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The Star
an hour ago
- Politics
- The Star
Singaporeans looking to pursue studies in US can still submit visa applications: US Embassy
SINGAPORE: Singaporeans keen to study in the US can continue to send in their visa applications, said the US Embassy in Singapore on Wednesday (May 28), following news that the Trump administration has directed overseas missions to stop scheduling new appointments for student and exchange visa applicants. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had said in an internal cable reported by Politico on May 27 that the State Department intends to review the screening and vetting of such applicants, with plans to issue guidelines on 'expanded social media vetting'. In the meantime, appointments that have already been scheduled can continue to proceed, although available appointments not taken up yet should be taken down. When asked about the latest directive, a spokesperson for the US Embassy in Singapore said: 'The US Embassy's interview appointments system is dynamic and reflects the time required for consular officers to adjudicate cases in full compliance with US law. 'At this time, applicants may continue to submit applications, as the consular section constantly adjusts schedules to allow for sufficient time to vet cases before them.' It did not disclose if it has received an influx of queries from applicants since news about the internal cable was published, although it said that social media vetting has been a longstanding part of the US visa application process. The spokesperson said: 'Since 2019, the Department of State has required visa applicants to provide social media identifiers on visa application forms, and we use all available information in our visa screening and vetting.' Recounting her own experience, a Singaporean student, speaking on condition of anonymity, said she had to submit her social media account handles when she applied for a student visa in 2022. The 22-year-old, who is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in history at a liberal arts college, said she thought it was better to play safe then and disclose information about all her accounts, even though she doubted that any checks would be conducted. In recent times, however, she has become more cautious about what she says or does, both online and in person. This follows news of US President Donald Trump's recent campaign against elite US colleges, which he is trying to pressure into making a wide range of policy changes such as removing diversity, equity and inclusivity initiatives. On May 22, the Trump administration terminated Harvard University's right to host and enrol foreign students and scholars, leaving nearly 6,800 international students there in limbo. This follows its cancellation of billions of dollars in grants and funds for the school as well as other elite institutions such as Columbia University. 'I used to be more involved in political activism on campus, but now I'm just trying to stay unnoticed,' the Singaporean student said, citing how clampdowns on international students, coupled with the looming thought that her social media account information remains in the US authorities' hands, have made her fearful. Originally drawn to the US because of its ideals in areas such as freedom of speech, she said that at present, 'the hypocrisy is just so striking'. Although she initially planned to commence postgraduate studies in the US immediately after receiving her bachelor's, recent developments have made her reconsider. 'With all the twists and turns, I think I'm likely to return to Singapore afterwards instead, which wasn't my plan at all, even six months ago.' Another Singaporean student pursuing his postgraduate studies in the US said his devices and social media accounts were not screened whenever he passed through US Customs. However, he noted that there has been an increase in questioning by border agents, including about his career and family situation. While the 27-year-old does not plan to cut back on travelling, he has stopped posting or sharing content related to the US and its politics on his social media accounts. He said: 'I am also extra careful with whatever I text friends if it concerns US politics.' A 26-year-old Singaporean, who is heading to University College London for a master's degree, had contemplated pursuing one in public health either at Columbia University or the University of California, Berkeley. Having witnessed the uncertainty in the US and taken other things like costs into consideration, the analyst at a market research firm said she was relieved to have pivoted to Britain instead. The current US administration, as well as Trump's stance on immigration as outlined in Project 2025, further cemented her decision. Describing applying to the US for her studies as a 'huge gamble', she said she had considered waiting for things to settle, but upon reflection, she realised her options did not necessarily have to be limited to American institutions. University admission consultancy Crimson Education has been sharing the variety of available options with students keen to study abroad. Joanne Gao, its regional manager for Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines and Myanmar, said it will continue to encourage students to 'explore a wide range of university options around the world – not just in the US'. She added: 'This way, students avoid putting all their eggs in one basket and have more chances to find the right university for them.' So far, four families have contacted Crimson Education as a result of the latest developments in the US, but she said that students already accepted into top US universities are planning to proceed with their plans. Gao said the consultancy has also contacted the US Embassy to clarify the situation, which would enable it to 'properly support' its students. The Straits Times also contacted two other educational consultancies, but they were unable to comment. - The Straits Times/ANN
Straits Times
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Hegseth faces ‘vibe check' from Asian peers in Shangri-La Dialogue debut
No one will face more scrutiny than US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth in his Shangri-La Dialogue debut. PHOTO: REUTERS The recent video by the US mission in Singapore that likened the South China Sea dispute to neighbourhood squabbles in the city-state was telling – not only in its diplomatic insolence, but also in how its subtext revealed a patronising caricature of Singaporeans. Those behind the video seemed to imagine an audience with a rudimentary understanding of the world requiring major dumbing down, rather than one of the most literate societies more than able to grasp complexities. It was a complete misread – a fundamental failure to understand who they were addressing. To put it simply, and to use millennial parlance: the vibes were off. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
8 hours ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Changing gears: The mid-career workers finding purpose through new skills
Singapore's mid-career professionals are reinventing their careers, but the transition often involves trade-offs. PHOTO: GETTY BRANDED CONTENT Changing gears: The mid-career workers finding purpose through new skills Meet the professionals who are reinventing their careers amid a shifting landscape, driven by their personal goals Would you trade job security for passion, just as you're figuring out sleepless nights and toddler tantrums? Mr Darren Yong, 35, did exactly that. When his son turned two in 2023, the first-time parent quit his job as a general manager in a healthcare technology company. He was earning a five-figure monthly salary. '(I decided to) drop everything to do what I loved,' Mr Yong shares. He packed up his life in Singapore and moved to Wellington, New Zealand, with his homemaker wife and toddler in tow. The goal: To pursue a master's degree in climate science and policy. This huge leap of faith was far from easy. He funded his own tuition, which cost $50,000 over 18 months, while the family went without income for the duration of Mr Yong's studies. 'We consciously set aside savings for up to an 18-month stay abroad, knowing that neither of us would have paid work during the entire period,' says Mr Yong. Despite careful planning, financial stress crept in. The family encountered unexpected rental hurdles, forcing them to move thrice during their stay in New Zealand. 'It would have been better if we had increased our budget buffer by another 20 per cent,' Mr Yong admits. Both short- and longer-term cost pressures make changing careers as a young parent 'mentally exhausting at times', says Mr Yong. 'Especially with the worry of getting paid work that resonates with my passions.' Making the leap easier For individuals like Mr Yong, who left a stable job and funded his own career switch, job transitions can be daunting and costly. But there is support available. One example is the SkillsFuture Level-Up Programme, announced in Budget 2024. Under this scheme, all Singaporeans aged 40 and above will be eligible for up to $3,000 in monthly training allowance for selected full-time courses, capped at $72,000 a year. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced in Budget 2025 that the scheme would be extended to include part-time training. Those who work and learn part-time can receive a training allowance of $300 per month, starting in early 2026. It's crucial to upskill to stay relevant and adaptable, says Mr Dean Tong, head of Group Human Resources at UOB, especially as technologies like artificial intelligence rapidly reshape industries and displace traditional roles. Some companies are also stepping up to ease this transition. UOB, for one, is helping its employees adapt to new workplace demands and achieve their long-term career goals. In 2019, the bank launched its flagship 12-week Better U learning programme to equip its workers with future-ready skills. Better U comprises short, bite-sized modules lasting two to three hours each. Nearly all of these courses are conducted online, allowing employees to learn at their own pace and convenience, Mr Tong says. The modules focus on soft skills such as having a growth mindset, digital innovation and data storytelling. These are taught through gamification or interactive team-based formats to make the learning experience engaging, he adds. It's crucial to upskill to stay relevant and adaptable, says Mr Dean Tong, head of Group Human Resources at UOB. UOB offers support programmes to ease career transitions for its staff. PHOTO: UOB Building a future-ready workforce A key challenge that UOB faced was supporting its employees amid constant change. 'It was unclear what skills would be most needed in the future,' says Mr Dean Tong, UOB's head of Group Human Resources. The bank decided to focus on developing core competencies: Soft skills that provide a strong foundation for continuous learning. UOB's flagship learning and development initiative Better U, launched in 2019, focuses on skills like growth mindset, problem-solving and digital innovation. 'These soft skills are particularly suited for adult learners, as they are practical, accessible, and help ease the return to structured learning,' Mr Tong explains. 'They are (also) transferable across roles, equipping employees to navigate uncertainty with confidence, regardless of how the future of work evolves.' In 2024, the bank launched the 12-month Better U Pivot Programme to help selected employees reskill into new or evolving roles within UOB. Employees are paid a full-time salary while undergoing this place-and-train programme. They also receive ongoing support through regular check-ins and guidance from trained coaches. 'Reskilling cannot be a one-size-fits-all approach,' says Mr Tong. Rather than generic training, the Better U Pivot Programme starts with 'identifying high-demand roles, pinpointing individual skill gaps, and then providing customised training to bridge those gaps', he explains. UOB expects to create up to 500 opportunities over two years for employees in operations and administrative roles. These reflect changing business needs, including growing demand in areas such as financial crime prevention. Mr Tong adds that the bank is evolving its training and development programmes to help employees build critical thinking, problem framing and digital fluency. The aim: To ensure employees can use tools like generative AI effectively and responsibly. 'We've already begun rolling out training programmes that empower our people to experiment with generative AI, understand its potential, and apply it meaningfully in their work,' says Mr Tong. UOB employee Ms Rebecca Yip, 46, spent 18 years in largely customer-facing jobs before pivoting to her new role at the bank's Corporate Sustainability Office. PHOTO: UOB Path to purpose So far, close to 12,000 UOB employees across the region have gone through Better U, with many using it as a springboard to chart new career paths within the bank. One of them is Ms Rebecca Yip, 46, who's currently a vice-president at UOB's Corporate Sustainability Office. She joined UOB as a branch officer in 2004, accumulating diverse experiences across departments including operations, training and employee development. After spending 18 years in largely customer-facing roles, Ms Yip found herself yearning for deeper purpose and a chance to make a positive impact. Her opportunity came in 2022, when she was chosen to be part of UOB's talent development initiative, Leadership Acceleration Programme (LAP). The programme provides mentorship, leadership development courses, and the opportunity to take part in strategic projects. Mentors would also help participants craft customised career journeys and identify goals to work towards. Reflecting on her experience, Ms Yip says she appreciated the personalised approach. '(LAP) allowed us to participate and grow at our own pace.' With the guidance and support from LAP, Ms Yip successfully transitioned into a new role in UOB's Corporate Sustainability Office in 2023. She was responsible for launching and leading the bank's in-house Sustainability Academy, a training programme designed to deepen employees' sustainability knowledge. To help her transition into her new role, UOB also sponsored Ms Yip's year-long Advanced Certificate in Sustainability & Sustainable Businesses course at Singapore Management University in 2023. 'Sustainability is definitely an area where I can make a more positive and meaningful impact through my work,' she says. For those intimidated by the idea of upskilling mid-career, Ms Yip offers a simple piece of advice: Take it one step at a time. She practises what she calls 'micromastery' by breaking big goals into small, manageable steps. '(It's) like learning (to play the) piano,' she says. 'If your goal is to play a Beethoven piece, start with just three notes a day.' 'This will help to build confidence, keep you motivated and ensure steady progress.' This is the last of a six-part series titled 'Right by you', in partnership with 'Right by you' is a series that explores how organisations drive meaningful impact for communities, customers and employees. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
Back to the drawing board for Terry Hee and Jin Yujia after first-round exit at S'pore Badminton Open
National mixed doubles Terry Hee (top) and Jin Yujia lost 21-14, 21-9 to Indonesians Rehan Kusharjanto and Gloria Widjaja in the KFF Singapore Badminton Open round of 32. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO Back to the drawing board for Terry Hee and Jin Yujia after first-round exit at S'pore Badminton Open SINGAPORE – It is back to the drawing board for national mixed doubles badminton pair Terry Hee and Jin Yujia, as they suffered a first-round exit at the KFF Singapore Open following a 21-14, 21-9 loss to Indonesians Rehan Kusharjanto and Gloria Widjaja on May 28. This is the seventh consecutive tournament in which the world No. 27 duo, who started playing together only in November 2024, have been knocked out in the opening round of 32. Despite the support of the home crowd at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, Hee and Jin were unable to end the streak against their 26th-ranked Indonesian opponents, also a newly formed pair who made their competition debut at the Jan 28-Feb 2 Super 300 Thailand Masters. Jin, 28, said: 'This was definitely not our best performance. We were hoping to put up a better performance for all the Singaporeans. Unfortunately today, the win was not on our side and we have to reflect on what went wrong.' The match started on an even footing, but with the scores level at 4-4, the Indonesians began to pull ahead, going up 11-5 at the interval. Returning to the court, Hee and Jin narrowed the deficit briefly to 12-8, but the Indonesians regained the momentum to close out the first game 21-14. In the second game, Rehan and Gloria led throughout after building a 4-0 advantage. Quicker and sharper, the Indonesians closed out the match in 31 minutes, condemning the Singaporeans to another defeat. Reflecting on the Super 750 home event, Hee said: 'It's a very good platform and a very high-level tournament for us to gauge where we really are. Obviously we're not there yet, so we will need to work a lot harder.' The duo were paired together in late November as Hee's long-time playing partner and wife Jessica Tan was recovering from injuries. In April, Tan called time on a 14-year career to pursue further education. In their first outing, Hee and Jin had reached the semi-finals of the Guwahati Masters, before making it to the Odisha Masters final. Both are Super 100 tournaments. They won the Bangladesh International Challenge title in December 2024, their third competition together. But they have struggled in higher-level tournaments in 2025, with their best performance coming in January's India Open, where they made it to the round of 16. Hee, 29, said: 'The results have not been very good. For me, I will doubt myself and wonder what's going on. But that's an athlete's life, we have to push through and keep working hard for the day that may never come.' Jin also admitted that her morale has been affected, but noted that they are working with their coaches to improve, adding: 'But for us and our coaches, we try to focus on the process and dig deep into the problem instead of (focusing on) the win or loss.' Loh Kean Yew and Yeo Jia Min are now Singapore's remaining representatives in the US$1 million (S$1.29 million) tournament. Loh's campaign resumes on May 29, with the world No. 10 coming up against 16th-ranked Frenchman Toma Junior Popov in the round of 16 of the men's singles. World No. 11 Yeo will meet top-ranked An Se-young, the women's singles defending champion, in the last 16 on the same day. In other round-of-16 matches, Chinese world No. 2 Wang Zhiyi will meet American Zhang Beiwen after coming from behind to beat Indian teenager Unnati Hooda 13-21, 21-9, 21-15 on May 28. Akane Yamaguchi, Japan's world No. 3 and two-time world champion who beat Ukraine's Polina Buhrova 21-15, 21-13 in the first round, will face Chinese Taipei's Sung Shuo-yun next. In the men's singles, Thailand's world No. 2 and world champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn will face China's Wang Zhengxing in the last 16 after defeating Japan's Kenta Nishimoto 21-13, 21-15. Former All England champions Li Shifeng from China and Indonesia's Jonatan Christie also advanced to the last 16 after winning their respective matches on May 28. World No. 4 Li beat Japan's Koki Watanabe 21-12, 21-14 to set up a meeting with Chinese Taipei's Lin Chun-yi, while world No. 5 Jonatan will come up against Malaysia's Leong Jun Hao after overcoming Ireland's Nhat Nguyen 23-21, 21-16. Kimberly Kwek joined The Straits Times in 2019 as a sports journalist and has since covered a wide array of sports, including golf and sailing. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
S'poreans looking to pursue studies in US can still submit visa applications: US Embassy
In the meantime, appointments that have already been scheduled can continue to proceed, although available appointments not taken up yet should be taken down. PHOTO: REUTERS S'poreans looking to pursue studies in US can still submit visa applications: US Embassy SINGAPORE - Singaporeans keen to study in the US can continue to send in their visa applications, said the US Embassy in Singapore on May 28, following news that the Trump administration has directed overseas missions to stop scheduling new appointments for student and exchange visa applicants. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had said in an internal cable reported by Politico on May 27 that the State Department intends to review the screening and vetting of such applicants, with plans to issue guidelines on 'expanded social media vetting'. In the meantime, appointments that have already been scheduled can continue to proceed, although available appointments not taken up yet should be taken down. When asked about the latest directive, a spokesperson for the US Embassy in Singapore said: 'The US Embassy's interview appointments system is dynamic and reflects the time required for consular officers to adjudicate cases in full compliance with US law. 'At this time, applicants may continue to submit applications, as the consular section constantly adjusts schedules to allow for sufficient time to vet cases before them.' It did not disclose if it has received an influx of queries from applicants since news about the internal cable was published, although it said that social media vetting has been a longstanding part of the US visa application process. The spokesperson said: 'Since 2019, the Department of State has required visa applicants to provide social media identifiers on visa application forms, and we use all available information in our visa screening and vetting.' Recounting her own experience, a Singaporean student, speaking on condition of anonymity, said she had to submit her social media account handles when she applied for a student visa in 2022. The 22-year-old, who is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in history at a liberal arts college, said she thought it was better to play safe then and disclose information about all her accounts, even though she doubted that any checks would be conducted. In recent times, however, she has become more cautious about what she says or does, both online and in person. This follows news of US President Donald Trump's recent campaign against elite US colleges, which he is trying to pressure into making a wide range of policy changes such as removing diversity, equity and inclusivity initiatives. On May 22, the Trump administration terminated Harvard University's right to host and enrol foreign students and scholars, leaving nearly 6,800 international students there in limbo. This follows its cancellation of billions of dollars in grants and funds for the school as well as other elite institutions such as Columbia University. 'I used to be more involved in political activism on campus, but now I'm just trying to stay unnoticed,' the Singaporean student said, citing how clampdowns on international students, coupled with the looming thought that her social media account information remains in the US authorities' hands, have made her fearful. Originally drawn to the US because of its ideals in areas such as freedom of speech, she said that at present, 'the hypocrisy is just so striking'. Although she initially planned to commence postgraduate studies in the US immediately after receiving her bachelor's, recent developments have made her reconsider. 'With all the twists and turns, I think I'm likely to return to Singapore afterwards instead, which wasn't my plan at all, even six months ago.' Another Singaporean student pursuing his postgraduate studies in the US said his devices and social media accounts were not screened whenever he passed through US Customs. However, he noted that there has been an increase in questioning by border agents, including about his career and family situation. While the 27-year-old does not plan to cut back on travelling, he has stopped posting or sharing content related to the US and its politics on his social media accounts. He said: 'I am also extra careful with whatever I text friends if it concerns US politics.' A 26-year-old Singaporean, who is heading to University College London for a master's degree, had contemplated pursuing one in public health either at Columbia University or the University of California, Berkeley. Having witnessed the uncertainty in the US and taken other things like costs into consideration, the analyst at a market research firm said she was relieved to have pivoted to Britain instead. The current US administration, as well as Mr Trump's stance on immigration as outlined in Project 2025, further cemented her decision. Describing applying to the US for her studies as a 'huge gamble', she said she had considered waiting for things to settle, but upon reflection, she realised her options did not necessarily have to be limited to American institutions. University admission consultancy Crimson Education has been sharing the variety of available options with students keen to study abroad. Ms Joanne Gao, its regional manager for Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines and Myanmar, said it will continue to encourage students to 'explore a wide range of university options around the world – not just in the US'. She added: 'This way, students avoid putting all their eggs in one basket and have more chances to find the right university for them.' So far, four families have contacted Crimson Education as a result of the latest developments in the US, but she said that students already accepted into top US universities are planning to proceed with their plans. Ms Gao said the consultancy has also contacted the US Embassy to clarify the situation, which would enable it to 'properly support' its students. The Straits Times also contacted two other educational consultancies, but they were unable to comment. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
