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Straits Times
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Fun-loving Gaupset grabs her moment in Norway win over Iceland
THUN, Switzerland - Norway's Signe Gaupset grabbed her chance with both hands when coach Gemma Grainger gave her a first start at a major tournament, scoring Norway's first two goals and creating two more in a 4-3 win over Iceland in their final Group A game at the Women's Euros on Thursday. Described by many in Norway as the country's best-kept footballing secret, Brann attacker Gaupset dominated every time she got on the ball, scoring twice in 11 first-half minutes and teeing up Frida Maanum for two second-half goals. "I found out (I'd be playing) yesterday morning. I slept really well, just really excited for the game. And yeah, I was looking forward to it, having fun and playing my game, and that worked today," she told Reuters after picking up her player of the game award. "I just did what I normally do when I'm at my club, and it worked really well," Gaupset said when asked how she had prepared for her first start. "I didn't think too much and just wanted to have fun, and that always works for me -- when I have fun, that's when I play my best football, so I did that today." Well known in her home country for her physical, bustling style and her awareness on the ball, the 20-year-old has added goals to her game this season, scoring 10 in the Norwegian league for SK Brann before joining up with the national team. Asked if she had dreamt of such a performance on her first start at a major championship, Gaupset beamed. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Business S'pore to launch new grant for companies, expand support for workers amid US tariff uncertainties Singapore Up to 90% of air-con units can be recycled, including greenhouse gas refrigerant Singapore KTPH trials 'smart diapers' for adult patients to prevent skin conditions, relieve burden on nurses Singapore Singaporean fugitive nabbed and charged with drug trafficking, may face death penalty Sport World Aquatics C'ships Singapore 2025 declared open by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam World 'Do some homework': 6 key exchanges between US Senator Duckworth and S'pore envoy nominee Sinha Multimedia 60 objects to mark SG60: Which is your favourite? Singapore CPF Board uses AI to improve call centre services, prioritise help for less tech-savvy users "I always think about wanting to affect the game and play as good as possible," she said, "but no, that's over what I could have dreamed of. But it was really fun." REUTERS
Straits Times
10-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
S&P 500, Nasdaq edge to fresh records despite tariff fog
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Traders working on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, in New York City. NEW YORK - Wall Street stocks edged higher on July 10, lifting major indices to records as traders shrugged off worries about US tariffs while strong Delta earnings sent airline shares upward. The Nasdaq Composite Index added 0.1 per cent at 20,630.66, notching a second straight record, while the broad-based S&P 500 climbed 0.3 per cent to 6,280.46, topping July 3's all-time high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.4 per cent to 44,650.64. Investors are largely ignoring a flood of tariff announcements from US President Donald Trump this week affecting myriad important trading partners, analysts said. 'It's pretty clear that the market does not want to pay attention to tariff news until the tariffs are actually in place,' said Mr Steve Sosnick, of Interactive Brokers. 'As long as there is any plausible, any possible reason for tariffs to get renegotiated or pushed back or modified, then the market is going to just not respond to the news.' Delta Air Lines surged 12.1 per cent after reporting better than expected earnings and reinstating its full-year guidance. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Business S'pore to launch new grant for companies, expand support for workers amid US tariff uncertainties Singapore Up to 90% of air-con units can be recycled, including greenhouse gas refrigerant Singapore KTPH trials 'smart diapers' for adult patients to prevent skin conditions, relieve burden on nurses Singapore Singaporean fugitive nabbed and charged with drug trafficking, may face death penalty Sport World Aquatics C'ships Singapore 2025 declared open by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam World 'Do some homework': 6 key exchanges between US Senator Duckworth and S'pore envoy nominee Sinha Multimedia 60 objects to mark SG60: Which is your favourite? Singapore CPF Board uses AI to improve call centre services, prioritise help for less tech-savvy users The carrier, which had withdrawn its forecast in April amid a weakening outlook at the time, characterised travel demand as 'stabilised' and the US economy as 'solid,' according to chief executive officer Ed Bastian. Rivals United Airlines and American Airlines both also scored double-digit gains ahead of their reports later this month. US rare earth company MP Materials surged 50.8 per cent after announcing a partnership in which the Pentagon will take a 15 percent stake in the company in exchange for billions of dollars to finance additional manufacturing. AFP
Straits Times
10-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Forum: Can historic Istana Woodneuk be preserved?
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox The news last month of the land swop deal between Singapore and the Regent of Johor caught my attention ( Singapore and Johor Regent Tunku Ismail to swop land plots near Botanic Gardens , June 10). It was a welcome reminder of Singapore's intertwined history with the Sultanate, which once ruled the area that we now call home. Within the parcel given to Singapore is the historic Istana Woodneuk, which now lies in ruins after decades of neglect. While on a recent tour of the grounds with heritage expert Sarafian Salleh, it became clear to me that the swop is more than a simple real estate deal. It has given Singapore a unique and precious opportunity to preserve a piece of Singaporean history that would otherwise be lost forever. Heritage sites cannot be manufactured from scratch – they must grow organically out of people's lives, experiences, and memories. Istana Woodneuk is a weathered but enduring testament to Singapore's pre-independence past, and I hope that the Government seizes this unique opportunity to preserve and restore the palace and its surroundings. SG60 would be the perfect occasion to create a new monument that could educate and inspire future generations on the grounds of Istana Woodneuk's many-layered past. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Business S'pore to launch new grant for companies, expand support for workers amid US tariff uncertainties Singapore Up to 90% of air-con units can be recycled, including greenhouse gas refrigerant Singapore KTPH trials 'smart diapers' for adult patients to prevent skin conditions, relieve burden on nurses Singapore Singaporean fugitive nabbed and charged with drug trafficking, may face death penalty Sport World Aquatics C'ships Singapore 2025 declared open by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam World 'Do some homework': 6 key exchanges between US Senator Duckworth and S'pore envoy nominee Sinha Multimedia 60 objects to mark SG60: Which is your favourite? Singapore CPF Board uses AI to improve call centre services, prioritise help for less tech-savvy users Christian Jones
Straits Times
10-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Forum: Should CDC vouchers be used on non-essential items?
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox In May, Singapore rolled out $500 worth of CDC vouchers to every Singaporean household, to alleviate the rising cost of living, while supporting local hawkers and heartland merchants. However, there have been reports of recipients using vouchers at cafes or on non-essential items like electronics. While I acknowledge the diverse and evolving needs of Singaporeans, these choices veer from the vouchers' intended purpose of easing basic financial burdens and supporting essential daily living. When government assistance is spent on non-essential items, it risks undermining public trust in the scheme. This can fuel a perception that some are taking advantage of the support meant to help with basic living needs. When voucher usage is also clustered in cafes or already popular areas, the scheme's goal of encouraging footfall or providing meaningful support to smaller or less visible heartland merchants is also weakened. To keep such schemes effective, both strong policy design and responsible use are essential. As society evolves, so must our understanding of needs, but this must be balanced with safeguarding the spirit of social support and the public's confidence in it. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Business S'pore to launch new grant for companies, expand support for workers amid US tariff uncertainties Singapore Up to 90% of air-con units can be recycled, including greenhouse gas refrigerant Singapore KTPH trials 'smart diapers' for adult patients to prevent skin conditions, relieve burden on nurses Singapore Singaporean fugitive nabbed and charged with drug trafficking, may face death penalty Sport World Aquatics C'ships Singapore 2025 declared open by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam World 'Do some homework': 6 key exchanges between US Senator Duckworth and S'pore envoy nominee Sinha Multimedia 60 objects to mark SG60: Which is your favourite? Singapore CPF Board uses AI to improve call centre services, prioritise help for less tech-savvy users Vanesia Khoo
Straits Times
10-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
What ‘skills first' really means: Panellists at SkillsFuture Forum talk culture, systems, mindsets
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox (From left) SkillsFuture Singapore chief executive Tan Kok Yam, Cragar Industries managing director Joseph Wong, Grab chief people officer Ong Chin Yin and Boston Consulting Group managing director and partner Sagar Goel at a panel moderated by ST associate editor for newsroom strategy Jeremy Au Yong on July 7. SINGAPORE – Every six months, the employees of Singapore's tech giant Grab receive feedback from their peers, not just on what they have accomplished, but also on the areas where they truly shine. This helps managers to identify desired behaviours and strengths, further aiding them in assessing each employee's skills and proficiency. It is also part of the ride-hailing giant's ongoing journey to build a skills-first culture, said Grab chief people officer Ong Chin Yin. 'You are truly 'skills first' when your job descriptions, your goals and your people are tagged more by skills than by descriptions of work to be done,' she said. Moving towards a skills-first workforce involves rethinking how skills are measured, work is structured and success is defined, said industry leaders at a panel on July 7. At the annual SkillsFuture Forum, they shared how they are reimagining workforce practices around skills, the challenges they have faced so far, and some solutions as they adopt a skills-first mindset. The panel was moderated by Mr Jeremy Au Yong, associate editor for newsroom strategy at The Straits Times. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Business S'pore to launch new grant for companies, expand support for workers amid US tariff uncertainties Singapore Up to 90% of air-con units can be recycled, including greenhouse gas refrigerant Singapore KTPH trials 'smart diapers' for adult patients to prevent skin conditions, relieve burden on nurses Singapore Singaporean fugitive nabbed and charged with drug trafficking, may face death penalty Sport World Aquatics C'ships Singapore 2025 declared open by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam World 'Do some homework': 6 key exchanges between US Senator Duckworth and S'pore envoy nominee Sinha Multimedia 60 objects to mark SG60: Which is your favourite? Singapore CPF Board uses AI to improve call centre services, prioritise help for less tech-savvy users The forum, held at Raffles City Convention Centre, was the first event of the SkillsFuture Festival that runs from July 7 to Aug 18. The festival features roadshows, job fairs and learning events held at venues across the island. Panellist Sagar Goel, managing director and partner at Boston Consulting Group, said that going 'skills first' involves changing mindsets and practices. Mr Goel said that organisations should start by asking what business outcomes they want to achieve, and then work backwards to identify the skills needed to get there. This sort of business thinking indicates the shifting mindset today, he said. It also extends to performance evaluations, Mr Goel added. 'It shouldn't be just about business, operational KPIs (key performance indicators), but are you improving your skills? At our firm, your evaluation is also (based) on your competencies.' When companies recognise that their core strength comes from the competencies of their people, their approach can be described as 'skills first', said SkillsFuture Singapore chief executive Tan Kok Yam. 'A skills-first company starts from the point of view that what you put on the table is your comparative advantage, as your capabilities stem from the skills of your employees,' he said. He added that clearly signalling the skills companies are looking for, whether it is coding or communication, can guide individuals and training providers. But this clarity is not always easy to achieve. Grab's Ms Ong said that it is not easy to break down one's job into skills, and even harder to test how proficient in those skills your workers are. Many employers still struggle to define required skills and proficiency levels, while individuals often find it hard to articulate what sets them apart in terms of skills. 'So I think to be 'skills first', we need to make sure that the infrastructure of skills is well built, and that the inference of skills is not too difficult,' she said. Mr Joseph Wong, managing director at manufacturing firm Cragar Industries, said that the company's skills-first approach includes clearly communicating to employees the importance of upskilling and the need to demonstrate a willingness and ability to learn. For new hires in emerging areas like data and sustainability, the firm offers skill-based incentives, Mr Wong said, with plans to gradually extend this to existing staff. Traditional resumes often fall short in reflecting a candidate's true capabilities, Mr Wong said, noting that he places greater emphasis on whether the candidate has transferable skills and soft skills, such as willingness to learn. 'The resume that demonstrates transferable skills, soft skills and willingness to learn matches the skills-first approach that we want to have,' Mr Wong said. The manner of signalling what skills a job candidate possesses, especially for mid-career workers making a switch, was also discussed by other panellists. Mr Goel suggested that digital portfolios can help candidates showcase completed projects and feedback received from clients, especially if they are transitioning from a reskilling programme. Video testimonials or even recorded responses can also better reflect soft skills, he said. To better assess soft skills, Ms Ong said, companies also need to change their hiring processes. 'We do a lot of getting people to do homework during interviews,' she said. 'We either throw them a case, and they need to come back with their assessment... or we get them to pitch a story or sell something to us. 'We have built a very, very specific behavioural way to look at whether people have the cultural nuances that we're looking for.' The panellists also touched on how organisations can help employees to develop skills when artificial intelligence takes away entry-level tasks, and the challenge of investing in training employees who may leave. Mr Tan pointed out that society rarely questions the value of early education, but scrutinises the return on investment on adult training. 'You have to invest in the training first, and then you let your employees surprise you,' he said. 'You have to have a little bit of confidence in training ahead... of the agenda.' Mr Wong said that measuring the return on investment is difficult and often unsatisfactory, and instead suggested that employers consider the potential losses from not training their staff. 'If I don't train, don't invest, what will be my loss?' he said. Ultimately, the panellists agreed that thriving in a skills-first future requires a mindset shift. In response to the closing question on one important skill or mindset that is essential in that future, Mr Goel said: 'It's learning agility, the ability to learn, unlearn and relearn.' 'This is the No. 1 skill today for an individual,' he said. 'The rate at which you can learn will determine how competitive you are in the future.' Moving towards a skills-first workforce: Key quotes from the forum People at core 'A skills-first company starts from the point of view that what you put on the table is your comparative advantage, as your capabilities, stems from the skills of your employees.' - Mr Tan Kok Yam, chief executive of SkillsFuture Singapore Shifting emphasis 'The resume that demonstrates transferable skills, soft skills and willingness to learn matches the skills-first approach that we want to have.' - Mr Joseph Wong, managing director at Cragar Industries Ability to learn 'The ability to learn, unlearn and relearn... The rate at which you can learn will determine how competitive you are in the future.' - Mr Sagar Goel, managing director and partner at Boston Consulting Group Transforming culture 'You are truly 'skills first' when your job descriptions, your goals and your people are tagged more by skills than by descriptions of work to be done.' - Ms Ong Chin Yin, chief people officer at Grab
