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Straits Times
7 days ago
- General
- Straits Times
‘Guard geese' becoming more common in South Korea: Report
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Several agricultural and industrial facilities in rural areas in South Korea are using domestic geese as a guard animal. – The so-called 'goose agents', which made headlines recently after their use at a Brazilian prison, appear to be increasingly deployed at farms and factories in South Korea in recent months. Several cases have emerged of agricultural and industrial facilities in rural areas using domestic geese as guard animals. One example, reported by the Korean-language daily Chosun Ilbo, is a steel factory in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, which reportedly bought four geese for night-time security. 'Repeated thefts were giving me headaches, and an acquaintance suggested I should get geese. They cost less than jindo dogs (indigenous species in Korea known for their loyalty and ferocity), and are easier to manage,' factory owner Jeong Tae-ho was quoted as saying. A farm in Yangju, in the same province, reportedly saw its guard geese chase away a trespasser in a car, with male geese's loud honking and aggression being 'beyond imagination'. In 2023 and 2024, several international media outlets reported that a prison in the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina replaced patrol dogs with geese. The birds were said to patrol the space between the inner fence and outer walls, showing aggression towards out-of-line inmates. The reports also quoted affordability as the main appeal for using guard geese. While not generally considered a particularly intimidating animal, geese have actually been used for security throughout history. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Four golf courses to close by 2035, leaving Singapore with 12 courses Singapore Eligible S'poreans to get up to $850 in cash, up to $450 in MediSave top-ups in August Singapore Construction starts on Cross Island Line Phase 2; 6 MRT stations in S'pore's west ready by 2032 Singapore New SkillsFuture requirements from April 2026 to mandate regular training for adult educators Singapore MPs should not ask questions to 'clock numbers'; focus should be improving S'poreans' lives: Seah Kian Peng Singapore Sequencing and standards: Indranee on role of Leader of the House Asia Australian woman found guilty of all counts in mushroom murders case Singapore Life After... blazing biomedical research trail in S'pore: Renowned scientist breaks new ground at 59 A record shows that geese alerted the Romans during the Battle of the Allia in 387 BCE, and there have been cases of the birds being used to supplement dogs, drones or humans at warehouses and even military and police facilities worldwide. Geese tend to make loud noises when approached by strangers, and are deceptively strong due to their large size. They are known to be loyal and friendly to a human they perceive as a pack leader. THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
Straits Times
7 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Four golf courses to close by 2035, leaving Singapore with 12 courses
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox SINGAPORE – Four golf courses will close permanently by 2035, leaving Singapore with 12 courses in the coming years. The Ministry of Law (MinLaw), which oversees land policy and administration, on July 7 said the leases or tenancies of Mandai Executive Golf Course, Warren Golf & Country Club, Orchid Country Club and Tanah Merah Country Club's Garden course will not be renewed as their land is needed for future plans. This continues recent moves to reclaim golf course land for other uses. For instance, the Marina Bay Golf Course was closed in June 2024 and will be partially occupied by the upcoming Bay East Garden, which is currently being developed. The leases of another two courses – Singapore Island Country Club's (SICC) 18-hole Bukit course and Keppel Club's 18-hole Sime course – will also expire on Dec 31, 2030. Thereafter, the land occupied by these two courses will be split between an operator that will run an 18-hole public course and the National Trades Union Congress – which currently operates Orchid Country Club through NTUC Club – said MinLaw in a statement. How the land will be parcelled and allocated is being studied, the ministry added. It did not say how long the lease for these courses would be. The first of the four courses to close is the public 9-hole Mandai Executive Golf Course, which is on a tenancy that runs until Dec 31, 2026. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Construction starts on Cross Island Line Phase 2; 6 MRT stations in S'pore's west ready by 2032 Singapore New SkillsFuture requirements from April 2026 to mandate regular training for adult educators Singapore MPs should not ask questions to 'clock numbers'; focus should be improving S'poreans' lives: Seah Kian Peng Singapore Sequencing and standards: Indranee on role of Leader of the House Asia Australian woman found guilty of all counts in mushroom murders case Singapore askST Jobs: Facing intrusive demands from your employer? Here's what you can do Singapore Life After... blazing biomedical research trail in S'pore: Renowned scientist breaks new ground at 59 Its land will be used by the Ministry of Education (MOE) to develop an Outdoor Adventure Learning Centre . MOE has previously said that the campsite will be one of three new campsites to be built by 2032. Another two courses will close in 2030, and their sites have been zoned for residential use, according to the Urban Redevelopment Authority's (URA) Draft Master Plan 2025 . They are the 18-hole Warren Golf & Country Club in Choa Chu Kang, which has a lease that expires on Oct 31, 2030, as well as the 27-hole Orchid Country Club in Yishun, which has a lease that expires on Dec 31, 2030. Finally, Tanah Merah Country's Club's Garden course will close after its lease expires on Dec 31, 2035. 'Given its proximity to Changi Airport, the land is being studied for uses that have synergies with the airport to support economic growth,' said MinLaw, adding that more details on the site's future use will be announced closer to 2035. Following the closures, Singapore is set to have 12 remaining golf courses after 2035, including the existing Bukit and Sime courses. Of these, two have leases that are expiring in 2030 and will be offered renewals until Dec 31, 2040 – the 18-hole course in Kranji under the National Service Resort & Country Club and Sentosa Golf Club's 18-hole Serapong course. Another seven are on leases that expire in December 2040. They are: SICC's 18-hole Island course and 27-hole New course, Changi Golf Club's 9-hole course, Laguna National Golf Resort Club's two 18-hole courses, Seletar Country Club's 18-hole course, the 18-hole course at National Service Resort & Country Club (Changi), Sentosa Golf Club's 18-hole Tanjong course and Tanah Merah Country Club's 18-hole Tampines course. The Government will review whether to renew these leases beyond 2040 in future. The last course at Sembawang Country Club has 18 holes and is operated by the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) under a license agreement. The course sits on state land allocated to Mindef. MinLaw said in deciding on whether to renew the leases of golf courses, it considered competing land demands such as housing, economic activities, transport infrastructure and essential services. 'The demand for land for national uses will become more acute in Singapore, and this will impact the amount of land available for golfing over time,' said the ministry. 'The Government will balance the access to golfing facilities by private golf club members and the general public so that there can be golf courses catering to different segments of the golfing community.' The ministry noted that leases of golf courses are for a fixed term, with a publicly-known end date, to allow course operators and golf club members to make informed decisions. 'This also ensures that land occupied by golf courses can be returned to the state and redeveloped for more pressing national needs in a timely manner,' said MinLaw. The ministry said the Singapore Golf Association and the National Service Resort & Country Club will set up a second Centre of Excellence to provide more training opportunities for Singapore's national team and promote golf among youth. It added that the centre will provide dedicated weekly slots for the golf association to facilitate national and youth team training, and expose athletes to different types of golf courses. This complements existing weekly trainings conducted by the golf association in other clubs, said MinLaw. The new centre adds to an existing Centre of Excellence at Keppel Club's Sime course which develops youth golfers, the ministry said.
Straits Times
7 days ago
- Straits Times
Four days in Adelaide: Where to go, what to do and eat
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Adelaide is often described as the "20-minute city", as many major attractions as easily accessible by foot or road from the city. ADELAIDE, Australia – Ask a local what Adelaide is best known for and, chances are, he or she will mention its '20-minute city' reputation. Thanks to the city's tidy grid layout and light traffic, most attractions are a short drive away. The airport, beach and picturesque Adelaide Hills wine region are all accessible in about 20 minutes by road. Within the city, many major attractions – the Adelaide Botanic Garden, Adelaide Central Market and Adelaide Zoo – are close enough to reach on foot. In recent years, Adelaide has sought to make the city more appealing to international travellers. It has held major global events, such as the LIV Golf tournament, for which it is Australia's exclusive host until 2031. In 2026, it will host the Australian Tourism Exchange – an international travel trade event expected to draw visitors from around the world. With growing awareness of what the city has to offer, more Singaporeans are now visiting Adelaide, using it as a base to explore South Australia's small towns, wine valleys and wildlife attractions. Based on the International Market Update 2024 by the South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC), Singapore is South Australia's most mature travel market – comprising seasoned travellers who make travel plans independently and often – in Asia and its eighth-largest inbound market globally. A spokesperson for SATC says: 'The Singaporean market has become much more adventurous over the years. It was a market that used to keep to Adelaide city hotels as a base, with day trips into our regions. Now, we are seeing many more Singaporean travellers hire cars and have extended holidays into regional South Australia.' Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Construction starts on Cross Island Line Phase 2; 6 MRT stations in S'pore's west ready by 2032 Singapore New SkillsFuture requirements from April 2026 to mandate regular training for adult educators Singapore MPs should not ask questions to 'clock numbers'; focus should be improving S'poreans' lives: Seah Kian Peng Singapore Sequencing and standards: Indranee on role of Leader of the House Asia Australian woman found guilty of all counts in mushroom murders case Singapore askST Jobs: Facing intrusive demands from your employer? Here's what you can do Singapore NUS College draws 10,000 applications for 400 places, showing strong liberal arts interest Singapore Life After... blazing biomedical research trail in S'pore: Renowned scientist breaks new ground at 59 In June, I make my third visit to Adelaide in the past decade, finding that the city – more quaint and relaxed than bustling Melbourne and Sydney – has grown more vibrant over the years. Restaurants and bars open till late, and the city hosts myriad festivals such as food fiesta Tasting Australia and arts event Adelaide Festival that celebrate South Australian culture and heritage. Here is a four-day itinerary to explore the city's highlights. Day 1: Check into the newly opened Monarto Safari Resort Monarto Safari Resort has 78 rooms and suites, with some overlooking a watering hole where animals from Monarto Safari Park stop to graze. PHOTO: JOURNEY BEYOND Check into Monarto Safari Resort ( ), which opened in May and is located within Monarto Safari Park. The park, which measures around 1,500ha, is the largest open-range wildlife park outside Africa, with more than 500 animals from Australia and around the world. The property is managed and operated by Journey Beyond, an Australian experiential tourism group based in Adelaide, and has 78 rooms and suites ranging in size from 32 to 80 sq m. Nightly rates for its entry-level Savannah King room – which has a king-size bed and a balcony – start at A$285 (S$240). Rooms at Monarto Safari Resort range in size from 32 to 80 sq m. PHOTO: JOURNEY BEYOND The drive from the airport to Monarto Safari Resort is around an hour. While you can try requesting an earlier check-in time, the resort's standard timing is 3pm. Once you have settled in, visit the nearby Murray Bridge town – around a 10-minute drive from the resort. Murray Bridge Marketplace mall typically opens till around 5.30pm and makes for a convenient place to shop and have a meal. The resort has one restaurant – Kutjera Restaurant and Bar, which highlights native ingredients in its dishes. All its local produce is grown north of Adelaide, and its cheeses are crafted by artisan cheesemakers in Adelaide and Adelaide Hills. The pan-fried barramundi comes with a tasty, grey leaf ash sauce. ST PHOTO: SARAH STANLEY Try the 100 day dry-aged prime sirloin and pan-fried barramundi – which sits in a deliciously savoury grey leaf ash sauce that belies its unappetising hue. Schedule a treatment at the resort's Marula Day Spa – rates start at A$165 for a 60-minute massage – or spend the evening by the outdoor pools, where you might spot an antelope galloping by or hear a lion roar in the distance. The outdoor pools at Monarto Safari Resort allow guests to lounge and look out for safari animals that wander across the plains. PHOTO: JOURNEY BEYOND Day 2: Get up close to wildlife Just across the fence line that runs along the back of Monarto Safari Resort, antelope, zebra and other animals graze near a watering hole. PHOTO: JOURNEY BEYOND Catch the sunrise and spot animals such as giraffes and zebras grazing at the watering hole near the resort before breakfast. As in a safari, animal sightings are not guaranteed. On my first morning at around 8am, I spot a tower of giraffes crossing the plains and some antelope bounding towards the watering hole. On my second morning at around the same time, I catch only two emus strutting about in the distance. Spend the rest of your morning at Monarto Safari Park ( ), where animals like the southern white rhino and scimitar-horned oryx roam open plains. Visitors can explore the park via its walking trails – which range from 500m to 2km and are fenced to create a safe boundary between visitors and animals – or take the hop-on-hop-off bus. The park is located around a five-minute drive from the resort and free shuttle buses are available. Check with the front desk for timings. Resort guests pay discounted rates for general park admission. Adult admission for those aged 15 and above costs A$40, while child admission for those aged four to 14 costs A$21. Those aged below four enter free. Non-staying guests pay A$49 an adult and A$27 a child aged four to 14 for general admission. Tickets are available for pre-booking up to three months in advance, and the park recommends doing so as daily visitor numbers are capped. Monarto Safari Park and Adelaide Zoo are part of the non-profit organisation Zoos South Australia (Zoos SA). One of the organisation's aims is to achieve positive and impactful outcomes in animal conservation. To do so, the park undertakes various conservation strategies – including breeding programmes and translocations, where an animal species is intentionally moved and released to support its recovery in the wild – and has made great progress since its opening in 1983. The red-tailed phascogales, an Australian marsupial, was once locally extinct. PHOTO: MONARTO SAFARI PARK Among its recent success stories are the release of 92 red-tailed phascogales, an Australian marsupial, and 40 greater stick-nest rats to restart their populations in New South Wales after both species had gone extinct locally. The captive-bred animals were reintroduced into protected predator-free areas with the aim of establishing self-sustaining populations in the regions they were previously absent from. The park has also succeeded in captive breeding of the Mallee emu-wren – a tiny brown bird once extinct in South Australia due to bushfires – having bred 25 of the birds to date. 'We try to choose conservation programmes where we have a skill set we know we can apply, complement other partners and value-add to the work that they are doing,' says the park's conservation manager Mark Smith. According to Mr Smith, Zoos SA contributes annually about A$100,000 each to domestic and international conservation initiatives. Funding for these efforts – as well as the general operations of the park – largely comes from park entry ticket sales, membership-based support, donor contributions and sponsorships. An average of 6 per cent from the cost of each guest booking at the resort goes to Zoos SA's conservation fund, which supports various conservation activities, including research and education. Zebras graze alongside the safari truck on a sunset drive through the park's open plains. ST PHOTO: SARAH STANLEY Head back to the resort by early afternoon and enjoy a different view of the animals on a sunset safari ride – an experience available only to resort guests. The 2½-hour Sunset Wildlife Safari guided tour grants after-hours access to the park aboard its safari truck. Tickets cost A$165 an adult and A$105 each for those aged between four and 14. Kids under four years old go for free. Canapes and drinks – both alcoholic and non-alcoholic – are included. During my game drive, we see animals such as zebras and antelopes graze less than 5m away. We manage to get close to a giraffe sitting gracefully among tall grass and watch as cheetahs prowl through the grassland, with their sights set on some nyalas just beyond the electric fence separating the two species. A giraffe sits quietly among the tall grass during a sunset tour of Monarto Safari Park. ST PHOTO: SARAH STANLEY Our guide shares more conservation wins, including how the scimitar-horned oryx – a desert antelope originally from Africa – was once listed as extinct in the wild in 2000 by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to several anthropogenic threats, including poaching and habitat loss. Once extinct in the wild, the scimitar-horned oryx now has healthier population numbers, though more work has to be done to help the species thrive. ST PHOTO: SARAH STANLEY Monarto Safari Park was part of a global initiative to boost the animal's population with research and breeding programmes. As at December 2023, the antelope is at less of a risk, with its conservation status lowered from IUCN's extinction list to Red List of Threatened Species – a significant conservation milestone as a result of collective efforts. The combination of insightful commentary and observing animal behaviour – set in the cold winter air, against the pink-blue hues of the darkening sky – stir in me a deeper appreciation for the richness of wildlife. Day 3: Explore Adelaide Hills Head to Adelaide Hills for views of rolling hills and open pastures, and stop for lunch at one of more than 50 cellar doors in the wine region. The Lane Vineyard is among more than 50 cellar doors in the Adelaide Hills wine region. PHOTO: THE LANE VINEYARD Adelaide Hills is known for its cool-climate wines, such as sauvignon blanc, pinot noir and chardonnay. As one of the highest wine regions in South Australia – with elevation ranging from 400m to more than 700m above sea level – grapes grown here ripen more slowly, allowing their natural acidity to be preserved while developing other complex flavours. The Lane Vineyard offers experiences like trout fishing and all-terrain vehicle tours of the property. PHOTO: SOUTH AUSTRALIA TOURISM COMMISSION White wines from here are sparkling and crisp. Sauvignon blancs are my favourite, for how bright and fruity they land on the palate. And South Australian red wines, such as the popular pinot noir, are lighter than bold, full-bodied varietals like shiraz and cabernet sauvignon from warmer regions. The Lane Vineyard ( ) has a restaurant and tasting room, and offers activities like an all-terrain vehicle tour of its 40ha site, as well as trout fishing. A four-course menu costs A$105 a person, or order from the seasonal menu with mains starting at around A$40. Tasting flights at wineries typically start at A$15 and include between three and six glasses of wine. Some wineries waive the tasting fee if you buy a bottle of wine. Go behind the scenes on a tour of Jurlique Farm to learn about operations there. PHOTO: SOUTH AUSTRALIA TOURISM COMMISSION Visit Jurlique Farm ( ), where global skincare brand Jurlique plants and harvests botanicals like roses and manuka myrtle for use in its products. The farm has tour experiences from A$40 a person that includes a behind-the-scenes look at its operations, such as how seedlings and plants are propagated, and how to harvest flowers. A retail store stocks some of the brand's best-selling products, including creams, facial mists and oils. If you have time for one more winery, head to Penfolds Magill Estate Cellar Door ( ), located 20 minutes by road from Adelaide's central business district. Penfolds Magill Estate Cellar Door is a 181-year-old property. PHOTO: SOUTH AUSTRALIA TOURISM COMMISSION The 181-year-old property was where Penfolds wine company was started, which today produces some of Australia's most well-known wines. Have a bite at the recently renovated Magill Estate Kitchen bistro, which serves modern Australian dishes in a casual setting. Heritage tours and wine tastings are available and can be booked via its website. Prices start at A$35 for a tour that lasts 1½ to two hours. Back in the city, enjoy a leisurely stroll around city park Victoria Square. Food and drink festival Tasting Australia is held annually in Adelaide over about 10 days, with more than 150 smaller events held throughout the event. PHOTO: SOUTH AUSTRALIA TOURISM COMMISSION While retail shops generally shutter at around 6pm, some restaurants and bars in the city stay open till around midnight. Food and drinks are affordable, with options ranging between A$10 and A$40 for a main. Areas such as Peel Street and Leigh Street have a good selection of restaurants and bars serving various cuisines, and popular joints are buzzing. For instance, Fugazzi Bar & Dining Room ( ), a New York-inspired restaurant in Leigh Street, is nearly full on a Wednesday night at 8.30pm. It features an Italian-American menu with imaginative small plates, pastas and wood-fired meats. Mains start at A$34. Try the gnocco fritto at Fugazzi, which is similar to a fried doughnut served with whipped ricotta, honey, black pepper, extra virgin olive oil and sea salt. ST PHOTO: SARAH STANLEY Alternatively, check out Vietnamese restaurant Sit Lo ( ) or Indian eatery Bollywood ( ) for meals under A$20 a person in the CBD. Day 4: Explore the city Head to Adelaide Central Market for brunch. The market is open from Tuesdays to Saturdays, and has more than 70 traders selling fresh produce, baked goods and souvenirs such as books, magnets and soaps. Adelaide Central Market has more than 70 traders selling fresh produce, baked goods and souvenirs. ST PHOTO: SARAH STANLEY Tour guide Stephanie Taylor, 71, a fifth-generation Adelaide resident, frequents the market and says produce can sometimes be two to three times cheaper than in supermarkets. 'On Saturdays at around 2pm, you can find vendors selling things at a discounted price. If you don't shop here, you're silly.' Have a sit-down meal at Lucia's Pizza & Spaghetti Bar ( ; pasta dishes start at A$20), with ravioli that is raved about online, or pick up bites at stalls around the market. A public dining area with chairs and tables is available. Stroll down Australia's first pedestrian street mall Rundle Mall, which has 700 retailers, including local chocolate company Haigh's Chocolates and Australian fashion brands like Review and Noni B. End the night with dinner at one of the restaurants in Pirie Street. Establishments like Part Time Lover ( ) and Osteria Oggi ( ) come recommended by locals. Travel tips Singapore Airlines is currently the only carrier with non-stop flights between Singapore and Adelaide. The journey takes about 6½ hours, with two daily departure options from Singapore: a morning flight at around 8am, and a late-night flight past 11pm. The latter is ideal for maximising your time in Adelaide, as it arrives at about 7.30am local time. Return economy class fares for travel in July start at around $1,200, based on checks by The Straits Times. A new hotel in the city is Adelaide Marriott ( ), which opened in August 2024 in the former Adelaide General Post Office building. A night in its superior guest room in July starts at A$278. Airbnb apartment rentals for two typically cost about $200 a night in the city. While public transport such as trams, buses and trains are available, the best way to get around – especially when exploring the outskirts of the city – is by renting a car. Based on checks by ST, for a mid-sized sport utility vehicle such as a BYD Atto 3, prices start at around A$70 a day for a four-day rental period in July from car rental company Sixt, which is located at the airport. Ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Didi work here.
AsiaOne
7 days ago
- Politics
- AsiaOne
MPs should not ask questions to 'clock numbers'; focus should be improving Singaporeans' lives: Seah Kian Peng, Singapore News
SINGAPORE — Singaporeans can expect more debate in the upcoming 15th Parliament, with today's uncertain world and the need for more policies to tackle the attendant challenges, and more MPs in the House. But this does not mean that parliamentary sittings must go on for longer, as what is important is the quality of the debate, said Speaker of Parliament Seah Kian Peng. Noting a trend of more parliamentary questions being filed in the previous term of Parliament, Seah sounded a note of caution against having this become a numbers game. "I hope we don't get to a point where MPs are filing questions for the sake of clocking numbers — I think that is not necessary and not very productive," he said in a July 1 interview with The Straits Times about the role of Speaker, and his plans if elected. On June 20, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced that the Government intended to propose Seah's election as Speaker when Parliament reopens on Sept 5. Seah has served as Singapore's 11th Speaker since 2023. Seah said he sees his role as helping to take the quality of debate in Parliament to the next level, which can be achieved if MPs "have done their homework and know the dos and don'ts (of Parliament's Standing Orders)". This has become more important with more MPs in the House, he added. The 15th Parliament will have 97 elected MPs and two Non-Constituency MPs (NCMPs) for a total of 99, up from 93 elected MPs and two NCMPs previously. The 14th Parliament had set new records on the number of sittings, ministerial statements delivered and other kinds of speeches. "Each hour spent in Parliament, if everyone turns up, is 100 man-hours... which is why we do want to make sure time is spent productively for everyone," said the former labour MP. To help new MPs get up to speed, Parliament has started to hold orientation briefings for them. Seah, who joined politics in 2006 and continues to be an MP for the Braddell Heights ward of Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC, had some guidance for his colleagues: Focus on representing the people to improve their lives, and not playing to the gallery. This means agreeing to disagree, where needed, rather than asking questions — or giving answers — that retread the same ground, he said. "I say this to both sides of the House: Whichever party you come from, frontbench or backbench." Seah was asked about suggestions some MPs have made previously to improve the efficiency of Parliament. These include a proposal that Senior Minister of State for Law and Transport Murali Pillai made in 2020 as a backbencher for some speeches to be taken as read, so that more time can be spent on debate and clarifications. Seah's response was that there is a certain limit to efficiency, as people want to see their MPs' convictions when they speak, and whether their proposals are convincing. Without resorting to such measures, quite a lot of time can be saved if MPs follow Parliament's existing rules, he said. With the 15th Parliament being Singapore's biggest yet, Seah said he was particularly heartened that it includes more women MPs — 31 of them, up from 27. He expressed confidence that the proportion will only increase in the years ahead, and that more diversity — in terms of gender, race and background — makes for a better Parliament. This is as Parliament makes laws that affect all Singaporeans, and better representation of views will allow for better policies to be formulated, he added. On 'refereeing' Parliament and stepping up outreach Unlike the 14th Parliament, where there were three political parties with representatives in the House, the new term of Parliament will have two: the ruling People's Action Party, which has 87 seats, and the Workers' Party, which has 10 plus the two NCMP seats. The Progress Singapore Party, which had two NCMPs in the last Parliament, was not re-elected into the House. Seah said his role has not changed since he first became Speaker in July 2023 following the resignation of Tan Chuan-Jin, and that is to remain impartial to MPs from all parties. "Whether it's two, three, or for that matter four or more parties, to me that should not affect how we conduct the proceedings," he said. Using a football analogy, Seah said he sees himself as a referee: stepping in as needed to enforce the rules and make decisions, such as when an MP raises a point of order. That is the procedure by which a member can interject to bring to the Speaker's attention a perceived breach of the House's rules during a sitting. "The referee must know the rules, right? But we also hope the players know the rules as well," he said. Asked how he maintains impartiality while also being a PAP member, Seah responded that he has over his corporate and political career become adept at juggling different hats. "In the general election, I stood as a member of the PAP, so I wear that hat when I'm representing my constituents... But when I'm in the Chamber, I'm wearing my hat as the Speaker, I'm not wearing the hat of a PAP member," he said. What he intends to do more of is to step up Parliament's outreach to Singaporeans on the work that is done in the House. On this front, the live streaming of Parliament since 2021 has been great as it allows people to tune in to sittings wherever they are, he said. Other projects in the pipeline include an interactive, online version of Parliament set to be hosted on the virtual gaming universe Roblox, which Seah said will be ready by the end of the financial year. One lesser-known aspect of his work — which Seah called a highlight of his role — is that the Speaker represents Singapore's Parliament to other countries' parliaments and representative bodies. In June alone, he had meetings with the Bulgarian and Vietnamese ambassadors to Singapore, as well as Kazakhstan's senate chairman. He recounted how veteran diplomat Tommy Koh had, over a lunch in 2023, impressed on him the importance of this area of work. This is as diplomacy between parliamentarians is another lever by which Singapore can improve its ties with other countries and governments in this challenging period, said Seah. "That's something I do with pride and honour... You realise the respect that many parliamentarians from other parts of the world have for Singapore," he added. Seah said it has been an honour to be Speaker, but admitted that he misses being a backbencher and his corporate career. He stepped down as group chief executive of NTUC Enterprise, as well as from the boards of its social enterprises, after becoming Speaker in 2023. This was not a requirement, but he did so to focus on his new role, he said. The upside is that he gets to meet and talk to more MPs, and listen to more debates by virtue of being in the Chamber most of the time. "Of course, there are more interesting ones, and sometimes some of the speeches could be not as interesting," he said. "But it comes with the part." [[nid:719795]] This article was first published in The Straits Times . Permission required for reproduction.
Straits Times
7 days ago
- Straits Times
Residential block blaze in Vietnam kills 8, including children
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox A blaze that tore through an apartment block in Vietnam's southern business hub of Ho Chi Minh City killed eight people, including two children, local authorities said on July 7. The fire was sparked late on July 6 on the ground floor of a five-storey apartment block, with all eight fatalities due to smoke inhalation, Ho Chi Minh City authorities said in a statement. Residents battled the flames with fire extinguishers as blasts were heard from inside the property, before emergency service crews arrived, according to media reports. 'There were shouts for help from the apartment. Several residents on higher floors had to jump down to escape. It was terrible,' a neighbour told the state-run Thanh Nien newspaper. Authorities said the cause of the fire was still under investigation. Deadly blazes have recently resulted in a string of high-profile arrests and prosecutions in Vietnam. Eight people were jailed i n 2025 over a 2023 Hanoi apartment fire that killed 56 people, in the country's deadliest blaze in two decades. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Construction starts on Cross Island Line Phase 2; 6 MRT stations in S'pore's west ready by 2032 Singapore New SkillsFuture requirements by April 2026 to mandate regular training for adult educators Singapore askST Jobs: Facing intrusive demands from your employer? Here's what you can do Singapore MPs should not ask questions to 'clock numbers'; focus should be improving S'poreans' lives: Seah Kian Peng Singapore Sequencing and standards: Indranee on role of Leader of the House Tech Hackathons produce scam simulation tool for education, platform identifying birds based on calls Singapore NUS College draws 10,000 applications for 400 places, showing strong liberal arts interest Singapore Life After... blazing biomedical research trail in S'pore: Renowned scientist breaks new ground at 59 In December 2024, police arrested a suspected arsonist over a karaoke bar fire in Hanoi that killed 11 people. AFP
