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Straits Times
11 hours ago
- Business
- Straits Times
American specialty chemicals firm Lubrizol expands in Singapore with launch of innovation centre
Find out what's new on ST website and app. The launch of the innovation center, among other specialty chemicals investments, is expected to create jobs in Singapore. SINGAPORE — From skincare product ingredients to the lubricant additives used in vehicle engines, American company Lubrizol Corporation's specialty chemicals are found in many everyday items. Now, the Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary, which first entered Singapore in 1984, is expanding its research and development (R&D) capabilities here with the launch of its new South-east Asia Innovation Centre on July 23. Spanning 15,000 sq m over multiple floors, this new centre in Jurong features immersive experience zones, virtual reality display, and dedicated spaces for technical training and knowledge sharing. The advanced laboratories in the facility will be used by scientists and product developers for R&D, allowing them to design and test solutions for customers across a wide range of industries ranging from mobility, infrastructure to beauty and personal care. The innovation centre adds to Lubrizol's existing administration office and manufacturing plant in the vicinity. 'Singapore plays a pivotal role in our global innovation network because of its robust R&D ecosystem and unique environment that enables innovation to thrive,' said president and chief executive of Lubrizol Corporation, Ms Rebecca Liebert. Headquartered in the US, Lubrizol has over 100 manufacturing facilities, sales and technical offices globally. It employs more than 7,000 people, with over 800 employees in the Asia-Pacific region. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Singapore's domestic recycling rate drops to all-time low of 11% Singapore Sota parent portal taken down for urgent patching following global cyberattack alerts Singapore HDB launches 10,209 BTO and balance flats, as priority scheme for singles kicks in Singapore Five teens arrested for threatening boy with knife, 2 charged with causing hurt Singapore Local buyers are key to recovery of prime district condo market Singapore Ex-Tanjong Pagar United footballer charged with assault after Singapore Premier League match in Feb Singapore COE prices for cars mostly unchanged; premium for commercial vehicles up 2.9% Singapore Cyclist charged after allegedly hitting elderly pedestrian, killing him While the company declined to share its current staff strength in Singapore, more R&D jobs are expected to be created with the launch of the new innovation centre, said Mr Paul Nai, managing director of Lubrizol South-east Asia. The launch of the centre is supported by the Economic Development Board (EDB). Lubrizol is expected to sign an agreement with the EDB as it commits to grow its activities in the region over the next five years. 'The energy and chemicals industry is a key pillar of Singapore's economy, with the specialty chemicals segment emerging as a key engine of growth and job creation in recent years,' said Mr Lim Wey-Len, EDB's executive vice-president . 'This growth is driven by global trends such as the shift towards sustainability, rising demand for high-performance materials across end markets like electronics, automotive and personal care, and the increasing importance of Asia as a manufacturing and innovation hub,' he added. Mr Lim said the investments in the specialty chemicals sector over the past two years are expected to create at least 400 jobs in the coming years. Ms Rebecca Liebert, Lubrizol Corporation's president and CEO (third from right) and Mr Henry Liu, Lubrizol SEA's VP for Asia Pacific (third from left) unveiled a plaque at company's new innovation centre. PHOTO: LUBRIZOL These include roles in manufacturing operations, R&D and innovation, process engineering, sustainability, and corporate functions for both fresh graduates and experienced hires, he added. Mr Samuel Tung, 28, an account manager with Lubrizol South-east Asia, said he decided to pursue a career in the specialty chemicals sector upon graduation, so he can witness first-hand how science can be translated into real-life solutions. Ms Jolyn Thang, 29, who works as a technical service scientist with the company , said she sees strong career growth opportunities in this sector, as the rise of Korean and Japanese beauty trends has driven demand for a wider variety of beauty products.
Straits Times
11 hours ago
- Climate
- Straits Times
Why ‘haze' and ‘trash' are becoming earth's new seasons
Climate change and pollution are playing havoc with our longstanding understanding of seasonal patterns. Climate change and pollution are playing havoc with our longstanding understanding of seasonal patterns. Throughout history, people have viewed seasons as relatively stable, recurrent blocks of time that neatly align farming, cultural celebrations and routines with nature's cycles. But the seasons as we know them are changing. Human activity is rapidly transforming the earth, and once-reliable seasonal patterns are becoming unfamiliar. In our recent study, we argue that new seasons are surfacing. These emergent seasons are entirely novel and anthropogenic (in other words, made by humans). Examples include 'haze seasons' in the northern and equatorial nations of South-east Asia, when the sky is filled with smoke for several weeks. This is caused by widespread burning of vegetation to clear forests and make way for agriculture during particularly dry times of the year. Or there is the annual 'trash season', during which tidal patterns bring plastic to the shores of Bali, Indonesia, between November and March. At the same time, some seasons are disappearing altogether, with profound consequences for ecosystems and cultures. These extinct seasons can encompass drastically altered or terminated migratory animal behaviour, such as the decline of seabird breeding seasons in northern England. Climate change is also calling time on traditional winter sport seasons by making snow scarcer in alpine regions. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Singapore's domestic recycling rate drops to all-time low of 11% Singapore Sota parent portal taken down for urgent patching following global cyberattack alerts Singapore HDB launches 10,209 BTO and balance flats, as priority scheme for singles kicks in Singapore Five teens arrested for threatening boy with knife, 2 charged with causing hurt Singapore Local buyers are key to recovery of prime district condo market Singapore Ex-Tanjong Pagar United footballer charged with assault after Singapore Premier League match in Feb Singapore COE prices for cars mostly unchanged; premium for commercial vehicles up 2.9% Singapore Cyclist charged after allegedly hitting elderly pedestrian, killing him Nature's new rhythms Perhaps more common are 'syncopated seasons'. The changes are akin to new emphases on beats or off-beats in familiar music that capture the listener's attention. Syncopated seasons include hotter summers and milder winters in temperate climates, with increasingly frequent and severe extreme weather that exposes more people and ecosystems to stress. The timings of key seasonal events, like when leaves fall or certain migratory species arrive, are becoming more unpredictable. We coined the term 'arrhythmic seasons', a concept borrowed from cardiology, to refer to abnormal rhythms which include earlier springs or breeding seasons, longer summers or growing seasons, and shorter winters or hibernating seasons. Changing seasonal patterns throw the interdependent life cycles of plants and animals out of sync with each other, and disrupt the communities that are economically, socially and culturally dependent on them. In northern Thailand, human activity has reshaped nature's rhythms and affected the supply of water and food in turn. Communities along the Mekong River's tributaries have relied on the seasonal flow of rivers to fish and farm for generations. At first, upstream dams disrupted these cycles by blocking fish migration and preventing the accumulation of sediment that farms need for soil. More recently, climate change has shifted rainfall patterns and made dry seasons longer and rainy seasons shorter but more intense, bringing fires and further uncertainty to farmers. Let's rethink time How we react to changing seasonal patterns can either worsen or improve environmental conditions. In South-east Asia, public awareness of the 'haze season' has led to better forecasting, the installation of air filters in homes and the establishment of public health initiatives. These efforts help communities adapt. But if society only uses adaptive fixes like these, it can make the haze worse over time by failing to tackle its root causes. By recognising this new season, societies might normalise the recurrence of haze and isolate anyone who demands the government and businesses deal with deforestation and burning. Powerful institutions like these shape narratives about seasonal crises to minimise their responsibility and shift blame elsewhere. Understanding these dynamics is crucial to fostering accountability and ensuring fair responses. The shifting seasons require us to rethink our relationship with time and the environment. Today, most of us think about time in terms of days, hours and minutes, which is a globalised standard used everywhere from smartphones to train timetables. But this way of keeping time forgets older and more local ways of understanding time – those that are shaped by natural rhythms, such as the arrival of the rainy season, or solar and lunar cycles, rooted in the lives and cultures of different communities. Diverse perspectives, especially those from indigenous knowledge systems, can enhance our ability to respond to environmental changes. Integrating alternative time-keeping methods into mainstream practices could foster fairer and more effective solutions to environmental problems. Seasons are more than just divisions of time – they connect us with nature. Finding synchrony with changing seasonal rhythms is essential for building a sustainable future. Felicia Liu is an associate professor in sustainability at the University of York. Thomas Smith is an associate professor in environmental geography at the London School of Economics and Political Science. This article was first published in The Conversation .
Straits Times
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
Wiegman echoes Southgate as England take back-door route to final
LONDON - An unprecedented third successive major final appearance engineered by a series of extraordinary comebacks and a manager similarly lauded and hammered at the same time - there is a familiar feel about England at the Women's Euros. Tuesday's 2-1 victory over Italy, secured via a last-gasp equaliser in normal time then a winner two minutes from the end of extra time, propelled the defending champions into a final against either Germany, who they beat to lift the title in 2022, or Spain, who they lost to in the World Cup final two years ago. Under the guidance of the extraordinarily successful coach Sarina Wiegman, England have reached an unprecedented level of consistency, yet, far from lauding the Dutchwoman's influence, there is an undercurrent of feeling that they have somehow made it this far this time despite, not because, of her decisions. Wiegman has been steadfast - some say stubborn - in her selection approach during the tournament despite England's starting team often failing to spark. They trailed Sweden 2-0 in the quarter-finals, looking toothless, until finally she turned to the bench and substitute Michelle Agyemang rescued the match, which England eventually won via a crazy 14-shot penalty shootout. After making only one change to the starting lineup - and that perhaps more due to the racist abuse swirling around Jess Carter than her shaky performance - Wiegman watched in her usual motionless style as hot favourites England were outrun and outplayed by Italy for an hour on Tuesday. Eventually she turned to her bench, throwing on strikers Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones with five minutes to go, having introduced 2022 hero Chloe Kelly after 77 minutes. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Singapore's domestic recycling rate drops to all-time low of 11% Singapore Sota parent portal taken down for urgent patching following global cyberattack alerts Singapore HDB launches 10,209 BTO and balance flats, as priority scheme for singles kicks in Singapore Five teens arrested for threatening boy with knife, 2 charged with causing hurt Singapore Local buyers are key to recovery of prime district condo market Singapore Ex-Tanjong Pagar United footballer charged with assault after Singapore Premier League match in Feb Singapore COE prices for cars mostly unchanged; premium for commercial vehicles up 2.9% Singapore Cyclist charged after allegedly hitting elderly pedestrian, killing him Agyemang, 19, was the saviour again as she equalised deep into stoppage time and, with a penalty shootout that England would definitely not have wanted after missing four of their seven attempts in the quarter-final, Kelly then won it with two minutes to spare. Wiegman said her overwhelming emotion was relief and praised the quality and energy of her substitutes - which of course begged the question of why she took so long to bring them on. FAMILIAR FEEL It all had a very familiar feel after Gareth Southgate was both lauded and vilified during England men's run to the Euro 2024 final having also reached the 2020 final and the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup. Southgate was widely criticised for his failure to react to changes made by Italy and Croatia in those earlier defeats, but, like Wiegman, the louder the outside noise, the more he dug his feet in. He reached a nadir in the Euro 2024 last 16 game against Slovakia, when, trailing 1-0 having barely managed a shot on goal all night, he waited until the fourth minute of stoppage time to introduce striker Ivan Toney, before Jude Bellingham eventually equalised and England won in extra-time. It was a similar story in the semi-finals before England won on penalties and in the final he waited until the 70th minute to bring on Cole Palmer, the team's most dangerous player whenever he got on the pitch, who immediately equalised before England eventually lost 2-1. Southgate had turned a desperately poor England team into a brilliantly consistent one, but rather than celebrate that "success", there were plenty of critics ready to claim that his cautiousness robbed the country of the chance of glory. Wiegman already has the Euro 2022 trophy in the cabinet - as well as the 2017 title with the Netherlands - and there are of course many other coaches now watching from home who would give their right arm to be in her place heading into the final. Yet, just as with Southgate and even with her vast experience and glittering CV, should England be trailing again on Sunday, she surely needs to find it in herself to loosen the stays and not rely on another last-minute rescue act. REUTERS
Straits Times
12 hours ago
- Straits Times
New York man charged over explosives on subway tracks, rooftops
Find out what's new on ST website and app. A 55-year-old man is alleged to have stored IEDs on apartment building rooftops in Manhattan's SoHo neighbourhood. NEW YORK – A New York man has been charged with making improvised explosive devices and throwing one onto subway tracks in New York City, US authorities said on July 22. Michael Gann, 55, allegedly manufactured at least seven explosive devices using chemicals ordered online and stored five devices and shotgun shells on apartment building rooftops in Manhattan's SoHo neighbourhood, according to the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York. The authorities said Gann threw one IED onto subway tracks on the Williamsburg Bridge and was arrested with a seventh device on his person early in June. 'As alleged, Michael Gann built explosive devices, stored them on a rooftop in SoHo, and threw one onto the subway tracks, putting countless lives at risk,' said US Attorney Jay Clayton. 'Thanks to swift work by our law enforcement partners, no one was harmed.' According to prosecutors, Gann ordered approximately two pounds of potassium perchlorate and one pound of aluminium powder – precursor chemicals to explosives – online in May, along with over 200 cardboard tubes and 50 feet of fuses. One of the devices placed on the roof of a SoHo building 'contained approximately 30 grams of explosive powder, approximately 600 times the legal limit for consumer fireworks', the attorney's office said. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Singapore's domestic recycling rate drops to all-time low of 11% Singapore Sota parent portal taken down for urgent patching following global cyberattack alerts Singapore HDB launches 10,209 BTO and balance flats, as priority scheme for singles kicks in Singapore Local buyers are key to recovery of prime district condo market Singapore New online channel for public to report illegal ride-hailing services Singapore Ex-Tanjong Pagar United footballer charged with assault after Singapore Premier League match in Feb Singapore COE prices for cars mostly unchanged; premium for commercial vehicles up 2.9% Singapore Cyclist charged after allegedly hitting elderly pedestrian, killing him On or about June 5, just hours before his arrest while carrying an IED, he posted to Instagram: 'Who wants me to go out to play like no tomorrow?' Before making the IEDs, prosecutors said, Gann posted a message on X on March 27 tagging the Potus account, the official handle for the president of the United States. He wrote: 'I'm thinking just now here in NYC that it's too bad that the wall wasn't built before the National Guard would have to come here for the Protests and Riotation or would you just drop a bomb on this place while and because they seem to be coming and coming?' Between May and June 2025, Gann also searched online for information on bomb-making, firearms, and 3D-printed guns, as well as background checks for firearm purchases, according to the indictment. Gann, a resident of New York City's Inwood neighbourhood, faces charges of attempted destruction of property by explosives, transportation of explosive materials and unlawful possession of destructive devices. The most serious charge carries a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and maximum of 20 years. NYTIMES
Straits Times
12 hours ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Russia and Ukraine to hold first peace talks in seven weeks
Russian delegation head and presidential adviser, Vladimir Medinsky walks, after a meeting at Ciragan Palace on the day of the second round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, in Istanbul, Turkey, June 2, 2025. REUTERS/Murad Sezer/File Photo MOSCOW - Russian negotiators flew to Turkey to hold peace talks with Ukraine on Wednesday, the Kremlin said, before what will be the first direct discussions between the warring sides in more than seven weeks. Russia played down expectations of any breakthrough at the meeting, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said this week should focus in part on preparing a summit between himself and President Vladimir Putin. "Naturally, no one expects an easy road. Naturally, this will be a very difficult conversation. The projects (of the two sides) are diametrically opposed," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. Previous talks in Istanbul on May 16 and June 2 led to the exchange of thousands of prisoners of war and the remains of dead soldiers. But those meetings lasted less than three hours in total and made no breakthrough towards a ceasefire or a settlement to end almost three and a half years of war. U.S. President Donald Trump last week threatened heavy new sanctions on Russia and countries that buy its exports unless a peace deal was reached within 50 days. But three sources close to the Kremlin told Reuters that Putin, unfazed by Trump's ultimatum, would keep on fighting in Ukraine until the West engaged on his terms for peace, and that his territorial demands may widen as Russian forces advance. On Wednesday, Russia said its forces had captured the settlement of Varachyne in Ukraine's Sumy region, where Putin has ordered his troops to create a buffer zone after Ukraine mounted a shock incursion into Russia last year and held onto a chunk of its territory for months. Reuters could not independently confirm the battlefield report. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Singapore's domestic recycling rate drops to all-time low of 11% Singapore Sota parent portal taken down for urgent patching following global cyberattack alerts Singapore HDB launches 10,209 BTO and balance flats, as priority scheme for singles kicks in Singapore Five teens arrested for threatening boy with knife, 2 charged with causing hurt Singapore Local buyers are key to recovery of prime district condo market Singapore Ex-Tanjong Pagar United footballer charged with assault after Singapore Premier League match in Feb Singapore COE prices for cars mostly unchanged; premium for commercial vehicles up 2.9% Singapore Cyclist charged after allegedly hitting elderly pedestrian, killing him In recent weeks, Russian forces have launched some of their heaviest air attacks of the war, focusing especially on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv. Ukraine has hit back with attacks of its own, and last month inflicted serious damage on Russia's nuclear-capable strategic bomber fleet by smuggling drones close to air bases deep inside the country. CONFLICTING DEMANDS Zelenskiy said earlier this week that the agenda for talks was clear: the return of prisoners of war and of children abducted by Russia, and the preparation of a meeting between himself and Putin. Putin turned down a previous challenge from Zelenskiy to meet him in person and has said he does not see him as a legitimate leader because Ukraine, which is under martial law, did not hold new elections when Zelenskiy's five-year mandate expired last year. Russia also denies abducting children. The Kremlin said this week it was unrealistic to expect "miracles" from the talks. At the last meeting on June 2, Russia handed Ukraine a memorandum setting out its key demands, including: full withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from four regions of the country that Russia has claimed as its own; limits on the size of Ukraine's military; enhanced rights for Russian-speakers in Ukraine; and acceptance by Kyiv of neutral status, outside NATO or any other alliance. Ukraine sees those terms as tantamount to surrender, and Zelenskiy described the Russian stance as an ultimatum. Ukraine wants an immediate ceasefire, reparations, international security guarantees and no restrictions on its military strength. REUTERS
