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Straits Times
3 days ago
- Straits Times
Vessels from Navy, SCDF and MPA to debut at Marina Bay in NDP maritime display
Find out what's new on ST website and app. All five vessels taking part in an open sea sortie rehearsal during NDP 2025's maritime display on July 19. SINGAPORE – Three boats from the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and the Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) will make their debut at Marina Bay during the National Day Parade. They are the RSN's Maritime Security Unmanned Surface Vessel (MarSec USV), the SCDF's White Swordfish, which is a Rapid Response Fire Vessel (RFV), and a patrol craft from the MPA. They will be accompanied by the navy's Combatant Craft Medium and the Singapore Police Force's 3-Series PC Class Patrol Craft. These five vessels are part of the mobile column segment of the parade , which also includes 143 vehicles travelling along St Andrew's Road, and 22 aircraft flying across the Padang. In total, the segment involves 170 assets and more than 800 personnel from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), the Home Team and the MPA. Lieutenant-Colonel James Ong Chong Yu, who is the deputy chairman of the naval participation committee, said: 'This year's maritime display is unique because (audiences) will see the participation of four different maritime security agencies in the Bay for the first time.' He added: 'This idea came about because of this year's expanded show canvas (which includes Marina Bay). We recognised that it gave us an opportunity to showcase the whole-of-government collaboration in maritime security operations.' Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Mindef, SAF units among those dealing with attack on S'pore's critical information infrastructure Asia How China's growing cyber-hacking capabilities have raised alarm around the world Asia Autogate glitch at Malaysia's major checkpoints causes chaos for S'porean and foreign travellers Singapore A deadly cocktail: Easy access, lax attitudes driving Kpod scourge in S'pore Singapore 'I thought it was an April Fool's joke': Teen addicted to Kpods on news that friend died Singapore Who decides when you can't? A guide on planning for end-of-life care Singapore Why hiring more teachers makes sense, even with falling student numbers The MarSec USV , which began operating in Singapore's waters in January, is used to conduct surveillance and can be operated remotely by a two-man crew. It has an endurance time of about 36 hours and can travel up to 50 knots. Lieutenant-Colonel James Ong Chong Yu in front of the Maritime Security Unmanned Surface Vessel (MarSec USV). ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI The White Swordfish is one of three SCDF Rapid Response Fire Vessels, built to respond to maritime emergencies including fires, chemical spills and rescue operations. The MPA's patrol craft, built for emergency responses and enforcement, is equipped with systems for efficient communication with its command centres and a rescue boat for man-overboard recovery. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore Patrol Craft undergoing hoisting operations at Marina Barrage on July 19. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI For the maritime display, the five vessels have to be hoisted from the sea into the Bay before the show. It takes about 30 minutes to hoist each vessel, said LTC Ong, who added that the entire process can take about three hours, inclusive of breaks for the crew. When selecting the vessels, the agencies had to take into account the size and weight limits of the boat hoist at Marina Barrage, which has a maximum lifting capacity of 70 tonnes, he said. Rehearsals for the maritime display began in May, said LTC Ong, adding that sailing legs and blocks were used to simulate sailing inside the Bay. 'During the rehearsals, we are looking at how the vessels are coordinating to maintain the distance between (them), and making sure everybody turns at the right time, so that the whole convoy maintains a nice and straight formation,' he said. The five vessels will begin their route at the Helix Bridge, sailing past several landmarks such as the ArtScience Museum, Marina Bay Sands, The Promontory@Marina Bay, Clifford Pier and the Esplanade.
Straits Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
First look at the new Singapore Oceanarium at Resorts World Sentosa
Find out what's new on ST website and app. SINGAPORE – When the Singapore Oceanarium opens its doors to the public on July 24, you can see a pop culture sensation in the flesh: the albino axolotl. This charming creature – with its pastel pink skin, wide-set eyes and 'feathery' gills that frame a seemingly smiling face – has captivated children and youth since its inclusion in the video game Minecraft in 2021, leading to a surge in demand for axolotl plush toys. Sharing its habitat is another axolotl with a mottled brown-grey body. Beyond the thrill of seeing these real-life axolotls, you can learn about this critically endangered salamander species, native to the lakes and wetlands of Mexico. These axolotls are among the new additions to the former S.E.A. Aquarium. After 12 years of operation, it closed for renovation on April 30 and is now triple its former size. At the Conquering Land zone, see a pop culture sensation in the flesh: the albino axolotl. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI The expanded space is divided into 22 zones, each telling a story about the ocean's past, present and future. One of the first zones visitors will encounter is Ocean Wonders, home to sea jellies which are known to be ancient survivors that have existed for more than 500 million years. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Business Market versus mission: What will Income Insurance choose? 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Cylindrical habitats offer a 360-degree view of various species, such as the fried egg sea jellies, named for their distinctive white and yellow bells. There are also more than 1,000 moon jellies in a 6.8m-diameter kreisel tank, a specialised tank for delicate marine creatures, which offers a mesmerising backdrop for Instagram-loving visitors. The axolotls can be found in the Conquering Land zone, which features other endangered species such as the Titicaca water frog. The Singapore's Coast zone looks set to be another popular area, offering an unique experience of an 'intertidal walk' without getting your shoes wet. Discover an array of local marine life in the tanks, such as spotted seahorses, pencil urchins and bumblebee snails. Dip your hands into a tank of skunk cleaner shrimps, which gently remove dead skin cells at the Singapore's Coast zone. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI After washing your hands, you can dip them into a tank of skunk cleaner shrimps, which gently remove dead skin cells. Some familiar favourites from the former Aquarium remain. The iconic Open Ocean exhibit, featuring a 36m-wide, 8m-tall viewing panel, continues to offer an immersive experience with around 120 species, including manta rays and sharks. The popular Shark Tunnel also provides close-up views of various shark species as they glide overhead. In Ancient Waters, life-sized animatronics and towering replicas bring long-extinct giants, such as the Dunkleosteus, back to life. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI It is not all about live creatures. At the new Ancient Waters zone, life-sized animatronics and towering replicas bring long-extinct giants, such as the Dunkleosteus, back to life. For an enhanced experience, download the Singapore Oceanarium mobile app that launches on July 23. It provides exclusive content and augmented and virtual reality features, such as a face-to-face encounter with the formidable Dunkleosteus. The suspended web at Pier Adventure offers an elevated view of the Jewel of Muscat, a replica of a ninth-century Arabian dhow, and its surroundings. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI Young visitors, in particular, will enjoy Pier Adventure, where a suspended web offers an elevated view of the Jewel of Muscat, a replica of a ninth-century Arabian dhow, and its surroundings. This attraction costs an additional $10 a person and kids have to be aged four and above, or at least 110cm tall. However, it is free until Aug 31 if you buy your entry tickets to Singapore Oceanarium via the app. Kids aged below seven must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 and above. Participants should also wear closed-toe, flat shoes. Admission for Singapore residents starts at $42 for adults, $35 for children aged four to 12, and $35 for senior citizens aged 60 and above. There are also paid experiences which cost from $28.
Straits Times
01-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Private home price growth continues to slow in Q2 2025
Flash estimates show that the private residential property price index grew by 0.5 per cent in the second quarter of 2025 over the previous quarter. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI SINGAPORE – The growth in private residential property prices continued to lose momentum in the second quarter of 2025, according to flash estimates released by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) on July 1. The private residential property price index rose by 0.5 per cent in the second quarter, compared with the 0.8 per cent growth in the first quarter. 'In line with the decline in the number of units launched for sale, sale transaction volume fell by about 40 per cent on a quarter-on-quarter basis in Q2 2025,' said URA. There were 4,340 private homes sold in the second quarter , compared with 7,261 in the previous quarter. Across all areas in Singapore, prices of non-landed properties increased by 0.5 per cent in the second quarter , after a 1 per cent rise in the previous quarter. However, the price movements were mixed across regions. In the core central region, prices of non-landed properties increased by 2.3 per cent, picking up from a 0.8 per cent gain previously. Elsewhere in the central region, non-landed property prices dropped by 1.1 per cent, reversing a 1.7 per cent growth in the previous quarter. Outside the central region , prices of non-landed homes increased by 0.9 per cent, compared with a 0.3 per cent increase previously. As for landed properties, prices rose by 0.7 per cent, up from a 0.4 per cent gain in the first quarter. To meet housing demand and maintain market stability, URA said the Government is sustaining a 'high level of private housing supply' in the Government Land Sales programme. On June 24, URA announced that 4,725 private residential units will be launched in the second half of 2025 under the confirmed list, bringing the total confirmed supply for the year to nearly 10,000 units. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
NDP 2025: Carnival games, street performances at expanded Marina Bay area celebrations
These are meant to give the opportunity to as many people as possible to take part in the celebrations marking Singapore's 60th National Day. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI SINGAPORE – Those who have not been successful at securing tickets for the National Day Parade live show at the Padang on Aug 9 will still get the chance to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy various activities around Marina Bay. These will include carnival festivities, live screenings of the show and interactive experiences scattered throughout the Bay area meant to give the opportunity to as many people as possible to take part in the celebrations marking Singapore's 60th National Day. Audiences attending the spectacle at Marina Bay can also expect to see the State Flag Flypast and the Jump of Unity – a display during which parachutists from the Republic of Singapore Navy jump and div e into the Bay. A display of the nation's seaborne assets will also form part of the mobile column in this year's celebration. Speaking to the media on June 30, Lieutenant Colonel Cephas Ong , chairman of the 2025 Bay celebrations committee, said the activities will let those at the Bay have a front row seat to witness the show segments on the waterfront. 'All of this will make Marina Bay a very bustling area on Aug 2 and 9. The entire event is not ticketed. We welcome Singaporeans and members of the public to join us at the Bay to participate in celebrations,' said LTC Ong. The NDP committee said celebrations at the Bay area, including at The Promontory, Bayfront Event Space, The Meadow at Gardens by the Bay, Marina Barrage and the Singapore Sports Hub, will offer distinct festivities. On Aug 9, no ticket will be required to walk into The Meadow at Gardens by the Bay, Marina Barrage and the Singapore Sports Hub to enjoy the celebration. Tickets are available for ballot for those who want to participate in partner activities with NTUC and Safra at The Promontory and Bayfront Event Space. Ms Natasha Choy, director of youth development at NTUC, said those at The Promontory can expect to see a line-up of performances by young local talent, including by rapper Shigga Shay and singer Estelle Fly. Meanwhile, those at Safra's Bayfront Event Space will be treated to a post-parade party. Those with tickets to the space and Safra members will also be able to enjoy discounts at the Uncle Ringo Carnival. For people who want to enjoy the festivities at Marina Bay, there is the Bay Discovery Trail, a thematic walk spread across three zones that highlight the nation's heritage and multiculturalism through interactive booths and activities. On Aug 2 and 9, the first 5,000 participants to complete the trail each day will also be rewarded with an NDP pack. Participants can also look forward to performances along the Bay, including by 11-year-old violinist Anastasha Suchin and singers from the Singapore Institute of Technology's Vocalist Insight. Anastasha, who will be performing at the DBS foundation outdoor theatre, said she had prepared a medley of songs for the audience. 'I chose the local favourites to remind us of where we started off, because most of them are from quite long ago, and the NDP songs are to show how far we have come from there and how far we have yet to go,' she said. Anastasha Suchin, who will be performing at the DBS foundation outdoor theatre, said she had prepared a medley of songs for the audience. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI Visitors will get the chance to dine at a food market and play games at the Uncle Ringo carnival as part of the experience, and stop at handicraft stations where they can receive henna tattoos. They can also play chapteh – which has its roots in ancient China – and other traditional games at specialised stations outside the ArtScience Museum. Mr Benjamin Tan, creative director for the NDP 2025 show, said those at the Bay area will receive a 'complete' experience on Aug 9. 'There will be speakers installed around the entire Bay Area. There will be LED screens, and this is accompanied by a record-breaking multimedia projection on UOB Plaza and Fullerton hotel,' said Mr Tan, adding that they have catered specific segments of the firework show for those at the Bay. He revealed that the light projection in collaboration with UOB and Fullerton Hotel has already broken three Guinness World Records, including for the brightest, longest and tallest projection on a building globally. Undergraduates from SIT Vocalist Insight Lucas Lian (right), together with Soo Yi Wei, during the NDP 2025 Media Event 5 on June 30. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI Participants will be able to take in the light projections on buildings in the surroundings and be delighted by fireworks, allowing t hose at the Bay area to feel synchronised with the live show at the Padang. 'This integrated celebration allows more Singaporeans to participate in Singapore's 60th National Day celebrations as one united audience across both the Padang and the Bay,' said the NDP organising committee. Those who are planning to attend the celebrations in the Bay area are advised to arrive early to avoid the crowds, as organisers expect some 200,000 people to participate. The organisers urge those taking public transport to arrive through Raffles Place, Esplanade, Promenade, Bayfront, Marina Bay, or Downtown MRT stations. Superintendent Dennis Lim, who is assistant director for the major security events division at the Singapore Police Force, said the expanded celebrations will come with a larger crowd. The authorities are expecting the events at the Bay to pull in some 200,000 people. 'So with more crowds, you can expect that certain areas will need to be closed off for the safety of the public, as well as to maintain the safe capacity of the area,' he said. Supt Lim added those looking to join the celebrations can use an information portal called Crowd@MarinaBay that will be made available to provide real time crowd levels as well as area closures. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
30-06-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Over 950,000 Singaporean households to get U-Save, S&CC rebates in July
Depending on their HDB flat type, eligible households will receive up to $190 in U-Save for their utility bills. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI Over 950,000 Singaporean households to get U-Save, S&CC rebates in July SINGAPORE - Close to a million Singaporean HDB households will receive rebates to their utility and conservancy bills in July , as part of a government scheme to help them with cost of living. Depending on their HDB flat type, eligible households will receive up to $190 in U-Save for their utility bills, and a maximum of a month of rebates for their service and conservancy charges (S&CC), t he Ministry of Finance said in a statement on June 30. For example, people living in a four-room flat will get $150 and half a month respectively in rebates for their U-Save and S&CC. Those in one- and two-room flats will get $190 and a month respectively. The utility and S&CC rebates will be automatically credited to the eligible household's accounts with grid operator SP Services and the town councils, respectively. These rebates are part of a permanent GST Voucher scheme and the enhanced Assurance Package to help lower- and middle-income households cope with the increasing cost of living and increase Goods and Services Tax. They are disbursed every three months - in April, July, October and January - each year. In total, eligible Singaporean HDB households will receive up to $760 of U-Save rebates in fiscal year 2025 . Meanwhile, eligible households can expect to receive a total of up to 3.5 months of S&CC rebates in fiscal year 2025. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
