Latest news with #JurongEast
CNA
23-07-2025
- Sport
- CNA
Former Tanjong Pagar footballer charged with punching pair from rival club after match at Jurong East Stadium
SINGAPORE: A former Tanjong Pagar United football player was charged in court on Wednesday (Jul 23) over a punching incident involving two rival players in February, which resulted in his termination from the club. Rizqin Aniq Rahaizad, 20, was given two counts of voluntarily causing hurt after the match at Jurong East Stadium on Feb 10. He allegedly punched a 17-year-old Albirex Niigata defender, who cannot be named under the Children and Young Persons Act, causing bleeding at his mouth and pain in his teeth. He is also accused of punching the face of Ho Matsuoka Evangelista Kenji Austin, better known as Kenji Austin Ho. The Albirex player's jaw swelled up and became numb, according to the charge sheet. Past reports indicated that the incident occurred during post-match handshakes after Tanjong Pagar played Albirex in a Singapore Premier League (SPL) Under-21 game. Rizqin was arrested by the police. At the time, Albirex said Ho was admitted to hospital after being hit in the head and discharged after being examined. Rizqin's contract was terminated by his club. The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) also gave him a 30-month ban and a fine of S$2,000 (US$1,564) for violent conduct.
CNA
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CNA
Popular pizzeria Casa Vostra opening new outlet at Jem in September
Casual pizza and pasta hotspot Casa Vostra may have launched its first restaurant a year ago at Raffles City, but it continues to attract daily queues today. The no-reservations eatery currently has an average queue time of 45 minutes during peak mealtimes on weekdays and an hour on weekends. SECOND OUTLET OPENING THIS SEPTEMBER AT JEM MALL Hopefully, the lines will ease with the opening of its second outlet at Jem mall in Jurong East on Sep 1. Casa Vostra takes over the space formerly occupied by Marche on the first floor of the heartland mall. MORE SEATS AT UPCOMING JURONG BRANCH The bad news: You'll still have to queue for a table at the Jurong outlet. The good news – there are more seats here: 80 versus 60 at Raffles City's outlet, which may or may not ease waiting times. While the folks at Casa Vostra have yet to reveal any exclusive dishes and prices for its Jem outlet, some of its signature dishes are expected to remain on the menu, says its PR representative. Some of the dishes we think may be included are: Prosciutto e Rucola Pizza and Carbonara Rigatoni. Similar to the Raffles City outlet, all pastas at Jem will be handmade and some of its preserved meats like guanciale are cured in-house. WALLET-FRIENDLY PRICES Casa Vostra's Raffles City menu currently features 18 pizzas, including options like Mortadella and Tartufo e Funghi (ham with truffle and mushroom). It also serves 16 pasta dishes, including the tasty Agnolotti del Plin bathed in lush chicken jus and butter sauce. Prices for pizzas and pastas at the Raffles City outlet range from a wallet-friendly price point at S$15 to S$28, though they may differ a little at the upcoming Jem location, says the brand's PR representative. The Italian chef-owner Antonio Miscellaneo, 52, tells that the same flavoursome pizza dough will be served at the outlet in Jem: 'It all begins with a mix of unrefined and low-refined Italian flours, which is then made into dough and fermented through different stages and temperatures for 72 hours.' 'The dough is further shaped by pizzaiolos, and baked in a wood-fired oven at 460°C for a base that's crispy, airy and melt-in-the-mouth all at once.' The man is right, declares our food editor, a fan of his pies. Several new dishes introduced in April this year at Raffles City will also be available at the Jem outlet. The dishes include: PROSCIUTTO E FICHI PIZZA A savoury-sweet number layered with salty Parma ham, sweet fig puree, bitter, nutty rocket leaves, umami Parmigiano Reggiano, crunchy candied walnuts and gooey Fior di latte cheese. Pretty addictive paired with the crisp, puffy-edged crust, says our food editor. BAKED SCAMORZA A tiny but mighty-tasting appetiser of stretchy baked cheese, which boasts an irresistible smoky flavour and oozy mouthfeel that's lovely with a drizzle of honey. Shiok. MAMMA'S AGLIO E OLIO This simple dish of house-made fresh spaghetti with garlic, chilli, fresh parsley and a scattering of sun-dried tomatoes is inspired by chef-owner Miscellaneo's mum's recipe. HOW CASA VOSTRA WAS BORN Since opening its doors at Raffles City Shopping Centre last July, Casa Vostra has been drawing massive queues. The pizzeria is co-owned by the quirky and talented otaku Italian chef Antonio, who began his culinary journey with private dining concept Casa Nostra ('our home' in Italian) at his condo. After closing his home diner, Miscellaneo launched his first commercial eatery: The award-winning La Bottega Enoteca, a slightly upmarket brick-and-mortar Italian restaurant in Joo Chiat. From there, Casa Vostra ('your home' in Italian) was spawned – initially as a home delivery service, offering more affordable pizzas out of a central kitchen in Tai Seng. Next came its thriving dine-in equivalent at Raffles City and soon, Jem. Casa Vostra was opened in collaboration with F&B company the Ebb & Flow group, which is also behind other food concepts like tapas bar, Carlitos. Stay tuned to Casa Vostra's socials for updates on exclusive dishes as well as the opening date of its Jem outlet.
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
45,300 jobs in Singapore pay $7,300 monthly, but is the market cooling?; Cathay Cineplexes' debt crisis deepens over Jem rent: Singapore live news
Singapore's job market is flashing both green and yellow lights. According to The Ministry of Manpower's (MOM) Q1 2025 report, there are 45,300 PMET vacancies paying a median of $7,300/month, with strong demand in IT, finance, and healthcare. But economists warn of a possible slowdown, citing falling hiring and resignation rates. While the job-to-unemployed ratio remains healthy, the cautious sentiment could signal a shift. For job seekers, the message is clear: the opportunities are real, but they may not last forever. Cathay Cineplexes has been hit with a statutory demand for $3.4 million in unpaid rent tied to its shuttered Jem outlet. The cinema chain, owned by mm2 Asia, has until 22 July to settle the debt or face potential insolvency. This follows earlier rent disputes at Century Square and Causeway Point, bringing total landlord liabilities to over $10 million. The Jem space will soon be taken over by Shaw Theatres. Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates. Cathay Cineplexes has received a statutory demand for $3.4 million in unpaid rent, tied to its shuttered Jem outlet in Jurong East. The cinema chain, owned by mm2 Asia, has until 22 July to settle the debt or risk being deemed insolvent. The demand comes with a 1 per cent monthly interest rate, compounding daily until payment is made. mm2 Asia disclosed the notice in a Singapore Exchange filing and said both boards are seeking legal advice. The Jem outlet closed on 27 March, following a lease termination by landlord Lendlease Global Commercial REIT. At the time, Cathay reportedly owed $4.3 million in rent. The cinema chain earlier closed its outlets at West Mall outlet in February, Ang Mo Kio in June 2024 and Parkway Parade in August 2023. This isn't an isolated case. Cathay has also received letters of demand for $2.7 million in arrears at Century Square and Causeway Point. In total, it owes over $10 million to landlords, with $3 million backed by corporate guarantees. Singapore's job market is a tale of two trends. On one hand, there are 45,300 vacancies for PMETs (Professionals, Managers, Executives, and Technicians) offering a median salary of $7,300/month. On the other, experts are warning of a possible labour market deterioration. The Ministry of Manpower's (MOM) Q1 2025 report shows over 81,100 vacancies, with PMET roles making up more than half. These roles span sectors like IT, finance, healthcare, and engineering – many offering salaries well above the national median. But according to trade publication Singapore Business Review (SBR), UOB economists note a drop in both recruitment and resignation rates, suggesting employers are cautious and workers are staying put amid economic uncertainty. Hiring dipped to 1.8 per cent, and quitting fell to 1.2 per cent, both below pre-pandemic norms. This 'low hiring, low quitting' trend mirrors patterns seen before past downturns, such as the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis. While no crash is imminent, analysts say the next two quarters will be critical. Singapore's red-hot housing market is finally cooling. HDB resale prices rose just 0.9 per cent in Q2 2025 – the slowest quarter-on-quarter growth since 2020 – while private home prices edged up 0.5 per cent, according to flash estimates from HDB and URA. This marks the third straight quarter of slowing growth for both public and private housing. Analysts attribute the trend to rising flat supply, global economic uncertainty, and cautious buyer sentiment. HDB resale volumes also dipped 5 per cent year-on-year, with 6,981 flats sold. Meanwhile, private home sales plunged 40 per cent from Q1, as developers held back launches during the general election and school holidays. To meet demand, HDB will launch 5,500 BTO flats and 3,000 Sale of Balance Flats in July, bringing total SBF supply for 2025 to over 8,500 units. URA also plans to release nearly 10,000 private units this year. With more options and fewer bidding wars, experts expect price growth to remain modest – good news for buyers, but a signal for sellers to recalibrate expectations. Singapore's Samuel Lim, once known as the boy who survived an acid attack, has died of cancer at 26. His life, marked by unimaginable pain, became a beacon of perseverance. Lim was attacked at three months old, when a domestic helper poured acid into his mouth out of jealousy. He spent his life breathing through a tracheostomy and feeding through a tube. But he refused to be defined by tragedy. Lim earned academic honors, played music at concert level, and became a speech therapist to help others find their voice. His cancer diagnosis came just months into his new job, but he remained hopeful, receiving chemotherapy days before his passing. At his wake, a memorial corner displayed his piano and guzheng, symbols of a life that turned silence into song. Read on Samuel Lim whose life was cut short by cancer here. A wave of in-flight thefts is sweeping across Asia, and Singapore's airport police say organised crime groups are to blame, according to the Straits Times. These syndicates are exploiting short transit windows to steal from unsuspecting passengers mid-flight. The criminals often strike on regional routes, using short layovers to escape detection. They typically steal just enough to avoid immediate notice, – cash, a card or two – then disappear on outbound flights. Singapore has seen a rise in such cases, with three arrests in early 2025 alone. Two Chinese nationals were charged in June for stealing from a passenger on a flight from Kuala Lumpur. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has flagged the trend, noting a 75 per cent increase in thefts on Asian routes over the past year. Airlines like Singapore Airlines and Scoot say their crews are trained to spot suspicious behaviour. With syndicates getting bolder, authorities are urging passengers to stay alert, lock their bags and keep valuables within reach. Read on how organised crime exploit short flights for theft here. Customs officers at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport made a slithery discovery when they intercepted a passenger arriving from Thailand with 16 live snakes hidden in his luggage. The reptiles included garter snakes, a rhino rat snake, albino rat snakes, a Kenyan sand boa, and a California king snake. The snakes were mostly non-venomous and commonly sold in the exotic pet trade, according to authorities. The passenger was arrested, and an investigation is underway. This marks the third wildlife smuggling case in Mumbai this month, following earlier seizures involving venomous vipers, turtles, and even tree-climbing possums. Wildlife trade watchdog TRAFFIC has flagged the Thailand–India air route as a major corridor for illegal animal trafficking, with over 7,000 animals seized in the past 3.5 years. Officials warn that the demand for exotic pets is fuelling a troubling trend, with smugglers getting increasingly creative and bold. Read on the foiled exotic snake smuggling attempt here. Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez tied the knot in Venice in a three-day celebration over the weekend that reportedly cost an estimated US$50 million and generated a staggering US$1.1 billion in economic value for the city, roughly US$5.6 million per guest. The city's tourism ministry called it a 'global PR showcase'. The Amazon founder, worth US$227 billion, and Sánchez, a former journalist and helicopter pilot with a $30 million net worth, hosted 200 guests including Oprah Winfrey, Kim Kardashian, and Leonardo DiCaprio. The bride wore a custom Dolce & Gabbana gown inspired by Sophia Loren, while guests were ferried via 30 water taxis and housed in five-star hotels. The wedding's media exposure alone accounted for over 90 per cent of its economic impact. Bezos, who famously skipped a prenup in his first marriage, reportedly signed one this time. Sánchez, now Lauren Sánchez Bezos, changed her Instagram handle within hours of the ceremony. But not everyone was celebrating. Protesters rallied under the banner 'No Space for Bezos', criticising the event's extravagance amid Venice's overtourism crisis. Greenpeace even projected anti-Bezos messages onto historic landmarks. Despite the backlash, the couple emphasised sustainability, sourcing 80 per cent of goods locally and requesting donations to Venetian charities in lieu of gifts. China's largest coffee chain, Luckin Coffee, has officially entered the US market, opening two stores in Manhattan on Monday (30 June). The move marks a bold challenge to Starbucks, especially given Luckin's dominance in China, where it surpassed the Seattle giant in store count back in 2019. The new locations, one near NYU and another in NoMad, launched with $1.99 drink deals and free tote bags for early customers. Known for its cashier-less model and app-based ordering, Luckin is adapting to US laws that prohibit fully cashless stores. Founded in 2017, Luckin now boasts over 22,000 stores in China, plus dozens in Singapore. Its rapid rise was briefly derailed by a 2020 accounting scandal, but the company has since rebounded and even outpaced Starbucks in China's revenue by 20232. The brand's US menu features cold brews, matcha, fruity refreshers and quirky flavours like pineapple and coconut milk lattes, aimed squarely at Gen Z and TikTok-savvy drinkers. Whether Luckin can replicate its China success in the US remains to be seen, but the coffee wars just got a lot more interesting. Read on China's Luckin Coffee debut in NYC here. A brutal heatwave is gripping Europe, smashing temperature records and triggering widespread disruption. Spain hit 46°C, France closed schools, and Italy restricted outdoor labor as the mercury soared. The UN calls this a climate red flag, with heatwaves now 100 times more likely due to global warming. The Mediterranean is boiling, and cities like Paris and Rome are struggling to cope. The heat is also reshaping health risks, with experts warning of increased heatstroke, dehydration, and even shifts in infectious disease patterns. In Spain, a two-year-old tragically died after being left in a hot car. Farmers are harvesting at night, and wildfires have forced 50,000 evacuations in Turkey. In France, field work is banned during peak hours to prevent fires. Israel has agreed to the terms of a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, according to US President Donald Trump, who announced the breakthrough ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Washington. The deal, mediated by Qatar and Egypt, aims to pause hostilities and negotiate a broader end to the war. Trump called it his 'best and final offer' and warned Hamas that rejecting the deal would lead to 'worse' outcomes. The proposal includes hostage exchanges and a temporary halt in fighting. But even as diplomacy inches forward, Israeli airstrikes have intensified, with dozens killed in Khan Younis and other parts of Gaza. The military says it's targeting Hamas infrastructure, but civilian casualties continue to mount. Netanyahu, under pressure at home and abroad, has hinted at a shift in priorities, saying 'opportunities have opened up' to free hostages. Still, far-right members of his coalition demand continued military pressure. US President Donald Trump's US$3.3 trillion spending bill squeaked through the Senate in a 51–50 vote, with Vice President JD Vance breaking the tie. But the legislative win quickly turned into a political firestorm, thanks to Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Anyone who campaigned on the PROMISE of REDUCING SPENDING , but continues to vote on the BIGGEST DEBT ceiling increase in HISTORY will see their face on this poster in the primary next year — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 1, 2025 Musk, a vocal critic of the bill, blasted its fossil fuel favouritism and gutting of clean energy tax credits. He warned it would 'destroy jobs' and balloon the national debt. Trump didn't take it lightly. He suggested Musk, originally from South Africa, could be deported, and hinted at revoking federal subsidies for Tesla and SpaceX. 'He could lose a lot more than that,' Trump said. The feud marks a dramatic turn in their once-amicable relationship. Musk previously served as a government advisor under Trump's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which the president now threatens to unleash on him. Meanwhile, the bill heads to the House, where it faces resistance over Medicaid cuts and deficit concerns, even from within the GOP. Singapore's new crypto regime has triggered a regulatory reckoning. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) now requires all digital token service providers (DTSPs) operating from Singapore, even those serving only foreign clients, to be licensed under the Financial Services and Markets Act. There's no grace period, no soft landing. Firms must comply or cease operations. MAS says it will 'generally not issue' licenses to offshore-only players, citing money laundering concerns. The fallout has been swift. Unlicensed exchanges like Bitget and Bybit are weighing exits, while smaller firms face legal restructuring or shutdowns. Industry insiders warn of talent drain and job losses. This comes as Singapore repositions itself post-crypto chaos, distancing from the reputational damage of the 2022 collapses of Three Arrows and Terraform Labs. Yet, Singapore still wants to lead in digital assets – on its terms. The city-state is betting that tough love will attract serious players and long-term trust. Read on Singapore tightening its crypto rules here. A fresh legal storm is brewing for Standard Chartered, as liquidators tied to Malaysia's 1MDB scandal sue the bank for US$2.7 billion (S$3.4 billion) in Singapore. The lawsuit accuses the bank of facilitating fraudulent fund flows that helped mask the theft of public money. The claimants say the bank enabled over 100 suspicious transfers, helping to obscure the trail of misappropriated funds. These transactions allegedly caused losses exceeding US$2.7 billion and S$20 million in Malaysian public funds. The bank denies all wrongdoing, calling the claims meritless and describing the suing entities as 'shell companies with no legitimate business.' It says it reported the transactions and shut the accounts years ago. The 1MDB scandal has already taken down a former Malaysian prime minister, triggered global investigations, and led to billions in fines for major banks. This isn't the bank's first brush with 1MDB fallout. In 2016, Singapore's financial regulator fined Standard Chartered S$5.2 million for related compliance breaches. Read on the StanChart facing fresh 1MDB scrutiny here. Cathay Cineplexes has received a statutory demand for $3.4 million in unpaid rent, tied to its shuttered Jem outlet in Jurong East. The cinema chain, owned by mm2 Asia, has until 22 July to settle the debt or risk being deemed insolvent. The demand comes with a 1 per cent monthly interest rate, compounding daily until payment is made. mm2 Asia disclosed the notice in a Singapore Exchange filing and said both boards are seeking legal advice. The Jem outlet closed on 27 March, following a lease termination by landlord Lendlease Global Commercial REIT. At the time, Cathay reportedly owed $4.3 million in rent. The cinema chain earlier closed its outlets at West Mall outlet in February, Ang Mo Kio in June 2024 and Parkway Parade in August 2023. This isn't an isolated case. Cathay has also received letters of demand for $2.7 million in arrears at Century Square and Causeway Point. In total, it owes over $10 million to landlords, with $3 million backed by corporate guarantees. Singapore's job market is a tale of two trends. On one hand, there are 45,300 vacancies for PMETs (Professionals, Managers, Executives, and Technicians) offering a median salary of $7,300/month. On the other, experts are warning of a possible labour market deterioration. The Ministry of Manpower's (MOM) Q1 2025 report shows over 81,100 vacancies, with PMET roles making up more than half. These roles span sectors like IT, finance, healthcare, and engineering – many offering salaries well above the national median. But according to trade publication Singapore Business Review (SBR), UOB economists note a drop in both recruitment and resignation rates, suggesting employers are cautious and workers are staying put amid economic uncertainty. Hiring dipped to 1.8 per cent, and quitting fell to 1.2 per cent, both below pre-pandemic norms. This 'low hiring, low quitting' trend mirrors patterns seen before past downturns, such as the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis. While no crash is imminent, analysts say the next two quarters will be critical. Singapore's red-hot housing market is finally cooling. HDB resale prices rose just 0.9 per cent in Q2 2025 – the slowest quarter-on-quarter growth since 2020 – while private home prices edged up 0.5 per cent, according to flash estimates from HDB and URA. This marks the third straight quarter of slowing growth for both public and private housing. Analysts attribute the trend to rising flat supply, global economic uncertainty, and cautious buyer sentiment. HDB resale volumes also dipped 5 per cent year-on-year, with 6,981 flats sold. Meanwhile, private home sales plunged 40 per cent from Q1, as developers held back launches during the general election and school holidays. To meet demand, HDB will launch 5,500 BTO flats and 3,000 Sale of Balance Flats in July, bringing total SBF supply for 2025 to over 8,500 units. URA also plans to release nearly 10,000 private units this year. With more options and fewer bidding wars, experts expect price growth to remain modest – good news for buyers, but a signal for sellers to recalibrate expectations. Singapore's Samuel Lim, once known as the boy who survived an acid attack, has died of cancer at 26. His life, marked by unimaginable pain, became a beacon of perseverance. Lim was attacked at three months old, when a domestic helper poured acid into his mouth out of jealousy. He spent his life breathing through a tracheostomy and feeding through a tube. But he refused to be defined by tragedy. Lim earned academic honors, played music at concert level, and became a speech therapist to help others find their voice. His cancer diagnosis came just months into his new job, but he remained hopeful, receiving chemotherapy days before his passing. At his wake, a memorial corner displayed his piano and guzheng, symbols of a life that turned silence into song. Read on Samuel Lim whose life was cut short by cancer here. A wave of in-flight thefts is sweeping across Asia, and Singapore's airport police say organised crime groups are to blame, according to the Straits Times. These syndicates are exploiting short transit windows to steal from unsuspecting passengers mid-flight. The criminals often strike on regional routes, using short layovers to escape detection. They typically steal just enough to avoid immediate notice, – cash, a card or two – then disappear on outbound flights. Singapore has seen a rise in such cases, with three arrests in early 2025 alone. Two Chinese nationals were charged in June for stealing from a passenger on a flight from Kuala Lumpur. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has flagged the trend, noting a 75 per cent increase in thefts on Asian routes over the past year. Airlines like Singapore Airlines and Scoot say their crews are trained to spot suspicious behaviour. With syndicates getting bolder, authorities are urging passengers to stay alert, lock their bags and keep valuables within reach. Read on how organised crime exploit short flights for theft here. Customs officers at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport made a slithery discovery when they intercepted a passenger arriving from Thailand with 16 live snakes hidden in his luggage. The reptiles included garter snakes, a rhino rat snake, albino rat snakes, a Kenyan sand boa, and a California king snake. The snakes were mostly non-venomous and commonly sold in the exotic pet trade, according to authorities. The passenger was arrested, and an investigation is underway. This marks the third wildlife smuggling case in Mumbai this month, following earlier seizures involving venomous vipers, turtles, and even tree-climbing possums. Wildlife trade watchdog TRAFFIC has flagged the Thailand–India air route as a major corridor for illegal animal trafficking, with over 7,000 animals seized in the past 3.5 years. Officials warn that the demand for exotic pets is fuelling a troubling trend, with smugglers getting increasingly creative and bold. Read on the foiled exotic snake smuggling attempt here. Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez tied the knot in Venice in a three-day celebration over the weekend that reportedly cost an estimated US$50 million and generated a staggering US$1.1 billion in economic value for the city, roughly US$5.6 million per guest. The city's tourism ministry called it a 'global PR showcase'. The Amazon founder, worth US$227 billion, and Sánchez, a former journalist and helicopter pilot with a $30 million net worth, hosted 200 guests including Oprah Winfrey, Kim Kardashian, and Leonardo DiCaprio. The bride wore a custom Dolce & Gabbana gown inspired by Sophia Loren, while guests were ferried via 30 water taxis and housed in five-star hotels. The wedding's media exposure alone accounted for over 90 per cent of its economic impact. Bezos, who famously skipped a prenup in his first marriage, reportedly signed one this time. Sánchez, now Lauren Sánchez Bezos, changed her Instagram handle within hours of the ceremony. But not everyone was celebrating. Protesters rallied under the banner 'No Space for Bezos', criticising the event's extravagance amid Venice's overtourism crisis. Greenpeace even projected anti-Bezos messages onto historic landmarks. Despite the backlash, the couple emphasised sustainability, sourcing 80 per cent of goods locally and requesting donations to Venetian charities in lieu of gifts. China's largest coffee chain, Luckin Coffee, has officially entered the US market, opening two stores in Manhattan on Monday (30 June). The move marks a bold challenge to Starbucks, especially given Luckin's dominance in China, where it surpassed the Seattle giant in store count back in 2019. The new locations, one near NYU and another in NoMad, launched with $1.99 drink deals and free tote bags for early customers. Known for its cashier-less model and app-based ordering, Luckin is adapting to US laws that prohibit fully cashless stores. Founded in 2017, Luckin now boasts over 22,000 stores in China, plus dozens in Singapore. Its rapid rise was briefly derailed by a 2020 accounting scandal, but the company has since rebounded and even outpaced Starbucks in China's revenue by 20232. The brand's US menu features cold brews, matcha, fruity refreshers and quirky flavours like pineapple and coconut milk lattes, aimed squarely at Gen Z and TikTok-savvy drinkers. Whether Luckin can replicate its China success in the US remains to be seen, but the coffee wars just got a lot more interesting. Read on China's Luckin Coffee debut in NYC here. A brutal heatwave is gripping Europe, smashing temperature records and triggering widespread disruption. Spain hit 46°C, France closed schools, and Italy restricted outdoor labor as the mercury soared. The UN calls this a climate red flag, with heatwaves now 100 times more likely due to global warming. The Mediterranean is boiling, and cities like Paris and Rome are struggling to cope. The heat is also reshaping health risks, with experts warning of increased heatstroke, dehydration, and even shifts in infectious disease patterns. In Spain, a two-year-old tragically died after being left in a hot car. Farmers are harvesting at night, and wildfires have forced 50,000 evacuations in Turkey. In France, field work is banned during peak hours to prevent fires. Israel has agreed to the terms of a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, according to US President Donald Trump, who announced the breakthrough ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Washington. The deal, mediated by Qatar and Egypt, aims to pause hostilities and negotiate a broader end to the war. Trump called it his 'best and final offer' and warned Hamas that rejecting the deal would lead to 'worse' outcomes. The proposal includes hostage exchanges and a temporary halt in fighting. But even as diplomacy inches forward, Israeli airstrikes have intensified, with dozens killed in Khan Younis and other parts of Gaza. The military says it's targeting Hamas infrastructure, but civilian casualties continue to mount. Netanyahu, under pressure at home and abroad, has hinted at a shift in priorities, saying 'opportunities have opened up' to free hostages. Still, far-right members of his coalition demand continued military pressure. US President Donald Trump's US$3.3 trillion spending bill squeaked through the Senate in a 51–50 vote, with Vice President JD Vance breaking the tie. But the legislative win quickly turned into a political firestorm, thanks to Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Anyone who campaigned on the PROMISE of REDUCING SPENDING , but continues to vote on the BIGGEST DEBT ceiling increase in HISTORY will see their face on this poster in the primary next year — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 1, 2025 Musk, a vocal critic of the bill, blasted its fossil fuel favouritism and gutting of clean energy tax credits. He warned it would 'destroy jobs' and balloon the national debt. Trump didn't take it lightly. He suggested Musk, originally from South Africa, could be deported, and hinted at revoking federal subsidies for Tesla and SpaceX. 'He could lose a lot more than that,' Trump said. The feud marks a dramatic turn in their once-amicable relationship. Musk previously served as a government advisor under Trump's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which the president now threatens to unleash on him. Meanwhile, the bill heads to the House, where it faces resistance over Medicaid cuts and deficit concerns, even from within the GOP. Singapore's new crypto regime has triggered a regulatory reckoning. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) now requires all digital token service providers (DTSPs) operating from Singapore, even those serving only foreign clients, to be licensed under the Financial Services and Markets Act. There's no grace period, no soft landing. Firms must comply or cease operations. MAS says it will 'generally not issue' licenses to offshore-only players, citing money laundering concerns. The fallout has been swift. Unlicensed exchanges like Bitget and Bybit are weighing exits, while smaller firms face legal restructuring or shutdowns. Industry insiders warn of talent drain and job losses. This comes as Singapore repositions itself post-crypto chaos, distancing from the reputational damage of the 2022 collapses of Three Arrows and Terraform Labs. Yet, Singapore still wants to lead in digital assets – on its terms. The city-state is betting that tough love will attract serious players and long-term trust. Read on Singapore tightening its crypto rules here. A fresh legal storm is brewing for Standard Chartered, as liquidators tied to Malaysia's 1MDB scandal sue the bank for US$2.7 billion (S$3.4 billion) in Singapore. The lawsuit accuses the bank of facilitating fraudulent fund flows that helped mask the theft of public money. The claimants say the bank enabled over 100 suspicious transfers, helping to obscure the trail of misappropriated funds. These transactions allegedly caused losses exceeding US$2.7 billion and S$20 million in Malaysian public funds. The bank denies all wrongdoing, calling the claims meritless and describing the suing entities as 'shell companies with no legitimate business.' It says it reported the transactions and shut the accounts years ago. The 1MDB scandal has already taken down a former Malaysian prime minister, triggered global investigations, and led to billions in fines for major banks. This isn't the bank's first brush with 1MDB fallout. In 2016, Singapore's financial regulator fined Standard Chartered S$5.2 million for related compliance breaches. Read on the StanChart facing fresh 1MDB scrutiny here.
Independent Singapore
05-06-2025
- Automotive
- Independent Singapore
SMRT fined S$3 million after six-day East–West Line breakdown: A closer look at what went wrong
SINGAPORE: When trains grounded to a halt on the East–West Line (EWL) from Jurong East to Buona Vista on September 25, 2024, half a million commuters found themselves in limbo for six days. On Tuesday, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced it will impose a S$3 million penalty on SMRT, citing the gravity of the incident and the costs already borne by the rail operator. Here's how a seemingly small mechanical failure cascaded into one of Singapore's most disruptive rail incidents in recent memory—and how both LTA and SMRT are racing to ensure it never happens again. How a dislodged axle box sparked six days of chaos On the morning of Sept 25, a Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) train was being withdrawn from service near Dover Station on its way back to Ulu Pandan Depot. That routine move took a sudden, unexpected turn: one of the axle boxes—an essential housing that supports the train's wheels—came loose and fell off the track. As the train continued on its journey, the third carriage's bogie (wheel assembly) derailed, gouging 2.55 km of rail and trackside equipment, including power cables and the third rail that supplies electricity. Passengers on board felt a burning smell; SMRT immediately halted the train at Clementi and evacuated riders safely. But the derailed bogie had already ripped up track and cables between Dover and Ulu Pandan, forcing LTA to suspend EWL services for six days until repairs were completed on Sept 30. Services resumed on Oct 1, but not before thousands of journeys were severely delayed or rerouted. LTA's findings: Degraded grease and deferred maintenance LTA's thorough investigation—supported by an independent forensic analysis from SGS Testing and Control Services—could not pinpoint a single 'smoking gun,' but it zeroed in on a likely culprit: degraded grease within the axle box. Over time, this grease failed to lubricate the bearings properly, causing excessive friction and heat. High temperatures, hidden alerts : A Hot Axle Box Detection System (HABDS) near Lavender station had registered 118°C on the affected axle box in the hours before the derailment—nearly twice the normal operating temperature of 65°C. Unfortunately, an internal system error at SMRT meant that maintenance staff could not identify which train had triggered the alert. As a result, no follow-up action was taken. : A Hot Axle Box Detection System (HABDS) near Lavender station had registered 118°C on the affected axle box in the hours before the derailment—nearly twice the normal operating temperature of 65°C. Unfortunately, an internal system error at SMRT meant that maintenance staff could not identify which train had triggered the alert. As a result, no follow-up action was taken. Chevron springs and catastrophic failure : As the bearings overheated, the rubber layers between the chevron springs (metal plates bonded with rubber) began to burn. LTA's report found traces of burnt rubber and metal debris along the track, indicating that the springs disintegrated first. With support weakened, the axle box eventually dislodged completely. : As the bearings overheated, the rubber layers between the chevron springs (metal plates bonded with rubber) began to burn. LTA's report found traces of burnt rubber and metal debris along the track, indicating that the springs disintegrated first. With support weakened, the axle box eventually dislodged completely. Extended overhaul intervals: Regular preventive maintenance on this train on September 10, 2024, showed no anomalies, and the bearings and springs appeared nominal. However, SMRT had twice extended its overhaul intervals—beyond the stipulated 500,000 km—first to 575,000 km in August 2022, and then to 750,000 km in August 2024, citing overall fleet reliability. By the time of the incident, the train had clocked 690,000 km since its last overhaul in 2018. LTA notes that, had this train been overhauled 'in a more timely manner,' degraded grease could have been replaced sooner. The S$3 million penalty: Proportionate costs and public interest In determining the penalty, LTA weighed several factors: SMRT had already spent over S$10 million on emergency repairs, free shuttle buses and trains, and allowing commuters free travel between Jurong East and Buona Vista for the six-day duration. Rather than funnelling the fine to general revenue, LTA will channel the S$3 million into the Public Transport Fund, which supports lower-income families with travel subsidies—an acknowledgement that no matter how many repairs happen behind the scenes, commuters shoulder the immediate impact. SMRT Trains posted a net profit of S$7.5 million on revenues of S$886.7 million—meaning a S$3 million fine, while significant, is proportionate. Lessons learned, and the road ahead For half a million daily riders, six days without EWL service underscored how a single mechanical failure can ripple across an entire city's routines—from late-night hospital shifts to early-morning school commutes. LTA's final report makes one thing clear: routine maintenance and monitoring data must be treated as urgent red flags, not background noise. SMRT Trains president Lam Sheau Kai acknowledged at a briefing that, despite decades of reliable service, 'a convergence of factors'—delayed train deliveries, extended overhaul intervals, supply-chain bottlenecks—'caught them off guard.' He added, 'In hindsight, we could perhaps have exercised greater caution in how we managed the transition and decommissioning of older trains.'
Malay Mail
04-06-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Singapore's SMRT fined S$3m over six-day East-West Line disruption that derailed train and hit 500,000 commuters daily
SINGAPORE, June 4 — Singapore rail operator SMRT will be fined S$3 million (RM9.9 million) for a six-day disruption on the East-West Line in September 2024 that affected about 500,000 train journeys daily, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced. LTA said the fine is proportionate given the circumstances, including SMRT's costs for repairs and free bus and shuttle services during the disruption between Jurong East and Buona Vista stations, according to a report in The Straits Times today. The disruption began on September 25, 2024, when a train's axle box — a component linking the wheels to the axle — dislodged near Dover station while being withdrawn from service. The dislodged part caused a bogie to derail, severely damaging 2.55km of track and equipment such as power cables and the third rail that supplies electricity to trains. Investigations found that degraded grease likely caused the axle bearings to overheat, leading to the failure of the axle box and its mounting chevron springs, which then disintegrated due to the heat. A monitoring system detected an abnormally high temperature of 118°C on the affected axle box earlier that day, but a system error prevented SMRT from identifying the train, and no action was taken. The Transport Safety Investigation Bureau also investigated and considered two potential causes: failure of the bearings due to degraded grease, or deterioration of the chevron springs, but could not determine the more likely cause due to extensive damage. LTA noted that SMRT had extended overhaul intervals for the train from the required 500,000km to 750,000km by 2024, with the affected train having travelled 690,000km since its last overhaul in 2018. The authority said timely overhaul could have detected degraded grease earlier, and has since tightened oversight of maintenance schedule changes for critical systems. Following the incident, SMRT overhauled all similar trains with over 500,000km mileage and introduced improvements including better temperature monitoring, alert systems, and reduced train withdrawal speeds. All remaining first-generation Kawasaki trains will be phased out by September, and future train purchases will include longer buffers for potential supply disruptions. Train services resumed on October 1, 2024, after extensive restoration work was completed.
