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Straits Times
a day ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Spirits distribution company Proof & Company Spirits closes Singapore business
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Proof & Company Spirits said that 16 staff will lose their jobs in Singapore as a result of the closure. SINGAPORE - After 13 years, Proof & Company Spirits - the Singapore-based distribution arm of independent spirits company Proof & Company - has entered provisional liquidation. It cited casualties in the food and beverage scene as among the reasons for its closure. 'The decision follows a period of mounting challenges for the F&B and hospitality industry in Singapore, including the closure of some of the company's longest standing restaurant and bar customers,' said the company in a statement on Aug 21. It told The Straits Times that 16 staff will lose their jobs in Singapore as a result of the closure. The distributor, which most recently had an annual turnover of $7 million in Singapore and $34 million globally, has been supplying over 50 types of independent spirits in Singapore and the Asia-Pacific region for the past decade. Singapore has seen a mounting number of F&B closures in recent years. A total of 3,047 establishments shut their doors in 2024, the highest figure since 2005's 3,352 closures. Still, more than 3,790 new food businesses started up in 2024. The first half of 2025 has seen 1,404 closures, compared to 1,611 in the same period in 2024. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Business $1.1 billion allocated to three fund managers to boost Singapore stock market: MAS Singapore Risk of flash floods in parts of central and eastern Singapore: PUB Singapore Malaysia-bound motorists urged to avoid Tuas Second Link on July 23 due to chemical spill exercise Singapore Trial of new dengue vaccine begins recruitment for child participants in Singapore Singapore Mandai Wildlife Group group CEO Mike Barclay to retire; Bennett Neo named as successor Singapore Fresh charge for woman who harassed nurse during pandemic, created ruckus at lion dance competition Singapore Witness stand not arena for humiliation in sex offence cases, judge reminds lawyers Asia Japan PM Ishiba under siege after ruling coalition loses Upper House majority In the statement, Proof & Company Spirits said that its cocktail bar, 28 HongKong Street, will continue operations. Its consultancy arm, Proof Creative, will continue to operate independently from its Hong Kong office, and 'remains committed to its global portfolio of ongoing client projects'. Proof Creative is behind award-winning bars in the region, such as Atlas and Manhattan in Singapore, BKK Social Club in Bangkok and Argo in Hong Kong. A spokesman for Proof & Company Spirits said of the provisional liquidation process: 'We are doing all we can to ensure a well-managed and productive outcome, while keeping our partners informed every step of the way.' The process will be overseen by RSM SG Corporate Advisory, which will 'work closely with creditors, stakeholders, and management to evaluate potential paths forward', added the company. Proof & Company, which operates in four markets - Singapore, Australia, Hong Kong and New Zealand - put its Australian business into voluntary administration in April 2025, citing a 'local economic downturn and a changing landscape in the spirits industry'. Founded in Singapore in 2012, in what it called a 'period of regional growth in the spirits and hospitality industry', it said that market conditions in the past two years have been 'markedly different'. It said 'significant market challenges in China, an extended downturn in Australia, and a recent acceleration in bar and restaurant closures in Singapore have all impacted the company's distribution operations'. The company's distribution operations in Hong Kong and New Zealand will continue.
Straits Times
a day ago
- Climate
- Straits Times
Typhoon Wipha tears through southern China, threatens Vietnam's coasts
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Large parts of the Philippine capital were submerged in floodwaters as Typhoon Wipha crossed the archipelago on July 19. Typhoon Wipha tore across southern China with heavy rains and gale-force winds on July 21, a day after slicing through Hong Kong and Macau, and leaving at least five dead in the Philippines. Wipha made landfall with winds equivalent to a Category 1 hurricane in Taishan in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong late on July 20. It weakened into a storm as it made its way westwards and then veered southwards. China's forecasters said coastal regions – including Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan and Funan – would experience intense downpours until early on July 22. Wipha, the sixth typhoon of 2025, brought heavy showers, sea swells and winds of up to 175 kmh as it skirted the southern edge of Hong Kong on July 20. Hong Kong issued a No. 10 hurricane signal – the highest on its warning scale – for the first time since 2023 as Wipha approached. More than 600 flights were rescheduled in Hong Kong and Macau. Wipha was expected to keep traversing across southern China before moving offshore again and making landfall in Vietnam. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Business $1.1 billion allocated to three fund managers to boost Singapore stock market: MAS Singapore Risk of flash floods in parts of central and eastern Singapore: PUB Singapore Malaysia-bound motorists urged to avoid Tuas Second Link on July 23 due to chemical spill exercise Singapore Trial of new dengue vaccine begins recruitment for child participants in Singapore Singapore Mandai Wildlife Group group CEO Mike Barclay to retire; Bennett Neo named as successor Singapore Fresh charge for woman who harassed nurse during pandemic, created ruckus at lion dance competition Singapore Witness stand not arena for humiliation in sex offence cases, judge reminds lawyers Asia Japan PM Ishiba under siege after ruling coalition loses Upper House majority Vietnam has put its coastal provinces on emergency footing, warning that Wipha may cause flooding and landslides. Wipha is forecast to cross Vietnam's northern coast between Quang Ninh and Ninh Binh provinces. Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh sent an urgent message to the coastal provinces on July 20 to call boats ashore, evacuate people from flood-prone areas, prepare food supplies and rescue equipment, and secure communication infrastructure. 'This is a strong and fast-moving typhoon,' Mr Chinh's message said. Vietnam Airlines and its affiliate, Pacific Airlines, cancelled at least nine domestic flights on July 21, adding that more delays and reschedules are expected. Budget airline Vietjet on July 21 cancelled 12 flights, including some to South Korea, due to the typhoon. With a long coastline facing the South China Sea, Vietnam is prone to typhoons that are often deadly. In 2024, Typhoon Yagi killed around 300 people and caused $3.3 billion of damage. Monsoon rains stoked by Wipha, meanwhile, drenched large swathes of the Philippines on July 21, triggering floods that led to the suspension of classes and work in the capital region and in nearby cities and provinces. Emergency response officials said at least five people were killed, and close to 100,000 people displaced from Wipha's onslaught over the weekend. Dozens had died in recent days in Vietnam and South Korea from monsoon rains and a generally rainy week across the region. At least 35 people died after a tourist boat ferrying families around Vietnam's famed Halong Bay capsized on July 19 following a sudden thunderstorm. In South Korea, at least 17 people had died following torrential rains that set off landslides in the southern and central parts of the country.
Straits Times
a day ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Deadline to redeem free national flags via Shopee extended till July 29; almost 100k given out
Find out what's new on ST website and app. The initiative aims to allow more Singaporeans to proudly display the national flag at home during SG60. SINGAPORE – Nearly 100,000 Singapore flags have been distributed free by Shopee, with the deadline to get one extended till 11.59pm on July 29, or while stocks last. The extension is in response to the strong public interest, the online shopping platform said in a statement on July 21. The initiative, called Fly Our Flag, is a collaboration with the National Day Parade organisers and was to run till 11.59am on July 15, or while stocks last, the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) said in a statement on June 27. To redeem the flag, go to , log in with Singpass and choose to have the flag delivered at a cost, or collect it from over 3,000 collection points for free. Singaporeans are encouraged to display the national flag during the National Day celebration period between July 1 and Sept 30, MCCY said earlier. During this period, the rules for flying and displaying the flag are relaxed. The flag may be flown without a flagpole and does not have to be illuminated at night. The flag may be displayed at offices, buildings and residential premises. The national flag should be treated with respect and used in 'an appropriate and dignified manner', and torn or worn-out flags should not be displayed, MCCY said earlier. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Business $1.1 billion allocated to three fund managers to boost Singapore stock market: MAS Singapore Risk of flash floods in parts of central and eastern Singapore: PUB Singapore Malaysia-bound motorists urged to avoid Tuas Second Link on July 23 due to chemical spill exercise Singapore Trial of new dengue vaccine begins recruitment for child participants in Singapore Singapore Mandai Wildlife Group group CEO Mike Barclay to retire; Bennett Neo named as successor Singapore Fresh charge for woman who harassed nurse during pandemic, created ruckus at lion dance competition Singapore Witness stand not arena for humiliation in sex offence cases, judge reminds lawyers Asia Japan PM Ishiba under siege after ruling coalition loses Upper House majority Shopee will also participate in the parade for the first time with a marching contingent, commemorating its 10th year in Singapore.
Straits Times
a day ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Alaska Airlines requests ground stop for all mainline aircraft, FAA website shows
Find out what's new on ST website and app. The company also requested for ground stops of all Horizon Air flights. Alaska Airlines has requested for a ground stop for all its mainline aircraft, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) status page showed on July 20. The company also requested for ground stops of all Horizon Air flights, the regional subsidiary operating Alaska Airlines flights. The reason behind either of the requests was not immediately clear. Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air and the FAA did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment outside regular business hours. The FAA status page showed all destinations being impacted by the ground stop of Alaska's mainline aircraft, and Horizon's ground stop. Alaska Air Group maintains an operational fleet of 238 Boeing 737 aircraft, and 87 Embraer 175 aircraft, according to its website. In June, Alaska Air Group-owned Hawaiian Airlines said some of its IT systems were disrupted by a hack. Alaska Air Group said it was still determining the financial impact of the hack. REUTERS Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Business $1.1 billion allocated to three fund managers to boost Singapore stock market: MAS Singapore Risk of flash floods in parts of central and eastern Singapore: PUB Singapore Malaysia-bound motorists urged to avoid Tuas Second Link on July 23 due to chemical spill exercise Singapore Trial of new dengue vaccine begins recruitment for child participants in Singapore Singapore Mandai Wildlife Group group CEO Mike Barclay to retire; Bennett Neo named as successor Singapore Fresh charge for woman who harassed nurse during pandemic, created ruckus at lion dance competition Singapore Witness stand not arena for humiliation in sex offence cases, judge reminds lawyers Asia Japan PM Ishiba under siege after ruling coalition loses Upper House majority
Straits Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Blackpink make history as first K-pop group to top Spotify's global weekly chart twice
Find out what's new on ST website and app. SEOUL - Blackpink have made K-pop history once again, becoming the first K-pop group to top Spotify's Global Weekly Top Songs chart twice, with their latest single Jump reinforcing the quartet's status as a global pop powerhouse. According to YG Entertainment on July 19, Jump reached No. 1 on the global weekly chart dated on July 17, following their previous chart-topper Shut Down from their 2022 studio album Born Pink. Blackpink now hold the record for both the first and the most No. 1 entries on the chart by any K-pop group. The song's streaming performance was equally notable. Jump garnered 44,759,923 streams in just one week - the biggest debut for any track released in 2025 so far. A week earlier, the group set a new milestone by becoming the K-pop act with the most No. 1 songs on the chart, holding the top position for six consecutive days. Blackpink's success is not limited to Spotify. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Business $1.1 billion allocated to three fund managers to boost Singapore stock market: MAS Singapore Risk of flash floods in parts of central and eastern Singapore: PUB Singapore Malaysia-bound motorists urged to avoid Tuas Second Link on July 23 due to chemical spill exercise Singapore Trial of new dengue vaccine begins recruitment for child participants in Singapore Singapore Mandai Wildlife Group group CEO Mike Barclay to retire; Bennett Neo named as successor Singapore Fresh charge for woman who harassed nurse during pandemic, created ruckus at lion dance competition Singapore Witness stand not arena for humiliation in sex offence cases, judge reminds lawyers Asia Japan PM Ishiba under siege after ruling coalition loses Upper House majority On the UK Official Singles Chart released on July 18, Jump debuted at No. 18 — the group's highest ranking to date and their ninth overall appearance on the chart. The song's music video, released on July 11, also made a powerful impact online. It was the most-viewed YouTube video worldwide within 24 hours of release and has topped YouTube's Global Daily Top Music Videos chart for seven consecutive days. Meanwhile, Blackpink are currently on their Blackpink World Tour, which spans 16 cities and 31 shows. After opening in Goyang, South Korea, and performing in Los Angeles, the group are set to take the stage in stadiums across Chicago, Toronto, New York, Paris, Milan, Barcelona, London, Kaohsiung, Bangkok, Jakarta, Bulacan, Singapore , Tokyo and Hong Kong. THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
