Latest News from Online Citizen
Online Citizen
6 hours ago
- Sport
- Online Citizen
Shanti Pereira wins silver and narrowly misses 200m gold at Asian Championships in Gumi
Singapore sprinter Shanti Pereira came agonisingly close to defending her 200m crown at the Asian Athletics Championships, missing out by a mere 0.01 seconds in a thrilling final on 31 May in Gumi, South Korea. Pereira clocked a time of 22.98 seconds, just behind China's Chen Yujie, who clinched gold in 22.97 seconds. China's Li Yuting claimed the bronze with a time of 23.23 seconds. This marked Pereira's second silver medal of the championships, having also finished runner-up in the women's 100m final earlier in the week. In that event, she recorded a time of 11.41 seconds, narrowly behind China's Liang Xiaojing who clocked 11.37 seconds. Vietnam's Tran Thi Nhi Yen completed the podium in 11.54 seconds. Pereira had qualified for the 200m final by finishing second overall in the heats on 30 May. Her performance maintained her presence among Asia's elite sprinters despite a challenging year. The 2025 season has been one of both promise and setbacks for Pereira. She entered the championships looking to replicate her exceptional form from 2023, when she achieved a historic sprint double. At the 2023 edition of the Asian Athletics Championships in Bangkok, Pereira won gold in both the 100m and 200m events. In the 100m, she set a new Singapore national record with a time of 11.20 seconds. She followed that by dominating the 200m field, clocking 22.70 seconds — a meet record that remains unbroken. That same year, she went on to win gold in the 200m and silver in the 100m at the Hangzhou Asian Games, solidifying her position as one of Asia's premier sprinters. However, 2024 posed unexpected challenges for Pereira. After an intensive training stint in Florida early in the year, she suffered a stress injury in her fibula. The injury forced her to withdraw from high-profile competitions including her planned Diamond League debut in Xiamen and Shanghai, as well as two major meets in Japan. These disruptions impacted her Olympic preparation. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Pereira competed in both the 100m and 200m but did not advance past the heats. In the 100m, she finished 55th overall with a time of 11.63 seconds. In the 200m, she managed 23.21 seconds in the initial heats and 23.45 seconds in the repechage round. Despite these difficulties, Pereira's performance in Gumi signals a resilient return to form. Her times in both the 100m and 200m finals suggest she remains competitive among the region's best, even as she continues her comeback from injury. Pereira still holds the Singapore national records in both sprint events — 11.20 seconds in the 100m and 22.57 seconds in the 200m — a testament to her elite calibre. As the 2025 season progresses, all eyes will be on how Pereira builds from this performance, with attention likely turning toward future continental meets and potential Diamond League entries, health permitting.
Online Citizen
a day ago
- Politics
- Online Citizen
China to skip sending defence minister Dong Jun to 2025 Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore
China will not send Defence Minister Dong Jun to this year's Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD) in Singapore, marking a notable departure from its usual high-level representation at the annual security forum. The announcement was made by China's Ministry of Defence on 29 May 2025, just one day before the forum is scheduled to begin. Instead of Dong, China will be represented by a delegation from the People's Liberation Army (PLA) National Defence University. This decision breaks a recent pattern of ministerial-level representation. Since 2019, China has consistently sent its defence ministers to the SLD, except during the 2020 and 2021 editions, which were cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The 2025 forum will be held from 30 May to 1 June. Without Dong's presence, China will be unable to hold ministerial-level bilateral talks with countries such as the United States. The absence is likely to be felt, as China's participation at the SLD is typically one of the forum's highlights. It is one of the rare venues where foreign defence officials, scholars, and media can engage directly with senior Chinese defence representatives. At the 2024 event, Dong had met his then US counterpart Lloyd Austin, marking their first direct interaction. This year, the US delegation will be led by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, appointed under President Donald Trump's new administration. Observers note that bilateral meetings with the Chinese defence minister have traditionally been a key draw for other countries attending the SLD. China's participation in the dialogue began in 2011, when it sent a defence minister for the first time since the forum's inception in 2002. Between 2012 and 2018, China was typically represented by senior officials from the Academy of Military Science or the Central Military Commission (CMC). It was not until 2019 that China consistently began sending its defence ministers to lead the delegation. Amid strained US-China ties, visa revocations spark diplomatic protest The decision not to send Dong this year comes amid heightened tensions between China and the United States on multiple fronts. On the same day the Defence Ministry's announcement was made, Beijing also criticised Washington's move to revoke visas of Chinese students. Foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning described the revocations as 'unreasonable,' stating they were based on ideological and national security grounds. 'China firmly opposes this and has lodged representations with the US,' said Mao. The US action was announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who stated that the country would begin aggressively revoking visas of Chinese students. The revocations would target individuals with alleged ties to the Chinese Communist Party or those studying in sensitive fields. Beijing responded by urging Washington to adopt a more constructive stance towards stabilising bilateral relations. Ongoing military purge under Xi casts shadow over Dong's absence Internally, another possible factor behind Dong's absence could be the continued reshuffling within China's military leadership. Dong, who was appointed defence minister in December 2023, was reportedly subject to investigations in late 2024. Despite those reports, he has maintained a public presence, including engagements with foreign delegations. However, his position comes at a time when President Xi Jinping has initiated a sweeping anti-corruption campaign within the PLA. In April 2025, Xi removed General He Weidong, the second-highest-ranking officer in the PLA, following the earlier suspension of Admiral Miao Hua. Both were senior members of the six-person Central Military Commission, which oversees the PLA. The campaign reflects Xi's efforts to consolidate control and root out long-standing corruption within China's military establishment. Against this backdrop, China appears to be recalibrating its foreign defence engagements. By sending a lower-level delegation to the SLD, Beijing may be attempting to balance public diplomacy with its internal leadership adjustments. China is also positioning itself as a more stable partner amid US-led trade and security pressures in the Indo-Pacific. Chinese state media and diplomatic channels have in recent months run narratives portraying China as a bulwark against what it calls US 'bullying'.
Online Citizen
2 days ago
- General
- Online Citizen
Fire at Whampoa Heights leaves five hospitalised, 40 evacuated as SCDF investigates cause
SINGAPORE: A fire broke out at Whampoa Heights on 29 May 2025, prompting the evacuation of 40 residents and hospitalising five individuals for smoke inhalation. Footage of the incident circulated on TikTok showed flames and thick smoke rising from the second and third floors of the Housing Board block. According to a Facebook post by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), firefighters from Central Fire Station responded at about 11:40am. The fire, occurred at 20 Jalan Tenteram, had involved items placed along the corridor outside units on both floors. The flames had also spread into the interiors of the affected units. SCDF deployed two water jets to bring the situation under control. Several neighbouring units sustained heat and soot damage. As a precaution, about 40 residents from the block were evacuated by SCDF and the Police. SCDF conveyed two people to Singapore General Hospital, two to Tan Tock Seng Hospital, and one to KK Women's and Children's Hospital. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. SCDF advised residents to help maintain a safe living environment by ensuring common corridors, lift lobbies, and staircases remain free of clutter. Cluttered spaces can accelerate fire spread and obstruct emergency response. In 2021, the same block experienced another fire that led to ten hospitalisations. SCDF's 2024 statistics show 968 residential fire calls were made that year, with the top causes being unattended cooking and fires of electrical origin.
Online Citizen
2 days ago
- Business
- Online Citizen
FT article describes Singaporeans as ‘rich and naive' amid S$1.1 billion lost to scams in 2024
An article published by the Financial Times (FT) has cast a harsh spotlight on Singapore's worsening online scam crisis, describing the Republic as being engulfed in a 'scamdemic'. According to the FT report published on 26 May 2025, Singapore's unique blend of affluence, high digital connectivity and strong social trust has made it a fertile target for international scam syndicates. The article, titled 'Rich and naive': why Singapore is engulfed in a 'scamdemic', was authored by FT Singapore correspondent Owen Walker. It portrays the situation as a national emergency, driven by complex factors deeply embedded in Singapore's social and economic fabric. Referencing figures from the Singapore Police Force's annual scam report released on 25 February 2025, the article noted that scam victims in Singapore lost a total of S$1.1 billion in 2024 — a staggering 70% increase from the S$651.8 million lost in 2023. Walker pointed out that Singaporeans were the most heavily scammed globally on a per-person basis, with each victim losing an average of US$4,031 — the highest reported figure among countries surveyed. Scam surge framed as 'national crisis' rooted in social and economic traits The FT article highlights that this is only a fraction of a massive global criminal enterprise, estimated to be worth US$1 trillion. Yet, it argues that Singapore's demographic and behavioural profile — described by one asset recovery professional as 'rich and naive' — leaves its citizens particularly exposed. A prominent example cited was veteran actor Laurence Pang, who lost nearly S$40,000 in a cryptocurrency-linked romance scam, despite his profile and awareness. The article uses this to illustrate how even cautious and educated individuals are vulnerable to today's sophisticated frauds. True scale of scam losses likely exceeds reported figures Crucially, the FT notes that many scams go unreported, meaning actual losses may be far higher than official statistics indicate. The piece also turns its focus to where these scams originate. It identifies sprawling scam centres operating from Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar — often staffed by individuals who are themselves victims of human trafficking. Nick Court, assistant director of financial crime at Interpol, was quoted as saying that Southeast Asia is now a major hotbed for romance, impersonation and phishing scams. These call centres, he added, are responsible for much of the fraudulent activity impacting victims globally. In Singapore, while most scams result in losses below S$2,000, thousands of victims have been tricked into handing over their life savings. Scammers often pose as bank representatives, government officials, or even law enforcement officers. The most common scam categories include ecommerce fraud, job scams, romance scams, impersonation of government officials, malware attacks, and business email compromises. In over 80% of reported Singaporean cases, the victims are persuaded — or psychologically manipulated — to transfer money or crypto assets themselves. The rising use of artificial intelligence by fraudsters has added further complexity. In March 2025, the Monetary Authority of Singapore warned that AI-generated content, including deepfake videos, was increasingly being used to impersonate officials and solicit fraudulent transfers. The report noted that the country's rapid adoption of digital banking, though efficient, allows for money to be moved out of the system with alarming speed — typically within 30 minutes. This makes recovery efforts extremely difficult. Emotional manipulation leaves victims powerless at final stage of scam Loretta Yuen, chair of the fraud committee at the Association of Banks in Singapore, told FT that victims are often 'under such a heavy spell' by the time they reach the bank, that halting the transfers is nearly impossible — especially in scams involving romance, investments, or impersonation. Authorities said that most scam contacts are initiated via Meta-owned platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Meta has claimed it is actively tackling the issue, stating that over 7 million scam-linked accounts — mostly based in Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and the Philippines — have been identified and removed in 2024 alone. Ironically, even anti-scam initiatives have been hijacked. The FT reported that scammers have impersonated Singapore's own Anti-Scam Centre, calling victims while pretending to be police officers. In 2024, more than 1,500 such impersonation scams were reported to the police. During Parliament sitting in March, then-Minister of State for Home Affairs and Social and Family Development, Sun Xueling, announced that Singapore would consider imposing caning in severe scam cases, noting the immense financial and emotional harm inflicted. She also announced heightened efforts to crack down on money mule activity and enforce stronger deterrents through expanded investigative capabilities. Even Singapore's elite fall victim to sophisticated investment scams The recent surge in scams serves as a stark reminder that even Singapore's legal and corporate elite are not immune to complex financial fraud, highlighting that wealth and status offer no safeguard against deception. Among the most prominent cases is that of Pek Siok Lan, general counsel for Temasek Holdings, who was reportedly cheated of S$5.5 million. She was one of several victims named in fresh charge sheets filed against Singaporean businessman Ng Yu Zhi in 2021. Ng stands accused of orchestrating a S$1 billion investment fraud through his companies under the Envy Group. He allegedly lured hundreds of investors with claims of lucrative nickel-trading deals — which were later revealed to be fictitious. Other high-profile victims include criminal lawyer Sunil Sudheesan and former Law Society president Thio Shen Yi, who were allegedly defrauded of S$1 million and S$87,000 respectively. Senior figures in the investment world were also targeted: Vickers Capital Group chairman Finian Tan was allegedly swindled out of US$19.2 million, while Chuan Hup Holdings CEO Terence Peh reportedly lost S$3 million. The scale of deception prompted at least four lawsuits against Ng and Envy Global Trading, with investors seeking to recover some S$50 million. Authorities seized about S$100 million worth of Ng's assets in 2021. The fraudulent activities took place between 2016 and 2021. In April 2025, a court-appointed liquidator testified that the nickel trades never existed and characterised Ng's business as a Ponzi scheme in layman's terms. Ng is accused of using investor funds to bankroll a lavish lifestyle, including over S$21 million spent on nearly 20 luxury cars.
Online Citizen
2 days ago
- Politics
- Online Citizen
PM Wong issues 'Rules of Prudence', calls on PAP MPs to serve with honesty and incorruptibility
SINGAPORE: People's Action Party (PAP) Members of Parliament (MPs) must uphold the highest standards of integrity, honesty and incorruptibility, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in his first 'Rules of Prudence' letter since assuming office. In the eight-page letter released to the media on 29 May, Wong urged PAP MPs to take ownership of causes they care about and advocate for them with conviction and responsibility. While championing issues that reflect constituents' aspirations or wider national concerns, MPs must go beyond rhetoric, he said. 'You have to research the issues thoroughly, engage diverse stakeholders, understand the trade-offs, and present well-reasoned arguments for improving policies,' wrote Wong, stressing the importance of effective and informed advocacy. The issuance of the 'Rules of Prudence' has been a PAP tradition following each general election. This is Wong's first such letter since becoming Prime Minister and PAP secretary-general. The party recently won 87 out of 97 parliamentary seats with 65.57 per cent of the vote in the general election. While the core principles echoed those laid out in previous editions, particularly the one issued by Lee Hsien Loong in 2020, Wong's letter also highlighted current challenges and expectations, particularly in a more scrutinised and digitally connected political landscape. MPs urged to prepare thoroughly for key parliamentary debates Wong noted that MPs will first speak in Parliament during the upcoming debate on the President's Address, though the date of Parliament's reopening has yet to be announced. Other speaking opportunities include the Budget debate and debates on the budgets of various ministries. 'Make every opportunity count. Prepare your speeches carefully and deliver them clearly. This will help your audience and the media to grasp your points effectively,' Wong advised. He also emphasised the importance of engaging in robust but respectful parliamentary debate. MPs should be prepared for sharper questioning and must engage opposition members constructively. 'Address the issues and not the person,' he said, cautioning MPs against playing to the gallery. The 15th term of Parliament will feature 12 opposition MPs from the Workers' Party, including two Non-Constituency MPs. Wong addressed the evolving role of social media in political communication. Use social media wisely, not to disparage others, MPs told He urged MPs to embrace digital platforms to share their work and views, and to engage residents directly. However, he warned against using such platforms to disparage others. 'Social media has become a key channel for communication and a primary source of news for many. Use it well, but never to attack or undermine others,' he wrote. The letter reiterated key principles long held by the PAP, including clean government, proper conduct in Parliament, and separating business from politics. MPs were also reminded to maintain respectful relationships with public servants and to avoid exerting undue pressure or bypassing formal procedures. 'Never pressure [public servants] or seek to bypass proper processes,' Wong stated. Wong warns MPs against accepting gifts or favours He cautioned MPs against accepting gifts or favours that may compromise their impartiality. The letter specifically mentioned hampers, entertainment, dinners, and newly, concert tickets, as potential 'social lubricants' used to curry favour. 'You must be shrewd in assessing the motives of people who seek to get close to you. Both in conduct and perception, you must stand above any hint of favour or influence,' he wrote. Additional sections of the letter covered topics such as fundraising, financial prudence, and limits on holding directorships. Wong concluded by calling on PAP MPs to conduct themselves with modesty, dignity and decorum. 'In this internet age, you will always be in the public eye. You must win respect, not popularity, to stay the course,' he said.
