Latest news with #Singaporeans
New Paper
4 hours ago
- General
- New Paper
'It's almost revolting': Singapore's durian craze is not for all
When wildlife advocate Robert Irwin tried durian for the first time in Singapore a year ago, he called it the "most polarising food in the world". He might have a point. As durian season, which typically occurs between June and September, hits its peak and Singaporeans flock to satisfy their durian cravings, not everyone is sold on the king of fruits. "I don't hate it but it's not something I will want to have," 19-year-old polytechnic student, Mr Seah, told The New Paper: "I used to be quite fond of it but as I grow older, I find the smell to be quite unpleasant. It's so strong that it's almost revolting, and when people have it, it just fills the entire space with that pungent smell." He added: "If you paid me to eat it I think I would, but durian is not something I'll squeeze with people in queues for." On a Reddit thread detailing different durian varieties with over a hundred comments, some netizens shared similar sentiments. "I swear, I really tried, but as soon as I had a piece in my mouth and it was all creamy and tasted like carrion, I just could not bring myself to have it," said one. "Am I missing something crucial here? Because it was as horrendous in taste as in smell." Operations executive Fu Jia, 24, echoed this sentiment. "I dislike the smell of it in general, it smells so foul. My instinct when I see a durian stall is to avoid it or walk really fast if I have no choice but to go near it," she said. A shared experience for all But durian fanatics could care less about such misgivings. At Block 964 Jurong West Street 91, prices dip as low as $2 per durian, amid the hustle and bustle of the afternoon crowds and stall owners. Durian lovers flock to stalls offering low prices. PHOTO: SHIN MIN DAILY NEWS Durian stall vendor Cai Ming Hong (transliterated) noted that this year's durians are of excellent quality. He expects an even larger harvest by mid-July. His stall receives at least 5,000kg of durians daily, most of which sell out. The 26-year-old told Shin Min Daily News: "For example, the B-grade Musang King durians are now going for $12 per kg, and we're using premium durians from Pahang for our promotions. "A-grade ones are priced at $20 per kg and are of even better quality. Earlier batches had some weather-related issues, but the current supply tastes great across all varieties." There are also durian delivery services like Durian Delivery, while others opt to visit durian cafes. Durian vending machines, installed by local durian retailer Kaki Kaki, have even popped up in Tampines. So why do so many Singaporeans have such a fondness for the pungent delight? One Reddit poster suggested that it serves as a form of community building, creating shared experiences that bring people together. "It's a seasonal thing, so getting together to eat it is a cultural/social thing that has developed over the years. It's just another way to chill with friends and family." Another Redditor suggested that it is inextricably tied to national identity: "For a country as small as Singapore and only 50 years old, there's not much solid items of culture to look forward to. Especially because it's an amalgamation of other cultures like Chinese, Malay and Indian heritage. "Other than the practices belonging to those races, there's not much physical things Singapore can attribute its original culture to. And that's why we cling to the things we can define as Singaporean." While reactions remain varied, and sometimes even extreme, the durian continues to unite Singaporeans in the common experience of rushing to buy it - or avoiding it completely.
Straits Times
4 hours ago
- General
- Straits Times
Forum: Do away with steps at ground-level walkways for easier access
Find out what's new on ST website and app. There is a matter that affects many Singaporeans daily, especially the elderly, parents with strollers, people with mobility challenges, and even travellers with luggage. Across the city, public walkways still contain unnecessary steps, sometimes just one or two, which act as daily barriers to easy access. These steps appear at the edges of MRT stations, entrances to wet markets and hawker centres, linkways between HDB blocks, and paths leading into malls. I am referring to ground-level facilities where a step could easily be replaced by a ramp. These include short kerbs, platform steps and elevated entrances that could otherwise be reimagined with stepless, smooth transitions. Removing such steps would be a small but meaningful change that reflects empathy in urban planning. Let us consider a future where every walkway from home to the MRT, wet market or coffee shop is barrier-free. I urge the authorities to progressively eliminate unnecessary steps at all ground-level walkways. Foo Siang Yian
Straits Times
4 hours ago
- Health
- Straits Times
Forum: Set up a hotline to report vaping
It is indeed sad and troubling that many Singaporeans still do not see the need to call out a person vaping in public. With vaping becoming a growing global crisis, its prevalence, especially among the young, must be tackled with firmer measures and more urgency. The least we can do as members of the public is to report it to the authorities when we spot it. If we remain silent out of fear or indifference, we risk normalising what is an addictive and harmful habit. We need a whole-of-society effort to stop this from taking root in Singapore. Parents, schools, community members, workplaces and the authorities must work in concert. A simple solution could be to set up an anonymous hotline for members of the public to report vaping discreetly. We must not turn a blind eye to vaping and allow it to harm our society. Foo Sing Kheng
Straits Times
7 hours ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Las Vegas Sands' new development part of S'pore's broader, more ambitious transformation: PM Wong
The new complex is set to be completed by 2030, and to open in the first quarter of 2031. SINGAPORE - Singapore's skyline will get a soaring new addition come 2030 when Las Vegas Sands' US$8 billion (S$10.3 billion) new hotel tower is completed. Speaking at the development's ground-breaking ceremony on July 15, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said the plans for Marina Bay are just one part of the Republic's broader, more ambitious transformation of its entire southern waterfront. A 30km stretch of coastline from Gardens by the Bay East to Pasir Panjang that is six times the size of Marina Bay, it will have more commercial, recreational and entertainment options, alongside new residential precincts that include public housing for Singaporeans, he added. The authorities said in May that the first of these homes – around 1,000 Housing Board Build-To-Order flats to be built on the site of the former Keppel Club – will be launched for sale in October. PM Wong said: 'That's what we mean when we say we are never done building Singapore. We will always keep on improving, keep renewing and keep on moving forward.' The Greater Southern Waterfront project was first announced by then Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the 2013 National Day Rally, where he outlined a vision to consolidate container port activities in Tanjong Pagar, Keppel, Brani and Pasir Panjang at a unified port in Tuas, freeing up prime waterfront land for redevelopment. PM Wong was addressing about 200 guests gathered at the ground-breaking site next to Marina Bay Sands' (MBS') Hotel Tower 1. They included Las Vegas Sands co-founder Miriam Adelson, chairman and chief executive officer Robert Goldstein, and president and chief operating officer Patrick Dumont. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Economic headwinds do not dampen outlook for new Marina Bay development: Las Vegas Sands president Business MAS records net profit of $19.7 billion, fuelled by investment gains Singapore Man charged with attempted murder of woman at Kallang Wave Mall Singapore CDL's long-time director Philip Yeo to depart after boardroom feud Singapore Ex-cleaner jailed over safety lapses linked to guard's death near 1-Altitude rooftop bar Life The Violinist, Singapore's first animated historical film, set for August 2026 release Singapore 'Nobody deserves to be alone': Why Mummy and Acha have fostered over 20 children in the past 22 years The new Las Vegas Sands complex will comprise 570 luxury hotel suites, a casino, a 15,000-seat entertainment arena, 200,000 sq ft of meeting and convention space, and numerous high-end restaurants. It is set to be completed by 2030 and to open in the first quarter of 2031. Like MBS, it is designed by US-based firm Safdie Architects, and it will have a distinct roof in the form of an elliptical Skyloop, which will have 360-degree views, and both public and private facilities. PM Wong called Marina Bay a symbol of the Singapore Story – that of a thriving financial and business hub, a vibrant destination for meetings, conventions, tourism and entertainment, as well as a key node connecting Singapore to the global economy. But more than just an economic success story, it has become deeply embedded in the national consciousness, he added. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony for the new Las Vegas Sands hotel tower on July 15. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI This is as the bay is where Singaporeans come together to celebrate milestones such as the National Day Parade and year-end countdowns, and to make memories. The skyline is also instantly recognisable around the world as being Singapore, whether in movies, documentaries or music videos, he said. 'Every recruit who does basic military training, their graduation parades are held here, reminding them of why they are defending Singapore and what they are defending,' he said. 'So we are very proud of what Marina Bay has become, but we're not done yet because we believe the best still lies ahead.' (From left) Populous senior principal Andrew Tulen, architect Moshe Safdie, Las Vegas Sands chief operating officer Patrick Dumont, Las Vegas Sands co-founder Miriam Adelson, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu, Las Vegas Sands chairman and chief executive Robert Goldstein, Las Vegas Sands executive vice-president of Asia operations Grant Chum and Marina Bay Sands chief operating officer Paul Town at the ground-breaking ceremony on July 15. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI He noted that the Las Vegas Sands development will both refresh Singapore's skyline and introduce new attractions, including the rooftop Skyloop and the 15,000-seat arena for world-class concerts and performances. Added convention and exhibition space will also further strengthen Singapore's position as a leading Mice (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) destination globally, he added. Alongside the upcoming NS Square, which is set to be completed by 2027, PM Wong said these developments will add buzz and vibrancy to the bay area, which will draw more visitors and create new opportunities for Singaporeans in hospitality and tourism. An artist's impression of the Skyloop from an aerial view. PHOTO: SAFDIE ARCHITECTS Singapore is able to keep renewing itself and moving forward because of strong partnerships, such as with Las Vegas Sands, said PM Wong. He noted its 'bold commitment' when the integrated resort was first mooted in 2005. The American casino and resort company committed to an initial investment of $3.85 billion, which is apart from another $1.2 billion in land cost for the site. 'It was... a major investment, underpinned by confidence in Singapore, and in Singapore's future,' he said. 'I'm glad this partnership has flourished, and I'm even happier that we are now taking it to the next level.' Mr Goldstein said that Marina Bay Sands has become the most successful integrated resort in history and the industry's gold standard since it opened in 2010. 'We have every intention of delivering a product that will be the envy of the hospitality industry and ushers in a new era of luxury tourism in Singapore,' the Las Vegas Sands chairman and CEO said of the new tower.
Online Citizen
7 hours ago
- Business
- Online Citizen
PM Wong reaffirms ‘full support and confidence' in ST as netizens question its impartiality
SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has underlined the importance of trusted journalism, declaring that Singapore needs credible media more than ever to help society distinguish fact from falsehood in an increasingly complex world. Speaking on 11 July 2025 at a dinner celebrating the 180th anniversary of The Straits Times (ST), Wong reiterated the government's 'full support and confidence' in the publication's mission to inform, educate, and hold Singapore society together. His backing comes amid ongoing debate over the independence of Singapore's main English-language newspaper. Many Singaporeans have taken to social media to question whether ST can operate free of state influence, especially after substantial government funding was pledged to its parent, SPH Media Trust (SMT). In February 2022, the government announced up to S$900 million in funding over five years for SMT, which operates ST. This support, of up to S$180 million a year, is intended to sustain quality journalism and keep the national newspaper financially viable as advertising revenues fall and audiences move online. The injection of public money followed SMT's restructuring in 2021, when it was separated from Singapore Press Holdings to function as a not-for-profit entity. The move was aimed at ensuring that the nation's flagship paper could adapt to the challenges of digital disruption and remain a trusted source of news. PM Wong: Government support essential to keep public service media viable, independent, and accountable Wong acknowledged that globally, traditional news outlets face shrinking newsrooms and commercial pressures that threaten editorial quality. He cautioned against allowing Singapore's national newspaper to fall into the hands of private billionaires with partisan aims or to let public trust in the press erode as a result of poor funding. 'We cannot allow that to happen here in Singapore,' Wong said. 'We do not want our national newspaper to be owned by billionaires with narrow or partisan agendas. Nor do we want public trust in the media to be eroded.' He explained that government support is essential to keep public service media viable, independent, and accountable to Singaporeans. PM Wong: ST must adapt and stay relevant Wong also acknowledged that ST faces unprecedented competition, not just from other reputable outlets but from content creators and distractions across countless digital platforms. He called on the paper's editors and journalists to adapt boldly to remain relevant to future readers, even if that means significant changes to the newspaper's style, tone, or length in the coming decade. 'I believe there will still be a place for print, and we should all do our best to keep print newspapers viable in Singapore for as long as possible,' Wong said. He added that while the government supports ST's mission, it would not dictate the editorial choices needed to keep the paper meaningful to Singaporeans. Minister Josephine Teo echoes call for trusted news Communications and Information Minister Josephine Teo also emphasised the government's commitment to trusted media. She noted that Singaporeans must have reliable sources to inform decisions affecting their daily lives and futures. 'We remain very committed to ensuring that our public service media can continue to capture the attention of our audience,' Teo said. Public doubts over impartiality: 'Will ST pose hard questions to those in power?' Despite such reassurances, scepticism persists. Many Singaporeans have questioned whether the government's financial backing allows ST to remain truly independent. On social media platforms such as Reddit and Facebook, netizens have asked if journalists at ST will pose hard questions to those in power. Some doubt whether the paper can avoid serving as a government mouthpiece, given its reliance on state funding. One Reddit comment described the newspaper as a 'monopoly' that still requires government help despite diversifying its business interests into property and aged care. Concerns about media control Another comment criticised what they saw as irony in PM Wong's rejection of billionaire-owned outlets, pointing out that ST is already heavily funded and indirectly controlled by the state. Some argued that both billionaire ownership and state control can threaten true journalistic independence. One user wrote that Singaporeans should not have to choose between 'billionaire-owned media and state-owned media,' but should instead have independent journalists who report in the public interest. Comparisons to other countries Several netizens compared Singapore's situation to international examples. One noted that while government ownership carries a partisan slant, at least an elected government is accountable to citizens — unlike unelected billionaires. However, others countered that real media independence comes from autonomy, not state or corporate influence. One cited the BBC as an outlet that once enjoyed a reputation for neutrality but has struggled to maintain it amid funding debates. The user suggested that ST could position itself as a truly neutral outlet providing balanced coverage of both Eastern and Western perspectives, arguing that doing so could fill a gap left by declining trust in other global media brands. Ravi Philemon: ST already heavily funded and controlled by the state Ravi Philemon, Chief of Red Dot United, also weighed in the debate, criticised PM Wong's remark about rejecting billionaire-owned media as ironic, pointing out that The ST is already heavily funded and controlled by the state. 'It is already funded to the tune of one billion dollars to keep a ruling party, one that seems more aligned with the filthy rich than with anyone else, in power,' Philemon commented in a FB post on 12 July. He argued that Singapore's ruling party uses public money to maintain a media system that serves its own power rather than true public interest journalism. He highlighted that despite claims of independence, the press avoids asking tough questions and fails to challenge the government meaningfully. Philemon warned that this controlled media environment keeps Singaporeans uninformed about real struggles like rising debt and inequality. He warned that the real threat is not foreign billionaires, but a media kept loyal through state funding, which preserves a system that benefits the wealthy and entrenches political power. Calls for media literacy and critical reading Some Singaporeans stressed the importance of critical reading and media literacy. They argued that citizens should consult a range of credible outlets rather than depend solely on one publication, whether state-backed or privately owned. One user commented that media must serve the people and retain enough autonomy to scrutinise those in power without fear or favour. Another urged fellow Singaporeans to read widely, pointing out that a healthy democracy relies on an informed citizenry capable of questioning any narrative. Singapore ranks low on press freedom, with RSF citing lack of editorial independence According to the 2025 World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders on 2 May, Singapore ranked 123rd out of 180 countries. The report criticised Singapore as an example not to follow, citing a severe lack of editorial independence and little respect for press freedom. RSF noted that independent political journalism is scarce, with outlets like The Online Citizen forced into exile.
