Tins, tablets and trust: The business of fund raising in Singapore
Singapore's shift from volunteer flag days to paid tablet fundraisers raises trust concerns as donors struggle to tell legitimate charity appeals from sales.
Horizon Vision
The coming vote for Europe’s soul
European lawmakers should reject the US trade deal. It violates core WTO principles of non-discrimination, undermining global stability. History shows that protectionism breeds conflict, making adherence to international law vital for Europe's standing.
Opening private markets to retail investors: How Singapore can do it safely
Singapore is exploring ways to safely grant retail investors access to private markets through new frameworks, emphasizing the need for investor education, strict regulatory guardrails, and transparent risk disclosures.
How Singapore can become the ‘Switzerland of chips’
Singapore can become the "Switzerland of chips" by leveraging its neutrality, logistics, and governance to integrate global capital, talent, and data, rather than competing in advanced chip manufacturing.
Malaysia, Indonesia explore proposed MoU to tackle transboundary haze
Malaysia and Indonesia are exploring an environmental MoU to share hotspot data and prevent transboundary haze; Malaysia’s firefighting aid offer was accepted. ASEAN aims for haze-free region by 2030
Vietnam admits ‘differing opinions’ on Hanoi development
Vietnam's leader acknowledged differing opinions on Hanoi's flagship development after consultation revealed over a quarter opposed; residents fear demolitions and displacement.
Construction robots on trial in Jurong could be deployed as early as 2028
Singapore is trialing autonomous construction robots in Jurong to address labor shortages and improve safety, with potential deployment by 2028.
AI safety warnings rattle tech stocks: Should Singapore investors worry?
AI safety warnings have rattled tech stocks. Analysts say Singaporean firms are resilient due to diversified earnings, but investors should monitor long-term valuation risks.
How Trump’s immigration crackdown is putting pressure on Indonesians in the US
Trump’s aggressive immigration crackdown has created widespread fear and uncertainty for Indonesians in the US, forcing many to seek asylum as a last resort despite low success rates and increased deportation risks.
Malaysia’s wage growth lags behind GDP as ‘top firms are not scaling’ – what gives?
Malaysia's wage growth lags GDP because top firms fail to scale due to structural barriers. To boost wages, the economy must shift from efficiency to innovation by internationalizing and developing higher-value sectors.
Major disaster response exercise involving 19 countries taking place in Indonesia
Indonesia is hosting Exercise Trident Resolve, a major disaster response exercise involving 19 countries to test coordination in disaster relief, cyber security, and medicine.
Spain’s housing crisis bursts into the spotlight at snap election
Spain’s housing crisis dominated its snap election as renters demand controls and parties clash over rent caps versus new construction; government later approved contested housing decrees.