and then Joe Root on Sunday evening had been that opening. "Seventy runs on day four, even 50 runs they would be under pressure," Gill said. Gill added that his four hundreds in the series had carried a different significance. "Each of them has a story and each of them means a lot to me," he said. Siraj who finished with five for 104, said his plan had been to hit a consistent length and build. 'Everything from there was a bonus,' he added. REUTERS
Straits Times
28 minutes ago
- Straits Times
Electric car-sharing firm BlueSG to wind down current operations on Aug 8, lay off staff
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox SINGAPORE – BlueSG will wind down its current operations on Aug 8 at 11.59pm, the electric car-sharing company announced on Aug 4. It added that billing, account closures, and subscription adjustments and refunds will be managed until the end of the month. It said that it is embarking on a major platform upgrade to better serve the 'evolving needs of urban mobility' in Singapore. The upgraded platform will introduce a refreshed fleet, an expanded network with more pickup and drop-off points, and enhanced technology that will enable it to be more reliable and efficient. A BlueSG spokeswoman said the company is laying off staff, but did not disclose the number of employees affected. This, she said, 'reflects the reduced operational scale during the pause period'. 'We are working closely with affected employees to provide fair severance, career support and, where possible, explore redeployment opportunities within the wider group,' she added, noting that the company hopes to welcome back employees when new roles open up with the upgrade. The new service is slated for launch in 2026. BlueSG was bought by Goldbell, a Singapore commercial and industrial vehicle giant, in 2021 from Bollore Group, a French conglomerate that introduced the service here in 2017. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Singapore launches review of economic strategy to stay ahead of global shifts Singapore A look at the five committees reviewing Singapore's economic strategy Business More support for sectors and workers vulnerable to tech disruptions, global competition Business Singapore to tap advanced manufacturing, AI under strategic review Singapore Strong S'pore-Australia ties underpinned by bonds that are continually renewed: President Tharman Singapore All recruits at BMTC will be trained to fly drones and counter them: Chan Chun Sing Singapore Ong Beng Seng to be sentenced on Aug 15, prosecution does not object to fine due to his poor health Singapore Pritam Singh had hoped WP would 'tip one or two more constituencies' at GE2025 It is the only service that offers per-minute rental and an A-to-B service, where users return the cars at a different location from the one they picked them up from. BlueSG chief executive Keith Kee said: 'As the landscape evolved and we observed the potential scale of car-sharing users, it became clear that the current infrastructure of BlueSG needs to be upgraded fast to meet the demands of tomorrow. 'That's why we're taking bold steps now to pause, minimise distractions and focus our resources on delivering a completely new platform.' The upgrade will be designed from the ground up, the company said. Existing users of the platform can look forward to exclusive privileges at the launch of the new service. Further updates, including timeline, features and launch plans will be announced in the coming months, BlueSG added. The Consumers Association of Singapore (Case) said it has worked with BlueSG to create a dedicated channel to address matters related to the refund of credits and outstanding bills. Those who need help may approach Case via its hotline on 6277-5100 or its website at BlueSG was launched in 2017 as the first electric car-sharing service in Singapore and as part of the Land Transport Authority's pilot programme for a national-level electric vehicle car-sharing initiative. The company now runs a fleet of almost 1,000 electric vehicles, with more than 1,500 charging points. The BlueSG spokeswoman said that since Goldbell acquired the car-sharing service in 2021, the platform has grown its subscriber base from 140,000 to more than 250,000. The company declined to disclose the number of active users when asked by The Straits Times. Currently, BlueSG offers three tiers of membership – the basic level is free, while the other two levels, which cost $8 and $18 a month, offer different privileges. Between 2023 and the second quarter of 2024, BlueSG underwent a 'technical migration' to stabilise the platform and improve the user experience. This was done without any disruption to service, although there were user complaints during the transition, which included issues with booking cars, as well as billing. The BlueSG spokeswoman said: 'Through that migration, it also became clear that the current infrastructure needed a decisive, future-ready upgrade – one that could better support the changing mobility landscape. Emerging technological advancements also reinforced the urgency to act decisively.' The company is evaluating new models that will gradually replace the old cars in the fleet. Dr Victor Kwan, a senior lecturer from Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) who researches marketing-related subjects, was surprised that the company decided to take such a long break to make the transition instead of making an immediate switchover when the new platform is ready. He believes that users will leave for alternatives during the interim instead of waiting for the relaunch, so BlueSG will basically be restarting its business from scratch, besides bearing the cost of its car fleet sitting idle during the interim. Mr Vincent Low, 46, a sales manager in the energy sector, said it is the 'right move' for BlueSG to temporarily cease operations while it upgrades its platform. He recalled having problems booking cars when BlueSG last did the major upgrade and how the system has been 'very unstable' since. He looks forward to the upgraded platform, noting that BlueSG has recently introduced more types of rental packages and charging stations in more locations. 'They are making efforts, but (I) can see that their internal (affairs) are in a mess. They need time to do housekeeping and (to) put everything back on track,' he said. Ms Aisyah Mazlan, 28, an engineer, who uses BlueSG daily to take her 13-year-old brother to school before driving to work, hopes that after making users like her wait so long for the upgrade, 'the improvements had better be worth it'.
Straits Times
an hour ago
- Straits Times
Strong S'pore-Australia ties underpinned by bonds that are continually renewed: President Tharman
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox President Tharman Shanmugaratnam meeting Australian Governor-General Sam Mostyn, who is on a state visit to Singapore, on Aug 4. SINGAPORE – In a world that is increasingly turbulent, Singapore and Australia are working closely together across a range of sectors, from defence to education, culture and sports, and to uphold an open, rules-based trading system globally, said President Tharman Shanmugaratnam on Aug 4. Underpinning this strong partnership is a long shared history, and bonds between both countries and their people that are lived, felt and continually renewed, he added. He was speaking at a state banquet held to host Australian Governor-General Sam Mostyn, whose state visit from Aug 3 to 6 marks Singapore's 60th year of independence and commemorates the 60th anniversary of the establishment of Singapore-Australia diplomatic relations. Ms Mostyn separately met Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and affirmed the strong people-to-people and cultural exchanges between the two countries. They also spoke about the importance of the Singapore-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), which was established in 2015 and serves as a broad-ranging agreement to deepen Singapore's collaboration with Australia. To date, the partnership has seen more than 110 completed initiatives across six pillars which include economics and trade, defence and foreign affairs, science and innovation, people-to-people ties, the digital economy, and the green economy. Ms Mostyn and PM Wong said they look forward to the upgrade of the CSP later in 2025 when PM Wong visits Australia. The upgraded CSP will see deepened bilateral cooperation in areas such as defence, supply chain resilience, renewable energy, and cyber and critical technologies. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Singapore launches review of economic strategy to stay ahead of global shifts Singapore A look at the five committees reviewing Singapore's economic strategy Business More support for sectors and workers vulnerable to tech disruptions, global competition Business Singapore to tap advanced manufacturing, AI under strategic review Singapore All recruits at BMTC will be trained to fly drones and counter them: Chan Chun Sing Singapore Ong Beng Seng to be sentenced on Aug 15, prosecution does not object to fine due to his poor health Singapore Pritam Singh had hoped WP would 'tip one or two more constituencies' at GE2025 PM Wong said in a Facebook post: 'Our strong and enduring partnership is anchored on shared perspectives and deep mutual trust.' He added that he looks forward to taking the partnership to the next level when he visits Australia later in 2025. At the state dinner banquet, Mr Tharman said Australia was among the very first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Singapore, and that ties go back even further to World War II when Australian soldiers helped in the defence of Malaya and Singapore. 'Out of that shared history has grown a resilient partnership. We cooperate in increasing depth, and across an unusually broad span of endeavours,' he said. Mr Tharman highlighted defence as a critical pillar of that relationship, as 2025 marks the 35th anniversary of Exercise Wallaby – the Singapore Armed Forces' largest overseas training exercise. Both countries are deepening relations in education, culture and sports too. Over 60,000 people of Singaporean heritage live in Australia, while more than 20,000 Australians have made Singapore their second home, he noted. 'We are navigating a world that is now radically more uncertain, more exposed to shocks, and at growing risk of damage from the climate crisis and renewed global health threats,' Mr Tharman said. 'Amid this global turbulence, Singapore and Australia have chosen to look ahead, and to lead together.' He noted that both countries were the first to sign bilateral agreements on the digital economy and green economy – 'pioneering new and constructive ways of cooperation for the future', he said. 'At the same time, Singapore welcomes Australia's continued and deepening engagement in our region, in particular with Asean,' Mr Tharman added. Both countries are also driving global efforts to shape future trade rules, he said. President Tharman Shanmugaratnam with Australian Governor-General Sam Mostyn at the state banquet on Aug 4. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO Along with Japan, Singapore and Australia are co-convenors of the World Trade Organisation Joint Statement Initiative on E-Commerce to establish the first global digital trade rules. 'It reflects not only our shared commitment to multilateralism, but our readiness to lead in adapting it for the future economy,' Mr Tharman said. Singapore and Australia are not just close partners by obligation, but by choice, he added. 'I am confident that in the years ahead, we will continue to learn from each other, support each other's aspirations, help uplift the region, and work together to broker cooperative solutions internationally.' In her speech, Ms Mostyn said: 'Together, we stand at the cutting edge of artificial intelligence, cyber security and green technologies. One of Australia's five start-up landing pads is here in Singapore, where entrepreneurs are working on everything from fintech to healthcare.' She noted that Singapore is one of Australia's most significant sources of foreign investments. 'We work together in regional forums like Asean and the East Asia Summit and our prime ministers meet every year,' she added. Earlier in the day, Ms Mostyn received a ceremonial welcome at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She called on Mr Tharman and they discussed a range of issues, including how both countries could learn from each other's strategies in supporting mental health among young people, and in developing and updating skills for a rapidly changing labour market. She also visited the Singapore Botanic Gardens, where an orchid hybrid was named after her, as well as the Samaritans of Singapore. Australian Governor-General Sam Mostyn, with Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Indranee Rajah and Singapore Botanic Gardens group director Tan Puay Yok, viewing an orchid hybrid named after her. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO In commemoration of 60 years of diplomatic relations, Ms Mostyn presented Mr Tharman with a specially commissioned Australian indigenous artwork. Mr Tharman reciprocated with an artwork symbolising Singapore's harmonious growth, creativity and diversity across six decades by Singapore artist Leong Sijun. During the rest of her visit, Ms Mostyn will lay a wreath at the Kranji War Memorial for Australian soldiers who fought in Singapore's defence during World War II. She will also visit the Changi Chapel and Museum and Gardens by the Bay, where she will attend an Australian native tree dedication ceremony and unveil a permanent installation of an indigenous sculpture. Ms Mostyn's visit is the latest exchange between leaders from both sides. In 2025, Australian Prime Minster Anthony Albanese met PM Wong in Singapore in May . Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles also met PM Wong and Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing in June on the sidelines of the Shangri-la Dialogue. PM Wong's visit to Australia later in 2025 will be an introductory one, to launch the upgraded partnership, commemorate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties and attend the 10th Annual Leaders' Meeting. In 2024, Australia was Singapore's 12th largest trading partner, with total bilateral trade in goods amounting to $30.3 billion. Singapore's top imports from Australia include petroleum oils, natural gas, semi-precious stones and metals, as well as animal and vegetable oils. Meanwhile, Singapore's key exports to Australia are petroleum oils, mechanical appliances and electrical machinery. Australia is also an important food source for Singapore, as it is Singapore's second-highest import source for beef and pork, and third for milk, milk products and vegetables. Economic relations are underpinned by the Singapore-Australia Free Trade Agreement, which was signed and entered into force in 2003.
