Stories from Singapore

The Profiteering Commission interviewed Young Master Yusuf and several employees from Straits Cattle Trading regarding meat trade pricing. Investigators found the company generated high profits from mutton sales despite making standard profits from cattle.

The Institute of Technical Education is providing security operations trainees with an immersive facility to prepare for frontline operations. The training centre aims to ensure a steady pipeline of security personnel. Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs Faisal Ibrahim stated the program aims to build a security workforce capable of harnessing advanced technology. The center is intended to ensure a steady pipeline of security prevention professionals. Ibrahim noted such programs serve as a key pathway to attract and develop ITE graduates for the home team. The center features an ICA zone with mock-ups including vehicular search areas and x-ray scanners for hands-on border operations training. The two and a half year program has attracted over 90 trainees per cohort. Simulations are also used to help trainees manage complex security situations.

Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan stated Singapore will champion stronger economic ties between the European Union and Southeast Asia. Balakrishnan expressed a desire to accelerate an EU-ASEAN free trade deal to bolster trade dependence. The initiative will be supported by the European Chamber of Commerce, also known as EuroCham, in Singapore. The announcement comes as part of broader regional economic engagement strategies.

Singapore's Ministry of Trade and Industry said it stands ready to support businesses regarding global energy developments. The ministry noted that such developments will impact firms and will continue engaging them to understand needs and concerns.

Maristella High School will transition to a co-educational model in 2027. The primary section will have 330 vacancies for the upcoming June registration exercise, which is an increase of 60 vacancies compared to 2025.

Singapore is one of the countries that still allows corporal punishment for certain violations. In schools, corporal punishment has been implemented with restrictions, such as only for cases where the level of violence is severe or repetitive, and limited to male students. Reactions from parents and the education community are divided. Some voices support it, arguing that moderate punishments are ineffective, while criticism is also.

Singapore is inducting a record number of athletes into its Sports Excellence or Specs program. A total of 250 athletes will receive support under the initiative. The program aims to increase investment in national athletes.

Jeff Moss, the founder of Defcon, discussed ethical hacking and the importance of the convention for practice. He noted that the event provides a space for people to begin practicing skills, such as in the lock picking village.

The corporate income tax rebate announced in Budget 2026 will be increased to 50%. The minimum benefit and benefits cap will also be raised for eligible companies. Eligible businesses will receive this enhanced support starting at the end of April 2026. Additionally, the energy efficiency grant will be expanded to all sectors and extended until March 31, 2028, to support the adoption of energy-efficient equipment. The Singaporean government is providing a $600 rebate for all eligible citizens. Officials stated the government is prepared to build sufficient buffers and respond swiftly to problems. The measure aims to ensure no citizen bears financial burdens alone. This follows previous discussions regarding corporate income tax rebates in the region.

More than 60 primary schools in Singapore will reduce their Primary 1 intake for the year 2027. There are 17 decommissioned schools currently under consideration for reuse. The source noted that some schools previously owned by missionaries may be available for this purpose. The discussion included the history of certain schools previously owned by missionaries. Matthew Matthews from the Institute of Policy Studies Social Lab discussed the impact of educational systems and student pressure. Some parents suggest smaller cohorts could benefit community building and reduce teacher workloads. Over 60 schools in Singapore will see a reduction in student intake during the upcoming registration exercise in June. Officials suggest smaller classes may reduce teacher burnout and allow for more focus on student mental health.