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New Paper
2 days ago
- Business
- New Paper
Almost 100K free national flags given out by Shopee
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 pick it up 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, said MCCY earlier. Shopee will also participate in the parade for the first time with a marching contingent, commemorating its 10th year in Singapore.
Straits Times
6 days ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
Seven more youth footballers awarded Unleash The Roar! overseas scholarships
Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo (left) speaking to Edan McCulloch (extreme right) ahead of the UTR scholarship award ceremony. SINGAPORE – Just five days after her exploits at the inaugural Lion City Cup girls' competition, Singapore's Chantale Lamasan made history by becoming the first goalkeeper from either gender to receive the Unleash the Roar! (UTR) overseas football scholarship. She was one of seven recipients, aged between 14 and 16, to be awarded the scholarship at Parkroyal on Beach Road on July 17. Chantale will be heading to IMG Academy in Florida, United States, for a three-year tenure and is excited to continue her development at the same institution as the previous two batches of recipients. 'Going online (and) seeing the school, it's really huge. In IMG there are like 16 football pitches and a huge gym. Hopefully (I will) have the freedom to work on myself and improve over there,' said the 16-year-old, who noted that the training facilities are a far cry from those in Singapore, which are 'quite hard to get'. The Singapore Sports School (SSP) student added: 'It's exciting for me to try out how different goalkeepers from different countries train, especially from such a big powerhouse like (the) US.' Chantale was part of the Lion City Cup squad that finished second behind champions South Korea in the four-team tournament. Despite conceding nine goals against the Koreans, she recalls how that was 'the best moment for me'. She said: 'Looking back on it, not only did I have the most to do (in that game), I actually played a full 90-minute match against such a strong opponent. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Driverless bus in Sentosa gets green light to run without safety officer in first for S'pore World US strikes destroyed only one of three Iranian nuclear sites, says new report Business 5 things to know about Kuok Hui Kwong, tycoon Robert Kuok's daughter and Shangri-La Asia head honcho Asia Air India probe into Boeing 787 fuel control switches finds no issues Singapore Man charged over manufacturing DIY Kpods at Yishun home; first such case in Singapore Singapore Sex first, then you can sell my flat: Women property agents fend off indecent proposals and harassment Singapore Two women jailed for submitting fake university certificates to MOM for employment passes Singapore Fatal abuse of Myanmar maid in Bishan: Traffic Police officer sentenced to 10 years' jail 'We were 5-0 down at half-time. I think in the past, I would have cried in the locker room. It'll be game over for me. But I feel like now, living in the moment, I just think as positively as possible. It's not 5-0. It's 'I tried my best'.' Being a goalkeeper, she understands how 'draining it can be mentally' and she hopes that her scholarship will change the wider perspective around the position. 'On social media, I always see how a goalkeeper can make 10,000 saves but one mistake that cost them the game will always (look) bad on the goalkeeper. '(But) I think I'm appreciating the position a lot (more) now. Having the whole team rely on me to be their last line of defence is an honour,' said Chantale, who cites German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer as her inspiration. This batch of UTR scholarship winners has only one boy in Edan McCulloch, who became the youngest ever recipient of the award. He will be attached to Rayo Alcobendas, a top youth side in Madrid, Spain. The SSP student, who received the scholarship on the eve of his 14th birthday, downplayed any nerves over the prospect of living away from his family. 'In sports school, I was boarding there five days a week so I'm quite used to the system where I'd only see my parents (for) two days. But this will be a bigger challenge,' said Edan, whose father is Scottish and mother Singaporean. Edan, who transferred out of Dulwich College to join SSP in 2024, considers the opportunity to train abroad as 'a leap of faith'. The attacking midfielder added: 'I was there (Dulwich) for nine years. I left all my friends and went to a new school so that I can improve my abilities. It's a big step but it's also a big achievement. I'm very excited to face this challenge.' The other recipients are all from the Lion City Cup girls' squad – Liyana Rickit, Seri Nurinsyirah, Verona Lim, Yuvika Suresh and Celine Koh, younger sister of Chloe, who was part of the inaugural cohort. They are the first pair of siblings to receive the UTR scholarship. Celine, 15, said: 'I saw how much my sister grew during her time in IMG Academy. It inspired me to aim for this. Now that I've earned this opportunity, I want to make the most of it and continue pushing the limits.'
The Star
13-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Casual racism is not okay and more people should understand this, says S'pore acting minister for Culture, Community and Youth
SINGAPORE: Casual racism should not be tackled with more laws, but by helping people understand it is not acceptable in Singapore. Responding to a student during a dialogue session on Saturday (July 12) at Republic Polytechnic, Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo said it is more important to let people know why casual racism is not acceptable. The student had asked if casual racism should be tackled by implementing more policies in Singapore, or by a greater focus on engendering heightened sensitivity among Singaporeans. Neo said: 'I personally really don't think that the way forward is to throw in more rules, more policies, more laws to catch people. I don't think that's the kind of Singapore we want to live in. 'Rather it's about building the understanding, getting more people to understand why casual racism is not okay, why it is not acceptable, and getting more people to subscribe to this idea that we need to be respectful of every single race, and we need to be careful of what we say.' Students also raised other issues, such as the relevance of Special Assistance Plan (SAP) schools and Singapore's Chinese-Malay-Indian-Others (CMIO) system of ethnic classification. The dialogue session was part of the HarmonyWorks! Conference organised by racial harmony advocacy group Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo at It's Giving Fest on July 12. - Photo: ST Around 200 participants and facilitators attended the conference themed Hands Of Humanity, Shaping Our Future. Most of the participants were students from post-secondary institutions, madrasahs and SAP schools. Members from community groups like the People's Association also attended the conference, which is supported by the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, the five community development councils and Mirxes, a biotechnology company. The dialogue, which lasted for more than an hour, was held under Chatham House rules, which means that participants cannot be named in media reports. One of the questions posed by a recent university graduate was about the CMIO model, and whether Neo saw the model evolving as Singapore becomes more multicultural and has more new citizens and interracial marriages. Neo said he does not think the model is perfect, but that it was and is useful to drive integration efforts. He said that it has served Singapore well, adding that the model has to be continuously looked at. 'My own belief is that as long as we continue to hold to our fundamental and core belief that this is a place for all Singaporeans, regardless of race, language or religion, everybody is treated equally, everybody has the same fair chance, then whatever model we use to make sure we have that common space actually is secondary. 'What is primary is this fundamental belief, and I'm sure the future generations of Singaporeans will be able to evolve and come up with a model that will allow this to happen.' When asked about the relevance of SAP schools, Neo said that by and large, there is a desire for organisations and schools to be multicultural. But that there is a space for each group to also advocate for themselves, to push and strengthen the understanding of their own culture and practices. This helps build diversity and makes Singapore strong as a nation, he said, adding that that is why there is space in Singapore for self-help groups and SAP schools. However, he said SAP schools must not go off on their own and be involved only in the understanding of an individual mother tongue and strengthening of an individual culture, but should contribute to the common space, to add to the richness and diversity of Singapore. Krisha Janelle Gopu joined the SG60 Flex Your Passion mentorship programme after she graduated from Singapore Polytechnic in March. - Photo: ST Later in the day, Neo attended It's Giving Fest, an event held at *Scape to celebrate Singapore's 60th year of independence and the aspirations of young people. Held across July 12 and 13, the event features live concerts and performances, short films, a flea market, a cosplay segment and food trucks, as well as interactive games designed by young people. The films and songs showcased include works by 53 students from various institutes of higher learning. The students had received guidance from seven industry professionals for four months as part of the SG60 Flex Your Passion mentorship programme. Krisha Janelle Gopu, 21, joined the programme after she graduated from Singapore Polytechnic in March. She worked as a producer on the 10-minute film Lion Heart, which is about a percussionist in a lion dance troupe who confronts self-doubt with the support of his troupe mates and those in the community. Krisha, who will be going to the University of Stirling in Scotland in September to pursue film and media, said her mentor in the programme had provided her with support and resources. Among other things, her mentor introduced her to a network of people in the industry, who included casting agents and experienced art development specialists. 'The experience of this mentorship programme helped me to grow more confident as a producer and gain experience in all aspects of production,' she said. - The Straits Times/ANN
Straits Times
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
World Aquatics C'ships Singapore 2025 declared open by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Singapore's artistic swimmers posing with the mascots for the World Aquatics Championships Singapore 2025 - Ollie the Otter (extreme right) and Dewey the Dugong (extreme left). SINGAPORE – The Esplanade, with its distinctive durian-shaped dome and prominence in Singapore's city skyline, has long stood as a symbol of the nation's cultural ambition. On July 10, it set the stage for a different kind of spectacle as the Singtel Waterfront Theatre hosted the opening ceremony of the World Aquatics Championships (WCH), officially ushering in about three weeks of elite competition. Held from July 11 to Aug 3, it marks a historic milestone for Singapore, the first South-east Asian country to stage the championships. More than 2,500 athletes from over 200 countries and territories will compete across a record 77 medal events in swimming, artistic swimming, diving, high diving, open water swimming and water polo. President Tharman Shanmugaratnam presided over the ceremony, which was also attended by World Aquatics president Husain Al-Musallam, Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo and Singapore National Olympic Council president Grace Fu, who is also Minister for Sustainability and the Environment. Minister for Law Edwin Tong, who was previously the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, was also at the ceremony. In a speech before he declared the WCH open, Mr Tharman noted that hosting the world championships was a special moment for Singapore, especially as it celebrates its 60th year of independence. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Business S'pore to launch new grant for companies, expand support for workers amid US tariff uncertainties Singapore Spike in piracy, armed robbery cases in straits of Malacca and Singapore in first half of 2025 Singapore Singaporean fugitive charged over alleged drug trafficking, faces death penalty if convicted Singapore KTPH trials 'smart diapers' for adult patients to prevent skin conditions, relieve burden on nurses Singapore PSP's CEC renewal shows its commitment to being a reasonable alternative choice, says Stephanie Tan World 'Do some homework': 6 key exchanges between US Senator Duckworth and S'pore envoy nominee Sinha Singapore Singapore launches centre to drive sustainable aviation in Asia-Pacific Multimedia 60 objects to mark SG60: Which is your favourite? Addressing those who made the event possible, he said: 'It is your dedication that has transformed it into a venue worthy of hosting this top world championships. 'To our guests and international friends, may you discover not just our venues and our food, including the chilli crab, but may you also discover the warmth of our people and the diversity that makes this island home to many cultures.' President Tharman Shanmugaratnam delivering his speech at the opening ceremony of the World Aquatics Championship, at the Singtel Waterfront Theatre at the Esplanade, on July 10, 2025. ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG Among the crowd of over 500 at the Singtel Waterfront Theatre were national artistic swimmers, open water swimmers and women's water polo players, who are part of Singapore's 72-strong delegation, the Republic's largest-ever contingent at the meet. The ceremony, lasting just under an hour, featured performances celebrating excellence and unity, with the opening act Rainwoven performed by alumni from the School of the Arts, Singapore. World Aquatics chief Husain noted that the WCH will break records for the number of participating countries and territories, and athletes – and, for the first time, feature more female athletes than male. He said: 'Eighteen months (ago), when I came and I asked Singapore, can you host the World Aquatics (Championships)? 'I honestly did not believe that we will gather today with a fantastic facility, with fantastic hospitality, with fantastic enjoyment between our aquatics family.' President of World Aquatics, Mr Husain Al-Musallam delivering his speech at the opening ceremony of the World Aquatics Championship, at the Singtel Waterfront Theatre at the Esplanade, on July 10, 2025. ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG Prime Minister Lawrence Wong posted a video on his Facebook page, sharing that he visited the WCH Arena, where he spoke with former national swimmer Joseph Schooling, Singapore's only Olympic gold medallist, and two Singapore athletes. In the video, Mr Wong said: 'It was inspiring to hear their stories – the hard work, the passion, and what it means to represent Singapore on home ground. 'Let's get behind our athletes and cheer for Team Singapore! A warm welcome also to all the athletes and fans from around the world!' Beyond the world championships showcasing the globe's best aquatic athletes, Mr Tharman emphasised that such events also have the ability to unite. He said: 'What we celebrate too, in a quiet but profound way, is how sport can bring us together, even when we are rooting for different teams. 'In a world increasingly divided, sport reminds us that we can strive together even as we compete, that we can demonstrate our common humanity.' In line with the message of unity, the ceremony concluded with a drum piece by the Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore titled Singa Roar, a multi-ethnic percussion piece comprising Chinese, Malay, Indian and Latino drums. A drums performance by Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore at the opening ceremony of the World Aquatics Championship, at the Singtel Waterfront Theatre at the Esplanade, on July 10, 2025. ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG As the WCH begins, it kicks off several months of aquatic action in Singapore, with the July 26-Aug 11 World Aquatics Masters Championships and the Sept 21-27 World Para Swimming Championships set to follow. Just as the Esplanade helped define Singapore's cultural rise when it opened in 2002, the World Aquatics Championships may prove to be a pivotal moment in the country's sporting history.
Singapore Law Watch
27-06-2025
- Politics
- Singapore Law Watch
Responsible public speech is part of a cohesive society: Edwin Tong
Responsible public speech is part of a cohesive society: Edwin Tong Source: Straits Times Article Date: 27 Jun 2025 Author: Chin Soo Fang Be especially mindful about hateful speech as conflict can be set off by words: Minister. In a cohesive society, people understand the impact of their words and take responsibility for what they say publicly, including in online spaces, Mr Edwin Tong said on June 26. 'Sometimes, this will mean sacrificing our own desire to be able to say what we want about anything we want, wherever we want, in favour of being more caring about the impact they have on the person next to us,' he added. Mr Tong, who is Law Minister, noted that people should be especially mindful about hateful speech, as conflict can be triggered by words. 'If we are more mindful, we will have more open, honest, public discourse, based on facts and not hate and disinformation,' he said. He was speaking at the close of the three-day International Conference on Cohesive Societies held at Raffles City Convention Centre. It was organised by the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies and supported by the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, of which Mr Tong was formerly minister. Addressing more than 1,000 people, including thought leaders, policymakers and young leaders from over 50 countries, the minister shared his thoughts on how societies can stay cohesive and multicultural amid challenges, such as conflicts, trade tensions and disinformation. One way to build cohesion is to remember that multiculturalism is not a natural state but a continuous and intentional work in progress, he said. 'We must always glance behind us, behind our backs, and wonder whether it could be taken away from us,' he said. 'We must always have that slight nervousness about it, and then we will seek to jealously guard it and protect it.' There must also be a combination of good leadership and citizen support. 'Government policies are useful, and they put in place the framework, but it has to be the people who breathe life into these ideals, who practise them every day,' he said. To this end, some degree of social intervention is needed, he said, citing Singapore's integrated living spaces, where people of all races and religions live, eat and grow up together. The responsibility to shape and nurture this cohesive society will increasingly fall on young people, he added. More than 200 young leaders attended the conference – nearly double the number compared with the last conference in 2022. This group plays a big role in intergenerational bonding, Mr Tong said. 'It is one thing to connect with people of your own generation, but it is much harder to do so across generations.' Everyone must have an open heart to see across differences, foster shared ideas and build hopes with people who are different, he added. 'We should never weaponise race and religion,' he said. 'It is so easy to do, but its impact is so long-lasting, and it breaks the trust that we all seek to foster.' Other speakers at the conference included President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Sultan Nazrin Shah, Sultan of Perak and Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia. The conference was first held in 2019 to provide an international platform for interfaith and multicultural dialogue, where participants could exchange ideas and develop solutions to create cohesive and resilient multicultural societies. This year's conference coincides with Singapore's diamond jubilee, Mr Tong noted. The Republic consciously adopted multiculturalism as a core value, and built a national identity while keeping the individual qualities of different communities, he said. He added: 'I believe that multiculturalism lies at the heart of the Singapore story. Sixty years ago, as a newly independent nation with a highly diverse population, we were very conscious of our differences, but we decided to form the country that embraced the differences, not in spite of but because of the differences, to make ourselves stronger.' Chin Soo Fang is senior correspondent at The Straits Times covering topics such as community, politics, social issues, consumer, culture and heritage. Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction. Print
