Latest news with #YeoJiaMin
CNA
2 days ago
- General
- CNA
Badminton: Loh Kean Yew loses to France's Christo Popov in Singapore Open quarter-finals
SINGAPORE: Loh Kean Yew's run at the Singapore Open ended on Friday (May 30) as he lost in an upset to France's Christo Popov in the men's singles quarter-finals. The world number 23 Popov took the match 21-10, 21-14 to advance to the last four, where he will face China's Lu Guangzu. The victory means that Popov has now won three of the six meetings against Loh. He had also beaten Loh at the 2023 edition of the tournament in the round of 16. Up against his third consecutive French opponent, world number 10 Loh struggled to find any rhythm in the first game and went behind 8-11 at the interval. Loh had beaten Popov's older brother and doubles partner Toma the day before, but he simply had no answer to the younger Popov, who never relinquished his lead. While Loh took an early lead in the second game, his opponent took control just before the interval and saw the game out to silence the home crowd. Loh was the only Singaporean representative left in the competition after compatriot Yeo Jia Min was eliiminated by world number 1 An Se-young in the round of 16 on Thursday.
CNA
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- CNA
Loh Kean Yew through to Singapore Open quarters, Yeo Jia Min falls to world number 1
SINGAPORE: There were contrasting fortunes for Singapore's top badminton players on Thursday (May 29) as Loh Kean Yew booked his spot in the Singapore Open men's singles quarterfinals, while Yeo Jia Min exited the tournament in the round of 16. At the Singapore Indoor Stadium, world number 10 Loh mounted a sensational comeback late on to beat France's Toma Junior Popov 21-12, 14-21, 21-18 in 65 minutes. "I was pretty lucky at the end. I don't know what I did, but at that point of time, I just did what I did to try to win every point," said Loh. "It was hard to control the draught today, the wind condition, the shuttle, and he was playing very well. So it was hard to play against him just now." The win means that Loh has now triumphed over the world number 16 in all six of their meetings. The 27-year-old looked sharp in the first game as he stormed to a 9-1 lead while his opponent struggled with errors and the drift. But the Frenchman was in control for much of the second and pushed the tie to a decider. The match looked to have slipped out of the hands of the Singaporean as Popov built up a 16-11 lead to silence the home crowd. "It was just fighting spirit. The crowd boosted (me) a lot, and I think it also affected him a little bit, especially at the end where they kept chanting my name," said Loh. But Loh showed remarkable character as he dragged himself back from the brink, celebrating the win with a knee slide and pumped fists. Loh will face his third consecutive French opponent – Popov's younger brother Christo – in the quarter-finals on Friday. The former world champion has a 3-2 head-to-head record against the 23-year-old. Yeo, however, was not able to pull off an upset against world number 1 and defending champion An Se-young. The 23-year-old, who won four consecutive Badminton World Federation Tour titles prior to the tournament in Singapore, took the match 21-14, 21-13 in 41 minutes. World number 11 Yeo kept pace with the reigning women's singles Olympic and world champion early on in the first game, before the South Korean pulled away. But with An shifting into a higher gear in the second, Yeo went into the interval 6-11 behind and could not peg the top seed back. "She was able to be quite quick on her feet, and her shots were pressuring me quite a bit," said Yeo. "Throughout the match, I just on and off played many unforced errors which very quickly widened the gap. That gave me more pressure, because she barely made any mistakes." Yeo saw off world number 12 Busanan Ongbamrungphan 21-14, 21-13 in the round of 32 on Tuesday.
Independent Singapore
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Independent Singapore
Singapore Badminton Open: Loh Kean Yew and Yeo Jia Min win opening match, Jason Teh falls to top player Shi Yu Qi
SINGAPORE: It was a mixed result for the local shuttlers as Loh Kean Yew and Yeo Jia Min navigated a challenging opening round on Tuesday, May 27 at the KFF Singapore Badminton Open 2025 to book a spot in the Round of 16, while Jason Teh exited the competition after falling to world no. 1 Shi Yu Qi. Singapore's top men's singles player Loh came from a set down to claim his first career win over Alex Lainer (France), 21-23, 21-17, 21-11. The duo had first met on the court last October during the Denmark Open quarter-final round, with the Frenchman winning 21-18, 15-21, 24-22. 'I'm happy to be able to win a seeded player here at the Singapore Open,' said Loh after his match against Lanier at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. On the opening day of the Singapore Badminton Open, world no. 9 Lanier came out on the offensive early on, as he dominated much of the first game with powerful smashes and established a six-point lead during the game. Loh showed grit to claw back, scoring five consecutive points from 13–18 down, and then another three-point burst from 17–19 to earn a game point at 20–19. However, the Frenchman did enough to hold off Loh's charge, to claim the first set 23–21. However, world no. 10 Loh bounced back strongly in the second set, upping his aggression and forcing a string of unforced errors from Lanier. After pulling ahead from 6–6, Loh never relinquished the lead. In the deciding set, Loh seized control of the game early with blistering smashes and built momentum with the backing of the home crowd. From 2–1, he led throughout and closed out the match in emphatic fashion. KFF Singapore Badminton Open 2025: Men's Singles First Round – Loh Kean Yew (Singapore) vs Alex Lanier (France). (Photo credit: BADMINTONPHOTO) 'It's going to be challenging because we're up against the very best in the world here. But playing at home in Singapore is always special. The cheers from the crowd lift me, and I'm ready to give it everything I've got,' shared Loh before the tournament. Loh will next face another Frenchman, Toma Junior Popov, in the Round of 16. Toma had a relatively easy opening game as he came through against Japan's Yushi Tanaka in straight games 21-19, 21-15. The 2011 BWF World Championships winner Loh holds a dominant 5-0 head-to-head record against the world No. 16, with his latest victories coming in 2024 at the French Open and Spain Masters. Should Loh dispatch Toma in the next round, he could possibly be setting up a match with another French player, Christo Popov in the quarter-final. The world No. 23-ranked player delivered an upset in his opening game, winning 21-17, 21-13 against third-seeded player Anders Antonsen of Denmark. With the win, Christo will next face the 2018 Commonwealth Games and 2022 Thomas Cup H.S Prannoy. WOMEN'S SINGLES – YEO SETS UP CLASH WITH WORLD NO.1 Over at the women's singles category, Yeo delighted home fans with a confident straight sets win 21-14, 21-13 over Thailand's Busanan Ongbamrungphan in 41 minutes. Yeo settled into the match after a slow start, recovering from early pressure to pull ahead with deft control and placement. From a narrow 14–13 lead in the first game, she surged with five straight points to take control and close it out. 'It is really warm to know that there are a lot more supporters supporting badminton in Singapore. There's maybe a little bit more excitement, wanting to do well for Singaporean fans.' 'I'm really thankful that I played a good game today and maintained that focus from start to [finish]. I'm really relieved, and I'm all focused for the next round,' expressed Yeo after her win in the opening game. Singapore Badminton Open 2025: Women's Singles First Round: Yeo Jia Min (Singapore) vs Busanan Ongbamrungphan (Thailand) (Photo credit: BADMINTONPHOTO) The Singapore shuttler would be hoping to keep up with her performance against her next opponent, as the stage is now set for a blockbuster Round of 16 clash against the defending champion, An Se Young. The South Korean had previously recorded eight wins over Yeo, with the Singaporean claiming two wins against An, at the 2024 India Open and 2019 Hyderabad Open. The two players also met in the Singapore Badminton Open two years ago, with An cruising to a 21-12, 21-11 win. While both Loh and Yeo's journeys continue in the Singapore Badminton Open, it is the end of the competition for men's singles player Teh. The 2025 Thailand Masters winner bowed out in the opening round, falling to defending champion Shi in straight games, 16–21, 16–21. Teh put up a spirited performance in the second game, leading by as much as three points at various stages. But Shi showed his championship pedigree, reeling off six straight points at the close to wrap up the match in 42 minutes. This was his second defeat to the top-seeded player Shi, the first coming during the BWF Sudirman Cup 2023 group stage match. 'I was really hoping to play a few more matches, but since I drew him (Shi), there's nothing I can do about it. I just have to face it positively and take it as a chance to learn a lot from him.' 'Maybe if I played someone else, whether I won or lost, I wouldn't gain something as valuable because he's the world number one, so technically the best. So I faced it with a positive mindset,' said Teh, who will set his focus next on the Indonesia Open. KFF Singapore Badminton Open 2025: Singapore mixed doubles pair, Terry Hee and Jin Yujia. (Photo credit: Singapore Badminton Association) Singapore mixed doubles pair Terry Hee and Jin Yujia will open their Singapore Badminton Open campaign on Wednesday, May 28, against Rehan Kusharjanto and Gloria Widjaja of Indonesia. A win for Hee and Jin will see them taking on either Chen Cheng Kuan and Hsu Yin-Hui (Chinese Taipei) or the fourth-seeded pair Guo Xin Wa and Chen Fang Hui of China in the Round of 16. The Singapore Badminton Open was first organised by the Singapore Badminton Association in 1929. The competition first became part of the International Badminton Federation Grand Prix circuit. It regained international recognition in 2007 when it became part of the BWF Super Series, and subsequently designated as one of the BWF World Tour Super 500 tournaments in 2018. Two years ago, the Singapore Badminton Open was upgraded to the BWF World Tour Super 750. It is one of the seven competitions held this year in the Super 750 series, alongside the China Masters, Denmark Open, French Open, Japan Open, and India Open.
CNA
5 days ago
- General
- CNA
Crowd favourites Loh Kean Yew, Yeo Jia Min overcome tough opponents to progress at Singapore Open
SINGAPORE: Drawn against tough opponents, Singapore's top badminton players held their nerve on Tuesday (May 27) to progress to the Singapore Badminton Open round of 16. Women's singles world number 11 Yeo Jia Min saw off world number 12 Busanan Ongbamrungphan, while world ranked 10 Loh Kean Yew eliminated tournament eighth seed Alex Lanier in a 60-minute contest. Up against newly minted European champion Lanier, Loh struggled to find momentum amid a number of unforced errors early on. While he summoned a superb late flurry of points to tie things up at 20-20, it was Lanier who held his nerve to take the first 23-21. Lanier, who is ranked one spot higher than Loh in the world rankings, also beat the Singaporean in their only meeting at the 2024 Denmark Open. But Loh would not be denied and took a four-point lead against the 20-year-old into the break. The change of ends seemed to cause some problems for the Frenchman, and his more experienced opponent saw out the next 21-17. Loh looked to have found a second wind in the decider as a more aggressive approach netted him a 9-2 lead. A number of unforced errors from the Singaporean would reduce arrears, but Loh would see things off 21-11. "We were training together for the past week, and even before that we'd trained together before, and we kind of know each other's game. Overall, it was still a tough match," said Loh of his opponent. "At the start (of the third game), I tried to stay even more focused. I think he lost a bit of focus and eventually, maybe he lost the confidence." The former world champion will next face another Frenchman, world number 16 Toma Popov, on Wednesday. Yeo booked her place in the round of 16 with a 21-14, 21-13 win over Busanan Ongbamrungphan. Despite facing an opponent who had caused her problems in the past, the world number 11 showed good composure despite trailing early in both games. Yeo, who had a 3-3 head-to-head record against Busanan, would trail 10-11 in the interval of the first game. But urged on by a partisan crowd, she dug deep to pull away. It was Busanan once again with the early initiative in the second, but Yeo would be denied, going in front 9-8 and seeing the match out. She will next face South Korea's world number one and defending champion An Se Young. An is also the reigning Olympic champion and has an 8-2 winning record against Yeo. "(In) the first round, you kind of need to get rid of your nerves. I'm happy I could keep the focus mostly throughout the match and keep the pressure on her," said Yeo, who is playing through the pain of old injuries. The first Singaporean to take the court on Tuesday was world number 24 Jason Teh, who had the toughest assignment in the form of world number one Shi Yu Qi. Teh had faced Shi on one previous occasion in 2023, with the latter winning in straight games. But this 46-minute contest would be a tougher one. While the Singaporean trailed 2-7 early on, he caused Shi a couple of problems before going down fighting 16-21. After the change of sides, Teh continued to build momentum and went into the interval with a three-point lead. But Shi showed his mettle to turn a 9-13 deficit to level at 15-15. He wrestled control of the lead at 17-16 as his 24-year-old opponent hit a forehand drop shot into the net and took the second game 21-16. "In terms of fighting spirit and my attitude on court, I feel like I've already given my all," said Teh.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Yeo Jia Min ends 6-year badminton title drought with 2025 German Open win; Valencia CF owner Peter Lim puts club for sale for $562 million: Singapore live news
And that's a wrap. Thanks for tuning in. We'll catch y'all again next week. Hello to all our readers, Yahoo Singapore will be bringing you live news updates today. The editorial team will be curating the latest must-know local and international news. First off, Singapore's Yeo Jia Min celebrated a major milestone at the 2025 German Open, ending a six-year title drought with a dominant 21-16, 21-17 victory over Nguyen Thuy Linh Sunday (2 March). The win, her first BWF Super 300 title, adds to her growing list of accomplishments in international badminton. The 26-year-old said victory is a result of consistent improvement, both mentally and tactically, under the guidance of coach Kim Ji-hyun. Meanwhile, Loh Kean Yew impressed with his performance in the men's singles final, despite falling short to Denmark's Viktor Axelsen. With this win, Yeo is now looking ahead to more successes, aiming to break into the top 10 rankings and claim further titles in 2025. Singapore Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong reaffirmed Singapore's commitment to providing humanitarian aid to Gaza in a speech at the Humanity Matters Relief Packing Exercise Sunday (2 March). With the conflict worsening, Singapore continues to contribute financially and logistically to alleviate suffering in the region. More on PM Wong's pledge for continued support for Gaza here. Singaporean billionaire Peter Lim has reportedly placed Valencia CF up for sale for $562 million (€400 million), following years of financial decline and fan protests. The club's future now hangs in the balance, with hopes that new ownership could bring stability and success. With debts reaching €340 million and a stalled stadium project, the sale presents an opportunity for a fresh start. Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates. Singapore sees record 307 business closures in 2024 as costs rise Bubble tea giant Mixue's shares surge 30% on Hong Kong IPO debut Microsoft announces Skype's shutdown in favour of Teams Oscars 2025: dominates with 5 Academy Awards Year of the Dragon fails to boost Singapore's birth rate CDL shares dive amid Succession-style father-son boardroom power struggle Hong Kong singer-songwriter Khalil Fong dies at 41 after long battle with illness Peter Lim, the controversial Singaporean billionaire owner of Valencia Football Club, has officially placed the club on the market for $562 million (€400 million), according reports in the Spanish media. The decision follows years of discontent from fans who have grown increasingly frustrated with his management and the club's financial struggles. Despite initially rescuing Valencia from the brink of bankruptcy in 2014, Lim's tenure has been marred by poor decision-making, financial instability, and a lack of investment, particularly in the long-stalled Nou Mestalla stadium project. In recent years, Valencia has faced mounting challenges, including a revolving door of managers, the sale of top players, and fears of relegation. The club, which once competed in European competitions, now finds itself struggling in La Liga, languishing in the lower part of the table. Fans have long expressed their discontent, with regular "Lim Go Home" protests at Mestalla, and the frustration reached a new level when two Spanish nationals were detained by Singaporean authorities for protesting Lim's ownership. The couple, Dani Cuesta and Mireia Sáez, who were on their honeymoon in Singapore, held a banner that read "Lim Go Home" outside Lim's residence, leading to their brief detention by Singapore police. After being issued a "stern warning," the couple left Singapore, but their protest highlighted the international reach of Valencia fans' dissatisfaction. The incident underscores the deepening divide between Lim and the fanbase, which has been calling for a change in ownership for years. Valencia's financial woes are significant, with debts reported to be as high as €340 million. While the club has agreed to resume work on the Nou Mestalla project, any potential buyer will need to help fund its completion. Interest in buying the club has surfaced in the past, with figures such as PSG president Nasser Al Khelaifi reportedly among the potential investors. However, the real challenge remains whether Lim can find a buyer who is willing to take on the club's debt and invest in its future. With the club facing an uncertain future, fans are hopeful that new ownership will bring the stability and success that Valencia desperately needs. The sale could mark the beginning of a new era for the club, one that might finally restore its competitive edge in La Liga and ensure the completion of its long-awaited stadium. In a triumphant return to form, Singapore's Yeo Jia Min clinched her first Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Tour title in six years at the German Open on Sunday (2 March) by defeating Vietnam's Nguyen Thuy Linh 21-16, 21-17 in the women's singles final. Meanwhile, her compatriot, Loh Kean Yew, despite falling short in the men's final, also impressed with a strong performance. With her win at the Westenergie Sporthalle in Mulheim, Germany, Yeo claimed her third World Tour title and fifth international title overall, following her Polish Open win in 2023. The 26-year-old's victory came after a long stretch of near misses, including a painful defeat at the 2021 Hylo Open. She then recorded a good run in 2024, breaking her winless streak against 2019 world champion P V Sindhu of India, and defeating four top-10 players An Se-young of South Korea, Akane Yamaguchi of Japan, Han Yue of China and Gregoria Tunjun of Indonesia. The world No 13's good form continued in early 2025 by making the quarter-finals at the Super 1000 Malaysia Open and Super 750 India Open. Yeo dominated the final in Mulheim sealing the match in just 41 minutes. From the start, she showcased her exceptional skills, pulling off well-timed drop shots and dominating the net play. Nguyen, ranked 29th in the world, struggled to match Yeo's sharp angles and strategic play, despite briefly fighting back in the second game. Alongside Yeo's victory, her compatriot Loh Kean Yew also showcased his resilience, although he fell short against Denmark's Viktor Axelsen in the men's singles final. Loh gave a spirited performance, coming from behind multiple times, but ultimately lost 21-19, 21-18. Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong reaffirmed the nation's strong commitment to aiding Gaza, as the ongoing conflict in the region continues to highlight broader global instability. Speaking at a humanitarian relief event on Sunday (2 March), which coincided with the first day of Ramadan, Wong underscored the importance of international solidarity in addressing Gaza's crisis while emphasising unity and kindness within Singapore to face global challenges. Wong reiterated Singapore's long-standing support for Palestinian statehood and humanitarian aid efforts at the Humanity Matters Relief Packing Exercise for Gaza. In February, Singapore's first female president Halimah Yacob dismissed US President Donald Trump's controversial plan for the US to take over Gaza and re-settle Palestinians in other countries. Singapore's former President described the idea as 'truly horrifying' and a 'a clear violation of international laws.' The nation has contributed more than $19 million in aid and sent seven humanitarian shipments to Gaza, reflecting its commitment to addressing the urgent needs of the region. 'The suffering of civilians speaks to our shared humanity,' Wong said, urging Singaporeans to continue contributing to humanitarian efforts despite the geographical distance from Gaza. He also stressed that while Gaza's needs are vast, every contribution – from volunteer work to donations – matters greatly. Wong highlighted the growing global instability, warning that the world was becoming more dangerous and resembling a 'lawless jungle' where might often prevails over international norms. He called on Singaporeans to stay united, reminding them that solidarity and mutual respect are what make the nation resilient in the face of global turbulence. In addition to the relief packing exercise, the Singapore government continues to support various initiatives like the M3 Bazaar for Gaza, launched during Ramadan, to raise funds for the region. Singapore's efforts are also reflected in its ongoing support for a negotiated two-state solution for Palestine, ensuring long-term peace in the Middle East. Read on PM Wong's pledge for continued support for Gaza here. In 2024, Singapore saw a significant rise in business closures, with 307 companies forced into compulsory liquidation, marking the highest level since 2010. This surge in insolvencies signals a growing strain on the local economy as firms struggle with mounting costs and economic uncertainty. The Ministry of Law reported that the number of companies winding up in Singapore has more than doubled from 201 to 307 in just a year. Analysts point to rising operational costs, including higher rents, as a key factor driving small businesses to the brink. The pressures are felt across industries, from hawker stalls to larger corporate entities, as the cost of living and doing business in Singapore continues to climb. As the economy faces these challenges, growth projections for 2025 have been downgraded. Singapore's expected growth for this year is between 1 per cent and 3 per cent, significantly lower than the 4.4 per cent seen in 2024. The slowdown is attributed to external factors like rising protectionism, as Singapore is highly trade-dependent. With business closures at a 15-year high, experts warn that more companies may struggle to remain afloat unless these rising operational costs are addressed. Read on Singapore's corporate insolvencies here. Shares of Mixue Ice Cream and Tea, China's largest bubble tea and iced drink chain, surged nearly 30 per cent on their first day of trading on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on Monday (3 Mar). The company raised a total of US$444 million in its initial public offering (IPO), making it the most significant IPO in Hong Kong this year. Founded in 1997 as a small ice shop in Zhengzhou, Mixue has grown to dominate the global bubble tea and iced drink market with over 45,000 stores worldwide, including Singapore, surpassing even Starbucks' 40,576 locations. Unlike Starbucks, Mixue operates primarily through franchising, with 99 per cent of its stores run by franchisees. This model has allowed the company to expand rapidly, adding more than 8,500 new stores in 2023 alone. Mixue's IPO was met with overwhelming investor interest, with retail subscriptions oversubscribed by more than 5,000 times, making it one of the most popular offerings in Hong Kong's history. Retail investors applied for a record HK$1.8 trillion in margin loans to buy shares, reflecting the massive demand for the company's stock. The chain's business model sets it apart from competitors like Starbucks. Mixue generates most of its revenue by selling ingredients, packaging, and equipment to its franchisees rather than relying on traditional franchise fees. In 2024, more than 97 per cent of Mixue's revenue came from these product sales, highlighting the company's vertically integrated supply chain. Read on Mixue's successful Hong Kong IPO debut here. Microsoft announced on Friday (28 Feb) that Skype, once the dominant force in video communication, will be officially retired on 5 May 2025. The decision comes as Microsoft focuses on Teams, its business-oriented platform. Skype, founded in 2003, was one of the first services to make video calling mainstream. Acquired by Microsoft in 2011 for US$8.5 billion, the platform initially thrived as a consumer-facing tool. Skype's decline is attributed to its inability to adapt to changing consumer preferences and its failure to fully integrate with Microsoft's business strategy. Despite its early success, Skype's relevance began to fade as competitors like Zoom and WhatsApp surged ahead, especially during the pandemic, when the demand for video conferencing exploded. Skype's shutdown marks the end of a significant chapter in communication technology. Read on Skype going offline in 2025 here. The 2025 Academy Awards saw Anora sweep the night, winning five prestigious Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director for Sean Baker, and Best Actress for Mikey Madison. Hosted by Conan O'Brien, the event held at Hollywood's Dolby Theatre also featured notable wins from Adrien Brody, Kieran Culkin, and Zoe Saldaña. Baker's Anora, a stirring drama about a New York stripper and a Russian heir's tumultuous love affair, marked a historic achievement, with Baker winning four Academy Awards, including Best Director. Adrien Brody won his second Oscar for Best Actor in The Brutalist. In the supporting categories, Kieran Culkin received Best Supporting Actor for his role in A Real Pain, while Zoe Saldaña took home Best Supporting Actress for Emilia Pérez. The evening also featured a moving tribute to firefighters who battled the devastating Los Angeles wildfires earlier in the year, with a standing ovation for their bravery. Read on the Oscars' winners, the fashion, the viral moments here. Despite government initiatives and societal expectations for higher birth rates, Singapore's fertility rate in 2024 remains at 0.97, mirroring last year's historic low. The Year of the Dragon, traditionally seen as a favourable time for births, failed to reverse the trend of declining fertility in the city-state. Minister Indranee Rajah addressed the issue in Parliament, stressing that Singapore's aging population and decreasing workforce present long-term challenges for the economy. With fewer young people entering the workforce and a growing elderly population, the pressure on social systems and healthcare will only intensify. To counteract this, Singapore continues to enhance support for families, such as the introduction of the Large Families Scheme offering financial bonuses for families with three or more children. Despite these efforts, the country's fertility rate remains far below the replacement level, indicating that the issue goes beyond financial incentives. The government is increasingly relying on immigration as a solution to bolster the local workforce. In 2024, 24,000 new citizens and 35,000 new permanent residents were welcomed to Singapore, reflecting a modest increase over previous years. As the population faces rapid demographic changes, Singapore emphasised that it will continue to adjust its population strategies to address both the short-term and long-term needs of the country. Read on the growing concern about Singapore's low birth rate here. Shares of City Developments Ltd (CDL) plunged 7 per cent this week, hitting their lowest point since 2009, after a high-profile family feud between the company's patriarch, Kwek Leng Beng, and his son, CEO Sherman Kwek. CDL shares dropped 28 cents, or 5.47 per cent upon trading resumption Monday (3 March). The elder Kwek has accused his son of breaching corporate governance laws and making poor business decisions that led to significant financial losses. Sherman Kwek has denied these claims, insisting that the board acted in the best interests of the company. This legal battle, which includes a lawsuit and duelling statements from both sides, has caused concern among investors, particularly in light of CDL's already challenging financial situation. The family struggle, which mirrors the dramatic power plays in Succession, has made waves in the business world, with many questioning the future of the company. Read on the Kwek's boardroom family drama that led to sharp decline in CDL stock price here. Celebrated Hong Kong singer-songwriter Khalil Fong passed away at the age of 41 on 21 Feb after a prolonged battle with illness. His death was confirmed by his music label, Fu Music, on Saturday (2 March). Fong's passing has left fans and colleagues mourning his loss, with tributes pouring in from notable figures like Singapore's JJ Lin, who expressed his shock on Instagram, saying, 'Soul boy, gone too soon. You will be deeply missed.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by JJ Lin (@jjlin) Best known for his unique fusion of R&B and soul with Mandopop, Fong leaves behind an impressive musical legacy, including hits like Love Love Love and Special Person. Fong was born in Hawaii in 1983 and relocated to Hong Kong in the late 1990s. He rose to fame with his 2005 debut album Soulboy, marking a new era in Mandopop with his distinctive sound. Despite his flourishing career, Fong faced severe health setbacks in 2010 when he was diagnosed with pneumothorax. His condition, a collapsed lung, prompted multiple hospitalisations, ultimately leading him to retreat from the public eye after his 2016 album Journey to the West. In 2024, Fong made a triumphant return to the music scene with The Dreamer, an album reflecting his ongoing struggles with illness. In an Instagram post, he shared that the recording process was both a challenge and a relief during a difficult time in his life. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Khalil Fong (@soulboykhalilfong) He had been optimistic despite his health battles and even posted a New Year message on social media just days before his passing. Fong's influence extended beyond music. He was also a children's book author, creating a series of graphic novels titled Emi The Dream Catcher. Read on Khalil Fong's passing here. Peter Lim, the controversial Singaporean billionaire owner of Valencia Football Club, has officially placed the club on the market for $562 million (€400 million), according reports in the Spanish media. The decision follows years of discontent from fans who have grown increasingly frustrated with his management and the club's financial struggles. Despite initially rescuing Valencia from the brink of bankruptcy in 2014, Lim's tenure has been marred by poor decision-making, financial instability, and a lack of investment, particularly in the long-stalled Nou Mestalla stadium project. In recent years, Valencia has faced mounting challenges, including a revolving door of managers, the sale of top players, and fears of relegation. The club, which once competed in European competitions, now finds itself struggling in La Liga, languishing in the lower part of the table. Fans have long expressed their discontent, with regular "Lim Go Home" protests at Mestalla, and the frustration reached a new level when two Spanish nationals were detained by Singaporean authorities for protesting Lim's ownership. The couple, Dani Cuesta and Mireia Sáez, who were on their honeymoon in Singapore, held a banner that read "Lim Go Home" outside Lim's residence, leading to their brief detention by Singapore police. After being issued a "stern warning," the couple left Singapore, but their protest highlighted the international reach of Valencia fans' dissatisfaction. The incident underscores the deepening divide between Lim and the fanbase, which has been calling for a change in ownership for years. Valencia's financial woes are significant, with debts reported to be as high as €340 million. While the club has agreed to resume work on the Nou Mestalla project, any potential buyer will need to help fund its completion. Interest in buying the club has surfaced in the past, with figures such as PSG president Nasser Al Khelaifi reportedly among the potential investors. However, the real challenge remains whether Lim can find a buyer who is willing to take on the club's debt and invest in its future. With the club facing an uncertain future, fans are hopeful that new ownership will bring the stability and success that Valencia desperately needs. The sale could mark the beginning of a new era for the club, one that might finally restore its competitive edge in La Liga and ensure the completion of its long-awaited stadium. In a triumphant return to form, Singapore's Yeo Jia Min clinched her first Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Tour title in six years at the German Open on Sunday (2 March) by defeating Vietnam's Nguyen Thuy Linh 21-16, 21-17 in the women's singles final. Meanwhile, her compatriot, Loh Kean Yew, despite falling short in the men's final, also impressed with a strong performance. With her win at the Westenergie Sporthalle in Mulheim, Germany, Yeo claimed her third World Tour title and fifth international title overall, following her Polish Open win in 2023. The 26-year-old's victory came after a long stretch of near misses, including a painful defeat at the 2021 Hylo Open. She then recorded a good run in 2024, breaking her winless streak against 2019 world champion P V Sindhu of India, and defeating four top-10 players An Se-young of South Korea, Akane Yamaguchi of Japan, Han Yue of China and Gregoria Tunjun of Indonesia. The world No 13's good form continued in early 2025 by making the quarter-finals at the Super 1000 Malaysia Open and Super 750 India Open. Yeo dominated the final in Mulheim sealing the match in just 41 minutes. From the start, she showcased her exceptional skills, pulling off well-timed drop shots and dominating the net play. Nguyen, ranked 29th in the world, struggled to match Yeo's sharp angles and strategic play, despite briefly fighting back in the second game. Alongside Yeo's victory, her compatriot Loh Kean Yew also showcased his resilience, although he fell short against Denmark's Viktor Axelsen in the men's singles final. Loh gave a spirited performance, coming from behind multiple times, but ultimately lost 21-19, 21-18. Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong reaffirmed the nation's strong commitment to aiding Gaza, as the ongoing conflict in the region continues to highlight broader global instability. Speaking at a humanitarian relief event on Sunday (2 March), which coincided with the first day of Ramadan, Wong underscored the importance of international solidarity in addressing Gaza's crisis while emphasising unity and kindness within Singapore to face global challenges. Wong reiterated Singapore's long-standing support for Palestinian statehood and humanitarian aid efforts at the Humanity Matters Relief Packing Exercise for Gaza. In February, Singapore's first female president Halimah Yacob dismissed US President Donald Trump's controversial plan for the US to take over Gaza and re-settle Palestinians in other countries. Singapore's former President described the idea as 'truly horrifying' and a 'a clear violation of international laws.' The nation has contributed more than $19 million in aid and sent seven humanitarian shipments to Gaza, reflecting its commitment to addressing the urgent needs of the region. 'The suffering of civilians speaks to our shared humanity,' Wong said, urging Singaporeans to continue contributing to humanitarian efforts despite the geographical distance from Gaza. He also stressed that while Gaza's needs are vast, every contribution – from volunteer work to donations – matters greatly. Wong highlighted the growing global instability, warning that the world was becoming more dangerous and resembling a 'lawless jungle' where might often prevails over international norms. He called on Singaporeans to stay united, reminding them that solidarity and mutual respect are what make the nation resilient in the face of global turbulence. In addition to the relief packing exercise, the Singapore government continues to support various initiatives like the M3 Bazaar for Gaza, launched during Ramadan, to raise funds for the region. Singapore's efforts are also reflected in its ongoing support for a negotiated two-state solution for Palestine, ensuring long-term peace in the Middle East. Read on PM Wong's pledge for continued support for Gaza here. In 2024, Singapore saw a significant rise in business closures, with 307 companies forced into compulsory liquidation, marking the highest level since 2010. This surge in insolvencies signals a growing strain on the local economy as firms struggle with mounting costs and economic uncertainty. The Ministry of Law reported that the number of companies winding up in Singapore has more than doubled from 201 to 307 in just a year. Analysts point to rising operational costs, including higher rents, as a key factor driving small businesses to the brink. The pressures are felt across industries, from hawker stalls to larger corporate entities, as the cost of living and doing business in Singapore continues to climb. As the economy faces these challenges, growth projections for 2025 have been downgraded. Singapore's expected growth for this year is between 1 per cent and 3 per cent, significantly lower than the 4.4 per cent seen in 2024. The slowdown is attributed to external factors like rising protectionism, as Singapore is highly trade-dependent. With business closures at a 15-year high, experts warn that more companies may struggle to remain afloat unless these rising operational costs are addressed. Read on Singapore's corporate insolvencies here. Shares of Mixue Ice Cream and Tea, China's largest bubble tea and iced drink chain, surged nearly 30 per cent on their first day of trading on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on Monday (3 Mar). The company raised a total of US$444 million in its initial public offering (IPO), making it the most significant IPO in Hong Kong this year. Founded in 1997 as a small ice shop in Zhengzhou, Mixue has grown to dominate the global bubble tea and iced drink market with over 45,000 stores worldwide, including Singapore, surpassing even Starbucks' 40,576 locations. Unlike Starbucks, Mixue operates primarily through franchising, with 99 per cent of its stores run by franchisees. This model has allowed the company to expand rapidly, adding more than 8,500 new stores in 2023 alone. Mixue's IPO was met with overwhelming investor interest, with retail subscriptions oversubscribed by more than 5,000 times, making it one of the most popular offerings in Hong Kong's history. Retail investors applied for a record HK$1.8 trillion in margin loans to buy shares, reflecting the massive demand for the company's stock. The chain's business model sets it apart from competitors like Starbucks. Mixue generates most of its revenue by selling ingredients, packaging, and equipment to its franchisees rather than relying on traditional franchise fees. In 2024, more than 97 per cent of Mixue's revenue came from these product sales, highlighting the company's vertically integrated supply chain. Read on Mixue's successful Hong Kong IPO debut here. Microsoft announced on Friday (28 Feb) that Skype, once the dominant force in video communication, will be officially retired on 5 May 2025. The decision comes as Microsoft focuses on Teams, its business-oriented platform. Skype, founded in 2003, was one of the first services to make video calling mainstream. Acquired by Microsoft in 2011 for US$8.5 billion, the platform initially thrived as a consumer-facing tool. Skype's decline is attributed to its inability to adapt to changing consumer preferences and its failure to fully integrate with Microsoft's business strategy. Despite its early success, Skype's relevance began to fade as competitors like Zoom and WhatsApp surged ahead, especially during the pandemic, when the demand for video conferencing exploded. Skype's shutdown marks the end of a significant chapter in communication technology. Read on Skype going offline in 2025 here. The 2025 Academy Awards saw Anora sweep the night, winning five prestigious Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director for Sean Baker, and Best Actress for Mikey Madison. Hosted by Conan O'Brien, the event held at Hollywood's Dolby Theatre also featured notable wins from Adrien Brody, Kieran Culkin, and Zoe Saldaña. Baker's Anora, a stirring drama about a New York stripper and a Russian heir's tumultuous love affair, marked a historic achievement, with Baker winning four Academy Awards, including Best Director. Adrien Brody won his second Oscar for Best Actor in The Brutalist. In the supporting categories, Kieran Culkin received Best Supporting Actor for his role in A Real Pain, while Zoe Saldaña took home Best Supporting Actress for Emilia Pérez. The evening also featured a moving tribute to firefighters who battled the devastating Los Angeles wildfires earlier in the year, with a standing ovation for their bravery. Read on the Oscars' winners, the fashion, the viral moments here. Despite government initiatives and societal expectations for higher birth rates, Singapore's fertility rate in 2024 remains at 0.97, mirroring last year's historic low. The Year of the Dragon, traditionally seen as a favourable time for births, failed to reverse the trend of declining fertility in the city-state. Minister Indranee Rajah addressed the issue in Parliament, stressing that Singapore's aging population and decreasing workforce present long-term challenges for the economy. With fewer young people entering the workforce and a growing elderly population, the pressure on social systems and healthcare will only intensify. To counteract this, Singapore continues to enhance support for families, such as the introduction of the Large Families Scheme offering financial bonuses for families with three or more children. Despite these efforts, the country's fertility rate remains far below the replacement level, indicating that the issue goes beyond financial incentives. The government is increasingly relying on immigration as a solution to bolster the local workforce. In 2024, 24,000 new citizens and 35,000 new permanent residents were welcomed to Singapore, reflecting a modest increase over previous years. As the population faces rapid demographic changes, Singapore emphasised that it will continue to adjust its population strategies to address both the short-term and long-term needs of the country. Read on the growing concern about Singapore's low birth rate here. Shares of City Developments Ltd (CDL) plunged 7 per cent this week, hitting their lowest point since 2009, after a high-profile family feud between the company's patriarch, Kwek Leng Beng, and his son, CEO Sherman Kwek. CDL shares dropped 28 cents, or 5.47 per cent upon trading resumption Monday (3 March). The elder Kwek has accused his son of breaching corporate governance laws and making poor business decisions that led to significant financial losses. Sherman Kwek has denied these claims, insisting that the board acted in the best interests of the company. This legal battle, which includes a lawsuit and duelling statements from both sides, has caused concern among investors, particularly in light of CDL's already challenging financial situation. The family struggle, which mirrors the dramatic power plays in Succession, has made waves in the business world, with many questioning the future of the company. Read on the Kwek's boardroom family drama that led to sharp decline in CDL stock price here. Celebrated Hong Kong singer-songwriter Khalil Fong passed away at the age of 41 on 21 Feb after a prolonged battle with illness. His death was confirmed by his music label, Fu Music, on Saturday (2 March). Fong's passing has left fans and colleagues mourning his loss, with tributes pouring in from notable figures like Singapore's JJ Lin, who expressed his shock on Instagram, saying, 'Soul boy, gone too soon. You will be deeply missed.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by JJ Lin (@jjlin) Best known for his unique fusion of R&B and soul with Mandopop, Fong leaves behind an impressive musical legacy, including hits like Love Love Love and Special Person. Fong was born in Hawaii in 1983 and relocated to Hong Kong in the late 1990s. He rose to fame with his 2005 debut album Soulboy, marking a new era in Mandopop with his distinctive sound. Despite his flourishing career, Fong faced severe health setbacks in 2010 when he was diagnosed with pneumothorax. His condition, a collapsed lung, prompted multiple hospitalisations, ultimately leading him to retreat from the public eye after his 2016 album Journey to the West. In 2024, Fong made a triumphant return to the music scene with The Dreamer, an album reflecting his ongoing struggles with illness. In an Instagram post, he shared that the recording process was both a challenge and a relief during a difficult time in his life. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Khalil Fong (@soulboykhalilfong) He had been optimistic despite his health battles and even posted a New Year message on social media just days before his passing. Fong's influence extended beyond music. He was also a children's book author, creating a series of graphic novels titled Emi The Dream Catcher. Read on Khalil Fong's passing here.
