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Straits Times
3 days ago
- General
- Straits Times
New stamp series showcases critically endangered native coastal plants in Singapore
The four plant species are recognisable by their striking ornamental flowers, fruits and foliage. PHOTO: SINGPOST AND NPARKS SINGAPORE – The sea trumpet tree and queen coralbead vine are among four species featured in a new set of stamps that showcase critically endangered native coastal plants. The stamp series – the result of a tie-up between Singapore Post (SingPost) and the National Parks Board (NParks) – aims to shine a light on Singapore's unique natural heritage and the urgent need for conservation, the two agencies said in a joint statement on May 30. The series also comes just in time for the Festival of Biodiversity, which will be held at the Plaza in the National Library Building, from May 31 to June 1 , the statement added . The stamps, valued at between 52 cents and $2 each , can be bought at all post offices, on the SingPost website, and philatelic stores from May 30 . They will also be sold at the festival. Apart from the sea trumpet and queen coralbead, the stamps feature the Ormocarpum cochinchinense tree and Ficus stricta, a type of strangling fig tree. The four plant species are recognisable by their striking ornamental flowers, fruits and foliage, and are part of the NParks Species Recovery Programme, which aims to secure the long-term survival of rare and endangered native flora. The latest series is titled Critically Endangered Flora Of Singapore – Flora Of Coastal Forest, and is the last of three stamp series to showcase endangered plant species in Singapore. The 2024 series highlighted the critically endangered native flora of Singapore's tropical lowland rainforests, which include the two-fold velvet bean climber, tiger's betel, the squirrel's jack and the Kadsura scandens. All four plants can be found in the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and Central Catchment Nature Reserve, said NParks. In 2023, four critically endangered native floral species from Singapore's swamp forests were featured on stamps: the lipstick plant, Singapore Kopsia, red Salak, and Fagraea splendens. They were found or rediscovered in the Nee Soon Swamp Forest, which is the only remaining primary freshwater swamp forest in Singapore. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
21-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Teo Swee Lian to be next SingPost chairman with Simon Israel retiring after 9 years
Ms Teo Swee Lian (left) has been named as chairman-designate to succeed Mr Simon Israel. PHOTOS: SINGPOST Teo Swee Lian to be next SingPost chairman with Simon Israel retiring after 9 years SINGAPORE - Singapore Post has named Ms Teo Swee Lian, who served many years at Singapore's central bank , as chairman-designate to succeed Mr Simon Israel. SingPost said on May 21 that she will assume the role after the next annual general meeting, when Mr Israel will retire after nine years in his position. Ms Teo will also be a non-independent, non-executive director. She will be appointed as an additional member of the finance and investment committee, compensation committee and nominations and corporate governance committe e. 'Her appointment concludes the board renewal process, and she will lead the board in the ongoing strategic reset of the Group,' Mr Israel said. He added that 'SingPost is undergoing a significant transformation to adapt to the evolving postal, e-commerce, and logistics landscape. Her experience will contribute to the board's oversight and direction for the new strategy.' Ms Teo, 65, has over 27 years of experience in financial services with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. From 2013 to 2015, she was MAS special advisor, managing director's office. She also held other senior other roles at MAS such as deputy managing director for financial supervision. Ms Teo is also chairman and non-executive independent director of CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust Management, while holding directorship positions at HSBC Holdings, among others. SingPost, which is undergoing a strategic review and restructuring, has yet to appoint a new chief executive officer. At the end of 2024, the company sacked three senior executives - including group CEO Vincent Phang - for mishandling whistle-blowing reports that revealed cases of data falsification at the company's international business unit. Mr Phang, along with chief financial officer Vincent Yik and international business unit CEO Yu Li, have hired lawyers and are contesting the decision. Seven executives were also reported to have left the company in April. These include head of strategy and communications Lee Eng Keat, group chief people officer Sehr Ahmed, group chief information officer Noel Singgih, chief sustainability officer Michelle Lee and chief information security officer Audrey Teoh. In February, SingPost said it will lay off around 45 workers in the coming months, as part of efforts to trim operations. After selling its Australian business, which was completed in March, the group has taken steps to sharpen focus on its core business. As part of restructuring efforts, the international cross-border business was reintegrated into the Singapore postal and logistics business to drive operational efficiencies. For its second half-year, SingPost posted an underlying net loss of $0.5 million, reversing a $28.1 million profit in the same period last year. SingPost shares were down 0.9 per cent at 56 cents as at 10.26am on May 21. Sue-Ann Tan is a business correspondent at The Straits Times covering capital markets and sustainable finance. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
