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Straits Times
10 hours ago
- Science
- Straits Times
First fungi survey in Southern Islands in over a century yields species new to S'pore
The National Parks Board said the findings showed that even though the islands are small, they are rich in biodiversity. PHOTO: JONATHAN TAN First fungi survey in Southern Islands in over a century yields species new to S'pore SINGAPORE – The rounded fungus the colour of a dried up leaf is easy to miss on the earthen trail, especially at first glance. But it did not go unnoticed by keen-eyed researchers embarking on the first fungi survey of Singapore's Southern Islands in over a century, who later identified it as a specimen of the horse dung fungus. It turned out to be a new record not just for the isles fringing the mainland's southern coast, but the whole of Singapore. The last of such surveys was conducted in the 1910s on Pulau Blakang Mati, now known as Sentosa. It was one of the key findings of the Southern Islands Biodiversity Survey, released by the National Parks Board (NParks) on May 31, the first day of the two-day Festival of Biodiversity held at the National Library Building. The event – an annual celebration of the community's efforts to conserve Singapore's natural heritage – was attended by newly minted National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat. NParks is an agency under his ministry. Speaking at the festival, Mr Chee said the survey was the largest of its kind in the Southern Islands, and offers valuable insights into local species and ecosystems. This could help guide conservation and management efforts for both land and sea habitats. 'The findings are remarkable... (and) highlight the rich and diverse biodiversity that depend on these habitats,' he said. The terrestrial and marine habitats of 17 islands and one patch reef – Cyrene Reef – were surveyed during the study. The horse dung fungus – so called for its resemblance to horse droppings – was spotted on Lazarus Island and Pulau Tekukor during the survey led by NParks from January 2020 to March 2022. The horse dung fungus was spotted on Lazarus Island and Pulau Tekukor. PHOTO: LUA HOCK KEONG A total of 44 native animal species that were previously unrecorded in the Southern Islands were documented. These include the white-throated needletail, a fast-flying bird, and a mollusc called the money cowrie, which was sighted at Cyrene Reef near Tuas after two decades. The money cowrie was sighted at Cyrene Reef near Tuas after two decades. PHOTO: JONATHAN TAN A locally critically endangered climber plant (Paramignya scandens var. ridleyi) was also spotted for the first time on Lazarus Island during the survey in 2020. In total, the survey compiled more than 9,000 records for the flora database, which includes plants, macroalgae and fungi, and over 20,000 fauna records. It also recorded 18 critically endangered and 38 endangered animal species on the Southern Islands. These include insects like the banded swallowtail butterfly, reptiles such as the Gimlett's reed snake and hawksbill turtle, birds like the great-billed heron and ruddy kingfisher, and marine life such as the knobbly sea star and Neptune's cup sponge. Great-billed herons, which are critically endangered, sighted at Pulau Jong. PHOTO: JONATHAN TAN Value of research NParks said the findings showed that even though the islands are small, they are rich in biodiversity. For example, they were found to support 172 native bird species, which constitute 40 per cent of Singapore's avian biodiversity. The release of the survey findings, which comes ahead of World Ocean Day celebrated worldwide on June 8, also shed light on the biodiversity of the marine realm. Researchers found that the islands are home to 26 out of 35 species of true mangroves, and nine out of 12 local seagrass species. Two under-studied islands – Pulau Berkas and Pulau Salu – were also found during the survey to be host to various seagrass species. These observations are the first records of seagrass in these areas. Tape seagrass and spoon seagrass were found on both islands. Needle seagrass was recorded on Pulau Berkas and sickle seagrass on Pulau Salu. Two under-studied islands – Pulau Berkas and Pulau Salu – were also found during the survey to be host to various seagrass species, like the tape seagrass (above). PHOTO: RACHEL MARK Gaining a better understanding of seagrass distribution around the area can guide policies on their protection, management and restoration, said the NParks, adding that this ensures the long-term conservation of these important ecosystems. Apart from guiding future research and monitoring changes in the natural environment, the survey findings also aid in identifying conservation priorities, NParks added. For example, information collected during the survey contributed to plans for Singapore's second marine park. Then National Development Minister Desmond Lee had in May 2024 announced plans to designate the southern part of Lazarus Island and the reef off Kusu Island as the Republic's second marine park. The first is the Sisters' Islands Marine Park . During the event, Mr Chee also announced the establishment of the Singapore Species Specialist Group under the ambit of the International Union for Conservation of Nature – one of the world's largest environmental networks. The group comprises more than 100 experts and specialists from academia, nature community and government. Mr Chee said the group will regularly review the conservation status of local species. Mr Chee Hong Tat, Minister for National Development, speaking at the Festival of Biodiversity 2025 at the National Library Building on May 31. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI Speaking to The Straits Times, Dr Karenne Tun, group director of the National Biodiversity Centre at NParks, said insights gleaned during such surveys will also support biodiversity research and conservation efforts across the broader South-east Asian region. She said when researchers rediscovered the Neptune's cup sponge – a species once thought extinct – in Singapore and Cambodia, scientists began to map where it might still exist and what habitats it prefers. The marine creature – a major food source for the critically endangered hawksbill turtle – was rediscovered in 2011 in Singapore's waters. Key areas for turtle conservation, including nesting grounds in nearby countries like Malaysia and Indonesia, can be identified since researchers know where these sponges thrive. 'So all this information provides the basis of making local conservation plans and decisions... It also helps other countries understand their own environment and come up with their own conservation plans,' Dr Tun said. Field work and data collection on the southern islands was done by more than 40 researchers, students and academics from NParks, the National University of Singapore, and Nanyang Technological University, as well as other volunteers. The findings will be released in two phases. The first comprising 16 chapters is available in an e-publication accessible on the NParks' website at The second phase, covering the remaining three chapters on terrestrial plants, other insects and the conclusion, will be released by the end of 2025. Ms Lisa Lim, a primary school science teacher, has been volunteering her time conducting intertidal surveys for more than a decade. She told ST that being part of the Southern Islands biodiversity survey gave volunteers rare access to offshore islands usually closed to the public. She said many may assume that there is little marine life in these places because they are inaccessible. She said she hopes the findings will raise public awareness to stave off land reclamation in these areas, as these hidden ecosystems are thriving and worth protecting. 'It's as rich, if not richer. Because there is less disturbance and lesser human impact, which is the worst thing,' she added. Elisha Tushara is a correspondent at The Straits Times, specialising in Singapore's education landscape. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Independent Singapore
a day ago
- Business
- Independent Singapore
Two speeds, one city: Singapore's divergent property markets
Resale flat prices in Singapore's public Housing and Development Board (HDB) market are expected to moderate, but the island's 'two-speed' private property market presents a mixed scenario. The good news comes from the government — and the less upbeat from international media. HDB resale prices are likely to ease as more flats reach their minimum occupation period (MOP) starting next year, Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat said on Wednesday (May 28) in his first media comments since assuming his role. The five-year MOP is the minimum time new flat owners must wait before selling. This coming wave of resale flats, combined with the steady launch of Build-to-Order (BTO) flats — 19,600 planned for 2025, and 102,300 launched between 2021 and 2025 — is expected to relieve upward pressure on prices. Signs of this cooling are already apparent. HDB data for Q1 2025 showed resale prices rising just 1.6 per cent — the slowest increase since Q4 2023. Public resale transactions rose 2.6 per cent to 6,590 in Q1 2025, up from 6,424 in the previous quarter. Year-on-year, however, sales were down 6.8 per cent. According to a February report by property agency OrangeTee, the number of flats reaching MOP will fall for a third straight year — from 30,920 in 2022 to 6,974 in 2025. That's the lowest in 11 years, with only 5,301 units hitting MOP in 2014. Still, analysts believe a sharp spike in resale prices is 'unlikely', thanks to the continued supply of BTO flats. In contrast, Singapore's private housing sector is running at two speeds. While demand for mass-market suburban homes remains strong among locals, the high-end condo segment — once buoyed by foreign money — is more sluggish. A split market Bloomberg columnist Andy Mukherjee notes this divergence began two years ago, when Singapore doubled stamp duties on foreign buyers to 60%. The move cooled the once red-hot luxury segment, especially among Chinese investors. As a result, luxury condo prices rose just 19% over five years, while mass-market homes jumped 46%. Still, new private home sales fell slightly in April, dipping to 663 units from 729 in March. Much of this is due to the heavy supply of high-end city-centre units, which lack the pull of more affordable suburban offerings. Indeed, earlier in the year, launches in the east and northeast posted striking take-up rates of 90% to 95%. Fuelled by HDB gains The resilience of suburban private housing is closely tied to the thriving HDB resale market, according to Mukherjee. Prices of HDB flats have outpaced private homes since the pandemic, enabling many Singaporeans to unlock capital gains after meeting their five-year MOP. These gains are often reinvested in private property. Forecasts differ — Savills projects up to 7% growth in private home prices this year, while Bloomberg Intelligence suggests a more modest 3%. But underlying demand remains strong. Singapore's low unemployment (just over 2%) and a 20% rise in median household income since the pandemic support this trend, says Mukherjee. Buyers are now accustomed to paying over S$2,000 ($1,550) per square foot even in outlying areas, particularly where infrastructure and amenities are improving. One-bedroom units outside the central zone are in high demand — a sign of a healthy appetite for investment and rental properties. Featured image by Depositphotos (for illustration purposes only)
Independent Singapore
a day ago
- Business
- Independent Singapore
‘Big party promotion!': Singaporeans react to Desmond Lee's appointment as PAP chair, but some look for DPM Gan
SINGAPORE: The ruling People's Action Party (PAP) announced on Thursday (May 29) changes to its Central Executive Committee (CEC). Significantly, the PAP said it appointed a new chairman, Desmond Lee, the Education Minister. Other changes include the appointment of Health Minister Ong Ye Kung as Party Treasurer, and Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat has taken over as assistant treasurer. Minister of State for National Development and Trade and Industry Alvin Tan, meanwhile, is now the head of Young PAP, and Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs Faishal, who has been appointed chairperson of the PAP Malay Affairs Bureau, will now be part of the CEC. Mr Lee had previously been the party's assistant secretary-general. He replaces former Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, who retired before this year's General Election. 'The CEC expressed its appreciation to outgoing chairman Mr Heng Swee Keat for his years of leadership and service to the Party and Singapore, and wished him a fulfilling retirement from politics,' the party said in a statement on its website. Some commenters reacting to the announcement from the PAP appear to feel that this is a major step up for Mr Lee. 'This is a big party promotion for the son of Lee Yock Suan. This adds to his promotion to Minister for Education, which is one of the big four portfolios (finance, defence, home affairs, and education),' wrote a Reddit user. Lee Yock Suan, the minister's father, was a longtime Member of Parliament (MP) and Cabinet member, having served as Minister for Labour and Minister for Education, among other roles. He retired from politics in 2006. Others noted that the younger Mr Lee's new role as Education Minister is a significant one as well. 'MOE sets the ethos for the future generation of the country. It is a heavy responsibility, like defence and finance. This is why all potential leaders of the country have been picked to helm MOE at some point (in) their political career (e.g., Chan Chun Sing, Heng Swee Keat, Tharman, Ong Ye Kung, Lawrence Wong),' one wrote. 'If we go further back, Tony Tan and Goh Keng Swee were also education ministers before,' another pointed out. One chimed in to say, 'The GE showed his pull in West Coast and from those who have worked with him, he is well regarded, albeit someone that is more of a quiet technocrat. Though he tends to be understated, his trajectory remains constant and will likely continue to be a presence, especially in the 4-5G and the PAP. All the more so given his age.' The commenter added that Mr Lee reminded them a little of Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong. Speaking of Mr Gan, some Facebook users wondered why he is not in the PAP CEC. 'Didn't see DPM Gan in the slate? What happened?' one wrote. 'Where is the task force man?' another echoed. /TISG Read also: Desmond Lee: The Dark Horse in the Cabinet
AsiaOne
2 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@
Malay Mail
2 days ago
- General
- Malay Mail
Singapore's PAP names education minister Desmond Lee as new chairman, succeeding former DPM Heng
SINGAPORE, May 29 — Singapore's Education Minister Desmond Lee has been appointed as the new chairman of the ruling People's Action Party (PAP), effective Thursday. Lee succeeds former Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, who has retired from politics. 'The PAP Central Executive Committee (CEC) expressed its appreciation to out-going chairman Mr Heng Swee Keat for his years of leadership and service to the Party and Singapore, and wished him a fulfilling retirement from politics,' the party said in a statement yesterday. The PAP CEC also appointed Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Health Minister Ong Ye Kung as party treasurer, and National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat as assistant treasurer. Meanwhile, Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs, Assoc. Prof. Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, has been co-opted as a new CEC member and additionally appointed as PAP Malay Affairs Bureau chairperson. — Bernama
