Latest news with #Formula1SingaporeGrandPrix
NBC News
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NBC News
Foo Fighters drummer Josh Freese says he was booted from the band
Foo Fighters has parted ways with drummer Josh Freese after roughly two years working together. Freese announced that he was let go on Instagram on Friday. "In my 40 years drumming professionally, I've never been let go from a band, so while I'm not angry — just a bit shocked and disappointed," he wrote. Freese, 52, a veteran drummer who has worked with Nine Inch Nails, Devo and Guns N' Roses, said he enjoyed the past two years with the band and respected its decision to go with another drummer — although a new drummer has yet to be announced. 'The Foo Fighters called me on Monday night to let me know they've 'decided to go in a different direction with their drummer.' No reason was given,' Freese wrote. Freese joined Dave Grohl and Foo Fighters roughly a year after the sudden death of drummer Taylor Hawkins. Earlier this week, Foo Fighters posted on Instagram that the band would perform at the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix — its first show since Grohl announced he had a child outside of his marriage last year. A representative for Foo Fighters did not immediately respond to a request for comment. "But as most of you know," Freese wrote, "I've always worked freelance and bounced between bands, so I'm fine."
Scottish Sun
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Huge rock band fires drummer as devastated musician releases statement breaking silence on his axe
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FOO Fighters have sensationally sacked drummer Josh Freese just two years after he stepped in to replace the late Taylor Hawkins. The Dave Grohl fronted band reportedly called Josh on Monday night to tell him they were 'going in a different direction' with no explanation given. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 5 Josh Freese has been dropped by Foo Fighters Credit: Getty 5 Josh replaced Taylor Hawkins two years after when the musician tragically died 5 Dave Grohl performing with Foo Fighters in 2007 Credit: Getty It comes amid reports of their 2025 tour being cancelled, after Grohl revealed he fathered a baby outside of his marriage. They'll now headline the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix concerts on October 4 without drummer Josh Freese. Josh, 52, shared a picture of his statement revealing his departure from the legendary group, captioning it simply on Instagram: 'Well, there it is.' In the emotional post, he wrote: 'The d called me Monday night to let me know they've decided 'to go in a different direction with their drummer.' No reason was given. :( READ MORE ON THE FOOS PHEW FIGHTERS Foo Fighters 'to take break' after Grohl revealed he'd fathered love child 'Regardless, I enjoyed the past two years with them, both on and off stage, and I support whatever they feel is best for the band. 'In my 40 years of drumming professionally, I've never been let go from a band, so while I'm not angry - just a bit shocked and disappointed. 'But as most of you know, I've always worked freelance and bounced between bands, so, I'm fine. 'Stay tuned for my 'Top 10 possible reasons Josh got booted from the Foo Fighters' list.' Freese had joined the band in 2023 following the tragic death of Taylor Hawkins, who died suddenly while on tour in Colombia in March 2022. Fans and fellow musicians quickly rallied behind Freese, with many stunned by the sudden axe. Dave Grohl's alleged 15-Year affair and secret love child One fan wrote: 'Damn. I became a fan of Josh very quickly after we lost Taylor. Really hoping this is Shane about to take his dad's seat.' Reactions also poured in from well-known names. Mike Portnoy, former drummer for progressive metal band Dream Theater, said:'Damn I'm shocked! You seemed to be the perfect fit!' Comedian and actor Tim Heidecker, known for cult shows like Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!, added: 'Upside is you won't have to hear any of those awful songs!' And Wendi McLendon-Covey, star of Bridesmaids and The Goldbergs, chimed in: 'WTF???!!! But hey, you'll always be fine. You might actually be fishing a billet. Love to you and your family!' The Foo Fighters have yet to comment. Taylor, 50, was found unresponsive in his hotel room. A toxicology report revealed a mix of substances in his system, though no official cause of death was publicly confirmed. Many fans have speculated Taylor's son Shane Hawkins, who wowed crowds drumming in tribute to his dad at the Wembley memorial concert, could now be stepping into the role. 5 Josh standing next to Dave Grohl, with Pat Smear, Chris Shiflett, Rami Jaffee, and Nate Mendel of Foo Fighters in March last year Credit: Getty
The Irish Sun
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Huge rock band fires drummer as devastated musician releases statement breaking silence on his axe
FOO Fighters have sensationally sacked drummer Josh Freese just two years after he stepped in to replace the late Taylor Hawkins. The Advertisement 5 Josh Freese has been dropped by Foo Fighters Credit: Getty 5 Josh replaced Taylor Hawkins two years after when the musician tragically died 5 Dave Grohl performing with Foo Fighters in 2007 Credit: Getty It comes amid reports of their 2025 tour being cancelled, after Grohl revealed he fathered a baby outside of his marriage. They'll now headline the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix concerts on October 4 without drummer Josh Freese. Josh, 52, shared a picture of his statement revealing his departure from the legendary group, captioning it simply on Instagram: 'Well, there it is.' In the emotional post, he wrote: 'The d called me Monday night to let me know they've decided 'to go in a different direction with their drummer.' No reason was given. :( Advertisement READ MORE ON THE FOOS 'Regardless, I enjoyed the past two years with them, both on and off stage, and I support whatever they feel is best for the band. 'In my 40 years of drumming professionally, I've never been let go from a band, so while I'm not angry - just a bit shocked and disappointed. 'But as most of you know, I've always worked freelance and bounced between bands, so, I'm fine. 'Stay tuned for my 'Top 10 possible reasons Josh got booted from the Foo Fighters' list.' Advertisement Most read in Showbiz Freese had joined the band in 2023 following the tragic death of Taylor Hawkins, who died suddenly while on tour in Colombia in March 2022. Fans and fellow musicians quickly rallied behind Freese, with many stunned by the sudden axe. Dave Grohl's alleged 15-Year affair and secret love child One fan wrote: 'Damn. I became a fan of Josh very quickly after we lost Taylor. Really hoping this is Shane about to take his dad's seat.' Reactions also poured in from well-known names. Advertisement Mike Portnoy, former drummer for progressive metal band Dream Theater, said:'Damn I'm shocked! You seemed to be the perfect fit!' Comedian and actor Tim Heidecker, known for cult shows like Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!, added: 'Upside is you won't have to hear any of those awful songs!' And Wendi McLendon-Covey, star of Bridesmaids and The Goldbergs, chimed in: Advertisement 'WTF???!!! But hey, you'll always be fine. You might actually be fishing a billet. Love to you and your family!' The Foo Fighters have yet to comment. Taylor, 50, was found unresponsive in his hotel room. A toxicology report revealed a mix of substances in his system, though no official cause of death was publicly confirmed. Advertisement Many fans have speculated Taylor's son 5 Josh standing next to Dave Grohl, with Pat Smear, Chris Shiflett, Rami Jaffee, and Nate Mendel of Foo Fighters in March last year Credit: Getty 5 Taylor's son Shane played on his behalf at a tribute concert in Wembley Credit: MTV
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
SDP presses PM Wong for answers on ministers' Su Haijin photo controversy; Long A&E wait times hit hospitals: Singapore live news
And that's a wrap. Thanks for tuning in. We'll catch y'all again tomorrow. 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's opposition Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) has called for a public Commission of Inquiry after photographs surfaced showing two ministers and the NTUC Secretary-General dining with convicted money launderer Su Haijin. The SDP is pressing for answers on the purpose of the dinners, whether COVID-19 regulations were breached, and whether the guests were properly vetted. The party emphasised the need to clarify whether the events were attended in an official capacity. The three MPs involved have denied any improper relationships with Su, threatening lawsuit against a Facebook user who falsely accused them of ties to Su. The photos were leaked online by Charles Yeo, a former Reform Party leader. The SDP warns that continued silence from the government could damage Singapore's global reputation for clean governance, pressing Prime Minister Lawrence Wong for answers. Several major hospitals in Singapore are seeing a spike in emergency department visits, with Changi General Hospital (CGH), Sengkang General Hospital (SKH), and Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) warning of longer wait times. Patients with non-urgent symptoms are encouraged to seek care at general practitioners (GPs) or Public Health Preparedness Clinics. The hospitals stress that emergency departments should be reserved for serious or life-threatening cases only. This comes amid concerns over healthcare capacity and workforce strain. Read on what patients need to know now about the A&E overload here. The 2025 Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix is turning up the volume. Foo Fighters, The Smashing Pumpkins, CL, and Alan Walker are among the global powerhouses joining Elton John and G-Dragon for a three-day mega festival from 3-5 October. The event blends high-octane racing with world-class music across multiple stages, featuring names like Babymetal, Crowded House, and The Wombats. From K-pop icons to rock legends and EDM trailblazers, this year's lineup promises to be the most explosive yet. With ticket demand surging, fans are urged to grab passes while they last. Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates. Singapore's opposition Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) is calling for a public Commission of Inquiry after images surfaced showing two ministers and the NTUC chief dining with Su Haijin, a convicted money launderer. In a strongly worded statement, the SDP questioned why Health Minister Ong Ye Kung, Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat, and NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng were pictured with Su, who was part of a $3 billion money laundering ring and allegedly tied to the Fujian gang. The three Singapore MPs are taking legal action against a Facebook user who falsely accused them of ties to Su. The party raised four key issues: the purpose and timing of the dinners, whether COVID-19 rules were breached, guest vetting protocols, and the officials' capacity at the events. The SDP emphasised that silence in the wake of the controversy would undermine Singapore's reputation for incorruptibility. Photos, originally posted by ex-Reform Party chair Charles Yeo, have since gone viral. All officials involved denied any improper relationship with Su and claimed they had no knowledge of his background at the time. The SDP urged Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to directly address the matter, warning that transparency and public accountability are critical in the wake of recent high-profile corruption cases. Singapore's major hospitals are urging the public to avoid emergency departments unless facing life-threatening conditions. Changi General Hospital (CGH), Sengkang General Hospital (SKH), and Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) report a surge in patients, causing unusually long wait times. In social media updates, CGH and SKH advised that only those with serious emergencies should seek care at A&Es. Meanwhile, TTSH's website warns of delays in both consultations and admissions. Those with coughs, sore throats, or other mild symptoms are urged to visit general practitioners or Public Health Preparedness Clinics (PHPCs) instead. These clinics can be located through This move helps healthcare workers focus on critical cases and maintain emergency readiness. Read on why you should skip the A&E for minor symptoms here. Get ready to rock at full throttle. The 2025 Singapore Grand Prix just unveiled a stacked music lineup featuring Foo Fighters, CL and The Smashing Pumpkins. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Foo Fighters (@foofighters) Running from 3-5 October, the star-studded event turns the Marina Bay Street Circuit into a high-octane music festival. Global icons like Alan Walker, Elton John and G-Dragon will share the spotlight with indie darlings and K-pop heavyweights. This year's entertainment will span multiple stages – from the iconic Padang Stage to the more intimate Sunset and Esplanade venues – offering something for every music fan. The lineup also includes Babymetal, Crowded House, Tom Grennan, The Lathums, and Indonesian vocal sensation Putri Ariani. With genres ranging from rock to EDM to neo-soul, it's a cultural mashup worth the pit stop. Tickets are already moving fast. With more acts still to be announced, the Grand Prix weekend is shaping up to be Singapore's biggest party of the year. Singapore's housing market lost more steam in April, with private home sales falling for the second consecutive month amid economic jitters and weak project launches in one of the world's priciest property markets. Developers moved just 663 units, down from 729 in March, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) reported Thursday (15 May). That's still more than double the figure a year ago – but the month-on-month decline suggests buyers are growing cautious. The slowdown comes despite the city-state's red-hot start to 2024. Now, high-end projects are struggling to move units, while a government land plot failed to attract a single bid, a rare miss. Global trade worries and a 2023 hike in stamp duties have taken a toll on foreign interest. Locals, meanwhile, continue to avoid luxury launches, especially those lacking schools and amenities. With more luxury condos set to hit the market, analysts say demand could remain sluggish in the near term. The government, facing mounting affordability concerns, is ramping up land supply – but that may not be enough to reignite momentum. A Singapore maid who stabbed her employer's mother-in-law 26 times had her murder charge reduced to culpable homicide on appeal, after the court found she acted under provocation. According to a report by the Straits Times, Zin Mar Nwe, who was just 17 at the time, feared being sent back to her home country in debt after the victim allegedly threatened to report her to the maid agency. The Court of Appeal ruled that a reasonable person in her shoes could have lost self-control. The Myanmar national had worked for three different employers in five months and claimed she had been scolded and hurt during her stay. Though prosecutors challenged the abuse claims, the court accepted the psychological impact of the repeated threats. She now faces life imprisonment or up to 20 years, with sentencing arguments to follow. Pakistan's reported use of Chinese J-10C fighter jets to shoot down Indian Rafales has sent shockwaves through global defence circles – and bolstered China's position as an emerging military powerhouse. The deadly exchange, part of a broader escalation between India and Pakistan over Kashmir, marked the first known combat deployment of the J-10C and its PL-15 missiles. For Beijing, it was a rare and valuable 'combat lab,' offering insight into how its hardware performs against top-tier Western systems. Military analysts say China is watching closely. While unverified, Pakistan's claims – if true – mean Chinese weapons outgunned French-designed jets India only recently acquired. That has serious implications for air power in Asia, particularly as tensions rise in the Taiwan Strait. The incident rattled markets too. Dassault Aviation, which manufactures the Rafale, saw its stock slump amid doubts about its jet's resilience. Meanwhile, China's Chengdu Aircraft Corporation, which produces the J-10C, saw a spike in investor confidence. Strategists warn the episode may tilt global weapons sales – and battlefield expectations. More than a border clash, this was a live-fire audition for China's arms industry. And Beijing's next customer might be watching. Microsoft is laying off nearly 6,000 employees in its largest workforce reduction since 2023. The cuts, announced Tuesday (13 May), affect 3 per cent of the company's 228,000 workers. The move is part of a broader effort to simplify Microsoft's organisational structure and refocus resources on AI and cloud computing. Roles across LinkedIn, Xbox, and global operations are impacted. These are structural layoffs – not based on individual performance – intended to reduce bureaucracy and accelerate innovation. Around 2,000 of the affected jobs are located at Microsoft's Redmond, Washington headquarters. Despite reporting strong earnings last quarter, executives emphasised the need for agility. CFO Amy Hood said Microsoft is 'reducing layers with fewer managers' to build high-performing teams. Singapore's skyline just got photobombed by a global icon – and it's not your average tourist. In a high-octane video celebrating 70 years of cinematic chaos, Godzilla emerges from Marina Bay, towering over the city's landmarks in a dramatic salute to fans across Southeast Asia. The 55-second clip, released by Japanese studio Toho, showcases Godzilla stomping past Gardens by the Bay and unleashing its signature roar – atomic breath optional. It's the monster's first cinematic visit to Singapore, part of a regional rollout that includes the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur and Bali's serene rice terraces. 'Toho is clearly flexing its creative muscles,' said one local fan, referencing the franchise's evolution from post-WWII nuclear metaphor to pop-culture juggernaut. The company also launched its Southeast Asian hub, Toho Entertainment, in Singapore last year – hinting this may not be Godzilla's last visit. This isn't Singapore's first kaiju cameo. In 2021, Ultraman battled a Godzilla-like creature at Gardens by the Bay in a tourism promo. And who could forget the Republic of Singapore Navy's cheeky 'Top Secret Ops Godzilla' spoof, which aired during the release of "Godzilla Minus One"? Whether he's levelling cities or landmarks, Godzilla's Southeast Asian rampage proves one thing: the monster's reign is far from over – and Singapore's right in the middle of the action. A fake call. A fake investigation. A near-loss of $100,000. But one Singapore woman was saved – thanks to vigilant banking and law enforcement. The 64-year-old received a call from scammers posing as her bank and MAS officials. They told her she was under investigation for laundering money and had to transfer funds to prove her innocence. She followed instructions – but DBS Bank's Anti-Scam team smelled trouble. Working with the Anti-Scam Centre, they froze the transaction just in time. Scam losses in Singapore have soared, reaching S$1.1 billion (US$822) million in 2024. In response, banks are supporting police powers to freeze suspect accounts more swiftly. Singapore is weighing caning as punishment for those behind major scam operations. If you suspect a scam, you can call ScamShield Helpline at 1799 or visit the ScamShield website. Singapore has a new automotive king – and it's electric. BYD has overtaken Toyota to become the top-selling car brand in the country so far in 2025. With 3,002 cars sold in just four months, BYD captured a fifth of the total market, leapfrogging legacy brands and putting rivals like Tesla in the rearview. Backed by sleek models and green incentives, BYD's meteoric rise reflects changing consumer behaviour in a market long dominated by internal combustion engines. Its success also underscores China's growing clout in the global EV race. Even in a city where cars cost more than condos, BYD's competitively priced EVs are resonating. The brand's swift expansion into premium offerings like the Denza D9 MPV is also turning heads. But will the lead last? Tesla's new launches and an evolving regulatory landscape may bring fresh competition. Singapore's opposition Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) is calling for a public Commission of Inquiry after images surfaced showing two ministers and the NTUC chief dining with Su Haijin, a convicted money launderer. In a strongly worded statement, the SDP questioned why Health Minister Ong Ye Kung, Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat, and NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng were pictured with Su, who was part of a $3 billion money laundering ring and allegedly tied to the Fujian gang. The three Singapore MPs are taking legal action against a Facebook user who falsely accused them of ties to Su. The party raised four key issues: the purpose and timing of the dinners, whether COVID-19 rules were breached, guest vetting protocols, and the officials' capacity at the events. The SDP emphasised that silence in the wake of the controversy would undermine Singapore's reputation for incorruptibility. Photos, originally posted by ex-Reform Party chair Charles Yeo, have since gone viral. All officials involved denied any improper relationship with Su and claimed they had no knowledge of his background at the time. The SDP urged Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to directly address the matter, warning that transparency and public accountability are critical in the wake of recent high-profile corruption cases. Singapore's major hospitals are urging the public to avoid emergency departments unless facing life-threatening conditions. Changi General Hospital (CGH), Sengkang General Hospital (SKH), and Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) report a surge in patients, causing unusually long wait times. In social media updates, CGH and SKH advised that only those with serious emergencies should seek care at A&Es. Meanwhile, TTSH's website warns of delays in both consultations and admissions. Those with coughs, sore throats, or other mild symptoms are urged to visit general practitioners or Public Health Preparedness Clinics (PHPCs) instead. These clinics can be located through This move helps healthcare workers focus on critical cases and maintain emergency readiness. Read on why you should skip the A&E for minor symptoms here. Get ready to rock at full throttle. The 2025 Singapore Grand Prix just unveiled a stacked music lineup featuring Foo Fighters, CL and The Smashing Pumpkins. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Foo Fighters (@foofighters) Running from 3-5 October, the star-studded event turns the Marina Bay Street Circuit into a high-octane music festival. Global icons like Alan Walker, Elton John and G-Dragon will share the spotlight with indie darlings and K-pop heavyweights. This year's entertainment will span multiple stages – from the iconic Padang Stage to the more intimate Sunset and Esplanade venues – offering something for every music fan. The lineup also includes Babymetal, Crowded House, Tom Grennan, The Lathums, and Indonesian vocal sensation Putri Ariani. With genres ranging from rock to EDM to neo-soul, it's a cultural mashup worth the pit stop. Tickets are already moving fast. With more acts still to be announced, the Grand Prix weekend is shaping up to be Singapore's biggest party of the year. Singapore's housing market lost more steam in April, with private home sales falling for the second consecutive month amid economic jitters and weak project launches in one of the world's priciest property markets. Developers moved just 663 units, down from 729 in March, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) reported Thursday (15 May). That's still more than double the figure a year ago – but the month-on-month decline suggests buyers are growing cautious. The slowdown comes despite the city-state's red-hot start to 2024. Now, high-end projects are struggling to move units, while a government land plot failed to attract a single bid, a rare miss. Global trade worries and a 2023 hike in stamp duties have taken a toll on foreign interest. Locals, meanwhile, continue to avoid luxury launches, especially those lacking schools and amenities. With more luxury condos set to hit the market, analysts say demand could remain sluggish in the near term. The government, facing mounting affordability concerns, is ramping up land supply – but that may not be enough to reignite momentum. A Singapore maid who stabbed her employer's mother-in-law 26 times had her murder charge reduced to culpable homicide on appeal, after the court found she acted under provocation. According to a report by the Straits Times, Zin Mar Nwe, who was just 17 at the time, feared being sent back to her home country in debt after the victim allegedly threatened to report her to the maid agency. The Court of Appeal ruled that a reasonable person in her shoes could have lost self-control. The Myanmar national had worked for three different employers in five months and claimed she had been scolded and hurt during her stay. Though prosecutors challenged the abuse claims, the court accepted the psychological impact of the repeated threats. She now faces life imprisonment or up to 20 years, with sentencing arguments to follow. Pakistan's reported use of Chinese J-10C fighter jets to shoot down Indian Rafales has sent shockwaves through global defence circles – and bolstered China's position as an emerging military powerhouse. The deadly exchange, part of a broader escalation between India and Pakistan over Kashmir, marked the first known combat deployment of the J-10C and its PL-15 missiles. For Beijing, it was a rare and valuable 'combat lab,' offering insight into how its hardware performs against top-tier Western systems. Military analysts say China is watching closely. While unverified, Pakistan's claims – if true – mean Chinese weapons outgunned French-designed jets India only recently acquired. That has serious implications for air power in Asia, particularly as tensions rise in the Taiwan Strait. The incident rattled markets too. Dassault Aviation, which manufactures the Rafale, saw its stock slump amid doubts about its jet's resilience. Meanwhile, China's Chengdu Aircraft Corporation, which produces the J-10C, saw a spike in investor confidence. Strategists warn the episode may tilt global weapons sales – and battlefield expectations. More than a border clash, this was a live-fire audition for China's arms industry. And Beijing's next customer might be watching. Microsoft is laying off nearly 6,000 employees in its largest workforce reduction since 2023. The cuts, announced Tuesday (13 May), affect 3 per cent of the company's 228,000 workers. The move is part of a broader effort to simplify Microsoft's organisational structure and refocus resources on AI and cloud computing. Roles across LinkedIn, Xbox, and global operations are impacted. These are structural layoffs – not based on individual performance – intended to reduce bureaucracy and accelerate innovation. Around 2,000 of the affected jobs are located at Microsoft's Redmond, Washington headquarters. Despite reporting strong earnings last quarter, executives emphasised the need for agility. CFO Amy Hood said Microsoft is 'reducing layers with fewer managers' to build high-performing teams. Singapore's skyline just got photobombed by a global icon – and it's not your average tourist. In a high-octane video celebrating 70 years of cinematic chaos, Godzilla emerges from Marina Bay, towering over the city's landmarks in a dramatic salute to fans across Southeast Asia. The 55-second clip, released by Japanese studio Toho, showcases Godzilla stomping past Gardens by the Bay and unleashing its signature roar – atomic breath optional. It's the monster's first cinematic visit to Singapore, part of a regional rollout that includes the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur and Bali's serene rice terraces. 'Toho is clearly flexing its creative muscles,' said one local fan, referencing the franchise's evolution from post-WWII nuclear metaphor to pop-culture juggernaut. The company also launched its Southeast Asian hub, Toho Entertainment, in Singapore last year – hinting this may not be Godzilla's last visit. This isn't Singapore's first kaiju cameo. In 2021, Ultraman battled a Godzilla-like creature at Gardens by the Bay in a tourism promo. And who could forget the Republic of Singapore Navy's cheeky 'Top Secret Ops Godzilla' spoof, which aired during the release of "Godzilla Minus One"? Whether he's levelling cities or landmarks, Godzilla's Southeast Asian rampage proves one thing: the monster's reign is far from over – and Singapore's right in the middle of the action. A fake call. A fake investigation. A near-loss of $100,000. But one Singapore woman was saved – thanks to vigilant banking and law enforcement. The 64-year-old received a call from scammers posing as her bank and MAS officials. They told her she was under investigation for laundering money and had to transfer funds to prove her innocence. She followed instructions – but DBS Bank's Anti-Scam team smelled trouble. Working with the Anti-Scam Centre, they froze the transaction just in time. Scam losses in Singapore have soared, reaching S$1.1 billion (US$822) million in 2024. In response, banks are supporting police powers to freeze suspect accounts more swiftly. Singapore is weighing caning as punishment for those behind major scam operations. If you suspect a scam, you can call ScamShield Helpline at 1799 or visit the ScamShield website. Singapore has a new automotive king – and it's electric. BYD has overtaken Toyota to become the top-selling car brand in the country so far in 2025. With 3,002 cars sold in just four months, BYD captured a fifth of the total market, leapfrogging legacy brands and putting rivals like Tesla in the rearview. Backed by sleek models and green incentives, BYD's meteoric rise reflects changing consumer behaviour in a market long dominated by internal combustion engines. Its success also underscores China's growing clout in the global EV race. Even in a city where cars cost more than condos, BYD's competitively priced EVs are resonating. The brand's swift expansion into premium offerings like the Denza D9 MPV is also turning heads. But will the lead last? Tesla's new launches and an evolving regulatory landscape may bring fresh competition.
Business Times
15-05-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Singtel's new 5G+ Priority plans are key for its premium customer push
[SINGAPORE] Premium customers remain top of mind for Singtel with new 5G+ Priority plans. The new plans promising faster streaming speeds and priority access to the network were launched on Thursday (May 15). They offer customers four times faster speeds and ultra-low latency, which translates to smoother streaming speeds, ultra-responsive gaming and uninterrupted video calls. There is also guaranteed network access in high-traffic areas and during peak hours by giving these customers priority to the network. Besides elevated connectivity and speed, 5G+ Priority customers will also have access to priority services in Singtel shops, hotlines and chat support for assistance. There is also enhanced digital security for local users and those roaming overseas with 24/7 detection and blocking against cyber threats and malicious content. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up Existing customers on SIM-only Plus and Ultra, L plans and above were upgraded for free to Singtel 5G+ Priority in the first week of May. 'We want to be able to show customer appreciation,' said Ng Tian Chong, CEO of Singtel. For customers spending on higher-tiered plans, Ng added that they should get the performance they pay for. 'Singapore airline customers, for example, enjoy flying…compared to other airlines in general,' noted Ng. 'It could be a premium, but they get good service, (a) good programme and so on.' This includes enterprise customers like Hyundai, who have been tapping onto its 5G+ networks to pilot its smart factory: the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center. Ng noted that they had many enterprise customers who are adopting or using the capabilities of Singtel's 5G network. 'We do see ROI (return on investment) in this, and our progress has been good,' he added. For price-conscious customers, Singtel does offer different plans of varying price points, Ng noted. What sets Singtel apart is offering top-of-the-line services for different customer segments. The phone plans for 5G+ Priority range from S$62 per month to S$288 per month while the SIM-only plans range from S$35 per month to S$80 per month. The 5G+ upgrade was pushed out earlier in February, when Singtel deployed the 700 megahertz spectrum, which it was granted in October 2024. This increases connectivity islandwide by 40 per cent within high-rise buildings, underground areas and remote areas. Part of the network upgrade was the deployment of network slicing for its customers. Network slicing is a 5G technology that was mostly used by businesses to overcome congestion for high-speed critical applications. The technology provides customers with a 'slice' of the network that can adapt to their specific needs in real time. In recent years, Singtel has deployed network slicing at major events such as the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix, the National Day Parade, and international concert tours. Shares of Singtel closed flat at S$3.75 on Thursday.
