Latest news with #CHONGJUNLIANG
The Star
20-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
Two-in-one Singapore airport police robot on trial can patrol and serve as PMD with ride-hailing feature
The Singapore Police Force is seen showcasing the hybrid human-rideable robot called Gibson at Changi Airport Terminal 4, on July 16. -- ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG SINGAPORE (The Straits Times/ANN): A police patrol robot that doubles as a personal mobility device (PMD) for officers is being trialled at Changi Airport Terminal 4. The autonomous robot, called Gibson, is outfitted with multiple cameras and sensors to help it avoid obstacles and people. Officers can also use it for transportation, to cover long distances at the airport quickly. The Home Team Science and Technology Agency (HTX) developed Gibson in collaboration with the A*Star Institute for Infocomm Research. The trial began in early July. 'Gibson was inspired by the concept of creating a buddy robot for our officers,' said HTX engineer Seah Qi Yan from the Robotics, Automation and Unmanned Systems Centre of Expertise. 'They can use it as a PMD in their operations and transform it into an autonomous robot when not in use.' Gibson was developed to advance human-robot collaborations in the Home Team, Seah added. Its ride-hailing function is a key feature that was developed in-house. Using their phone or tablet to access the robotics platform, officers can call for an available robot to meet them at a nearby pickup point. While travelling aboard Gibson, they can select the autonomous function to get them to their destination as they tend to other matters, such as reviewing incidents on their devices. Alternatively, officers may choose to drive it manually by using a physical key. Two of the robots were shown to the media on July 16 at Terminal 4. Each robot has safety features such as automatically stopping if someone attempts to get on it while it is moving. Attempts to block Gibson intentionally as it is patrolling will cause it to sound a horn. Named after inventor Arthur Hugo Cecil Gibson, who made the first motorised scooter in the early 1900s, it is the second type of police robot to be used at the airport. The first police patrol robots were introduced at the airport in April 2023, after more than five years of trials and smaller-scale roll-outs. Superintendent of Police Patrick Pang, an operations officer for planning and readiness from the Airport Police Division, said Gibson will complement existing police patrols and enhance the police presence at the airport. He said: 'The ride-hailing function makes it convenient for officers to summon Gibson without having to manually search for one. 'And with the autonomous mode, our officers do not have to worry about where to park, as it can resume its patrols without returning to a designated parking lot." -- The Straits Times/Asia News Network
Straits Times
04-07-2025
- Automotive
- Straits Times
Fast Lane: Cupra's three models, customised Bentley SUV, OneMotoring stops accepting PayPal
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Incoming: Cupra Formentor (left) and Terramar (right) are among the new models to be introduced in Singapore on July 31. Petrol-powered Cupra ready Spanish car brand Cupra will be launching three petrol-powered models in Singapore: the Leon hatchback and two sport utility vehicles (SUVs) – the Formentor and Terramar – on July 31. These are the first non-electric models to be introduced since Volkswagen Group Singapore announced that it was taking over the distributorship of the brand here in 2023. The Leon is the most familiar nameplate among the three, having been available here before Cupra was spun off as an independent brand from Volkswagen-owned Spanish brand Seat in 2018. The latest model is powered by a 1.5-litre mild-hybrid engine. At 4,451mm long, the facelifted Cupra Formentor VZ is broadly a rival to the BMW X2. It has a 2-litre turbocharged engine rated at 328hp and 440Nm of torque, giving the SUV a 0-100kmh timing of 4.8 seconds. The Formentor is the first model to be developed as a Cupra-only model without a Seat-branded equivalent. It was offered in pre-facelift form between 2021 and 2023 by the brand's previous representative in Singapore. The updated version features the brand's more aggressive design, similar to the flamboyant Tavascan electric vehicle. The Terramar is slightly lower and longer overall than the Volkswagen Tiguan. The version to be offered in Singapore is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine with mild-hybrid technology. New car owners frustrated by large touchscreens: Survey Love and hate: Owners are attracted by the large screens in their new cars, but dread having to go through multiple steps to access basic controls. ST PHOTOS: CHONG JUN LIANG Enormous touchscreen infotainment systems are the leading source of complaints among US car owners in the first 90 days of ownership. This was among the findings in the 2025 Initial Quality Study released by American consumer intelligence company JD Power. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. World Trump says countries to start paying tariffs on Aug 1, floats range of 10% to 70% Singapore Sengkang murder: Man accused of killing elderly mother escorted back to crime scene Singapore Multiple charges for man accused of damaging PAP campaign materials on GE2025 Polling Day Singapore Jail for man who recruited 2 Japanese women for prostitution at MBS Asia Malaysia dismantles ISIS network involving workers from Bangladesh Asia Chinese national missing in Thailand rescued, embassy warns of shady job offers Business Central banks tweak US dollar reserves, with euro and gold gaining ground: UBS survey Singapore Seller's stamp duty rates for private homes raised; holding period increased from 3 years to 4 According to Mr Frank Hanley, its senior director of auto benchmarking, owners are drawn to large touchscreens because of their visual appeal, but become increasingly frustrated by how accessing key vehicle functions like the climate control settings involve multiple taps and swipes at the screen. 'By retaining dedicated physical controls for some of these interactions, automakers can alleviate pain points and simplify the overall customer experience,' he added. Premium vehicles were also found to have more quality issues than mass-market models, especially with the exterior. Among the variety of propulsion solutions, plug-in hybrids were more problematic than pure electric vehicles. The study also found that carmakers are struggling to provide cupholders that are able to accommodate the increasing variety of shapes and sizes of reusable containers that consumers are using. Into its 39th year, the latest study is based on responses from 92,694 car buyers and those who are leasing new model year 2025 cars. Besides surveying them after 90 days of ownership, it also factors in repair visit data based on real-world events reported to new car dealers. Black and pink customised Bentley took 132 hours to build Pretty in pink: The specially customised Bentley SUV took 132 hours to build. PHOTO: BENTLEY MOTORS Bentley has unveiled a customised candy pink-coloured Bentayga EWB Azure, complete with painted 22-inch wheels and an interior that is a mix of black and pink. The car was commissioned by a customer of Bentley Palmyra, a dealer in New Jersey, United States. The special SUV took 132 hours to build, of which 24 hours were spent on the exterior paint and 18 hours went towards producing the trim panels and wood set for the cabin. Being the extended wheelbase version of the SUV, the car features the Bentley Airline Seat option, which has 22-way adjustment, an auto climate sensing system and a massage function. Between the rear seats is an integrated cooler that can carry a 750ml bottle, along with two handcrafted Cumbria Crystal flutes, housed behind a frosted glass door. No more PayPal at OneMotoring from July 6 From July 6, OneMotoring, a website by the Land Transport Authority (LTA), will no longer accept payment by PayPal for its digital services, such as renewing road tax. Instead, payment can be done using credit cards, Google Pay or Apple Pay. From June 30, a limited access code instead of the last four characters of the owner's identification number will be used for some services, such as getting a vehicle's scrap value. In its memo sent to motor dealers, LTA said the move was to enhance the access security for such services. Ex-Ferrari boss joins McLaren Group Road race: New board director Luca di Montezemolo will be involved with the production car side of the McLaren business. PHOTO: MCLAREN AUTOMOTIVE Former Ferrari boss Luca di Montezemolo has joined the board of McLaren in a move that the Italian supercar company may not take too kindly to. Reuters reported that the 77-year-old Italian was registered as a director of Abu Dhabi-owned McLaren Group, which controls McLaren Automotive that is based in Woking, Britain, on June 27. Mr Montezemolo joined Ferrari in 1973 as founder Enzo Ferrari's assistant. He became team manager in 1974, a year before the late Austrian triple Formula One (F1) champion Niki Lauda secured his first title. He also headed the race team when racing ace Michael Schumacher won five of his career wins between 2000 and 2004. He stepped down as Ferrari's chairman in 2014. While British company McLaren is a relative newcomer in making road-going sports cars – the first model, the MP4-12C, was launched in 2010 – its rivalry with Italian team Ferrari in F1 goes back decades. Italian sports newspaper Tuttosport called the latest move 'a slap in the face of Ferrari'. In an interview with Italian news agency Ansa, Mr Montezemolo said his heart 'is and always will be red' and his new role was on the automotive side and did not involve F1.
Straits Times
30-06-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Five staycations with SG60 freebies and fireworks
As NDP rolls around, properties around Marina Bay and the Padang see a surge in demand for rooms with front-row views of the fireworks. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG SINGAPORE – As Singapore gears up to celebrate its 60th birthday, hotels are rolling out staycation packages, tours and activities, and special freebies to mark the occasion. A crowd favourite is the National Day Parade fireworks display, which is expected to start at around 8pm every Saturday between now and Aug 9. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
28-06-2025
- General
- Straits Times
Ubin School brings lessons on Singapore's land-use needs, village life and environment to life
(From third from left) Minister of State for National Development Alvin Tan, Education Minister Desmond Lee, NParks chief executive Hwang Yu-Ning and Pasir Ris-Changi GRC MP Valerie Lee with students from Commonwealth Secondary School. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG Ubin School brings lessons on Singapore's land-use needs, village life and environment to life SINGAPORE – When biology teacher Jacob Tan goes with his students to Pulau Ubin's Chek Jawa Wetlands, they take in the sights and sounds – sand bubbler crabs, staw-headed bulbuls and oriental pied hornbills. But they also cast their gaze afar, at Pulau Tekong, where land reclamation is ongoing. Pulau Ubin could have met a similar fate. Plans to reclaim its eastern shore were deferred in the early 2000s after environmental groups and nature experts flagged the area's rich biodiversity. Mr Tan's students from Commonwealth Secondary School visited the island under the Ubin School initiative, launched in 2024 to provide experiential learning and environmental education there. It was one of the initiatives highlighted by Education Minister Desmond Lee at the annual Ubin Day celebrations on June 28, along with infrastructure improvements, a new workgroup to restore five vacant kampung houses, and updates on a species recovery effort. A workgroup under the Friends of Ubin Network (Fun) – a group of villagers, academics and nature and heritage enthusiasts established in 2014 – will be set up to guide the planned restoration of five vacant kampung houses, said Mr Lee. The workgroup will comprise Fun and kampung community members, as well as academics from fields such as built heritage and culture. It was announced a year ago that the five houses would be repurposed for community and commercial use. Mr Lee, who has been chairman of Fun since 2014, also said on June 28 that Minister of State for National Development Alvin Tan will take over the role. Jacob Tan, a biology teacher at Commonwealth Secondary School, utilises field trips to Pulau Ubin to teach students about Singapore's competing land use needs. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG Mr Lee previously helmed the National Development ministry before he took over the Education portfolio in May. He said that several infrastructural projects on Pulau Ubin have been completed in the past year, such as upgrades to the earth tracks leading to Puaka Hill and to Chek Jawa Wetlands from Jalan Durian, and improvements to roads and bridges. To address flood concerns, a new drain has been built in the main village, while an existing stage beside the village's wayang stage has been widened. These changes have significantly reduced water entering villagers' homes at high tide, said Mr Lee. The widened drain near the main village's Wayang Stage on Pulau Ubin. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG Seasonal high tides and monsoon surges have caused flooding on the island, sending seawater flowing out of drains and spilling over banks in five low-lying areas of the island a few times a year. Mr Lim Chye Hee, 69, who runs a bicycle rental shop in the main village, said he hopes further drainage improvements will be made, as the area still becomes easily flooded especially during heavy storms. 'There are only two outlets and the water drain quickly enough,' he told The Straits Times, referring to the widened drain near the stage. Giving an update on a species recovery effort, Mr Lee said the first batch of cinnamon bush frog tadpole s introduced at two sites in Pulau Ubin in June 2024 has matured into adults and adapted well – a positive step for the vulnerable native species. 'These early observations are encouraging and represent hope for the species' conservation beyond mainland Singapore,' he said. (From left) Pasir Ris-Changi GRC MP Valerie Lee, Education Minister Desmond Lee and Minister of State for National Development Alvin Tan speaking with Madam Yeo Hui Bake and Mr Lim Chye Hee, who run a bicycle rental shop in Pulau Ubin. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG The National Parks Board added in a statement that a second batch of tadpoles was introduced at a separate site in March 2025, and are being monitored. NParks said that in 2025, more than 3,600 trees of over 145 native species will be planted across 15 sites, including Chek Jawa Wetlands and Jalan Durian, as part of reforestation efforts on Pulau Ubin. As for Ubin School, more students are set to benefit from it, as biology teachers in training from the National Institute of Education (NIE) have been brought to the island to learn how to use it as an outdoor classroom. NIE associate professor Tan Aik Ling said that lessons conducted by teachers like Mr Tan from Commonwealth Secondary School that bring students to Chek Jawa reflects the growing focus on place-based learning . The teaching approach brings students out of classrooms and into the places they study to better appreciate their contexts. 'We are trying to get kids to look beyond the here and now,' she said. ' A place has a value in every point in time, and we want students to appreciate that. The decisions we make on places today will have an impact on how they are valued, or devalued, as we move along.' Mr Tan noted that reclamation is still a possibility, based on the authorities' plans. Having seen Chek Jawa for themselves, he added, any decisions made about the place become more real to students 'because they went there, saw wildlife, and then can imagine for themselves what happens if all these are covered by sand'. Ng Keng Gene is a correspondent at The Straits Times, reporting on issues relating to land use, urban planning and heritage. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
27-06-2025
- Automotive
- Straits Times
Car review: Volvo XC60 T8 is a plug-and-play driving sensation
Understated beefcake: The XC60 T8 packs 455hp and 709Nm of torque to send it to 100kmh in 4.9 seconds. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG SINGAPORE – Singapore is particularly suited to electric vehicles (EVs) for well-known reasons – the same ones that make it rather ideal for plug-in hybrid vehicles too. The city-state is compact, and the average motorist here clocks no more than 50km a day. Singapore is pretty built-up and, hence, road speeds are quite low. The Government is also growing the charging network ambitiously, aiming for 60,000 chargers by 2030. Plug-in hybrids are cars with an engine and a motor. The motor is powered by a battery that is recharged by an external power source. If fully charged, most modern plug-in hybrids can be driven for a day almost entirely in electric-only mode in Singapore. These include the just-released Volvo XC60 T8 plug-in hybrid. The car is powered by a 2-litre turbocharged engine driving the front axle and a powerful motor driving the rear. The rear motor is fed by an 18.8kWh battery. Combined, the engine and motor produce 455hp and 709Nm of torque, endowing the XC60 with the attributes of a sports car. Standstill to 100kmh is accomplished in a blistering 4.9 seconds, while top speed is artificially limited to 180kmh to be in line with Volvo Cars' zero-fatality aim. The car's four-cylinder engine kicks in seamlessly and makes a stirring, growling sound not dissimilar to that of power plants from Milan or Bologna. And you get to enjoy this aural delight at low engine speeds too. This is a stark difference from the Volvo S60 T8 plug-in hybrid test-driven in August 2020. The S60 T8 – which was supercharged, turbocharged and electrically assisted – did not feel as quick as its 4.4-second century sprint suggested, and it was largely devoid of sound and fury. In the XC60 T8, the engine and motor work beautifully together to make response as instantaneous as an electric vehicle's (EV), and acceleration as tireless as a beefy V8's. The car's maximum torque of 709Nm is attained from 3,000rpm to 4,800rpm, which is a narrower peak band than non-hybrids, but wider than many EVs'. Compact conqueror: The car's turbocharged 2-litre engine is paired with a punchy rear-mounted electric motor. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG There is sufficient shove in any speed. Actually, there is sufficient shove even when the car is driven with its battery depleted (three days out of a four-day test drive). When the battery is not depleted, the test car consumes as little as 5.3 litres/100km. The four-day average works out to 6.9 litres/100km. This could potentially worsen if you continue to drive the car without recharging the battery. Volvo states that the car consumes 1.3 litres/100km and 21.2kWh/100km. This is provided the battery is never allowed to go empty and the car is driven with a relatively light foot, so that its engine is rarely called into service. In this best-case scenario, the XC60 T8, with its 71-litre fuel tank, would pull into a petrol station no more than four times a year – assuming it clocks no more than 50km a day like the average car here. But that is not the way to enjoy this delicious Volvo. Despite its green credentials, the XC60 T8 is really one of the most engaging and entertaining cars to be had. Electric assistance has made this 2-litre four-cylinder feel and sound like a low-key V8, with a generous helping of soul and substance. To drive it purely for efficiency would be a sin. Fashionable fascia: The cockpit is stylish and functional, and keeps up with the look and feel of latter-day Volvos. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG That said, to get the best out of its performance requires its battery to be charged. With an empty battery, the car is but a front-wheel drive, albeit still a pretty sporty one. With a low charging speed of 6.4kW (AC), the Volvo can use a home charger or most public ones. A full charge from empty takes three hours. Elsewhere, the 4,708mm-long, 1,999mm-wide and 1,651mm-tall XC60 T8 is functionally similar to the first facelift of the second-generation car that was reviewed here in 2021. But being a plug-in hybrid, it is around 250kg heavier, at 2,150kg. This makes it 500kg heftier than the Toyota Harrier, which is close to its size. The Volvo has a relatively long wheelbase of 2,865mm. When combined with ample foot recesses under the front seats, it translates to plenty of legroom. Volvo could, however, have taken pains to conceal wirings under the front seats. The car's 598-litre boot will accommodate a bi-fold bicycle with the handlebar intact. Best for two: The second row is adequately roomy, but the centre occupant has noticeably less legroom. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG Cosmetically, the car has the new criss-cross grille seen on the XC90, and darkened rear lights. Inside, the cockpit shows off styling seen in the electric EX30. Compared with the 2021 car, it has a bigger and faster 11.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, a Harman Kardon hi-fi as standard fare and more soundproofing on its A and B pillars. Android Auto requires cable connection, while Apple CarPlay and phone-charging are wireless. You can stream music from your Android phone wirelessly, but reconnection is not automatic. The cabin is surprisingly well insulated against solar heat, and front seats are equipped with ventilation to augment an already powerful air-conditioner . Space to spare: The boot of the XC60 T8 is huge for a car of its size. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG The car rides on 20-inch wheels with low-profile tyres, which are eminently suited to its sporty demeanour. It handles superbly for a sport utility vehicle with a 21cm ground clearance, with a ride quality which is decidedly firm but not uncomfortable. While Singapore may be well suited to plug-in hybrids for the reasons cited at the start of this article, the XC6 0 T8's success here may well lie in its appeal to folks who love brawny, fast cars which look understated. Volvo XC60 T8 PHEV Price: $345,000 with COE, before applicable discounts Engine: 1,969cc 16-valve inline-4 turbocharged with 145hp motor and 18.8kWh battery Transmission: Eight-speed automatic Power: 455hp at 6,000rpm Torque: 709Nm at 3,000-4,800rpm 0-100kmh: 4.9 seconds Top speed: 180kmh (electronically limited) Fuel/power consumption: 1.3 litres/21.2kWh per 100km Charging capacity: 6.4kW (AC) Agent: Wearnes Automotive Rating: ★★★☆☆ Comparable considerations Audi Q5 S-Line 40 TFSI quattro ($353,999 with COE) The Q5 is a competent mid-sized crossover. It is so competent that Porsche uses its platform to build its Macan. A plug-in variant is not available here, but this all-wheel-drive variant matches the XC60 T8's price, though not its performance nor efficiency. It is fairly spacious, but not as spacious as the Volvo. BMW X3 20xDrive M Sport ($358,888 with COE) The X3 is another compact all-wheel-drive crossover that is in the price range of the XC60 T8. But it does not compare well against the Volvo in almost every other aspect. Like Audi, a plug-in hybrid variant is currently unavailable here. Kia Sorento Hybrid SX Tech Pack ($282,999 with COE) The Sorento offers unbeatable bang for the buck. It is a hybrid, but not a plug-in hybrid. This means the car recaptures energy to keep its battery charged. Its tested fuel consumption is better than the XC60 T8's at 6.3 litres/100km. With a 67-litre fuel tank, its range is better than the Volvo's (on a non-stop journey). The Sorento is slightly larger and has three rows of seats, although the last row is best for small children. It is not as fun as the XC60 T8, but shines in the practicality department. Follow Christopher Tan on Instagram @ Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
