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Straits Times
27-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Use AI to keep jobs, boost healthcare, curb climate change to maximise good: President Tharman
SINGAPORE - Artificial intelligence (AI) can enable displaced workers to find new meaningful jobs in other sectors and not resort to 'flipping burgers' after their previous jobs are disrupted by rapid technological developments, said President Tharman Shanmugaratnam. Speaking at the opening gala for Singapore's 5th annual tech conference Asia Tech x Singapore on May 27, Mr Tharman noted the need for systematic training involving governments and the industry to level up displaced workers' skills. 'If there are some people displaced in one sector because of creative disruption, how do they get deployed, not just into flipping burgers, but into new jobs in other sectors,' said Mr Tharman, urging the audience to think about productivity more broadly. 'It's productivity for the workforce at large... to maximise our potential to create good jobs for everyone who wishes to be in the workforce,' he said. Speaking at the Fullerton Bay Hotel, Mr Tharman said that AI is driving productivity in factories, call centres and banks, but the progress is not necessarily translating into more jobs that ensure the workforce is productive, such as to create new jobs. Productivity for human society is one of three areas he cited where global consensus can be attained to maximize the good of AI, and minimise the risk of AI harms. In his half-hour speech to policymakers, tech leaders and industry guests, Mr Tharman said the other two areas are in healthcare and climate change. Specifically, AI can aid in early disease detection and easing pressures on healthcare systems. AI also has the potential to improve energy efficiency to curb climate change. Organised by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), the conference is expected to host 3,500 attendees from around the world who will attend panels and discussions on AI governance and innovation in the technology sector between May 27 to 29. Executives from major tech companies like OpenAI, Microsoft and Google are also scheduled to attend panel discussions that address pressing issues in tech. Mr Tharman highlighted opportunities where AI can improve healthcare, such as to spot and treat diseases and support healthcare systems. He said: 'We need to take it much, much further and ensure that safety is ensured through regulation of AI in healthcare.' Tougher regulation is necessary to bring AI's impact on the healthcare sector further, so that trust in healthcare systems is preserved, said Mr Tharman, citing Singapore's efforts to introduce guidelines in healthcare for developers and users. For instance, developers are obliged to gather feedback from clinicians and patients on their apps, to build confidence in using such systems. Humanity's fight against climate change, too, stands to gain from AI innovation, even as intensifying AI use requires high amounts of water and energy to support its computing. Yet, AI is key to monitoring the levels of environmental degradation and to improve energy efficiency across the economy, such as to enable more productive food systems so that resources in forests are not depleted unsustainably, said Mr Tharman. In spite of the advantages that AI can bring, there are risks that society must come together to address. Mr Tharman said that among the risks is the use of AI-generated content, together with social media platforms and rogue actors, to spread disinformation that can erode trust in democracy. Mr Tharman said: 'They are forcing people into bubbles and hardening divisions within society… We do not yet have a solution to this but it is a dangerous problem .' He also warned that AI risks transforming warfare for the worst - an urgent issue that the United States and China, in particular, must discuss to find ways to control the use of AI in war. To achieve these objectives, industries must start to act sectorally to use AI to address issues within each field, such as to address the needs and spur innovation within agriculture, healthcare and climate change, Mr Tharman said. He suggested developing multilateral governments and coalitions among policymakers, scientists, tech players and civil society who can iron out guidelines and common standards for AI. Momentum for coalitions in the tech industry is building, said Mr Tharman. Scientists and members of the global tech sector gathered here for the Singapore Conference on AI in April to discuss the priorities for global AI safety research, which Mr Tharman described as a good example of what it takes to work together. Mr Tharman said: 'We need some form of calibration, of consensus-based guidance. Some way in which coalitions of the willing come together so that we can maximize the good and minimise the risk of the worst. We can't leave it to the jungle.' Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
CNA
20-05-2025
- Business
- CNA
Singapore, the Netherlands mark 60 years of bilateral ties with new economic partnerships
SINGAPORE: New business partnerships between Dutch and Singapore companies were inked on Monday (May 19) as both countries celebrated 60 years of diplomatic ties. Singapore's Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations Grace Fu said the country is committed to growing such partnerships by leveraging on both nations' strategic locations. These new partnerships, including one between a Singaporean software firm and a Dutch-founded travel app, were launched across the semiconductor and tourism industries. In a speech at a showcase lunch held at Fullerton Bay Hotel, Ms Fu highlighted the deep economic ties between Singapore and the Netherlands that stretch back several decades. For example, Dutch multinational health technology firm Phillips set up shop in Singapore in 1951 before establishing its first manufacturing facility in Boon Keng in 1968, she noted. 'These early investments reflect the long-standing trust and cooperation between our two countries,' Ms Fu said. The Netherlands is now Singapore's second largest European Union investor and the second largest investment destination for Singapore within the bloc, she said, adding that both countries are strengthening collaboration in sustainability, digitalisation and innovation. 'Initiatives like the Singapore-Rotterdam green and digital shipping corridor … reflect our shared ambition to pioneer solutions in areas such as sustainable shipping, advanced manufacturing and smart mobility," added Ms Fu, who is also Minister for Sustainability and the Environment. SEMICONDUCTOR PARTNERSHIPS A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between Dutch manufacturer of lithography equipment SCIL Nanoimprint and Singapore Deep-Tech Alliance (SDTA), a locally-based venture investor focusing on developing and supporting cutting-edge technologies. The MOU will allow SCIL, which makes advanced nanoimprint lithography equipment, to expand into Singapore and the Southeast Asian region via SDTA's partnership with another Dutch venture investor HighTechXL. HighTechXL counts ASML, the world's biggest supplier of computer chip-making equipment, among its shareholders and investors. Another tie-up is between Dutch company Sioux Technologies and local firm Applied Angstrom Technology Pte Ltd. Both companies signed a Letter of Intent for a research and development programme. They will be collaborating on a joint semiconductor control platform. TOURISM VENTURES An agreement was also signed between Dutch company Meetingselect, a global meeting and event venue booking marketplace, and local hospitality group Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MHR). Both firms are working on a global venue partnership, with Meetingselect's customers being offered destination experiences and venues via MHR's 145 hotels and properties worldwide. Another tourism collaboration was marked by a contract signing between local software company GlobalTix and Dutch-founded travel app and telecom provider Firsty. Both companies are now able to increase reach and access for their users by tapping on each other's technologies to provide booking and ticketing services. BILATERAL SUPPORT VITAL FOR EXPANSION Two other Singapore companies that have integrated their businesses in the Netherlands told CNA about their positive experience with setting up operations, as well as the support they received from government agencies in both countries. Local battery manufacturer Durapower expanded to the Netherlands a decade ago and has been operating there since, aligning with the European country's push for electrification. The firm started off by powering electric buses and trucks. It currently also supplies batteries for autonomous vehicles at the port of Rotterdam, as well as cranes and marine vessels. Durapower's CEO Kelvin Lim told CNA that it was quite an efficient process to set up a business in the Netherlands. 'We didn't have a lot of challenges … with regards to registration. We had a lot of help from NFIA (Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency), both from Singapore and from the Netherlands. We also (had) great support from Enterprise Singapore,' he said. He added that the assistance provided to Durapower made the process very easy and efficient, and noted that the Netherlands remains a business-friendly gateway to the rest of the region. "Europe remains a very important market for us and as we expand into the other parts of Europe, we wanted to use (the) Netherlands as our base and create a network effect to enable us to expand further,' he said. Mr Lim added that the firm is planning to expand its team in the Netherlands, as well as set up local manufacturing capabilities in the future. Durapower also took part in a Letter of Intent signing during the showcase event. Another company that received support from Singapore and Dutch agencies during its expansion to the Netherlands was global logistics service provider BHS, which provides specialised engineered solutions for semiconductor factories. The company said it ensures safe, precise and reliable handling of critical manufacturing assets for such factories. The firm marked its first step into Europe with its move to the Netherlands last year. Enterprise Singapore and NIFA provided regulatory and migration support to BHS for their move, which brought the company closer to its clients and deeper into the market. The company said such support is crucial for any business looking to expand into the Netherlands, where it has recently established an engineering centre. NFIA also highlighted its support in assisting BHS with establishing an entity in the Netherlands, noting the company's strengthening of the Dutch semiconductor value chain. "Netherlands is one of the biggest hubs for technology,' said its CEO Mr Bryan Lim. 'Startups - there are aplenty. We're hoping to see whether we can support those internationalising companies moving out of the Netherlands, going to the countries that we are already having an office in.'
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Preferred Hotels & Resorts Announces 2025 Awards of Excellence at the Preferred Global Conference in Singapore
NEW YORK, May 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the world's largest independent hotel brand, is pleased to announce the winners of its 2025 Preferred Awards of Excellence. The awards were presented on May 15 at The Fullerton Bay Hotel at the closing ceremony of the 2025 Preferred Global Conference. Guided by the vision and brand ethos of 'Believe in Travel,' these awards celebrate hotels that go above and beyond excellence in luxury and service. They honor properties that challenge convention and redefine the guest experience through innovation and creativity. This recognition reflects the dynamic nature of hospitality, where staying ahead means continuously adapting to the evolving aspirations of today's travelers. 'It is a true honor to recognize the recipients of the 2025 Awards of Excellence — remarkable hoteliers whose passion, innovation, and unwavering commitment to independent hospitality are shaping the future of our industry," said Lindsey Ueberroth, Chief Executive Officer of Preferred Hotels & Resorts. "Their innovation, dedication, and pursuit of excellence not only set new benchmarks for luxury and service but also serve as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact travel has on individuals and communities worldwide. I am proud to recognize their contributions, which inspire us all to embrace the possibilities of the future, continue raising the standard for what hospitality can achieve, and build authority as a leading voice on the state of the luxury travel market." The 2025 Preferred Global Conference took place from May 13–15 in Singapore, hosted at two iconic members of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts' prestigious Legend Collection — The Fullerton Hotel Singapore and its sister property, The Fullerton Bay Hotel. The conference concluded with a closing ceremony and awards presentation on May 15 at The Fullerton Bay Hotel. Celebrated among an audience of more than 320 hospitality industry leaders, renowned speakers, media, and independent hoteliers from around the world, the awards highlighted the innovative approaches shaping the future of the independent hotel sector. The event underscored the brand's ongoing commitment to its 'Believe in Travel' vision, with a focus on elevating the guest experience and driving meaningful, positive change across the industry. 2025 Preferred Awards of ExcellenceThe Preferred Awards of Excellence recognize member hotels that exemplify excellence within the Preferred Hotels & Resorts global portfolio and inspire the global travel community to pursue #ThePreferredLife. Spanning from New Hotel of the Year to I Prefer Hotel of the Year, the following member properties and hoteliers within the Preferred Hotels & Resorts were honored this year: Hotelier of the Year: Anuraag Bhatnagar, CEO of The Leela Palaces. Hotels and Resorts Hotel of the Year – Overall: Castelfalfi (Montaione, Italy), Legend CollectionHotel of the Year – United States & Canada: The Global Ambassador (Phoenix, United States), Legend CollectionHotel of the Year – Latin America (Mexico, Central, & South America): Rancho Santana (Tola, Nicaragua), L.V.X. CollectionHotel of the Year – Europe: The Alpina Gstaad (Alpina, Switzerland), Legend CollectionHotel of the Year – Asia Pacific: The Fullerton Hotel Singapore and The Fullerton Bay Hotel (Singapore), Legend CollectionHotel of the Year – South Asia, Middle East and Africa: Al Habtoor Palace (Dubai), Legend CollectionNew Hotel of the Year – Resort: MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa (Sonoma, United States), L.V.X. CollectionNew Hotel of the Year – City Center: The RuMa Hotel & Residences (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia), Lifestyle Collection Hotel of the Year: Biltmore Hotel (Coral Gables, United States), L.V.X. CollectionShiji ReviewPro Award for Online Reputation Management: ATELIER Playa Mujeres (Cancun, Mexico) L.V.X. Collection To qualify for nominations, hotels are required to rank among the top in their region as part of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Integrated Quality Assurance program – which includes third party on-site inspections and real-time guest feedback from the world's top consumer review sites – and actively demonstrate strong engagement in their partnership with the Preferred Hotels & Resort's brand. From the pool of qualified hotels, the brand's team of regional leaders draw a shortlist across categories with the awards committee, chaired by the Ueberroth Family, selecting the winners. About Preferred Hotels & Resorts Preferred Hotels & Resorts is the world's largest independent hotel brand, representing more than 600 distinctive hotels, resorts, residences, and unique hotel groups across 80 countries. Through its four global collections, Preferred Hotels & Resorts connects discerning travelers to the singular luxury hospitality experience that meets their life and style preferences for each occasion. Every property within the portfolio maintains the high-quality standards and unparalleled service levels required by the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Integrated Quality Assurance Program. The I Prefer™ Hotel Rewards program, Preferred Residences℠, Preferred Pride℠, and Preferred Golf™ offer valuable benefits for travelers seeking a unique experience. For more information, visit CONTACT: MEDIA CONTACT: Kate Calciano Coordinator, Public Relations Preferred Hotels & Resorts Beyond Green Office: + 1 646-465-9786 Mobile: +1 929-215-6608 kcalciano@ kcalciano@ in to access your portfolio
Business Times
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Times
Rise of momcations in Singapore: No kids, no guilt
[SINGAPORE] For Mother's Day, 25 mothers took a ferry to Batam and left their husbands and children behind. At Montigo Resorts, they swam in infinity pools, lounged by the beach, ate and drank like calories didn't exist, binged on Netflix, doomscrolled TikTok, slept till late, and filmed goofy videos of themselves dancing like K-pop stars. They did everything – short of legally changing their names – to forget about their families back home. For a while, it worked. Then frantic texts from husbands or domestic helpers arrived and broke the spell: 'Where's our daughter's gym clothes?' 'What time is our son's enrichment class?' 'What's the vet's number?' The women calmly, dutifully texted back – before tossing their phones aside and plunging back into their holiday bliss. More lounging, more laughter, more forgetting. Popular website for mummies, Mummyfique, organised the Montigo Resorts momcation for Mother's Day. PHOTO: MUMMYFIQUE Orchestrating the coup was Gidania Wong, co-founder of Mummyfique, a website dedicated to supporting mothers. 'Every mother deserves a real break from family life,' says the mother of two, aged seven and ten. 'I'm not talking about a quick manicure or a massage. I'm talking about days where you wake up and do whatever you want.' Wong started going on momcations – vacations without her husband and kids – only in 2024. The idea took some getting used to. 'My kids were confused at first. 'What do you mean you need a break? A break from us?' Even my husband was worried. 'Is there another man?' he asked.' But that initial awkwardness only revealed a deeper truth: society views mothers as so inseparable from their kids that the idea of them wanting to be alone – truly alone – feels almost scandalous. 'People assume if a mother wants a break, something must be wrong with her, the kids, or the husband,' says Wong. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 2 pm Lifestyle Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself. Sign Up Sign Up 'I just want to lie down' Amanda Leong knows this feeling all too well. 'People don't realise that being a full-time mum is more than a full-time job. You're up at six, you don't stop until the last one sleeps, and even then, you're still managing the household.' Amanda Leong on a staycation in Fullerton Bay Hotel. PHOTO: AMANDA LEONG A mother of three kids aged nine, six, and five, Leong doesn't just advocate for momcations; she schedules them like clockwork, at least once a year, and has been doing so since 2018. Her first getaway came right after her first child weaned off breastfeeding. She booked a short trip to Bali with fellow mothers who understood the burnout. 'It was just beach, villa, spa, sleep. I just wanted to lie down, turn my brain off, and do absolutely nothing… There was no one screaming. No one needing to talk about Baby Shark all day long.' Still, it wasn't always smooth sailing. 'I once had a mini panic attack while on a momcation. I was like, what am I doing? My job is to be home with the kids… Then I realised, they were fine. I was the one being dramatic.' Amanda Leong with other pregnant mothers in Bali. PHOTO: AMANDA LEONG Across Singapore, mothers are realising that taking time away from their families isn't just a luxury – it's a necessity. The concept of a 'momcation' is gaining traction, with more women embracing the idea of escaping the daily grind to recharge and reconnect with themselves. For many, it's a radical act of self-care, a necessary pause to stay sane. Gaining mom-mentum The term 'momcation' first appeared in the 2010s, joining the ranks of portmanteaus like 'staycation,' 'glamping,' and 'athleisure.' By January 2020, The New York Times had made it official with its story: Momcations. It's a Thing. Not long after, Covid-19 swept across the globe, bringing with it months of suffocating lockdowns, round-the-clock parenting, and the complete erasure of boundaries between work and home. The idea of 'self-care' began to change – it was no longer just a quick coffee break or an hour at the gym. It became the need for real distance, the kind that allows you to breathe, reset, and reclaim a sense of self, away from family life. Ilonka Schafer's travel company, The Little Voyager, launched momcation packages in response to the rising trend. PHOTO: THE LITTLE VOYAGER Social media caught on quickly. The hashtag #momcation surged as mothers took to Instagram to share their escapes. When travel restrictions were lifted, the trend only grew stronger. By 2025, #momcation had appeared in over 84,000 posts, with a new one popping up almost every hour. Travel companies began to take notice. The Little Voyager, a Spain-based travel company, launched its momcation packages in 2020, offering getaways to five European destinations, including Ibiza and Catalonia. Founder Ilonka Schafer recalls a slow start. 'When we first introduced our packages, interest was relatively low. However, as we began promoting these offerings through social media, we noticed a steady rise in demand – approximately a 25 to 30 percent increase over time.' (She declined to give exact figures.) Asia is hard on mothers But while the concept is gaining, um, mom-mentum across the world, it remains far more popular in the US and Europe than in Asia. Scott Dunn's senior travel consultant Geraleine Yap sees an increase in solo travel among affluent Singapore women. PHOTO: SCOTT DUNN Geraleine Yap, a senior consultant at luxury travel agency Scott Dunn, attributes this to cultural differences. 'There's a stronger culture of wellness in Europe and the US, and a wider social acceptance of women taking time for themselves without guilt compared to Asia. However, we are seeing the trend gradually picking up here, especially as cultural expectations shift,' she explains. Yap notes that in cities like Singapore and Hong Kong, affluent women are leading the way. 'We've seen an uptick in bookings from women travelling solo or with their girlfriends. More are prioritising self-care and viewing travel as an investment in themselves.' Unfortunately, the idea of Asian mothers stepping away still clashes with deeply rooted cultural expectations. Clara Chow camping on her own on Hwasun Beach in Jeju, South Korea. PHOTO: CLARA CHOW Just ask Clara Chow. The acclaimed author of Modern Myths (2018) and New Orleans (2020) has had to leave her two sons – now 19 and 15 – for extended periods of solo travel to finish her books. While her husband Francis has always been understanding, society often isn't. When her older son began experiencing anxiety, Chow and her husband sought advice from a child behaviorist. 'The behaviorist suggested my son's issues stemmed from my absence,' Chow recalls. 'She said mothers shouldn't go away, that children need their mothers more than their fathers… She hadn't even spoken to my son yet, but she was ready to cast judgement.' The experience laid bare the double standard. 'Everyone questioned my choices, but no one asked if Francis could step up instead. Why is it assumed that the mother is the only one responsible for holding it all together?' Clara Chow planting corn as part of her writer's retreat at the Toji Cultural Centre. PHOTO: CLARA CHOW Thankfully, Francis did step up during her absences, encouraging their sons to be more independent. 'He was the one telling the boys, 'You've got to start taking care of yourselves.' Honestly, he deserves a prize for being a good partner.' How Singapore lags Globally, solo travel among women has surged in recent years. Data from 2024, gathered by sources ranging from Condor Ferries to Road Scholar, show that between 60 to 80 percent of global solo travelers were women. But in Singapore, the trend tells a different story. According to only 35 percent of Singaporean women traveled alone in 2024. 'Their reasons for travelling solo ranged from the desire to create their own itinerary to the hope of finding time for self-reflection,' says Anthony Lu, regional director of Southeast Asia & China. He adds that most women still prefer to travel with family members or friends. Amanda Leong (in black) on a ski-ing momcation in Japan. PHOTO: AMANDA LEONG Still, women-led travel is gaining momentum. Cyndi Hui, Skyscanner's travel trends and destination expert, sees this as part of a broader movement. 'The momcation trend is part of a wider shift… women are finding empowerment in exploring the world on their own terms – whether solo or alongside like-minded women. Globally, there has been a growing appetite for tours, expeditions, and communities designed by and for women.' Rebecca Van Roo took her first momcation three years ago – a quick getaway to Bali with her girlfriends. Her daughter was just three, her son five. 'The ride to the airport was always the hardest part,' she recalls. 'But by the time I'm on the plane, I'm fully relieved and relaxed.' Knowing her children were in the capable hands of her husband, her mum, or their helper made it easier to embrace the time away. Her husband, she says, is incredibly supportive. 'He thinks it's really important for me to have some time away, especially because I'm a stay-at-home mum,' she explains. 'I've been one since they were born. He believes everyone needs time to themselves or with friends, just to relax and feel like themselves again.' Rebecca Van Roo on vacation in California. PHOTO: REBECCA VAN ROO That encouragement gave her the freedom to explore. Since that first Bali trip, she's ventured to Japan, Hong Kong, and South Korea – trips that have become part of her rhythm of self-care. Momcation tips Getting away wasn't always seamless. In the beginning, Van Roo meticulously mapped out every detail on spreadsheets – school activities, groceries, meal plans – because, as she puts it, 'There isn't one single person who knows everything I do.' But over time, her support network grew more adept. 'Now, I don't have to do any meal planning anymore. My helper handles it, makes the menus, and everyone knows the kids' schedules. It's getting easier and easier,' she says. Her advice for mothers hesitant to take the plunge? 'You'll always feel guilty. That doesn't go away,' she says. 'But trust the process. You'll come back better and happier. And your kids will grow too. If you're always there to remind them of everything, how will they learn? Sometimes, space is the best teacher.' Mummyfique's getaway at Montigo Resorts for two dozen mothers. PHOTO: MUMMYFIQUE Wong agrees but offers a practical first step. 'If you're nervous, start with a staycation,' she says. 'Just one night away. You'll be surprised by how much difference a little space can make.' Chow is even more blunt. 'Momcations aren't luxuries – they're survival strategies. You're useless if you're burnt out.' Leong's final word of advice? 'Don't go with your single friends. They'll want to party. You'll want to sleep. Trust me on this.' Recommended destinations Here are 12 great places for mums travelling solo or in a group, as recommended by Scott Dunn, , Skyscanner, and the interviewees. Daegu, South Korea Okinawa, Japan Langkawi, Malaysia Hangzhou, China Hobart, Australia Bangkok, Thailand Bali, Indonesia Hakone, Japan Taipei, Taiwan Catalonia, Spain Tulum, Mexico Pre-Saint-Didier, Italy
