Latest news with #TheRoadAhead
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
NDP 2025: Debuts and record numbers mark SG60
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Home Team and SAF assets arriving during the mobile column segment at the National Day Parade at the Padang on Aug 9. SINGAPORE - As evening fell upon the Padang, several firsts and record numbers marked the parade and ceremony segment of the 2025 National Day Parade . The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) made its debut in the guard-of-honour contingent, joining the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and Singapore Police Force (SPF) at the Padang. In another first, the SAF Volunteer Corps, which featured in the 2019 and 2024 parades in combined contingents, was a full contingent in 2025. Singapore's 60th year of independence was celebrated with the largest assembly of marching contingents in the parade's history, with 2,100 individuals across 40 marching contingents, as a 100-piece combined band – comprising members from the SAF, SPF and schools – set the stage with pomp and circumstance. Embodying the Republic's future were the 10 contingents from uniformed youth organisations such as Girl Guides Singapore and Singapore Red Cross Youth. E-commerce platform Shopee made its maiden NDP appearance alongside 17 other contingents from social and economic groups, symbolising the progress the country has made socially and economically. E-commerce platform Shopee made its maiden NDP appearance alongside 17 other contingents from social and economic groups. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI When Prime Minister Lawrence Wong made his entrance at the parade, his second as the country's leader, the crowd broke out in applause and cheers. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore 4 men arrested after police search operation in forested area near Rail Corridor Singapore SAF regular serviceman dies after being found unconscious at Hendon Camp swimming pool: Mindef World Three wounded in shooting in New York's Times Square Singapore Driver taken to hospital after car hits lamp post in Orchard Road Singapore Urban farming, robots, AI exhibitions: Public invited to share ideas for new Science Centre Asia 2 Malaysian tourists critically injured after being set on fire in Bangkok World Trump and Putin to meet on Aug 15 in Alaska Life The crypto bros are back: 'The hubris never really left' Amid the jubilation, a 127-strong choir from Greendale Secondary School and non-profit arts organisation Voices of Singapore reminded the nation to continue pushing forward on The Road Ahead, as they performed a special arrangement of the theme song for the 2021 parade. The crowd erupted into cheers again as President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, also attending his second NDP as the Republic's head of state, arrived at the Padang. Following the flypast of the state flag and the singing of the National Anthem, the Republic of Singapore Air Force's pilots performed an enhanced Salute to the Nation in F-15SG and F-16 fighter jets. Away from the Padang, four 25-pounder Howitzer guns fired off the 21-Gun Presidential Gun Salute as President Tharman inspected the guard-of-honour contingents. President Tharman Shanmugaratnam inspecting the parade. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY The popular mobile column, returning to the Padang for the first time since 2019, was bolstered by air and maritime elements making their debut in the showcase of the Republic's military and civil defence assets. Kicking this off was a multi-axis flypast by six F-15SG fighters, flying past each other before ascending into full after-burner climbs. Six F-15SG fighter jets saluted the nation with a 'bomb burst' manoeuvre and following closely behind were four F-16 jets in a diamond formation. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI Other aircraft soaring over the Padang as part of the column included the A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport, the Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk naval helicopter and four F-16 fighters. Meanwhile, the crowds at Marina Bay were enthralled by maritime vessels such as the navy's autonomous Maritime Security Unmanned Surface Vessel, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore's 15m-long patrol craft and White Swordfish, the SCDF's Rapid Response Fire Vessel. Video screens highlighted the SAF and Home Team's contributions to global security, including on humanitarian missions in quake-hit Myanmar and war-torn Gaza, as well as their coordinated defence capabilities to keep Singapore secure. Closing the mobile column was a video highlighting the stories of men and women from the SAF and Home Team across generations. The generational theme was represented on the ground by 10-year-old Keith Chan joining his father, Lieutenant-Colonel (NS) Alex Chan, the mobile column commander, in a Leopard 2SG main battle tank rolling down St Andrew's Road.
New Paper
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Paper
'It's not about me': Linying on writing The Road Ahead and finding purpose beyond herself
At just 13 years old, Linying won her very first singing competition - and as they say, the rest is history. Years later, during the Covid-19 lockdown, she found herself entrusted with the responsibility of writing a National Day song - a daunting task that would change her career. That song became The Road Ahead, the anthem of the 2021 National Day Parade (NDP). Its hopeful lyrics and catchy tune resonated with Singaporeans in a time of uncertainty, inspiring not just national pride but an iconic TikTok dance as well. Looking back, the 30-year-old singer-songwriter still finds it surreal. SCREENGRAB: LINYING/YOUTUBE "This song has taken a life of its own in a way that's beyond what I could have imagined," she told The New Paper. From writing for herself to speaking for a nation Approached by her producer friend to come on board as a writer, Linying felt "apprehensive" about writing for the entire country. "All my life, I'd only ever been confident writing from my own experience. Because as an artist, that's the only truth that you're able to confidently convey," she said. Her turning point came when she thought about her friends working on the frontlines. "I thought of everything that they were going through and at that moment I remember thinking, okay - it's not about me," she said. That shift reframed her approach to songwriting, teaching her that music can go beyond personal truth and resonate with collective experience. "At the end of the day, a song only means as much as the people who hear it." Still, the process wasn't easy. Linying admitted that artists often wrestle with the fear that their work feels inconsequential - especially in times of crisis. "And it's not untrue, you know what I mean?" she added. "Art is a luxury, it's a privilege. But in these moments, when you feel helpless, when you see so much uncertainty and pain around you, it helps to make something like this," she said. Writing The Road Ahead gave Linying a sense of purpose beyond herself. Once that meaning was crystallised, the song came together naturally, almost intuitively. SCREENGRAB: NDPEEPS/YOUTUBE 'I would have given up': Finding her passion and the people who helped her keep it "I was one of those kids who would put music online while I was in school to destress," said Linying, reflecting on how her musical journey began. As a teen, she filmed and uploaded YouTube videos for fun - a fantasy escape, never something she thought would become her career. Though aware of how tough the music industry could be, she eventually decided to give it a real shot simply because it made her happy. "I got quite lucky," she said, recalling how she stumbled into the world of electronic dance music and ended up touring with a group of European DJs. From there, she started releasing her own music online, gradually building a loyal following. "It all just kind of snowballed," she said, adding that she's now been in music for a decade. It's an unconventional path, and Linying is quick to credit her parents for letting her walk it. She's "eternally grateful" for the freedom they gave her to pursue her passion, even though they had doubts at first. "When you have people encourage you in that way, it's so important to hold on to those moments," said Linying. "If I had a family who didn't encourage me, then I would have probably given up." A moment that stood out: watching her parents see her perform for the first time at the recent NDP rehearsal. "They were so proud," she said with a smile. "It's nice to have your parents be able to witness that." 'I still have trouble processing it': After The Road Ahead Linying was initially warned that reactions to National Day songs could be "brutal". "I was prepared for that," she said, adding that she initially avoided reading any of the comments. But slowly, feedback made its way to her in more personal, meaningful ways. "I remember hearing from so many people and even the hawker stall owners where I regularly buy my food, and they're telling me: 'Oh, we love that song. It's a beautiful one,'" she recalled. Then came the viral moment. The Road Ahead was turned into a TikTok dance by ActiveSG - and kids across the country were performing it. "Wasn't that crazy?" Linying laughed. "It really took me by surprise. I think that dance took the song to a whole other level." To this day, children still come up to her, saying they remember the dance. "I think especially with the kids - that's when I feel the most acutely the kind of impact that this song has made, and it's crazy to me. I still have trouble processing it," she said. "There's this whole new demographic that I did not know I would ever be making music for, but that's what has happened." Looking back, The Road Ahead also changed how she approaches her craft. Linying described herself as someone who typically had an "uncompromising" approach to making art. But with this song, she had to let go. "I often want control over the narrative," she admitted, adding that songwriting is essentially storytelling - a form of control. Attending this year's NDP rehearsal for the first time, she finally saw what her song had become - a shared experience. The military band was playing, and a sea of 30,000 people were singing The Road Ahead at the top of their lungs. "Who gets to experience something like that?" she said, still in awe. "When I think of The Road Ahead, I see the impact of the song and what it means to people. I'm so glad that I managed to be a part of it." 'I'll continue to evolve as life happens': Her own path forward For SG60, Linying returned with another original song - I Will Walk With You - which she performed at this year's NDP rehearsals. SCREENGRAB: NDPEEPS/YOUTUBE Unlike the soaring hopefulness of The Road Ahead, this new track is gentler, more intimate, and more introspective in tone. "They were both difficult in their own way," she said, reflecting on the writing process for both songs. With The Road Ahead, there was a "clear crisis" that everyone was facing together - the uncertainty and upheaval of the pandemic. But now, she noted, the challenges people go through feel more invisible. "I think there are a lot of silent struggles that aren't often publicised," said Linying, and it's these that she hoped to honour in I Will Walk With You. "Sometimes, what makes a good and altruistic life is just taking on the task of walking with someone," she said. Though it may not have the reach of its predecessor, she believes this song speaks to Singapore's hopes for a more inclusive and empathetic society. "It's a crazy thing - the way the landscape has evolved," she said, and so have the kind of struggles people carry. The new song, with its quiet grace, gently reflects that shift. Linying herself is learning to make peace with change and instability. She hopes to write more in the future, continuing to evolve, "as life happens". This National Day, if there's one thing Linying hopes to leave us with, it's this: "You don't need to be very much. You just need to be there."
Techday NZ
05-08-2025
- Automotive
- Techday NZ
Microlise launches ANZ roadshow on safety & digital transformation
Microlise has announced a new executive roadshow targeting safety, compliance, and digital transformation challenges in the fleet and supply chain sectors in Australia and New Zealand. The event, named The Road Ahead, will visit Melbourne, Sydney, and Auckland, bringing together senior leaders and decision-makers from across the transport, logistics, and supply chain industries. The programme is designed to address the disconnect between reported safety practices and perceptions among drivers and managers in the region. The latest Heavy Vehicle Industry Safety Survey highlighted a significant disparity in ongoing safety training, with only 50% of drivers agreeing they receive relevant safety training on a continuing basis, compared with 83% of managers. This indicates a gap in communication and training approaches between different tiers of the workforce. Additionally, one in four respondents in the sector report having little or no understanding of the Chain of Responsibility (CoR), a key legislative framework governing workplace safety for transport and logistics providers. The survey also noted that just 57% of drivers said they received safety induction training, despite increasing regulatory and public scrutiny across Australia and New Zealand. Industry collaboration The roadshow is structured as a half-day event featuring expert panel discussions, networking opportunities for C-suite and senior fleet leaders, live demonstrations of transport management technology, and case studies highlighting operational return on investment and efficiency improvements. Speakers and contributors will include representatives from Austroads, Logmaster, the Supply Chain & Logistics Association of Australia, and senior Microlise executives from both regional and global offices. Microlise Managing Director for APAC operations, Luke Olsen, described the event as an opportunity to facilitate open discussion across the industry. Olsen stated, "We're thrilled to connect directly with the senior leaders driving transformation across ANZ's transport and logistics ecosystem. The roadshow is not just about showcasing our technology. It is about bringing people together to share ideas and talk about what really works when it comes to running safer, smarter fleets." Olsen also drew attention to recent survey findings, adding, "This is especially relevant given recent Heavy Vehicle Industry Safety Survey findings, which reveal that one in four respondents have limited or no understanding of Chain of Responsibility. This is a critical gap that puts both businesses and frontline workers at risk." "At the same time, operators continue to face challenges such as driver shortages and change management, to the complexities of digital transformation, disconnected technology ecosystems and the need to embed consistent safety practices across diverse fleets." Ongoing challenges The events are also expected to address the increasing time constraints faced by drivers and fleet managers. According to the Heavy Vehicle Industry Safety Survey, 27% of general freight workers indicated that work is not scheduled in a way that minimises time pressures. These operational pressures, coupled with only 57% of drivers receiving safety induction training, point to the need for industry-wide dialogue and coordinated solutions. In addition to discussions on safety and compliance, the roadshow will provide attendees with access to live product walkthroughs led by Microlise's Pre-Sales and Product teams. These sessions aim to demonstrate current trends and technological advances relevant to Australian and New Zealand fleets. Growth in ANZ The ANZ market is now Microlise's fastest-growing region globally. The company recently reported triple-digit growth in professional services for FY2024 and announced new customer agreements with organisations such as Woolworths, Morco, and Foodstuffs South Island. Senior executives from Microlise's UK headquarters will also participate in the events to provide an international perspective on fleet management challenges and responses. Microlise's executive roadshow seeks to foster greater industry alignment on safety, technology, and operational standards as fleet operators navigate evolving demands in the ANZ region.
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Simple Divorce Releases New Study on Impact of Economic Factors on Divorce Rates in Ontario
Toronto, Ontario, June 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A recent study from Simple Divorce has uncovered a compelling connection between financial stress and increasing divorce rates across Ontario. The findings shine a spotlight on how inflation, job insecurity, housing costs, and overall economic uncertainty are placing heightened pressure on marriages, leading many couples to part Is Uncontested DivorceWhile relationship breakdowns are complex and rarely caused by a single factor, the research reveals that the economy plays a far more influential role than often acknowledged. With inflation hitting record highs and the cost of living rising sharply in recent years, many Ontarians are finding themselves struggling to meet basic financial obligations – and relationships are feeling the strain. Key Insights from the StudyThe report draws from Statistics Canada data, economic trends, and case insights from family law professionals. It identifies several factors contributing to the rise in separations and divorces: Inflation & Cost of Living: Soaring grocery bills, gas prices, and housing costs have become leading stressors in many households, especially among middle- and lower-income families. Job Instability: Layoffs, reduced work hours, and employment insecurity have made it difficult for couples to maintain stable lifestyles, contributing to increased conflict. Delayed Separation Due to Costs: Interestingly, some couples are delaying divorce proceedings due to the high costs associated with legal processes and relocating to separate residences, which may compound emotional and financial stress over time. Housing Affordability Crisis: For many, staying together has become a necessity rather than a choice, particularly in expensive urban markets like Toronto where affordable solo living options are scarce. A Reflection of Broader Social ShiftsEconomic challenges aren't just about dollars and cents—they can deeply impact emotional well-being and strain day-to-day relationships. When financial stress builds up, communication often breaks down, tensions rise, and even the most stable relationships can begin to unravel. The study suggests that divorce is increasingly being viewed not just as a personal decision, but also as a financial one. Legal professionals have noted a shift in the types of concerns couples bring forward, with financial stress and affordability now more frequently cited during consultations than infidelity or incompatibility. The Road Ahead for Ontario FamiliesAs economic uncertainty persists, the report emphasizes the need for supportive public policies and financial literacy resources aimed at helping couples navigate tough times. Measures such as accessible mental health care, housing support, and mediation services could alleviate some of the burdens contributing to marital breakdowns. For those facing separation, Simple Divorce highlights the importance of informed decision-making and accessible legal options, especially in difficult economic read the full study, visit: Impact of Economic Factors on Divorce Rates in OntarioThe Financial Reality For Ontarians Like Liam About Simple Divorce Simple Divorce is a Toronto-based law firm dedicated to providing accessible, affordable family law services to individuals across Ontario. The firm offers tailored support in uncontested divorce, separation agreements, and legal guidance through life's most personal challenges. Press inquiries Simple Divorce Shamil Shamilov info@ 1 (416) 901-7992 1000 Finch Ave West #600B Toronto, ON, M3J 2V5 Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
New European
21-05-2025
- Politics
- New European
Is Blackpool's new Reform pub all it seems?
The Daily Mail, Daily Telegraph, New Statesman and i were among those who dispatched colour writers to the town's Talbot pub following the news that the long-standing Conservative club had defected to Nigel Farage's mob and decked itself out in Reform colours ('As GB News blared from several screens inside, most pub-goers sat out on the newly-painted terrace enjoying their cheap drinks in the sun this week,' marvelled the Telegraph's Tom McArdle.) Fleet Street's finest packed their features writers off to Euston station last week with the news that the first Reform-themed pub in the country had opened its doors in Blackpool. But was all exactly what it seemed? Campaign group Hope Not Hate have done some digging and found that, while the Talbot had indeed once been a Conservative club, it hasn't been since 2012. And, having long since been rebranded, it has proved a popular destination for some characters with pretty unsavoury views – until, in several cases, they are cancelled. One such event cancelled in 2018 was The Road Ahead, a day of political speeches and entertainment 'with a focus on future politics, organising growth and leadership'. Co-owner Nick Lowe defended his bookings, saying: 'Every year people slag us off on Facebook saying it's a Nazi event, but it's not. I'm not racist. If somebody wants to book my room and I'm going to make money off it I'm going to do it. It's not against the law.' It is a mite unfortunate, then, that three of the listed speakers have since been prosecuted for actually breaking the law, through incitement to racial hatred: Jez Turner, who called for 'soldiers' to liberate England from 'Jewish control' in an address outside Downing Street, Alison Chabloz, a musician with ditties suggesting the Holocaust was 'a bunch of lies' and referring to Auschwitz as a 'theme park', and 'Rev James', actually James Costello, an unordained cleric who also goes by the name of Pontifex Maximus. The pub was also forced to cancel a music festival, Real Rebellion, last year after Hope Not Hate reported on the dubious politics of some of the bands involved. Canadian group Battlefront's tunes include Aryan Soldiers, Pride is our Will and String 'em Up, while Germans Combat BC decorated the cover of album No Apologies – No Regrets with imagery popular with the country's 1933-45 government. 'It's nowt to do with me. I just rent the room out,' Nick Lowe told the Blackpool Gazette at the time. 'I'm not racist at all but I have to make money somehow.' Now, though, he is busy entertaining the many journalists making the trip north to London to marvel at his rebranding exercise. It's an unfortunate history alright – but on the other hand, as the Telegraph points out, 'the pie and mash will only set you back £3.20, while a chicken curry can be had for £3.50 and a Sunday roast is £5'.
