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S$10mil Toto results to be announced on July 17; no winners in past three draws

S$10mil Toto results to be announced on July 17; no winners in past three draws

The Star15-07-2025
The results are expected to be announced at 9.30pm on July 17. - ST FILE
SINGAPORE: An estimated S$10 million Toto cascade jackpot will be up for grabs on July 17, following three consecutive draws without a winner.
The results are expected to be announced at 9.30pm on July 17. Those placing their bets for a chance to win can do so before 9pm.
The Singapore Pools' website showed that the prize money for the Group 1 category snowballed from almost $1.2 million on July 7 to about $2.9 million on July 10.
The last draw on July 14, which had a prize money of about $5.8 million, had again yielded no winner.
The Group 1 prize amount will snowball only up to the fourth draw. Thereafter, the amount will be shared among the winners in Group 2.
The last Toto draw that had a prize sum of over $10 million was on June 19, where a single ticket won the $12.3 million Toto jackpot.
The winning numbers were 1, 10, 37, 40, 45, 47. The additional number was 19. - The Straits Times/ANN
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China must strike a delicate balance in its approach towards Thai-Cambodian conflict, say analysts
China must strike a delicate balance in its approach towards Thai-Cambodian conflict, say analysts

The Star

time4 hours ago

  • The Star

China must strike a delicate balance in its approach towards Thai-Cambodian conflict, say analysts

CHONGQING, (China): China faces a delicate balancing act as it decides what role it should play in the ongoing border hostilities between Thailand and Cambodia, two South-east Asian nations that are its close neighbours and which it wields strong influence over. Analysts told The Straits Times that while the clash, which began on Thursday (July 24) and has so far reportedly left at least 16 dead, could present an opportunity for China to showcase its leadership in the region, the world's second-largest economy is likely to keep to its traditional approach of having the two countries resolve the matter on their own. It is also likely to first look to Asean as it assesses how it can best help the process along. But that does not mean that China will not attempt to bring both countries to the negotiating table as the conflict is happening in its neighbourhood, said Professor Fan Lei, an expert on China-Asean relations at China's Charhar Institute, an international relations think-tank. Asean is China's largest trading partner, representing 16.6 per cent of the world's second-largest economy's overall foreign trade. Total trade between Asean and China reached 1.71 trillion yuan (S$305 billion) in 2024, up 7.1 per cent from 2023. Analysts pointed to how China can play a bigger role in the dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, given that China is both countries' top trading partner and thus wields strong economic influence over both states. Thailand relies on Chinese imports such as machinery, electronics and vehicles. China is also Thailand's top source of foreign tourists. Meanwhile, bilateral trade between Cambodia and China grew 26.9 per cent in the first six months of 2025, compared with the same period in 2024, official data from Cambodia showed. China is a major investor in both Thailand and Cambodia in sectors such as electric vehicles, infrastructure and real estate. It also conducts separate military exercises with Cambodia and Thailand. In April, Chinese-sponsored upgrades to Ream Naval Base in Cambodia raised concerns about China's growing footprint in South-east Asia. But China has to tread a delicate balance. On the one hand, 'China may feel that it should not just sit idly by and do nothing if such military conflict is in its neighbourhood', said Associate Professor Li Mingjiang, an expert on Chinese foreign policy and regional security at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies. On the other hand, it has to be mindful not to 'leave the impression it is disregarding Asean', said Professor Zhu Feng, dean at the School of International Studies at Nanjing University. Already, countries in South-east Asia are wary of China's expanding influence in the region – and its clashes with the Philippines over maritime territorial claims – as they navigate an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape amid intense US-China rivalry. That is why China is most likely to conduct 'quiet and informal mediation', Prof Li said, adding that he believes 'Chinese diplomats may already be involved in discussions with Cambodia and Thailand, urging them to de-escalate and engage in talks'. Professor Gu Jiayun, vice-dean at the School of Asian Studies at Beijing Foreign Studies University, said: 'It is in China's interest to keep the peace among its neighbours, given that conflict can hurt the region's as well as its own development prospects.' Prof Gu said that both Thailand and Cambodia have 'shown restraint in the clash so far, so they might be looking for an out to start negotiations'. Publicly, Thailand has rejected mediation efforts from third countries to end the ongoing conflict. However, it has signalled that the door will be kept open for Asean to facilitate a return to bilateral negotiations with Cambodia. Phnom Penh has written to the United Nations for help – the first time in more than a decade that an Asean member state has made such a request. The latest border dispute escalated sharply on July 24 after a Thai F-16 fighter jet bombed targets in Cambodia that day. Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have been steaming since May, when a Cambodian soldier was killed during a brief exchange of gunfire near the border in north-eastern Thailand. Both countries – which share a long history of border disputes that date back to France's occupation of Cambodia until 1953 – have blamed each other for the latest escalation, and downgraded their diplomatic ties on July 23. During a meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Asean secretary-general Kao Kim Hourn in Beijing on July 25, Wang said that China 'stands ready to continue playing a constructive role in easing tensions (between Thailand and Cambodia) and de-escalating the situation in an impartial and fair manner'. Calling the latest deadly clash 'distressing and concerning', Wang added: 'China appreciates and supports the proactive mediation efforts of the Asean Chair and encourages the 'Asean Way' to promote dialogue and political resolution.' Asean's fundamental principles include mutual respect for the sovereignty of all nations, non-interference in the internal affairs of member states, peaceful settlement of disputes, and renunciation of the threat or use of force. On July 24, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman told reporters at a regular briefing that 'China has and will continue to promote talks (between the two Asean states) for peace in its own way, and play a constructive role in promoting de-escalation'. Prof Fan said that China is likely to draw Cambodia and Thailand into negotiations with economic ways. This would be in line with the Chinese government's emphasis on cooperative win-win partnerships and non-interference principles regarding foreign diplomacy that are part of China's Three Global Initiatives, he added. 'It is also a possibility that China might encourage Thailand and Cambodia to resolve their dispute at Hong Kong's new international mediation body,' Prof Fan said. China signed on May 30 a convention to set up an international organisation for mediation in Hong Kong to resolve cross-border disputes among countries and international companies that Beijing hopes can match up to the UN's International Court of Justice. Analysts noted that China's actions will be a test of its diplomatic strength in the region. Prof Li said China has been signalling that 'it does want to gradually play a slightly larger role in the region' that goes beyond traditional security issues. Chinese President Xi Jinping's first overseas trip in 2025 amid growing trade tensions with the US was to South-east Asia, where he visited Malaysia, Cambodia and Vietnam for a week in April. Prof Li said: 'The conflict between Cambodia and Thailand could be an opportunity for China to try out its limited role so far in addressing the security issues in the Mekong region, cautiously, quietly and informally, of course.' - The Straits Times/ANN

‘May you find rainbows in your skies': Outpouring of support for Jetstar Asia staff as closure looms
‘May you find rainbows in your skies': Outpouring of support for Jetstar Asia staff as closure looms

The Star

time7 days ago

  • The Star

‘May you find rainbows in your skies': Outpouring of support for Jetstar Asia staff as closure looms

SINGAPORE: Soon after news broke in June about the closure of low-cost carrier Jetstar Asia, flight attendant Wayne Lee started receiving small gifts and notes from passengers. The in-flight customer service manager was so moved by this that he now keeps the notes with him at all times, tucked into his cabin bag. 'It's a really warm gesture,' Lee told The Straits Times. He said the kindness of passengers has helped him cope with an uncertain future. Wayne Lee was so moved by the gifts from passengers that he now keeps the notes with him at all times, tucked into his cabin bag. - Photo: ST The Singapore-based airline announced on June 11 that it would cease operations on July 31 – more than 20 years after its maiden flight in December 2004. The final flight – from Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila – is scheduled to land at Changi Airport at 9.30pm. More than 500 employees will be laid off when the airline closes. 'I had a sinking feeling,' Lee said, describing how he felt when he heard about the airline's closure.'I'm thinking about my future,' said the 42-year-old Malaysian, who has been a flight attendant since he joined Jetstar Asia in December 2011. Wayne Lee, 42, an in-flight customer service manager with Jetstar Asia, shows the note a passenger left for him. - Photo: ST When asked whether he intends to remain in the industry, his answer was unequivocal: 'I will. I must'. Lee said many Jetstar Asia employees have received an outpouring of support from passengers since June 11. 'It's been really heartwarming.' One note in particular, given to him by a family flying to Krabi, brought tears to his eyes, Lee said. His voice shook as he read the note aloud: 'Thank you for showing up and serving us with a smile despite the heartbreaking and uncertain news. 'We appreciate your dedication to ensuring our safety and comfort throughout the flight. The skies are blue and broad. May you always find rainbows in your skies.' 'I love you, bro!' Captain Roy Agarrado, 57, has been a pilot at Jetstar Asia for 18 years. - Photo: ST Captain Roy Espinosa Agarrado, 57, has been a pilot for 35 years, including 18 with Jetstar Asia. The affable aviator told ST that on a recent flight to Bali, a passenger shouted: 'I love you, bro!' This was after Capt Agarrado had made an announcement thanking passengers for supporting Jetstar Asia. His response? 'Bro, I love you too!' This lightened the mood and put passengers at ease, Capt Agarrado said. It is his habit to banter with passengers and to make announcements from outside the cockpit, preferring to use the PA system that the crew uses. Jetstar Asia shared pictures of the small gifts and many notes its flight and cabin crew have received. - Photo: Jetstar Asia On a recent flight, he told passengers: 'Do you have your boarding passes? Can you just wave it in the air? Save them – in 10 years, you can sell that.' Capt Agarrado, a Filipino, started his career in 1990, flying in the Philippine Air Force for a decade. He then joined two commercial airlines before moving to Jetstar Asia in 2007. On June 10, Capt Agarrado said his pilot chat group on WhatsApp lit up with messages discussing scheduling changes the next day. Jetstar Asia had cancelled seven flights from Changi Airport on June 11 and re-timed another seven. Jetstar Asia staff have received an outpouring of support from passengers as its closure looms. - Photo: Jetstar Asia When his First Officer asked his thoughts, Captain Agarrado told him not to worry. 'I'm pretty sure the company is stable,' he recalls saying. He was woken up by his wife the next morning. She was in tears, having seen the airline's closure on the news. 'Shivers went down my spine,' said Capt Agarrado, a father of three. Jetstar Asia shared with ST pictures of the small gifts and many notes – and even drawings from young passengers – its flight and cabin crew have received, including biscuits, chocolates, pastries and sweets. 'Wishing all of you strength,' one note read. 'This may be a difficult time for you, but every cloud has a silver lining... Thank you for your service and hospitality,' another said. Yet another note said: 'Wherever life takes you next, I hope it's first class.' - The Straits Times/ANN

Global fintech firms expanding in Singapore with larger offices, Asia-Pacific hubs
Global fintech firms expanding in Singapore with larger offices, Asia-Pacific hubs

The Star

time18-07-2025

  • The Star

Global fintech firms expanding in Singapore with larger offices, Asia-Pacific hubs

SINGAPORE (The Straits Times/ANN): The region's huge potential as a lucrative market for fintech services is prompting major players to expand their presence here and set up Asia-Pacific hubs. Singapore's business-friendly regulatory regime and proximity to fast-growing economies are making it a key destination for companies in the digital finance sector, they told The Straits Times. Ripple is one firm that recognises the potential. The blockchain payments company opened a bigger office here on July 14. The new workspace at IOI Central Boulevard Towers can accommodate up to 110 employees, well up on its old Robinson Road premises that had a capacity of 74. It has also been hiring, mostly staff in business development, sales, markets and for RippleX – a business unit within Ripple that provides resources for developers to build on the public blockchain XRP Ledger. Singapore, the firm's Asia-Pacific headquarters, handles 50 per cent of Ripple's digital asset payment flows. Ripple president Monica Long pointed to Singapore's significance as a hub, citing the country's clear regulatory framework and support for innovation. 'We see even more opportunity because of the broader global trend with stablecoin payments. We see that opportunity being especially big in the Asia-Pacific, so Singapore being our hub, we expect to grow that business here,' said Ms Long. Stablecoins – a cryptocurrency pegged to another asset such as fiat currency – can be used by businesses transferring funds across borders. Ms Long told ST at Apex 2025, an annual summit for the XRP Ledger community, that Singapore was chosen to host the event in June due to 'the really great collaboration with the Economic Development Board to foster the start-up ecosystem'. Ripple's expansion here mirrors similar moves by other fintech players. British-headquartered digital payments company Wise expanded its Asia-Pacific hub in April. Its new 31,800 sq ft office at Paya Lebar Quarter 3 is 25 per cent larger than its previous space at Paya Lebar Quarter 2. The Singapore team has more than doubled to over 600 since 2022, spanning functions such as engineering, operations, customer service and compliance. Singapore chief executive Shrawan Saraogi, who is also head of Wise's Asia-Pacific expansion, said many of its products, such as the debit card, were rolled out here. A local team led the design, build and launch of the card globally. The Asia-Pacific contributed about 22 per cent of its global revenue for the year ended March 31, 2025, while turnover for the region grew 22 per cent year on year. Mr Saraogi said coping with the different regulations in each country is one of the biggest challenges of expanding in the region. 'In contrast to Europe, where a single licence can be used across multiple markets, every country in Asia needs its own unique set of regulatory permissions before we can offer our services,' he noted. The company overcomes this by spending time understanding local regulations, building strong relationships with regulators and partners, and getting to know customer needs. 'All this is supported by opening local offices and hiring local team members. Having people on the ground... makes a big difference in our expansion journey,' said Mr Saraogi. April was also when Juspay, a global payments technology company based in India, opened an office in Robinson Road to serve as its regional base. The firm also announced a regional partnership with travel giant Agoda, which has adopted a range of Juspay's services. Mr Ishan Sharma, head of business development, said that a significant number of Juspay's India-based clients were expanding into the Asia-Pacific and the firm was getting requests to integrate some payment methods used in these markets. The firm saw the need to have a local presence and hire local talent. The teams started travelling to Singapore in 2023 for market research and created an entity here in November 2024. There are four local hires in the Singapore office, with plans to recruit more, said Mr Sharma. The firm is in discussions with Asian airlines and financial institutions like banks as well as fintech players to provide technology infrastructure. Mr Sharma said a major hurdle faced when setting up in a new market was helping merchants and clients understand the firm's value proposition. 'Making people understand what we do, how it can benefit them – in the initial year or two, it was a challenge,' he said. However, Mr Sharma is not deterred by the different regulations in Asia, given that the firm has experience navigating a heavily regulated market like India. 'Our learnings in the Indian ecosystem are only helping us there. We don't see that as a challenge, we see that as an opportunity,' he added.-- The Straits Times/ANN

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