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Straits Times
14 hours ago
- Business
- Straits Times
NDR 2025 a rallying cry amid significant challenges facing Singapore, say analysts
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox PM Lawrence Wong's emphasis on a 'we first' society signalled it is not just the Government that sets Singapore's direction. SINGAPORE – At the heart of Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's National Day Rally speech on Aug 17 was a rallying cry for Singaporeans as the country faces near- and medium-term challenges, from an ageing population to issues confronting young people, political analysts said. PM Wong's emphasis on a 'we first' society also signalled that it is not only the Government that sets the direction for Singapore. It wants to actively involve Singaporeans in shaping the country's future, they added. The speech was a rallying call around the Singapore spirit, said Dr Gillian Koh, a senior research fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS). 'Being SG60, the PM laced the speech with robust references to what built the nation – the sense of purpose, grit and agency,' Dr Koh said. Associate Professor Eugene Tan, a political analyst and law don at the Singapore Management University, agreed. 'At a time of pervasive gloom globally, the PM's National Day Rally speech sought to be reassuring, optimistic, encouraging, and a call to action. It is a rallying cry for the country to be united,' he said. In his speech at ITE College Central in Ang Mo Kio, PM Wong said Singapore must be a 'we first' society to keep the country going, and the Republic is finished if everyone thinks only about 'me' and puts 'me' ahead of 'we'. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore NDR 2025: New govt-funded traineeship scheme for ITE, poly, university graduates Singapore NDR 2025: CDCs to spearhead new effort to match job seekers to roles nearer to home, says PM Wong Singapore NDR 2025: US baseline tariff of 10% on Singapore offers 'little comfort', says PM Wong Singapore NDR 2025: More avenues for S'poreans to be heard, get involved will be opened up, says PM Wong World European leaders to join Zelensky for Ukraine talks with Trump Sport Third time's the charm as Aaron Liang dethrones Samuel Kang en route to national squash title Asia Mandarin with Taiwanese characteristics: Taipei leverages language as soft power tool Asia 'Rats from the sky': Urban India finds itself divided on pigeons Dr Mathew Mathews, a principal research fellow at IPS and head of its Social Lab, said it is a much-needed refrain, especially with Singapore being home to people from around the world. 'What binds all of us will not be where we were born, or our ethnicities, but the common spirit to defy the odds and trust in the people around us who call this home,' said Dr Mathews. Invoking what he called the 'Singapore spirit' , PM Wong called on Singaporeans to partner the Government and fellow citizens to 'roll up our sleeves, come up with solutions, and turn good ideas for a better Singapore into reality'. These words, said Dr Koh, are a strong signal of the Prime Minister's belief that citizens and civil society have an integral role in governance under his leadership. '(It) again fleshes out this notion of a 'we first' society. This is not the 'state-led' Singapore that we used to think of,' she added. Prof Tan said what stood out to him was PM Wong's emphasis on what it means to be Singaporean. 'It is values – and not economic value alone – that will keep Singapore exceptional,' he said. Prof Tan said this reflects again that PM Wong's approach to governance emphasises inclusivity and being more consultative. The mention of a 'we first' society also makes clear the expectation that it is not only the Government that articulates what is important for society, which was prominent in the early years of Singapore's development, said Dr Mathews. 'Instead, the 'we first' approach involves Singaporeans themselves actively discerning what matters, and being recognised as equal partners in shaping and pursuing collective goals,' he added. Adjunct associate professor in practice Terence Ho from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at NUS said the message 'suggests collective responsibility and co-creation'. The Republic could see more initiatives to co-create government policies, such as citizen panels under the Forward Singapore exercise , which was aimed at forging a new social compact. He added that the focus on young people and seniors suggests that the Government is particularly cognisant of the concerns and challenges facing these two segments of society. Dr Mathews agreed, saying that the challenges Singapore is facing and will face in the near and medium term are significant. The Government must seriously consider the needs of an ageing population, which will constitute 'a very significant portion of the electorate'. At the same time, it cannot forget the crucial work of guarding the future of young Singaporeans. Support for young and old Prof Ho said PM Wong's focus on young people stood out for him. 'This segment may not have received as much attention as other demographic groups previously,' he said. PM Wong brought up vaping and excessive screen time as among the challenges facing the younger generation. Dr Koh said the initiatives to support seniors in ageing well stood out in the rally speech. 'This is a very large demographic as we are becoming a super-aged society,' she said. The Age Well Neighbourhoods initiative , for instance, aims to provide seniors with convenient access to social activities and healthcare in their neighbourhoods. It extends care arrangements offered in Community Care Apartments to the wider neighbourhood, and provides home care services and care facilities for seniors who need rehabilitation and physiotherapy in the neighbourhood. Dr Koh said encouraging seniors to care for one another through active ageing centres will also lighten the load on working-age adults. Dr Mustafa Izzuddin, a senior international affairs analyst at consultancy Solaris Strategies Singapore, noted the emphasis on a greater involvement of the people in governing Singapore. 'The Government and society will have to work even more closely together in a sensible and realistic way to keep Singapore going as an inclusive and prosperous country,' he said. Dr Hamid Razak, an MP for West Coast-Jurong West GRC, noted that the Prime Minister spoke about how 60 years ago, Singapore was a fledgling nation that 'took the plunge with independence and separation'. 'We were a country of many races, villages and religions, but we all chose to be Singaporeans and we decided to work together,' he said. 'This is a moment that we all can be encouraged by, as we chart the next journey (for) Singapore.' Additional reporting by Gabrielle Chan Read more: Key announcements from PM Wong's first National Day Rally Watch PM Wong's National Day Rally speech here:
Straits Times
14 hours ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Arrested for drug abuse, former DJ now works for anti-drug group as part of DRC scheme
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Former DJ Kyrul Ashrie Hans Daud (left) and Richard, a representative from the Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association, work together to advocate against the abuse of drugs. SINGAPORE – Former DJ Kyrul Ashrie Hans Daud was a rising star in 2023 at Malay radio station Ria 89.7FM, but a drug habit ended his career. He was 31, and partying hard with friends who were regular drug users. Hans, as he prefers to be known, said he had been abusing drugs for seven years at that point in his life, even smoking methamphetamine, or Ice, every day at the height of his addiction. 'At first, the drug use was just once in a while, but it (eventually) became more frequent – from once every two months, once a month, and then every day,' he told The Straits Times. Hans is now a social media executive at the Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association (Sana), where he advocates against the abuse of drugs. He said: 'I've seen many different types of people in the Drug Rehabilitation Centre. (Drug addiction) can happen to anyone. 'Addicts may not be aware that they have a problem. But if the people around them can spot the problem, someone's life could be saved.' Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore NDR 2025: New govt-funded traineeship scheme for ITE, poly, university graduates Singapore NDR 2025: CDCs to spearhead new effort to match job seekers to roles nearer to home, says PM Wong Singapore NDR 2025: US baseline tariff of 10% on Singapore offers 'little comfort', says PM Wong Singapore NDR 2025: More avenues for S'poreans to be heard, get involved will be opened up, says PM Wong World European leaders to join Zelensky for Ukraine talks with Trump Sport Third time's the charm as Aaron Liang dethrones Samuel Kang en route to national squash title Asia Mandarin with Taiwanese characteristics: Taipei leverages language as soft power tool Asia 'Rats from the sky': Urban India finds itself divided on pigeons Hans knows this well. The road to recovery has not been smooth for him, he said. He was arrested the first time in June 2023, just seven months after he tied the knot. The Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) had picked him up for drug consumption. Hans was released in December 2023, but relapsed when he lost his career and after his marriage ended in September 2024. Hans was sent to the Drug Rehabilitation Centre (DRC) a second time that month. He is now on the verge of completing his second stint at Institution S2, a step-down facility at Selarang Park Complex. Inmates staying in the dormitories are allowed to leave for work or study or to attend skills training in the community before returning in the evening. The Day Release Scheme is one of four community-based programmes that the Singapore Prison Service (SPS) offers to eligible inmates at the tail end of their sentences. It is part of efforts to help them reintegrate into society. Mr Kyrul Ashrie Hans Daud is now a social media executive at the Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association. ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN For Hans, it means he is allowed to leave the compound to go to work at Sana. In the evenings, he returns to the dormitory, which he shares with 15 other male inmates. The facility has 16 dorms, which can house 16 supervisees each. As at June 30, 123 supervisees, aged between 19 and 81, were residents. Speaking to ST at Institution S2 on July 3, Hans said he decided to share his story to help others who are fighting addiction. After his release the first time, he said, he struggled to cope with the loss of his career as a DJ and his marriage. With no other coping mechanisms, Hans called up a friend who supplied him with drugs. 'I took a few puffs, and I realised, 'Damn, I am an addict, even after 10 months (of being clean), I couldn't let this go'. 'I didn't like the term 'addict', but I knew I had to acknowledge it and do something about it.' Although he got rid of the drugs that very night, his then wife had already alerted the authorities. A urine test came back positive, and he was back in the DRC. This time, Hans said, he started taking his rehabilitation seriously. He participated in rehabilitation programmes inside the DRC, including psychology-based correctional programmes, which help drug abusers change their mindsets and teach them skills to resist drugs. 'I learnt about my past traumas, which could have led to my drug use, and I began to understand how to love myself. 'With drugs, it's the high that people are chasing, but there's a lot of psychological and emotional damage.' He said: 'The more drugs you take, the more you feel like isolating yourself, and these are unhealthy things that addicts do.' Hans also decided to cut contact with friends who were drug users. 'Drug-using friends are a huge hurdle (to recovery),' he said. 'But I needed to let them know that I didn't want to be associated with drugs any more. It was not an easy thing to do because I've known them for so many years.' SPS said about 600 supervisees are placed on the Day Release Scheme every year. Supervisees in the community-based programmes are supported by reintegration officers, counsellors and case managers. If needed, they are referred to the relevant agencies for financial assistance or help with accommodation. Once they are released, supervisees are placed under the CNB 's supervision for up to five years. For Hans, his social support now comes mainly from his colleagues at Sana. They lend him a listening ear whenever he has something to get off his chest. He said: 'What I try to do now is focus on the positive aspects of my life because I don't want to go back to DRC again. 'Recovery is not a one- or two-year thing; it's (going to be) my whole life. So I want to focus on rejecting the idea of drugs, and hopefully I'll succeed eventually.'
Straits Times
14 hours ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Singtel rises 3% on robust earnings; Keppel slides after Simba-M1 deal
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Singtel ended the week higher after an initial fall following the Aug 11 announcement of Simba's acquisition of M1's telco business. SINGAPORE - Telco consolidation made headlines last week, with StarHub fully acquiring MyRepublic Broadband and Keppel selling M1's telecoms operations. Keppel is divesting its 83.9 per cent stake in M1's telecoms business to Simba Telecom , a unit of Australia-listed company Tuas, in a $1.43 billion deal. Shares of the global asset manager and operator fell after the Aug 11 announcement, with some observers noting that it booked an accounting loss, or loss on paper, for the sale. The stock declined 1.52 per cent from last week's close to $8.45 on Aug 15. The estimated $222 million accounting loss for Keppel stems from goodwill and intangible assets tied to the telco business. Keppel first invested in M1 in 1994 and was later involved in its privatisation in 2019. At a media briefing, Keppel chief executive Loh Chin Hua said that the company has been making an effort to divest non-core assets. 'Our narrative is that we're going to create an asset-light 'New Keppel'. This particular business is no longer core to us. Being able to monetise it is probably the most important point,' he added. The other telco consolidation came on Aug 12, the day after the Keppel announcement. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore NDR 2025: New govt-funded traineeship scheme for ITE, poly, university graduates Singapore NDR 2025: CDCs to spearhead new effort to match job seekers to roles nearer to home, says PM Wong Singapore NDR 2025: US baseline tariff of 10% on Singapore offers 'little comfort', says PM Wong Singapore NDR 2025: More avenues for S'poreans to be heard, get involved will be opened up, says PM Wong World European leaders to join Zelensky for Ukraine talks with Trump Sport Third time's the charm as Aaron Liang dethrones Samuel Kang en route to national squash title Asia Mandarin with Taiwanese characteristics: Taipei leverages language as soft power tool Asia 'Rats from the sky': Urban India finds itself divided on pigeons StarHub, which already held a 50.1 per cent stake in MyRepublic Broadband, said it acquired the remaining 49.9 per cent share in a roughly $105 million deal, in a move aimed at strengthening StarHub's strategy in the broadband market. StarHub CEO Nikhil Eapen said: 'We're in a phase of consolidation, and we're not just watching it unfold, we're shaping it.' He added: 'As the market shifts, scale, quality and resilience matter more than ever. Smaller players may find it harder to sustain, especially without robust platforms.' Singapore telcos post mixed results Analysts noted that the industry consolidation could benefit Singapore's two listed telcos – StarHub and Singtel – by helping to ease intense price competition in an overcrowded market. For StarHub, the deal also comes amid weakening performance. Singapore's second-largest telco on Aug 14 posted a 41.7 per cent year-on-year fall in first-half earnings to $47.9 million. The lower profit was partly due to a one-off forfeiture payment of $14.1 million for the return of certain spectrum rights. Excluding this sum, net profit rose to $62 million, though this still works out to a 23 per cent drop year on year. Mr Eapen said the telco intends 'to remain aggressive across brands and segments in the domestic consumer market to position for eventual market recovery'. StarHub shares closed at $1.18 on Aug 15, down 3.28 per cent from last week's close. In contrast, Singtel ended the week higher after an initial fall following Keppel's Aug 11 announcement. Its stock rose 3 per cent from Aug 8 to close at $4.10 on Aug 15. The telco on Aug 13 announced that its underlying first-quarter net profit rose 13.9 per cent year on year to $686 million, driven by higher earnings from its Australian unit Optus and contributions from regional associates, including India's Bharti Airtel. Singtel CEO Yuen Kuan Moon expects the telecom operator's data centre business to be a 'bright spot' in the current financial year as its data centres in Singapore and Thailand near completion. Property stocks soar on robust earnings Shares of real estate-related companies mostly rose last week on robust earnings. Real estate services provider PropNex jumped more than 30 per cent in the past week to $2.03, while its peer Apac Realty was up 13 per cent from Aug 8 to close at 72 cents on Aug 15, driven by higher home sales. PropNex on Aug 12 posted record net profit of $42.3 million for its first half-year, a 122.4 per cent increase from the year before and surpassing analysts' estimates. Apac Realty's net profit more than doubled to $11.3 million in the same period, the company said on Aug 8. Analysts said that sales momentum could remain strong, supported by a pipeline of upcoming launches. Developer City Developments Limited (CDL) was up 6.3 per cent to $6.73 and UOL rose more than 3 per cent over the week to close at $7.27. CDL's first-half net income rose 3.9 per cent to $91.2 million, with revenue up 8 per cent to $1.69 billion, driven by the fully sold executive condominium project Copen Grand. A special interim dividend of three cents per share was proposed, up from the two cents it paid out a year earlier. CEO Sherman Kwek told a briefing on Aug 13 that CDL will try to pay one-third of its net income as dividends every year and reward shareholders when divestments are made. Meanwhile, Pan Pacific and Parkroyal owner UOL's first-half net profit increased 58 per cent to $205.5 million due to strong performance from property development and property investments, and other gains from the disposal of Parkroyal Yangon, the firm said on Aug 13. CapitaLand Investment (CLI) shares fell 2.5 per cent from Aug 8, closing at $2.70 on Aug 15, on the back of weaker earnings. First-half earnings dropped 13 per cent , attributed to loss of contributions from divested assets, lower fund performance and transaction fees, and absence of a one-off tax write-back. CLI also attributed part of its performance to the downturn in China, where it has 18 retail and commercial properties. Group CEO Lee Chee Koon urged investors to be patient with the firm's investment returns, hinting at an improved performance in the second half of 2025 when SC Capital and Wingate are expected to deliver stronger returns. Dezign Format makes SGX debut Spatial design specialist Dezign Format surged 40 per cent in its trading debut on the Singapore Exchange's Catalist board on Aug 15, closing at 28 cents from its initial public offering (IPO) price of 20 cents. Dezign Format CEO Mike Chong said that the proceeds from the IPO will support the firm's regional expansion strategy, which includes establishing a Malaysian production facility and sales offices in Thailand and Vietnam. The company joins other firms, such as NTT DC Real Estate Investment Trust and Lum Chang Creations, to be listed on Singapore's stock exchange in 2025 amid a revival in IPOs. Another local firm, semiconductor optics company MetaOptics, is expected to list on the local bourse after it filed its prospectus on July 30 to list on the Catalist board. The group said it intends to use the IPO proceeds for areas such as product development, research and development, and strategic partnerships. Other market movers Shares of CNMC Goldmine surged more than 18 per cent over last week to close at a record 64.5 cents. The gold mining company posted strong earnings of US$15.8 million (S$20.3 million) for the first half, up 256.1 per cent year on year, driven by higher production and surging gold prices. Investment manager Yangzijiang Financial was up 9.3 per cent to $1.06, as first-half net profit increased 28 per cent to $137.7 million. This was largely attributed to the reversal of credit loss allowances, increased contributions from maritime joint ventures and net foreign exchange gains. What to look out for this week On Aug 18, Singapore will release its non-oil domestic exports data for July. DBS chief economist Taimur Baig forecasts a 6 per cent year-on-year contraction, marking a reversal from June's growth as an earlier boost from the front-loading of orders ahead of US tariff hikes tapers off. Sats is scheduled to release its business update for the first quarter ended June 30 on Aug 20, after the market closes.
Straits Times
15 hours ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
Arsenal's Arteta relieved to escape from Old Trafford with a win
MANCHESTER, England - Arsenal's 1-0 victory over Manchester United on Sunday was far from a masterful performance against the better side but manager Mikel Arteta was delighted to escape from Old Trafford with all three points in their Premier League season-opener. Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori took advantage of a weak challenge from Turkish goalkeeper Altay Bayindir to head home an early corner and then the London side survived an onslaught of United attacks as they dug in to secure the win. "A big, big result coming into the first game of the season against (United) at Old Trafford," Arteta said after facing a side fielding new signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. "When you feel that they are building something special and momentum with the new signings and they want to kick off the season in a good way and you are able to come away with the win, I'm very happy I'm part of the team." Arteta said his side, which spent nearly 200 million pounds ($266.30 million) in the close season after three consecutive second-place finishes, did a couple of things well on Sunday. "One, to take the set-piece and then react to especially mistakes," he said. "Some of them are necessary, some of them unusual. But the way every single player reacted to that gives us the opportunity to win the game. If not, it's impossible. And that's about how we compete and how much we want to take it." While United were the better team, Arteta said Arsenal winning while not at their best was a reason for confidence. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore NDR 2025: New govt-funded traineeship scheme for ITE, poly, university graduates Singapore NDR 2025: CDCs to spearhead new effort to match job seekers to roles nearer to home, says PM Wong Singapore NDR 2025: US baseline tariff of 10% on Singapore offers 'little comfort', says PM Wong Singapore NDR 2025: More avenues for S'poreans to be heard, get involved will be opened up, says PM Wong World European leaders to join Zelensky for Ukraine talks with Trump Sport Third time's the charm as Aaron Liang dethrones Samuel Kang en route to national squash title Asia Mandarin with Taiwanese characteristics: Taipei leverages language as soft power tool Asia 'Rats from the sky': Urban India finds itself divided on pigeons "When you're not at your standards in certain aspects, which today we weren't, being fair, we can still come away and find a way to win the game," he said. "And the team has to find that resilience throughout the season for 10 months in different contexts to be able to do that. "Of course, we have to improve a lot of things and that will happen very soon. But in terms of managing to get that into a very positive result, that's a great way to do it." Arsenal's main close-season signing, Sweden striker Viktor Gyokeres, did not stand out on his Premier League debut and was substituted early in the second half. "But overall, coming away to Manchester United, winning your first game with Arsenal, it's a good start," Arteta said. REUTERS
Straits Times
16 hours ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
Newcastle sign midfielder Ramsey from Aston Villa
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Aston Villa's Jacob Ramsey in action during a match against Athletic Bilbao on Aug 7, 2024. Newcastle on Aug 17 announced they had signed midfielder Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa. 'The 24-year-old becomes the Magpies' fourth first team addition of the summer after penning a long-term deal at St James' Park,' said the club on their website, without specifying the length of the contract or the transfer fee. British media reported the Magpies paid Villa £39 million ($68 million), with a further £4m in potential add-ons. Ramsey came through the youth system at Villa and made 167 appearances for the club. Last season, despite a mid-campaign hamstring injury, he played in 46 games, including 10 in the Champions League, but was often used off the bench. Newcastle pipped Villa to a Champions League berth at the end of last season. The two clubs opened their new campaigns by drawing 0-0 on Aug 16 . Ramsey was not part of the Villa squad for the game. 'It's been a mad two or three days, but I'm really happy to be here and I can't wait to get started,' said Ramsey on Newcastle's website. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore NDR 2025: New govt-funded traineeship scheme for ITE, poly, university graduates Singapore NDR 2025: CDCs to spearhead new effort to match job seekers to roles nearer to home, says PM Wong Singapore NDR 2025: US baseline tariff of 10% on Singapore offers 'little comfort', says PM Wong Singapore NDR 2025: More avenues for S'poreans to be heard, get involved will be opened up, says PM Wong World European leaders to join Zelensky for Ukraine talks with Trump Sport Third time's the charm as Aaron Liang dethrones Samuel Kang en route to national squash title Asia Mandarin with Taiwanese characteristics: Taipei leverages language as soft power tool Asia 'Rats from the sky': Urban India finds itself divided on pigeons The club have signed Anthony Elanga, Aaron Ramsdale and Malick Thiaw, but have struggled to land other targets. Star striker Alexander Isak was not in the squad on Aug 16 following his reaction to the club turning down a bid from Liverpool. Coach Eddie Howe said it has been a 'stressful' summer, but on Aug 17 was happy with his new signing. 'Jacob is another fantastic addition to our squad,' said Howe. 'His qualities will bring us something different on the pitch and he fits the profile of being young and hungry to develop, but also with a wealth of Premier League football.' Ramsey was part of England's European Under-21 Championship-winning squad in 2023 alongside new team-mate Anthony Gordon. AFP
