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Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Why hiring more teachers makes sense, even with falling student numbers
Find out what's new on ST website and app. The teaching workforce – like the rest of Singapore's working population – is growing older. SINGAPORE - With fewer students, why do we need more teachers? It's a fair question. On July 9, Education Minister Desmond Lee announced that his ministry will raise annual teacher recruitment to 1,000 – a significant jump from the recent average of 650 new hires a year since 2019. The number of teachers across primary schools, secondary schools and junior colleges dropped from 31,834 in 2021 to 30,396 in 2023. Figures for 2024 are not yet available. Despite falling student cohort sizes – from 428,600 in 2021 to 422,342 in 2023 – boosting the supply of teachers is not just timely, it is critical. It is no longer enough to be a classroom teacher, a subject expert with little knowledge of how the real world works. As educators support students beyond academics and prepare them for an increasingly uncertain world, their workloads have grown, along with the complexity of their responsibilities. A better-staffed workforce could help give teachers some breathing space to meet these demands. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Mindef, SAF units among those dealing with attack on S'pore's critical information infrastructure Singapore Bukit Panjang LRT disruption: Train service resumes after power fault affects 13-station line Asia Autogate glitch causes chaos at KLIA and Johor checkpoints, foreign passport holders affected Singapore A deadly cocktail: Easy access, lax attitudes driving Kpod scourge in S'pore Singapore 'I thought it was an April Fool's joke': Teen addicted to Kpods on news that friend died Singapore Who decides when you can't? A guide on planning for end-of-life care Singapore S'pore sees no baby boom in Year of the Dragon despite slight rise in births in 2024 Singapore New auto pet wash service in Buona Vista draws flak, but company stands by its safety Throughout the school day, and sometimes beyond, they wear multiple 'hats' apart from their formal teacher role – mediator, counsellor, disciplinarian, tech support and coach, among others. They design lesson materials and assessments to cater to students who learn at a slower or faster pace, plan activities to help their charges form friendships and learn in groups, and help them navigate online lessons. They are required, to some extent, to be well-versed with digital tools and artificial intelligence, and ensure students are using digital devices responsibly for learning, without getting distracted. More attention is also being placed on students' mental and emotional well-being, said Associate Professor Jason Tan from the National Institute of Education. Another important aspect of the job of an educator today is partnering parents, especially for families with more needs. With recent moves like full subject-based banding – where students can take subjects at different levels based on their ability – and the removal of mid-year examinations, teachers have more on their plate. Full subject-based banding could result in more teachers being deployed to teach, as one class now has students taking one subject at three different levels. And the removal of mid-year exams means that lessons go on as per usual for all teachers, instead of only a few teachers being deployed as exam invigilators. All these added roles have expanded what it means to be an educator today. Mr Mike Thiruman, general secretary of the Singapore Teachers' Union, said that with more teachers, schools will have more flexibility to spread out work and can implement the ministry's reforms more meaningfully. Just by having one fewer lesson, a teacher could use the freed-up time for professional development, said Mr Thiruman. This could mean engaging in online courses to help them hone teaching skills, or using that time to complete school or department projects. 'There are plenty of training opportunities that MOE has created, but it's whether teachers have time to partake in all of this,' he said. An older workforce; teachers on reduced workloads New teachers are needed to replace those who will retire in the near future. The teaching workforce – like the rest of Singapore's working population – is growing older. The median age of teachers was 43 as at December 2024, with about 11 per cent aged 55 and above. In 2019, the median age was 38. While hiring more teachers is on the right track, Mr Thiruman said it is not just about replacing teachers who retire. 'There are different schemes in service now, with teachers going on no-pay leave, taking breaks from service and doing flexi-adjunct work as well,' he said, and added that Singapore will need to recruit even more than 1,000 annually in the future. Flexi-adjunct teachers are typically assigned fewer teaching hours and may not have the same administrative or CCA responsibilities as full-time teachers. Currently, part-time and flexi-adjunct teachers likely make up a small proportion of the workforce, but if more choose to switch to such schemes to reduce their workload, it could put added strain on the profession. A boost for teaching digital literacy In the years ahead, teachers will be expected to use technology more meaningfully. Younger hires might have an edge over more senior teachers, who may not be as well-versed with digital tools. Students need to be equipped with digital skills, particularly in AI literacy – one of the areas of focus for the future. From 2021, all Secondary 1 students have received personal learning devices like tablets or laptops, underscoring this shift. Since then, more of classroom learning has shifted online. Students use online apps like Padlet and Google Classroom to learn with others and complete exercises on the Singapore Student Learning Space, an online portal with resources and tools that can give students targeted feedback. To guide students, teachers must first be comfortable with learning how to use such tools and platforms, which often falls outside the scope of their subject expertise. Hence, the news that more teachers are in the pipeline is welcome for a profession that is reckoning with growing demands and expectations. This is rightly so, as the task of preparing students for an ever-changing world has never been more crucial.
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Ola Electric shares fall 3% on profit booking. Should you buy or sell after Q1 results?
Ola Electric Mobility shares declined 3.08% to Rs 45.63 as investors booked profits after an 18% surge in the previous session, paring gains from the recent rally. On Monday, Ola Electric Mobility reported a consolidated net loss that widened by 23% to Rs 428 crore for the quarter ended June 30, 2025. However, the loss was lower than Kotak Institutional Equities' expectations. Despite this, the research firm maintained its "SELL" rating with an unchanged fair value of Rs 30, based on DCF methodology. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo The report stated, "Ola Electric's 1QFY26 losses were lower than our estimates, driven by (1) better-than-expected volume offtake (7k units pertaining to previous quarter backlog), (2) better-than-expected gross margin (Gen-3 shift), (3) reversal in warranty provisioning, and (4) cost-control measures. While the company has improved its profitability significantly, volume offtake remains below expectations given muted industry growth and increased competitive intensity, which remains an area of concern. Maintain SELL with an unchanged FV of Rs 30 based on DCF methodology (3.5X FY2027E EV/sales)." The company reported a consolidated net loss that widened by 23% to Rs 428 crore for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, compared to Rs 347 crore in the same period last year. Revenue from operations dropped sharply by 49.6% year-on-year to Rs 828 crore. The revenue from operations compares with Rs 1,644 crore reported in the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year. 'While profitability is improving, another major highlight is cash flow. Our auto business was almost neutral on operating cash flow in Q1, with a marked improvement in free cash flow (FCF) to -Rs 107 crore for the auto segment and -Rs 282 crore on a consolidated basis,' the company said in a letter to its shareholders. Live Events Further, the company expects the operating cash flow of its auto business to turn positive later this year. It noted that the auto segment requires minimal sustenance capex, with most capital expenditure directed towards research and development, followed by limited growth capex. The company managed to reduce its total expenses by 42.4% YoY to Rs 1,065 crore, down from Rs 1,849 crore in the same period last year. The EBITDA margin also stood at -28.6% in Q1 FY26, compared to -12.5% in the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal year. However, Nomura Research maintains a positive view on EV margins, emphasizing a major transition in the Indian electric two-wheeler (E-2W) industry as it shifts from subsidy-led growth toward a more sustainable and profitable phase. Nomura Research "The Indian E-2W industry is transitioning from a subsidy-led growth phase to a more sustainable model. Industry-wide profitability is gradually improving as players focus on better cost structures, in-house capabilities (like batteries, ABS, and motors), and larger volumes. Battery costs have started declining again in recent quarters, supporting margin expansion and reducing price pressure. Simultaneously, there is a visible shift toward better quality and more reliable products, especially in the mass segment, which is critical to capturing the next leg of demand."
Engadget
11-07-2025
- Business
- Engadget
Prime Day 2025: The best headphone and earbud deals from Sony, Beats, Bose and more for the last day of the sale
Prime Day will soon come to a close, and when it does, you've missed your chance at some of the best headphone and earbud deals of the year. There are still great options available from a lot of big names, and since we've reviewed nearly the entire list, we know what the best choices are during Amazon's annual sale days. So, put our expertise to good use before it's too late and let us guide you through the best Prime Day deals on still left to get on headphones and earbuds. Time is short, so don't waste it trying to figure out meaningful features on your own. Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones for $428 ($22 off): Sony's latest flagship headphones have only been out a few months and we're already seeing a small discount on them. These are my top pick in our headphones guide for the combination of advanced features, comfy fit, great sound and improved active noise cancellation (ANC). Sony ULT Wear headphones for $128 ($72 off): If you're after a solid set of Sony cans but don't want to splurge for the 1000X line, the ULT Wear is a good option. There are a bunch of handy features and robust sound with ULT bass boost. Sony WH-CH720N headphones for $78 ($72 off): The cheapest Sony headphones we'd recommend for Prime Day are no slouch. They're lightweight and comfy with respectable sound for the price. You also get Adaptive Sound Control, 360 Reality Audio and multipoint Bluetooth on this budget model. Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds for $198 ($102 off): My top pick for best earbuds is also on sale for Prime Day. No other company comes close to the list of features Sony offers here, and that's on top of excellent sound, improved fit and effective ANC. Sony LinkBud Fit earbuds for $128 ($72 off): Sony's much smaller earbuds offer big sound and a lot of features for less than the 1000X model. These are a big improvement over the company's LinkBuds S, which were already a low-key hit for affordable earbuds. Sony WF-CH710N earbuds for $78 ($42 off): The CH710N is still quite new, but the earbuds are a steal at $80 for Prime Day. The compact, comfy design is a highlight, as are all the features Sony managed to pack in. Plus, they're available in a lovely transparent blue that allows you to see all of the internal components. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds for $129 (28 percent off): The best Bose earbuds for most people are getting a decent discount this week. This model gives you the company's powerful ANC and great sound for less than flagship prices. You also get spatial audio and dependable battery life in this affordable option. Bose Ultra Open Earbuds for $199 (33 percent off): If you thought Bose's clip-on open earbuds were a bit too pricey to splurge on, now's your chance to get them for less. And two colors are available at an even bigger discount than the rest, putting this set just under $200. Plus, this model works with the company's soundbars for an enhanced living room listening experience. Beats Solo 4 headphones for $98 (50 percent off): Beats' popular on-ear headphones are half off for Prime Day, which makes them a great deal for fans of that wear style. While they may look similar to their predecessor, the Solo 4 have improved sound and longer battery life compared to that older model. Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds for $180 (28 percent off): Apple's first earbuds with heart rate tracking are slightly discounted for Prime Day. This your chance to try the tech without paying full price. What's more, the Powerbeats Pro 2 have an improved design, the smarts of Apple's H2 chip and powerful bass. Samsung Galaxy Buds FE for $52 (48 percent off): Samsung's budget earbuds are solid option if you're looking to spend less than $60. Like the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, these are best-suited for Samsung devices where you'll find features like live translation and automatic switching. Apple AirPods 4 for $89 (31 percent off): The redesigned "regular" AirPods that debuted last year are currently available well below their normal $129 price tag. Here, you'll get the new, more comfortable shape as well as updated features. Apple AirPods 4 with ANC for $119 (34 percent off): And if you need some ANC to go with your AirPods, but don't want to go for the Pro 2, here's your best bet. These retain the open-style fit of regular AirPods but add surprisingly effective ANC to the mix. Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) for $430 (22 percent off): Apple's over-ear headphones are $119 off during Prime Day, which softens the blow to your wallet for this pricey set. They're comfy and offer a lot of handy features for Apple devices. Plus, you can unlock lossless listening with a wired connection. Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 for $160 (30 percent off): The best earbuds for Pixel phone users are down to $160, which makes them a great purchase right now. Live translate and hands-free access to Gemini might be the highlight, but these earbuds have great sound and capable ANC too. Dyson OnTrac headphones for $300 (40 percent off): This set isn't without its flaws, but I can understand why you'd be drawn to the almost infinitely customizable design and long battery life. There's also real-time hearing health features and the sound is crisp and clear even though it lacks depth and immersion. JBL Tour One M2 headphones for $150 (50 percent off): The biggest discount on JBL headphones or earbuds comes on the flagship over-hear Tour One M2. These ANC headphones have Smart Ambient sound, Smart Talk automatic pausing and other advanced features. JBL Live Beam 3 for $150 (25 percent off): If you're looking for a discounted way to get your hands on JBL's touchscreen earbud case, the Live Beam 3 is your chance. In addition to the fancy case, you'll get up to 12 hours of use on a charge, adaptive ANC and high-res audio compatibility.
Engadget
10-07-2025
- Business
- Engadget
Prime Day 2025: The best headphone and earbud deals from Sony, Beats, Bose and more still available today
If you've been holding out on a new set of earbuds or headphones during Prime Day, now's a great time to take a look at the deals. While Sony and Bose are typically among our favorites each year, there are a number of options available at discounted prices right now. Whether you prefer over-ear headphones or true wireless earbuds, the list of deals accounts for both styles and includes a range of prices. Plus, we'll guide you through the fray with the best features of each model so you're not left sorting out the spec sheet by yourself. All of the deals below are still available on day 3 of the four-day sale. Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones for $428 ($22 off): Sony's latest flagship headphones have only been out a few months and we're already seeing a small discount on them. These are my top pick in our headphones guide for the combination of advanced features, comfy fit, great sound and improved active noise cancellation (ANC). Sony ULT Wear headphones for $128 ($72 off): If you're after a solid set of Sony cans but don't want to splurge for the 1000X line, the ULT Wear is a good option. There are a bunch of handy features and robust sound with ULT bass boost. Sony WH-CH720N headphones for $78 ($72 off): The cheapest Sony headphones we'd recommend for Prime Day are no slouch. They're lightweight and comfy with respectable sound for the price. You also get Adaptive Sound Control, 360 Reality Audio and multipoint Bluetooth on this budget model. Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds for $198 ($102 off): My top pick for best earbuds is also on sale for Prime Day. No other company comes close to the list of features Sony offers here, and that's on top of excellent sound, improved fit and effective ANC. Sony LinkBud Fit earbuds for $128 ($72 off): Sony's much smaller earbuds offer big sound and a lot of features for less than the 1000X model. These are a big improvement over the company's LinkBuds S, which were already a low-key hit for affordable earbuds. Sony WF-CH710N earbuds for $78 ($42 off): The CH710N is still quite new, but the earbuds are a steal at $80 for Prime Day. The compact, comfy design is a highlight, as are all the features Sony managed to pack in. Plus, they're available in a lovely transparent blue that allows you to see all of the internal components. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds for $129 (28 percent off): The best Bose earbuds for most people are getting a decent discount this week. This model gives you the company's powerful ANC and great sound for less than flagship prices. You also get spatial audio and dependable battery life in this affordable option. Bose Ultra Open Earbuds for $199 (33 percent off): If you thought Bose's clip-on open earbuds were a bit too pricey to splurge on, now's your chance to get them for less. And two colors are available at an even bigger discount than the rest, putting this set just under $200. Plus, this model works with the company's soundbars for an enhanced living room listening experience. Beats Solo 4 headphones for $98 (50 percent off): Beats' popular on-ear headphones are half off for Prime Day, which makes them a great deal for fans of that wear style. While they may look similar to their predecessor, the Solo 4 have improved sound and longer battery life compared to that older model. Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds for $180 (28 percent off): Apple's first earbuds with heart rate tracking are slightly discounted for Prime Day. This your chance to try the tech without paying full price. What's more, the Powerbeats Pro 2 have an improved design, the smarts of Apple's H2 chip and powerful bass. Samsung Galaxy Buds FE for $52 (48 percent off): Samsung's budget earbuds are solid option if you're looking to spend less than $60. Like the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, these are best-suited for Samsung devices where you'll find features like live translation and automatic switching. Apple AirPods 4 for $89 (31 percent off): The redesigned "regular" AirPods that debuted last year are currently available well below their normal $129 price tag. Here, you'll get the new, more comfortable shape as well as updated features. Apple AirPods 4 with ANC for $119 (34 percent off): And if you need some ANC to go with your AirPods, but don't want to go for the Pro 2, here's your best bet. These retain the open-style fit of regular AirPods but add surprisingly effective ANC to the mix. Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) for $430 (22 percent off): Apple's over-ear headphones are $119 off during Prime Day, which softens the blow to your wallet for this pricey set. They're comfy and offer a lot of handy features for Apple devices. Plus, you can unlock lossless listening with a wired connection. Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 for $160 (30 percent off): The best earbuds for Pixel phone users are down to $160, which makes them a great purchase right now. Live translate and hands-free access to Gemini might be the highlight, but these earbuds have great sound and capable ANC too. Dyson OnTrac headphones for $300 (40 percent off): This set isn't without its flaws, but I can understand why you'd be drawn to the almost infinitely customizable design and long battery life. There's also real-time hearing health features and the sound is crisp and clear even though it lacks depth and immersion. JBL Tour One M2 headphones for $150 (50 percent off): The biggest discount on JBL headphones or earbuds comes on the flagship over-hear Tour One M2. These ANC headphones have Smart Ambient sound, Smart Talk automatic pausing and other advanced features. JBL Live Beam 3 for $150 (25 percent off): If you're looking for a discounted way to get your hands on JBL's touchscreen earbud case, the Live Beam 3 is your chance. In addition to the fancy case, you'll get up to 12 hours of use on a charge, adaptive ANC and high-res audio compatibility.
TimesLIVE
04-06-2025
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
Dutch car-sharing firm plugs into Renault EVs with V2G technology
The global V2G market was worth $3.4bn (R60,694,874,240) in 2024, according to Global Market Insights, and is expected to grow by 38% annually between 2025 and 2034 to reach $80bn (R1,428,568,000,000). The Netherlands is an early adopter of V2G technology due to ambitious plans to electrify its transport and heating systems while also moving to renewables. Japan's Nissan has also recently supplied dozens of V2G-enabled Leaf and Ariya models to France and Spain. MyWheels said 500 of Renault's V2G-compatible cars, including its electric R5, will be on the road by next year. When not driving, the cars will be plugged into We Drive Solar's bidirectional chargers and the scheme's operators will be paid for electricity absorbed and sold to the grid. Grids have become increasingly unstable with growing electrification and as more intermittent renewable energy is fed into the system. 'Our research shows vehicle-to-grid technology could allow the growing electric vehicle fleet to become a significant asset to the grid, with vast storage potential locked up in electric vehicles,' said Madeleine Brolly, advanced transport analyst at Bloomberg New Energy Finance. A key challenge ahead will be standardisation across manufacturers, which will be needed for it to be adopted at scale, she said.
