Pritam Singh says Workers' Party gearing up for GE2025 with enhanced candidate screening; Tharman, Wong congratulate Trump on his second term: Singapore live news

Grab has partnered with BYD to bring 50,000 electric vehicles (EVs) to Southeast Asia, advancing the region’s shift to greener transportation.

The collaboration will span six countries, including Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia, and aims to reduce the financial barriers often associated with EV adoption.

Grab drivers will have access to competitive rates and extended warranties for BYD vehicles, making electric cars more affordable and attractive.

IoT technology will be integrated into the vehicles, offering real-time data that will optimise fleet management and improve the user experience.

This partnership is part of Grab’s broader strategy to offer eco-friendly ride options and lead Southeast Asia’s transition to zero-emission transport.

Grab’s fleet partners will also benefit from reduced fuel costs, positioning EVs as an economical choice in the long term.

Read on the Grab-BYD EV partnership here.

Elon Musk’s hand gesture at a Trump inauguration rally on Monday (20 Jan) has sparked a firestorm of controversy online.

The tech billionaire’s movement – where he placed his hand over his heart and raised his arm at an angle – was quickly compared to a Nazi salute or Roman salute, both associated with fascist imagery.

Critics and media outlets like PBS News and CNN were quick to draw comparisons, leading to a wave of backlash.

However, Musk and his supporters argue that the gesture was simply an awkward expression of enthusiasm, aimed at showing appreciation for Trump’s supporters.

The Anti-Defamation League also weighed in, clarifying that the gesture appeared unintentional.

Despite Musk’s dismissals, far-right figures have embraced the gesture, adding fuel to an already heated debate about symbolism in politics.

Read more on Musk's hand gesture that drew criticism here.

Singapore’s budgetary framework continues to impress the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), which commended the country’s ability to adjust to slower growth, an ageing population, and rising global pressures.

In its assessment, the OECD lauds Singapore for its ability to manage a complex set of fiscal challenges, including demographic shifts and slowing economic growth.

The report points to key reforms, such as the net investment returns framework, which allows the government to access up to half of long-term returns from its reserves.

This flexibility is seen as crucial as Singapore faces an increased need for capital expenditure, particularly for infrastructure upgrades and climate change initiatives.

The OECD report also emphasises the importance of transformation and efficiency in the government’s budgeting process.

Ministries are encouraged to enhance efficiency across their regular operations, and the government has instituted a balanced-budget approach that spans its entire term.

Furthermore, specific-purpose funds have been established to address long-term issues like energy transition, with the Future Energy Fund highlighted as a key example.

Transparency and communication are also pivotal elements in Singapore’s budgeting success.

The Ministry of Finance has increased efforts to engage the public through initiatives such as the “Forward Singapore” consultation, which helps align the Budget with the needs of citizens.

This approach fosters public understanding of fiscal policy and its direct impact on sectors like housing, health, and education.

Read on OECD's report highlighting Singapore’s strong budget framework here.

Singapore has emerged as one of the top destinations for luxury homebuyers in 2025, according to the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury 2025 Trend Report.

With its low taxes, economic opportunities, safety, and thriving cultural scene, the city-state is fast becoming a favourite for high-net-worth individuals (HNWs) looking for a desirable lifestyle and an investment-friendly environment.

The report highlights that affluent buyers are increasingly prioritising locations that offer a blend of financial incentives and lifestyle advantages.

Singapore stands out for its pro-business environment, transparent regulations, and access to key Asia-Pacific and Middle Eastern markets, which make it an attractive choice for global elites.

In addition to its economic opportunities, Singapore is known for its vibrant cultural scene, world-class infrastructure, and safety, making it not only a smart financial decision but also a desirable place to live.

The city’s strategic location in Asia further enhances its appeal, offering proximity to a rapidly growing market and a strong trade network.

As the global demand for luxury homes surges, Singapore joins the ranks of other luxury hotspots like Dubai and Miami, which are known for their dynamic economies and favourable tax policies.

However, Singapore’s combination of cultural richness, low taxes, and economic opportunity gives it a unique edge.

High-net-worth individuals are looking for greater freedom and less government interference, and Singapore delivers with its stable political environment and business-friendly policies.

This makes Singapore particularly attractive for those seeking a safe, luxurious, and profitable place to call home.

Here's why Singapore is a smart choice for ultra-wealthy homebuyers.

The Certificate of Entitlement (COE) quota for February to April 2025 will see an 8 per cent increase, totalling 17,133 COEs across various vehicle categories.

The increase comes as part of the Land Transport Authority’s (LTA) ongoing adjustments to the COE system, including deregistrations, the Early Turnover Scheme, and changes in the taxi population.

While Category D (motorcycles) remains unaffected, categories A, B, C, and E have experienced a rise of about 10 per cent.

Despite the higher COE availability, experts predict strong bidding pressure and sustained high prices due to strong demand, especially following a recent motor show.

The next quota announcement will be made in April 2025 for the May-July period.

The Housing Development Board (HDB) completed its final two pandemic-delayed BTO projects – Punggol Point Cove (Phase 2) and Kempas Residences – in January 2025, ending a five-year delay saga.

These 92 projects have collectively delivered over 75,800 new flats, with the final two projects marking the conclusion of a challenging construction period.

The delays were caused by COVID-related disruptions, including work stoppages and contractor changes.

HDB now looks ahead with plans to complete 17,000 flats in 2025 across 27 ongoing projects, signalling a return to normalcy in the construction sector.

Despite past challenges, including contractor terminations, the construction industry has shown resilience through innovations like automation and better monitoring systems.

Read on HDB's delivery of its final two pandemic-delayed BTO projects here.