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Deep Dive - Have rising commercial rents reached a tipping point?
Amid rising rents and growing competition, some Singapore businesses are closing down or relocating to cheaper premises. A local bakery in Siglap recently announced on social media it was moving out after its rent was increased by 57 per cent. Are commercial rent hikes spiralling out of control, or is this simply market forces at work?
Steven Chia and Otelli Edwards speak to Ethan Hsu, head of retail at Knight Frank Singapore, and Terence Yow, managing director of Enviably Me Group of Companies and chairperson of the SG Tenants United for Fairness.
Deep Dive - Have rising commercial rents reached a tipping point?
Amid rising rents and growing competition, some Singapore businesses are closing down or relocating to cheaper premises. A local bakery in Siglap recently announced on social media it was moving out after its rent was increased by 57 per cent. Are commercial rent hikes spiralling out of control, or is this simply market forces at work?
Steven Chia and Otelli Edwards speak to Ethan Hsu, head of retail at Knight Frank Singapore, and Terence Yow, managing director of Enviably Me Group of Companies and chairperson of the SG Tenants United for Fairness.
25 mins
Deep Dive - Cabinet reshuffle: No big surprises but key moves to align the ministries under PM Wong's 4G team
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong unveiled his Cabinet and one surprise was the lack of a second deputy prime minister. Instead, the new Cabinet includes three coordinating ministers. What does that signal? And will there be more changes to come? Steven Chia speaks to independent political observer Dr Felix Tan and Dr Elvin Ong of the National University of Singapore.
20 mins
Deep Dive - GE2025: Are independent candidates a new force to be reckoned with?
For the first time in 53 years, an independent candidate received more than 35 per cent of vote share, performing better than some smaller opposition parties. Jeremy Tan, who ran in Mountbatten SMC, and Darryl Lo who contested in Radin Mas SMC, join Steven Chia and Otelli Edwards to talk about lessons learnt from their campaigning and their future after GE2025.
21 mins
Deep Dive - GE2025 results: A closer look at the strong PAP mandate and the opposition strategy
Voters gave the People's Action Party and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong a clear mandate in GE2025. What accounted for the result and why couldn't the opposition parties make good on gains from the last election? Steven Chia and Otelli Edwards speak to Associate Professor Eugene Tan from the Singapore Management University and Dr Reuben Ng from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy.
23 mins
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Independent Singapore
2 hours ago
- Independent Singapore
‘I feel stuck' — Singapore woman says ex-husband left her with S$230k debt
SINGAPORE: A 24-year-old woman has expressed her frustration on social media after her 30-year-old ex-husband left her with a mountain of debt totalling S$230,000. Posting on the r/singaporefi forum, she shared that in the early days of their relationship, everything seemed fine. 'Everything was okay,' she wrote. 'I had my own savings. I was happy.' Both of them were working; she was earning around S$4,000 after CPF, and they were living peacefully with their child at her mother's home. However, a few months later, she discovered that her ex-husband had lied about having a job. At the time, he tried to reassure her by saying 'he was going to start a business.' Believing in him and wanting to be supportive, she lent him money and even took out 'unsecured loans' in her name for his business. These loans eventually added up to S$145,000. And since he always paid her back on time at first, she thought everything was under control. Unfortunately, that couldn't have been further from the truth. She later learned that her ex-husband had approached her brother to borrow S$43,000, supposedly to 'top up' their BTO payment — something that left her stunned, as they had never even applied for a BTO flat in the first place. On top of that, he had taken out loans from illegal moneylenders, which she only discovered after receiving threatening messages demanding that she repay S$2,700. He had also borrowed money from other family members and even reached out to their friends for cash. 'The money he borrowed from our friends was his plan to scam them that he would do investments with great returns etc, he used my NRIC to create new phone lines from SingTel and StarHub (delivered to my house, so not much verification needed) then sell off the phone., he used my Grab PayLater account for his transport and it increases from there bit by bit,' she shared.w The woman clarified that she had been in the dark about all of this, as much of her attention went into her medical treatment. 'He was trying to cover another hole by digging another hole, and for you guys that might think, why didn't you know about all of this, it's impossible you're his wife! I had to quit my job because I was admitted to the hospital because my blood was toxic, so I had to do kidney dialysis, so I've been in and out of the hospital.' The woman said that her ex-husband, amidst all the turmoil, asked for a divorce 'because he said he wants to file for bankruptcy so no one can claim him.' As her ex-husband 'ran away like a coward' and left her to bear all of it, she eventually fell into a depression, and had to see a psychiatrist last month. Unfortunately, the woman shared that even to this day, the people her ex-husband borrowed money from have not stopped chasing her for repayment. Despite making it clear that she was unaware of many of the loans and is in no position to settle the debts immediately, she said they continue to contact her regularly. 'They still ask me every single day when I can pay them back because the reasoning for the owed amount was that 'he borrowed for us.' [They're] growing impatient even though I've said that I'm in no position to pay everything back immediately,' she wrote. See also Morning Digest, Dec 4 'There's line of creditors always calling me debts are a total of S$230,000. S$100k+ DCP and the rest are just family, friends, GPL, phone lines. I feel stuck, I've been actively searching for a job but I'm left with no answers and my freelance jobs only earn me about S$2.7k (NO CPF),' she continued. The woman also wrote that she's putting her story out there to serve as a cautionary tale and so that others can 'feel better about their financial situation.' She ended her post with a firm message to her ex-husband, writing, 'What would you do if you were in my situation and knowing that my ex-husband is always on Reddit, so Joshua, if you are seeing this, don't run away from the mess you created.' 'Karma always finds a way to deal with those who deserve it.' Since the post went up two days ago, many Reddit users have taken to the comments section to criticise her ex-husband for his actions and apparent lack of accountability. 'Joshua, if you are here reading this. Man the heck up and take responsibility,' one user wrote. 'You are a father and a husband. It's never too late to make things right and take some accountability for your poor decisions. There is a long way to go in life, and it's still not too late to own up!! Don't make your wife and your child the victim here.' Another user commented, 'Joshua, karma always finds a way to deal with those who deserve it, regardless of religion.' A third said, 'There's a lot of horror husband stories but this is one of the worst I've ever heard. I am in admiration of the way you are handling all this stress. Definitely go after him for alimony and child support in the divorce. Demand that your 'alimony' be the amount of debt repayment he incurred.' A fourth added, 'You're way too young to be facing something like this. Sorry to hear this, and sorry your pos husband did this to you. Hope you can work your way out slowly and take this as a lesson, you still have a much, much brighter and long future ahead.' In other news, a domestic helper from the Philippines has reached out online for advice after a difficult first week on the job in Singapore, saying she has been overworked and sleep-deprived while caring for an elderly man. In her post, the helper shared that she spends the entire day cleaning the house and attending to the elderly man's needs, with no proper breaks. Her only time to sit, she said, is during meals. 'My only time to sit down at daytime is my mealtime, and at night I don't have enough sleep,' she wrote on the Direct Hire Transfer Singapore Maid / Domestic Helper Facebook group. 'I get up every 1 or 2 hours to help Grandpa's urinal. I'm overworked here at my employer's house.' Read more: Maid says she's overworked and sleep-deprived after just one week caring for elderly man in Singapore
Straits Times
4 hours ago
- Straits Times
Singapore and India conclude 5-day maritime exercise
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox The Republic of Singapore Navy's RSS Supreme and RSS Vigilance sailing in formation with the Indian Navy's INS Satpura during the sea phase of the Singapore-Indian Maritime Bilateral Exercise 2025. SINGAPORE - The Singapore and Indian navies concluded a five-day bilateral exercise on Aug 1 that involved ships from both navies and aircraft from the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF). The Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (Simbex) was held on shore at the RSS Singapura - Changi Naval Base , and at sea in the southern reaches of the South China Sea , said the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) on Aug 2 . This was the 32nd edition of Simbex, which was first held in 1994 . It takes place at a significant moment as Singapore and India mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties, Mindef added. The exercise saw the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) deploy a Formidable-class frigate RSS Supreme and a Victory-class missile corvette RSS Vigilance , which was supported by cargo ship MV Mentor . A S-70B naval helicopter , two Fokker-50 maritime patrol aircraft and two F-15SG fighter jets from the RSAF were also involved. The Indian Navy (IN) participated in the exercise with a Shivalik-class frigate INS Satpura . During the exercise's shore phase, both navies participated in joint planning, simulator training, professional exchanges and sports. They also shared best practices related to maritime air operations and compliant boarding procedures over subject matter expert exchanges, said Mindef. At sea, the participating forces conducted complex warfare serials, including gunnery firing, air defence exercises and maritime security drills. This phase concluded with a sail-past by ships from both navies. Mindef said the successful running of Simbex 2025 underscores the 'enduring partnership' between the IN and the RSN. The annual exercise is one of the RSN's longest running bilateral maritime exercises, and India's longest continuous bilateral naval exercise with any other country. Mindef said the complexity of Simbex has expanded over the years to incorporate elements of maritime security and exercise serials in the air, as well as surface and sub-surface domains. Lieutenant-Colonel Aaron Koh , the commanding officer of RSS Supreme , said: 'Simbex is a testament to the long-standing bilateral ties between the Republic of Singapore Navy and the Indian Navy. 'Over the years, the exercise has served as a valuable platform for generations of sailors to hone operational competencies, enhance mutual understanding and build enduring people-to-people ties.'
Straits Times
7 hours ago
- Straits Times
World economies reel from Trump's tariffs punch
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox The tariffs are a demonstration of raw economic power that Mr Donald Trump sees putting US exporters in a stronger position. WASHINGTON - Global markets reeled on Aug 1 after President Donald Trump's tariffs barrage against nearly all US trading partners as governments looked down the barrel of a seven-day deadline before higher duties take effect. Mr Trump announced late on July 31 that dozens of economies, including the European Union , will face new tariff rates of between 10 and 41 per cent. However, implementation will be on Aug 7 rather than July 31 as previously announced, the White House said. This gives governments a window to rush to strike deals with Washington setting more favorable conditions. Neighbouring Canada, one of the biggest US trade partners, was hit with 35 per cent levies, up from 25 per cent, effective on Aug 1– but with wide-ranging, current exemptions remaining in place. The tariffs are a demonstration of raw economic power that Mr Trump sees putting US exporters in a stronger position, while encouraging domestic manufacturing by keeping out foreign imports. But the muscular approach has raised fears of inflation and other economic fallout in the world's biggest economy. Stock markets in Hong Kong, London and New York slumped as they digested the turmoil, while weak US employment data added to worries. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. World Trump deploys nuclear submarines in row with Russia World 'Optimistic' Bessent says US has makings of a deal with China Asia Asia-Pacific economies welcome new US tariff rates, but concerns over extent of full impact remain Singapore Man in SAF custody after allegedly vaping on bus while in army uniform Asia 'Like me? Approach me directly, okay?': Inside a matchmaking event for China's wealthy Opinion America is tearing down another great public institution Opinion Quiet zones in public spaces can help people recharge in the city Singapore Man arrested for allegedly shoplifting twice at Changi Airport Mr Trump's actions come as debate rages over how best to steer the US economy, with the Federal Reserve this week deciding to keep interest rates unchanged, despite massive political pressure from the White House to cut. Data on Aug 1 showed US job growth missing expectations for July, while unemployment ticked up to 4.2 percent from 4.1 per cent. On Wall Street, the S&P 500 dropped 1.6 per cent, while the Nasdaq tumbled 2.2 per cent. Mr Trump raised duties on around 70 economies, from a current 10 per cent level imposed in April when he unleashed 'reciprocal' tariffs citing unfair trade practices. The new, steeper levels listed in an executive order vary by trading partner. Any goods 'transshipped' through other jurisdictions to avoid US duties would be hit with an additional 40 per cent tariff, the order said. But Mr Trump's duties also have a distinctly political flavour, with the president using separate tariffs to pressure Brazil to drop the trial of his far-right ally, former president Jair Bolsonaro. He also warned of trade consequences for Canada, which faces a different set of duties, after Prime Minister Mark Carney announced plans to recognise a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September. In targeting Canada, the White House cited its failure to 'cooperate in curbing the ongoing flood of fentanyl and other illicit drugs' – although Canada is not a major source of illegal narcotics. By contrast, Mr Trump gave more time to Mexico, delaying for 90 days a threat to increase its tariffs from 25 per cent to 30 per cent. But exemptions remain for a wide range of Canadian and Mexican goods entering the United States under an existing North American trade pact. Mr Carney said his government was 'disappointed' with the latest rates hike but noted that with exclusions the US average tariff on Canadian goods remains one of the lowest among US trading partners. With questions hanging over the effectiveness of bilateral trade deals struck – including with the EU and Japan – the outcome of Mr Trump's overall plan remains uncertain. 'No doubt about it – the executive order and related agreements concluded over the past few months tears up the trade rule book that has governed international trade since World War II,' said Ms Wendy Cutler, senior vice president of the Asia Society Policy Institute. On Aug 1, Mr Trump said he would consider distributing a tariff 'dividend' to Americans. Notably excluded from on Aug 1's drama was China, which is in the midst of negotiations with the United States. Washington and Beijing at one point brought tit-for-tat tariffs to triple-digit levels, but have agreed to temporarily lower these duties and are working to extend their truce. Those who managed to strike deals with Washington to avert steeper threatened levies included Vietnam, Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, South Korea and the European Union.
