5 days ago
Lee Hsien Loong receives Australia's top civilian honour for bilateral impact; Track fault sparks East-West Line MRT disruptions: Singapore live news
Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong has received Australia's highest civilian honour, the Honorary Companion of the Order of Australia, for his 'eminent service' to bilateral ties. The award recognises his 40-year political career and his leadership in strengthening trade, defence, and strategic partnerships between Singapore and Australia. SM Lee was praised for revising the Singapore-Australia Free Trade Agreement, launching the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and supporting Australia's inclusion in regional forums.
In his acceptance speech, he said he was 'deeply humbled' and accepted the award on behalf of generations who built the relationship. The ceremony was attended by government officials and members of the Singapore-Australia Parliamentary Friendship Group. SM Lee expressed optimism about the future of the partnership, especially with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's upcoming visit. The honour places him among a select group of foreign leaders recognised by Australia.
A point machine fault near Jurong East station disrupted train services on Singapore's East-West MRT Line Wednesday (6 Aug). Commuters between Boon Lay and Buona Vista faced delays of up to 25 minutes. SMRT deployed free bus services and advised rerouting via Woodlands and Bishan.
The fault, which affects train switching, required trains to slow down for safety. SMRT President Lam Sheau Kai apologised for the inconvenience and assured that engineers were working to fix the issue. The rest of the East-West Line operated normally. Commuters were encouraged to download e-Travel chits for documentation. SMRT continues to monitor the situation and provide updates.
Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates.
SM Lee honoured with Australia's highest civilian award
Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong has received the Honorary Companion of the Order of Australia, the country's highest civilian honour, for his pivotal role in advancing bilateral ties. The award was presented during an investiture ceremony hosted by the Australian High Commissioner.
The citation highlighted SM Lee's leadership in forging trade, defence and strategic partnerships. Under his watch, Singapore and Australia signed multiple agreements, including the Digital Economy and Green Economy pacts, and deepened military cooperation through the Five Power Defence Arrangements.
SM Lee reflected on Australia's early recognition of Singapore's independence and its enduring support. He noted that the two nations, despite their differences, share a pragmatic worldview and commitment to multilateralism.
The ceremony was attended by Mrs Lee, government officials, and members of the Singapore-Australia Parliamentary Friendship Group. SM Lee expressed confidence that the relationship will continue to flourish under Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's upcoming visit.
'His statesmanship cemented Australia as a natural partner for Singapore,' officials noted during the ceremony.
This award follows similar recognition given to former leaders like Goh Chok Tong and George Yeo, underscoring Singapore's longstanding diplomatic rapport with Australia.
East-West Line disruption: SMRT battles morning commute chaos
Singapore's East-West MRT Line faced a major hiccup on Wednesday (6 August), as a point machine fault near Jurong East station triggered delays of up to 25 minutes. The fault, which affects train switching at junctions, forced trains to slow down for safety.
SMRT responded swiftly, deploying free regular and bridging bus services between Boon Lay and Buona Vista. Commuters heading to Jurong East were advised to reroute via Woodlands and Bishan stations using the Thomson-East Coast and Circle Lines.
The disruption began at the start of service, with SMRT issuing updates through in-train announcements and social media. Engineers were dispatched to fix the issue, while the rest of the East-West Line continued operating normally.
SMRT Trains President Lam Sheau Kai issued an apology, acknowledging the inconvenience caused to morning commuters. The operator also encouraged affected passengers to download e-Travel chits as proof of delay.
Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong has received the Honorary Companion of the Order of Australia, the country's highest civilian honour, for his pivotal role in advancing bilateral ties. The award was presented during an investiture ceremony hosted by the Australian High Commissioner.
The citation highlighted SM Lee's leadership in forging trade, defence and strategic partnerships. Under his watch, Singapore and Australia signed multiple agreements, including the Digital Economy and Green Economy pacts, and deepened military cooperation through the Five Power Defence Arrangements.
SM Lee reflected on Australia's early recognition of Singapore's independence and its enduring support. He noted that the two nations, despite their differences, share a pragmatic worldview and commitment to multilateralism.
The ceremony was attended by Mrs Lee, government officials, and members of the Singapore-Australia Parliamentary Friendship Group. SM Lee expressed confidence that the relationship will continue to flourish under Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's upcoming visit.
'His statesmanship cemented Australia as a natural partner for Singapore,' officials noted during the ceremony.
This award follows similar recognition given to former leaders like Goh Chok Tong and George Yeo, underscoring Singapore's longstanding diplomatic rapport with Australia.
Singapore's East-West MRT Line faced a major hiccup on Wednesday (6 August), as a point machine fault near Jurong East station triggered delays of up to 25 minutes. The fault, which affects train switching at junctions, forced trains to slow down for safety.
SMRT responded swiftly, deploying free regular and bridging bus services between Boon Lay and Buona Vista. Commuters heading to Jurong East were advised to reroute via Woodlands and Bishan stations using the Thomson-East Coast and Circle Lines.
The disruption began at the start of service, with SMRT issuing updates through in-train announcements and social media. Engineers were dispatched to fix the issue, while the rest of the East-West Line continued operating normally.
SMRT Trains President Lam Sheau Kai issued an apology, acknowledging the inconvenience caused to morning commuters. The operator also encouraged affected passengers to download e-Travel chits as proof of delay.
