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Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lawrence Wong, Pritam Singh rally Singaporeans amid Trump's tariffs; $165 million upgrading plan for 36,000 HDB households: Singapore live news
Hello to all our readers, Yahoo Singapore will be bringing you live news updates today. The editorial team will be curating the latest must-know local and international news. First off, In response to US President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs, Singapore's leaders are calling for national unity as the country braces for economic disruptions. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong warned of potential global trade tensions while urging Singaporeans to stay vigilant and resilient. Leader of the Opposition and Workers' Party chief Pritam Singh echoed Wong's message, emphasising the need for collective action and solidarity. As Trump's tariffs on Singapore and other nations could escalate tensions, Southeast Asian leaders are also taking varied approaches, with Malaysia focusing on economic strength, Vietnam seeking tariff delays, and Indonesia pursuing diplomatic solutions. The future remains uncertain, but Singapore's unity and adaptability remain its strongest assets. Meanwhile, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) has announced a $165 million upgrade to 17 neighbourhoods, benefiting over 36,000 households. The latest batch of the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme (NRP) includes enhancements like covered linkways, drop-off porches, and fitness corners. Additionally, the Silver Upgrading Programme (SUP) will introduce age-friendly features like therapeutic gardens for seniors. As part of this initiative, the government will also increase the Lift Access Housing Grant (LHG) to assist those needing homes with direct lift access. The ongoing upgrading projects reflect Singapore's commitment to creating accessible, liveable spaces for all residents, especially seniors. Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates. Singapore is investing $165 million to upgrade over 17 Housing & Development Board (HDB) neighbourhoods, ensuring better accessibility and amenities for more than 36,000 households. As part of the 16th batch of the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme (NRP) and Silver Upgrading Programme (SUP), 17 selected neighbourhoods will see improvements tailored to residents' needs, including new senior-friendly amenities, Minister for National Development Desmond Lee said on Sunday (6 April). The upgrades will feature fitness trails, covered linkways, and improved community spaces. The NRP, which has been enhancing HDB precincts since 2007, will include features such as residents' corners, fitness trails, and drop-off porches in 17 selected neighbourhoods across Bukit Panjang, Sembawang, and Sengkang. These precincts will be the first batch to benefit from the extension of the programme, now including blocks built as late as 1999. The increased budget per flat will now be around $6,600, up from $6,100, in response to the demand for senior-friendly amenities. In addition to the NRP, the SUP, launched in 2024, will improve older precincts with more age-friendly features like therapeutic gardens and fitness stations. This initiative aims to make communities more accessible for seniors, helping them age in place comfortably. The enhancements will be implemented across 12 precincts, benefiting approximately 11,000 households. To further improve accessibility, the government will increase the Lift Access Housing Grant (LHG), which helps residents with mobility challenges move to flats with direct lift access. Families can now receive up to $80,000, a significant increase from the previous cap of $30,000, while singles can get up to $40,000, up from $15,000. These upgrades align with Singapore's broader commitment to improving public housing and ensuring all residents can live in comfortable, accessible communities. As part of the Marsiling-Yew Tee Masterplan, which will span the next five years, further developments will enhance connectivity, job opportunities, and community amenities, making Marsiling-Yew Tee a model of urban transformation, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said, during the Marsiling-Yew Tee Town Day 2025 on Saturday. In the wake of President Donald Trump's recent tariff announcement, which impacts Singapore and other trade-dependent nations, Singaporean leaders are urging national unity and resilience. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong emphasised the importance of solidarity as the country faces an unpredictable economic future in a video posted on Facebook Friday (4 April). Leader of the Opposition and Workers' Party chief Pritam Singh echoed these sentiments, underscoring the necessity of a unified response to global uncertainties. Responding to the ongoing global trade tensions, Pritam expressed support for Wong's call for a united society. Singh stressed the importance of unity amid the volatility induced by Trump's tariff policy in a Facebook post. 'Unity in diversity is Singapore's best response to an unknown future,' Singh wrote, reinforcing the need for a cooperative approach despite political differences. He also reiterated the Workers' Party's commitment to a rational opposition that remains loyal to Singapore's interests. Trump's decision to impose a baseline 10 per cent tariff on Singapore, along with higher tariffs for other countries like China, has sent ripples across Southeast Asia. In response, Wong warned of the possibility of a global trade war, urging Singaporeans to prepare for further shocks. He acknowledged the heightened risks and the need to adjust to a new economic landscape. With Singapore's trade-dependent economy, these tariffs are expected to weigh heavily on growth projections and could prompt further adjustments by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). Across Southeast Asia, countries are adjusting to the broader implications of Trump's trade policy. While Singapore braces for the economic consequences, neighbouring countries are taking varying approaches. Malaysia, despite the tariffs, reassures its citizens that the country's economic fundamentals are strong enough to avoid a recession. Meanwhile, Indonesia has opted for diplomacy over retaliation, seeking to maintain stable trade relations with the US Vietnam, on the other hand, is negotiating with the US to delay tariffs that would severely impact its economy. Singapore is investing $165 million to upgrade over 17 Housing & Development Board (HDB) neighbourhoods, ensuring better accessibility and amenities for more than 36,000 households. As part of the 16th batch of the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme (NRP) and Silver Upgrading Programme (SUP), 17 selected neighbourhoods will see improvements tailored to residents' needs, including new senior-friendly amenities, Minister for National Development Desmond Lee said on Sunday (6 April). The upgrades will feature fitness trails, covered linkways, and improved community spaces. The NRP, which has been enhancing HDB precincts since 2007, will include features such as residents' corners, fitness trails, and drop-off porches in 17 selected neighbourhoods across Bukit Panjang, Sembawang, and Sengkang. These precincts will be the first batch to benefit from the extension of the programme, now including blocks built as late as 1999. The increased budget per flat will now be around $6,600, up from $6,100, in response to the demand for senior-friendly amenities. In addition to the NRP, the SUP, launched in 2024, will improve older precincts with more age-friendly features like therapeutic gardens and fitness stations. This initiative aims to make communities more accessible for seniors, helping them age in place comfortably. The enhancements will be implemented across 12 precincts, benefiting approximately 11,000 households. To further improve accessibility, the government will increase the Lift Access Housing Grant (LHG), which helps residents with mobility challenges move to flats with direct lift access. Families can now receive up to $80,000, a significant increase from the previous cap of $30,000, while singles can get up to $40,000, up from $15,000. These upgrades align with Singapore's broader commitment to improving public housing and ensuring all residents can live in comfortable, accessible communities. As part of the Marsiling-Yew Tee Masterplan, which will span the next five years, further developments will enhance connectivity, job opportunities, and community amenities, making Marsiling-Yew Tee a model of urban transformation, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said, during the Marsiling-Yew Tee Town Day 2025 on Saturday. In the wake of President Donald Trump's recent tariff announcement, which impacts Singapore and other trade-dependent nations, Singaporean leaders are urging national unity and resilience. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong emphasised the importance of solidarity as the country faces an unpredictable economic future in a video posted on Facebook Friday (4 April). Leader of the Opposition and Workers' Party chief Pritam Singh echoed these sentiments, underscoring the necessity of a unified response to global uncertainties. Responding to the ongoing global trade tensions, Pritam expressed support for Wong's call for a united society. Singh stressed the importance of unity amid the volatility induced by Trump's tariff policy in a Facebook post. 'Unity in diversity is Singapore's best response to an unknown future,' Singh wrote, reinforcing the need for a cooperative approach despite political differences. He also reiterated the Workers' Party's commitment to a rational opposition that remains loyal to Singapore's interests. Trump's decision to impose a baseline 10 per cent tariff on Singapore, along with higher tariffs for other countries like China, has sent ripples across Southeast Asia. In response, Wong warned of the possibility of a global trade war, urging Singaporeans to prepare for further shocks. He acknowledged the heightened risks and the need to adjust to a new economic landscape. With Singapore's trade-dependent economy, these tariffs are expected to weigh heavily on growth projections and could prompt further adjustments by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). Across Southeast Asia, countries are adjusting to the broader implications of Trump's trade policy. While Singapore braces for the economic consequences, neighbouring countries are taking varying approaches. Malaysia, despite the tariffs, reassures its citizens that the country's economic fundamentals are strong enough to avoid a recession. Meanwhile, Indonesia has opted for diplomacy over retaliation, seeking to maintain stable trade relations with the US Vietnam, on the other hand, is negotiating with the US to delay tariffs that would severely impact its economy.
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lawrence Wong, Pritam Singh rally Singaporeans amid Trump's tariffs: Singapore live news
Hello to all our readers, Yahoo Singapore will be bringing you live news updates today. The editorial team will be curating the latest must-know local and international news. First off, In response to US President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs, Singapore's leaders are calling for national unity as the country braces for economic disruptions. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong warned of potential global trade tensions while urging Singaporeans to stay vigilant and resilient. Leader of the Opposition and Workers' Party chief Pritam Singh echoed Wong's message, emphasising the need for collective action and solidarity. As Trump's tariffs on Singapore and other nations could escalate tensions, Southeast Asian leaders are also taking varied approaches, with Malaysia focusing on economic strength, Vietnam seeking tariff delays, and Indonesia pursuing diplomatic solutions. The future remains uncertain, but Singapore's unity and adaptability remain its strongest assets. Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates. In the wake of President Donald Trump's recent tariff announcement, which impacts Singapore and other trade-dependent nations, Singaporean leaders are urging national unity and resilience. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong emphasised the importance of solidarity as the country faces an unpredictable economic future in a video posted on Facebook Friday (4 April). Leader of the Opposition and Workers' Party chief Pritam Singh echoed these sentiments, underscoring the necessity of a unified response to global uncertainties. Responding to the ongoing global trade tensions, Pritam expressed support for Wong's call for a united society. Singh stressed the importance of unity amid the volatility induced by Trump's tariff policy in a Facebook post. 'Unity in diversity is Singapore's best response to an unknown future,' Singh wrote, reinforcing the need for a cooperative approach despite political differences. He also reiterated the Workers' Party's commitment to a rational opposition that remains loyal to Singapore's interests. Trump's decision to impose a baseline 10 per cent tariff on Singapore, along with higher tariffs for other countries like China, has sent ripples across Southeast Asia. In response, Wong warned of the possibility of a global trade war, urging Singaporeans to prepare for further shocks. He acknowledged the heightened risks and the need to adjust to a new economic landscape. With Singapore's trade-dependent economy, these tariffs are expected to weigh heavily on growth projections and could prompt further adjustments by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). Across Southeast Asia, countries are adjusting to the broader implications of Trump's trade policy. While Singapore braces for the economic consequences, neighbouring countries are taking varying approaches. Malaysia, despite the tariffs, reassures its citizens that the country's economic fundamentals are strong enough to avoid a recession. Meanwhile, Indonesia has opted for diplomacy over retaliation, seeking to maintain stable trade relations with the US Vietnam, on the other hand, is negotiating with the US to delay tariffs that would severely impact its economy. In the wake of President Donald Trump's recent tariff announcement, which impacts Singapore and other trade-dependent nations, Singaporean leaders are urging national unity and resilience. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong emphasised the importance of solidarity as the country faces an unpredictable economic future in a video posted on Facebook Friday (4 April). Leader of the Opposition and Workers' Party chief Pritam Singh echoed these sentiments, underscoring the necessity of a unified response to global uncertainties. Responding to the ongoing global trade tensions, Pritam expressed support for Wong's call for a united society. Singh stressed the importance of unity amid the volatility induced by Trump's tariff policy in a Facebook post. 'Unity in diversity is Singapore's best response to an unknown future,' Singh wrote, reinforcing the need for a cooperative approach despite political differences. He also reiterated the Workers' Party's commitment to a rational opposition that remains loyal to Singapore's interests. Trump's decision to impose a baseline 10 per cent tariff on Singapore, along with higher tariffs for other countries like China, has sent ripples across Southeast Asia. In response, Wong warned of the possibility of a global trade war, urging Singaporeans to prepare for further shocks. He acknowledged the heightened risks and the need to adjust to a new economic landscape. With Singapore's trade-dependent economy, these tariffs are expected to weigh heavily on growth projections and could prompt further adjustments by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). Across Southeast Asia, countries are adjusting to the broader implications of Trump's trade policy. While Singapore braces for the economic consequences, neighbouring countries are taking varying approaches. Malaysia, despite the tariffs, reassures its citizens that the country's economic fundamentals are strong enough to avoid a recession. Meanwhile, Indonesia has opted for diplomacy over retaliation, seeking to maintain stable trade relations with the US Vietnam, on the other hand, is negotiating with the US to delay tariffs that would severely impact its economy.
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Pritam Singh blames GST hike for 'turbocharging inflation'; International school in Malaysia sets up Pokemon TCG club: Singapore live news
Hello to all our readers, Yahoo Singapore will be bringing you live news updates today. Singapore opposition leader and WP chief Pritam Singh criticised the government during the Budget 2025 debate. He questioned the need for a GST hike, which he said "turbocharged" inflation, considering Singapore's "exceedingly healthy" fiscal position. For more on his Budget 2025 debate speech, read on. Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates. Leader of the Opposition and Workers' Party (WP) chief Pritam Singh criticised the government's "poor fiscal marksmanship" during his Budget 2025 debate speech. He also questioning the need for a hike in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 2023 and 2024, considering Singapore's "exceedingly healthy" fiscal position, and said it contributed to inflation. On Wednesday (26 Feb), Singh pointed out that 2024's fiscal surplus, originally estimated at S$778 million, was "revised massively" upwards to S$6.4 billion. This was after factoring in the "latest CDC and SG60 voucher programme". He also noted that the government had projected deficits in FY2021 and FY2022, but it turned out to be surpluses instead. It was announced last week that the government collected more revenue than anticipated for FY2024, with operating revenue rising to S$116.6 billion, an increase of S$8 billion. "Even as imported inflation contributes to price rises locally, there was no need for the PAP (People's Action Party) government to add fuel to the fire and fan the flames of inflation further with the GST hike," said Singh. "Even if the decision was made to raise it in 2023, there was ample policy space to delay the second increase in 2024 when the country was in the thick of inflation. "Why the PAP went headlong and headstrong into raising GST and thereby turbocharging inflation further, is something only the PAP itself can answer to Singaporeans for." Leader of the Opposition and Workers' Party (WP) chief Pritam Singh criticised the government's "poor fiscal marksmanship" during his Budget 2025 debate speech. He also questioning the need for a hike in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 2023 and 2024, considering Singapore's "exceedingly healthy" fiscal position, and said it contributed to inflation. On Wednesday (26 Feb), Singh pointed out that 2024's fiscal surplus, originally estimated at S$778 million, was "revised massively" upwards to S$6.4 billion. This was after factoring in the "latest CDC and SG60 voucher programme". He also noted that the government had projected deficits in FY2021 and FY2022, but it turned out to be surpluses instead. It was announced last week that the government collected more revenue than anticipated for FY2024, with operating revenue rising to S$116.6 billion, an increase of S$8 billion. "Even as imported inflation contributes to price rises locally, there was no need for the PAP (People's Action Party) government to add fuel to the fire and fan the flames of inflation further with the GST hike," said Singh. "Even if the decision was made to raise it in 2023, there was ample policy space to delay the second increase in 2024 when the country was in the thick of inflation. "Why the PAP went headlong and headstrong into raising GST and thereby turbocharging inflation further, is something only the PAP itself can answer to Singaporeans for."
