Singapore
Coverage of Singapore in the Nexus archive.
- Madras High Court stays Look Out Circular issued against former DMK Minister E.V. Velu
Madras High Court has granted an interim stay of the Look Out Circular against E.V. Velu, requiring him to appear for an inquiry on July 15, 2026, after returning from Singapore on July 12, 2026.
- It costs a record US$99,700 to buy a small car permit in Singapore
The price of a small car permit in Singapore reached a record S$129,000 ($99,700) during a recent bidding round, with analysts predicting further increases as electric vehicle rebates end. Category A COE premiums rose 4.2% to S$129,000, while Category B COE premiums for larger cars increased 6% to S$130,889.
- Crypto still 'off the table' for Singapore's Temasek, four years after FTX flop
Temasek, Singapore's investment firm, remains cautious about cryptocurrency four years after its $275 million loss from investing in FTX, which later went bankrupt. The 2022 writedown sparked local criticism.
- Do Singapore ministers watch films? Parliament joke raises hackles amid dialect debate
A Singapore minister joked in parliament that ministers don't have time to watch films, sparking public debate about the cultural sector's importance. The comment by David Neo, acting minister for Culture, Community and Youth, was made during a discussion on Chinese dialects in films.
- Place your bets: Polymarket wades into Malaysia’s Johor poll
Polymarket, a crypto-powered betting exchange, has bettors predicting Barisan Nasional (BN) as the overwhelming favorite to retain control of Malaysia’s Johor state in Saturday’s election. As of Wednesday, BN was priced at a 92.8% chance of winning the most seats.
- Singapore’s Temasek doubles down on AI and private credit
Singapore’s Temasek is increasing investments in AI and private credit to accelerate returns after several years of underperformance. The state investor aims to focus on these areas to improve financial outcomes.
- Asia’s super-aging societies are sparking a boom in high-end longevity clinics—even if ‘public enthusiasm’ is outpacing the science
Asia's aging population is driving growth in high-end longevity clinics, with partnerships between wellness facilities and luxury hotels expanding across Singapore, Thailand, and other super-aged nations. Experts caution that public enthusiasm for anti-aging treatments may outpace scientific validation, as rising incomes and post-pandemic priorities fuel demand for health-focused luxury services.
- Is Johor ready for new power balance? Malaysia’s Loke implores voters to curb BN dominance
Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke urges voters in Johor to reduce Barisan Nasional (BN) dominance to achieve a better power balance, aiming to strengthen ties with Singapore. He leads the Chinese-majority Democratic Action Party (DAP), part of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition.
- Temasek-Backed Foundation Healthcare Set for Singapore Debut
Temasek-backed Foundation Healthcare is set to debut in Singapore. The company's launch is supported by Temasek, a prominent Singaporean investment firm.
- Can Singapore and Indonesia’s energy push kick-start regional power grid?
Singapore and Indonesia are advancing a low-carbon electricity trade initiative that could serve as a test case for a Southeast Asian regional power grid. The collaboration includes electricity-import agreements and cross-border interconnector projects aimed at enhancing Singapore's energy security and sustainability goals.
- I left my job as a software engineer to be a baker. I joke that I threw my master's down the drain, but my choice has paid off.
Sabrina Lim transitioned from a software engineering job to baking, using AI to learn salt bread and leveraging social media to market her products. She achieved her goal of selling within 100 days despite initial struggles with baking techniques and business management.
- Time bar saves Singapore WP’s Lim, Faisal from parliamentary action for lying under oath
Singapore’s parliament will not take further action against Sylvia Lim and Faisal Manap for lying under oath due to a legal time bar, as stated by Leader of the House Indranee Rajah. The case fell outside the time limit, according to the Committee of Privileges’ findings.
- Thai beer heir opens up, Philippine ube’s ‘purple gold rush’: 7 Asia highlights
The article highlights seven Asia-related stories, including a Thai beer heir's openness and the Philippine ube's purple gold rush. It also mentions the US approval of a $22.3 million missile sale to Singapore.
- Hong Kong drops to 4th costliest city for wealthy amid change in luxury spending
Hong Kong has dropped to the fourth most expensive city for wealthy individuals living well, with Singapore retaining the top spot for a fourth consecutive year, according to Julius Baer's Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report. The report evaluates costs for high-net-worth individuals in 25 cities based on 11 consumer goods and nine services.
- Singapore named world’s most expensive city for luxury spending for 4th year running
Singapore remains the world's most expensive city for luxury spending for the fourth consecutive year, with Zurich rising to second place and Monaco entering the top three for the first time since 2020. The report by Julius Baer Group highlights surging prices for luxury items like watches and jewelry globally.
- Singapore named world’s most expensive city for luxury spending for 4th year running
Singapore remains the world’s most expensive city for luxury spending for the fourth consecutive year, with Zurich rising to second place and Monaco entering the top three for the first time since 2020. The report by Julius Baer Group highlights global price surges in luxury items like watches and jewellery.
- Singapore’s Carousell hits profitability milestone, banks on AI as ‘force multiplier’
Carousell, a Singapore-based second-hand marketplace, achieved its first positive Ebitda, marking a profitability milestone. The company emphasizes AI as a strategic tool to enhance its mission of promoting second-hand goods as a primary choice.
- Editorial Roundup: United States
52 House Republicans, including Speaker Mike Johnson and Majority Leader Steve Scalise, urged President Donald Trump to let the Jones Act waiver expire, arguing it creates a loophole for adversarial countries. The waiver, which allows foreign ships to transport goods between U.S. ports, has facilitated over 136 voyages since March 2024, reducing fuel costs and improving supply chains, particularly for gasoline and propane. Analysis shows no significant threat to U.S. maritime dominance, with only one Chinese-flagged vessel among the voyages.
- Indonesia, Singapore say key oil passage will remain ‘accessible’
Indonesia and Singapore reaffirmed the accessibility of the Strait of Malacca amid Iran's imposition of fees on ships using the Strait of Hormuz. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong discussed the issue as high oil prices affect Southeast Asia due to the Middle East war.
- Singapore bets on ‘early-mover’ edge in labour pact with East Timor
Singapore is expanding labor channels with East Timor to gain an 'early-mover' advantage in the ASEAN market, aiming to address manpower shortages while helping East Timor utilize its young population. Analysts describe the agreement as a 'win-win' for both countries.
- Indonesia, Singapore Reaffirm Free Passage in Strait of Malacca
Indonesia and Singapore reaffirmed their commitment to free passage in the Strait of Malacca. The statement was accompanied by the mention of vessels at sea, highlighting ongoing maritime activity in the region.
- 24-year-old killed by lightning on clear day in Singapore
A 24-year-old man died after being struck by lightning in Singapore. Eight people were hospitalized following the incident on Sunday. Police reported receiving a call at 4:50pm from Pasir Ris Road near Pasir Ris Beach.
- These seniors practice parkour to stay mobile and reduce their risk of falling
Tan Shie Boon teaches parkour to seniors in Singapore to improve mobility and reduce fall risks. Classes focus on obstacle navigation and safe falling techniques for adults aged 50s to 70s.
- Was I almost a discord scam victim, or was this just a normal wrong person situation?
A user on Discord received a message from someone claiming to be from Singapore, who initially apologized for messaging the wrong person but later engaged in conversation. The individual made a comment in Chinese about the user appearing younger, learned the user was a minor, and expressed concern. The user is unsure if this was a potential scam or a mistaken interaction.
- Will Johor-Singapore causeway bottlenecks sway outcome of Malaysia’s state election?
Johor’s state election on July 11 faces challenges due to Causeway bottlenecks affecting workers from Johor based in Singapore, known as 'SGD fighters,' who must navigate border queues and immigration issues to vote. Malaysia aims to mitigate these disruptions to ensure voter participation.
- US touts regional ‘balance’ in missile sale to Singapore. What does it mean?
The US approved a $22.3 million sale of Hellfire missiles to Singapore, with the State Department stating it won't alter the regional military balance. Observers note the sale is routine for training and replenishment, while the US strategy aims to strengthen allies without changing the balance.
- HKMA urges banks to widen scope of yuan use as currency’s global reach expands
Hong Kong’s financial authorities urged banks to expand the use of the yuan in corporate financing, investment, and cross-border trade to strengthen Hong Kong's position as an offshore hub against Shanghai and Singapore. HKMA chief executive Eddie Yue called for deeper integration of the yuan in daily trade settlements and other financial activities.
- Singapore to welcome East Timorese workers from next year: Wong
Singapore will open selected sectors to East Timorese workers starting next year, as announced by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong during a joint press conference with East Timor's Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao. The move aims to create opportunities for Timorese workers and strengthen business and people-to-people ties, following East Timor's Asean membership a year ago.
- Bali, Phuket or Sentosa? Singapore’s grand 20-year resort plan
Singapore is developing a 20-year plan to transform Sentosa into a major tourism destination with features like beachfronts, canopy walks, and water taxis. The Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) has unveiled these rejuvenation plans to enhance the island's appeal compared to rivals like Bali and Phuket.
- Iran’s oil exports gain pace after US sanctions waiver
Iran’s oil exports are increasing after the US sanctions waiver, with over 20 million barrels of crude waiting in Asian waters, a 18% weekly rise. Most cargoes lack confirmed destinations, with many heading to Singapore or indicating possible ship-to-ship transfers in the Malacca Strait. The 60-day relief aims to boost Iran’s revenue and strengthen its economic position in negotiations with the US.
- Singapore to buy more Hellfire missiles after US backs US$22.3 million package
Singapore is set to acquire 24 additional AGM-114R Hellfire missiles from the US, approved under a US$22.3 million package, bringing the total to 67 missiles. The US State Department approved the sale, which includes related support services and equipment.
- Trouble keeps finding Supermicro as strange server shipments attract police attention in Taiwan and Singapore
Supermicro faces legal and business challenges in Taiwan and Singapore, including police investigations into illicit server shipments to China and a Singaporean fraud case involving servers with Nvidia GPUs. The company denies a raid and states it is cooperating with authorities to address improper resales.
- Singapore warns of ‘severe’ haze in August, September from El Nino effect
Singapore warns of 'severe' haze in August and September due to the El Nino effect. The haze, which affects cities like Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, is described as a recurring regional issue tracked by the Singapore Institute of International Affairs.
- OCBC rolls out its ‘avatar banking’ platform with ‘Wendy’ and ‘Wayne,’ two virtual financial advisors, as banks integrate AI into wealth management
OCBC Bank launched an AI-powered avatar banking platform with virtual advisors Wendy and Wayne, providing 24/7 client access. CEO Tan Teck Long emphasized AI's role in expanding the workforce, with plans to hire 600 new relationship managers. The OCBC WoW app will be rolled out in stages, starting with beta testing, and the bank is investing over one billion Singapore dollars annually in AI.
- Mahathir and PAS demand Malay unity in Malaysia’s Johor poll
Malaysia’s Johor election has become a focal point for racial politics as Mahathir Mohamad and PAS advocate for Malay-Muslim political unity over party loyalty. The election is a key state poll in a UMNO stronghold, with strategic importance due to its location near Singapore.
- Singapore telecoms company slashes CEO’s salary over outages
Singtel CEO Yuen Kuan Moon's salary was reduced by 16.9% to S$6.8 million in the financial year ending March 31, despite the company's profits rising, due to network failures that impacted its operational performance. The pay cut followed a series of outages that damaged the company's record.
- Oman Air targets Singapore with new nonstop flight as Gulf carriers ramp up services
Oman Air launches a nonstop flight from Muscat to Singapore as part of its strategy to promote Oman as a tourism destination and expand services to North Asia. The airline cites lower costs and its Oneworld alliance membership as factors supporting the new route, which previously failed with a stopover in Kuala Lumpur nine years ago.
- US State Department green lights possible sale of Hellfire missiles to Singapore
The US State Department approved a potential sale of 67 AGM-114R Hellfire missiles to Singapore, valued at $22.3 million, to strengthen the city-state’s defenses. The deal includes spare parts, support equipment, and Lockheed Martin as the principal contractor.
- Is Singapore facing ‘public fatigue’ over ex-MP Raeesah Khan saga?
The article discusses public fatigue regarding ex-MP Raeesah Khan's parliamentary lie after five years, with political observers suggesting both the ruling People’s Action Party and Workers’ Party should avoid prolonging the issue to focus on pressing matters. Analyst Mustafa Izzuddin is cited as advocating for moving past the controversy.
- Singapore Households Face Record Power Bills as War Impact Hits
Singapore households are experiencing record power bills due to the impact of a war. The situation highlights rising energy costs linked to global conflicts.