Latest news with #SkillsFutureForum
Straits Times
11-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Bull sharks linger in warming Sydney waters
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox The sharks spend an average of 15 days longer off Sydney's coast in summer than they did in 2009. SYDNEY - Bull sharks are lingering off Sydney's beaches for longer periods each year as oceans warm, researchers said July 11 , predicting they may one day stay all year. The predators are migratory, swimming north in winter when Sydney's long-term ocean temperatures dip below 19 deg C to bask in the balmier waters off Queensland. A team of scientists looked at 15 years of acoustic tracking of 92 tagged migratory sharks in an area including Bondi Beach and Sydney Harbour. Records show the sharks now spend an average of 15 days longer off Sydney's coast in summer than they did in 2009, said James Cook University researcher Nicolas Lubitz. 'If they're staying longer, it means that people and prey animals have a longer window of overlap with them,' said Mr Lubitz. Shark attacks are rare in ocean-loving Australia, and most serious bites are from three species: bull sharks, great whites and tiger sharks, according to a national database. There have been more than 1,200 shark incidents around Australia since 1791, of which over 250 resulted in death. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Business S'pore to launch new grant for companies, expand support for workers amid US tariff uncertainties World Trump to use presidential authority to send weapons to Ukraine, sources say Opinion Whisper it softly, there's a new Japan rising Business Popiah king Sam Goi makes $123.5 million offer to buy rest of PSC Business Aster Chemicals in talks to buy Esso petrol stations in Singapore: Sources World The $12.8m bag: Original Birkin smashes records at Paris auction Asia Tariffs overshadow diplomacy as Asean foreign ministers press on with meetings Singapore What 'skills first' really means: Panellists at SkillsFuture Forum talk culture, systems, mindsets Researchers found an average warming of 0.57 deg C in Bondi for the October to May period between 2006 and 2024, said the study published in the peer-reviewed journal Science of The Total Environment. Over a longer period, remotely sensed summer sea-surface temperatures in the area rose an average 0.67 deg C between 1982 and 2024, they said. Bull sharks 'year-round' 'If this trend persists, which it likely will, it just means that these animals are going to spend more and more time towards their seasonal distributional limit, which currently is southern and central New South Wales,' Mr Lubitz said. 'So it could be that a few decades from now, maybe bull sharks are present year-round in waters off Sydney,' he added. 'While the chances of a shark bite, and shark bites in Australia in general, remain low, it just means that people have to be more aware of an increased window of bull shark presence in coastal waters off Sydney.' Climate change could also change breeding patterns, Mr Lubitz said, with early evidence indicating juvenile sharks were appearing in rivers further south. There was some evidence as well that summer habitats for great whites, which prefer colder waters, were decreasing in northern New South Wales and Queensland, he said. Tagged sharks trigger an alarm when they swim within range of a network of receivers dotted around parts of the Australian coast, giving people real-time warnings on a mobile app of their presence at key locations. AFP
Straits Times
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
G-Dragon's Bangkok concert cancelled amid fan protest over agency's tour mismanagement
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox South Korean singer G-Dragon was originally scheduled to perform at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok on Aug 2. SEOUL - G-Dragon's Ubermensch world tour stop in Bangkok has been cancelled, fueling growing frustration among fans over the disorganised rollout of the South Korean singer's highly anticipated comeback tour. Concert organiser AEG Presents Asia announced on July 10 that the show, originally scheduled for Aug 2 at Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok, had been called off due to 'unforeseen circumstances'. The promoter issued an apology for the inconvenience and disappointment, but failed to provide a specific reason for the cancellation. The sudden change has deepened discontent among fans, many of whom had already raised concerns over the handling of the tour by the singer's agency, Galaxy, especially regarding the Thailand stop. These concerns stem partly from Galaxy's identity as an entertainment-technology company that primarily focuses on metaverse and AI sectors, rather than traditional entertainment management. Originally, the Bangkok concert was scheduled at an outdoor venue during the country's rainy season — one of the hottest and most humid times of the year. Even as the date neared, ticketing and seating information had not been provided, causing anxiety and criticism from both domestic and international fans. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Business S'pore to launch new grant for companies, expand support for workers amid US tariff uncertainties World Trump to use presidential authority to send weapons to Ukraine, sources say Opinion Whisper it softly, there's a new Japan rising Business Popiah king Sam Goi makes $123.5 million offer to buy rest of PSC Business Aster Chemicals in talks to buy Esso petrol stations in Singapore: Sources World The $12.8m bag: Original Birkin smashes records at Paris auction Asia Tariffs overshadow diplomacy as Asean foreign ministers press on with meetings Singapore What 'skills first' really means: Panellists at SkillsFuture Forum talk culture, systems, mindsets The Bangkok show is the latest flashpoint in a months of controversies surrounding Galaxy's management of G-Dragon's comeback . From July 8 to 10, fans organised a truck protest near the company's headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, calling for accountability and transparency. The video messages aired on the truck screens accused the agency of last-minute planning, opaque operations and failing to prioritise premium fan club members in ticket sales. At the heart of the discontent is the exclusive presale structure for the concerts. Despite being paid members of the official fan club, many fans found that VIP tickets for overseas concerts were released first through third-party platforms. Some international fans began questioning the value of fan club membership. Fans have also criticised the choice of small venues in cities such as Macao, Jakarta and Melbourne, which failed to meet local demand. Additional shows were often added with little notice, resulting in grueling three-day performance schedules for the artist. Fans raised concerns about the potential impact on G-Dragon's health and the lack of long-term planning. The US and European legs of the tour have not been spared controversy. Concerts were announced only two months in advance — a tight timeline for destinations requiring travel visas — and so far, Paris remains the only confirmed city in Europe. This has sparked speculation about whether the company has struggled to secure venues. An executive from one of the major K-pop agencies said that not all responsibility lies with Galaxy. 'World tour venues are usually booked by local or global promoters. It's likely that G-Dragon didn't hand over full control to Galaxy. The tour seems rushed, perhaps because he wanted to meet as many fans as possible in a short time following his album release,' the executive said. Still, the executive acknowledged that Galaxy does not have a strong track record in music management. 'They've never been known for managing artists, and G-Dragon should have been aware of that. This was his decision, and it came with risks.' Fans have also voiced dissatisfaction with the agency's legal follow-through. Galaxy announced in April that it would pursue legal action against malicious online posts, but three months on, fans say there has been no progress or updates. Some question whether the agency is genuinely committed to protecting the artist. Adding to the frustration is the perception that Galaxy has been using G-Dragon's image to promote itself. Galaxy CEO Choi Yong-ho has appeared frequently in media and marketing tied to the artist's activities, leading some fans to accuse the agency of prioritising brand exposure over looking after its artist. Galaxy has yet to release a statement in response to the cancellation or fan protests. Despite the Bangkok setback, he is still scheduled to perform in Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Hong Kong, Newark, Los Angeles and Paris as part of the ongoing tour. G-Dragon joined Galaxy Corporation in November 2023 after leaving YG Entertainment. THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
Straits Times
11-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Root Awakening: Grey patches are likely lichen
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox It is common to see lichen on older trees growing in moist environments. Lichen is harmless My old belimbing tree has white spots all over the trunk and branches. What are they and are the fruit still safe to eat? Audra Ruyters The grey patches are likely lichen, a combination of a fungus and an algae. It is harmless to you and the tree. It is common to see lichen on older trees growing in moist environments. Garlic vine needs bigger pot Avoid spraying new chemicals on plants without first testing them on a small part. PHOTO: SIN CHEY CHENG My garlic vine grows up a vertical trellis outdoors. It gets more than half a day's worth of sunlight and last bloomed in January. How often does it flower? Recently, its leaves have been turning yellow and patchy, and eventually fall off. I sprayed the plant with a solution of diluted vinegar and orange peels. What is wrong? Sin Chey Cheng Did the plant start shedding leaves at a hotter time of the year? If so, it could be due to dehydration and heat stress. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Business S'pore to launch new grant for companies, expand support for workers amid US tariff uncertainties World Trump to use presidential authority to send weapons to Ukraine, sources say Opinion Whisper it softly, there's a new Japan rising Business Popiah king Sam Goi makes $123.5 million offer to buy rest of PSC Business Aster Chemicals in talks to buy Esso petrol stations in Singapore: Sources World The $12.8m bag: Original Birkin smashes records at Paris auction Asia Tariffs overshadow diplomacy as Asean foreign ministers press on with meetings Singapore What 'skills first' really means: Panellists at SkillsFuture Forum talk culture, systems, mindsets Your plant has limited root space in its current pot, and may lack nutrients. If it has been grown in the same container for some time, it may have used up all the nutrients in the growing mix. Avoid spraying new chemicals on plants without first testing its reaction. Some plants may react adversely and their leaves may get damaged. Always test a chemical on a small part of the plant before applying it elsewhere. You may want to move the plant to a larger pot so its roots have more room to grow. Fertilise and water it regularly, and prune excessive growth periodically to reduce water loss. The garlic vine usually flowers after a dry spell. In Singapore, this occurs once or twice a year. Fiddle-leaf Fig is a slow grower This plant also looks to be pot-bound. PHOTO: ADRIAN LING What is the correct method of pruning this plant? Adrian Ling Grown under optimal conditions, the Fiddle-leaf Fig is a robust species that produces new growth readily when pruned. Prune your plant at a point high enough that it still has enough leaves to photosynthesise and grow. Some woody plants die when they are cut back to older, bare parts. This species grows slowly, and the plant will take time to produce new growth. It also appears that your plant is pot-bound and should be moved to a bigger container. Umbrella tree can be propagated via air-layering The top half of this plant is producing more leaves as it gets more light than the lower half, which is blocked by a wall. PHOTO: DANIEL LING Can I shorten my umbrella tree by cutting off the portion in the photo and replanting the cutting elsewhere? There are hardly any leaves on the bottom half of the trunk and I want them to spread out more evenly. Daniel Ling You are correct to propagate a section of your tree to restart as a smaller plant. Stem cuttings can also be done, but thick woody cuttings from your tree may take time to root. The umbrella tree can be propagated via an air-layering method, also called marcotting. There are numerous instructional videos that you can refer to. Once the propagated section has established a root system, you can discard or give away the original plant. Your tree's lack of leaves in its bottom half is likely due to a lack of light at that section, where sunlight is blocked by the parapet wall. Exposure to light is essential for plants to maintain healthy leaves. Over-pruning a woody plant to an older, bare section can cause it to decline. The plant may not have enough buds if the growing conditions are not optimal or the plant is not strong enough. Cut the plant in such a way that some leaves are still attached to the original plant, so it can continue to photosynthesise and produce the energy needed for new growth. Curry tree seeds can be dispersed by animals This plant is likely the Gamthi variety of the curry plant. PHOTO: LEONARD TAN This plant of unknown origin has been growing in my pot. It seems to be a curry tree, but the branches are pinkish-red, while typical curry branches are green. It has white flowers and green, berry-like fruit which turn black over time. Leonard Tan Your description of the plant fits the Curry Tree (Bergera koenigii) – namely, the Gamthi variety, due to its pinkish rachis. Its fruit turn black when they ripen, and are ready to eat at this stage, but avoid consuming the seeds. The fruit are eaten by birds and dispersed through their droppings. Your plant may have emerged in your garden through this dispersal mode.
Straits Times
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
US Secret Service suspends six agents over Trump assassination attempt
Mr Donald Trump rushed off stage by Secret Service agents after being shot at during a presidential campaign rally n Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024. WASHINGTON – The Secret Service said on July 10 that it was suspending six agents involved in securing the site of a campaign rally where a gunman tried to assassinate Mr Donald Trump in the summer of 2024. The suspensions range from 10 to 42 days, without pay, the agency said in a statement just days before the anniversary of the shooting. It did not give a sense of timing for the suspensions or name the agents, citing privacy law. All six had been placed on restricted duty after the rally while the agency conducted an internal review. The Secret Service came under intense scrutiny after a 20-year-old gunman was able to fire several shots at Mr Trump while he spoke onstage at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024. A volunteer firefighter in the crowd that day, Mr Corey Comperatore, was killed and two other attendees were injured. The gunman was killed by the Secret Service. It was the first assassination attempt since 1981 to wound a current or former president – a bullet grazed Mr Trump's ear. There were immediate demands for changes at the Secret Service, and the agency's competency was called into question. Multiple inquiries into the failures, including from Congress, came to similar conclusions and led to dozens of recommendations to change systemic problems. In the midst of the scrutiny, there was a second attempt on Mr Trump's life. While Mr Trump golfed in Florida in September, agents shot at a suspect who was hiding near the outer edge of the course. But the sense of urgency to address the issues at the Secret Service dissipated after Election Day. The lawmakers who demanded accountability and changes have said very little publicly about the agency since Mr Trump returned to the Oval Office. Former senior officials at the Secret Service were privately critical that the punishments were not severe enough. And the announcement revived deep internal frustrations that the blame for the failures at the Butler rally fell largely on agents who worked in its Pittsburgh office and not the senior agents on Mr Trump's personal detail. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Business S'pore to launch new grant for companies, expand support for workers amid US tariff uncertainties World Trump to use presidential authority to send weapons to Ukraine, sources say Opinion Whisper it softly, there's a new Japan rising Business Popiah king Sam Goi makes $123.5 million offer to buy rest of PSC Business Aster Chemicals in talks to buy Esso petrol stations in Singapore: Sources World The $12.8m bag: Original Birkin smashes records at Paris auction Asia Tariffs overshadow diplomacy as Asean foreign ministers press on with meetings Singapore What 'skills first' really means: Panellists at SkillsFuture Forum talk culture, systems, mindsets A young junior agent who was on Mr Trump's personal detail at the time received the longest suspension, according to a person familiar with the situation who was not authorised to discuss personnel matters. That agent is also the only member of Mr Trump's personal detail to receive a suspension. In a statement on July 10, the agency's director, Mr Sean Curran, reflected on the events in Butler and the organisational changes underway at the agency that he said were happening behind the scenes. 'I have kept my experience on July 13 top of mind, and the agency has taken many steps to ensure such an event can never be repeated in the future,' Mr Curran said. At the time of the Butler shooting, Mr Curran was the lead agent on Mr Trump's personal security detail and one of the agents who lunged to Mr Trump's side to shelter him after shots were fired. In January, Mr Trump made him the agency's director. The agency on July 10 said that nearly half of the 46 congressional recommendations it received were already in place; 16 were in progress; and nine were handed off to 'non-Secret Service stakeholders'. One of the changes the agency noted it had implemented was a new policy to ensure that agents understand who is in charge of security operations for events like the campaign rally in Butler. A glaring failure identified in the spate of reviews was a lack of accountability and blurred lines about who was in charge that day. Security for the event was a joint responsibility between Trump's personal security detail and agents in the Secret Service's Pittsburgh field office. Reviews found that agents did not adequately communicate with one another or with the local law enforcement officials who helped support the operation. Another recommendation was to make significant changes in leadership at the Secret Service. The reviews pointed to problems with hiring and retention that go back decades, and the agency was in need of a fresh group of leaders, including some from the private sector. The agency's director at the time, Ms Kimberly Cheatle, resigned shortly after the Butler shooting. Her deputy, Mr Ronald Rowe, became the acting head of the agency. He left earlier in 2025. In addition to Mr Curran, there have been other changes at the top. Mr Curran brought back two former agents to fill leadership positions, Mr Tyler McQuiston as his chief of staff and Mr Matthew Quinn to be the deputy director. Mr Richard Giuditta Jr, a private business lawyer, is now the agency's chief counsel. Current and former agents have questioned whether Mr Curran and his team have the experience to run the Secret Service. Mr Curran, Mr McQuiston and Mr Quinn have not held senior positions at the agency's headquarters, as has been the common path for previous directors and top officials. And Mr Giuditta has no experience working with a large law enforcement agency. The lengths of the punishments announced on July 10 were shorter than what the agency initially proposed, according to one of the lawyers representing several of the agents. 'We navigated successfully to avoid more severe sanctions,' said Mr Larry Berger, the lawyer. 'And now we're assessing what the next step is.' The agents are allowed to appeal the punishments. NYTIMES
Straits Times
11-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
G-Dragon's Bangkok concert canceled amid fan protest over agency's tour mismanagement
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox South Korean singer G-Dragon was originally scheduled to perform at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok on Aug 2. SEOUL - G-Dragon's Ubermensch world tour stop in Bangkok has been canceled, fueling growing frustration among fans over the disorganised rollout of the South Korean singer's highly anticipated comeback tour. Concert organiser AEG Presents Asia announced on July 10 that the show, originally scheduled for Aug 2 at Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok, had been called off due to 'unforeseen circumstances'. The promoter issued an apology for the inconvenience and disappointment, but failed to provide a specific reason for the cancellation. The sudden change has deepened discontent among fans, many of whom had already raised concerns over the handling of the tour by the singer's agency, Galaxy, especially regarding the Thailand stop. These concerns stem partly from Galaxy's identity as an entertainment-technology company that primarily focuses on metaverse and AI sectors, rather than traditional entertainment management. Originally, the Bangkok concert was scheduled at an outdoor venue during the country's rainy season — one of the hottest and most humid times of the year. Even as the date neared, ticketing and seating information had not been provided, causing anxiety and criticism from both domestic and international fans. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Business S'pore to launch new grant for companies, expand support for workers amid US tariff uncertainties World Trump to use presidential authority to send weapons to Ukraine, sources say Opinion Whisper it softly, there's a new Japan rising Business Popiah king Sam Goi makes $123.5 million offer to buy rest of PSC World The $12.8m bag: Original Birkin smashes records at Paris auction World White House launches fresh attack on Fed chief Powell, slams 'gross mismanagement' of finances Asia Tariffs overshadow diplomacy as Asean foreign ministers press on with meetings Singapore What 'skills first' really means: Panellists at SkillsFuture Forum talk culture, systems, mindsets The Bangkok show is the latest flashpoint in a months of controversies surrounding Galaxy's management of G-Dragon's comeback . From July 8 to 10, fans organised a truck protest near the company's headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, calling for accountability and transparency. The video messages aired on the truck screens accused the agency of last-minute planning, opaque operations and failing to prioritise premium fan club members in ticket sales. At the heart of the discontent is the exclusive presale structure for the concerts. Despite being paid members of the official fan club, many fans found that VIP tickets for overseas concerts were released first through third-party platforms. Some international fans began questioning the value of fan club membership. Fans have also criticised the choice of small venues in cities such as Macao, Jakarta and Melbourne, which failed to meet local demand. Additional shows were often added with little notice, resulting in grueling three-day performance schedules for the artist. Fans raised concerns about the potential impact on G-Dragon's health and the lack of long-term planning. The US and European legs of the tour have not been spared controversy. Concerts were announced only two months in advance — a tight timeline for destinations requiring travel visas — and so far, Paris remains the only confirmed city in Europe. This has sparked speculation about whether the company has struggled to secure venues. An executive from one of the major K-pop agencies said that not all responsibility lies with Galaxy. 'World tour venues are usually booked by local or global promoters. It's likely that G-Dragon didn't hand over full control to Galaxy. The tour seems rushed, perhaps because he wanted to meet as many fans as possible in a short time following his album release,' the executive said. Still, the executive acknowledged that Galaxy does not have a strong track record in music management. 'They've never been known for managing artists, and G-Dragon should have been aware of that. This was his decision, and it came with risks.' Fans have also voiced dissatisfaction with the agency's legal follow-through. Galaxy announced in April that it would pursue legal action against malicious online posts, but three months on, fans say there has been no progress or updates. Some question whether the agency is genuinely committed to protecting the artist. Adding to the frustration is the perception that Galaxy has been using G-Dragon's image to promote itself. Galaxy CEO Choi Yong-ho has appeared frequently in media and marketing tied to the artist's activities, leading some fans to accuse the agency of prioritising brand exposure over looking after its artist. Galaxy has yet to release a statement in response to the cancellation or fan protests. Despite the Bangkok setback, he is still scheduled to perform in Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Hong Kong, Newark, Los Angeles and Paris as part of the ongoing tour. G-Dragon joined Galaxy Corporation in November 2023 after leaving YG Entertainment. THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
