Ex-transport minister S. Iswaran admits guilt on landmark graft trial’s first day; Singapore Airlines under fire from injured passengers for low compensation offers: Singapore live news

Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has raised concerns about the growing competition between the United States and China, describing the situation as “dark clouds over the horizon.”

During a speech at the 50th anniversary of Temasek Holdings on Monday (23 Sept), Wong emphasised that global economic activities are increasingly viewed through a security lens due to this rivalry.

He noted that while both nations continue to engage with each other, there is deep mutual suspicion and preparations for potential conflict.

Wong highlighted the restrictions being imposed on critical technologies, such as artificial intelligence and semiconductors, which exacerbate economic tensions.

He cautioned that as security concerns escalate, many economic activities will also be affected, leading to more state intervention in business and a shift away from the free trade principles that characterised the late 20th century.

This shift could result in increased protectionism and aggressive subsidies for key industries.

The Prime Minister pointed out the vulnerabilities that nations experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, where countries faced shortages of essential medical supplies.

He emphasised the importance of national resilience and the need to avoid such situations in the future by ensuring robust manufacturing capabilities.

Wong urged Singapore to carve out its own path in this changing environment.

As a small economy, Singapore must remain open, agile, and ready to seize new opportunities while advocating for free trade through regional and multilateral partnerships.

He expressed the aspiration for Singapore to be a preferred partner in the global marketplace.

Read on PM Wong's warning of dark clouds over the US-China rivalry.

Singapore is facing a significant demographic shift, with projections indicating that by the early 2030s, the number of deaths among citizens could surpass births.

This trend, noted by Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Indranee Rajah, is driven by declining birth rates and an ageing population.

In 2023, there were 24,726 deaths, a 40 per cent increase from 2014, while births fell to 28,877, a 13 per cent decline over the same period.

The total fertility rate in Singapore dropped below one child per woman for the first time, now standing at 0.97.

The implications of a declining population are serious.

An excess of deaths over births would lead to a shrinking workforce, impacting economic growth and placing additional burdens on the caregiving responsibilities of the working-age population.

Experts emphasise that the speed of this demographic change is critical, as it can complicate adjustments in both the economy and social structures.

Singapore has attempted to mitigate these trends through policies encouraging higher birth rates, such as Baby Bonuses and extended parental leave.

However, these measures have not yet succeeded in reversing the declining birth rates, which have been decreasing for over 30 years.

The ageing population also poses financial challenges, with projections indicating that by 2030, one in four Singaporeans will be aged 65 or older.

Comparatively, countries like Japan and Italy are already experiencing similar demographic crises.

These nations have tried various strategies, including raising retirement ages and promoting immigration, but challenges remain in balancing the needs of an ageing population with economic vitality.

Find out what more deaths than births mean for Singapore here.

A study from Singapore highlights how virtual backgrounds in video calls can influence levels of fatigue, commonly referred to as "Zoom fatigue".

Conducted by researchers from Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University (NTU), the study surveyed 610 users of Zoom and found that the type of background chosen significantly impacts fatigue levels.

Participants reported that nature-themed backgrounds resulted in the least fatigue, while moving video backgrounds led to the highest levels of tiredness.

The study suggests that these backgrounds not only affect how users perceive themselves but also contribute to the overall mental load during calls.

The phenomenon of Zoom fatigue has grown since the pandemic, where prolonged video calls became a norm for both professional and personal interactions.

Factors contributing to this fatigue include the stress of self-presentation, cognitive overload from processing visual cues, and multitasking during meetings.

Many users spend more time scrutinising themselves on screen rather than engaging with others, exacerbating feelings of exhaustion.

In the study, users with blurred backgrounds reported increased tiredness, as glimpses of their actual environment can introduce distracting stimuli.

Meanwhile, backgrounds featuring office settings or public spaces can raise self-presentation pressure, further amplifying fatigue.

Nature-themed and light-hearted backgrounds, by contrast, allow users to feel more relaxed and less pressured.

Read on how to combat Zoom fatigue effectively.

A fire in Choa Chu Kang on Tuesday (24 Sept) resulted in one fatality and the evacuation of 150 residents.

Firefighters from Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) quickly responded, extinguishing the fire in a ninth-floor unit.

The cause is under investigation, marking the eighth fire-related death in Singapore this year.

Read more about the tragic fire in Choa Chu Kang here.

Former transport minister S. Iswaran pleaded guilty to lesser charges during the opening of his trial on Tuesday (24 Sept) in Singapore, marking a historic event as he is the first political office-holder to be tried in nearly five decades.

Initially facing two counts of corruption, the prosecution substituted these with charges under Section 165 of the Penal Code, which prohibits public servants from accepting gifts from individuals in their official capacity.

Iswaran also admitted to one charge of obstructing justice.

Iswaran's legal team indicated that the decision to plead guilty was influenced by the change in charges.

Earlier, Iswaran had firmly rejected the allegations, maintaining his innocence and expressing a commitment to clearing his name.

Iswaran, who has pleaded not guilty to 35 charges, allegedly received over $403,000 in lavish gifts, including concert and sports tickets from influential businessmen Ong Beng Seng and David Lum Kok Seng.

Iswaran's case has garnered significant attention, being a major political scandal in Singapore’s recent history.

His tenure as a public servant included roles related to the Formula 1 Grand Prix, where he was a key figure in the event's management.

The trial is crucial not only for Iswaran but also for Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and the reputation of the People’s Action Party (PAP), which prides itself on a long-standing commitment to integrity and anti-corruption.

The investigation against Iswaran began last year after then Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong ordered him to take leave and he was arrested alongside property tycoon Ong Beng Seng, who is not facing charges.

Allegations against him largely relate to favours exchanged with Ong, the co-founder of Hotel Properties Limited and a key figure in bringing Formula 1 racing to Singapore.

The plea marks a pivotal moment in Singaporean politics, as public trust in the government is at stake.

Critics warn that the trial could impact public trust in the government, especially given previous scandals, like that involving a former Speaker of Parliament.

Public opinion on Iswaran's trial seems largely indifferent with many Singaporeans more concerned with pressing issues such as the economy.

Despite the scandal, surveys indicate that the PAP maintains a favourable rating, with many citizens confident in Wong’s leadership thus far.

Analysts suggest that Iswaran's case may reflect more on past leadership rather than affecting Wong’s current administration.

As the trial unfolds, observers will closely watch for any revelations that could influence Singapore's political landscape.

The outcome will serve as a crucial test for the PAP, which is keen to reassure citizens of its commitment to transparency and accountability.

Read more on former minister S Iswaran's guilty plea here.

Following the 21 May turbulence incident of flight SQ321, Singapore Airlines has been accused of inadequately compensating injured passengers, including those with severe long-term injuries.

The turbulence resulted in one passenger's death and numerous injuries, including serious conditions like tetraplegia.

An Australian law firm claims that the airline's compensation offers are insufficient and do not reflect the true damages sustained by the victims, who may be entitled to substantial, seven-figure payouts.

Passengers who were on board have expressed their horror at the event, detailing how the plane unexpectedly plunged due to severe turbulence.

Witness accounts describe a scene of chaos, with individuals thrown against the cabin ceiling and critical injuries sustained.

The compensation proposals from Singapore Airlines have drawn criticism for being inadequate. Initially, they offered US$25,000, which was later increased to US$75,000 for those with severe injuries.

However, legal representatives argue that these amounts are far below what is warranted considering the lifetime impact of the injuries.

The law firm emphasised that true compensation should account for long-term medical needs, requiring a comprehensive assessment that can only be done after a period of recovery.

The investigation into the incident has raised serious questions about the airline's navigation decisions.

Evidence suggests that the flight may have flown directly into developing thunderstorms, which other aircraft were avoiding.

Experts indicate that the turbulence encountered was not just random clear-air turbulence, but likely the result of poor decision-making on the part of the flight crew.

The implications of these findings could have significant repercussions for the airline's liability and the eventual compensation for injured passengers.

Here's why Singapore Airlines is facing criticism for low compensation offers to injured passengers from turbulence-hit flight SQ321.