Latest news with #DerrynWong
Business Times
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Business Times
Are COEs broken? How to fix Singapore's car quota system
Certificate of Entitlement (COE) prices are sky-high, tempers are running hotter, and Singapore's transport policy is once again in the spotlight. In this episode of TransportBT by The Business Times, host Derryn Wong is joined by associate professor Walter Theseira of the Singapore University of Social Sciences. Together, they take a hard look at the logic, politics and pain points behind the COE) system. If you've ever questioned whether the system still works and who it really works for—this one's worth your time. Why listen? Because we need more than hot takes Prof Theseira doesn't just comment on COE headlines. He advised the Land Transport Authority, contributed to international transport studies, and spent years researching Singapore's car ownership model. If anyone can make sense of this, it's him. Because the Acting Transport Minister's comments stirred real debate From private hire cars to system efficiency, Mr Jeffrey Siow's remarks raised eyebrows. Wong and Prof Theseira dig into what was said, what was really meant, and what the public response tells us. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up Because the public isn't just reacting to prices—it's reacting to fairness This episode doesn't shy away from the emotional undertow. The duo examines how public sentiment is shaped by perceived inequality and whether the system can regain trust. Because big ideas deserve airtime Prof Theseira floats bold suggestions, including phasing out COEs altogether and replacing upfront costs with pay-as-you-drive models. They won't all land, but they're designed to provoke smarter conversations. Because transport policy affects everyone Whether you drive, ride, rent or wait endlessly for a Grab, this episode helps you understand the trade-offs shaping your daily journey. TransportBT is a podcast of BT Correspondents by The Business Times. Join Derryn Wong every month as he breaks down the headlines and the policy moves behind them for you. Listen now at . Got feedback or an idea for a future episode? Drop us a line at btpodcasts@ --- Written and hosted by: Derryn Wong (derrynwong@ With Walter Theseira, Associate Professor of Economics, Singapore University of Social Sciences Edited by: Emily Liu & Claressa Monteiro Produced by: Derryn Wong, Emily Liu & Howie Lim A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media Share your thoughts with us at btpodcasts@ . --- Follow BT Correspondents: Channel: Amazon: Apple Podcasts: Spotify: YouTube Music: Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party's products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice. Discover more BT podcast series: BT Money Hacks at: BT Mark To Market at: WealthBT at: PropertyBT at: BT Podcasts at: BT Market Focus at: BT Branded Podcasts at:
Singapore Law Watch
04-07-2025
- Automotive
- Singapore Law Watch
CCCS takes action against car groomer Lambency Detailing for posting fake AI reviews
CCCS takes action against car groomer Lambency Detailing for posting fake AI reviews Source: Business Times Article Date: 04 Jul 2025 Author: Derryn Wong The car groomer has been ordered to stop posting them, and will remove the content on within eight working days. The Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) has taken regulatory action against car grooming service Lambency Detailing (Lambency) for posting false consumer reviews generated by artificial intelligence (AI) on automotive marketplace CCCS said on Thursday (Jul 3) that Quantum Globe, the company that owns and operates Lambency, admitted to posting fake five-star reviews written by ChatGPT over the last two years. 'This is the second fake review case that CCCS has uncovered, and the first case involving both a third-party platform and the use of AI to create these fake reviews,' said the regulator's chief executive Alvin Koh. In 2024, Loft Home Furnishing, a furniture company, received a warning for publishing fake five-star product reviews on its website. Businesses posting fake customer reviews is an unfair trade practice, the regulator said, as consumers might be misled into thinking that the product is more well-received than it actually is, and thus make misinformed purchase decisions. Quantum Globe will stop posting fake reviews; remove fake reviews on within eight working days; notify customers whose details were used in the false postings between October 2024 and January 2025; and publish notices for six months informing consumers that it had posted fake reviews, among other actions. Matthew Lim, the firm's director, has also undertaken to CCCS that he will not engage in any unfair trade practice, or facilitate any business under his control to do so. The regulator began an investigation in January after a customer complained that reviews were posted under her name on It revealed that seven other Lambency customers were affected, with fake reviews – using their names, vehicle registration numbers and photographs – being posted without consent. In a statement to the media, Lambency said that it 'accepts full responsibility for a number of false reviews about our services that were posted on Sgcarmart'. 'These reviews were written by employees without proper disclosure, and this should not have happened,' it added. 'We apologise unreservedly to our customers, Sgcarmart, and the public. Upholding trust and transparency is core to our business, and we acknowledge that this incident compromised those values. We have taken immediate steps to remove the reviews and have put in place stricter guidelines to ensure all future communications meet the standards expected of us.' Source: The Business Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction. Print
Business Times
16-06-2025
- Business
- Business Times
TransportBT: Air travel growth and Singapore's bet on Terminal 5
Are you fascinated by the world of air travel and its future? The latest episode of TransportBT, a podcast of BT Correspondents by The Business Times, hosted by Derryn Wong, breaks down the complexities of the aviation industry and what its growth means for businesses and travelers alike. He sits down with Ali Hussain, regional managing director in Asia for ATPI, a prominent travel management company. Asia-Pacific air travel market The podcast dives deep into the burgeoning air travel market in the Asia-Pacific region, which is already the largest globally and set to experience even more growth in the coming years. Hussain offers unparalleled insights into ATPI's role in managing business travel, focusing on critical sectors like shipping, energy, and education. In their conversation, they discuss projections for the future of air travel, including the massive impact of terminal expansions, especially Singapore's upcoming Changi Terminal 5. Technology in travel A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 2 pm Lifestyle Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself. Sign Up Sign Up They then turn the discussion to how advanced technologies like biometric recognition and AI are revolutionising air travel. This offers listeners an opportunity to learn about the broader economic and cultural ramifications of increasing business travel and the role of major markets like China and India. Wong steers the conversation to how tariffs, technological advancements, and infrastructure projects like Singapore's Terminal 5 will shape the future of air travel. Speaking on the unique challenges and opportunities, Hussain talks about managing business travel in a diverse and rapidly changing region like Asia-Pacific. What makes Singapore a crucial hub Those emerging trends in biometric recognition, AI, and other innovations offer Singapore a unique opportunity for its status as a regional hub. Wong and Hussain highlight investments to deliver on a promise to make air travel more efficient and enjoyable. The pair also discuss the projections for future business travel growth in the Asia-Pacific region and its implications for the global economy. Listen now to the conversation between Derryn Wong and Ali Hussain for essential insights that will keep you ahead of the curve whether you are a frequent business traveller or work in a travel related industry. TransportBT is a podcast of BT Correspondents. Look out for the next episode featuring senior correspondent Leslie Yee who will dive into Singaporeans' love for new condos . And if you have any thoughts or questions, feel free to reach out to us at btpodcasts@ --- Written and hosted by: Derryn Wong (derrynwong@ With Ali Hussain, regional managing director, ATPI Asia Edited by: Emily Liu & Claressa Monteiro Produced by: Derryn Wong, Emily Liu & Chai Pei Chieh A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media --- Follow BT Correspondents: Channel: Amazon: Apple Podcasts: Spotify: YouTube Music: Website: Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party's products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice. --- Discover more BT podcast series: BT Money Hacks: BT Podcasts: BT Market Focus: BT Branded Podcasts: BT Lens On:
Business Times
19-05-2025
- Business
- Business Times
TransportBT: Singapore's surprising and thriving space industry
In the latest episode of TransportBT by The Business Times, host Derryn Wong dives deep into Singapore's space industry with Jonathan Hung, executive director, Office for Space Technology & Industry (OSTIn). The conversation delivers great insight into the current state and future potential of Singapore's space sector. Singapore's long history in space Contrary to popular belief, Singapore's involvement in space activities dates back several decades. Providing Wong with a quick history lesson, Hung points out that Singapore's first satellite ground station was established in Sentosa in 1971, and our first satellite was launched in 1998. Today OSTIn plays a pivotal role as Singapore's lead front for space activities. Hung explains that the office, having grown and evolved into its current form, is now divided into three main pillars - technology, industry, and international relations. OSTIn oversees satellite missions and supports a vibrant ecosystem of over 70 companies - fostering global partnerships. Key technologies and innovations Singapore excels in satellite subsystems, with significant investments in electronic stacks, hardware, and software. The country's strength in miniaturisation has enabled the development of smaller, more efficient satellites, crucial in the era of space democratisation spearheaded by entities like SpaceX. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up Wong and Hung then turn their conversation to how space technologies directly benefit other industries in Singapore. For example, satellite communications which enhance maritime and aviation efficiencies - critical for Singapore's status as a global hub. Singapore's future in space exploration While Singapore may not have its own launch site due to land constraints, Hung does muse on the potential for the country to participate actively in space exploration missions. He believes that collaborations with other nations and companies will be key, particularly in areas like in-space robotics and advanced satellite communications. However for now, it is more earth based endeavours with the Earth Observation Initiative (EOI) which aims to tackle sustainability and humanitarian challenges through remote sensing satellite technology. This initiative underscores Singapore's commitment to using space technology for the greater good. Listen now to the conversation between Derryn Wong and Jonathan Hung which provides a comprehensive overview of Singapore's current achievements and future aspirations in the space sector. TransportBT is a podcast of BT Correspondents. Look out for the next episode featuring senior correspondent Leslie Yee on property matters. And if you have any thoughts or questions, feel free to reach out to us at btpodcasts@ --- Written and hosted by: Derryn Wong (derrynwong@ With Jonathan Hung, executive director, Office for Space Technology & Industry Edited by: Emily Liu & Claressa Monteiro Produced by: Derryn Wong, Emily Liu & Chai Pei Chieh A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media --- Follow BT Correspondents: Channel: Amazon: Apple Podcasts: Spotify: YouTube Music: Website: Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party's products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice. --- Discover more BT podcast series: BT Money Hacks: BT Podcasts: BT Market Focus: BT Branded Podcasts: BT Lens On:
