Latest news with #JeffreySiow
Independent Singapore
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Independent Singapore
First JB-SG RTS Link train begins off-site systems integration testing at SRTC
JOHOR BAHRU/SINGAPORE: The first train set for the Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link has rolled in for testing at the Singapore Rail Test Centre (SRTC), marking a 'very interesting phase' for the long-awaited cross-border service, said Malaysia's Transport Minister Anthony Loke. Train 01 undergoes testing in Singapore Singapore's acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow and Malaysia's Transport Minister Loke jointly unveiled the RTS Link Train 01 during a ceremony at the SRTC. The train, which arrived in April, is currently undergoing off-site systems integration testing, The Star reported. Over the next few months, RTS Operations Pte Ltd (RTSO), a joint venture between RTS Operations Sdn Bhd and SMRT RTS Pte Ltd, will run checks to make sure the train works smoothly with key rail systems such as signalling, platform screen doors, and onboard communications. According to RTSO chairman Datuk Khairil Anwar Ahmad, the purpose of these off-site tests is to catch and fix any potential issues before moving to on-track testing. He said this phase is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of the year, with Train 01 set to begin dynamic testing alongside the rest of the fleet after that. Mr Khairil Anwar said trains 02 to 05 are still being assembled in Batu Gajah, Perak. The remaining three trains, 06, 07, and 08, will follow suit for production. Once completed, all eight trains will be transferred to the Wadi Hana Depot in Johor Bahru for final tests and preparations before commissioning for passenger service. Malaysia Rapid Transit System Bhd (MRTS) subsidiary MRT Corp, which oversees the Malaysian section, said dynamic testing of the RTS Link train system is set for May 2026, as per the terms of the bilateral agreement. This will involve operating the train along the full alignment from Wadi Hana Depot through to the stations. Train design and features The four-car train, manufactured by CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co Ltd, is the first of eight planned for the RTS Link. It features a white body with red and blue accents, reflecting the colours of the Malaysian, Johor, and Singapore flags. Each train set is 76.4 metres long and can carry up to 1,087 passengers, making it possible to move 10,000 people per hour in each direction. Inside, the train is fitted with a dynamic route map display, hopper windows for fresh air during emergencies, a wheelchair area, and a hearing induction loop to support hearing aid users during service announcements. Construction progress on both sides of the border Meanwhile, construction continues to make steady progress on both ends of the Causeway. According to RTSO, rail system works are now about 56% complete. Since late 2024, infrastructure companies from both Malaysia and Singapore have been gradually handing over civil structures to support ongoing works. This includes laying the RTS Link tracks from Wadi Hana Depot through Bukit Chagar station and across to Woodlands North station in Singapore. Other works include the installation of signalling, communications, integrated supervisory control, and traction power supply systems. MRT Corp said key structural works for the Marine Viaduct, Wadi Hana Depot, and Bukit Chagar Station were completed as of end-May. Interior works at the depot are now 80% finished and targeted for completion by October. The roof facade is being installed at Bukit Chagar Station. The Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex is also 90% structurally complete, with interior work at 45% and facade installation expected to start in September. See also Boom in JB real estate as RTS Link is above 50% complete Looking ahead: RTS Link fares, operation schedule, and economic impact Minister Loke said the project had faced delays after a change in the Malaysian government in 2018 but was pushed through after many rounds of negotiations. He called the RTS Link a 'game-changer' for daily commuters and said the rail line would play a big role in supporting the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone. 'With another 18 months to go, we are now entering a very interesting phase of this project,' Minister Loke said. 'It is about reducing congestion, saving time, and connecting people more seamlessly than ever before,' he added. Acting Transport Minister Siow echoed this, noting that the RTS Link is meant to create 'more choices and convenience' for travellers. In end-June, RTS Link operators said they were in the final stages of deciding fares for the cross-border service. Trains are expected to run daily from 6 a.m. to midnight once operations begin, although Minister Loke noted that the operator is also considering adjusting these hours, as some commuters start crossing the border before 5 a.m. /TISG Read also: SG-JB KTM train to cease operations 6 months after new '6 minutes' RTS link starts running in 2027
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Singapore to train more aviation and maritime officials from around the world
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow delivers his speech at the Global Aviation and Maritime Symposium on July 14. SINGAPORE – More aviation and maritime officials from around the world will be trained here in Singapore, as the Republic launches and develops new training programmes in these two sectors. The programmes are part of moves to support the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and International Maritime Organization (IMO), which Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow said were examples of multilateral institutions that are 'pillars of a rules-based international order'. They are also seen as part of efforts to cement Singapore's position as an aviation and maritime hub. The training programmes include one for transport officials from the Small Island Developing States (SIDS), which includes states in the Caribbean and Pacific islands, among others. The programme will focus on the unique challenges that SIDS - like Singapore - face in the aviation and maritime industries, Mr Siow said, speaking at the opening of the Global Aviation and Maritime Symposium. The first training programme for SIDS will be in 2026, for officials from the Caribbean Island states. Courses for the Pacific Island states and others are also in the pipeline. Mr Siow also said Singapore will work with the ICAO and IMO on a new global initiative to develop and deliver specialised training programmes for officials and practitioners across both the aviation and maritime sectors. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Business Singapore's economy continues to expand in Q2 despite US tariff uncertainty: Advance estimate Singapore What's in a name? 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This is aimed at supporting officials from developing ICAO Member States in attending aviation-related courses. The Republic has also committed a second tranche of US$3 million to the Enhanced Technical Co-Operation and Training Package for IMO and its member States, said Mr Siow. These funds will support courses for seafarers on alternative fuels, digitalisation, marine casualty investigations and other areas. Singapore had already pledged US$5 million for a five-year period from 2024 to 2028. To date, Singapore has run aviation and maritime training courses for more than 1,800 participants under the Singapore-ICAO Developing Countries Training Programme, and over 2,400 participants under the Singapore-IMO Third Country Training Programme, Mr Siow said. Mr Siow said at the symposium that Singapore has been 'a strong supporter' of the ICAO and IMO since it joined both organisations in 1966, and served as a member of the ICAO and IMO Councils since 2003 and 1993, respectively. The event has brought the global aviation and maritime communities together for the first time, including the Secretaries-General of the ICAO and IMO, ICAO and IMO 'pillars' in unpredictable world Mr Siow said Singapore remains committed to working with the ICAO and IMO. 'In an increasingly unpredictable global climate, multilateral institutions like the ICAO and IMO are pillars of a rules-based international order,' he said. For example, the organisations' 'clear, rules-based frameworks' allow the safe movement of people and goods by air and sea, even during crises. And they provide 'steadfast leadership' even in 'periods of transition and turbulence', serving as platforms for collective action and global cooperation, Mr Siow said. To Singapore, 'connectivity is existential', Mr Siow said. 'We are a major aviation and maritime hub, connected to around 170 cities by air and over 600 ports across 120 countries.' Singapore is also a hub for international travel and trade, and has invested in upgrading its airport and seaport, as well as air traffic and vessel traffic management systems, he added. 'Because of Singapore's connectivity, we can see and feel first-hand how global trends are shaping aviation and maritime,' Mr Siow said. These trends include 'more fragmented and volatile' economic and geopolitical environments, resulting in rising costs and heightened uncertainty, said Mr Siow. This has had knock-on effects on freight networks and port operations worldwide. At the same time, consumer demand for transport is growing faster than capacity, Mr Siow noted. As passenger and cargo traffic by air and sea continue to grow, 'countries are striving to build infrastructure and capability to meet the rising demand'. The aviation and maritime industries are also grappling with longer-term issues such as climate change and technology, he added. In his speech, Mr Siow said two challenges that both industries must tackle are safety and sustainability. (From left) Minister of State Baey Yam Keng; Senior Minister of State Murali Pillai; ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar; Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow; IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez; Senior Minister of State Sun Xueling; and Permanent Secretary Lau Peet Meng in a group photo at the Global Aviation and Maritime Symposium in Raffles City Convention Centre. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY Safety the 'foundation' of aviation, maritime sectors Maintaining safety has become more demanding as air and sea traffic grows and operating environments become more complex, said Mr Siow. For example, airspace for flights is tightly regulated, and maritime vessels in open waters sail without central traffic control, relying on onboard navigation systems and local guidance near ports to ensure safe passage, said Mr Siow. New technologies are being used in both sectors to improve operations, 'but they also bring new risks', Mr Siow noted, such as cybersecurity threats and system vulnerabilities. 'We must ensure that our people are well-equipped to use these technologies safely, and make the right decisions even under pressure,' Mr Siow said. 'This is why training remains critical.' As for sustainability, Mr Siow noted that the aviation and maritime sectors each contribute about 3 per cent of global emissions, adding that aviation and maritime decarbonisation must be balanced against economic development. The ICAO and IMO have adopted 2050 net-zero carbon emissions goals. For aviation, the key is the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel which can reduce emissions by up to 80 per cent, compared to fossil jet fuel on a life-cycle basis. Importantly, sustainable aviation fuels can be used with existing aircraft engines and airport infrastructure. This is not the case for the maritime sector. While there are various alternative marine fuel options - such as liquefied natural gas, biofuels, methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen - the availability of infrastructure for these fuels varies across shipping routes. 'The maritime community is therefore preparing for a multi-fuel future,' Mr Siow noted. More than 500 delegates, including transport ministers, senior officials, regulators and industry leaders and experts from more than 80 countries are in Singapore to attend the symposium, which runs until July 18.
Business Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Times
Acting Transport Minister Siow announces global maritime and aviation training initiatives, new support scheme for small island nations
[SINGAPORE] Singapore will develop specialised training programmes with the United Nations' transport agencies and launch a separate initiative for fellow small island states, as part of its broader push to strengthen global cooperation in aviation and maritime resilience. The announcements were made by Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow at the Global Aviation and Maritime Symposium on Monday (Jul 14), where he addressed over 500 delegates – including ministers, regulators and industry leaders – from more than 80 countries and 90 organisations. Also in attendance at the symposium were the chiefs of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Juan Carlos Salazar and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Arsenio Dominguez. Held at the Raffles City Convention Centre, the symposium marked the first time the global aviation and maritime communities have convened under one roof. Noting Singapore's longstanding support for the ICAO and the IMO, Siow said the Republic will build on this by co-developing new global training programmes with both bodies for officials and practitioners in the aviation and maritime sectors. 'With the expertise and support of ICAO and IMO, these training programmes will better equip the international aviation and maritime communities, to build stronger and more resilient international transport systems,' said Siow, who is also Senior Minister of State for Finance. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up The Ministry of Transport (MOT) said that the programme may cover leadership development and technical skills upgrading in areas such as digital transformation, safety and security management, and accident investigation. It will be developed over the course of 2026 with support from the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). Siow also announced a new initiative tailored to the needs of Small Island Developing States, such as Singapore. The first course will launch in 2026 for officials from the Caribbean Island States, with future courses planned for the Pacific Islands and others. The programme will be delivered in partnership with CAAS, the Singapore Aviation Academy, MPA and the MPA Academy. It will offer one to two courses a year, tailored to different levels – from senior leadership to technical and operational roles – and conducted in person, virtually or in-region. Countries eligible for the programme are members of the Alliance of Small Island States, of which Singapore is a member. A limited number of fellowships will be offered each year, covering travel, accommodation, course fees and allowances. Alongside the new initiatives, Siow also announced updates to Singapore's longstanding partnerships with the UN transport bodies. Singapore will extend the Singapore-ICAO Developing Countries Training Programme for another three years, providing 330 fellowships and 10 scholarships worth US$1.8 million. Since its launch in 2001, the programme has trained more than 1,800 participants. Separately, Singapore will contribute a second tranche of US$3 million to the IMO's Enhanced Technical Cooperation and Training Package, adding to an initial US$2 million committed for 2024 to 2025. The funds will support courses for seafarers in areas such as alternative fuels, digitalisation and marine casualty investigations. Discussing issues together These announcements come as global transport systems face mounting pressures from shifting geopolitics, supply chain disruptions, climate change and rapid technological shifts. Siow said that as a major aviation and maritime hub – connected to around 170 cities by air and more than 600 ports – Singapore sees first-hand how these forces are reshaping the sectors. For instance, geopolitical tensions, tariffs and regional conflicts have disrupted air and sea corridors, while businesses are redesigning supply chains in response to uncertainty. At the same time, demand continues to outpace capacity, climate pressures are driving decarbonisation efforts, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and data analytics are transforming operations. 'These challenges will require the sustained efforts of states and stakeholders globally. No country, no company, can do this by ourselves,' he said. 'Looking at the work ahead of us in tackling emerging challenges and seizing opportunities in aviation and maritime, it is timely that we have come together to discuss these issues.' Against this backdrop, Siow emphasised the importance of institutions such as ICAO and IMO, calling them 'pillars of a rules-based international order'. 'Singapore remains fully committed to supporting the ICAO and IMO in their missions and work, and to partnering other member states and the industry to address common challenges and opportunities to advance the global aviation and maritime sectors,' said Siow.
New Paper
6 days ago
- Business
- New Paper
12,000 lower-income households to get $60 transport vouchers by end-July
More than 12,000 lower-income households under the ComCare Short-to-Medium-Term (SMTA) and Long-Term Assistance schemes will automatically receive a $60 public transport voucher (PTV) by the end of July. This is part of the Government's efforts to ease transport costs for lower-income households, said Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow in a Facebook post on July 11. Beneficiaries under the scheme can expect to automatically receive the voucher by July 31 via post or SMS, if they opted in. Residents who previously applied for the voucher but have not received it or need more assistance can appeal online or at their local community centre by Oct 31. Each eligible household will receive one PTV, and these vouchers can be used to top up fare cards or buy monthly passes. The vouchers are valid until March 31, 2026. More than 320,000 vouchers have been given out under this exercise, Mr Siow added. Under the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), ComCare provides financial assistance and social support to individuals and families who need help with daily living expenses. Individuals and families are eligible for the SMTA if they are unable to work for a period of time, are looking for a job or are earning a low-income and require assistance to meet basic living needs. Eligible applicants for Long-Term Assistance are those who are permanently unable to work due to old age, illness or disability, have limited or no means of income, and little or no family support. Applicants can check their eligibility at In January, the Transport Ministry and the People's Association said eligible households that did not receive PTVs in 2024 can apply for the $60 PTVs online or at their local community clubs from Jan 14 to Oct 31 to help defray the public transport fare increase. These are households with a monthly income per person of up to $1,800. From Dec 28, 2024, adult passengers began paying 10 cents more for each train and bus ride, as part of a 6 per cent public transport fare hike, while seniors, students, people with disabilities and low-wage workers enjoying concessionary fares started paying four cents more for each journey. "Our commitment is that public transport will always be affordable for all Singaporeans," Mr Siow added.
Straits Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Over 12,000 lower-income households to receive $60 in transport vouchers by end-July
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox The vouchers are to help lower-income passengers cope with the latest public transport fare hike. SINGAPORE – More than 12,000 lower-income households under the ComCare Short-to-Medium-Term (SMTA) and Long-Term Assistance schemes will automatically receive a $60 public transport voucher (PTV) by the end of July. This is part of the Government's efforts to ease transport costs for lower-income households, said Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow in a Facebook post on July 11. Beneficiaries under the scheme can expect to automatically receive the voucher by July 31 via post or SMS, if they opted in. Residents who previously applied for the voucher but have not received it or need more assistance can appeal online or at their local community centre by Oct 31. Each eligible household will receive one PTV, and these vouchers can be used to top up fare cards or buy monthly passes. The vouchers are valid until March 31, 2026. More than 320,000 vouchers have been given out under this exercise, Mr Siow added. Under the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), ComCare provides financial assistance and social support to individuals and families who need help with daily living expenses. Individuals and families are eligible for the SMTA if they are unable to work for a period of time, are looking for a job or are earning a low-income and require assistance to meet basic living needs. Eligible applicants for Long-Term Assistance are those who are permanently unable to work due to old age, illness or disability, have limited or no means of income, and little or no family support. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Singapore steps up nuclear viability, safety research with new institute and $66m in additional funds Singapore NDP 2025: Leopard tank transmission fault identified, vehicle to resume role in mobile column World Trump nominates 'alpha male' influencer to be ambassador to Malaysia Business CEO pay: At Singapore's top companies, whose pay went up and who saw a drop? Opinion Whisper it softly, there's a new Japan rising Business Popiah king Sam Goi makes $123.5 million offer to buy rest of PSC Singapore Youth who performed lewd act on cat ordered to undergo probation Life Singer Jacky Cheung adds 3 more encore concerts in Singapore, bringing total to 6 shows Applicants can check their eligibility at . In January, the Transport Ministry and the People's Association said eligible households that did not receive PTVs in 2024 can apply for the $60 PTVs online or at their local community clubs from Jan 14 to Oct 31 to help defray the public transport fare increase. These are households with a monthly income per person of up to $1,800. From Dec 28, 2024, adult passengers began paying 10 cents more for each train and bus ride, as part of a 6 per cent public transport fare hike , while seniors, students, people with disabilities and low-wage workers enjoying concessionary fares started paying four cents more for each journey. 'Our commitment is that public transport will always be affordable for all Singaporeans,' Mr Siow added.
