Insight 2025/2026 - India and the AI Race
Insight 2025/2026
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INSIGHT is a one hour long hard current affairs programme that aims to open the minds of viewers to the political, social and economic realities facing today's societies.
Every week, a team of producers will bring forward compelling arguments, impartial analysis and penetrating insights into topical issues of the day. What's on the menu are topics of concerns that have set the region talking as well as changing trends and events which impact Asia and beyond.
INSIGHT will get you closer to the heart of the issues with insightful interviews and engaging conversations, bringing to you the real story from behind extraordinary experiences.
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CNA
an hour ago
- CNA
Over 1,200 fans attended Changi Airport's SG60 Homecoming Concert which had Stefanie Sun, Kit Chan and more
Music fans in Singapore turned up to Jewel Changi Airport in droves on Friday (Aug 1) for the SG60 Homecoming Concert organised by Changi Airport. The free event was headlined by Singapore music icons Stefanie Sun and Kit Chan and saw performances from Regina Song, Sezairi Sezali and more. Fans were treated to nostalgic tunes from Singaporean songbirds, covers of global hits and even projections. Members of MADDspace Performing Arts Studio kicked off the festivities with performances of Stefanie Sun's Green Light, JJ Lin's Whenever and their own original National Day piece titled From Spark To Flame – Our Home, Our Singapore. Attendees then rocked out to energetic covers of Bon Jovi's It's My Life, The Black Eyed Peas' I Gotta Feeling and ABBA's Dancing Queen – courtesy of pop-rock band SuperSonic. The group concluded its set with a cover of the 2015 National Day theme song, Tomorrow's Here Today. TikTok sensation Regina Song proved why she's the next big star to look out for, with performances of her hit track The Cutest Pair as well as her song High School Boy and a cover of Taylor Swift's You Belong With Me. Singapore Idol winner Sezairi Sezali got fans swaying with a ballad rendition of his 2021 National Day song, The Road Ahead. He then sang his singles Kata and It's You, drawing applause. Mandopop folk-duo The Freshman kept the energy high with their song I'm Coming Home and Call Me (Not Maybe), before closing off with their rendition of Kelvin Tan's The Voices Of Ordinary People. Finally, it was time for the women of the hour. First up was Kit Chan, who opened with her set with her 1996 track Liking You. She then brought the house down as fans joined her in singing the iconic National Day hit, Home, which garnered thunderous applause. Stefanie Sun made her grand return to Singapore's stage with her songs Against The Light and Encounter. Cheers from the crowd peaked as she performed her 2002 National Day hit We Will Get There, closing the concert on a high. Following the concert, fans were in for another treat as Jewel's Rain Vortex began its National Day show, which saw projections of Singaporean symbols in hand-drawn watercolour illustrations.
Straits Times
3 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.
Straits Times
3 hours ago
- Straits Times
Trump administration refers Harvard to Justice Department to address anti-Semitism allegations
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Harvard University has been embroiled in a legal fight with the Trump administration, seeking the restoration of billions of dollars of frozen federal funds. WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump's administration has sent a letter to Harvard University saying it has referred the university to the US Justice Department to address allegations of 'Harvard's anti-Semitic discrimination'. In late June, the Trump administration said an investigation had concluded Harvard violated federal civil rights law for failing to address harassment of Jewish and Israeli students. Critics, rights experts and some faculty said such probes are a pretext to assert federal control over schools, and threaten academic freedom and free speech. Harvard has been embroiled in talks and a legal fight with the Trump administration, seeking the restoration of billions of dollars of frozen federal funds for medical research and other programmes. It sued the Trump administration earlier in 2025. 'The parties' several months' engagement has been fruitless,' said the letter dated July 31 from the US Department of Health and Human Services to Harvard's leadership. 'OCR (Office for Civil Rights) therefore has no choice but to refer the matter to DOJ to initiate appropriate proceedings to address Harvard's anti-Semitic discrimination.' Mr Trump has threatened to cut federal funds for universities over pro-Palestinian protests against US ally Israel's war in Gaza. The government alleges universities allowed anti-Semitism during 2024's pro-Palestinian protests. 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 Protesters, including some Jewish groups, say the Trump administration wrongly equates their criticism of Israel's military assault in Gaza and its occupation of Palestinian territories with anti-Semitism, and advocacy for Palestinian rights with support for extremism. Campus protesters demanded an end to US backing for Israel and a commitment that their universities will cease investing in weapons makers and companies that support Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories. Harvard had no immediate comment on the July 31 letter. The university has said it aims to combat discrimination. Reports released in April by Harvard's anti-Semitism and Islamophobia task forces found fear and bigotry faced by Jewish, Muslim and Arab students. The Trump administration has not announced equivalent probes into Islamophobia. Last week, Columbia University agreed to pay more than US$220 million (S$286 million) to resolve federal probes. The New York Times has reported Harvard was open to spending up to US$500 million to end its dispute with the US government. REUTERS
