Commentary

Singaporean SMEs struggle with AI search visibility. Despite ranking on Google, they lack the technical schema and structure required for AI engines to cite them, risking invisibility in the new search era.

The US-Iran ceasefire remains fragile as indirect talks stall. With the 60-day deadline for a permanent peace deal approaching, the lack of progress and unresolved foundational disputes suggest that the current agreement serves only as a temporary pause rather than a path to stability.

At the 2026 National Day Parade, singer Asnida Daud will perform a song in the Orang Laut dialect. This family-composed piece honors Singapore’s coastal native heritage and maritime history, aiming to preserve the community's stories and language for future generations during the parade's third act.

The Singapore Workplace Report 2026 reveals that 86 percent of employees are disengaged, costing billions in lost productivity. To address this, organizations must prioritize human-centric leadership, as supportive managers are essential for fostering a productive and engaged workforce.

While pay and career growth are important, feeling valued by managers is crucial for employee engagement. Research shows that leadership quality significantly impacts workplace satisfaction, as employees thrive when they feel their contributions matter and they are treated with genuine respect.

Thousands of Iglesia Ni Cristo members protested in Manila against the potential arrest of Senator Rodante Marcoleta. The protest follows charges of graft related to undeclared campaign funds, highlighting the sect's political influence and deep ties to the Duterte dynasty.

The US-Iran deal could reopen new trade routes for Asia. For India and China, stable energy flows through the Gulf are vital. The outcome depends on whether Iran becomes a usable hub or remains an economic risk zone.

US Secretary Hegseth’s demand that allies spend 3.5% of GDP on defense is alarming. This risks an arms race in Southeast Asia, diverting critical resources from development and undermining Asean's diplomatic focus on regional peace.

Vietnam is rapidly emerging as Southeast Asia’s leader, outpacing Thailand’s stagnation and instability. Singapore provides principled stewardship. Regional challenges include border disputes and Myanmar’s volatile politics, which remains heavily influenced by China.

Myanmar aims to rejoin ASEAN by the next summit, balancing diplomacy with ongoing military operations. However, ASEAN leaders insist on meaningful progress and strict adherence to the Five-Point Consensus before accepting any full return.

Powell is praised for his political skill and standing up to Trump. However, critics point to failures in managing inflation during COVID-19 and questionable policy shifts. His legacy is mixed, facing challenges for the Fed's future stability.

The modest US-Iran MOU de-escalates an economic war by allowing mutual concessions. It buys time, enabling both sides to claim partial victories: reopening trade and retaining sovereignty for future peace talks.