Latest news with #JaimeHo
Straits Times
11-07-2025
- Straits Times
Spanish court orders cleanup of Galician pig farm pollution in landmark ruling
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox MADRID - The top court in Spain's northwestern Galicia region has ordered that authorities stamp out pollution linked to intensive pig farming in a landmark case highlighting decades-long environmental mismanagement, a court document showed on Friday. Spain, Europe's largest pork producer, houses about a third of its pig farms in Galicia. The court found that for some 20,000 residents of the A Limia area, the fundamental right to living in a healthy environment had been violated. The ruling, condemning both state and regional authorities, marks the first time a European court has addressed the impact of large-scale livestock farming on water sources and residents' human rights, according to environmental groups ClientEarth and Friends of the Earth Spain, which supported the case. It could pave the way for other communities suffering from similar issues to demand justice and protection from authorities, campaigners say. A Limia residents say life has become "unfeasible" due to the proliferation of intensive pig and poultry farms, which brought unbearable odours and contamination from chemicals such as nitrates that seeped into groundwater and water reservoirs. The court stated that regional authorities and the national body overseeing water management failed to act despite legal obligations and awareness of the issues. Government and regional officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The ruling can be appealed at Spain's Supreme Court. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore ST will have Govt's 'full confidence and support' in its mission: PM Wong Singapore ST will aim to become an indispensable partner to S'pore's communities: Editor Jaime Ho Singapore Wishes for ST beyond 180: Odes to its enduring role in the Singapore story Singapore Heartbeats & Headlines: ST's 180-year legacy comes to life in immersive exhibition Singapore Trusted news, smarter experience with new Straits Times website and app Singapore Community space Stranger Conversations blossoms as 'library of human stories' and life experiences Singapore Man who killed 5-year-old daughter gets life sentence after he appeals against 35-year jail term Singapore Judge declines to void alleged sham marriage in S'pore, says it is for Parliament to decide The court in Galicia ordered that the Galician regional government and the Mino-Sil Hydrographic Confederation take immediate measures to eliminate odours and environmental degradation around the As Conchas water reservoir. The ruling also mandates authorities to ensure clean and safe drinking water free of harmful microorganisms and chemical substances. "Now the authorities have to take action," Pablo Alvarez Veloso, head of the neighbours' association in the As Conchas reservoir area, told Reuters. REUTERS
Straits Times
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- Straits Times
Traffic accident near Joo Koon leaves car on its side, 2 taken to hospital
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox The impact sends the second car spinning and tipping over on its left, with the first car also nearly falling on its side. SINGAPORE - Two men were taken to hospital after their vehicles collided near Joo Koon on July 11, leaving one of the cars on its side. In dashcam footage of the incident posted on Facebook , one of the cars can be seen turning at a junction before colliding with the second car, which was travelling straight. The impact sends the second car spinning and tipping over on its left, with the first car also nearly falling on its side. The police told The Straits Times they had been alerted to the accident at the junction of Benoi Road and Jalan Ahmad Ibrahim at about 1.50pm. Both drivers, men aged 41 and 55, were taken conscious to National University Hospital by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF). SCDF said it also assessed another person for minor injuries, who declined to be sent to the hospital. Police investigations are ongoing. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore ST will have Govt's 'full confidence and support' in its mission: PM Wong Singapore ST will aim to become an indispensable partner to S'pore's communities: Editor Jaime Ho Singapore Wishes for ST beyond 180: Odes to its enduring role in the Singapore story Singapore Heartbeats & Headlines: ST's 180-year legacy comes to life in immersive exhibition Singapore Trusted news, smarter experience with new Straits Times website and app Singapore Community space Stranger Conversations blossoms as a 'library of human stories' and life experiences Singapore Judge declines to void alleged sham marriage in S'pore, says it is for Parliament to decide Singapore New list of technologies that reduce carbon footprint of buildings to be ready by Q1 2026
New Paper
11-07-2025
- Business
- New Paper
ST to move beyond news delivery and engage more with readers, says editor Jaime Ho
The Straits Times will endeavour to go from a purveyor of information to becoming an indispensable partner in the lives of Singapore's communities, actively listening to their voices and reflecting their concerns and aspirations, its editor Jaime Ho said. This is as the current era - marked by information overload, growing polarisation and falling trust - requires newsrooms to fundamentally rethink their purpose and deepen connections with the communities they serve, he added at a gala dinner at Jewel Changi Airport to commemorate the news organisation's 180th anniversary. Reflecting on ST's history, Mr Ho said the broadsheet can look back with pride at having chronicled Singapore's triumphs and tribulations, and for being the conveners of public conversation, guided by its conviction to nurture the broadest middle ground. "Our commitment to truth-seeking, accuracy and fairness has been the bedrock of our credibility and the foundation of the trust placed by our readers in us and our work," he said, noting that ST is already the most trusted news source in Singapore. At the same time, the newsroom has to look forward with humility and clear-eyed pragmatism, given that the battle for attention in an increasingly noisy digital sphere is fiercer than ever, with echo chambers that reinforce one's beliefs and limit exposure to differing views. The challenge is compounded by declining trust in institutions in many places, though Singapore is fortunate that the forces affecting other societies and journalism around the world have not been felt as strongly here, he added. Mr Ho noted that optimising content, leveraging generative artificial intelligence and driving engagement via the newest algorithms of social and video platforms are now part of the day-to-day work of any newsroom. But news organisations must go further to deepen their connections with the communities they serve. This means understanding and reflecting the needs, concerns and aspirations of their communities and providing them with truly meaningful and impactful information, he said. "This requires us to move beyond a purely transactional relationship with our readers (to) investing in community-driven journalism, where we meet and collaborate with those around us to identify the stories that matter most to them, and to amplify their voices," he said. Mr Ho said this has been the core behind many of the activities organised throughout ST's 180th anniversary year. In January, the paper launched a series of engagements called Conversations with The Straits Times, which, to date, has engaged various groups of Singaporeans through three forums. These sessions have helped ST better understand what its readers want and for them to have a better view of how the newsroom works and the considerations behind editorial decisions, Mr Ho said. ST has also paid special attention to younger Singaporeans. From April to May, it brought together 6,000 students for a news and current affairs quiz competition. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong (centre) with SPH Media chairman Khaw Boon Wan (left) and ST editor Jaime Ho at the gala dinner. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH An exhibition was also launched on July 11 to reflect the broadsheet's role in chronicling Singapore's milestones over the last 180 years and how news itself has evolved. The free exhibition will be at Jewel Changi Airport's South Gateway Garden until July 20, and will then be hosted by venue supporters Westgate and Raffles City until Aug 17. To stay relevant in the digital age, Mr Ho said ST will embrace innovation in storytelling and delivery, continuing to leverage the positive power of social media, data visualisation and interactive formats to present information in engaging ways. At the gala dinner, he officially launched a refreshed web and app experience that features a faster and cleaner interface, with enhanced ways for readers to personalise their ST news feeds. "We will continue to meet our audiences where they are, on the platforms they use - and ours - while most importantly remaining true to the integrity and positive impact of our journalism," he said. At the gala dinner, Mr Ho officially launched a refreshed web and app experience that features a faster and cleaner interface, with enhanced ways for readers to personalise their ST news feeds. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM Mr Ho emphasised that while ST seeks to grow its audiences, reach alone does not guarantee the strengthening of society's vital common space. While it may be appealing to acquire a large audience or have deep engagement with a single large segment, this does not necessarily contribute to the cohesion and understanding that are essential to a healthy society, he said. "Our aim, therefore, is to be a trusted source for the majority, and fostering dialogue that resonates across a wide spectrum of perspectives, including those in the minority," he said. He acknowledged that earning and maintaining trust is a perpetual endeavour, and the journey ahead will undoubtedly present challenges. But the ST newsroom is optimistic, and has a renewed sense of purpose as it navigates this evolving landscape, he added. "By continuing to embrace innovation, deepening our community ties, and staying true to fundamental principles, The Straits Times and the broader news industry in Singapore will surely thrive in the years to come." Mr Ho thanked everyone who had walked with ST and helped it to get to this stage of its history. He also thanked key sponsors who had generously supported ST's 180th anniversary programmes: the Ministry of Home Affairs, Singapore Pools, Singtel, Temasek, and UOB.
Straits Times
11-07-2025
- Straits Times
Trusted news, smarter experience with new Straits Times website and app
The Straits Times turns 180 in July. From just eight pages in its first edition on July 15, 1845, it now publishes content in diverse formats and on multiple platforms. ST's journey of transformation and innovation continues, as it marks its 180-year milestone by launching a new website and app that offer readers a smarter, richer digital experience by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and its award-winning content. The revamp revolved around three key themes: Help time-starved readers make sense of news quickly; recommend more in-depth articles on topics that matter to them; and keep them engaged by telling stories in innovative ways. Users can enjoy these new features by visiting or downloading the app on iOS or Android. A smarter reading experience, powered by AI PHOTO: THE STRAITS TIMES Readers can get the gist of the day's top news in seconds, with an AI-powered newsfeed and short summaries. Those who want to know more can take a deep dive into ST's rich archives and find what they need in just a few clicks – with the help of a smart search feature. Trusted news, in diverse formats PHOTO: THE STRAITS TIMES Watch, listen and interact with news, with the new Visual Stories section on the homepage. It showcases ST's award-winning digital graphics, podcasts, photos and videos. More news, less scrolling PHOTO: THE STRAITS TIMES The new website and app take on a fresher, more modern design that allows readers to see more content at a glance. The latest headlines, for example, are displayed alongside top news curated by editors. With mobile-friendly carousel sliders, users can easily swipe through headlines. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore ST will have Govt's 'full confidence and support' in its mission to stay relevant: PM Wong Singapore ST will aim to become an indispensable partner to S'pore's communities: Editor Jaime Ho Singapore Heartbeats & Headlines: ST's 180-year legacy comes to life in immersive exhibition Singapore Man who killed 5-year-old daughter gets life sentence after he appeals against 35-year jail term Singapore Judge declines to void alleged sham marriage in S'pore, says it is for Parliament to decide Business OCBC CEO Helen Wong to retire on Dec 31; Tan Teck Long named successor Singapore More than 14,300 people checked during 7-week-long anti-crime ops All you need to know in one place PHOTO: THE STRAITS TIMES Done reading a story? Readers can continue to catch up on other key news without going back and forth to the homepage, thanks to a new Top Stories carousel created in every article. They can also scroll seamlessly from one article to the next, without having to open multiple tabs. Your news, your way PHOTO: THE STRAITS TIMES With the improved myST+ feature, users can follow their favourite writers and topics, and find all related updates and saved articles in one place. A new Explore tab recommends to users what others are reading, and what podcasts they are listening to. E-paper made for mobile PHOTO: THE STRAITS TIMES Good news for those who prefer the e-paper: no more zooming in and out to read an article on your mobile phone. Just tap on the article and it will expand into a mobile-friendly version that you can read comfortably even on a small screen. The revamp project, which coincided with a hectic news cycle that included Singapore's 2025 General Election, took about a year to complete. It followed a product overhaul in 2020 which won ST the gold award for Best News Website or Mobile Service at Digital Media Awards Asia, and a more recent app refresh in 2023 . Before work started, the team conducted surveys and invited readers for in-person workshops to find out what would help them navigate news in a crowded online space. The newsroom also researched how users of different ages and profiles were consuming content, and how the latest trends in technology can enrich the reading experience. The revamp underscores ST's continuing efforts to keep pace with change and stay responsive to readers' needs, said ST editor Jaime Ho. 'Even as social media and other platforms proliferate, and we try to reach audiences wherever they reside, it is our intention to keep our home as welcoming, dynamic and responsive as possible,' he said. 'This is the approach we take with the ST app and web experience. It will therefore always evolve, as we not only keep up with trends and best practices, but also lead, drawing on ideas and feedback from our readers.'
Straits Times
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Heartbeats & Headlines: ST's 180-year legacy comes to life in immersive exhibition
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox The exhibition starts this weekend at the South Gateway Garden of Jewel Changi Airport. SINGAPORE – Try your hand at laying out a newspaper front page. Follow a graphic novel-style retelling of newsroom history. Compare scenes of old Singapore with how these places look now. These are some of the interactive features of Heartbeats And Headlines: 180 Years Of Telling The Singapore Story, an exhibition by The Straits Times to mark its 180th anniversary in 2025. It traces ST's journey from a colonial newspaper serving a largely merchant class, to a national broadsheet chronicling a nation's most pivotal moments, to becoming the multi-platform media outlet that it is today. Beginning this weekend at the South Gateway Garden of Jewel Changi Airport, where it will run till July 20, the travelling exhibition will move to Westgate from July 25 to Aug 3, and to Raffles City Shopping Centre from Aug 8 to 17. 'The history and significance of ST sometimes can get overlooked in the day-to-day reporting and the faster and more relentless evolution of the newsroom itself,' said ST editor Jaime Ho. 'But to look through the lens of what we've covered, and how we've covered it, we can see how we have evolved just as much as and together with Singapore.' The exhibition also reflects how much of what ST does today is to appeal to a younger audience, while offering a newspaper people can still touch and feel, albeit in slightly different ways, Mr Ho added. Features editor Wong Kim Hoh, who curated the exhibition, said it was designed as an immersive multimedia experience, with the content kept bite-size and easy to digest. 'It highlights how the publication has adapted to changing times, embracing new media and technologies while staying true to its core purpose of informing and engaging the public,' he said. One section highlights readers' fondest memories of ST, and the lives of those transformed after being featured in its pages. 'Telling human stories is what ST does best,' said Mr Wong. 'We wanted to spotlight the people whose hopes, dreams and lives we've had the privilege to chronicle.' Months in the making, the exhibition was a true team effort, bringing together illustrators, interactive designers, photographers, video producers, journalists and the ST Events team. 'Through this, we hope visitors will experience the creative energy that goes into producing compelling news content every day,' Mr Wong said. The exhibition traces The Straits Times' journey from a colonial newspaper serving a largely merchant class to the multi-platform media outlet it is today. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM Spread across five sections, the exhibition takes visitors on a journey through ST's evolving newsroom, pivotal moments in Singapore's history, its role as a newspaper of record and how it has kept pace in the digital age. Interactive touchpoints interspersed between the panels allow visitors to flip through 180 years of ST front pages and try picking the day's top stories. Months in the making, the exhibition was a true team effort, bringing together illustrators, interactive designers, photographers, video producers, journalists and the ST Events team. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM Visitors can also browse a digital version of the very first issue of ST, then called The Straits Times and Singapore Journal of Commerce. The fragile original dated July 15, 1845 – now too delicate to display – is preserved in a climate-controlled vault at the National Archives of Singapore. Children can join the fun too, with a Reporter-In-Training quest packed with child-friendly activities designed for them. Exhibition sponsors include the Ministry of Home Affairs, Singapore Pools, Singtel, Temasek and UOB.
