Thailand car production rises 12% y/y in June
The increase followed a year-on-year rise of 10.32 per cent in May.
Thailand is Southeast Asia's biggest auto production centre and an export base for some of the world's top carmakers, including Toyota and Honda.
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Business Times
10 hours ago
- Business Times
Singapore eyes breakthrough in landmark regional clean-power deal by October: EMA chief
[SINGAPORE] The Republic hopes that talks on how to charge for clean electricity flowing across four South-east Asian nations could be finalised by October, paving the way for it to expand imports under a landmark regional grid deal that could deliver up to 200 megawatts (MW) of renewable power, said a top executive of the city-state's energy authority. The parties in the four-way agreement involving Laos, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore are 'looking through what are the transmission charges – or sometimes they call it wheeling charges – the different grid operators will impose', Puah Kok Keong, chief executive of the Energy Market Authority (EMA), told The Business Times in an interview. Wheeling charges refer to the cost of using power infrastructure to transfer electricity from one point to another. 'We are hoping that by the coming Asean energy ministers' meeting in October, that that should be finalised,' said Puah, who has led EMA since July last year. The first phase of the Laos-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore power integration project (LTMS-PIP) was launched in 2022. It involves the export of up to 100 MW of hydropower from Laos to Singapore, via the other two countries. The second phase doubles the capacity, with additional supply also coming from Malaysia, as announced by EMA last September. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 12.30 pm ESG Insights An exclusive weekly report on the latest environmental, social and governance issues. Sign Up Sign Up The LTMS-PIP is one of several efforts to build an Asean power grid – an idea that was conceptualised decades ago but picked up steam only recently. Puah believes that the development of a regional grid is 'riding on good momentum' – with Malaysia pushing for greater interconnectivity as this year's Asean chair, while Indonesia in June signed an agreement with Singapore on cross-border electricity trade. Electricity imports are a key strategy for Singapore in its goal to hit net-zero emissions by 2050. While the city-state is also studying alternative energy sources and technologies – such as geothermal power and carbon capture – these will need time to mature, Puah noted. 'Therefore, electricity imports – quite clearly already really feasible, as shown in Europe and many other regions around the world – is something that will be a key strategy for us in the short to medium term to decarbonise,' he said. Revenue support for imports Singapore aims to import 6 gigawatts (GW) of low-carbon electricity by 2035, accounting for about a third of its power demand then. EMA has thus far granted conditional licences to six projects importing clean energy from Indonesia – amounting to a total capacity of 3 GW. Another four projects, with a total capacity of 4.35 GW, have been granted conditional approvals. One of the biggest challenges for a project is in moving from a conditional approval to a conditional licence. 'This is where, I will say, the rubber really hits the road,' Puah said. 'From the developer point of view, they will really have to finalise their numbers. They will have to call for contracts… so that they can nail down exactly how much it will cost. This is also the time that they will try to nail down their customers in Singapore, talking to various potential offtakers.' Securing customers is crucial, as project developers face high upfront costs for infrastructure such as hydropower dams and solar farms. Projects located further away also have to procure high-voltage direct current cables, for which demand is surging globally. Acknowledging these challenges, Puah noted that since the launch of the first request for proposals in 2021, EMA has allowed participants to request 'revenue support' if needed. This would mean that EMA steps in as an offtaker, giving developers more certainty on their long-term revenue profile and lowering risk and financing costs. 'The project may last 20 to 30 years, and therefore, over this period they (need to) make sufficient returns to justify why shareholders are parting with their money. We understand that,' Puah said. He declined to disclose whether the import projects thus far have requested such revenue support, citing commercial confidentiality. He also noted that EMA will consider such support carefully. 'First, we have to think about the national interest. If we are entering into various support (agreements) with the importers… we are doing it on behalf of the overall energy sector. Therefore, we will make sure that we get a decent deal,' he said. 'Resilient' LNG market While Singapore is pushing for more renewable energy, the city-state is still reliant on liquefied natural gas (LNG) for 95 per cent of its power generation. Puah is sanguine about the stability of Singapore's LNG supply and prices, even amid geopolitical tensions. In March, China halted its purchase of US LNG as the tariff war escalated. But more recently, Asian economies such as Vietnam have been looking to increase US LNG imports to negotiate with the Trump administration. Despite the uncertainty over how these developments will play out, Puah believes that the LNG market is 'quite resilient' to disruptions. 'The US today is a major exporter of LNG, but the LNG market is also a global one that is very fluid… If you don't buy from country A, you can buy from country B,' he said, adding that while there could be some impact from disruptions, the market is 'well-honed to manage it'. Market experts are also anticipating a 'very healthy stream' of investments globally into new LNG capacity, Puah noted, with increases in LNG terminal operations and shipping to meet rising demand for the fuel. 'So we think that the supply of LNG will increase, and that is good for an LNG buyer like Singapore,' he said. Puah also highlighted that Singapore has introduced safeguards since the 2021 energy crisis, when several electricity retailers went bust. These measures include a temporary price cap to mitigate volatility in the wholesale electricity market, as well as more stringent requirements for electricity retailers in terms of paid-up capital and hedging. Another safeguard is the formation of a new centralised gas buyer, Gasco, which can buy fuel contracts of varying durations and contracts, as well as those tied to various price indices. This is so that 'if a particular price index were to shoot up, then maybe only some of my gas supplies are affected', Puah said. 'This diversification across geographies, markets (and) tenures will help to prevent (or) reduce the shock that we have in future if there's a spike in oil and gas prices,' he added. No 'big impact' from tariffs He is likewise optimistic that the US' tariffs on clean-energy components – such as solar panels – are unlikely to have a big impact on projects to import renewable power into Singapore. In April, the US imposed tariffs as high as 3,500 per cent on solar exports from four South-east Asian countries: Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. This month, US solar manufacturers petitioned for such tariffs to be extended to Indonesia, Laos and India. While the tariffs will certainly affect regional solar panel makers, they are 'not really having a big impact' on project developers sourcing the panels. '(If) exports to the US are going to be less competitive, maybe the manufacturers will look into the domestic market to offload their capacity,' Puah said. Regional geopolitics is another issue Singapore will have to navigate as it imports clean energy. Last year, a senior minister in Indonesia said that the country may review plans to export clean electricity as the government prioritises national interests. Asked about this, Puah noted that the Riau Islands and Sumatra – where several projects are based – are close to Singapore and far from the 'major energy demand centres' in Indonesia, such as Java. Therefore, the projects 'do not in any way compete with the supply of renewable energy to other demand centres in Indonesia', he said, adding that there are also economic benefits for Indonesia. 'Apart from attracting investments to Indonesia and creating jobs, (they) would also help to allow supplies of panels and batteries for Indonesia's own domestic demand,' he said. 'As costs continue to come down, they will come to a price point that many more locations in Indonesia will want to deploy solar energy. We do think, quite clearly, it will be mutually beneficial.' Another positive trend is that the solar and battery industry has also expanded, with manufacturers seeing higher demand. 'As they gain scale, as they gain more manufacturing know-how, costs have continued to come down. So that bodes well for the developers and bodes well, eventually, for the consumers in Singapore,' Puah said.
Independent Singapore
13 hours ago
- Independent Singapore
PHV driver/rider guide for Singaporeans: How being behind the wheel is killing you, and what you can do to stay alive and beat fatigue without hitting the brakes
SINGAPORE: If you're a private-hire vehicle (PHV) driver, delivery rider, or taxi driver in Singapore, you already know: the 9-to-5 life is a distant dream. Your work clock spins on its own terms. One hour you're dropping off someone, and the next hour, you're grabbing food for someone else—all while seated for hours, dodging erratic cars, tolerating demanding passengers, and sitting through the occasional monsoon downpour. It's not just exhausting. It's dangerous. According to a 2022 study by the National University of Singapore's Institute of Policy Studies, platform workers work an average of 59 hours per week, as reported by CNA Lifestyle . That's more than a full-time job and then some. And with roughly 70,000 gig workers in Singapore's ride-hail and delivery sectors (about 3% of the national workforce), that's a lot of folks behind the wheel, pushing through long days with barely a break. These individuals are our unsung heroes, responsible for our food deliveries, midnight rides, and early-morning airport trips. But behind every steering wheel is a platform worker fighting traffic jams, fatigue, dehydration, body aches, and burnout. Sleepless in Singapore Fatigue isn't just about feeling tired. It's a slow fade of your mental reflexes, concentration, and alertness, turning your Grab ride into a potential hazard. 'Drivers experiencing fatigue may show signs such as frequent yawning and blinking, difficulty keeping their eyes open, and decreased concentration and vigilance,' CNA Lifestyle quoted Dr Licia Tan, an associate consultant at Sengkang General Hospital's Department of Occupational Medicine. 'Passengers might also notice the driver becoming fidgety, veering off the lane, or driving erratically,' she added. How long does it take before you hit the sleepy slope? Just one to two hours of non-stop driving, according to Dr. Tan. That's because driving—especially in Singapore's bustling streets—is mentally demanding. 'Driving is a cognitively demanding task that relies on sustained attention, quick reflexes, and decision-making – all of which would decline when a driver is tired,' she explained. And on scorching hot days, it gets worse. 'Intense weather conditions, such as a high environmental temperature, show a positive association with fatigue symptoms and have been linked to poorer decision-making and road traffic accidents,' said Dr. Tan. Translation: Singapore's weather isn't just bad for your hair—it's bad for your brain. Even more worrying: Staying awake for 18 hours is the cognitive equivalent of a 0.05% blood alcohol level. Push that to 24 hours, and it's 0.10%—above the legal limit of 0.08% in Singapore. You may be sober, but your brain thinks you're drunk. It's not just traffic that's draining you Fatigue comes in two nasty flavours, said Dr. Tan: active and passive. Active fatigue happens when you're constantly dodging other bad vehicle drivers, navigating heavy traffic, or trying not to hydroplane during a thunderstorm. You're mentally switched on, but that intensity burns you out fast. Passive fatigue, on the other hand, creeps in during long, boring driving journeys. Think: driving along the expressway on autopilot. It's so monotonous, your brain starts to doze off before your eyes do. And let's not forget the psychological stress, such as dealing with rude customers or being under pressure to meet incentive targets. Add in mobile phone distractions and the occasional sip of alcohol (which you shouldn't be doing at all while driving/riding), and you've got a cocktail of concentration killers. The health toll behind the wheel You'd think mental stress would be the worst of it—but nope, your body takes a massive hit, too. Driving is, at its core, a sedentary job. Hours spent sitting still, missing meals, or wolfing down fast food, and barely moving your limbs is a one-way street to chronic diseases like hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, and obesity. Also on the danger list are lower back pain, musculoskeletal disorders, and the condition known as whole-body vibration (WVB). If you've ever felt your bones rattle after a long day on rough roads, that's WVB in action—and it's linked to nerve damage, spinal degeneration, and vascular issues. So, what can a road warrior like you do about it? Doctor's orders: 4 easy habits to stay road-ready 1. Fuel your body right (not just your car) Stick to regular meals and stock up on healthy snacks. Think: fruits or unsalted nuts—basically anything that won't leave a grease trail on your steering wheel. 2. Hydrate like your life depends on it (because it does) Two litres of water a day is the bare minimum. Keep a reusable bottle in your car and top it up regularly. Dehydration can make you drowsy, dizzy, and cranky—not a great combo for safe driving. 3. Take micro-breaks Even a 5–10-minute pause every hour can work wonders. Stretch your legs after dropping off a passenger. Do quick lunges or shoulder rolls. Park and pace around the car. The more you move, the more your body will thank you. 4. Say no to marathon driving Driving more than 12 hours a day isn't heroic—it's hazardous. Long hours heighten fatigue-related errors and hurt your heart in the long run. If no time to stop, here's a hack If you really can't pull over for a proper break, then micro-stretch at the wheel. Dr. Tan recommends neck rolls, shoulder shrugs, and upper body stretches—simple seated exercises you can do while waiting at a red light or in a queue. And don't underestimate your seat. Adjust it for the most ergonomic posture—for comfort, and to prevent strain that creeps in after long shifts. Even the best engines need regular maintenance, and so do you You're not just a driver. You're the engine of the gig economy. But even the best engines need regular maintenance. Similarly, your body, mind, and health deserve pit stops, hydration, and decent fuel. Don't let fatigue take over the wheel. Take control of your health—one break, one stretch, one good habit at a time. Drive safe. Stay sharp. And don't forget to take care of the person behind the steering wheel first before anything else. In other news, a Grab rider's wife opened up about her growing concerns for her husband's safety on the road. She said, 'It's just the risk in riding that concerns me, especially during rain. Even when we're careful, others may be careless.' You can read their full story over here: 'Are you embarrassed or even humiliated to say your husband is a Grab rider?' — Singaporean 'abang Grab' asks his wife, and gets an honest, shocking answer
Independent Singapore
16 hours ago
- Independent Singapore
SIA chairman Peter Seah redesignated as non-independent and non-executive director after AGM
Photo: Depositphotos/Wirestock SINGAPORE: Singapore Airlines (SIA) has redesignated Peter Seah Lim Huat as the company's non-independent and non-executive director, following the group's 53rd annual general meeting (AGM) on Friday (July 25). Following his redesignation, Mr Seah stepped down as chairman but remains a member of the board's compensation and industrial relations committee, as well as the board nominating committee, according to the company's bourse filing on Friday. Mr Seah was a banker for more than 30 years before retiring as vice chairman and CEO of the former Overseas Union Bank in 2001. He currently serves as chairman and director of DBS Group Holdings. He is also a director of the GIC board and STT Communications' deputy chairman. In a separate bourse filing, the company announced the appointment of Goh Swee Chen as lead independent director and chairperson of the board nominating committee. 'Given Ms Goh's skills, experience, knowledge, and independence, Ms Goh possesses the requisite competencies to assume the role of a lead independent director,' the filing stated. She will remain a member of the board audit committee and the customer experience, technology and sustainability committee. Ms Goh has been a director of SIA since January 1, 2019, and was previously a director at CapitaLand Investment Limited and CapitaLand Limited. She was also employed by the Shell group before retiring in 2019. Meanwhile, Jeanette Wong Kai Yuan has been appointed as chairperson of SIA's board compensation and industrial relations committee, as reported by The Edge Singapore . /TISG Read also: SIA CEO's annual pay fell 13.5% to S$7m despite record profit Featured image by Depositphotos (for illustration purposes only) () => { const trigger = if ('IntersectionObserver' in window && trigger) { const observer = new IntersectionObserver((entries, observer) => { => { if ( { lazyLoader(); // You should define lazyLoader() elsewhere or inline here // Run once } }); }, { rootMargin: '800px', threshold: 0.1 }); } else { // Fallback setTimeout(lazyLoader, 3000); } });
