Latest news with #NDR2025
CNA
3 days ago
- Politics
- CNA
CNA938 Rewind - #NDR2025: Four things that stood out for us
CNA938 Rewind - #NDR2025: Four things that stood out for us Prime Minister Lawrence Wong delivered his second National Day Rally speech at the Institute of Technical Education Headquarters. Daniel Martin and Justine Moss speak with Dr Reuben Ng, Behavioural and Data Scientist at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, NUS, on the four things that stood out for them.
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
German minister says China ‘increasingly aggressive'
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Mr Wadephul also criticised 'China's support for the Russian war machine' in Ukraine. TOKYO - Germany's foreign minister hit out on Aug 18 at what he called China's repeated threats to 'unilaterally change' borders in the Asia-Pacific region, calling Beijing 'increasingly aggressive'. 'China repeatedly threatens, more or less openly, to unilaterally change the status quo and shift borders in its favour,' Mr Johann Wadephul said in Japan, citing China's behaviour in the Taiwan Strait and the East and South China Seas. 'Any escalation in this sensitive hub of international trade would have serious consequences for global security and the world economy,' Mr Wadephul said after talks with Japanese counterpart Takeshi Iwaya. A statement issued on Aug 17 before Mr Wadephul's visit to Japan – and later Indonesia – said that China was 'increasingly asserting its regional supremacy and, in doing so, is also questioning principles of international law.' 'China's increasingly aggressive behaviour in the Taiwan Strait and the East and South China Seas also has implications for us in Europe: fundamental principles of our global coexistence are at stake here,' the statement quoted Mr Wadephul as saying. In the joint press statement in Tokyo, Mr Wadephul also criticised 'China's support for the Russian war machine' in Ukraine. 'Without it, the war of aggression against Ukraine would not be possible. China is Russia's largest supplier of dual-use goods and Russia's best oil and gas customer,' Mr Wadephul said. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore NDR 2025 a rallying cry amid significant challenges facing Singapore, say analysts Singapore NDR 2025: The case for growing old at home in super-ageing Singapore Singapore WP urges Government to engage widely, explore all solutions following National Day Rally 2025 Opinion A 'we first' Singapore is the hardest policy for PM Lawrence Wong to deliver Singapore Age Well Neighbourhoods, job-matching by CDCs: 10 highlights from PM Wong's National Day Rally speech Singapore LTA, public transport operators join anti-vaping effort with stepped-up enforcement World Trump, tech and Texas: What's next for the US? Singapore 3 foreigners arrested for working illegally as delivery riders in Singapore: Koh Poh Koon He also said ahead of talks later on Aug 18 between US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders that security guarantees for Kyiv were 'crucial'. Mr Trump's summit on Aug 15 with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Alaska 'made it clear that for a just and lasting peace, Moscow must finally act. Until that happens, pressure on Russia must be increased, including with increased aid to Ukraine,' Mr Wadephul said. The talks on Aug 18 in Washington are about establishing 'the elements of a negotiated solution on the path to a just peace for Ukraine,' he said. 'Firm security guarantees are crucial for this. Because Ukraine must be able to defend itself effectively even after a ceasefire and peace agreement.' AFP
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
US adviser Navarro says India's Russian crude buying has to stop
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox White House trade adviser Peter Navarro said it was risky as New Delhi was 'now cozying up to both Russia and China'. White House trade adviser Peter Navarro said India's purchases of Russian crude were funding Moscow's war in Ukraine and had to stop, adding that New Delhi was 'now cozying up to both Russia and China'. 'If India wants to be treated as a strategic partner of the US, it needs to start acting like one,' Mr Navarro wrote in an opinion piece published in the Financial Times. India's Foreign Ministry has previously said the country is being unfairly singled out for buying Russian oil while the United States and European Union continue to purchase goods from Russia. US President Donald Trump an additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods earlier in August, citing New Delhi's continued purchases of Russian oil, taking total tariffs on imports from India to 50 per cent. 'India acts as a global clearinghouse for Russian oil, converting embargoed crude into high-value exports while giving Moscow the dollars it needs,' Mr Navarro said. The adviser also said it was risky to transfer cutting-edge US military capabilities to India as New Delhi was 'now cozying up to both Russia and China'. Longtime rivals China and India are quietly and cautiously strengthening ties against the backdrop of Mr Trump's unpredictable approach to both. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping at the end of August, while Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit India from Aug 18 , for talks on the disputed border between the two countries. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore NDR 2025 a rallying cry amid significant challenges facing Singapore, say analysts Singapore NDR 2025: The case for growing old at home in super-ageing Singapore Singapore WP urges Government to engage widely, explore all solutions following National Day Rally 2025 Opinion A 'we first' Singapore is the hardest policy for PM Lawrence Wong to deliver Singapore Age Well Neighbourhoods, job-matching by CDCs: 10 highlights from PM Wong's National Day Rally speech Singapore LTA, SMRT join anti-vaping effort with stepped-up enforcement on public transport World Trump, tech and Texas: What's next for the US? Singapore 3 foreigners arrested for working illegally as delivery riders in Singapore: Koh Poh Koon A planned visit by US trade negotiators to New Delhi from Aug 25 to Aug 29 has been called off, a source said over the weekend, delaying talks on a proposed trade agreement and dashing hopes of relief from additional US tariffs on Indian goods from Aug 27. REUTERS
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
China's favourite ‘ugly' products celebrated with exhibition and awards
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Visitors at the Era Of Uglies Has Arrived exhibition in Hangzhou, China, on Aug 13. HANGZHOU – From sandals inspired by cabbage leaves to a tower of misshapen cat pillows, a new exhibition in Hangzhou is celebrating the weirdest and most aesthetically unappealing products available for sale online in China. The Era Of Uglies Has Arrived exhibition, organised for the first time this year by Alibaba-owned e-commerce giant Taobao, spotlights more than 300 products that have won or been shortlisted for the platform's annual Ugly Stuff Competition, also known as the Uglies Award. On display at the exhibition are sandals inspired by cabbage leaves. PHOTO: REUTERS The Uglies Award' s project lead Yu Hu said the exhibition attracted more than 3,000 visitors a day during its run from late July to mid-August. 'Ugly' products on Taobao have generated more than 100 million yuan (S$17.9 million) in sales since 2020, according to Alibaba, with Yu estimating current growth rates for the sector in the 'double or triple digits'. Younger consumers are fuelling the popularity of these unprepossessing products because they want to express their individuality, Yu added. As the economy languishes, they are also looking for affordable luxuries, a phenomenon known as emotional consumption. 'In recent years, emotional consumption has become more and more of a 'blue ocean', meaning it's becoming increasingly popular, turning into a new (spending) track,' Yu said. The products have won or been shortlisted for Taobao's annual Ugly Stuff Competition, also known as the Uglies Award. PHOTO: REUTERS Ugly-cute accessory Labubu is a well-known example of the phenomenon, sparking a global buying frenzy with its wide eyes and toothy grin, and winning celebrity fans including Barbadian singer Rihanna and English former footballer David Beckham. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore NDR 2025: Age Well Neighbourhoods will help improve seniors' access to healthcare, social activities Singapore NDR 2025: New govt-funded traineeship scheme for ITE, poly, university graduates Singapore NDR 2025: More avenues for S'poreans to be heard, get involved will be opened up, says PM Wong Business Singapore key exports fall worse than expected in July as shipments to US plunge 42.7% World Trump, tech and Texas: What's next for the US? Singapore N(T) students more likely to finish school, do as well in job market as N(A) peers: Study Singapore Singapore-developed device for diabetics measures long-term average blood sugar levels within 6 mins Business Asean can fend off protectionism blow by boosting integration: Singapore Business Federation chief For some visitors, the exhibition was a reflection on the meaning of beauty, while others saw it as a lesson in creative thinking. 'Ugliness is another form of beauty,' said exhibition visitor Mei Duo, 55. 'There's so much creativity, it's a special type of beauty. ' REUTERS
Straits Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Asean can fend off blow from protectionism by boosting integration: Singapore Business Federation
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Singapore Business Federation chief executive Kok Ping Soon said the tools are all there and the opportunity for collective action has never been greater. SINGAPORE - Asean, the world's fourth-largest economy, does not have to take US President Donald Trump's tariff-induced chaos lying down. The regional grouping's members can instead close ranks and accelerate progress towards the long-stated goal of economic integration – which would boost intra-regional flow of goods, services and investments and create new jobs. An Asean that is a more homogenised market can then become a global production base, with strong trade and investment links with other major economies worldwide. This is the desired response that Asean can make, said Mr Kok Ping Soon, chief executive of the Singapore Business Federation (SBF), the Republic's apex business association with more than 32,000 companies under its fold. It would not only enable the grouping's members to mitigate any medium-term loss in economic growth, trade and investment potential, but also further strengthen the region's economy. He said Asean can boost economic integration by removing non-tariff barriers to trade, leveraging its fast-growing digital and green economy, and intensifying its trade and investment engagements with other trading blocs. 'I think the question is whether in the current climate, are we able to do more to strengthen the Asean regional economic integration. The answer must be absolutely yes. If not now, then when? The impetus (now) is even stronger,' Mr Kok told The Straits Times in an interview. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore NDR 2025 a rallying cry amid significant challenges facing Singapore, say analysts Opinion A 'we first' Singapore is the hardest policy for PM Lawrence Wong to deliver Singapore NDR 2025: The case for growing old at home in super-ageing Singapore Business Singapore key exports fall worse than expected in July as shipments to US plunge 42.7% Singapore N(T) students more likely to finish school, do as well in job market as N(A) peers: Study Singapore Singapore-developed device for diabetics measures long-term average blood sugar levels within 6 mins World Trump, tech and Texas: What's next for the US? World Ukraine weighs Trump's offer of security guarantees with caution Asean is a grouping of diverse economies, with some highly exposed to global trade while others remain mainly dependent on natural resources and labour-intensive industries. But put together, Asean in 2024 had an estimated gross domestic product (GDP) of US$4.13 trillion (S$5.31 trillion), accounting for 8 per cent of global trade, 5 per cent of manufacturing value-added, and in 2023 attracted 17 per cent of foreign direct investment, according to the Economic Research Institute for Asean and East Asia. The bloc has become China's top trading partner, Japan's second largest, the European Union's and South Korea's third largest, and the fourth biggest for the United States. Asean's diversity is part of its appeal, as it offers investment opportunities at various stages of the value chain and allows trade in a wide assortment of goods and services . But when it comes to intra-regional trade, the disparity between the economies becomes a source of inertia. Trade within Asean has been stagnant in the past decade at about 22 per cent of the region's total. That compares with 62 per cent for the EU and about 40 per cent for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) members. And the reason for this is that while the bloc has over the years successfully eliminated most levies that are paid at the border, non-tariff barriers remain a hindrance. In 2019, the European Union-Asean Business Council estimated that there are about 6,000 non-tariff measures across the region – with many being potential barriers to trade. And this number continues to grow. Hinrich Foundation, a Singapore-based think-tank , found that Asean economies between 2015 and 2025 have put in place 9,873 non-tariff measures that have undercut the regional value chains and created obstacles to regional trade in a host of products. Mr Kok noted that licensing bottlenecks, inconsistent standards and customs procedures that require excessive documentation continue to weigh down intra-regional trade. He said pacts such as the Asean Trade in Goods Agreement – which is part of the Asean Economic Community Blueprint 2025 – can help, but not before they are rectified by member states. 'We really need to make a greater effort to remove some of these non-tariff barriers,' Mr Kok said. The same is true for the Asean Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), which holds the key to unlock the region's true potential in trading digital services. 'A lot of attention is focused on trade in goods, because of the US tariffs,' he said. 'But it is the trade in services that is more exciting and multiplefold and for that, what businesses are looking for is the free flow of data, digital payment and digital identity.' Asean has already risen to become the world's third-largest digital services exporter, behind only the US and the UK. The World Economic Forum estimates that Asean's digital economy is on track to hit US$600 billion in gross merchandise value by 2030. Mr Kok said DEFA can help Asean economies claim an even larger share of global digital services exports and reinvigorate the region's start-up ecosystems. The region is already home to some of the fastest-growing unicorns, including Singapore's Grab, Sea Group and Lazada, Indonesia's GoTo, Bukalapak and Traveloka, Thailand's Ascend Money, Vietnam's VNG Corp's messaging app Zalo, and Malaysia's car marketplace Carsome. But to boost the competitive advantage of existing and upcoming unicorns and digital services exporters, Asean will have to address the regulatory fragmentation and non-tariff barriers, and push for interoperability of digital identities. Mr Kok said companies are looking for consistent standards for cross-border data flow, and digital payments as well. In 1998, the World Trade Organisation declared a moratorium on customs duties related to e-commerce transactions. That moratorium is set to expire in 2026. Trade experts fear that expiry of the moratorium would send a wave of protectionist measures worldwide, undermining Asean's digital value chains by increasing the costs of doing business. Hence, a speedy conclusion and ratification of DEFA by Asean members becomes even more critical. Related to digitalisation is also the transition to a green economy, which includes carbon trading and the Asean power grid for renewable energy transmission. Mr Kok said with the world economy fragmenting amid geopolitical and trade conflicts, the urgency and opportunity for collective action has never been greater. 'There is opportunity... but whether we can live up to it is a big question,' he said.
