LTA rules out cross-border ride-hailing to Johor; Billionaire Ong Beng Seng admits guilt in Iswaran corruption scandal: Singapore live news

Yahoo

14 hours ago

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has clarified that it will not fully liberalise cross-border ride-hailing services, despite recent media reports and discussions with Malaysian officials. Instead, LTA is exploring ways to improve the existing Cross Border Taxi Scheme (CBTS), which allows up to 200 licensed taxis from each side to operate between Singapore and Johor Bahru.
These improvements may include app-based bookings and more pickup and drop-off points. Enforcement against illegal ride-hailing remains a priority, with safety and driver welfare at the forefront. Separately, LTA is reviewing Malaysia's request to start cross-border buses at 4am to ease morning congestion. Any changes will be aligned with Singapore's local transport schedules. The goal is to enhance commuter convenience without compromising regulatory safeguards.
Singapore Formula One tycoon Ong Beng Seng has pleaded guilty to abetting obstruction of justice in a corruption case involving former transport minister S Iswaran. The scandal centres on a luxury trip to Doha in 2022, which Ong paid for, including a private jet ride, hotel stay, and return flight.
When the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) seized the flight manifest in 2023, Ong helped Iswaran retroactively pay for the flight to avoid scrutiny. Prosecutors say this act had a tendency to obstruct justice. A second charge, involving Ong gifting the entire trip, was taken into consideration for sentencing. Ong, 79, is undergoing treatment for bone marrow cancer and stepped down from Hotel Properties Limited earlier this year. His sentencing is pending and could include jail time and fines. His legal team has appealed for leniency, requesting that the court exercise judicial mercy and consider imposing only a fine without any custodial sentence. Read on Ong's guilty plea here.
Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates.
Singapore's F1 mogul Ong Beng Seng pleads guilty in Iswaran gift scandal
UPDATE: Singapore F1 tycoon Ong Beng Seng has pleaded guilty to abetting obstruction of justice in a corruption case involving former transport minister S Iswaran. The scandal centres on a lavish 2022 trip to Doha, where Ong hosted Iswaran on his private jet and paid for a stay at the Four Seasons Hotel.
The return flight, also paid for by Ong's company, Singapore GP, was only reimbursed months later, after the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) seized the flight manifest. Ong then instructed Singapore GP to bill Iswaran and keep records, a move prosecutors say was intended to obstruct justice.
Ong also consented to a second charge, taken into consideration, for gifting Iswaran the entire trip worth $20,850. Iswaran, who chaired the F1 Steering Committee, was sentenced to 12 months' jail last year for accepting gifts and obstructing justice.
Ong's sentencing is pending. He faces up to seven years in jail and a fine. His legal team has appealed for leniency, requesting that the court exercise judicial mercy and consider imposing only a fine without any custodial sentence.
The tycoon, who brought Formula 1 to Singapore in 2008, stepped down from Hotel Properties Limited in April to manage his bone marrow cancer.
Read on Ong's case here.
Singapore says no plans to liberalise ride-hailing to Johor
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has clarified that it has no intention to fully liberalise cross-border ride-hailing services between Singapore and Johor Bahru. The announcement follows recent media reports and an 1 Aug meeting between officials from both countries.
While the idea of on-demand cross-border rides was raised, no decision was made. Instead, LTA is exploring enhancements to the existing Cross Border Taxi Scheme (CBTS), which allows up to 200 licensed taxis from each side to operate between Singapore and Johor Bahru. These taxis currently pick up and drop off passengers only at designated terminals – Larkin Sentral and Ban San Street.
To improve convenience, LTA is considering increasing the number of pickup and drop-off points and enabling app-based bookings for licensed taxis. Enforcement against illegal ride-hailing remains active, with safety and driver welfare as key priorities.
Separately, LTA is reviewing Malaysia's request to start cross-border buses at 4am to ease morning congestion. Any changes will be aligned with Singapore's local transport schedules.
Singapore job market shows signs of life
Singapore's job market is bouncing back, with a 2.1 per cent rise in postings in June 2025, according to job site and hiring platform Indeed. AI-related roles are booming, appearing in one-third of tech listings and increasingly in non-tech sectors like research and engineering.
Healthcare and infrastructure jobs are also surging, with sports and pharmaceutical roles tripling since pre-pandemic times. Meanwhile, service roles like public safety and veterinary care are seeing declines.
Despite a year-on-year slowdown, job creation remains robust. Employers are cautiously optimistic, focusing on sectors aligned with national priorities.
Indeed's data shows job postings are still 43 per cent above pre-pandemic levels, underscoring the market's resilience. But global uncertainty looms large.
Callam Pickering, Indeed's APAC economist, says hiring remains strong enough to keep unemployment low. But he warns that geopolitical shifts could cloud future growth.
Meta AI recruitment spree: US$1 billion offer declined, US$250 million accepted
Meta's billion-dollar offer to lure top researchers from Thinking Machines Lab was met with a firm 'no thanks'. Despite Meta's aggressive push to staff its Superintelligence Labs, not a single researcher from Mira Murati's team took the bait.
In contrast, Matt Deitke, a 24-year-old AI prodigy, accepted a US$250 million deal after a personal meeting with Mark Zuckerberg. The revised offer included US$100 million in year one.
Meta's Superintelligence Labs are part of a broader US$72 billion AI investment strategy. The tech giant's recruitment spree has cost over $1 billion, with hires like Shengjia Zhao, Ruoming Pang and Alexandr Wang joining the fold.
But the mixed results in recruitment raise questions about its long-term appeal, with the rejection from Thinking Machines hinting at deeper brand and leadership concerns.
Hamas won't disarm without Palestinian statehood
Hamas has reaffirmed its refusal to disarm until a fully sovereign Palestinian state is established, with Jerusalem as its capital. This declaration comes as France, the UK and Canada announce plans to recognise Palestine at the upcoming UN General Assembly.
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry is preparing a strategy to implement a two-state solution, reflecting growing global support. Mediators Qatar and Egypt backed a proposal for Hamas to hand over arms to the Palestinian Authority, but Hamas rejected it.
Nearly 150 countries already recognise Palestine, highlighting Israel's increasing diplomatic isolation. Despite mounting pressure, Hamas insists armed resistance remains a legitimate right.
The international community is pushing for peace, but Hamas's stance may complicate the path forward. The September vote could be a turning point, or another missed opportunity.
Read on Hamas rejecting disarmament here.
Tharman honours sinkhole rescue heroes at Istana
Seven migrant workers who saved a woman from a sinkhole were honoured by President Tharman at the Istana's open house on Sunday (3 August). The men sprang into action when a car fell into a sudden cavity near Mountbatten Road.
Using a nylon rope, they pulled the driver to safety within minutes. Their bravery sparked public admiration and a wave of support.
Tharman invited them to the Istana, where he thanked them personally and gifted each a Presidential Crest pen. The workers also received Ministry of Manpower (MOM) Appreciation Coins for their heroism.
A public fundraiser raised over $72,000, which will be split among the rescuers. The charity behind it, ItsRainingRaincoats, will host a celebration on 10 August.
Read on President Tharman honouring the sinkhole rescue heroes here.
UPDATE: Singapore F1 tycoon Ong Beng Seng has pleaded guilty to abetting obstruction of justice in a corruption case involving former transport minister S Iswaran. The scandal centres on a lavish 2022 trip to Doha, where Ong hosted Iswaran on his private jet and paid for a stay at the Four Seasons Hotel.
The return flight, also paid for by Ong's company, Singapore GP, was only reimbursed months later, after the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) seized the flight manifest. Ong then instructed Singapore GP to bill Iswaran and keep records, a move prosecutors say was intended to obstruct justice.
Ong also consented to a second charge, taken into consideration, for gifting Iswaran the entire trip worth $20,850. Iswaran, who chaired the F1 Steering Committee, was sentenced to 12 months' jail last year for accepting gifts and obstructing justice.
Ong's sentencing is pending. He faces up to seven years in jail and a fine. His legal team has appealed for leniency, requesting that the court exercise judicial mercy and consider imposing only a fine without any custodial sentence.
The tycoon, who brought Formula 1 to Singapore in 2008, stepped down from Hotel Properties Limited in April to manage his bone marrow cancer.
Read on Ong's case here.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has clarified that it has no intention to fully liberalise cross-border ride-hailing services between Singapore and Johor Bahru. The announcement follows recent media reports and an 1 Aug meeting between officials from both countries.
While the idea of on-demand cross-border rides was raised, no decision was made. Instead, LTA is exploring enhancements to the existing Cross Border Taxi Scheme (CBTS), which allows up to 200 licensed taxis from each side to operate between Singapore and Johor Bahru. These taxis currently pick up and drop off passengers only at designated terminals – Larkin Sentral and Ban San Street.
To improve convenience, LTA is considering increasing the number of pickup and drop-off points and enabling app-based bookings for licensed taxis. Enforcement against illegal ride-hailing remains active, with safety and driver welfare as key priorities.
Separately, LTA is reviewing Malaysia's request to start cross-border buses at 4am to ease morning congestion. Any changes will be aligned with Singapore's local transport schedules.
Singapore's job market is bouncing back, with a 2.1 per cent rise in postings in June 2025, according to job site and hiring platform Indeed. AI-related roles are booming, appearing in one-third of tech listings and increasingly in non-tech sectors like research and engineering.
Healthcare and infrastructure jobs are also surging, with sports and pharmaceutical roles tripling since pre-pandemic times. Meanwhile, service roles like public safety and veterinary care are seeing declines.
Despite a year-on-year slowdown, job creation remains robust. Employers are cautiously optimistic, focusing on sectors aligned with national priorities.
Indeed's data shows job postings are still 43 per cent above pre-pandemic levels, underscoring the market's resilience. But global uncertainty looms large.
Callam Pickering, Indeed's APAC economist, says hiring remains strong enough to keep unemployment low. But he warns that geopolitical shifts could cloud future growth.
Meta AI recruitment spree: US$1 billion offer declined, US$250 million accepted
Meta's billion-dollar offer to lure top researchers from Thinking Machines Lab was met with a firm 'no thanks'. Despite Meta's aggressive push to staff its Superintelligence Labs, not a single researcher from Mira Murati's team took the bait.
In contrast, Matt Deitke, a 24-year-old AI prodigy, accepted a US$250 million deal after a personal meeting with Mark Zuckerberg. The revised offer included US$100 million in year one.
Meta's Superintelligence Labs are part of a broader US$72 billion AI investment strategy. The tech giant's recruitment spree has cost over $1 billion, with hires like Shengjia Zhao, Ruoming Pang and Alexandr Wang joining the fold.
But the mixed results in recruitment raise questions about its long-term appeal, with the rejection from Thinking Machines hinting at deeper brand and leadership concerns.
Meta's billion-dollar offer to lure top researchers from Thinking Machines Lab was met with a firm 'no thanks'. Despite Meta's aggressive push to staff its Superintelligence Labs, not a single researcher from Mira Murati's team took the bait.
In contrast, Matt Deitke, a 24-year-old AI prodigy, accepted a US$250 million deal after a personal meeting with Mark Zuckerberg. The revised offer included US$100 million in year one.
Meta's Superintelligence Labs are part of a broader US$72 billion AI investment strategy. The tech giant's recruitment spree has cost over $1 billion, with hires like Shengjia Zhao, Ruoming Pang and Alexandr Wang joining the fold.
But the mixed results in recruitment raise questions about its long-term appeal, with the rejection from Thinking Machines hinting at deeper brand and leadership concerns.
Hamas won't disarm without Palestinian statehood
Hamas has reaffirmed its refusal to disarm until a fully sovereign Palestinian state is established, with Jerusalem as its capital. This declaration comes as France, the UK and Canada announce plans to recognise Palestine at the upcoming UN General Assembly.
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry is preparing a strategy to implement a two-state solution, reflecting growing global support. Mediators Qatar and Egypt backed a proposal for Hamas to hand over arms to the Palestinian Authority, but Hamas rejected it.
Nearly 150 countries already recognise Palestine, highlighting Israel's increasing diplomatic isolation. Despite mounting pressure, Hamas insists armed resistance remains a legitimate right.
The international community is pushing for peace, but Hamas's stance may complicate the path forward. The September vote could be a turning point, or another missed opportunity.
Read on Hamas rejecting disarmament here.
Hamas has reaffirmed its refusal to disarm until a fully sovereign Palestinian state is established, with Jerusalem as its capital. This declaration comes as France, the UK and Canada announce plans to recognise Palestine at the upcoming UN General Assembly.
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry is preparing a strategy to implement a two-state solution, reflecting growing global support. Mediators Qatar and Egypt backed a proposal for Hamas to hand over arms to the Palestinian Authority, but Hamas rejected it.
Nearly 150 countries already recognise Palestine, highlighting Israel's increasing diplomatic isolation. Despite mounting pressure, Hamas insists armed resistance remains a legitimate right.
The international community is pushing for peace, but Hamas's stance may complicate the path forward. The September vote could be a turning point, or another missed opportunity.
Read on Hamas rejecting disarmament here.
Tharman honours sinkhole rescue heroes at Istana
Seven migrant workers who saved a woman from a sinkhole were honoured by President Tharman at the Istana's open house on Sunday (3 August). The men sprang into action when a car fell into a sudden cavity near Mountbatten Road.
Using a nylon rope, they pulled the driver to safety within minutes. Their bravery sparked public admiration and a wave of support.
Tharman invited them to the Istana, where he thanked them personally and gifted each a Presidential Crest pen. The workers also received Ministry of Manpower (MOM) Appreciation Coins for their heroism.
A public fundraiser raised over $72,000, which will be split among the rescuers. The charity behind it, ItsRainingRaincoats, will host a celebration on 10 August.
Read on President Tharman honouring the sinkhole rescue heroes here.
Seven migrant workers who saved a woman from a sinkhole were honoured by President Tharman at the Istana's open house on Sunday (3 August). The men sprang into action when a car fell into a sudden cavity near Mountbatten Road.
Using a nylon rope, they pulled the driver to safety within minutes. Their bravery sparked public admiration and a wave of support.
Tharman invited them to the Istana, where he thanked them personally and gifted each a Presidential Crest pen. The workers also received Ministry of Manpower (MOM) Appreciation Coins for their heroism.
A public fundraiser raised over $72,000, which will be split among the rescuers. The charity behind it, ItsRainingRaincoats, will host a celebration on 10 August.
Read on President Tharman honouring the sinkhole rescue heroes here.