Tsutomu Ogura steps down as Singapore Lions head coach; UK tourist says Singapore lacks history and charm in viral interview: Singapore live news

Yahoo

24-06-2025

Singapore football head coach Tsutomu Ogura has resigned due to personal reasons, ending his tenure just 17 months into a two-year contract. The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) said Ogura needed to return to Japan for pressing matters and that efforts to retain him were unsuccessful.
Ogura, who took over in February 2024, led the Lions to the ASEAN Championship semi-finals and recent wins in Asian Cup qualifiers. Former Tampines Rover coach Gavin Lee has been appointed interim head coach while FAS searches for a permanent replacement. Ogura's departure leaves the Lions at a pivotal moment in their rebuild.
A UK woman's comment that Singapore 'has no personality' has gone viral, drawing both criticism and reluctant agreement from netizens across Asia. In a TikTok street interview, she said she wouldn't revisit Singapore, describing it as 'cold' and lacking the ancient history she expected.
The video has since sparked a wave of reactions. Some Singaporeans defended their homeland's multicultural vibrancy and modern achievements. Others admitted the city can feel overly curated and light on heritage. Commenters noted that Singapore's youth as a nation means it doesn't have centuries-old ruins – but that doesn't mean it lacks identity.
Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates.
Singapore's national football team is once again in search of a head coach. Tsutomu Ogura has stepped down from the role, citing personal reasons that require his return to Japan, according to local media reports. His resignation comes just 17 months into a two-year contract.
The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) said it had explored options to retain Ogura, but the nature of his personal matters made it untenable. The 61-year-old had informed FAS of his decision weeks earlier.
Ogura, who replaced Takayuki Nishigaya in February 2024, was the third consecutive Japanese coach to lead the Lions. He brought with him a wealth of experience, including stints with the Japanese national and Olympic teams.
Under his leadership, the Lions reached the semi-finals of the 2024 ASEAN Championship and recently secured wins over the Maldives and Bangladesh in Asian Cup qualifiers.
FAS has appointed former Tampines Rovers coach Gavin Lee as interim head coach while a global search for a permanent replacement is underway.
Singapore's job market is showing signs of fatigue, with job postings down 0.9 per cent in May, the fifth consecutive monthly dip, according to job site and hiring platform Indeed. But demand for skilled professionals remains strong.
Job postings remain 40 per cent above pre-pandemic levels, and technical roles are leading the charge.
Civil engineering jobs jumped nearly 19 per cent since February, outpacing mechanical (+14 per cent) and industrial (+6.5 per cent) roles. Analysts say this may be tied to major infrastructure projects like Changi Airport Terminal 5.
Other bright spots include childcare (+13 per cent), sports (+12 per cent), and data analytics (+5.6 per cent). Software development saw a modest 0.9 per cent rise, though its share of total postings dipped slightly.
Healthcare roles, however, are in retreat. Pharmacy (-45 per cent), veterinary (-19 per cent), and physician/surgeon (-19 per cent) postings all saw sharp drops.
With unemployment at 2.1 per cent, Indeed's Senior Economist Callam Pickering says the labour market remains tight, as employers battle skill shortages despite global uncertainty.
A British woman's viral TikTok comment has reignited debate over Singapore's soul – or lack thereof. In a street interview, she said she'd never return to the city-state, calling it 'cold' and 'without personality'.
She explained that she expected to see 'something old, like an ancient story', but was met with gleaming skyscrapers and modernity instead.
The video, posted by London-based TikToker @emma_a_cosmos2, quickly went viral. It has racked up hundreds of thousands of views and hundreds of comments.
Many Singaporeans pushed back, pointing out the country's youth – just 60 years old – and its rapid transformation from fishing village to global metropolis.
Some netizens agreed, saying Singapore lacks historical depth. Others argued she misunderstood the country's unique blend of cultures and rapid development.
Some Singaporeans said they are proud of their 'boring but safe' home, while others acknowledged the city's modern sheen can feel sterile to outsiders.
Singapore's 60th birthday just got a little more colourful. SimplyGo has launched a series of SG60 EZ-Link cards and charms that honour the nation's everyday icons – from hawker centres to the Merlion.
The collection includes four themed sets, each designed in collaboration with local artists and communities. Highlights include a unicorn-themed card by a six-year-old CCF beneficiary and a nostalgic tribute to mama shops and playgrounds.
To mark the occasion, SimplyGo has pledged $50,000 to the Children's Cancer Foundation, supporting its Hair for Hope 2025 campaign.
The collectibles will be released in phases from 25 June to 22 July, with prices ranging from $9.90 to $16.60. They will be available at vending machines, SMRT centres and SimplyGo ticket offices.
Some come with load value, others are pure collectibles.
Read on SimplyGo's SG60 EZ-Link cards here.
Good news for durian lovers: Singapore's famously spiky fruit is about to get a whole lot cheaper. Prices are expected to drop up to 30 per cent in July as Malaysia's orchards reach full bloom.
The glut is largely thanks to bumper yields in states like Pahang and Johor, which are flooding the market with top-tier varieties like Musang King and Black Thorn.
Sellers are already adapting, turning to livestreams and TikTok to attract a younger crowd and clear massive inventories – some expect to move up to 18 crates a day.
Weather is still a swing factor, but most vendors believe the season will be long, lush, and budget-friendly.
Over in Penang, officials are taking no chances on quality – introducing a QR code tracking system to curb durian fraud and ensure each fruit is the real deal.
Singaporeans have spoken – and they're thirsty for change. A recent Yahoo Singapore poll shows 85 per cent support mandating free tap water at food and beverage (F&B) outlets.
The poll comes on the heels of a petition that's gained over 2,000 signatures, calling on the government to make free water a legal requirement.
Supporters argue that charging for water nudges diners toward sugary drinks, undermining public health goals. Critics say restaurants still bear the cost.
The debate has reached Parliament multiple times, but the Ministry for Sustainability and the Environment has held firm on its stance.
As the conversation flows online and offline, one thing's clear: Singaporeans aren't letting this issue dry up.
Singapore has completed a $33 million underground pumping station in Jalan Besar, designed to prevent flooding in one of the city's most flood-prone and heritage-rich areas.
The Syed Alwi Pumping Station, located next to Rochor Canal, can hold up to 9,300 cubic metres of stormwater, roughly the volume of four Olympic-sized swimming pools. It's fully automated and kicks into action during heavy rain, diverting water away from overwhelmed drains.
The system includes floodgates that prevent backflow from the canal and pumps that discharge water downstream once the storm subsides.
Conventional flood prevention methods like raising road levels weren't feasible due to the area's historic buildings. This underground solution offers protection without altering the streetscape.
The project is part of Singapore's broader climate resilience strategy, funded by the Coastal and Flood Protection Fund.
Read on Singapore's smart flood defence debut here.
OCBC has declared it will not make another offer to acquire the remaining shares of Great Eastern Holdings (GEH), even if its current delisting proposal fails. The bank also confirmed it has no intention of converting its Class C non-voting shares into ordinary shares when they become eligible in five years.
The statement comes ahead of GEH's extraordinary general meeting (EGM) on 8 July, where minority shareholders will vote on OCBC's $900 million exit offer at $30.15 per share for the 6.28 per cent stake it doesn't already own.
OCBC currently holds 93.72 per cent of GEH and says it is satisfied with its economic interest, regardless of the vote's outcome. The bank emphasised that its offer is final and will not be revised.
The Independent Financial Adviser (IFA), Ernst & Young, has deemed the offer 'fair and reasonable', and GEH's independent directors have recommended shareholders vote in favor of the delisting.
If the resolution fails, GEH will propose a bonus issue to restore its free float and resume trading – OCBC will support this by opting for non-voting Class C shares.
Read on OCBC's final offer for Great Eastern here.
The UK Royal Navy's HMS Prince of Wales has made its first formal port call in the region, docking at Singapore's Marina Bay Cruise Centre on Monday (23 June). The visit is part of Operation Highmast, an eight-month global deployment aimed at strengthening defence and diplomatic ties in the Indo-Pacific.
The 65,000-tonne carrier leads a multinational strike group and will host a flurry of activities, including a defence industry expo, a science symposium, and even an esports tournament featuring UK and Singaporean military personnel.
The visit coincides with the 60th anniversary of UK-Singapore diplomatic relations, adding symbolic weight to the carrier's arrival. High-ranking UK officials are also in town to reinforce bilateral cooperation.
Operation Highmast spans 30 countries and includes joint exercises with regional partners. After Singapore, the carrier heads to Australia for Exercise Talisman Sabre.
The ship will return in November for Exercise Bersama Lima under the Five Power Defence Arrangements, reaffirming the UK's long-term commitment to regional stability.
Read on the historic visit of HMS Prince of Wales to Singapore here.
Singapore has clinched the No 3 spot in a global ranking of 'magnetic cities', where residents are most likely to stay long-term. The Gensler City Pulse 2025 report surveyed over 33,000 people across 65 cities to find out where people feel most rooted.
With 59 per cent of respondents saying they're 'unlikely' to move, Singapore trails only Taipei (64 per cent) and Ho Chi Minh City (61 per cent) in the international rankings. Emotional connection, safety, and satisfaction with city life were key drivers.
The report highlights that Singapore's compact size, strong infrastructure, and high quality of life contribute to its 'stickiness.' In fact, 77 per cent of residents said they were satisfied with life in the city – above the global average.
Other cities in the top 10 include Amsterdam, Berlin, Seoul, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. These urban hubs combine economic opportunity with a strong sense of belonging.
In an era where one in three city dwellers is considering a move, Singapore's magnetic pull is clearly holding strong.
US President Donald Trump announced a 'complete and total' ceasefire between Israel and Iran on Monday (23 June), hours after Iran launched missiles at the Al Udeid US air base in Qatar. The phased ceasefire, he said, would begin within six hours and conclude with an 'official end' to what he dubbed 'The 12 Day War'.
According to Trump's post on Truth Social, Iran would begin the ceasefire first, followed by Israel 12 hours later. After 24 hours, the war would be considered over. He praised both nations for their 'stamina, courage, and intelligence.'
The announcement came just hours after Iran launched 14 missiles at the US base in Qatar, most of which were intercepted, in retaliation of the US raid of its nuclear sites. No casualties were reported, and Trump thanked Iran for giving early notice.
Despite Trump's optimism, neither Israel nor Iran has officially confirmed the ceasefire. Israeli strikes reportedly continued in Tehran and other cities after the announcement.
The international community remains cautious, with analysts warning that the situation could still unravel if either side resumes hostilities.
Singapore's national football team is once again in search of a head coach. Tsutomu Ogura has stepped down from the role, citing personal reasons that require his return to Japan, according to local media reports. His resignation comes just 17 months into a two-year contract.
The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) said it had explored options to retain Ogura, but the nature of his personal matters made it untenable. The 61-year-old had informed FAS of his decision weeks earlier.
Ogura, who replaced Takayuki Nishigaya in February 2024, was the third consecutive Japanese coach to lead the Lions. He brought with him a wealth of experience, including stints with the Japanese national and Olympic teams.
Under his leadership, the Lions reached the semi-finals of the 2024 ASEAN Championship and recently secured wins over the Maldives and Bangladesh in Asian Cup qualifiers.
FAS has appointed former Tampines Rovers coach Gavin Lee as interim head coach while a global search for a permanent replacement is underway.
Singapore's job market is showing signs of fatigue, with job postings down 0.9 per cent in May, the fifth consecutive monthly dip, according to job site and hiring platform Indeed. But demand for skilled professionals remains strong.
Job postings remain 40 per cent above pre-pandemic levels, and technical roles are leading the charge.
Civil engineering jobs jumped nearly 19 per cent since February, outpacing mechanical (+14 per cent) and industrial (+6.5 per cent) roles. Analysts say this may be tied to major infrastructure projects like Changi Airport Terminal 5.
Other bright spots include childcare (+13 per cent), sports (+12 per cent), and data analytics (+5.6 per cent). Software development saw a modest 0.9 per cent rise, though its share of total postings dipped slightly.
Healthcare roles, however, are in retreat. Pharmacy (-45 per cent), veterinary (-19 per cent), and physician/surgeon (-19 per cent) postings all saw sharp drops.
With unemployment at 2.1 per cent, Indeed's Senior Economist Callam Pickering says the labour market remains tight, as employers battle skill shortages despite global uncertainty.
A British woman's viral TikTok comment has reignited debate over Singapore's soul – or lack thereof. In a street interview, she said she'd never return to the city-state, calling it 'cold' and 'without personality'.
She explained that she expected to see 'something old, like an ancient story', but was met with gleaming skyscrapers and modernity instead.
The video, posted by London-based TikToker @emma_a_cosmos2, quickly went viral. It has racked up hundreds of thousands of views and hundreds of comments.
Many Singaporeans pushed back, pointing out the country's youth – just 60 years old – and its rapid transformation from fishing village to global metropolis.
Some netizens agreed, saying Singapore lacks historical depth. Others argued she misunderstood the country's unique blend of cultures and rapid development.
Some Singaporeans said they are proud of their 'boring but safe' home, while others acknowledged the city's modern sheen can feel sterile to outsiders.
Singapore's 60th birthday just got a little more colourful. SimplyGo has launched a series of SG60 EZ-Link cards and charms that honour the nation's everyday icons – from hawker centres to the Merlion.
The collection includes four themed sets, each designed in collaboration with local artists and communities. Highlights include a unicorn-themed card by a six-year-old CCF beneficiary and a nostalgic tribute to mama shops and playgrounds.
To mark the occasion, SimplyGo has pledged $50,000 to the Children's Cancer Foundation, supporting its Hair for Hope 2025 campaign.
The collectibles will be released in phases from 25 June to 22 July, with prices ranging from $9.90 to $16.60. They will be available at vending machines, SMRT centres and SimplyGo ticket offices.
Some come with load value, others are pure collectibles.
Read on SimplyGo's SG60 EZ-Link cards here.
Good news for durian lovers: Singapore's famously spiky fruit is about to get a whole lot cheaper. Prices are expected to drop up to 30 per cent in July as Malaysia's orchards reach full bloom.
The glut is largely thanks to bumper yields in states like Pahang and Johor, which are flooding the market with top-tier varieties like Musang King and Black Thorn.
Sellers are already adapting, turning to livestreams and TikTok to attract a younger crowd and clear massive inventories – some expect to move up to 18 crates a day.
Weather is still a swing factor, but most vendors believe the season will be long, lush, and budget-friendly.
Over in Penang, officials are taking no chances on quality – introducing a QR code tracking system to curb durian fraud and ensure each fruit is the real deal.
Singaporeans have spoken – and they're thirsty for change. A recent Yahoo Singapore poll shows 85 per cent support mandating free tap water at food and beverage (F&B) outlets.
The poll comes on the heels of a petition that's gained over 2,000 signatures, calling on the government to make free water a legal requirement.
Supporters argue that charging for water nudges diners toward sugary drinks, undermining public health goals. Critics say restaurants still bear the cost.
The debate has reached Parliament multiple times, but the Ministry for Sustainability and the Environment has held firm on its stance.
As the conversation flows online and offline, one thing's clear: Singaporeans aren't letting this issue dry up.
Singapore has completed a $33 million underground pumping station in Jalan Besar, designed to prevent flooding in one of the city's most flood-prone and heritage-rich areas.
The Syed Alwi Pumping Station, located next to Rochor Canal, can hold up to 9,300 cubic metres of stormwater, roughly the volume of four Olympic-sized swimming pools. It's fully automated and kicks into action during heavy rain, diverting water away from overwhelmed drains.
The system includes floodgates that prevent backflow from the canal and pumps that discharge water downstream once the storm subsides.
Conventional flood prevention methods like raising road levels weren't feasible due to the area's historic buildings. This underground solution offers protection without altering the streetscape.
The project is part of Singapore's broader climate resilience strategy, funded by the Coastal and Flood Protection Fund.
Read on Singapore's smart flood defence debut here.
OCBC has declared it will not make another offer to acquire the remaining shares of Great Eastern Holdings (GEH), even if its current delisting proposal fails. The bank also confirmed it has no intention of converting its Class C non-voting shares into ordinary shares when they become eligible in five years.
The statement comes ahead of GEH's extraordinary general meeting (EGM) on 8 July, where minority shareholders will vote on OCBC's $900 million exit offer at $30.15 per share for the 6.28 per cent stake it doesn't already own.
OCBC currently holds 93.72 per cent of GEH and says it is satisfied with its economic interest, regardless of the vote's outcome. The bank emphasised that its offer is final and will not be revised.
The Independent Financial Adviser (IFA), Ernst & Young, has deemed the offer 'fair and reasonable', and GEH's independent directors have recommended shareholders vote in favor of the delisting.
If the resolution fails, GEH will propose a bonus issue to restore its free float and resume trading – OCBC will support this by opting for non-voting Class C shares.
Read on OCBC's final offer for Great Eastern here.
The UK Royal Navy's HMS Prince of Wales has made its first formal port call in the region, docking at Singapore's Marina Bay Cruise Centre on Monday (23 June). The visit is part of Operation Highmast, an eight-month global deployment aimed at strengthening defence and diplomatic ties in the Indo-Pacific.
The 65,000-tonne carrier leads a multinational strike group and will host a flurry of activities, including a defence industry expo, a science symposium, and even an esports tournament featuring UK and Singaporean military personnel.
The visit coincides with the 60th anniversary of UK-Singapore diplomatic relations, adding symbolic weight to the carrier's arrival. High-ranking UK officials are also in town to reinforce bilateral cooperation.
Operation Highmast spans 30 countries and includes joint exercises with regional partners. After Singapore, the carrier heads to Australia for Exercise Talisman Sabre.
The ship will return in November for Exercise Bersama Lima under the Five Power Defence Arrangements, reaffirming the UK's long-term commitment to regional stability.
Read on the historic visit of HMS Prince of Wales to Singapore here.
Singapore has clinched the No 3 spot in a global ranking of 'magnetic cities', where residents are most likely to stay long-term. The Gensler City Pulse 2025 report surveyed over 33,000 people across 65 cities to find out where people feel most rooted.
With 59 per cent of respondents saying they're 'unlikely' to move, Singapore trails only Taipei (64 per cent) and Ho Chi Minh City (61 per cent) in the international rankings. Emotional connection, safety, and satisfaction with city life were key drivers.
The report highlights that Singapore's compact size, strong infrastructure, and high quality of life contribute to its 'stickiness.' In fact, 77 per cent of residents said they were satisfied with life in the city – above the global average.
Other cities in the top 10 include Amsterdam, Berlin, Seoul, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. These urban hubs combine economic opportunity with a strong sense of belonging.
In an era where one in three city dwellers is considering a move, Singapore's magnetic pull is clearly holding strong.
US President Donald Trump announced a 'complete and total' ceasefire between Israel and Iran on Monday (23 June), hours after Iran launched missiles at the Al Udeid US air base in Qatar. The phased ceasefire, he said, would begin within six hours and conclude with an 'official end' to what he dubbed 'The 12 Day War'.
According to Trump's post on Truth Social, Iran would begin the ceasefire first, followed by Israel 12 hours later. After 24 hours, the war would be considered over. He praised both nations for their 'stamina, courage, and intelligence.'
The announcement came just hours after Iran launched 14 missiles at the US base in Qatar, most of which were intercepted, in retaliation of the US raid of its nuclear sites. No casualties were reported, and Trump thanked Iran for giving early notice.
Despite Trump's optimism, neither Israel nor Iran has officially confirmed the ceasefire. Israeli strikes reportedly continued in Tehran and other cities after the announcement.
The international community remains cautious, with analysts warning that the situation could still unravel if either side resumes hostilities.