The Straits Times - January 04, 2025
The Straits Times - January 04, 2025
Go Unlimited with Magzter GOLD
Read The Straits Times along with 9,000+ other magazines & newspapers with just one subscription View catalog
1 Month $9.99
1 Year$99.99
$8/month
Subscribe only to The Straits Times
Buy this issue $1.99
In this issue
January 04, 2025
Singaporean households can now claim $300 CDC vouchers
Over 1.3 million households will benefit from move to help cushion impact of rising prices
5 mins
Investigators fail to arrest Yoon after tense stand-off
Met by a wall of armed guards inside South Korea's presidential compound and fanatical right-wing supporters outside, investigators arrived to a scene of high drama as they tried to arrest President Yoon Suk Yeol on Jan 3, and failed.
1 min
Trump's Tariffs and Likely Trade War Will Test Resilience of Singapore's Economy
US leader's protectionist agenda will hit export-driven economies in 2025: Analysts
4 mins
Extra discounts at some heartland merchants, hawkers
ADDRESSING COST-OF-LIVING CONCERNS
2 mins
$6 return voucher for shoppers using CDC vouchers at some supermarkets
Some major supermarket chains in Singapore, such as FairPrice and Giant, will be giving out $6 return vouchers for shoppers who spend at least $60 worth of their CDC vouchers, to mark the Republic's diamond jubilee, dubbed SG60.
1 min
Presidential guards, military troops prevent authorities from arresting Yoon
Investigators plan to get Acting President to issue order for security service to cooperate
3 mins
President's security detail is South Korea's equivalent of US Secret Service
They made it past angry protesters and police barricades, but investigators trying to arrest the South Korean President on Jan 3 were thwarted by the impeached leader's security detail.
2 mins
Suspect Faced Financial and Family Struggles in Recent Years
Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the Texas man accused of crashing a truck into New Year's Day revellers in New Orleans, killing 14 and injuring dozens, was a US Army veteran struggling to get past a recent divorce but who showed no signs of anger just weeks prior to the attack, his half-brother said.
3 mins
New Orleans attacker acted alone, vowed loyalty to ISIS, says FBI
New evidence emerges detailing extent of his support for the militant group
3 mins
No definitive link between Vegas Tesla blast and New Orleans truck attack
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on January 2 said it had so far found no definitive link between the New Year's Day New Orleans pickup truck attack that killed 14 people and a Tesla Cybertruck that exploded in Las Vegas, which killed the driver who officials have reportedly identified as an active-duty US Army soldier.
2 mins
OCBC assistant V-P illegally accessed bank details of politicians, influencers
Just one month into his new job, an assistant vice-president at OCBC Bank began abusing the access his job gave him and started looking through the account balances and other details of bank customers, including Singaporean politicians, influencers, his colleagues, friends and family members.
1 min
PacificLight to build hydrogen-ready power plant on Jurong Island by 2029
$1b project will be first to be paired with a large-scale battery energy storage system
2 mins
China warns of safety risks after year of global air disasters
The Chinese authorities have called for assessments of industry hazards to uncover any \"hidden\" operational dangers from flight routes to runways, following the deadliest year in global commercial aviation since 2018.
1 min
Green groups slam Prabowo's call to expand oil palm plantations
They warn that his comments may set back efforts to curb deforestation in Indonesia
3 mins
Jeju Air to cut 1,900 flights by March following fatal crash
Embattled South Korean airline Jeju Air has decided to cut around 1,900 domestic and international flights by March to enhance operational safety checks, in the wake of the devastating passenger plane crash tragedy at Muan International Airport in South Jeolla province on Dec 29.
1 min
PAS Pushes Islamic Agenda With Eye On Next General Election
Party's recent measures appear aimed at boosting its image as staunch defender of syariah law
4 mins
Marcos drops estranged V-P from security council
Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte will no longer sit on the National Security Council (NSC) after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed an order removing her office from the agency, following a bitter split between the two former allies in 2024.
1 min
Dozens rescued after fire engulfs commercial building in South Korea
A fire and thick smoke engulfed an eight-storey building in the South Korean city of Seongnam on Jan 3, sending 12 people to hospital with smoke inhalation, the fire department said.
1 min
London properties, luxury bags among Thai PM's $549m assets
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has declared assets worth US$400 million (S$549 million), including two properties in London, investments in several firms and a collection of luxury watches and handbags.
2 mins
4 Attendees of Malaysia Concert Died After Taking Ecstasy Pills
Police Say Some Victims May Have Bought the Drugs at the Venue; 3 Others Survived
2 mins
Top tourist draw Tokyo Skytree also a lab for lightning research
Structure's height makes it a lightning rod, and the world's scientists are taking notice
5 mins
Shipper Evergreen gives staff 20 months' pay on average in year-end bonus
A Taiwanese company that is known for giving employees big bonuses has done it yet again.
1 min
Hanoi declared world's most polluted city
Vietnam's capital Hanoi has been covered in thick smog over recent weeks, putting it at the top of a list of the world's most polluted cities, as the government said it would push for more electric vehicles (EVs) to alleviate the problem.
1 min
EU ministers visit Syria in bid to build ties and cut Putin's influence
The European Union stepped up efforts to build ties with Syria's new leaders and persuade them to reduce Russia's influence over the war-ravaged country, with a visit by the German and French foreign ministers to Damascus.
2 mins
Israeli air strikes add to Gaza death toll amid new truce push
Israel says it targeted Hamas sites; Gaza authorities say nearly 100 people killed
2 mins
Greenland's leader steps up push for independence from Denmark
Greenland's Prime Minister Mute Egede emphasised his desire to pursue independence from Denmark, its former colonial ruler, during his New Year speech, marking a significant change in the rhetoric surrounding the Arctic island's future.
1 min
Labour's Plan to Reform UK Social Care Out in 2028 at the Earliest
Britain's latest plan to overhaul increasingly costly care for older and disabled adults will not be delivered until 2028 at the earliest, the government said on Jan 3, as it announced a three-year independent review to come up with proposals.
1 min
Canada awaits word from Trudeau amid pressure to quit
PM not seen in public since a minister criticised him in a public resignation letter
3 mins
Biden blocks sale of US Steel, citing national security
US President Joe Biden on Jan 3 followed through on his pledge to block Nippon Steel's US$14.9 billion (S$20.4 billion) bid for US Steel, citing concerns the deal could hurt national security.
2 mins
Container return scheme consortium not anti-competitive, says watchdog
It says enterprise by Coca-Cola, F&N Foods, Pokka unlikely to infringe Competition Act
3 mins
Fired SingPost group CEO, CFO say they welcome any independent inquiry
Singapore Post's former group chief executive officer and chief financial officer said they welcome any independent inquiry into the case that led to their sacking, in a statement on Jan 3.
2 mins
O-level results to be released on Jan 10 from 2.30pm
The results of the 2024 GCE O-level examinations will be released on Jan 10.
1 min
Tipsy Collective Pays Employees Overdue Salaries, Shuts 3 Outlets
4 Shareholders Inject Funds; Affected Staff Redeployed to Group's Remaining 7 Outlets
3 mins
TEL services delayed due to train fault for third time in 7 days
The delay expanded to 19 stations from Caldecott to Bayshore... It affected train services in both directions.
1 min
Wetter conditions expected in last few days of year's first fortnight
Singaporeans can expect a wet start to the new year, with rain forecast for the next two weeks, said the Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) on Jan 2.
2 mins
Berita Harian documentary marks two decades since tsunami hit Aceh
Video exploring how survivors have rebuilt their lives a milestone for the newsroom
2 mins
Jail for pair linked to bogus scheme that lured 2,000 investors
Fraud mastermind sentenced to 10½ years in jail and ordered to pay $3.65m penalty
3 mins
2 Indonesian vessels intercepted in Singapore waters by Police Coast Guard
Two Indonesian fishing vessels were intercepted in Singapore's territorial waters near Tuas by a Police Coast Guard (PCG) boat on Dec 24, 2024, and advised to leave the area.
1 min
Jail for security officer who helped syndicate smuggle contraband
He was meant to stop the bad guys.
2 mins
Singapore stocks inch up 0.03% amid struggle for direction
Seatrium the STI's top gainer and most actively transacted | Jardine Matheson the biggest decliner; local banks mixed | Wall St's key indexes all dip, continuing downbeat trend
1 min
Tesla's China Sales Rise to Record High in 2024, Bucking Global Decline
EV maker still narrowly ahead of rival BYD with annual global sales of 1.79 million cars
3 mins
India Again Bans Ex-Broker Who Triggered 2001 Stock Market Crash
Former stock broker Ketan Parekh, who shook India's stock market at the turn of the century in one of the worst financial scandals in its history, has been banned by the securities market regulator, this time for allegedly front-running trades of a US-based fund.
1 min
Nvidia's remarkable stock surge mints three board billionaires
Nvidia's banner year supercharged chief executive Jensen Huang's net worth to new heights.
2 mins
India's IPO boom turns seven entrepreneurs into billionaires
Many are early movers in renewable energy sector; equity market also on a roll in 2024
3 mins
SingPost May Offer Dividend After Sale of Assets
Beleaguered national postal service provider Singapore Post could offer a potentially \"significant\" special dividend after it completes its planned sale of two business units, said Maybank on Jan 3.
1 min
Beijing to subsidise smartphone purchases in bid to lift spending
China will expand consumption subsidies to cover smartphones and other electronics, in a step to promote domestic spending as external headwinds pick up.
1 min
China to tighten export curbs for technology to make battery materials
China is planning tougher scrutiny on exports of technology to make battery materials, as Beijing looks to protect its grip on a crucial supply chain amid rising global trade tensions.
2 mins
China AI firm SenseTime reportedly cutting back on Singapore office space
Move underscores how pioneer is grappling with new rivals in a crowded AI industry
2 mins
Retail Sales Here Dip in November; About Half of Sector Sees Decline
Takings at the till dropped 0.7%, in a sharp reversal from the 2.4% growth in October
2 mins
Kskin among 26 brands honoured at Singapore Prestige Brand Award
Local firm Kskin was established only in 2020 but it has already clinched one of Singapore's most coveted brand awards.
2 mins
Crypto industry dreams of a golden era under Trump
The sector expects lighter regulation and wider adoption under the President-elect, but some worry about systemic risks.
8 mins
Why 2025 could be a make-or-break year for the US in Asia
The superpower has been ceding ground to China in Asia and Trump's hard-nosed agenda may make matters worse.
6 mins
Different paths for middle powers India and Australia
A Donald Trump return also brings into sharper focus the dilemma of managing relations with the US and China.
3 mins
Reckoning in US-China ties looms as Trump prepares to take office
Watching all this across the Pacific will be the same adversary Donald Trump faced in 2017, husbanding an economy that is weaker by all accounts. Can President Xi Jinping, shaken by a property meltdown and ebbing foreign investment, call his bluff?
5 mins
A Test for Japan, a Reversal of Fortunes on Korean Peninsula
In a region where the gravest threat is viewed as coming from China – and the other East Asian giant, South Korea – is temporarily in turmoil, Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba asserts that the lynchpin for East Asia's security is the US-Japan alliance.
4 mins
Risks for Russia and eye on Israel's moves
One other geopolitical uncertainty haunts South-east Asia in 2025: How the two hot wars will pan out.
3 mins
South-east Asia to make adjustments
In this contested world, how will South-east Asia fare?
4 mins
Filipino dads and grandmothers are making waves on TikTok
From performing quirky dance moves to donning funny costumes, some tap the social media platform to help put food on the table.
6 mins
Victory Eases Ong Into New KL Set-Up
Moving team wholesale key to champion trainer, even Queiroz will reunite at CNY
2 mins
Capital Delight To Make A Point
1 Country Dancer ticks plenty of boxes, backing up quickly and stepping up in trip. He impressed two starts ago with a breakthrough win before producing a fast-finishing second down the 1,000m Sha Tin straight.
5 mins
Thunder Strike For The 13Th Time
They post another strong third quarter to extend winning streak with Clippers win
3 mins
Hoge Leads The Sentry After Putting Family First
Tom Hoge has backed off the grind recently, but he looked to be in fine form on Jan. 2.
2 mins
Cavaliers Want Perfect Journey to the West
The Cleveland Cavaliers bid to continue their dominance of Western Conference representatives on Jan 3 (Jan 4, Singapore time) when they complete a four-game road trip against the Dallas Mavericks.
2 mins
Inspired Opelka plays his ace to stun Djokovic
Novak Djokovic's hunt for a landmark 100th ATP title ended with a whimper following an unexpected 7-6 (8-6), 6-3 defeat by big-serving Reilly Opelka in the Brisbane International quarter-finals on Jan 3.
2 mins
Raducanu Will Be Back For Chilli Crab
British 2021 US Open champion among big names for S'pore Tennis Open during CNY
2 mins
On Australia's vast lands, a summer religion unfolds: Sport
On an azure sea, a surfer dances with the waves. On a sloping beach, a man bowls to his son.
3 mins
Tuchel's reign starts with Spurs v Magpies game
Thomas Tuchel will mark the official start of his England reign by watching Tottenham Hotspur play Newcastle United in the Premier League on Jan 4.
2 mins
Dyche unfazed by Maupay's Toffees jibe, sees 'bigger picture'
Everton manager Sean Dyche insists he has more important things to worry about than Neal Maupay mocking the club on social media.
2 mins
EPL Chief Takes Aim At Club World Cup
Masters wary of effects of expanded 2025 tournament, raises concerns over regulator
3 mins
Guardiola Wants City To Regain Their Consistency
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola could be feeling just a bit more positive in this new year, as he prepares for his team's English Premier League home clash against West Ham United on Jan 4.
2 mins
Arsenal Are Title-Ready: Jesus
Four-time EPL champion believes Gunners now have the experience to go all the way
3 mins
Ain's Aim Is Pro Football In Liga F
Latest UTR scholarship recipient will spend four years with youth side of Madrid CFF
3 mins
Comeback queen Ko targets HSBC trophy
In a 2024 sporting season that delivered thrills and triumphs, Lydia Ko deservedly earned her crown as the queen of comebacks.
2 mins
Come Sail Away
Travel in style aboard asymmetrical cruise ships, with guest diversions galore
5 mins
Colour your 2025 with trending hues
Mocha Mousse and Cinnamon Slate are among colour industry players' picks of the year
3 mins
Osaka Expo's 'Grand Ring' a symbol of unity, says architect
A towering wooden \"Grand Ring\" built for Expo 2025 in Osaka pays homage to Japan's architectural history and is a symbol of unity despite criticism over costs, its creator says.
2 mins
Monochromatic cool
A vibrant family life flourishes in this black-and-white Build-To-Order flat
2 mins
The backsplash could be the star of your kitchen
When designing a kitchen, it is normal to obsess over appliances, cabinets, and counters. But there is another element that deserves just as much attention: the backsplash.
3 mins
Heritage meets modernity in Beach Road for Peter Tay
Who: Interior designer Peter Tay, 52, is best known as the designer to the stars. His love of parlaying reflective surfaces such as mirrors and glossy surfaces into decor accents that add depth and create optical illusions is a calling card.
3 mins
It seems to lean closer to the Cooper than the Countryman
Like the rest of the Fab Four, drummer Ringo Starr of English rock band The Beatles had a customized Mini Cooper in the 1960s.
4 mins
Fast Lane
ICY FUN AT ICE-DRIVING COURSES IN ARCTIC CIRCLE
1 min
Dungeons & Dragons rolls the dice with new rules about identity
While solving quests in Dungeons & Dragons, the gamers who role-play as elves, orcs and halflings rely on the abilities and personalities of their custom-made characters, whose innate charisma and strength are as crucial to success as the rolls of a 20-sided die.
4 mins
Wi Ha-joon Was 'Quite Worried' Over Squid Game Role
The actor fretted over how to portray his character and felt a lot of stress
4 mins
BTS' J-Hope, Squid Game star Yim Si-wan among celebs donating money
South Korean rapper J-Hope of K-pop boy band BTS has joined fellow celebrities in donating money to help the families of the victims of the deadly air crash in Muan county, South Korea.
1 min
Neil Young withdraws from Glastonbury music fest
Folk legend Neil Young has pulled out of the Glastonbury music festival in 2025, alleging it has fallen under \"the corporate control\" of its partner BBC.
2 mins
Meghan Markle's lifestyle show to premiere on Jan 15 on Netflix
Meghan Markle, the former actress wife of Britain's Prince Harry, will launch her new lifestyle and cooking show on Netflix on Jan 15, she announced on social media on Jan 2.
1 min
The Straits Times Newspaper Description:
Publisher: SPH Media Limited
Category: Newspaper
Language: English
Frequency: Daily
Unlock your access to award-winning journalism on Singapore and the world. With bureaus in major cities around the world, The Straits Times correspondents bring world news to readers on a Singapore platter, helping them appreciate world events from a Singaporean perspective.
Cancel Anytime [ No Commitments ]
Digital Only
