logo
‘If I had a switch to slow down AI, I might use it': Bill Gates on technology, giving, resilience

‘If I had a switch to slow down AI, I might use it': Bill Gates on technology, giving, resilience

Straits Times09-05-2025
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates says that like any technology, AI can be misused. ST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG
SINGAPORE – If Mr Michael Bloomberg, founder of the eponymous financial information empire, says the wellspring of his vast philanthropy was a special look he spotted in the eyes of the great givers, then Mr Bill Gates can justifiably turn his orbs on full beam.
Once the world's richest man, and perhaps the most famous name in technology, Mr Gates has just announced a significant acceleration of funding for the Gates Foundation as it marks its 25th anniversary.
Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

‘I applied to over 300 jobs': What people wish they knew before they got laid off
‘I applied to over 300 jobs': What people wish they knew before they got laid off

Straits Times

timean hour ago

  • Straits Times

‘I applied to over 300 jobs': What people wish they knew before they got laid off

Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Global unrest, economic uncertainty and tech-driven upheaval have meant layoffs, retrenchments and involuntary unemployment becoming a reality for many. SINGAPORE – What would you do if you were laid off unexpectedly? For Mr Uzen Tan, 30, the answer was becoming a Grab driver with a placard tied to the back of his seat rest. It reads 'I got retrenched!', so that every ride can be a 'networking opportunity'. 'I've probably sent out over 300 applications and have not found a suitable role yet,' says the former tech worker. He was laid off from his previous role as a marketing specialist at Google in April. More than 20 passengers have since scanned the QR code on his placard to access his resume. Some even offered personal advice. And he has been documenting his journey on TikTok. Mr Tan became a private-hire driver to pay the bills and help his wife, a human resources manager, take care of their 18-month-old daughter. 'I lie to myself that I am doing okay,' he says, adding that the uncertainty of what comes next and having to put up a cheerful front mean daily stress and frequent eczema flare-ups. Singapore has one of the world's lowest unemployment rates, which stood at 2 per cent in 2024. But global unrest, economic uncertainty and tech-driven upheaval have meant layoffs, retrenchments and involuntary unemployment are becoming a reality for many. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore From temples to towers: Old memories collide with new money in Geylang Singapore Clans of Geylang: The fight for survival and revival World Hamas says it responds to Gaza ceasefire proposal in 'a positive spirit' Asia Surviving 40 deg C summer in Chongqing, one of China's hottest cities Singapore PAP has begun search for new candidates; PM Wong hopes to deploy them earlier ahead of next GE Singapore 20 retired MPs spoke up on many issues in Parliament, helped successors prepare for new role: PM Wong Singapore $3b money laundering case: 9 financial institutions handed $27.45m in MAS penalties over breaches Asia JB petrol station shooting: Dead man with bullet wounds dumped at hospital The long-term unemployment rate – defined as someone who has been unemployed for 25 weeks or more – has risen to 0.9 per cent in March from 0.8 per cent in March 2024, according to data from the Ministry of Manpower. The unemployment rate is highest among those aged under 30. According to the 2024 graduate employment survey, conducted six months after the completion of final examinations, 12.9 per cent of graduates of autonomous universities say they are unemployed. Meanwhile, 25.2 per cent of graduates of private education institutions reported being unemployed. A growing proportion of university graduates are also now engaged in freelance or part-time work, compared with previous years. Economic anxiety has also set in for many who are currently working. According to a 2025 annual survey by the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), 34 per cent of 2,000 respondents expressed concern about losing their jobs in the next three months. A 2023 Institute of Policy Studies survey found that 35 per cent of over 1,000 Singapore workers polled were concerned that the jobs they currently have may not exist in the future. Those who have been laid off and experienced extended periods of unemployment say that repeated silence or rejections from hirers can spiral into months of isolation and financial anxiety, and erode one's confidence. What do you do if you find yourself made redundant or if your job hunt lasts for longer than anticipated? Eleven Singaporeans who have experienced these circumstances, as well as experts, share five hacks to weather this difficult period. 1. Understand the AI-driven bottleneck Mr Kyson Xu, 35, is no stranger to redundancy, having been laid off thrice since he started working in 2015. The most recent furlough hit the hardest. In November 2024, he was let go from his senior marketing manager position when the software development firm he was working for went through restructuring. Mr Kyson Xu kept track of the more than 300 jobs that he applied to before securing his current gig. PHOTO: KYSON XU Over four months of job hunting, he sent out 329 job applications, sat through 16 interviews and was handed three final-round rejections before he finally landed a role as a marketing director in the technology sector. 'Every role I applied to had over 100 applicants,' he says. 'It felt like I was trying to grasp sand while it was slipping through my fingers.' Data indicates that Mr Xu may not be an outlier. A 2024 LinkedIn survey of more than 20,000 users and 8,000 HR professionals in 17 major markets – including Singapore, the United States and Australia – found that half of all jobseekers and over 60 per cent of hirers feel the application process has become more difficult. Nearly 40 per cent of jobseekers are applying to more jobs than ever but hearing back less. Most HR professionals say the problem is that fewer than half of job applications received even meet the criteria listed. According to vacancy portal Jobstreet, there was a 9 per cent increase in applications per job on the platform in April and May 2025, compared with the same period last year, while the actual number of jobs available decreased by 13 per cent. 'This suggests that competition in the job market has intensified, with fewer roles available and more jobseekers applying for the same roles,' says Ms Samantha Tan, an HR Business Partner at Seek, Jobstreet's parent company. The ubiquitous use of artificial intelligence (AI), both among jobseekers and firms who are hiring, is partly to blame. It is easy to send in 10 ChatGPT-crafted cover letters online, but just as easy for companies facing a deluge of these to filter out most applicants. 'The modern job search is defined by scale, speed and automation,' notes Ms Kirsty Poltock, country manager of recruitment firm Robert Walters Singapore. 'Unlike previous decades – where job applications were more deliberate and tailored – today's jobseekers submit applications at high volume, often aided by AI.' To cut through the noise, staying up to date on industry trends in what employers – and their automated systems – are looking for is key, says Dr Paul Lim, a senior lecturer at SMU's business school. 'This game to get noticed is a new one,' he says, noting that some applicants have taken to copying and pasting the job description into their resumes in the hope that a less-sophisticated automated process will rate their application more positively. He does not recommend doing so, as they are unlikely to make the shortlist on a more sophisticated system. Also, some organisations now use technology to interview candidates before progressing to an interview with a human hiring manager, says Dr Lim. American start-ups like HireVue and Spark Hire have emerged to provide this service. So, one might have to get used to being interviewed by an automated system, as well as having to quickly type out one's responses on a timer. 2. Breaking through the noise means more than just applying The first mistake made by many is approaching job hunting as a numbers game. Mr James Ching, 47, who experienced a seven-month period of joblessness after he was retrenched in 2020, says keeping score of the pile of jobs one has applied to is a common pitfall among white-collar workers. 'For laid-off PMETs, your network is your greatest resource, and your next boss is already in your network somewhere,' says the career coach of those who fall under the category of professionals, managers, executives and technicians. Ideally, one should prioritise quality over quantity in networking and applications, and take a multi-channel approach, says Ms Poltock. Beyond tailoring your application to each role and company, one can also network actively via LinkedIn or through referrals, as well as engage with recruiters who can offer more personalised guidance. 'AI can enhance the job search, but it should be used thoughtfully,' she says. She points to a 2025 survey by Robert Walters Singapore that found that while 59 per cent of candidates surveyed here use AI tools to aid their job applications, over half of employers say they can detect when an application has been AI-generated. This was the finding of a survey of 308 employers and professionals in Singapore. As to the right balance between quality and quantity, experts say this varies from sector to sector, as well as where one is on the career ladder. Mr Kyson Xu says his retrenchment experience taught him to not be distracted by the noise of comparing oneself with others and platitudes from LinkedIn gurus. PHOTO: COURTESY OF KYSON XU For Mr Xu, his retrenchment experience taught him to approach the job search as more of a marathon than a race. This meant tuning out the noise of LinkedIn gurus or networking events without a clear purpose, or trying to stuff as many buzzwords into one's resume. He credits this more intentional strategy with landing him his current IT marketing role. In contrast, Mr Adrian Kee, who was unemployed for six months in 2024, used ChatGPT to tailor his resume and cover letters to every job opening he encountered. 'I think everyone uses AI now,' says the 42-year-old. 'Once I get past the first level of ATS (Applicant Tracking System), then it becomes human-to-human talk.' For the former medtech and start-up worker, not using AI tools felt like squandering a useful, free and available resource. He was hired by a medical equipment firm after applying to over 300 jobs this way. At the very least, former jobseekers and experts say one should not neglect his or her profile on professional platforms such as LinkedIn. Up-to-date information is key as such networks have increasingly become the avenue for recruiters trying to cold-call or screen suitable candidates. 3. Set timelines – and know when to reassess One of the most stressful parts of job hunting is watching your savings ebb away with no clear end in sight. Looking back, jobseekers say preparing for the long haul is one piece of advice they could give to their past – and still employed – selves. Jobstreet by Seek's Ms Tan says entry-level positions typically take a few weeks to a couple of months to fill. Mid-level roles can take from one to three months, while the search for senior-level positions may range from several months to a year. The state of the economy, the role's complexity and the nature of the industry also influence these timelines. For instance, 2024's slew of tech layoffs meant that the field was awash with newly unemployed workers competing for a shrinking number of roles. As such, one should consider all the above factors when budgeting and setting expectations. Mr Alvin Fu, chief distribution officer of insurance and finance firm AIA, says a newly unemployed person should assume the jobseeking process may take three to six months or more, which means tightening one's budget early and delaying large or non-essential financial commitments. At the three-month mark, a reassessment might be necessary and one can consider taking on short-term gigs to make up for budget shortfalls. SMU's Dr Lim notes that many jobseekers often compare new vacancies with their most recently held role in terms of last-drawn salary and title. However, trying to survive may require turning one's focus towards what is enough, rather than what is ideal. Mr Adrian Kee (pictured with his son) says that an extended period of unemployment takes a silent toll on one's mental health, particularly because of pressures around being a primary breadwinner. PHOTO: COURTESY OF ADRIAN KEE Mr Kee is no stranger to this feeling. After being laid off from a multinational corporation in 2023, followed by four months of unsuccessful searching, he took a 50 per cent pay cut to work in a start-up. 'At that time, it was a period of tech layoffs from Google and Meta, the market was really bad and the number of jobseekers outweighed the number of jobs available. I had a difficult time looking for my next job,' he says. When the start-up failed to take off, the sole breadwinner of his family was unemployed for a further six months before he found his current gig. Looking back, he reflects: 'It made me feel like trash, not because I was choosy, but because life put me in such a position that I have to beg for a job.' His advice to others in his shoes: plan ahead for any big-ticket items to protect your mental health. While unemployed, he sought to shield his son, now eight, from the stress of dwindling finances. Even though the family cut back on eating out and other expenses, they invested in annual memberships for an indoor playground and the Singapore Zoo. Without holidays abroad, these places became their go-to weekly outing spots so that they could keep costs low without sacrificing family time. 4. Don't take on the silence-rejection marathon alone Among current and former jobseekers who spoke to ST, nearly all agreed that one of the silent killers of today's increasingly impersonal hiring landscape is how rejection comes not in the form of a letter – but total silence. Not only do companies often not respond, but the new phenomenon of 'ghost jobs' also means that not every vacancy is meant to be filled. When Mr Ching was unemployed in 2020, he sought out his fellow laid-off PMETs and met them for coffee to exchange tips and go on walks together. 'This was my support group, which was needed as it was difficult for my non-laid-off friends to relate,' he says. Find support and treat job hunting like a 'day job' – with a corresponding fixed time to shut down one's computer and rest. For other jobseekers, protecting one's mental health meant turning to friends, occupying time with new courses and hobbies or – in the case of Grab driver Mr Tan – embracing content creation as a creative outlet for job-seeking anxieties. Mr Uzen Tan has taken an unusual approach to networking while working as a Grab driver after being laid off. PHOTO: COURTESY OF UZEN TAN The sudden void in one's well-oiled routine that often accompanies unemployment can grind down one's self-esteem. This is compounded by how one's peers remain employed and are living it up, while one is expected to cut back on social activities and outings. To Dr Lim, the most immediate challenge is avoiding the trap of 'learned helplessness', when it feels like there is no more hope after facing rejection repeatedly. It is a disempowering time, but one can take back control by accepting the factors beyond one's control, while exercising agency over the things that are, such as going for upskilling courses. 'You can control how many job applications you can send out daily. You can control whom you would like to meet in your network to seek job opportunities,' he adds. 5. Don't let fear cloud your judgment For those with fewer financial burdens, they could embrace the sudden freedom of unemployment as a time for reinvention. Ms Lim Lishan (second from right) says that extended unemployment gave her the chance to pursue low-cost solo travel, and rediscover her life passions, such as scuba diving. PHOTO: COURTESY OF LIM LISHAN Ms Lim Lishan, 32, has spent much of the past year unemployed, save for brief stints of temporary or part-time work. She had trouble adjusting to a new course of antidepressants that made her feel 'sluggish and lethargic'. During this time, the bachelorette embraced a low-cost lifestyle. She travelled solo through Taiwan, Sri Lanka, Cambodia and China, among other places, rediscovering her passion for rock climbing and scuba diving along the way. This experience made her realise she is after a flexible freelance work arrangement, leading her to turn down job offers to start her own yoga and wellness business. Such gig economy work might become a feature of the Singapore labour force, especially for younger job entrants who cannot land the jobs they want after graduation or choose to opt out of the rat race. Mr Kishore Kumar, 26, turned to part-time retail work at the start of 2025 after he voluntarily left his administrative job at a local university. 'I was not feeling good about myself or the work I was doing,' he says. 'Burnout was intense.' It took him over 150 applications before he landed his initial university job. On his second go at job searching, he looked at vacancies with a more discerning eye while working part-time. Some 50 applications later, he landed his current job as a copywriter at ride-hailing firm Gojek in May. His takeaway? It is important not to act from a place of scarcity and take on jobs you know deep down are not right for you – because you might end up right back where you started. 'Make sure the jobs you're getting offers for are ones you actually want to do and can see yourself doing for the long term, and not something you're jumping into out of desperation,' he says. Dr Lim agrees with this, adding that seeing downtime as a threat to one's self-worth or identity can be debilitating. 'If one sees this as an opportunity to reset, recharge or even reinvent oneself, this mindset change can chart a whole new path towards new-found success.' One example is Mr Melvyn Loey, 43, who resigned from his position as director of a local law firm in July 2024 to care for his ageing parents. Although he planned to return to full-time work later that year, the offer from another firm fell through. 'My mental health took a huge beating as self-doubt set in,' he says. What compounded the stress of extended unemployment was being responsible for supporting both his own and his parents' households. Upon reassessing his priorities, he decided to consciously extend his career break, in the hope that more vacancies would open up. The savings he had built up helped him act from a position of abundance rather than scarcity. 'I was actually prepared to go for two years,' he says. He starts as legal counsel of another firm in July. His advice: Always build up a rainy day fund and aim to reframe unexpected negatives as new opportunities. 'At the end of the day, I decided to focus on spending more time with my ageing parents and loved ones, who were the main reason I decided to take a career hiatus in the first place,' he says. 'Also, being able to cook helps,' he quips.

Brics nations to denounce Trump tariffs
Brics nations to denounce Trump tariffs

Straits Times

time2 hours ago

  • Straits Times

Brics nations to denounce Trump tariffs

Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Artificial intelligence and health will also be on the agenda at the summit. RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil - Brics leaders meeting in Rio de Janeiro from July 6 are expected to decry US President Donald Trump's hardline trade policies, but are struggling to bridge divides over crises roiling the Middle East. Emerging nations representing about half the world's population and 40 per cent of global economic output are set to unite over what they see as unfair US import tariffs, according to sources familiar with summit negotiations. Since coming to office in January, Mr Trump has threatened allies and rivals alike with a slew of punitive tariffs . His latest salvo comes in the form of letters due to be sent starting July 4 informing trading partners of new tariff rates expected next week on July 9. Diplomats from 11 emerging nations, including Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, have been busy drafting a statement condemning the economic uncertainty. Any final summit declaration is not expected to mention the United States or its president by name. But it is expected to be a clear political shot directed at Washington. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore From temples to towers: Old memories collide with new money in Geylang Singapore Clans of Geylang: The fight for survival and revival World Hamas says it responds to Gaza ceasefire proposal in 'a positive spirit' Asia Surviving 40 deg C summer in Chongqing, one of China's hottest cities Singapore PAP has begun search for new candidates; PM Wong hopes to deploy them earlier ahead of next GE Singapore 20 retired MPs spoke up on many issues in Parliament, helped successors prepare for new role: PM Wong Singapore $3b money laundering case: 9 financial institutions handed $27.45m in MAS penalties over breaches Asia JB petrol station shooting: Dead man with bullet wounds dumped at hospital 'We're anticipating a summit with a cautious tone: it will be difficult to mention the United States by name in the final declaration,' Adjunct Professor Marta Fernandez, director of the Brics Policy Centre at Rio's Pontifical Catholic University said. This is particularly the case for China, which has only recently negotiated with the US to lower steep tit-for-tat levies. 'This doesn't seem to be the right time to provoke further friction' between the world's two leading economies, Prof Fernandez said. Conceived two decades ago as a forum for fast-growing economies, the Brics have come to be seen as a Chinese-driven counterbalance to Western power. But the summit's political punch will be depleted by the absence of China's Xi Jinping, who is skipping the annual meeting for the first time in his 12 years as president. 'I expect there will be speculation about the reasons for Xi's absence,' said Mr Ryan Hass, a former China director at the US National Security Council who is now with the Brookings Institution think tank. 'The simplest explanation may hold the most explanatory power. Xi recently hosted Lula in Beijing,' said Mr Hass. The Chinese leader will not be the only notable absentee. War crime-indicted Russian President Vladimir Putin is also opting to stay away, but will participate via video link, according to the Kremlin. Mr Hass said Mr Putin's non-attendance and the fact that India's prime minister will be a guest of honour in Brazil could also be factors in Mr Xi's absence. 'Xi does not want to appear upstaged by Modi,' who will receive a state lunch, he said. 'I expect Xi's decision to delegate attendance to Premier Li (Qiang) rests amidst these factors.' Still, the Mr Xi no-show is a blow to host President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who wants Brazil to play a bigger role on the world stage. In the year to November 2025, Brazil will have hosted a G-20 summit, a Brics summit, and COP30 international climate talks, all before heading into fiercely contested presidential elections in 2026, in which he is expected to run. Middle path Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian, whose nation is still reeling from a 12-day conflict with Israel is also skipping the meeting. A source familiar with the negotiations said the Brics countries were still in disagreement over how to respond to the wars in Gaza and between Iran and Israel. Iranian negotiators are pushing for a tougher collective stance that goes beyond referencing the need for the creation of a Palestinian state and for disputes to be resolved peacefully. Artificial intelligence and health will also be on the agenda at the summit. Original members of the bloc Brazil, Russia, India, and China have been joined by South Africa and, more recently, by Saudi Arabia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Ethiopia and Indonesia. Analysts say that it has given the grouping more potential international punch. But it has also opened many new fault lines. Brazil hopes that countries can take a common stand at the summit, including on the most sensitive issues. 'Brics (countries), throughout their history, have managed to speak with one voice on major international issues, and there's no reason why that shouldn't be the case this time on the subject of the Middle East,' Brazil's Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira told AFP. AFP

Dream wheels, Malaysian deals: Singaporean car lovers find affordable indulgence across the border
Dream wheels, Malaysian deals: Singaporean car lovers find affordable indulgence across the border

Straits Times

time2 hours ago

  • Straits Times

Dream wheels, Malaysian deals: Singaporean car lovers find affordable indulgence across the border

Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox A group of Singaporean off-road enthusiasts using Malaysia and Singapore registered four-wheel drives during an overlanding tour at the Salur Gajah campsite in Segamat, Johor in Oct 2024. JOHOR BAHRU - On weekdays, Singaporean e-commerce entrepreneur Iylia Kwan relies on a reliable, roomy Toyota Corolla Altis for his regular commute from his family home in Yishun. But come the weekend, the 36-year-old bachelor who rents a semi-detached house in Pasir Gudang city, a half-hour drive to Johor Bahru, cruises across Malaysia's long winding highways and off-road trails in a sporty Malaysian-registered 4.8 litre Porsche Cayenne SUV. 'Some people may say, 'Oh it's not a Singapore Porsche', but a Porsche is a Porsche and I've always wanted to own one,' said Mr Kwan , noting that the chance to drive and purchase such luxury cars in Malaysia is, for him, an affordable indulgence too good to resist . He paid RM50,000 (S$15,000) for a secondhand 2009 model three years ago, compared with the more than $60,000 he would have had to fork out for a similar used model in Singapore including COE. The V8-powered Cayenne isn't his only indulgence. For his birthday t his year, he bought a used Malaysian-registered Mercedes-Benz E-Class saloon with a number plate bearing his birth year and age, calling it a 'fated' purchase, he told The Straits Times. Mr Kwan is among a small but growing number of Singaporeans living out their weekend driving dreams by purchasing sports and luxury vehicles in Malaysia – acquisitions that would be very costly back in the Republic. This is a post-pandemic trend, which industry observers and participants attribute to Singapore's sky-high Certificate of Entitlement (COE) prices and the Republic's move towards a 'car-lite' society. Some are even leasing landed homes or 'renting' season parking lots at condominiums in state capital Johor Bahru from RM200 to RM400 per month for the space to leave their vehicles, car owners told ST. With COE prices in Singapore climbing steadily since the start of Covid-19, little wonder that some car enthusiasts are looking across the border to fulfil their motoring dreams without wringing their wallets dry. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore From temples to towers: Old memories collide with new money in Geylang Singapore Clans of Geylang: The fight for survival and revival World Hamas says it responds to Gaza ceasefire proposal in 'a positive spirit' Asia Surviving 40 deg C summer in Chongqing, one of China's hottest cities Singapore PAP has begun search for new candidates; PM Wong hopes to deploy them earlier ahead of next GE Singapore 20 retired MPs spoke up on many issues in Parliament, helped successors prepare for new role: PM Wong Singapore $3b money laundering case: 9 financial institutions handed $27.45m in MAS penalties over breaches Asia JB petrol station shooting: Dead man with bullet wounds dumped at hospital While Mr Kwan isn't able to drive his Porsche or Mercedes in Singapore according to local laws, he is not fussed about that. According to Singapore's Land Transport Authority, Singaporean citizens, Permanent Residents and long-term pass holders, are not allowed to 'keep or use' foreign-registered vehicles in Singapore. In Singapore, the price of COEs – mandatory permits that must be purchased on top of the actual price of the vehicle and allowing ownership for 10 years – can significantly impact the overall cost of a car. COE prices, which are determined via a bidding process twice a month, can potentially account for 50 per cent or more of the vehicle's sale price, especially for the larger, higher-performance models. In October 2023, COE prices hit a record high with premiums for smaller cars reaching $106,000 and open category vehicles touching $158,004 . Mr Iylia Kwan, posing with his Malaysian-registered 2009 Porsche Cayenne SUV right after he purchased it from a car dealer in Selangor on X 2022. PHOTO: COURTESY OF IYLIA KWAN Foreigners are allowed to own Malaysian-registered cars, said Road Transport Department (JPJ) director-general Aedy Fadly Ramli who spoke to ST recently, noting that the process is relatively similar to that for locals. They can register ownership of a vehicle by going in person to any JPJ counter – there is one in most districts in every state – with their passports, and will also have to undergo biometric thumb-print verification, according to the JPJ website . Malaysian citizens and permanent residents can opt to do this via JPJ's online portal mySIKAP . Also, used vehicles must pass a mandatory inspection before ownership is transferred. Un der Malaysia's road laws, Singaporeans with a Singapore-issued driving licence are legally allowed to drive in Malaysia. Malaysian-registered vehicles in the country must have valid road tax and third-party insurance at a minimum to be driven on public roads. Car dealers in Johor say many foreigners, including Singaporeans, typically pay for their new and secondhand purchases in full, with cash. Made-in-Malaysia cars like a 1990s Proton Wira can be had for as low as RM2,500 in the used market, while popular family SUVs like the 2013 model Honda CR-V assembled in Thailand start from RM31,000. 'A 2018 BMW 3 Series 330e, popular among my Singaporean clients, can be had for around RM80,000,' said Johor-based Mr Luis Pradeeb, a sales adviser at Sime Darby Auto Selection who specialises in used Continental and new BMW cars. A similar second-hand model in Singapore would be priced from $71,000, inclusive of COE. 'I sold six cars to Singaporeans between January and May this year, compared with eight throughout 2024,' he add ed . While it's possible for a Singaporean to obtain a car loan from a Malaysian bank to purchase a Malaysian-registered car, the loan terms may differ from those offered to locals – such as requiring a local guarantor and a larger down payment, or offering a lower amount of financing. Once the dream cars have become a reality, the owners must find a place to park their Malaysian-registered vehicles. Enter Singaporeans Heeraj Sharma, 36 and Regis Tia, 28, who just launched their 24,000 sq ft warehouse facility in Skudai – about 15 minutes from Johor Bahru city centre – that offers storage for luxury and sports vehicles. The duo , who also own and operate Trilogy Auto Detailing, which offers car detailing services in Singapore, said that 10 Singaporean drivers have signed up for storage with 'hundreds more' enquiring online. Mr Heeraj Sharma (left) and Mr Regis Tia, founders of Carlogy, at their 24,000sq ft warehouse facility in Skudai that offers storage for luxury and sports vehicles pictured together with Mr Heeraj's Malaysia-registered Mini Countryman. ST PHOTO: HARITH MUSTAFFA The Carlogy facility , which also has an event space for motoring meet-ups, charges RM1,000 per month for an air-conditioned lot with space for up to 38 vehicles, and RM700 monthly for its 25 non-air-conditioned lots. The fee includes 24-hour security, weekly engine warm-ups and monthly car washes. 'We want to make it (the experience) as seamless as possible so we got security here... we have CCTV cameras and guards, and we also have a 24-hour concierge service for you to check on your car any time,' said Mr Heeraj, whose company also helps Singaporeans source and purchase cars in Malaysia through local dealers. Malaysian-registered cars are a post-pandemic thrill for Singapore motoring fans . Mr Vincent Goh, vice-president of the Jeep Owners Club Singapore (JOCS) that was set up in January, said more Singaporean motorists are now more 'open' to the idea of purchasing cars in Malaysia and driving them in-country. Currently, Mr Goh says about 10 per cent of the club's 90 or so members use Malaysian-registered four-wheel drive vehicles to partake in weekend, off-road trips in Malaysia – a trend which have become increasingly popular in recent years – and he expects the number to gro w . Singaporean performance car enthusiasts like Mr Kelvin Kok, 51 are also snapping up sports cars in Malaysia. In October 2024, he purchased a Malaysian-registered Toyota GR Yaris hot hatch for RM230,000. The reconditioned, second-hand model from Japan was financed with a bank loan and is parked at a friend's landed property in Johor Bahru. Singaporean car enthusiast Kelvin Kok, 51, with his Malaysian-registered Toyota GR Yaris hot hatch at his friend's home in Johor Bahru, before driving up to Selangor for motoring event SuperGT on June 27. PHOTO: COURTESY OF KELVIN KOK Mr Kok, who works in the finance industry, uses the car for leisurely drives and motoring events in Malaysia, including track days at the Sepang International Circuit, for up to six times each month. 'Right now, I specifically do my grocery runs in JB on a weekly basis so that I can drive the 'little mistress' around,' said the father of two, referring fondly to the hatchback. 'It really feels liberating to be able to drive this car... I should have done this earlier in life,' he added. S ome motor enthusiasts are even contemplating buying cars for the women in their lives. Mr Kwan, who is not stopping at two, is considering getting a 20-year-old Volkswagen Beetle for about RM13,000 for his 71-year-old mother. 'My mother said it was her dream to own a Beetle, so I thought I'd get it for her to go shopping in JB (with) her friends. It's a small, cute and easy car to drive too,' he said. Still, owning Malaysian-registered vehicles in absentia isn't without its challenges, as Singaporean motorists lament the limited amount of secure parking facilities in Johor Bahru. Not to mention the hassle of additional costs and time spent on car maintenance and repairs. 'Singaporean drivers with Malaysian-registered cars rely on friends owning property in JB, to park at their condos or landed homes,' said Mr Heeraj. Events manager Afeeq Anwar parks his Malaysian-registered 1990s Toyota Altezza sporty sedan in the front porch of a relative's house in Gelang Patah town about 25km from the state capital . 'Ideally, I'd prefer parking in a place that's secure and nearer to the (border) checkpoint,' said the 30-year-old Singaporean. Mr Afeeq Anwar bought this Malaysia-registered 90s Toyota Altezza to fulfill his dream of collecting retro Japanese cars. PHOTO: COURTESY OF AFEEQ ANWAR In dustry experts advise Singaporeans bent on purchasing cars in Malaysia to be sure that everything is done properly and by the book. Mr Wan Agyl Wan Hassan, analyst and founder of transport think-tank MY Mobility Vision, pointed out that insurance claims could turn gnarly if a vehicle isn't properly registered. 'Owning a car across the border seems like a smarter and cheaper option, but you're not just buying a car, you're also buying a cross-border responsibility,' he told ST.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store