Latest news with #IswaranAsiaGunman
Straits Times
a day ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Danish lifestyle brand Flying Tiger Copenhagen opens first Singapore store at Bugis+
Find out what's new on ST website and app. The 157 sq m space is packed with toys, games and gadgets, as well as leisure, home and kitchen products. SINGAPORE – Danish lifestyle brand Flying Tiger Copenhagen, known for its colourful and affordable products for the home and office, has opened its first Singapore store at Bugis+ on July 28. Packed with toys, games and gadgets, as well as leisure, home and kitchen products, the 157 sq m space sits on the mall's second floor. It is similar in spirit to lifestyle retailers such as Australian brand Typo and Chinese label Miniso. A cross between Swedish home retailer Ikea and Japanese consumer store Daiso comes to mind, as Flying Tiger Copenhagen showcases a Scandinavian design sensibility in its everyday products. Most items in the Singapore store are priced under $20. The most expensive is a $45 skateboard, while foam water guns are priced at $2. To celebrate the opening, the brand is hosting an interactive pop-up at the Bugis+ atrium from Aug 1 to 3, featuring mini games, a spin-the-wheel station and prizes up for grabs. The Singapore store is the brand's latest step in its Asia-Pacific expansion, which kicked off with Indonesia and the Philippines in 2023, followed by Australia and Vietnam in 2024. Concurrently, the brand's first Malaysian store opened its doors in Johor Bahru's Aeon Mall Tebrau City on July 28. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Asia Thailand, Cambodia agree to 'immediate and unconditional ceasefire' to de-escalate border row Singapore Tanjong Katong sinkhole backfilled; road to be repaved after PUB tests Singapore Ong Beng Seng set to plead guilty on Aug 4 in case linked to ex-transport minister Iswaran Asia Gunman kills 5 security guards near Bangkok's Chatuchak market before taking own life Singapore COE quota up 2.6% to 18,701 for August to October Business Resilient economy versus uncertain outlook splits views on Singapore's monetary policy Singapore HPB looking for vaping, smoking counselling services for up to 175 secondary school students Singapore Jail for former pre-school teacher who tripped toddler repeatedly, causing child to bleed from nose The Asia-Pacific stores operate under a franchise model, with Indonesian lifestyle retailer PT Mitra Adiperkasa Tbk (MAP) managing the stores in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. The store's range draws from the same product catalogue of its home stores in Denmark, and are made by the same factories, mostly in China. Mr Martin Jermiin, chief executive of Flying Tiger Copenhagen, tells The Straits Times: 'Since joining Flying Tiger Copenhagen as CEO in 2019, I've had the privilege of leading the brand through a transformational phase of global expansion. Singapore represents a pivotal market in our Asian expansion strategy.' The Singapore store is the brand's latest step in its Asia-Pacific expansion. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY 'Our mission is 'a richer life doesn't cost a fortune'. We strive to bring a sense of surprise and joy into every store visit by providing our customers with a broad, compelling assortment of everyday essentials combined with ever-evolving, inspirational new offerings,' he adds. The brand began as a flea market stall in the late 1980s, with the first bricks-and-mortar store opening in Copenhagen in 1995, where every item was priced at 10 Danish kroner (S$2). A 10 kroner coin is known as a 'tier' in Denmark – which is similar to the Danish pronunciation of 'tiger'. In this light, the first store took the moniker of 'Tiger', and subsequent stores continued to be known as 'Tiger' until 2016. The name was then officially changed to Flying Tiger Copenhagen, as the Tiger name had not been usable in certain markets. As at 2025, it has more than 1,000 stores in 39 markets. ST highlights selected products that shoppers can find at its Singapore store. Cactus Scissors ($8): What looks like a cactus figurine is actually a functional accessory: a storage stand for a pair of scissors. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY 2. Soap bubble machine ($15): This shark-shaped soap bubble machine will be a hit at any playground or birthday party. Bonus: It doubles as a cute piece of home decor. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY 3. Seashell soap dispenser ($9): Make hand-washing more fun with this clamshell-shaped soap dispenser in a deep royal blue. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY 4. Ombre vase ($3): House your flowers in an equally vivid vessel, which has fluted glass detailing. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY 5. Self-care journal ($10): Make self-care a habit with this journal decorated with cherry motifs. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY 6. Cherry cushion ($12): If you have been joining the hordes in accumulating food-themed plush toys, these cherry cushions will be a sweet addition to your collection. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY
Straits Times
a day ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Russia's Aeroflot suffers IT failure, hackers claim responsibility
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Aeroflot has drastically limited travel and routes but remains among the top 20 airlines worldwide by passenger numbers. MOSCOW - Russian airline Aeroflot cancelled dozens of flights on July 28 after what it called a failure in its information systems, and a shadowy hacking group claimed responsibility for what it said was a crippling cyber attack. The national carrier did not provide further details about the cause of the problem or how long it would take to resolve. A statement purporting to be from a hacking group called Silent Crow said it had carried out the operation together with a Belarusian group called Cyberpartisans BY, and linked it to the war in Ukraine. 'Glory to Ukraine! Long live Belarus!' said the statement, whose authenticity Reuters could not immediately verify. Silent Crow previously claimed responsibility for an attack on a Russian real estate database in January 2025. Aeroflot said it had cancelled more than 40 flights after reporting a failure in its information systems. Since Russia launched the war in Ukraine in February 2022, travellers in Russia have become accustomed to flight disruptions. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Asia Thailand, Cambodia agree to 'immediate and unconditional ceasefire' to de-escalate border row Singapore Tanjong Katong sinkhole backfilled; road to be repaved after LTA tests Singapore Ong Beng Seng set to plead guilty on Aug 4 in case linked to ex-transport minister Iswaran Asia Gunman kills 5 security guards near Bangkok's Chatuchak market before taking own life Singapore COE quota up 2.6% to 18,701 for August to October Business Resilient economy versus uncertain outlook splits views on Singapore's monetary policy Singapore HPB looking for vaping, smoking counselling services for up to 175 secondary school students Singapore Jail for former pre-school teacher who tripped toddler repeatedly, causing child to bleed from nose However, those delays have usually been caused by temporary airport closures after drone attacks. Aeroflot said that 'specialists are currently working to minimise the impact on the flight schedule and to restore normal service operations'. On Telegram, it listed more than 40 cancelled flights to destinations across Russia, as well as to the Belarusian capital Minsk and the Armenian capital Yerevan. Aeroflot urged passengers whose flights from Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport had been cancelled to retrieve their checked-in luggage and leave. News outlet Baza reported scenes of chaos at the airport, with logjams forming as passengers queued just to get out. The statement in the name of Silent Crow said the cyber attack was the fruit of a year-long operation which had deeply penetrated Aeroflot's network, destroyed 7,000 servers and gained control over the personal computers of employers including senior managers. It did not provide evidence of those claims. It threatened to shortly start releasing 'the personal data of all Russians who have ever flown Aeroflot'. Aeroflot, which despite sanctions imposed on Russia for its war in Ukraine that have drastically limited travel and routes, remains among the top 20 airlines worldwide by passenger numbers. In 2024, passenger traffic of the Aeroflot Group reached 55.3 million passengers, according to the airline's website. REUTERS
Straits Times
a day ago
- Business
- Straits Times
China to offer childcare subsidies in bid to boost birth rate
Find out what's new on ST website and app. More than 20 provincial-level administrations in the country now offer childcare subsidies, according to official data. BEIJING - China's government will offer subsidies to parents to the tune of US$500 (S$642) per child under the age of three per year, Beijing's state media said on July 28, as the world's second most populous nation faces a looming demographic crisis. The country's population has declined for three consecutive years , with United Nations demography models predicting it could fall from 1.4 billion today to 800 million by 2100. The nationwide subsidies apply retroactively from January 1, Beijing's state broadcaster CCTV said, citing a decision by the ruling Communist Party and the State Council, China's Cabinet. 'This is a major nationwide policy aimed at improving public wellbeing,' CCTV said. 'It provides direct cash subsidies to families across the country, helping to reduce the burden of raising children,' it added. There were just 9.54 million births in China in 2024, half the number than in 2016, the year it ended its one-child policy, which was in place for more than three decades. The population declined by 1.39 million in 2024, and China lost its crown as the world's most populous country to India in 2023. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Asia Thailand, Cambodia agree to 'immediate and unconditional ceasefire' to de-escalate border row Singapore Tanjong Katong sinkhole backfilled; road to be repaved after LTA tests Singapore Ong Beng Seng set to plead guilty on Aug 4 in case linked to ex-transport minister Iswaran Asia Gunman kills 5 security guards near Bangkok's Chatuchak market before taking own life Singapore COE quota up 2.6% to 18,701 for August to October Business Resilient economy versus uncertain outlook splits views on Singapore's monetary policy Singapore HPB looking for vaping, smoking counselling services for up to 175 secondary school students Singapore Jail for former pre-school teacher who tripped toddler repeatedly, causing child to bleed from nose Marriage rates are also at record low levels, in a country where many young couples have been put off having children by high child-rearing costs and career concerns. Many local governments have already rolled out subsidies to encourage childbirth. In March, Hohhot, the capital of China's northern Inner Mongolia region, began offering residents up to 100,000 yuan (S$17,952.89) per newborn for couples with three or more children, while first and second children will be eligible for 10,000 and 50,000 yuan subsidies. In Shenyang, in north-eastern Liaoning province, local authorities give families who have a third child 500 yuan per month until the child turns three. Hangzhou, in eastern Zhejiang province, offers a one-time payment of 25,000 yuan to couples who have a third child. More than 20 provincial-level administrations in the country now offer childcare subsidies, according to official data. Premier Li Qiang vowed to provide childcare subsidies during the government's annual work report in March. The country's shrinking population is also ageing fast, which has sparked worries about the future of the country's pension system. There were nearly 310 million aged 60 and over in 2024. AFP
Straits Times
a day ago
- Straits Times
Freelance photographers near KL twin towers facing backlash for harassment
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Social media has been abuzz with complaints from disgruntled tourists who felt duped. Freelance photographers around the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) area are facing criticism for harassing tourists and overcharging unsuspecting visitors for unsolicited photo services. According to Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), some individuals have turned walkways and even parts of the road into makeshift studios, putting themselves, tourists, and the public at risk. 'These rogue photographers obstruct public movement and pose safety risks, especially when they operate on the roads,' DBKL said in a statement. It added that repeat offenders risk having their equipment confiscated. In response to growing complaints of harassment, safety risks, and illegal business activities, DBKL launched Ops Lens, a joint operation with the police, immigration, and federal agencies. The exercise, focused around the KLCC vicinity, resulted in 41 compounds being issued to unlicensed photographers on July 27 . Social media has been abuzz with complaints from disgruntled tourists who felt duped. What starts as a friendly offer for a cheap souvenir often escalates into confrontation. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Asia Thailand, Cambodia agree to 'immediate and unconditional ceasefire' to de-escalate border row Singapore Tanjong Katong sinkhole backfilled; road to be repaved after LTA tests Singapore Ong Beng Seng set to plead guilty on Aug 4 in case linked to ex-transport minister Iswaran Asia Gunman kills 5 security guards near Bangkok's Chatuchak market before taking own life Singapore COE quota up 2.6% to 18,701 for August to October Business Resilient economy versus uncertain outlook splits views on Singapore's monetary policy Singapore HPB looking for vaping, smoking counselling services for up to 175 secondary school students Singapore Jail for former pre-school teacher who tripped toddler repeatedly, causing child to bleed from nose KLCC is often referred to as the Petronas Twin Towers. KLCC actually refers to the area where the towers are located, and the name has become synonymous with the towers themselves. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
Straits Times
a day ago
- Business
- Straits Times
GE shareholders to decide whether insurer resumes trading with choice on bonus issue from July 29
GE's shares have been suspended from trading on the Singapore Exchange since July 2024. SINGAPORE - Great Eastern (GE) shareholders will receive forms from July 29 to choose whether to take up non-voting shares or receive bonus ordinary shares, a move that will determine whether the insurer can resume trading. Those opting for Class C shares will need to fill out the form and submit it to the Central Depository, also known as CDP, by 5.30pm on Aug 7. However, for shareholders who wish to receive bonus ordinary shares, no action is required on their part. The development comes after a proposed delisting resolution failed to pass at GE's extraordinary general meeting (EGM) earlier this month. The conditional exit offering of $30.15 per share made by GE's parent company OCBC also lapsed. GE's shares have been suspended from trading on the Singapore Exchange since July 2024. The pause occurred after the insurer's public float fell below the 10 per cent minimum required by the exchange. Minority shareholders – who were the only ones allowed to vote – were then asked to vote for the resumption of trading resolution, which necessitates the adoption of a new Constitution to create Class C non-voting shares and undertaking of the proposed bonus issue. More than 98 per cent voted for the new Constitution and the bonus issue resolution. Shareholders will get bonus ordinary shares in respect of their shares unless they elect to receive Class C non-voting shares. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Tanjong Katong sinkhole backfilled; road to be repaved after LTA tests Singapore Ong Beng Seng set to plead guilty on Aug 4 in case linked to ex-transport minister Iswaran Asia Gunman kills 5 security guards near Bangkok's Chatuchak market before taking own life Singapore COE quota up 2.6% to 18,701 for August to October Business Resilient economy versus uncertain outlook splits views on Singapore's monetary policy Singapore HPB looking for vaping, smoking counselling services for up to 175 secondary school students Asia Cambodia says immediate ceasefire is purpose of talks; Thailand questions its sincerity Singapore Jail for former pre-school teacher who tripped toddler repeatedly, causing child to bleed from nose Mr David Gerald, president of Securities Investors Association (Singapore), said that shareholders need to be mindful that while Class C shares carry the same economic rights to dividends and distributions, the shares are not listed, not redeemable and carry no voting rights. They also cannot be exchanged for ordinary shares for a period of five years. 'A holder of Class C shares will likely find it hard to sell the shares as they have to find a willing buyer privately to do so. Retail investors need to carefully consider if they are willing to give up their voting rights and liquidity by electing to receive Class C shares,' he said. Meanwhile, shareholders who opt for bonus ordinary shares will receive one bonus ordinary share for every share they currently hold, effectively doubling their shareholding, he said. Mr Gerald added that if and when trading resumes, GE shares will undergo price discovery in the open market, where a new post-bonus, post-delisting-offer equilibrium price will be established. In a circular to shareholders dated June 9, GE said that bonus ordinary shares are identical to shareholders' existing shares and will count towards meeting the free float requirement whereas Class C non-voting shares will not count towards the free float. Speaking at a media briefing on July 28, group chief financial officer Ronnie Tan said the company is optimistic that GE will resume trading. He said: 'As explained at our EGM, the Class C shares were essentially structured to allow OCBC to support GE to resume trading in the event that the delisting resolution was not approved. Through the structure, we are optimistic that GE will resume trading through this process. 'It doesn't make sense for shareholders, other than OCBC, to take on Class C shares because it has disadvantages. Shareholders will be giving up quite a lot if they want to choose Class C shares.' GE's board of directors had recommended that shareholders, other than OCBC, do not elect to receive Class C non-voting shares. OCBC said it intends to receive the Class C non-voting shares, which will dilute its own shareholding of voting shares in GE to 88.19 per cent, from 93.72 per cent. This will help to restore GE's minimum free float of 10 per cent and allow trading to resume. However, if a sufficient number of shareholders choose Class C shares, GE may not be able to restore its free float and its trading will remain suspended. Mr Tan said if more than one-third of the shares held by minority shareholders become Class C shares, GE will not be able to meet the free float requirement. If more than two-thirds of shares held by minority shareholders do not become Class C shares, the free float requirement will be met, he added. GE on July 28 reported that its net profit declined 11 per cent to $248.2 million for the quarter ended June 30, from $280.4 million in the same period a year ago. The drop was attributed to lower profit from the insurance business for the quarter.
