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Straits Times
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
The Necessary Stage's No Man's Land asks how masculinity works today
The Necessary Stage's No Man's Land follows four men as they navigate the landscape of contemporary manhood. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY SINGAPORE – A quartet of inter-disciplinary artists with a shared curiosity about masculinity are collaborating for a live performance in six acts. The Necessary Stage's No Man's Land, which plays at the Esplanade Theatre Studio from June 12 to 15, is a devised work incorporating theatre and dance elements. It follows four men as they navigate the landscape of contemporary manhood. The four actors reflect a diverse range of bodies and experiences, as co-directors Alvin Tan and Sim Yan Ying (also known as 'YY') insist that 'meaningful change requires multiplicity'. One of the cast members is 76-year-old actor Michael Tan, who plays a paternal role in the show and expresses a form of emotional repression in his relationship with his son. Sim says of Tan's role: 'Though mostly a wordless role, his presence brings out the weight of a father's expectations on his sons.' Sim – who also conceptualised (2024) which looked at the lives of four women at watershed ages – says: 'Over time, I grew curious about the other side as well – while obviously acknowledging that gender is not a binary. In all my attempts to advocate for gender equality, I feel like you can't really achieve that without addressing masculinity.' The 80-minute performance, Sim says, will run the gamut from realism to abstraction. The other cast members are performance-maker Neo Hai Bin; dancer and choreographer Shahizman Sulaiman; actor Vishnucharan Naidu, who is trained in Bharatanatyam dance; and actress-musician Suhaili Safari. While writer Danial Matin wrote the text for the performance, working with a choreographer helped him realise his ideas more fully , he says. 'Sometimes the text is inadequate. Sometimes text is not enough to express some of the more embodied elements, especially when it comes to a topic like masculinity.' His formative experiences with masculinity were shaped by being in all-male environments such as a boys' school and during National Service: 'I think there are certain boundaries that can disappear in an all-male environment – such as personal boundaries.' The team for No Man's Land includes (from left) writer Danial Matin, co-director Sim Yan Ying, choreographer Hafeez Hassan and co-director Alvin Tan. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY Choreographer Hafeez Hassan – who also runs The Brothers Circle, a space for men to express themselves authentically – will tap on his early years learning silat to choreograph the movement for the show, which also blends 'contemporary dance and human biomechanics'. 'When I practice silat, I feel like I get to reclaim my Malay body,' says Hassan, who adds that the movements will also build on the cast's familiarity with dance genres such as Bharatanatyam and street dance. Co-director Tan grew up in a household where the housework was split between his parents. 'I thought every family was like that, only to realise later it was divided into gender roles.' The cast, as expected, are cognisant about how gender dynamics play out in the rehearsal room. They acknowledge that Sim, for example, is the one keeping track of the various changes in the show – which leads to discussions of whether her style is more 'top-down' or if she is performing a kind of 'feminised labour'. Tan says, however, that the work is not an attack on masculinity: 'It's not masculinity. My problem is with patriarchy and matriarchy.' To effect change, he is starting small. 'I don't want to go and try and change big policies – I'm tired of that. Just to change in small ways in the rehearsal rooms.' Book It/No Man's Land Where: Esplanade Theatre Studio, 1 Esplanade Drive When: June 12 to 14, 8pm; June 14 and 15, 3pm Admission: $38 Info: Go to Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
26-05-2025
- Straits Times
SMRT to extend selected train, bus services on Hari Raya Haji eve
Trains on the North-South Line, East-West Line and Thomson-East Coast Line will continue service till the early hours of June 7. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY SINGAPORE - Those having a late night on the eve of Hari Raya Haji will have more public transport options available, as SMRT will extend selected train and bus services. Trains on the North-South Line (NSL), East-West Line (EWL) and Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) will continue service till the early hours of June 7. The last trains bound for Jurong East, Marina South Pier, Pasir Ris and Tuas Link will depart from the City Hall station at 12.30am. The last TEL train leaving Woodlands North for Bayshore will depart at 12am on June 7, while the train travelling in the other direction will depart from Bayshore at 12.12am . Trains on the Circle Line will also run later. The last train leaving Dhoby Ghaut for HarbourFront will depart at 11.55pm on June 6, and the train in the other direction will depart from Harbourfront at 11.30pm on the same day. There is no extension for Bukit Panjang LRT and Changi Airport service. The operating hours for 18 SMRT bus services will also be extended. The last buses for services 300, 301, 302, 307 and 983A will depart from Choa Chu Kang bus interchange at 1.40am on June 7. The last 974A bus will leave from the bus stop opposite Choa Chu Kang station at the same time. Services 901, 911, 912A, 912B and 913 from Woodlands Integrated Transport Hub, and 920, 922 and 973A from Bukit Panjang bus interchange will depart at 1.25am on the same day. From Boon Lay bus interchange, the last buses for services 181, 240, 241 and 243G will depart at 1.20am. For more information, visit the SMRT website. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
21-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
CapitaLand Investment launches its first onshore China master fund with $921 million in equity
In line with its asset-light strategy, the company has secured a major domestic insurance company to take a majority stake in the fund. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY CapitaLand Investment launches its first onshore China master fund with $921 million in equity SINGAPORE - CapitaLand Investment (CLI) on May 21 announced the launch of its first onshore master fund in China, the CLI RMB Master Fund. With a total equity commitment of five billion yuan (S$921 million), the fund will contribute 20 billion yuan to CLI's funds under management (FUM) when fully deployed. The CLI RMB Master Fund will commit equity to a series of sub-funds for multi-asset class investments to enable the global real asset manager to scale through domestic capital partnerships, it said. The sub-funds will invest in 'high-quality, income-producing assets with long-term growth potential', such as business parks, retail, rental housing and serviced residences across tier one and top tier two cities. They may also invest in special opportunities in sectors such as data centres, logistics parks and offices, the real asset manager added. Kara Wang, chief investment officer of CLI China, said: 'The master fund's strategy of investing in asset classes such as business parks, retail, rental housing and serviced residences aligns closely with China's national priorities, supporting its transition into a consumption and innovation-driven economy.' In line with its asset-light strategy to grow its FUM, the global real asset manager has also secured a major domestic insurance company to take a majority stake in the fund. Puah Tze Shyang, chief executive officer of CLI China, said: 'This allows us to tap into a rising trend of insurance companies increasing their capital allocation to real estate in China.' 'With a major domestic insurance company as a co-investor in the master fund, we are well-placed to attract other insurance firms to invest in the sub-funds and rapidly expand our domestic investor base.' With the new fund, CLI has successfully raised 54 billion yuan across seven renminbi funds since 2021. Shares of CLI rose 0.8 per cent, or two cents, to $2.55 as at 9.12am on May 21, after the news. THE BUSINESS TIMES Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
16-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Zero tariffs on pharma exports being discussed in S'pore-US trade talks: Gan Kim Yong
DPM Gan Kim Yong said there are also early indications that the US is open to discussing how Singapore can ensure a continued supply of semiconductors to the US. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY SINGAPORE – Preferential, or even zero, tariffs on Singapore's pharmaceutical exports to the United States is a possible concession that has emerged in ongoing talks to navigate trade barriers recently put up by the US to virtually all its trading partners. There are also early indications that the US is open to discussing how Singapore can ensure a continued supply of semiconductors to the US, as well as for the US to continue to supply Singapore with this technology, said Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong on May 16 at the Ministry of Digital Development and Information at Hill Street. He was providing updates on the progress made by the Singapore Economic Resilience Taskforce (Sert), which he chairs, with the latest meeting held the previous week. As there are already zero tariffs for what Singapore imports from the US, the US instead is seeking for Singapore to ensure a smoother flow of goods as well as secure its supply chains, said DPM Gan, who is also the Minister for Trade and Industry. At the same time, Singapore is deepening ties with like-minded trading partners, such as with fellow Asean member states. One avenue will be the upgrading of the Asean Trade in Goods Agreement (Atiga), which has been in force since 2010 . 'We are aiming to complete the negotiations by (the) end of this month, and this is an upgrade to the trade in goods agreement, which is basically a free trade agreement, to further lower down tariffs and to remove non-tariff barriers so that we can facilitate trade among Asean members. 'This signals Asean members' commitment to deepen our integration and to strengthen our cooperation among our members,' he said. He added that under Atiga, tariffs are very low, if not zero, for most countries. Still, there remains room to reduce non-tariff barriers by improving legacy systems such as customs clearance processes and unstandardised paperwork. Asean has also discussed the possibility of strengthening partnerships with other regional groupings such as the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council, he added. 'This will allow us to open up more markets for our exports, and at the same time, to also open up more sources of supply to strengthen our supply chain resilience.' This comes on the back of a special meeting of Asean Economic Ministers convened on April 10, after the Trump administration revealed its tariff plans on April 2. Elaborating on the sectoral tariffs, DPM Gan said the US but have also expressed an openness to discuss what Singapore could do to secure concessions on pharmaceutical tariffs, 'even to the extent of zero tariff for pharmaceutical exports to the US'. 'They want to make sure that with this tariff they are able to secure the supply chain for pharmaceutical supplies.' He added that pharmaceutical exports form a key part of Singapore's exports to the US and that the Government is looking forward to discussing how these conditions can be met, but cautioned that the process would be a 'fairly long journey' as specifics need to be discussed. As for semiconductors, DPM Gan said the US remains keen to see how it can continue to supply Singapore with semiconductor technology to support the Republic's digital economy, semiconductor industries and various critical industries here. The US has not announced details of tariffs on pharmaceutical products or semiconductors yet but had earlier said it intends to do so. The Sert was first announced by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on April 8, after the Trump administration unilaterally imposed a 10 per cent baseline tariff on most Singapore goods entering the US from April 5. The litany of tariffs sparked a tariff war, notably between the US and China, when the latter retaliated by raising tariffs on US goods . Though global markets heaved a sigh of relief after both nations called a 90-day truce on May 12, the uncertain trade outlook is still expected to weigh on jobs and economic growth here. Although Singapore reported on May 16 that key exports grew at a faster-than-expected pace of 12.4 per cent year-on-year in April, analysts noted that this was driven by the frontloading of shipments amid the tariff reprieves. DPM Gan said the trade performance is 'really no consolation' and a reflection of the uncertainty that remains for businesses. Even though Singapore is able to sell more ahead of time, exports and production can be expected to slow down when export destinations have already stockpiled those items, he said, adding that businesses may also incur storage costs if the tariffs get further deferred or cancelled. 'You have to understand the flow of the economic production and exports to understand the numbers, because otherwise some may get excited about our exports doing well, and all the troubles are over.' He also said that the US has indicated it is not intending to compromise on the 10 per cent 'baseline tariff', which means that it is better for Singapore to discuss what else needs to be negotiated, such as sectoral tariffs. While stopping short of providing an early economic projection, DPM Gan said the withholding of investments as firms seek to wait out the prevailing uncertainty will likely cause a slowdown both in Singapore and the wider global economy. DPM Gan also noted that he had spoken via video call with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent earlier in May, as well as meetings with Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick before that. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- Straits Times
Motorcycle review: A shooting (Gold) star among classic British machines
SINGAPORE – Today's BSA Gold Star motorcycle looks similar to its predecessor from the late 1930s. If not for the presence of disc brakes, fatter tyres, modern suspension and an electric engine starter, it would be hard to tell them apart. BSA is short for Birmingham Small Arms and was founded in 1861 to produce firearms. The Gold Star 650 bears a familiar silhouette as the Britain-made M24, a classic BSA which was first given the Gold Star emblem for clocking 100mph or 160kmh before World War II. Like the classic, the modern 652cc single-cylinder motorcycle wears a gold star on its fuel tank. However, while t he Gold Star, now made in India, may also look like a classic, it does not smoke like one. Some of its retro charms include wire-spoked wheels and a 'peashooter' exhaust pipe, which cleverly hides a modern catalytic converter. On its dual clocks – its speedometer and rev counter – needles unusually rotate clockwise from the 1 to 10 o'clock positions. Clockwork: The speedometer and tachometer have an unusual orientation, swinging downwards. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY A small circular gauge on the headlamp shell displays oil, fuel-injection and side-stand status. Adding a touch of modernity are USB-C and lightning-cable charger ports on the handlebar. Strangely, under the seat is a small first-aid kit. The crash bars and pannier brackets fitted on the test motorcycle are cost options. Astride the Euro 5-emission compliant Gold Star, a 1.7m-tall rider will have no problems resting both feet on the tarmac. The reach to the handlebars, given the upright riding position, is a comfortable one. Some may feel the Gold Star's five-speed transmission would disappoint enthusiasts who intend to ride far. But I find that it does not dent the appeal of using the machine. Like some others, I am guilty of thinking the liquid-cooled Gold Star will not have the 'legs' or higher speeds for longer journeys. Mixed signals: The retro-looking peashooter-style exhaust hides the modern catalytic converter. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY The Gold Star's engine has a linear power delivery – the more you twist the throttle, the more power it makes. Beyond 2,000rpm, it accelerates hard to about 6,500rpm, where power trails off. With 45bhp and 55Nm of torque, the unassuming Gold Star executes the 0 to 100kmh dash in an impressive 6.5 seconds. Its claimed top speed is, as the gold star badge on the fuel tank suggests, 160kmh. In the real world, the Gold Star cruises at 90kmh in fifth gear with about 4,000rpm showing on its rev counter equipped with a small digital fuel gauge. Riding the Gold Star continuously at higher speeds will leave your fingers buzzing from the vibration, a trait that is quite common for single-cylinder motorcycles. What I enjoy the most is tackling medium-speed cornering with the BSA. Sure, the Gold Star does not look like a canyon-carving motorcycle, but its basic suspension set-up – 41mm (diameter) telescopic forks and pre-load adjustable twin shocks – inspires confidence and provides a stable platform for riders to negotiate bends with more gusto. It helps that the Gold Star is equipped with a slipper clutch which prevents its rear wheel from locking-up under aggressive downshifts before turns. Its 213.5kg weight and mid-positioned rider foot pegs make weaving through traffic easier. The 12-litre fuel tank ensures you can prolong the fun on the road for the next 300km. Marked: The Gold Star badge is applied on a BSA motorcycle before World War II for achieving 100mph or 160kmh. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY A bonus is the powerful anti-lock Brembo brakes – a 320mm (diameter) front rotor and 255mm rear rotor. They give immediate stopping power akin to brakes found on sport bikes. Like any motorcycle, there are nagging issues. For one thing, when the sun is overhead, it becomes hard to read the digital gauges. Also, the round mirrors behave like how mirrors usually do on single-cylinder motorcycles – the reflections go blurry when the engine is revving up. But with an on-the-road price of $23,888 (with certificate of entitlement), which is a rather good deal, I am likely to live with the minor inconveniences. BSA Gold Star 650 Price: $23,888 with certificate of entitlement Engine: 652cc, 4-valve, single-cylinder, water-cooled Transmission: Five-speed, chain drive Power: 45bhp at 6,750rpm Torque: 55Nm at 5,500rpm 0-100kmh: 6.5 seconds (estimated) Top speed: 160kmh (estimated) Fuel consumption: 4 litres/100km Agent: BSA Motorcycles Singapore Rating: ★★★★☆ Comparable considerations Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 The India-made Super Meteor 650 is aimed at the same segment of buyers keen on relatively inexpensive motorcycles with classic looks. Bearing similar horsepower and torque figures, the 648cc Super Meteor cruiser was previously reported as having a price tag of $15,900 before COE. Fantic Motor Moto Scrambler Caballero 700 The Caballero 700 is a classic, given its retro styling and origins from an Italian company that began manufacturing motorcycles in 1968. The 689cc, parallel twin motorcycle will smoke the less-expensive competition as it belches out 74bhp and 70Nm of torque. Its price on the road with the current COE is $31,934. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
