Latest news with #JaimeHo
Straits Times
3 days ago
- General
- Straits Times
Third Conversations with ST discusses the role and relevance of media with young professionals
The group discussions were facilitated by 11 members of ST's editorial team, including ST editor Jaime Ho (front row, left) and ST associate editor Zakir Hussain (second row, right). ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI Third Conversations with ST discusses the role and relevance of media with young professionals SINGAPORE – The third session of The Straits Times' engagement series took place on the evening of May 27, bringing together 40 young professionals to share their perspectives on ST's role as a national news publication. The event, which ran for two hours, was part of the ST180 celebrations, marking the publication's 180th anniversary in 2025. Unlike earlier sessions, which were held as panel discussions, the latest event held at PPP Coffee @ New Bahru adopted a more intimate format, with participants divided into six smaller groups for deeper conversations. The group discussions were facilitated by 11 members of ST's editorial team, including ST editor Jaime Ho, ST associate editor Zakir Hussain and Mr Jeremy Au Yong, ST's associate editor (newsroom strategy). Topics explored ranged from how the newsroom selects stories for coverage and how ST can remain relevant to younger audiences, to the need for society to retain common spaces amid polarising viewpoints. Several participants said the session gave them a glimpse into newsroom decision-making, particularly in handling sensitive issues such as suicide coverage. This event was the first session that was open to the public. The previous sessions in the year-long series called Conversations with The Straits Times were invite-only events, the first in January involving individuals from non-profit organisations and the second in March involving junior college students. These sessions aim to facilitate candid discussions between ST and its audiences, by offering readers a chance to interact with the ST editorial team in person. To remain relevant to younger audiences, several participants suggested that ST should make greater use of its Telegram channel to push news updates, noting that many of their peers are active on the platform. Ms Edith Cheow Rui Xuan, 23, a final-year student at an institute of higher learning, said that the ST mobile app could provide incentives to encourage regular engagement. 'The ST app could provide reward perks for daily check-ins. Given the general inclination towards rewarding individuals for their time and effort, offering micro-rewards, gamified reading challenges or subscription tiers with exclusive benefits could encourage engagement,' she said. Some participants also suggested that ST develop an applet that could present or recommend relevant stories from its own website, whenever users visit other news sites such as The New York Times. Some also said they noticed a shift in ST's content over the years, including a growing emphasis on podcasts and short-form content. An example raised were the short video clips produced during the 2025 General Election, where journalists explained election-related news in a catchy and accessible format. ST senior columnist Lin Suling (centre) with participants at the third edition of Conversations with The Straits Times on May 27. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI Discussions also explored the continued importance of journalistic objectivity in an increasingly polarised world. Participants reflected on how moderate voices often go unheard, while those with more extreme views sometimes dominate discourse. Acknowledging these concerns, Mr Ho emphasised ST's commitment to balanced and objective reporting, despite it potentially becoming more challenging with polarising views in society. Participants in some groups also expressed interest in seeing more coverage on topics such as alternative education pathways and mental health. ST recently launched a youth-focused series titled More than Grades, which spotlights students beyond their academic achievements. This follows a separate series – No health without mental health – that began in October 2024 to explore the topic of mental health in the local context. Ms Linda Lee, 37, a human-experience leadership coach and speaker, said: 'Younger audiences today aren't just passive consumers – they're looking for something that feels real, relevant, and worth their time. ST can really lean into that by covering more stories of the human experience.' For more information about ST180, visit
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
What's The News? S'pore students face off in ST's quiz competition
Organised as part of ST's 180th anniversary celebrations, the What's The News? competition brought together students across secondary and tertiary levels to take part in an interactive quiz that merged current affairs with fun team-based physical challenges and creativity. Quiz host Rishi Budhrani interacting with students in the preliminary round of the competition at St Gabriel's Secondary School on April 15. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI ST's What's The News travelling showcase at St Gabriel's Secondary School on April 15. The showcase will be visiting schools and public spaces until June 16. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI Temasek Junior College emerged as the champion when the competition ended on May 23 at NUS University Cultural Centre. Members of the winning team from Temasek Junior College (in green) shaking hands with the other finalists from Outram Secondary School, St Joseph's Institution and Presbyterian High School at NUS University Cultural Centre on May 23. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY The competition is supported by the Ministry of Education with the Central Narcotics Bureau as a partner. ST editor Jaime Ho speaking to attendees at the finals of the competition at NUS University Cultural Centre on May 23. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY Guo Yatian, 16, who was part of the winning team, said: 'This competition has definitely inspired us to continue our habit of reading the news and to keep abreast of current affairs around the world. 'It enriches not just our knowledge but also how we approach daily life. It is helpful not just in our studies but also how we interact with people from different backgrounds.' (From left) Winners Rayner Ng, 16, Melody Keiko Chua, 17, Chloe Natalie D' Mello, 16, and Guo Yatian answering a question about the Lapu Lapu festival tragedy during the short answer question round at the finals on May 23. The answers were judged by (big screen from left) ST managing editor Murali Subramaniam, ST editor Jaime Ho, and Ms Leah Aw, director, Humanities Curriculum Planning and Development 2, Ministry of Education. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY Citing concerns like the unpredictability of the second Trump presidency, Yatian added: 'As Singaporeans, we shouldn't be so insular. We should look beyond our country to know what's happening beyond our borders. ST VIDEO: MATILDA AQUILA CHIA, AZIM AZMAN, JACEN TAN, JORDAN LEE, JOEL CHNG & AILEEN TEO The journey to the finals began with an online individual quiz in April. ST editor Jaime Ho interacting with St Gabriel's Secondary School students during the preliminary round, which requires the participants to answer a 30-question quiz in 30 minutes on May 15. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI More than 6,000 students from 50 schools – across secondary and tertiary institutions – taking part in the competition. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI The top 16 schools then advanced to the semi-finals on May 21, each sending a team of six representatives. The Ballpits and Blindfolds game being held during the semi-finals of ST's What's The News? competition at Our Tampines Hub on May 21. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY Zhonghua Secondary School students playing a game with merchandise to be won at one of the travelling showcase booths prior to the semi-finals on May 21. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH The 16 teams were divided into four zones, where only one team from each zone would secure a spot in the finals. Naval Base Secondary School supporters cheering their schoolmates on during the semi-finals at Our Tampines Hub on May 21. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH During the arena-style semi-finals – consisting of four telematch games – the sports hall at Our Tampines Hub was filled with a tense and exciting atmosphere. Raffles Institution students (from left) Han Peng Hao, 16, Xie Yundi, 18, and Li Houzhe, 18, holding on to one another to keep their balance on a foam mat as they compete in the Go The Distance game during the semi-finals on May 21. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH Loyang View Secondary School student Jumao-As Nicholas Lim, 16, holding his stance on two foam mats as he competes in the Go The Distance game during the semi-finals at Our Tampines Hub. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH Alexis Eng, 16, from Naval Base Secondary School holding up her team's answer to a true or false question while competing in the Go The Distance game during the semi-finals on May 21. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH Challenges included finding answers hidden in a ball pit while blindfolded, and illustrating social issues such as drug abuse and mental health through drawing. A Pasir Ris Secondary School student resting during a break in the Ballpits and Blindfolds game at the semi-finals at Our Tampines Hub on May 21. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY Yishun Innova Junior College students guiding their teammate – sitting in a ball pit blindfolded – to find the placard with the correct answer as quickly as possible. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY Victoria School student Joshua Krisnanto, 16, said the competition was an 'eye-opening experience'. Victoria School students participating in a Pictionary-style contest, which tested their creativity and presentation skills. The game was part of the semi-finals at Our Tampines Hub on May 21. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY 'The competition got us to know more about current affairs, not only in Singapore but also on an international scale, which we felt was really beneficial as it's important to know what's happening around us at this moment,' he added. Yishun Innova Junior College students presenting to ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo and SPH Media's managing editor of English, Malay and Tamil Media Dominic Nathan during the semi-finals at Our Tampines Hub on May 21. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY The members of the Victoria School team – one of the youngest teams in the semi-finals – said they felt like the 'underdogs of their zone'. Judges assessing the student presentations for the Pictionary-style game. During the semi-finals at Our Tampines Hub on May 21, the 16 teams were divided into four zones, where only one team from each zone would go on to the finals. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY Despite not making it to the finals, team members said they had fun and hope to join the contest again. Outram Secondary School students (from left) Liam Hu, 16, Didi Chua, 15, Kara Anne Ringling, 15, Laris Ho, 16, Sonya Koh, 15, and Abburu Sai Daksha, 16, jumping for joy on May 21 after finding out they qualified for the finals of the competition. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY ST VIDEO: MATILDA AQUILA CHIA, AZIM AZMAN, JACEN TAN & JOHNBOY IYPE JOHN Intensity grew at the finals, where four schools went up against one another in a game show format. Teams, consisting of four members, chose questions of varying difficulty and could redirect one question to an opponent. Correct answers earned points for both teams, but wrong answers meant only the receiving team lost points. The four teams at ST's What's The News? finals held at NUS University Cultural Centre on May 23. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY Presbyterian High School, which was gunning for second place, found itself on the losing end after two difficult questions were redirected its way. The team ultimately finished fourth. Presbyterian High School students (from left) Zoe Tan, Cherisse Kow, Daven Voo and Lee Yu Xin, who are all aged 15, reacting after getting a challenging question during the short answer question round at the finals on May 23. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY Team member Zoe Tan, 15, said: 'There is a sense of regret, because we had asked our friend to check (one of the questions) for us, but we still didn't get it right.' Presbyterian High School students comforting each other after the finals at NUS University Cultural Centre on May 23. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY The team said the experience taught them lessons in strategy and presentation skills. St Joseph's Institution (SJI), which took second place, credited its success to strong teamwork. SJI students (from left) Ethan Chong, Wang Xuanwen, Nathan Henry Asikin and Krishay Gautam Patel, all aged 16, preparing their responses for the presentation round at the finals of the competition at NUS University Cultural Centre on May 23. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY Though well-versed in global affairs from participating in Model United Nations, the team admitted to initially underestimating the depth of local news. St Joseph's Institution students using a 'redirect' card to deflect a question during the short answer question round. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY Supporters of St Joseph's Institution cheering their team on during the finals at NUS University Cultural Centre on May 23. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY 'Prior to What's The News?, we felt that as a small country, (Singapore's news) would be quite mundane. But after this competition, we have found that it's far more than what we had envisioned,' said SJI team member Ethan Chong, 16. His teammates agreed that they now have a newfound interest in learning more about local politics, especially after the recent general election. ST VIDEO: MATILDA AQUILA CHIA, AZIM AZMAN, JORDAN LEE, JACEN TAN & AILEEN TEO
Straits Times
19-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Books, brains and breaking news: 16 schools move to the semi-finals in ST's What's The News? Quiz
Students participating in the first preliminary round of The Straits Times' quiz competition What's The News at St Gabriel's Secondary School on April 15. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI Books, brains and breaking news: 16 schools move to the semi-finals in ST's What's The News? Quiz SINGAPORE – From global headlines on the tariff war to news about sports and popular culture, more than 6,000 students recently put their current affairs knowledge to the test. A total of 16 schools, including Nanyang Girls' High School and Naval Base Secondary School, have made it to the semi-finals of the current affairs quiz competition organised by The Straits Times, after preliminary rounds kicked off in April. What's The News? is an inter-school interactive quiz competition organised by ST as part of its 180th anniversary outreach, and is supported by the Ministry of Education. The Central Narcotics Bureau is a partner. Students aged 15 and above from local secondary schools, junior colleges, polytechnics and the Institute of Technical Education were tested on their knowledge of news and current affairs. The competition consists of an individual online quiz in the preliminary round, followed by arena-style team games in the semi-finals based on current affairs questions. Four best-performing teams will then head to the final contest with a game show format, with a $4,000 cash prize for the team in first place. The final will be held at the NUS University Cultural Centre on May 23. The schools that finish second, third and fourth will win $3,000, $2,000 and $1,000, respectively. Through this, ST aims to encourage young people to be more balanced consumers of the media through regular discourse on current affairs with friends and family, allowing them to step out of 'echo chambers' present in the polarised media landscape, said the competition's organising team. More than 6,000 students from 50 schools – across secondary and tertiary institutions – took part in the preliminary round. Teams from the top 16 schools have earned a spot in the semi-finals – a series of four telematch games – which is taking place on May 21 at Our Tampines Hub. ST editor Jaime Ho with Secondary 3 student Ammar Emran Putra Sulaiman during the inter-school interactive quiz competition, What's The News?, on April 15. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI ST editor Jaime Ho said: 'We don't give our youth and children enough credit. We sometimes think all they want to read about is K-pop or memes, but we found through our interactions with them that they were very interested in things happening in our community, like the shophouse fire in River Valley, or global issues, like how tariffs would affect us in Singapore. 'Reaching more than 6,000 students through the preliminaries is something that we're really excited about. We are so glad that the schools and students lent their support, and are our partners in improving news and media literacy among our young.' Students have been preparing for the semi-finals – which will require physical activity and teamwork – by reading the news daily across different platforms. Some students have even come together with teammates to quiz each other using Kahoot!, an interactive quiz tool. Tampines Meridian Junior College student Yew Shang Hong, 17, said he has been reading up on current affairs, including global news. He added: 'There have been a lot of headlines (on politics) or even when it comes to trade, especially with Trump's tariffs. These articles have a lot of interesting points, like whether it's a good thing for those countries or is it actually hurting their economy?' What's The News? travelling showcase at Naval Base Secondary School on April 25. ST PHOTO: WHAT'S THE NEWS? ORGANISING COMMITTEE For Naval Base Secondary School student Alexis Eng, 15, preparing for the semi-finals has seen her reading more widely to be exposed to different viewpoints and broaden her understanding of unfamiliar topics. 'I know the quiz isn't just about having the right answers, but about staying curious and passionate about learning... To me, it's about improving, not being perfect,' she said. Her positive disposition towards learning heartened her teachers, who found the competition to be about more than just current affairs. Mr Daniel Troy, 32, the teacher leading the team of students from Naval Base Secondary, said: 'I think (the students have) been actually quite passionate in developing not just their knowledge, but also their critical thinking skills, and appreciate some of the complexities of real-world issues.' Regardless of the outcome, the school is proud of the effort that the students have put in, he added. Read the news and slay the quiz: A recap First preliminary round of The Straits Times' quiz competition What's The News? at St Gabriel's Secondary School on April 15. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI The preliminary round tested students on their knowledge of news and current affairs via a 30-question online quiz with a 30-minute limit. This included topics from local issues such as how much in SG60 vouchers seniors will get, to wider questions about Oxford English Dictionary's word of the year and the kidnapping of Chinese actor Wang Xing in Thailand in January 2025. Students who took part in the quiz said they found that the wide range of topics tested went beyond topics usually discussed at school, opening their eyes to how current affairs can be applicable to their daily lives. Temasek Junior College student Chloe D'Mello, 16, found that the quiz exposed her to content on topics like politics, science and technology, which are covered in her General Paper lessons. 'The quiz tested us on very current bits of current affairs, which made me realise how much is going on in the world beyond the classroom. One example that stood out to me was the question about Chinese academics naming newly discovered spider species after Jay Chou's songs.' she said. What's The News? host Rishi Budhrani (left) with ST Schools editor Serene Luo. ST PHOTO: ONG WEE JIN Out of the 50 schools, six schools, including Pasir Ris Secondary and Nanyang Junior College, had their preliminary round hosted by local stand-up comedian Rishi Budhrani, who turned out to be a highlight of the competition, said ST Schools editor Serene Luo. Ms Luo, whose team produces publications and content like IN, Little Red Dot and TL;DR for students, said that students were very focused on getting a ticket to the semi-finals. 'In some schools, teachers led the charge by giving their students articles to read; in others, the students did their own preparation by reading news sites, following news sites on social media, or sending articles to their own friends, too,' said Ms Luo. At one school, students gathered outside the lecture theatre to take a photo with their prelim quiz scores, showing it off like a badge of honour, she added. Feeling Fomo? Catch the heat of the prelims here More learning through fun A travelling showcase, designed to look like a bookcase, will visit schools and public spaces from April to June. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI A travelling showcase, designed to look like a bookcase, will visit schools and public spaces from April to June. Hoping to spark further discourse on current affairs among young people, the interactive showcase features informative panels and fun activities, such as the Catch the Lie panel, which gets participants to identify which statements are fake news. By completing an activity sheet at the showcase, visitors stand a chance to win exclusive merchandise such as keychains, laptop stickers, notebooks and a Nalgene water bottle. Key objectives of the display include showing how staying in touch with current affairs helps young people make better decisions, and to encourage them to maintain a balanced and healthy diet of media consumption. It will also be available to the public at Our Tampines Hub on May 21 and outside Punggol Regional Library from Jun 2 to 16. Try out the quiz Members of the public can have a taste of what students went through in the preliminary round here: Here are some questions. 1. How much in SG60 vouchers will seniors 60 and above receive in 2025, as announced in Budget 2025? a. $600 b. $800 c. $1,000 2. Chinese TV actor Wang Xing was rescued on Jan 7 after disappearing in Mae Sot, a Thai town bordering Myanmar. Who kidnapped him? a. Jealous fans of a rival b. Criminals running a fraud farm c. Wildlife poachers 3. In October 2024, two amateur photographers stumbled upon a rare snake, which had not been seen in Singapore in 64 years. The snake is called _________. a. The Peters' keelback snake b. Banded krait c. Oriental whip snake 4. Oxford University Press, publisher of the Oxford English Dictionary, chose __________ as its 2024 Word of the Year. a. demure b. lore c. brain rot 5. According to career and recruitment experts, fresh graduates in Singapore starting their careers in 2025 can look out for growing job opportunities in the following two areas: a. Aeronautics and shipping b. Green energy and artificial intelligence (AI) c. Fintech and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) 6. The Central Narcotics Bureau rescued _______________ during drug raids in homes in 2024. Who did they rescue? a. at least 10 neglected children b. at least 10 neglected pets c. at least 10 neglected elderly or disabled people ANSWERS: Q1. b, Q2. b, Q3. a, Q4. c, Q5. b, Q6. a
