Latest news with #NDR
AsiaOne
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- AsiaOne
Rock and roll, CDC vouchers for durians: Some light-hearted moments from PM Wong's NDR2025 speech, Singapore News
The National Day Rally (NDR) speech is mostly about policies, planning and the serious matters of governance. During the NDR speech on Sunday (Aug 17), Prime Minister Lawrence Wong had all of that, but he injected some light-hearted moments that had the audience in stitches. Here are some of those light-hearted moments: Durians over daily necessities During his Mandarin speech, PM Wong brought up the CDC and SG60 vouchers given to Singaporeans as part of relief measures amid cost-of-living pressures. He pointed out how durian sellers had quickly put up posters announcing that vouchers can be used to purchase their Musang King durians. "The media reported that a couple had in a single purchase, spent $800 worth of vouchers to buy durians," he said. "I know many people love durians. I like them too. However, after satisfying your durian cravings, please don't forget to save some vouchers for your daily essentials," he said, half in jest, much to the laughter from the audience. A small umbrella There's a forecast of rain in the near future and Singaporeans may need an umbrella to weather the storm. Addressing how Singaporeans will need to work together to share this 'umbrella', PM Wong recalled the 1980s hit Hokkien song Cit Ke Sio Ho Sua (For A Small Umbrella). The song, which tells the story of two people sharing an umbrella in the rain, had two people soaking wet with the path ahead barely visible. However, the duo continued to sing: "As the rain gets heavier, I will take care of you, and you will take care of me." "While there will be stormy weather on the road ahead, I firmly believe that we will look out for one another, weather the storms together and usher in a new era as one," PM Wong explained. "As long as we stay united and forge ahead, we will be able to write a new and more exciting chapter of the Singapore story," he enthused. Built on rock and roll On the topic of music, the Prime Minister highlighted how every generation worries about negative influences. Prior to his time, he said, bad influence was believed to come in the form of comic books and rock music. "Rock music was frowned upon — it was seen as a corrupting Western influence that promoted a decadent lifestyle," PM Wong said. "We cut back on broadcasting rock music on the radio, we banned jukeboxes. In the early 70s, we didn't allow rock band Led Zeppelin to perform here," he shared. Some members of the audience were shocked to hear this, with some, including Aljunied GRC People's Action Party candidate Daniel Liu, who was seen sporting a quizzical look. PM Wong added: "If you don't know Led Zeppelin, you're missing out on the good stuff." Eventually, the restrictions were relaxed, and PM Wong grew up with both comics and rock music, of which the latter was a key part of his upbringing. "We all turned out fine," he said. Trick question? Being Singapore's Prime Minister doesn't mean you have to be a math whiz. PM Wong spoke of the developments in artificial intelligence (AI), and how it used to be incapable of solving simple mathematical equations. Showing one such question on screen, PM Wong commented: "It's not a trick question, everyone can answer it." Many members of the audience laughed knowingly, some even shaking their heads at how simple the basic arithmetic question was. Instead of solving the question, AI would answer obliquely, giving a nonsensical response, he said. Recently, AI took part in the International Math Olympiad, earning a gold medal. Flashing one of the questions from the examination on the screen, PM Wong admitted: "It's so complex I can't even understand the question, but AI got it right! "I won't show you the answer, I don't think anyone even understands the question, let alone the answer!" The 'ulu' north He also took the opportunity to speak on the northern region of Singapore, which has been addressed less than other regions, he said. "Some people say that the northern part of Singapore is more ulu (remote)... I assure you, it's not," he asserted, promising to focus on the northern region in his speech. This elicited cheers and applause from members of the audience, with some — presumably from the northern parts of Singapore — expressing enthused approval at his statement. True to his word, PM Wong highlighted three areas in the north: Woodlands, Kranji and Sembawang. He shared goals for redeveloping Woodlands Checkpoint, building a new housing estate in Kranji and repurposing Sembawang shipyard among other plans. "Just as we transformed Punggol, these plans will take shape in the years ahead, and they will become reality," PM Wong said. He added: "That's how we make sure every part of Singapore shines — each with its own character, and a place we can all be proud to call home." khooyihang@
AsiaOne
a day ago
- Entertainment
- AsiaOne
Using CDC vouchers to buy durians, rock and roll: Some light-hearted moments from PM Wong's NDR2025 speech, Singapore News
The National Day Rally (NDR) speech is mostly about policies, planning and the serious matters of governance. During the NDR speech on Sunday (Aug 17), Prime Minister Lawrence Wong had all of that, but he injected some light-hearted moments that had the audience in stitches. Here are some of those light-hearted moments: Durians over daily necessities During his Mandarin speech, PM Wong brought up the CDC and SG60 vouchers given to Singaporeans as part of relief measures amid cost-of-living pressures. He pointed out how durian sellers had quickly put up posters announcing that vouchers can be used to purchase their Musang King durians. "The media reported that a couple had in a single purchase, spent $800 worth of vouchers to buy durians," he said. "I know many people love durians. I like them too. However, after satisfying your durian cravings, please don't forget to save some vouchers for your daily essentials," he said, half in jest, much to the laughter from the audience. A small umbrella There's a forecast of rain in the near future and Singaporeans may need an umbrella to weather the storm. Addressing how Singaporeans will need to work together to share this 'umbrella', PM Wong recalled the 1980s hit Hokkien song Cit Ke Sio Ho Sua (For A Small Umbrella). The song, which tells the story of two people sharing an umbrella in the rain, had two people soaking wet with the path ahead barely visible. However, the duo continued to sing: "As the rain gets heavier, I will take care of you, and you will take care of me." "While there will be stormy weather on the road ahead, I firmly believe that we will look out for one another, weather the storms together and usher in a new era as one," PM Wong explained. "As long as we stay united and forge ahead, we will be able to write a new and more exciting chapter of the Singapore story," he enthused. Built on rock and roll On the topic of music, the Prime Minister highlighted how every generation worries about negative influences. Prior to his time, he said, bad influence was believed to come in the form of comic books and rock music. "Rock music was frowned upon — it was seen as a corrupting Western influence that promoted a decadent lifestyle," PM Wong said. "We cut back on broadcasting rock music on the radio, we banned jukeboxes. In the early 70s, we didn't allow rock band Led Zeppelin to perform here," he shared. Some members of the audience were shocked to hear this, with some, including Aljunied GRC People's Action Party candidate Daniel Liu, who was seen sporting a quizzical look. PM Wong added: "If you don't know Led Zeppelin, you're missing out on the good stuff." Eventually, the restrictions were relaxed, and PM Wong grew up with both comics and rock music, of which the latter was a key part of his upbringing. "We all turned out fine," he said. Trick question? Being Singapore's Prime Minister doesn't mean you have to be a math whiz. PM Wong spoke of the developments in artificial intelligence (AI), and how it used to be incapable of solving simple mathematical equations. Showing one such question on screen, PM Wong commented: "It's not a trick question, everyone can answer it." Many members of the audience laughed knowingly, some even shaking their heads at how simple the basic arithmetic question was. Instead of solving the question, AI would answer obliquely, giving a nonsensical response, he said. Recently, AI took part in the International Math Olympiad, earning a gold medal. Flashing one of the questions from the examination on the screen, PM Wong admitted: "It's so complex I can't even understand the question, but AI got it right! "I won't show you the answer, I don't think anyone even understands the question, let alone the answer!" The 'ulu' north He also took the opportunity to speak on the northern region of Singapore, which has been addressed less than other regions, he said. "Some people say that the northern part of Singapore is more ulu (remote)... I assure you, it's not," he asserted, promising to focus on the northern region in his speech. This elicited cheers and applause from members of the audience, with some — presumably from the northern parts of Singapore — expressing enthused approval at his statement. True to his word, PM Wong highlighted three areas in the north: Woodlands, Kranji and Sembawang. He shared goals for redeveloping Woodlands Checkpoint, building a new housing estate in Kranji and repurposing Sembawang shipyard among other plans. "Just as we transformed Punggol, these plans will take shape in the years ahead, and they will become reality," PM Wong said. He added: "That's how we make sure every part of Singapore shines — each with its own character, and a place we can all be proud to call home." khooyihang@
CNA
a day ago
- Business
- CNA
Commentary: PM Lawrence Wong's NDR speech focused largely on practical policy issues for a reason
SINGAPORE: In a year when Singapore marked its 60th birthday and the incumbent People's Action Party secured a decisive win at the polls, many had expected this year's National Day Rally (NDR) – depending on who you asked – to be uplifting, inspirational or even come with a touch of razzle-dazzle. I for one was curious to see what approach Prime Minister Lawrence Wong would take. This was his second NDR as leader, and the first since securing an improved mandate in the May general election - bucking the historical trend of the ruling party's vote share declining after a new prime minister takes office. Would he seek to add more texture to the vision of his 4G team for Singapore in the next 60 years, lay out a road map for how Singapore can remain ' exceptional ', address the multiple challenges facing the country in an increasingly complex and contested global environment, or would he continue the SG60 celebratory rhetoric? A FOCUS ON PRACTICAL POLICY As it turns out, Mr Wong devoted most of his speech to addressing practical policy issues that are likely on the minds of many Singaporeans. These included the government's efforts to review the economy amid global headwinds, its prioritisation of technology and innovation as a way to create jobs for Singaporeans while remaining competitive and attractive to talent and investment, and how to tap on emerging technologies like quantum computing and artificial intelligence while protecting the youth from the negative effects of overuse and over-reliance on such tech. He also spoke about social challenges such as vaping, and Singapore's journey to becoming a super-aged society in the years ahead. About two-thirds of his one-and-a-half-hour speech in English focused on these policy areas, with the rest spent on broader ideas tied to his vision of a 'Singapore Spirit'. Perhaps this should not be surprising, given what emerged during GE2025. Many observers noted that Singaporeans had displayed greater pragmatism and a more practical approach when casting their votes, evaluating candidates more on what they had or could do on the ground, rather than lofty ideals or political rhetoric. 'That is how my team and I intend to lead. Not just doing things for Singaporeans – but doing things with Singaporeans,' Mr Wong said in his speech. With this in mind, Mr Wong could have been seeking to send a clear message to these citizens that he and his government remain focused on addressing the key challenges facing the country, while potentially avoiding any over-reliance on the SG60 narrative. At the same time, some observers have noted that, if these are the most pressing issues that the Singapore Prime Minister had to address in his most seminal speech of the year, then perhaps Singapore deserves its reputation as a comparatively stable, secure and well-run nation amid the current global uncertainty. A 'WE FIRST' SOCIETY But Mr Wong did devote time in his speech to laying out his vision for what he called the 'Singapore Spirit', with an emphasis on building a 'we first' society. He described this as one in which Singaporeans focused on 'strengthening bonds with each other instead of just looking out for their own self-interests', and said that this will be essential in ensuring that Singapore continues to survive and thrive. He said that this is because 'if everyone only thinks about 'me', and puts 'me' ahead of 'we', then we are finished. Society will fray, and things will fall apart.' Mr Wong also took the opportunity to underscore the need for collective effort involving government, businesses, workers, unions, community groups and civil society as 'we certainly don't want to end up as a society where people rely solely on the government'. This is shaping up to be a key feature of his 4G government, where co-creation with citizens and not a unilateral approach from the government will form the basis of the character and future of society. NOT IN MY BACKYARD Given the growing tendency for countries around the world to look inward and place greater emphasis on individual interests as opposed to collective good, and the manifestation of this in the form of protectionist behaviour and rejection of external ideas and even the presence of foreigners, Mr Wong's call to action to Singaporeans is a timely one. The critical question is what this vision will require in terms of actual shifts in mindset and behaviour across society. Such societal shifts are notoriously difficult to effect, if historical precedent is anything to go by. It is not uncommon for a 'not in my backyard' or 'NIMBY' attitude to outweigh the instinct to sacrifice individual concerns for the greater good. But perhaps the first and most important step is to acknowledge the challenges that precipitate the need for such a shift, and what better occasion than one of the most anticipated national addresses like the National Day Rally. Unlike in previous years, there were no big reveals or headline-grabbing 'goodies'. Last year, for example, Mr Wong announced changes to the Gifted Education Programme for primary schools, a major revamp of the Kallang precinct, an additional 10 weeks of shared parental leave and temporary financial support for involuntarily unemployed workers. Perhaps, in line with putting 'we' before 'me', Mr Wong may be leaving such announcements to his 4G team. More importantly, he used the occasion to speak to the more existential challenge of defining the Singapore spirit needed to ensure that all stakeholders – the government and every citizen – begin to pull in the same direction together for the country to be successful now and in the decades to come.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Sengkang Green Primary School suspends three P3 students over death threats; Key takeaways from NDR 2025: Singapore live news
Sengkang Green Primary School says they have suspended three Primary 3 students after it emerged they sent death threats to a classmate's mother who had reported them for alleged bullying offences against her daughter. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong issued a rallying cry as he called on Singaporeans to unite and write the next chapter of the nation's story. PM Wong outlined in his National Day Rally (NDR) speech, on 17 August, several plans the government has to support Singaporeans as they come to grips with multiple challenges. Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates: Sengkang Green Primary School suspends three P3 students over death threats Three Primary 3 students from Sengkang Green Primary School have been suspended after they sent death threats to a classmate's mother who had reported them for alleged bullying offences against her daughter. Facebook user Ni Yin, who claims to be the victim's mother, posted that for almost six months her daughter had been persistently bullied by three boys in her class. She also included an audio clip of the death threats sent to her where a voice can be heard saying: "I might dissect her. I might dissect her into pieces like you. So which one do you want me to do? Dissect her? Or end her life in school? Choose one. Either don't want one, I will kill you instead and your husband." Sengkang Green Primary School, in response to CNA, revealed it has engaged with the parents of the three students on their actions, and those who made the calls and threats were immediately suspended. However, the school added that "in the course of the school's investigations, we found that the affected student had also engaged in hurtful behaviours." The girl's mother said the school's statement about her daughter's behaviour "deeply harms the victim, diverts public attention, and shifts blame onto the child". The family of the girl made a police report after receiving the death threats. They also raised the issue with the Ministry of Education (MOE) and their Member of Parliament (MP). NDR 2025: Key takeaways Prime Minister Lawrence Wong delivered his first National Day Rally after the General Election 2025. Here are key takeaways from Sunday night's speech. More details about each topic in the links. Vaping will be treated as a drug issue with much stiffer penalties to be imposed. Govt to help workers better use AI in a bid to raise productivity and create new value in the economy. Schools to help students adapt to new technologies like AI while developing human qualities. Singapore to consider more ways to support parents and make online spaces safer for children. Match job seekers to roles nearer to home: Community development councils (CDCs) to lead effort. New state-funded traineeship programme for ITE, poly, university graduates. Rolling out of Age Well Neighbourhoods to support seniors. First homes at former Kranji racecourse to be ready in about 10 years. New Islamic college to be located next to SUSS in Rochor. You can watch PM Wong's full speech from the National Day Rally 2025, here. Singapore steps up anti-vaping efforts on public transport Commuters caught vaping in public transport spaces will be "removed from the premises and reported to authorities", warned the Land Transport Authority (LTA) on 18 August. LTA added that the police may be called in for offenders "found to be intoxicated" and that "our station staff are on active patrol to keep our public transport spaces safe and smoke-free." Echoing LTA, operator SMRT also released a statement today on Facebook reminding the public that vaping is "strictly banned" on their public transport network. "We enforce a zero-tolerance policy and will not hesitate to report offenders to the relevant authorities." The statements follow shortly after Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's announcement during Sunday's National Day Rally speech where he declared the government will treat vaping as a drug issue with stiffer penalties to be imposed. 'Running Man' star Kim Jong-kook announces marriage plans View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jk (@kjk76) Kim Jong-kook has news that will delight (or perhaps upset some) fans. The star of the hit series 'Running Man' is set to get married. The 49-year-old singer and entertainer announced the big development via a handwritten letter on his fan cafe this morning (18 August). He wrote: "At some point, I always thought to myself that a day would come when I would write and post something like this, so I kept preparing for it in my heart. But now that I am actually writing it, I feel much more nervous and anxious than I had imagined...I am getting married." Kim did not reveal the identity of his wife-to-be but did share that the wedding will be held soon in a "small setting with family and a few close friends". "I know that for many of you, the news will feel quite sudden. This year marks my 30th debut anniversary and instead of making the album I was supposed to make, I ended up making my other half," he said. Ker Ah Kin, owner of iconic Long Hwee stationery store, dies aged 78 Ker Ah Kin, the beloved owner of the iconic Long Hwee stationery store in Mei Ling, has died at the age of 78. The news was shared by Facebook page My Community on the evening of 15 August, along with a touching tribute, which you can read in full through the link. "Thanks for making all Queenstown kids fall in love with books and reading," a line from the tribute read. "We will always remember your soft, sweet smile. We will always remember you." Ker, with her husband Wee Kak Choo, set up their Queenstown store in 1968 and over the decades it became a permanent fixture for students and residents in the neighbourhood. In an interview with Mothership in June 2023, Ker revealed that business had been poor for a while and she was contemplating closing her much-loved store. NDR 2025: What analysts thought of PM Wong's rallying cry The Straits Times interviewed a number of analysts to offer their thoughts on Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's National Day Rally speech on 17 August. Dr Gillian Koh, a senior research fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), described the speech as a rallying call around the Singapore spirit. Associate Professor Eugene Tan, a political analyst at the Singapore Management University, shared similar thoughts, adding that the "speech sought to be reassuring, optimistic, encouraging, and a call to action." Dr Mathew Mathews, a principal research fellow at IPS and head of its Social Lab, said PM Wong's emphasis that Singapore must be a 'we first' society instead of "me first" was a much-needed refrain. "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,' he said. Adjunct associate professor in practice Terence Ho from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at NUS noted that Wong's focus on young people – including highlighting issues of vaping and excessive screen time – stood out for him. "This segment may not have received as much attention as other demographic groups previously,' he said. You can read the full ST article, here. PHOTOS: Hundreds of thousands in Israel protest Netanyahu's Gaza plan You can read about the protests in Tel Aviv and protests in Jerusalem, here. WP urges govt to engage widely and consider all options amid global uncertainty The Workers' Party (WP) – Singapore's largest opposition party – have responded to Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's National Day Rally speech. They urged the government to "leave no stone unturned" as Singapore looks to thrive despite global economic uncertainty. "Against this cautious backdrop, the Workers' Party urges the government to engage widely and explore all solutions tabled in good faith, including previously untapped ones," said WP. Among the needs addressed in WP's lengthy statement included ensuring that Singapore's economy remains resilient and keeps up with the times. "We reiterate our manifesto proposals that JTC Corporation should expand its market share for industrial space and continue offering low-rent options at different price-value points for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) alongside its private sector-run facilities," said WP. WP also once again called for a statutory minimum wage. You can read WP's full statement, here. Three Primary 3 students from Sengkang Green Primary School have been suspended after they sent death threats to a classmate's mother who had reported them for alleged bullying offences against her daughter. Facebook user Ni Yin, who claims to be the victim's mother, posted that for almost six months her daughter had been persistently bullied by three boys in her class. She also included an audio clip of the death threats sent to her where a voice can be heard saying: "I might dissect her. I might dissect her into pieces like you. So which one do you want me to do? Dissect her? Or end her life in school? Choose one. Either don't want one, I will kill you instead and your husband." Sengkang Green Primary School, in response to CNA, revealed it has engaged with the parents of the three students on their actions, and those who made the calls and threats were immediately suspended. However, the school added that "in the course of the school's investigations, we found that the affected student had also engaged in hurtful behaviours." The girl's mother said the school's statement about her daughter's behaviour "deeply harms the victim, diverts public attention, and shifts blame onto the child". The family of the girl made a police report after receiving the death threats. They also raised the issue with the Ministry of Education (MOE) and their Member of Parliament (MP). Prime Minister Lawrence Wong delivered his first National Day Rally after the General Election 2025. Here are key takeaways from Sunday night's speech. More details about each topic in the links. Vaping will be treated as a drug issue with much stiffer penalties to be imposed. Govt to help workers better use AI in a bid to raise productivity and create new value in the economy. Schools to help students adapt to new technologies like AI while developing human qualities. Singapore to consider more ways to support parents and make online spaces safer for children. Match job seekers to roles nearer to home: Community development councils (CDCs) to lead effort. New state-funded traineeship programme for ITE, poly, university graduates. Rolling out of Age Well Neighbourhoods to support seniors. First homes at former Kranji racecourse to be ready in about 10 years. New Islamic college to be located next to SUSS in Rochor. You can watch PM Wong's full speech from the National Day Rally 2025, here. Singapore steps up anti-vaping efforts on public transport Commuters caught vaping in public transport spaces will be "removed from the premises and reported to authorities", warned the Land Transport Authority (LTA) on 18 August. LTA added that the police may be called in for offenders "found to be intoxicated" and that "our station staff are on active patrol to keep our public transport spaces safe and smoke-free." Echoing LTA, operator SMRT also released a statement today on Facebook reminding the public that vaping is "strictly banned" on their public transport network. "We enforce a zero-tolerance policy and will not hesitate to report offenders to the relevant authorities." The statements follow shortly after Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's announcement during Sunday's National Day Rally speech where he declared the government will treat vaping as a drug issue with stiffer penalties to be imposed. Commuters caught vaping in public transport spaces will be "removed from the premises and reported to authorities", warned the Land Transport Authority (LTA) on 18 August. LTA added that the police may be called in for offenders "found to be intoxicated" and that "our station staff are on active patrol to keep our public transport spaces safe and smoke-free." Echoing LTA, operator SMRT also released a statement today on Facebook reminding the public that vaping is "strictly banned" on their public transport network. "We enforce a zero-tolerance policy and will not hesitate to report offenders to the relevant authorities." The statements follow shortly after Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's announcement during Sunday's National Day Rally speech where he declared the government will treat vaping as a drug issue with stiffer penalties to be imposed. 'Running Man' star Kim Jong-kook announces marriage plans View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jk (@kjk76) Kim Jong-kook has news that will delight (or perhaps upset some) fans. The star of the hit series 'Running Man' is set to get married. The 49-year-old singer and entertainer announced the big development via a handwritten letter on his fan cafe this morning (18 August). He wrote: "At some point, I always thought to myself that a day would come when I would write and post something like this, so I kept preparing for it in my heart. But now that I am actually writing it, I feel much more nervous and anxious than I had imagined...I am getting married." Kim did not reveal the identity of his wife-to-be but did share that the wedding will be held soon in a "small setting with family and a few close friends". "I know that for many of you, the news will feel quite sudden. This year marks my 30th debut anniversary and instead of making the album I was supposed to make, I ended up making my other half," he said. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jk (@kjk76) Kim Jong-kook has news that will delight (or perhaps upset some) fans. The star of the hit series 'Running Man' is set to get married. The 49-year-old singer and entertainer announced the big development via a handwritten letter on his fan cafe this morning (18 August). He wrote: "At some point, I always thought to myself that a day would come when I would write and post something like this, so I kept preparing for it in my heart. But now that I am actually writing it, I feel much more nervous and anxious than I had imagined...I am getting married." Kim did not reveal the identity of his wife-to-be but did share that the wedding will be held soon in a "small setting with family and a few close friends". "I know that for many of you, the news will feel quite sudden. This year marks my 30th debut anniversary and instead of making the album I was supposed to make, I ended up making my other half," he said. Ker Ah Kin, owner of iconic Long Hwee stationery store, dies aged 78 Ker Ah Kin, the beloved owner of the iconic Long Hwee stationery store in Mei Ling, has died at the age of 78. The news was shared by Facebook page My Community on the evening of 15 August, along with a touching tribute, which you can read in full through the link. "Thanks for making all Queenstown kids fall in love with books and reading," a line from the tribute read. "We will always remember your soft, sweet smile. We will always remember you." Ker, with her husband Wee Kak Choo, set up their Queenstown store in 1968 and over the decades it became a permanent fixture for students and residents in the neighbourhood. In an interview with Mothership in June 2023, Ker revealed that business had been poor for a while and she was contemplating closing her much-loved store. Ker Ah Kin, the beloved owner of the iconic Long Hwee stationery store in Mei Ling, has died at the age of 78. The news was shared by Facebook page My Community on the evening of 15 August, along with a touching tribute, which you can read in full through the link. "Thanks for making all Queenstown kids fall in love with books and reading," a line from the tribute read. "We will always remember your soft, sweet smile. We will always remember you." Ker, with her husband Wee Kak Choo, set up their Queenstown store in 1968 and over the decades it became a permanent fixture for students and residents in the neighbourhood. In an interview with Mothership in June 2023, Ker revealed that business had been poor for a while and she was contemplating closing her much-loved store. NDR 2025: What analysts thought of PM Wong's rallying cry The Straits Times interviewed a number of analysts to offer their thoughts on Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's National Day Rally speech on 17 August. Dr Gillian Koh, a senior research fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), described the speech as a rallying call around the Singapore spirit. Associate Professor Eugene Tan, a political analyst at the Singapore Management University, shared similar thoughts, adding that the "speech sought to be reassuring, optimistic, encouraging, and a call to action." Dr Mathew Mathews, a principal research fellow at IPS and head of its Social Lab, said PM Wong's emphasis that Singapore must be a 'we first' society instead of "me first" was a much-needed refrain. "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,' he said. Adjunct associate professor in practice Terence Ho from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at NUS noted that Wong's focus on young people – including highlighting issues of vaping and excessive screen time – stood out for him. "This segment may not have received as much attention as other demographic groups previously,' he said. You can read the full ST article, here. The Straits Times interviewed a number of analysts to offer their thoughts on Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's National Day Rally speech on 17 August. Dr Gillian Koh, a senior research fellow at the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), described the speech as a rallying call around the Singapore spirit. Associate Professor Eugene Tan, a political analyst at the Singapore Management University, shared similar thoughts, adding that the "speech sought to be reassuring, optimistic, encouraging, and a call to action." Dr Mathew Mathews, a principal research fellow at IPS and head of its Social Lab, said PM Wong's emphasis that Singapore must be a 'we first' society instead of "me first" was a much-needed refrain. "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,' he said. Adjunct associate professor in practice Terence Ho from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at NUS noted that Wong's focus on young people – including highlighting issues of vaping and excessive screen time – stood out for him. "This segment may not have received as much attention as other demographic groups previously,' he said. You can read the full ST article, here. PHOTOS: Hundreds of thousands in Israel protest Netanyahu's Gaza plan You can read about the protests in Tel Aviv and protests in Jerusalem, here. You can read about the protests in Tel Aviv and protests in Jerusalem, here. WP urges govt to engage widely and consider all options amid global uncertainty The Workers' Party (WP) – Singapore's largest opposition party – have responded to Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's National Day Rally speech. They urged the government to "leave no stone unturned" as Singapore looks to thrive despite global economic uncertainty. "Against this cautious backdrop, the Workers' Party urges the government to engage widely and explore all solutions tabled in good faith, including previously untapped ones," said WP. Among the needs addressed in WP's lengthy statement included ensuring that Singapore's economy remains resilient and keeps up with the times. "We reiterate our manifesto proposals that JTC Corporation should expand its market share for industrial space and continue offering low-rent options at different price-value points for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) alongside its private sector-run facilities," said WP. WP also once again called for a statutory minimum wage. You can read WP's full statement, here. The Workers' Party (WP) – Singapore's largest opposition party – have responded to Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's National Day Rally speech. They urged the government to "leave no stone unturned" as Singapore looks to thrive despite global economic uncertainty. "Against this cautious backdrop, the Workers' Party urges the government to engage widely and explore all solutions tabled in good faith, including previously untapped ones," said WP. Among the needs addressed in WP's lengthy statement included ensuring that Singapore's economy remains resilient and keeps up with the times. "We reiterate our manifesto proposals that JTC Corporation should expand its market share for industrial space and continue offering low-rent options at different price-value points for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) alongside its private sector-run facilities," said WP. WP also once again called for a statutory minimum wage. You can read WP's full statement, here.
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Hong Kong democrat Jimmy Lai given heart monitor for final stretch of marathon trial
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox People queue to enter the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts building for the closing submissions in the national security collusion trial of Jimmy Lai. HONG KONG - Hong Kong pro-democracy businessman Jimmy Lai was provided with medication and a heart monitor for the start of his final submissions in a landmark national security trial, following health concerns over heart palpitations. Lai, 77, who founded the Apple Daily newspaper that was forced to close after a police raid and asset freeze in June 2021, has pleaded not guilty to two charges of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces, and a charge of conspiracy to publish seditious material. Lai's lawyer Robert Pang told the court on Aug 15 that Lai had some episodes where he felt that he was collapsing and had heart "palpitations", prompting the court to adjourn proceedings and order that he be provided with a heart monitor and medication. Prosecutor Anthony Chau confirmed that Lai had been provided with these items on Aug 15 and that he was now fit for court. Lai, noticeably thinner than when the trial began in late 2023 , was dressed in a white jacket in the glass dock and pressed his palms together in a prayer gesture several times to his family and supporters. One of the judges, Ms Esther Toh, said additional breaks could be provided for Lai if need be, while also acknowledging the opinion of a medical expert who examined Lai that he was "physically and mentally fit for court." "I'm worried for him. He's already in his 70s and has diabetes, and now palpitations," said Ms Lucille, a supporter who queued for hours to get into the packed courtroom. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore NDR 2025: Age Well Neighbourhoods will help improve seniors' access to healthcare, social activities Singapore NDR 2025: New govt-funded traineeship scheme for ITE, poly, university graduates Singapore NDR 2025: More avenues for S'poreans to be heard, get involved will be opened up, says PM Wong Business Singapore key exports fall worse than expected in July as shipments to US plunge 42.7% World Trump, tech and Texas: What's next for the US? Singapore N(T) students more likely to finish school, do as well in job market as N(A) peers: Study Singapore Singapore-developed device for diabetics measures long-term average blood sugar levels within 6 mins Business Asean can fend off protectionism blow by boosting integration: Singapore Business Federation chief Lai, a British citizen, has been held in solitary confinement for around 1,700 days. His son and some rights groups have expressed fear over his deteriorating health. Some Western governments have called for Lai's immediate release and raised concerns about the erosion of fundamental rights in the financial hub under China-imposed national security laws. Hong Kong and Chinese authorities have said Lai is being given a fair trial and have warned against such interference in the city's internal affairs. US President Donald Trump said in a media interview last week that he would "do everything I can to save him." An Australian foreign affairs spokesperson told Reuters on Aug 18 that Canberra was "deeply concerned by Hong Kong's widespread application of national security laws to repress civil society and prosecute pro-democracy advocates... such as Jimmy Lai". REUTERS
