Browsing Tag

Singapore

58 posts

Singapore to host Prince William’s Earthshot Prize

Singapore has been chosen as the host for the upcoming Earthshot Prize awards ceremony, organized by Prince William. The event aims to recognize innovative efforts in tackling climate change, with winners in each category receiving £1 million. The ceremony will feature performances by renowned musicians and artists, and this year’s finalists will be announced later in the year. The Earthshot Prize was inspired by President Kennedy’s “Moonshot” project and was established by Prince William in 2020.

Deflecting and diverting instead of fixing system and policies

In this opinion piece, Augustine Low criticizes ministers for deflecting responsibility and avoiding solutions to pressing issues like high cost of living and housing affordability. Low calls out the ministers’ statements on rising incomes as insufficient explanations for these problems and urges the government to focus on addressing the concerns of the living instead of prioritizing “people not yet born.”

Dyson plans new battery plant in Singapore

Dyson has announced plans to open a new battery manufacturing plant in Singapore and research and development centres in the UK and the Philippines. The new plant, covering 53 basketball courts, is set to be operational by 2025, while the research teams will work on AI, software development, robotics, and battery technology. The new investments form part of the company’s five-year, £2.75bn (US$3.4bn) plan, which will boost its research and development capabilities. Dyson began working on batteries more than a decade ago, with the aim of developing sustainable and energy-dense batteries.

Minister pulled off two head scratchers and one deflection

Opinion piece by Augustine Low on Minister Edwin Tong’s response to the proposal of an English test for citizenship in Singapore and his comments on high rental at Geylang Serai Ramadan bazaar. His statement that a significant proportion of Singaporeans throughout history have not been able to speak English well and his example of his 96-year-old grandmother not being able to pass the test are considered irrelevant and deflections from the issue. Additionally, his response to the issue of high rental rates for trade fairs and bazaars has been criticized as a deflection rather than addressing the problem.

Death penalty around the world

Amnesty International reports that at least 579 people were put to death in 18 countries in 2021, with three countries – Iran, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia – accounting for 80% of all reported executions. The global trend remains towards abolition, with 108 countries having formally abolished the death penalty for all crimes by the end of 2021. However, Amnesty warns that the recorded increase in executions in 2021 should act as a warning that pressure to abolish the death penalty must continue.

Grab plans to increase platform fee per ride to S$0.70 to combat driver shortage

Grab plans to increase its platform fee per ride to S$0.70 from S$0.30, effective from 5 May. The move aims to combat the driver shortage in Singapore’s ride-hailing sector by supporting new driver recruitment initiatives and technology-driven features. Grab also reintroduced GrabShare, enabling two passengers traveling in the same direction to share a ride and receive reduced fares. However, some customers expressed discontent over the price hike, citing poor rider performance and opting for other ride-hailing platforms.

Singapore sees surge in COVID-19 cases as it transitions into endemic phase

Singapore is experiencing a significant rise in COVID-19 cases due to XBB subvariants as it transitions into the endemic phase. The Ministry of Health expects periodic waves of new infections. Clinics are seeing a twofold increase in patient load, with mild cases being treated symptomatically. While there has been a steady increase in new COVID-19 hospitalizations, there has been a decrease in ICU admissions.

Hong Kong media outlet, broadcaster and artist all quit city

Hong Kong online news outlet Initium announced it was relocating to Singapore…

Singapore-Malaysia cross-border travel applications full for first 3 days of Aug 17 – 19

Applications for cross-border travel between Singapore and Malaysia under the Reciprocal Green…