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Straits Times
2 hours ago
- Straits Times
US denies intervening in case of Israeli official accused of Nevada sex crime
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox WASHINGTON - The U.S. State Department said Monday the American government played no role in the release of an Israeli official charged with soliciting sex electronically from a minor. Tom Artiom Alexandrovich was one of eight people charged last week following an undercover operation "targeting child sex predators," the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police said in a statement issued last week. Alexandrovich faces a felony charge of luring or attempting to lure a child or mentally ill person to commit a sex act "with use of computer technology," according to Nevada State records reviewed by Reuters. Israeli media said Alexandrovich, who they described as a senior department head in Israel's National Cyber Directorate, was released by U.S. authorities and is back in Israel. Reuters could not establish why Alexandrovich was in the Las Vegas area, but at the time Las Vegas was hosting Black Hat, one of the cybersecurity industry's most prominent conferences. The report that an Israeli official accused of a felony sex crime was allowed to return home drew a storm of speculation online. Alexandrovich "did not claim diplomatic immunity and was released by a state judge pending a court date. Any claims that the U.S. government intervened are false," the State Department said Monday on the social media site X. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore 'I vaped when I woke up until I slept': More youth vaping to cope with stress, say social workers Singapore 'I'd have phone in one hand, vape in the other': Youth addicted to vapes gets help to quit habit World Trump tells Zelensky US would help with Ukraine's security in a peace deal Singapore Jobs, infrastructure and homes at the core of Singapore's resilience: Economists World Hamas accepts proposed deal for ceasefire with Israel and hostage release, Egyptian source says Singapore New online tools by SkillsFuture Singapore help companies plan and curate staff training Life Chinese EV brand Nio to be launched in Singapore in first quarter of 2026 The court records show a $10,000 bond was posted at the Henderson Detention Center, southeast of Las Vegas, on August 7. Reuters could not immediately confirm his whereabouts and could not immediately locate contact information for Alexandrovich. The records indicate he is due back in court on August 27. The Israeli Embassy in Washington and the Israeli Prime Minister's Office did not immediately return messages. Israeli media quoted the office as denying that Alexandrovich was arrested, saying only that a "state employee" was "questioned by American authorities during his stay" and he had "returned to Israel as scheduled." Reuters could not immediately ascertain the circumstances around Alexandrovich's arrest. The Las Vegas police statement credited the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Henderson Police Department, the North Las Vegas Police, and the Department of Homeland Security with organizing the undercover operation. None of those agencies immediately replied to messages seeking comment on Alexandrovich arrest or release. The Nevada District Attorney's office referred questions back to the Henderson Police Department. REUTERS
Straits Times
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
UN Security Council starts talks on fate of peacekeeping force in Lebanon
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox UNITED NATIONS - The United Nations Security Council started negotiations on Monday on a French-drafted resolution to extend a long-running peacekeeping mission in Lebanon and signal an intention to work on an eventual withdrawal of the U.N. troops. The U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), established in 1978, patrols Lebanon's southern border with Israel. The mandate for the operation is renewed annually, and its current authorization expires on August 31. The French draft text, seen by Reuters, would see the council indicate 'its intention to work on a withdrawal of UNIFIL with the aim of making the Lebanese Government the sole provider of security in southern Lebanon, provided that the Government of Lebanon fully controls all Lebanese territory … and that the parties agree on a comprehensive political arrangement." The United States - a veto-wielding council member - told a closed-door council meeting on Monday that the mission should only be extended for one final year, said diplomats, speaking on condition of anonymity. When asked for comment on whether the U.S. wanted to wind down UNIFIL, a State Department spokesperson said: 'We don't comment on ongoing U.N. Security Council negotiations." UNIFIL's mandate was expanded in 2006, following a month-long war between Israel and Hezbollah, to allow peacekeepers to help the Lebanese army keep parts of the south free of weapons or armed personnel other than those of the Lebanese state. That has sparked friction with Hezbollah, which effectively controls southern Lebanon despite the presence of the Lebanese army. Hezbollah is a heavily armed party that is Lebanon's most powerful political force. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore 'I vaped when I woke up until I slept': More youth vaping to cope with stress, say social workers Singapore 'I'd have phone in one hand, vape in the other': Youth addicted to vapes gets help to quit habit World Trump tells Zelensky US would help with Ukraine's security in a peace deal Singapore Jobs, infrastructure and homes at the core of Singapore's resilience: Economists Singapore New online tools by SkillsFuture Singapore help companies plan and curate staff training Life Chinese EV brand Nio to be launched in Singapore in first quarter of 2026 Asia 2 firefighters die in building fire at Osaka's Dotonbori tourist district Singapore Driver hurt after car turns turtle in Upper Thomson accident The draft Security Council text "urges the international community to intensify its support, including equipment, material and financial" to the Lebanese army. REUTERS
Straits Times
3 hours ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Well-mannered White House welcome for Ukraine leaves many questions
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy gestures as U.S. President Donald Trump reacts during a meeting at the Oval Office of the White House, amid negotiations to end the Russian war in Ukraine, in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 18, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY WASHINGTON - U.S. President Donald Trump gathered European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy for a hastily arranged White House meeting on Monday to discuss a path to ending Russia's war in Ukraine. Here are takeaways from the talks: WARM TONE, LITTLE SUBSTANCE Seven European leaders, the Ukrainian president, their motorcades, dozens of Trump administration staff and more than 100 journalists swarmed the White House campus on Monday in anticipation of the unusual meeting. Would Trump and Zelenskiy agree on a path to peace? Or would their latest Oval Office session devolve into a bitter squabble as in February? Neither scenario occurred. Zelenskiy, chided for his appearance and manner in February, adjusted both. Wearing more formal clothing and repeatedly expressing his gratitude to Trump, he was greeted by a far more complimentary U.S. president than in the past. But, despite Trump's vow to assist in Ukraine's security after a hypothetical peace deal, there was no immediate sign that any party had substantially changed position on land swaps, security guarantees or sanctions. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Jobs, infrastructure and homes at the core of Singapore's resilience: Economists Singapore New online tools by SkillsFuture Singapore help companies plan and curate staff training Life Chinese EV brand Nio to be launched in Singapore in first quarter of 2026 Asia 2 firefighters die in building fire at Osaka's Dotonbori tourist district Singapore Driver hurt after car turns turtle in Upper Thomson accident Sport National tennis player Shaheed Alam serves up charity event to benefit migrant workers Life New Blackpink album scheduled for November, YG Entertainment confirms Singapore Jail for driver of 11-tonne garbage truck that ran over cyclist in Woodlands Instead, Trump ended with promises to host a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin to address the many remaining issues. HEAPING PRAISE "Have you said 'thank you' once?" U.S. Vice President JD Vance asked Zelenskiy in February, accusing him of failing to show sufficient gratitude for U.S. support. On Monday, Zelenskiy made sure that was not an issue. His opening remarks in the Oval Office included eight thank-yous, mostly for Trump. "Thank you so much, Mr. President ... thank you for your attention. Thank you very much for your efforts, personal efforts to stop killings and stop this war. Thank you," Zelenskiy said. He included the U.S. first lady, who sent a letter to Putin about abducted children in Ukraine. "Using this opportunity, my thanks to your wife," the Ukrainian president said. "And thanks to all our partners and that you supported this format. And after our meeting, we're going to have leaders who are around us, the UK and France, Germany... all partners around Ukraine supporting us. Thanks (to) them. Thank you very much for your invitation." Unlike in February, Vance this time sat largely silent. COMBAT FORMAL The stakes of the meeting could not have been higher. But one of the most-asked questions among diplomats in D.C. could not have been more frivolous: Would the Ukrainian president wear a suit? The answer: kind of. Zelenskiy showed up to the White House in what one European diplomat described as "almost a suit." His black jacket had tiny lapels and jetted chest pockets. He did not wear a tie. His attire, which split the difference between the battlefield and the boardroom, could be described as combat formal. Those sartorial details matter when it comes to dealing with the U.S. president, who was upset that Zelenskiy did not wear a suit for their February meeting. Zelenskiy passed the fashion test this time, however. When one journalist in the Oval Office said Zelenskiy looked "fabulous," Trump chimed in to agree. "I said the same thing," Trump told reporters. DIVIDE OVER CEASEFIRE The assembled European leaders, Zelenskiy included, were careful to paper over policy disagreements with Trump, keeping their comments vague and showering the U.S. president with compliments. But one point of disagreement did bubble to the surface. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told the assembled leaders and media that he wanted to see Putin agree to a ceasefire. Trump had long pushed for a ceasefire in Ukraine. But he largely jettisoned that goal after meeting with Putin last week in Alaska, a shift that was widely seen as a diplomatic defeat for Ukraine. The U.S. president now says he is fine trying to move directly to a peace deal. "To be honest, we all would like to see a ceasefire," Merz said. "I can't imagine that the next meeting would take place without a ceasefire, so let's work on that." Trump pushed back, arguing he has solved many conflicts without first reaching a ceasefire. WHOSE BOOTS ON THE GROUND? One of the great mysteries that hung over the summit was what support the U.S. would give to secure any Russia-Ukraine deal long term. Trump hasn't offered U.S. troops' "boots on the ground" to guarantee Ukraine's security from Russia, reflecting American reticence to commit to military entanglements or a head-to-head confrontation with a nuclear power. Instead, he has offered weapons sales and promised that Americans will do business in Ukraine, assurances that Ukrainians see as far less than a security guarantee. Europeans are preparing for a peacekeeping mission backed by their forces. Yet, asked explicitly whether U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine could include U.S. troops in the country, Trump did not rule it out. Instead, he teased an announcement as soon as Monday on the topic. "We'll let you know that, maybe, later today," Trump said. He said Europe was the "first line of defense" but that "we'll be involved." WHAT'S NEXT Trump said he would call Putin and set up a trilateral meeting with Ukraine at a time and place to be determined. Despite some private misgivings, the assembled leaders agreed that such a meeting was a logical next step. Still, the path forward is more complex than Trump and his allies are letting on. For one, Russia has delayed and obstructed high-level meetings with Ukraine in the past, and it was not immediately clear that Putin would actually sit down with Zelenskiy, who he frequently describes as an illegitimate leader. Additionally, it is unclear how much a principal-level meeting would actually advance the cause of peace. The gulf between the Russian and Ukrainian positions is vast. The Kremlin said on Monday the presence of NATO troops in Ukraine is a non-starter, a stance that would be hard for Ukraine to swallow. Russia is also calling for Ukraine to fork over significant chunks of territory that Kyiv controls, another proposal that Ukraine's leaders are not entertaining. REUTERS
Straits Times
4 hours ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Forum: Let's preserve human connection in the workplace
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox S ingapore's SG60 celebrations offered a moment to reflect: In the country's growth from a small port city to a powerhouse economy, our workplaces have been essential to the national story. We've evolved from kampung-era enterprises built on personal trust to high-tech global businesses. Even now, workplaces remain at the heart of our success. Yet the employment landscape continues to change rapidly. Singapore's total employment grew by 44,500 in 2024, a slower pace than the 78,800 surge seen in 2023, reflecting shifts in market cycles and industrial needs. Despite this, unemployment remained low – just 2 per cent overall – demonstrating ongoing economic resilience. While overall layoffs fell in 2024, heightened activity in some sectors shows that contract hiring, redeployment and episodic redundancies are now part of the new normal. In some industries, the push for productivity and cost control is causing human resources practices to become more transactional. Workers – including contract staff and returning 'boomerang' employees – may feel like they are commodities rather than valued team members. But Singapore's history proves that businesses can thrive without losing sight of human connection. FairPrice , for instance, has invested in staff training, growth opportunities, and welfare for over 50 years, including programmes in leadership and innovation, and clear career pathways. BreadTalk Group started from a single outlet and became a global brand by nurturing talent and promoting from within. Sheng Siong is recognised for rewarding staff with profit-sharing and bonuses. Many other organisations echo these values, showing that Singapore's success is built on trust, respect and a sense of shared purpose. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Jobs, infrastructure and homes at the core of Singapore's resilience: Economists Business New online tools by SkillsFuture Singapore help companies plan and curate staff training Life Chinese EV brand Nio to be launched in Singapore in first quarter of 2026 Asia 2 firefighters die in building fire at Osaka's Dotonbori tourist district Singapore Driver hurt after car turns turtle in Upper Thomson accident Sport National tennis player Shaheed Alam serves up charity event to benefit migrant workers Life New Blackpink album scheduled for November, YG Entertainment confirms Singapore Jail for driver of 11-tonne garbage truck that ran over cyclist in Woodlands Surveys and studies confirm that Singaporeans value much more than a monthly pay cheque. Work-life balance, career advancement, flexibility and recognition are central to job satisfaction. The new Workplace Fairness Act underscores our commitment to fairness and dignity. This law, effective by 2026 or 2027, legally prohibits workplace discrimination and requires employers to treat employees justly, including protections for age, gender, race and disability. As we look beyond SG60, our biggest challenge may be to balance efficiency with empathy. Technology and artificial intelligence will change how we hire and manage people, but the relationships that build loyalty, creativity and resilience should never be neglected. Let's ensure our workplaces remain vibrant communities, not mere commodities. Singapore's competitive edge will come not just from productivity, but also from the enduring strength and unity of its people. Adren Sim Whee Liang
Straits Times
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Forum: Maestro Choo Hoey gave Singapore a symphonic song for generations to come
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox We mourn the recent death of maestro Choo Hoey , founding musical director of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO), at the age of 90, leaving echoes of devotion, vision and timeless music that endure in the heart of our nation. The SSO's creation in 1979 was no accident. History shows that orchestras mark a city's cultural coming of age. In America's industrial boom, orchestras in Cleveland and Detroit signalled world-class status. China, Japan and South Korea made similar moves. Even as they each had rich folk traditions of their own, they understood that orchestras projected their nations on a universal benchmark recognisable to the West. Then Defence Minister Goh Keng Swee's decision to found the SSO was both cultural and strategic. In maestro Choo, he found the perfect partner. Dr Goh laid the scaffolding; Choo gave it a soul. Choo's vision extended beyond concerts. He invested deeply in nurturing Singaporean talent. Musicians like Chan Peck Suan and Lee Tian Tee, both trumpet players supported by SSO scholarships, went on to become inspiring educators. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Jobs, infrastructure and homes at the core of Singapore's resilience: Economists Business New online tools by SkillsFuture Singapore help companies plan and curate staff training Life Chinese EV brand Nio to be launched in Singapore in first quarter of 2026 Asia 2 firefighters die in building fire at Osaka's Dotonbori tourist district Singapore Driver hurt after car turns turtle in Upper Thomson accident Sport National tennis player Shaheed Alam serves up charity event to benefit migrant workers Life New Blackpink album scheduled for November, YG Entertainment confirms Singapore Jail for driver of 11-tonne garbage truck that ran over cyclist in Woodlands Ms Chan, my band instructor at River Valley High School, taught me everything I needed for my professional journey and Professor Lee now teaches at the Sichuan Conservatory of Music. Their impact illustrates the ripple effect of Choo's legacy: one generation inspiring the next. I made my debut recently at the BBC Proms in London with the Halle orchestra. It was a poignant moment. As a boy, Choo first encountered the Proms through crackling radio broadcasts – likely hearing the Halle itself, whose sound stirred his pursuit of music. Decades later, the SSO performed at that same festival in 2014 under his successor Lan Shui. To stand now on the Royal Albert Hall podium leading the very orchestra that once inspired Choo feels like a journey come full circle. The SSO gave me the audacious hope that I might one day set foot on the far-off, improbable path of Western classical music, a road that seemed impossible from my HDB flat in Jurong. Today, the orchestra remains an inspiration to countless young Singaporeans. Every performance holds the power to ignite a lifelong love of music in our audience. The SSO has long outgrown its baby steps, and now stands tall as a symbol of national pride, admired across our region and beyond. With that privilege comes responsibility, to carry forward the hopes of our pioneers and nurture the dreams of those who will come after. The task now is not survival, but legacy. Future generations must inherit not only an orchestra of artistry, but also one of warmth, generosity and dignity. Legacy is built not only in what is performed, but in how it is lived: through professionalism, presence and humanity. As role models, teachers and custodians of our cultural pride, the SSO's musicians embody the story of Singapore with every note they play. What maestro Choo Hoey gave us was more than an orchestra. He gave Singapore its symphonic song – one of belonging, aspiration and continuity, a symphonic song unending, carried through generations to come. Kahchun Wong Principal Conductor and Artistic Adviser of the Halle orchestra, Chief Conductor of the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra
