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AsiaOne
5 days ago
- Health
- AsiaOne
'Your cue to show some care': LTA rolls out new Helping Hand card for commuters who need more assistance, Singapore News
Commuters who need a little extra help when using public transport will soon have a simpler way to ask for it — with the launch of a new card under the Helping Hand scheme. In a Facebook post on Friday (May 30), the Land Transport Authority (LTA) said that commuters can indicate the type of assistance they need — such as directions, help with tapping their fare card, or being alerted when they reach their stop — on a blank space at the back of the Universal Helping Hand card. "Spot someone carrying a bright yellow card? That's your cue to show some care!" Said LTA on their Facebook post, adding that the card makes it easier for staff or other commuters to offer the necessary help. The Helping Hand scheme is an initiative by the Caring SG Commuters Committee to foster a more caring, welcoming and inclusive public transport system. In March, then-Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Transport Baey Yam Keng said in his ministry's Budget debate that the new card will be in addition to the earlier cards issued under the scheme. Under the initiative, the LTA first piloted the "May I have a seat please" sticker in October 2019 to help passengers be aware of those with hidden or invisible medical conditions who need a seat more for their public transport journeys. It later included a lanyard and card for passengers with long-term conditions in April 2021, while the sticker version is more suitable for people with short-term medical conditions. Two new cards were later introduced in May 2023 — a "This is a wheelchair" card which helps paediatric wheelchair users alert public transport staff and other passengers to give way to them, and a "Please alert me when I am approaching my stop" card for passengers with visual impairments or conditions like dementia. More than 15,000 lanyards and cards were distributed as last November and feedback "has been positive", said then-Minister of Transport Chee Hong Tat on February. Just like the three cards, the new Universal Helping Hand card has a bright yellow look. In a Facebook post on Friday, Baey, who is now Minister of State for Transport, said that the new card was developed based on commuter feedback, which recognises that those travelling on public transport have different needs. "I hope this makes commuting more inclusive and comfortable for everyone," he added. LTA said that commuters can collect the new card at passenger service services in MRT stations and bus interchanges, as well as SimplyGo ticket offices. AsiaOne has contacted LTA for more information on the new Helping Hand card. [[nid:697657]] chingshijie@
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
SIA staff to get 7.45-month bonus after record profit; GRC boundary shifts reflect PAP's post-election strategy: 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. Singapore Airlines (SIA) will award its staff a 7.45-month bonus after delivering a record net profit of $2.78 billion for FY2024/25. The bonus, though slightly below last year's 7.94 months, reflects higher earnings and staff contributions amid a competitive industry landscape. Much of the profit was driven by a one-time $1.1 billion gain from the Vistara-Air India merger, giving SIA a 25.1 per cent stake in the expanded Indian airline. Despite the strong net result, operating profit declined by 37 per cent as competition pushed down ticket prices. Revenue grew 2.8 per cent to S$19.54 billion, with the airline carrying a record 39.4 million passengers. The carrier cut its final dividend to 30 cents and flagged risks ahead, including global tensions, supply constraints, and softening demand. SIA is still expanding its workforce as it focuses on long-term stability. The People's Action Party (PAP) is realigning internal boundaries in Tampines and East Coast GRCs to better respond to population growth and shifting political dynamics post-election. Tampines – where the party eked out a narrow 52.02 per cent win – sees Baey Yam Keng move to the new Tampines Boulevard, while ex-army chief David Neo takes over Tampines North. Meanwhile, East Coast welcomes political rookies Dinesh Vasu Dash and Hazlina Abdul Halim to key divisions as older MPs step down. These moves aren't just administrative – they reflect strategic recalibration in the face of changing demographics and closer contests. The party is planting seeds for the future while managing the teething issues of new estates. Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates. The People's Action Party (PAP) is redrawing its political blueprint. Internal boundaries in Tampines and East Coast GRCs are shifting post-election, with the appointment of new leaders and a structural rethink of constituency layouts in response to urban expansion and electoral pressure. Tampines, which saw the PAP secure just 52.02 per cent of the vote – its second-slimmest margin – has undergone a symbolic reshuffle. Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Transport and Sustainability and the Environment Baey Yam Keng, now chairman of Tampines Town Council, will helm the new Tampines Boulevard, while rising figure David Neo takes over Tampines North. This internal shuffle signals both a response to demographic shifts and a bid to refresh leadership amid heightened scrutiny. East Coast GRC, anchored by Culture, Community and Youth Minister Edwin Tong, is also adapting. With the retirement of heavyweights Heng Swee Keat and Cheryl Chan, two political newcomers – Dinesh Vasu Dash and Hazlina Abdul Halim – have stepped in to lead newly aligned Bedok and Fengshan divisions, respectively. These moves hint at a deeper effort to groom next-gen leaders in key battleground GRCs. Tong cited rising populations – from 120,000 in 2020 to 150,000 now – as a primary factor. But the subtext is clear: as urban density and estate development surge, so too must the party's agility in reassigning manpower and maintaining grassroots bonds. While Facebook announcements kept the tone cordial and administrative, the underlying message is strategic. This isn't just boundary drawing – it's electoral recalibration in a rapidly changing landscape. Singapore Airlines (SIA) will award its employees a 7.45-month bonus for the 2024/25 financial year, recognising their role in helping the carrier achieve a record net profit of $2.78 billion. While the bonus is slightly below last year's 7.94 months, it remains one of the highest in the industry and underscores the airline's commitment to rewarding performance. The bonus is based on a longstanding formula agreed with staff unions and applies to eligible employees across the group. SIA's workforce grew by 7.6 per cent year-on-year to an average of 18,000 staff in FY2025, as the airline continued to scale operations and resume global hiring. SIA's profit surge was largely driven by a $1.1 billion one-time accounting gain from the merger of its Indian joint venture Vistara with Air India. The deal, completed in November 2024, has positioned SIA with a 25.1 per cent stake in the newly enlarged Indian flag carrier. Despite the headline numbers, SIA's operating profit fell 37 per cent to $1.71 billion as rising competition cut into passenger yields. Still, the airline and Scoot carried a record 39.4 million passengers during the year, and revenue rose 2.8 per cent to $19.54 billion. Looking ahead, SIA warned of headwinds including geopolitical tensions, shifting trade policies, and supply chain pressures. A final dividend of 30 Singapore cents was declared – down from 38 cents – as the airline emphasised financial discipline in an uncertain environment. The People's Action Party (PAP) is redrawing its political blueprint. Internal boundaries in Tampines and East Coast GRCs are shifting post-election, with the appointment of new leaders and a structural rethink of constituency layouts in response to urban expansion and electoral pressure. Tampines, which saw the PAP secure just 52.02 per cent of the vote – its second-slimmest margin – has undergone a symbolic reshuffle. Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Transport and Sustainability and the Environment Baey Yam Keng, now chairman of Tampines Town Council, will helm the new Tampines Boulevard, while rising figure David Neo takes over Tampines North. This internal shuffle signals both a response to demographic shifts and a bid to refresh leadership amid heightened scrutiny. East Coast GRC, anchored by Culture, Community and Youth Minister Edwin Tong, is also adapting. With the retirement of heavyweights Heng Swee Keat and Cheryl Chan, two political newcomers – Dinesh Vasu Dash and Hazlina Abdul Halim – have stepped in to lead newly aligned Bedok and Fengshan divisions, respectively. These moves hint at a deeper effort to groom next-gen leaders in key battleground GRCs. Tong cited rising populations – from 120,000 in 2020 to 150,000 now – as a primary factor. But the subtext is clear: as urban density and estate development surge, so too must the party's agility in reassigning manpower and maintaining grassroots bonds. While Facebook announcements kept the tone cordial and administrative, the underlying message is strategic. This isn't just boundary drawing – it's electoral recalibration in a rapidly changing landscape. Singapore Airlines (SIA) will award its employees a 7.45-month bonus for the 2024/25 financial year, recognising their role in helping the carrier achieve a record net profit of $2.78 billion. While the bonus is slightly below last year's 7.94 months, it remains one of the highest in the industry and underscores the airline's commitment to rewarding performance. The bonus is based on a longstanding formula agreed with staff unions and applies to eligible employees across the group. SIA's workforce grew by 7.6 per cent year-on-year to an average of 18,000 staff in FY2025, as the airline continued to scale operations and resume global hiring. SIA's profit surge was largely driven by a $1.1 billion one-time accounting gain from the merger of its Indian joint venture Vistara with Air India. The deal, completed in November 2024, has positioned SIA with a 25.1 per cent stake in the newly enlarged Indian flag carrier. Despite the headline numbers, SIA's operating profit fell 37 per cent to $1.71 billion as rising competition cut into passenger yields. Still, the airline and Scoot carried a record 39.4 million passengers during the year, and revenue rose 2.8 per cent to $19.54 billion. Looking ahead, SIA warned of headwinds including geopolitical tensions, shifting trade policies, and supply chain pressures. A final dividend of 30 Singapore cents was declared – down from 38 cents – as the airline emphasised financial discipline in an uncertain environment.
