Latest news with #GE2025
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
How GE2025 candidates are giving their campaign leftovers a second life
Physical advertising materials, like posters and flags, traditionally make up the biggest costs incurred during the election season. PHOTO: ST FILE How GE2025 candidates are giving their campaign leftovers a second life SINGAPORE - With the 2025 General Election now over, several political parties and candidates say they are reducing wastage of their campaign materials by reusing, recycling and even selling some of them. Those who are selling their physical advertising materials like posters told The Straits Times that they are doing so to raise funds to cover the cost of the campaign, or to donate to charity. On May 28, the Elections Department (ELD) released preliminary data showing that the average election spending per candidate worked out to be $25,285. The records showed that the five members of the PAP's Marine Parade-Braddell Heights team, which enjoyed Singapore's first walkover since 2011, were the top spenders among 35 candidates who have declared their expenses so far. Non-online election advertising was the slate's largest expense, accounting for about 60 per cent of $388,756 spent by the candidates . Physical advertising materials like posters and flags, which are grouped under non-online election advertising in ELD data, traditionally make up the biggest costs incurred during the election season . However, there are no official figures for how much of the materials wind up in the landfill once these campaigns end. A PAP spokeswoman told ST that the party sorted its election paraphernalia into recyclable and non-recyclable materials, and disposed of them properly. She said: 'Our campaigning materials are not for sale or auction.' Some items like corrugated parts may be repurposed by printers for other uses, such as cardboard standees, she added. The spokeswoman said the party also reuses some materials produced before the 2025 General Election, like banners with PAP logos . PAP volunteers and workers keeping PAP posters featuring Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and elected candidates in Ang Mo Kio GRC on May 4. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG The Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) and Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA) said they recycle some of their campaign materials. SDA chief Desmond Lim said the party has used biodegradable materials since 2020, and raised $8,000 through sales of roadside posters in 2025, up from about $5,000 after the previous general election. The proceeds and another $8,000 from Mr Lim's pocket were donated to The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund to help children and youth from low-income families with school-related expenses. Posters of SDA Pasir Ris-Changi GRC candidates on display near Tampines Meridian Junior College on April 28. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY Mr Lim added: ' This initiative isn't just a practice; it embodies our commitment to reducing waste and championing sustainability within our community. We want to create a positive impact not only for our supporters in Pasir Ris-Changi GRC, but also for all Singaporeans.' Meanwhile, an SDP spokesperson said its leftover campaign material is recycled or used for fund-raising purposes. By June 1, the party had sold about 9 per cent of an estimated 450 roadside posters set aside for fund raising . As for its merchandise such as umbrellas and stuffed toys, the remaining stock has been stored at the party's headquarters for future use. A People's Power Party spokeswoman said its campaign materials have been distributed or sold to its volunteers and supporters to partially offset expenses. SDP bear plushies on sale during an SDP lunchtime rally at the promenade next to UOB Plaza on April 29. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM The independent candidates who ran during the recent election, Mr Jeremy Tan and Mr Darryl Lo, also said they had sought to make their campaigns environmentally friendly. Mr Lo, who took 23.52 per cent of the vote at Radin Mas SMC, said he paid more for paper from sustainably managed forests , and printed 13,000 fliers and brochures for roughly the same number of households. Less than 120 copies of each remained after the campaign. He chose to give away most of the 252 posters printed for the election. Instead of charging fees, supporters were told to donate generously to the Samaritans of Singapore (SOS). The law graduate who worked in the technology sector said he decided on SOS because of its 'profound' work to prevent suicide, which includes manning a 24-hour helpline. Mr Tan, who garnered 36.18 per cent of the vote share for Mountbatten SMC, said he used leftover plywood from a construction site for his posters. All 200 posters, except for four, have been recycled. The retired businessman said: 'It was cheaper to do things this way, so it wasn't too challenging.' He plans to set up a microsite to sell about 1,000 autographed fliers, clappers and t-shirts, with all proceeds to go to organisations like social service agency Care Corner. ST has also reached out to WP, the only opposition party in Parliament with 12 MPs, and other parties, including the PSP. The National Library Board's (NLB) collection of published heritage shows that the WP has, on occasion , donated some campaign materials through the Legal Deposit, which preserves such items. An NLB spokesperson said it has encouraged political parties and candidates to contribute materials like printed manifestos, fliers, brochures, recordings of campaign speeches, rallies, related websites and social media accounts to the board for preservation. She said: 'In line with the National Library and National Archives of Singapore's role as a memory institution, materials related to important national milestones in Singapore's history are collected, documented and preserved.' Analysts lauded the candidates' efforts to extend the lifespan of campaign materials, and urged candidates to be more ambitious in their initiatives. Dr Aidan Wong, who teaches urban studies at Singapore Management University, said the range of steps taken indicates a recognition across the life stages of printed material. 'This movement indicates a greater awareness among political parties that being environmentally sustainable is part of our DNA, and this overall consciousness is gaining good traction.' James Cook University's Professor Adrian Kuah, who advises developing countries on minimising waste and maximising resources , pointed out that strategies to reuse and repurpose existing materials are superior to using recycled materials because they reduce further production from raw resources. 'Instead of one-time use, the political party can consider producing posters that can be reused for future events and general elections,' he said. Dr Wong and Dr Kuah suggested that candidates can take further steps to protect the environment, like introducing zero-waste rallies and hosting more campaign materials online. During the 2023 Presidential Election, for instance, candidate Ng Kok Song opted to not have physical posters or banners. Still, party paraphernalia remain a part of political elections, the analysts acknowledged. Said Dr Wong: 'Not only do they make voters aware of the parties and candidates campaigning in their constituency, they also contribute to the overall atmosphere of the campaigning period.' The practice of selling and giving away party memorabilia dates back to the 1980s, but has become more visible with online platforms like Carousell, according Mr Emyr Uzayr, head of marketing at vintage shop Treasure At Home. The 21-year-old added: 'While I do not see value in the current election materials, you never know how they might be viewed in years to come... What seems unimportant today could become historically significant tomorrow.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
GE2025 failed voters may apply to restore names to Registers of Electors from 30 May; Bakes n Bites owners clarify stall still open after Chee Soon Juan video: Singapore live news
Did you vote in the Singapore General Election 2025 (GE2025)? If you didn't cast your vote though you were eligible, your name would have been removed from the Registers of Electors, according to the Parliamentary Elections Act. In a statement on Thursday (29 May), the Elections Department (ELD) said that such Singaporeans can apply to restore their names to the Registers from Friday (30 May). In other news related to a Singapore political figure, an elderly couple who run 15-year-old hawker bakery Bakes n Bites have said that sales have plunged at their stall after Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) Secretary-General Dr Chee Soon Juan published a video on his Facebook page that stated that the bakery had closed. Dr Chee had posted a video on 25 May discussing Singapore's food and beverage industry crisis and in it, he mentioned several eateries that have closed, including Bakes n Bites. However, the stall is still open for business. Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates. Did you vote in the Singapore General Election 2025 (GE2025)? If you didn't cast your vote though you were eligible, your name would have been removed from the Registers of Electors, according to the Parliamentary Elections Act. In a statement on Thursday (29 May), the Elections Department (ELD) said that such Singaporeans can apply to restore their names to the Registers from Friday (30 May). ELD said, "We encourage non-voters to apply to restore their names to the Registers so that they can vote at the next election. Under the law, ELD will not be able to restore their names from the date the Writ for an election is issued until after Nomination Day if the election is not contested, or until after Polling Day if a poll is to be taken." Read more on how to check if you're on the Registers and how to apply to restore it. An elderly couple who run 15-year-old hawker bakery Bakes n Bites have said that sales have plunged at their stall after Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) Secretary-General Dr Chee Soon Juan published a video on his Facebook page that stated that the bakery had closed. Dr Chee had posted a video on 25 May discussing Singapore's food and beverage industry crisis and in it, he mentioned several eateries that have closed, including Bakes n Bites. However, the stall is still open for business. According to a report in Channel News Asia, stall owner and baker Christopher Lau, 72, wrote to Dr Chee seeking an urgent correction and for any mention of Bakes n Bites to be removed from the video. A representative from SDP replied on behalf of Dr Chee, with an apology and confirmation that the video has since been amended. "Dr Chee has removed his original video and uploaded an amended version that doesn't reference Bakes n Bites in it," the email read. The new video was uploaded on 27 May. In the caption, Dr Chee also said, "In an earlier version of this video, I had posted that Bakes & Bites had closed. This was an error. Bakes & Bites are still very much in operation. My apologies to the owners of the outlet for the error." In Tiong Bahru, the 14 Tiong Bahru HDB blocks that had ignited much debate after residents found out the buildings were to be painted in purple, will now be painted in a new brown colour scheme. This comes after a poll among residents, held from 26 to 28 May, showed that 40 per cent of Boon Tiong Road residents picked the "taupe" colour scheme. Read more about the Tiong Bahru HDB flats painting saga. An Indonesian man has been charged in a Singapore court for allegedly using over 250,000 KrisFlyer miles from other people's accounts to go on a shopping spree. Rizaldy Primanta Putra, 28, faces four charges under the Computer Misuse Act, Channel News Asia (CNA) reported. Citing from court documents, CNA reported that Rizaldy was accused of using 4,672 KrisFlyer miles on to buy $31.15 worth of items at Bugis Junction through a KrisPay wallet linked to an account that was not his. Less than two weeks later, he allegedly spent another 245,491 KrisFlyer miles — from a different stolen account — to buy goods worth $1,636.61 at Changi Airport. His bail was set at $15,000. Read more on the case of the KrisFlyer miles here. It's a busy period for Singapore's ministers as they host foreign dignitaries here for a state visit and the Shangri-La Dialogue. French President Emmanuel Macron is in town on May 29 and 30. On Friday, he delivers the keynote speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue, making him the first European leader to do so. France and Singapore will exchange agreements to co-operate in areas including defence and security, law, artificial intelligence and transport during his visit. On the first night of his visit, Macron and his wife was hosted by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and his spouse to a Lau Pa Sat outing. The two couples walked through the food centre, where they were greeted by swarms of diners. They tried local food such as chee cheong fun and char kway teow. Meanwhile, US defence secretary Pete Hegseth met with Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing on Friday (30 May) on the sidelines of the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue. This is the first time the duo has met, with Chan hosting Hegseth to breakfast. Chan is Singapore's new Defence Minister, after relinquishing his education portfolio in the latest round of Cabinet changes. Hegseth is a former Fox News host and a veteran of wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. He took office in January under US President Donald Trump's current administration. In a Facebook post after their meeting, Mr Chan said he showed Mr Hegseth the view of the Republic from the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark. Both men are been alumni of Fort Benning, a US Army post in Columbus, Georgia. So far this year, the number of million-dollar transactions for four-room HDB flats has surpassed that for five-room flats. This year, 244 four-room flats have fetched at least $1 million, compared to 205 five-room flats. This is the first time that such transactions for four-room flats have outnumbered those for their five-room counterparts. Why is there such a phenomenon? For one, it's the usual factor when it comes to property: location. Among the 18 HDB towns with million-dollar transactions, six have had more million-dollar four-room flats than five-room flats so far this year. The six towns are Bukit Merah, Central Area, Geylang, Kallang/Whampoa, Queenstown and Toa Payoh. Notably, all six towns are in the central region. Find out more in this deep dive into the HDB towns with such a phenomenon and examine the possible reasons behind it. In a new trial, non-life-threatening 995 calls will be referred to a medical triage helpline, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Ministry of Health (MOH) said on Friday (30 May). The nationwide trial will start on 1 June. In a statement, the ministries said that the helpline, known as NurseFirst, will provide medical advice on a caller's medical condition and guide callers to appropriate medical care options. Operated by Woodlands Health, NurseFirst began as a medical triage helpline pilot on 4 February 2022 for the management of non-life-threatening cases in the Northern district. It aimed to reduce emergency department attendances by guiding callers to appropriate alternative care sites. The pilot was supported with funding from MOH. As an expansion of the pilot, the NurseFirst helpline will widen its coverage to serve callers islandwide for six months, the ministries said. Trained nurses, with medical oversight from emergency medicine physicians, will assess callers based on their symptoms, and advise those with non-life-threatening conditions on the various appropriate alternative care options nearest to them. They added that the calls for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) have been increasing rapidly over the years. In 2024, SCDF responded to 245,279 EMS calls – that's an average of 672 calls per day, a 57% increase from 2014. "With Singapore's ageing population and rising healthcare needs, EMS calls are expected to continue increasing," they said. A 51-year-old man has been arrested over a fire that broke out at Whampoa Heights on Thursday (29 May). The man, along with four others aged between 12 and 74, were taken conscious to hospital for smoke inhalation, according to SCDF and the police. The Straits Times reported that in photos of the incident, flames can be seen on the second and third floors of Block 20 Jalan Tenteram, with thick black plumes of smoke billowing into the air.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Those who failed to vote in GE2025 can apply to restore names to Registers of Electors from 30 May: Singapore live news
Did you vote in the Singapore General Election 2025 (GE2025)? If you didn't cast your vote though you were eligible, your name would have been removed from the Registers of Electors, according to the Parliamentary Elections Act. In a statement on Thursday (29 May), the Elections Department (ELD) said that such Singaporeans can apply to restore their names to the Registers from Friday (30 May). Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates. Did you vote in the Singapore General Election 2025 (GE2025)? If you didn't cast your vote though you were eligible, your name would have been removed from the Registers of Electors, according to the Parliamentary Elections Act. In a statement on Thursday (29 May), the Elections Department (ELD) said that such Singaporeans can apply to restore their names to the Registers from Friday (30 May). ELD said, "We encourage non-voters to apply to restore their names to the Registers so that they can vote at the next election. Under the law, ELD will not be able to restore their names from the date the Writ for an election is issued until after Nomination Day if the election is not contested, or until after Polling Day if a poll is to be taken." Read more on how to check if you're on the Registers and how to apply to restore it. Did you vote in the Singapore General Election 2025 (GE2025)? If you didn't cast your vote though you were eligible, your name would have been removed from the Registers of Electors, according to the Parliamentary Elections Act. In a statement on Thursday (29 May), the Elections Department (ELD) said that such Singaporeans can apply to restore their names to the Registers from Friday (30 May). ELD said, "We encourage non-voters to apply to restore their names to the Registers so that they can vote at the next election. Under the law, ELD will not be able to restore their names from the date the Writ for an election is issued until after Nomination Day if the election is not contested, or until after Polling Day if a poll is to be taken." Read more on how to check if you're on the Registers and how to apply to restore it.
Straits Times
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
Didn't vote in GE2025? Apply to restore your name to Registers of Electors from May 30
The Elections Department encouraged non-voters to apply to restore their names so that they are able to vote in the next election. ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG Didn't vote in GE2025? Apply to restore your name to Registers of Electors from May 30 SINGAPORE - If you failed to cast your vote at the 2025 General Election , you will be able to apply to restore your name to the Registers of Electors from May 30. In a statement on May 29, the Elections Department (ELD) said that Singaporeans can check their particulars and voter status online, and apply to restore their names, on the ELD website or via the Singpass app. The names of eligible voters who did not cast their votes during GE2025 were removed from the Registers in accordance with the Parliamentary Elections Act, said ELD. It encouraged such non-voters to apply to restore their names so that they are able to vote in the next election. Under the law, ELD will not be able to restore their names once the writ for an election is issued. Those who are unable to check their particulars in the Registers electronically may do so at any community centre or club or ServiceSG Centre. They can also do so at the ELD office by making an e-appointment via the ELD website or by calling 1800-225-5353. The lists of community centres or clubs and ServiceSG Centres can be found at and respectively. Overseas Singaporeans who are unable to check their particulars online may do so at Singapore overseas missions serving as overseas registration centres. A list of such centres can be found at The 2025 General Election saw the lowest voter turnout by percentage since 1968. On Polling Day, 92.47 per cent of registered voters cast their ballots in Singapore. After the addition of overseas voters, GE2025 saw a total turnout of 92.83 per cent, with 2,438,610 of 2,627,026 registered voters in contested constituencies casting their ballots. Political observers said the likeliest explanation for the lower turnout in 2025 was that Singaporeans had already made travel plans before the election was called, taking advantage of the May Day holiday that fell on a Thursday. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Barnama
29-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam: May 29, 2025
French mining giant Eramet signed a deal related to the nickel-based battery materials with Indonesia's sovereign wealth funds Danantara and the Indonesia Investment Authority (INA) in Jakarta on Wednesday. This memorandum of understanding was one of the major outcomes from French President Emmanuel Macron's meeting with his Indonesian counterpart Prabowo Subianto. Deputy Trade Minister Dyah Roro Esti met with the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) president to discuss strategic research collaboration to strengthen ASEAN's response to US tariff impacts. During a meeting with ERIA President Tetsuya Watanabe in Jakarta, Tuesday, she discussed a research proposal for ERIA to conduct a comprehensive and multidimensional analysis of the US tariff policy issue. 1. CENTRAL BANK ENTERS TO STABLISE CURRENCY -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR The Central Bank of Myanmar announced that it would sell RM128 million (US$30 million) to fuel oil imports. The central bank aims to curb instability in the foreign exchange market and currency devaluation. 1. EYE DISEASE PATIENTS ON THE RISE -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Nearly 20,000 people with eye disorder sought treatment during the 12th round of eyesight donation at the Sitagu Cakku Dana Hospital in Yangon. Over 4,000 underwent surgery and about 250 received laser treatment. SINGAPORE 1. FIRST TRANCHE OF GE2025 CANDIDATE EXPENSES PUBLISHED, WITH HIGHEST SPENDING BEING OVER $100,000 -- THE STRAITS TIMES A total of 35 candidates who contested the May 3 General Election have declared their election expenses so far, with their combined spending coming up to $884,978. 2. US TRADE COURT BLOCKS TRUMP'S 'LIBERATION DAY' TARIFFS -- CNA/REUTER A United States trade court on Wednesday (May 28) blocked President Donald Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs from going into effect, ruling that the president overstepped his authority by imposing across-the-board duties on imports from nations that sell more to the US than they buy. THAILAND 1. CENTRAL BANK RECOMMENDS USING STIMULUS FUND TO SUPPORT EXPORTERS AMID TRADE CHALLENGES -- THE NATION The Bank of Thailand (BOT) has urged the government to prioritize the recently approved 157-billion-baht economic stimulus fund toward supporting exporters and domestic manufacturers facing mounting challenges from intensified import flooding and global trade tensions. 2. AIIB KEEN ON LAND BRIDGE INVESTMENT -- BANGKOK POST The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has expressed interest in investing in Thailand's Land Bridge project, describing it as beneficial for both Southeast Asia and East Asia, according to Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat. VIETNAM 1. SKILLED WORKFORCE SHORTAGE TO PROPEL E-COMMERCE -- VIETNAMPLUS The rising e-commerce sector needs skilled workers to drive further growth. Last year the market was valued at RM106 billion (US$25 billion). According to authorities, the professional workforce for e-commerce was lacking and weak. 2. HUNGARY TO SUPPORT REMOVAL OF IUU 'YELLOW CARD' -- VIETNAMPLUS Hungarian President Sulyok Tamas, during his visit to Vietnam, said he will ask the European Commission to lift its "yellow card" regulation related to illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing against Vietnam's seafood exports. A move to enhance bilateral trade with Vietnam. -- BERNAMA BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies. Follow us on social media : Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio Twitter : @ @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial TikTok : @bernamaofficial
