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Singapore shares rose on Monday’s open—STI gained 0.6%

SG Economy

Mary Alavanza

November 11, 2024

Singapore shares rose on Monday’s open—STI gained 0.6%

SINGAPORE: Singapore shares rose on Monday’s open, Nov 11, following a weekend of mixed results in overseas markets.

The Straits Times Index (STI) gained 0.6%, or 21.55 points, reaching 3,745.92 by 9:01 am, as reported by The Business Times.

In the broader market, 78 stocks gained while 61 declined, with 62.2 million securities valued at S$122.4 million traded.

Investment holding company HS Optimus led trading volume.

The company, which is involved in investment, door manufacturing, and property businesses, traded flat at S$0.002, with 7.5 million shares exchanged.

Other actively traded stocks included Chasen Holdings, a mainboard-listed logistics company, which gained 2.7% or S$0.003 to S$0.114, and telecom giant Singtel, which dropped 1.5%, or S$0.05, to S$3.20.

Banking stocks opened strong at the start of the trading day. UOB gained 2.3%, or S$0.81, to S$36.50. OCBC also rose 1.7%, or S$0.27, reaching S$16.33, while DBS climbed 0.7%, or S$0.30, moving up to S$42.70.

Wall Street stocks gained last week, driven by expectations for business-friendly policies following Donald Trump’s presidential win and a likely Republican majority in Congress.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.6% to close at 43,988.99, while the S&P 500 rose 0.4% to finish at 5,995.54. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index edged up 0.1% to close at 19,286.78.

European equities declined, affected by disappointing stimulus measures from China and concerns that tariffs under Trump’s presidency could impact economic growth. The pan-European Stoxx 600 Index was down 0.7%, closing at 506.63. /TISG

Featured image by Depositphotos

New citizen Kyoga Nakamura included in Lions squad for friendly match against Myanmar & Chinese Taipei

Sports

Khalis Rifhan

November 11, 2024

New citizen Kyoga Nakamura included in Lions squad for friendly match against Myanmar & Chinese Taipei

SINGAPORE: The Singapore men’s national football team head coach Tsutomu Ogura has announced a 26-man squad for their upcoming friendly matches against Myanmar and Chinese Taipei in November as part of their preparations for the biennial ASEAN Football Federation Championship (ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup) next month.

The Lions will take on Myanmar on Nov 14 and face Chinese Taipei four days later.

Both matches will be played at the Singapore Sports Hub at 8 pm. Tickets are priced from $13 (CAT 3) and $27 (CAT2 2), with the best seat in the centre area of the stadium for the home fans selling at $44 (CAT 1).

International Friendly – Singapore vs Myanmar – Tickets Price (Photo: Website screengrab / ticketek)

This will be the Lions’ first match in front of their home supporters since their last outing at the Singapore Sports Hub in June when they suffered a 7-0 defeat to South Korea in the World Cup qualifiers.

Singapore ended the qualifiers with yet another defeat, 3-0 to Thailand in the same month.

Since those losses, Singapore has embarked on a rebuilding journey to fine-tune their skills and build upon momentum for future competitions.

In September, they played friendly matches against clubs Tampines Rovers BG (Singapore) and Malaysia’s Johor Darul Takzim.

In October, the Lions set off on a training tour to Japan, where they faced off against Japanese clubs in a series of friendly matches.

Their journey began with a humbling 4-0 defeat to FC Tokyo, but the team showed resilience and grit in their next outing, clinching a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Tokyo Verdy.

However, their Japanese sojourn ended on a disappointing note, as they suffered a crushing 7-1 loss to Yokohama F. Marinos.

Singapore men’s national team head coach Tsutomu Ogura (Photo credit: Football Association of Singapore)

Now, head coach Ogura is eager to see his national team players harness the energy of their passionate home fans and use their support as a catalyst to motivate the players’ performances on the field.

“We’ve missed the fans for about five months. So, I very much appreciated the support in June. It was a fantastic atmosphere. It encouraged the players.

We are moving forward in the next game, November window, we have two games,” said head coach Ogura in an interview posted by the Football Association of Singapore.

“Same like June, I hope that the players also prepare to show a good game for the fans in the stadium.

It is important for the (ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup), to prepare. This is the most important thing,” he added.

Although head coach Ogura can tap on the services of a new citizen, Tampines Rovers midfielder Kyoga Nakamura, who received his Singapore citizenship last month, the Lions will be without several players who are plying their trade in Thailand.

Irfan Fandi (Port FC), Ikhsan Fandi, Ilhan Fandi (both from BG Pathum United), and Harhys Stewart from Chiangrai United, as well as Lion City Sailors’ Song Ui-young, are not named in the Lions squad for the November friendly matches.

The Straits Times reported that Irfan, Ikhsan and Harhys are recovering from their injuries and that the trio will unlikely be released by their Thailand clubs to participate in the regional tournament in December.

“Two games, ‘A’ friendly matches at home. Good preparation for the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup.

When we were preparing in the September and October international windows, we played in friendly games but not official FIFA international games.

For November, these are official games for us, and it’s very important.” added Lions’ head coach Ogura.

The Singapore head coach also shared that the national team are in full preparation mode, and the players are fighting for their place in the final squad list for the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup.

Singapore is in Group A in the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup. They will begin their campaign by hosting Cambodia on Dec 11 and Timor-Leste in an away match on Dec 14.

Their final two round-robin matches will be against tournament favourites Thailand at home on Dec 17, and they will travel to the Bukit Jalil National Stadium to face Malaysia on Dec 20.

30yo man earning five figures a month stumped after his date criticized him for living a thrifty lifestyle and for not owning a car

Featured News
Relationships

Yoko Nicole

November 11, 2024

30yo man earning five figures a month stumped after his date criticized him for living a thrifty lifestyle and for not owning a car

SINGAPORE: A 27-year-old man was stumped after his date criticized him for not owning a car.

In a post on Reddit’s ‘Ask Singapore’ forum, he shared that he had met the 28-year-old woman at a mutual friend’s party, where they ‘hit it off’ and exchanged numbers.

“We were texting for 2-3 weeks. So we decided to go on a date,” he explained.

However, things took an unexpected turn on the day of their outing. Early on, the man realized that the woman had done some prior research on him, having looked up his LinkedIn profile and social media.

She casually mentioned that ‘she knew where he worked’ and even commented on the ‘lucrative nature of his industry,’ hinting that she had pieced together a rough estimate of his financial situation.

“She would ask how much I spend and why I do not have a car despite my above-average salary,” he said.

“For context, I work in an investment bank, and I draw five figures monthly, but I am a thrifty guy, so I limit my consumption to S$1K, and for the rest, I save, invest, and pay the mortgage.”

He explained that he didn’t feel comfortable sharing all his financial details on a first date, so he kept his response simple:

“I have better use for my finances, and a car is a liability since I got an apartment in CBD, and my office is just a 5-7 minute walk away.”

Unfortunately, his reasoning didn’t seem to impress her. She responded by bringing up other men she’d dated who also lived in the CBD and owned cars.

“She said I should aim higher. She even said I should not make excuses for being unable to afford a car,” he explained further.

Though he managed to stay calm throughout the date, the experience made him question whether “the 5Cs are still what Singaporeans are chasing and if these material possessions still judge us.”

Growing up, he recalled hearing the older generation speak about the 5Cs—Cash, Car, Condo, Credit Card, and Country Club Membership—as the ultimate measure of success.

The belief was that once you attained all five, you were living the “Singaporean dream.”

“I always thought this idea was very passé and that there are other ways to measure success now—until recently when I went on a date with this girl,” he wrote.

“The 5 Cs have been outdated for quite a while now”

In the comments section, many Singaporean Redditors chimed in, with several expressing that they found the woman’s behaviour toxic and materialistic.

One Redditor said, “She’s only after you because she knows your industry is lucrative, and you’re likely to be above average in monetary terms.”

Another commented, “I’m a girl, and it’s pretty weird and rude for her to question such things on the first date.

It’s not wrong to be curious about a man’s salary and background if you’re looking at him as a potential partner and need stability, but there is an appropriate timing for that.”

Others observed that while the 5 Cs might still hold appeal for some, many in today’s generation prioritize financial independence, freedom, and meaningful experiences over mere status symbols.

One Redditor added, “The 5 Cs have been outdated for quite a while now, especially for those in their 20s and 30s. You can forget about condos unless you already are upper middle class.

Nobody in that age range cares about country clubs. Cars are more about trading money for time rather than a pure luxury.”

Earlier this year, many Singaporeans also openly admitted that instead of fixating on the 5 Cs, they are now focusing on more meaningful goals, like achieving financial independence and early retirement (FIRE).

They pointed out that country clubs have been irrelevant for years and that nearly everyone now owns a credit card—even those with low income.

Housing prices have also surged since COVID-19, with any decent-sized condo costing around more than S$1 million, making it unlikely that most people aim to own one.

Featured image by Depositphotos (for illustration purposes only)

Singaporean workers are pressured by their new foreign boss who forces them to donate 5-10% of their monthly salary to some overseas ‘charity’

Featured News
Lifestyle

Yoko Nicole

November 11, 2024

Singaporean workers are pressured by their new foreign boss who forces them to donate 5-10% of their monthly salary to some overseas ‘charity’

SINGAPORE: A Singaporean worker took to social media on Sunday (Oct 3) to share his troubling experience with a foreign boss pressuring him and other employees to donate to an overseas “charity.”

In a lengthy post on Reddit’s ‘Ask Singapore’ forum, the worker explained that he has been working at this bank for almost three years and has never encountered anything like this before.

He described how the atmosphere at the workplace drastically changed when the new boss, who transferred from the Dubai branch, took over.

The boss immediately implemented a series of micromanagement tactics that made employees feel uncomfortable and stressed.

“[He] started with giving notices of how each person spent time at the pantry, not replying to emails asap, etc.—an endless list of things,” the worker wrote.

Then, the situation escalated when the boss introduced the idea of mandatory donations to support a charity that purportedly helps displaced people in conflict zones overseas.

“He’s heavily involved with politics and so-called charities outside of SG,” the worker explained.

“He made it mandatory for everyone to donate at least 5-10% of their monthly salary every 2-3 months to the cause. He said it was going to PRCF and Red Crescent,” the worker added.

When HR stepped in and said the mandatory donations weren’t feasible, the boss retaliated with a campaign of harassment.

His boss went around each department and placed immense pressure on employees to donate to the cause.

“There was daily gaslighting, exclusion from meetings, spam email reminders, slack messages, etc. A lot gave in after 1-2 weeks just to go back to normal life,” he said.

Currently, the worker said that his department is being singled out for these donations, and his name is on the list of people expected to contribute.

However, he expressed no intention of doing so, as he has no idea who is running the overseas charity and is strongly against this cause.

“I’d have donated to a cause if it aligned with my beliefs, had a proven track record and was mainly located in Singapore,” he said.

“I am definitely never going to put a single cent into their hands,” he exclaimed.

When he asked the boss for proof, his boss explained that the company accountant held the “money to wire it to the charity later. He said he would provide proof by sending us the remittance receipt after everyone donates.”

“I am going to resist till the end and get fired. I don’t mind if this is all a scam, and he’s living off this,” he expressed.

“This is an extremely unethical practice”

In the Reddit thread, many Singaporean Redditors were also suspicious of the boss’s tactics.

While some understood that the boss might genuinely want to contribute to humanitarian aid, they felt pressuring everyone to donate to a cause that not everyone believes in was unprofessional.

One Redditor said, “Please report him. I work in a bank, and I also believe in giving back to the community, either through volunteer work or donations. However, there is no pressure, and our donations are tax-deductible.”

Another commented, “This is an extremely unethical practice. Even those paying charities overseas, I find this extremely unethical.”

Others offered suggestions on handling the situation, encouraging the worker to document everything and consider reporting the harassment to higher management or even external authorities if necessary.

One Redditor said, “You all donated, and he got the credit. All of you should collect all the evidence and mail it to the bank’s HQ. Make him lose his job.”

Ministry of Home Affairs’ warning

In January 2024, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued a statement warning against using Singapore for political campaigning or fundraising.

“Persons visiting, working, or living in Singapore should not use Singapore to conduct political campaigning or fundraising to further a political agenda overseas,” the MHA said.

If anyone notices a suspicious charity or fundraising event or has any concerns about it, they are encouraged to contact [email protected]

Additionally, any suspicious transactions or suspected terrorist financing activities should be reported to the Suspicious Transactions Reporting Office (STRO) under the Commercial Affairs Department.

Featured image by Depositphotos (for illustration purposes only)

Maid says her employer doesn’t allow her to use her phone except on weekends for 7 years but then allows a new maid to use her phone freely

Domestic Helpers
Featured News

Yoko Nicole

November 11, 2024

Maid says her employer doesn’t allow her to use her phone except on weekends for 7 years but then allows a new maid to use her phone freely

SINGAPORE: A maid took to social media to share that she felt “sad” after finding out that her employers had relaxed the rules for the newly hired second maid.

In an anonymous post on the ‘MDW in Singapore’ Facebook group on Saturday (Nov 2), the maid revealed that her employers had been confiscating her phone during weekdays for the past seven years.

“I suggested they give me my phone at night after my work was done, but they didn’t agree to it,” she said.

However, the helper was surprised when the second maid, who was recently hired to take care of the elderly members of the household, was allowed to use her phone freely all the time.

She mentioned that her colleague could contact her family daily while she was left “listening to the radio and waiting for the day she would get her phone back.”

She added, “I’m not the kind of person who always borrows things from others. Is it normal for me to feel sad about it? Please advise me, thanks.”

“Let them (the family) know your issues”

In the comments section, netizens found the situation unfair, especially since the first maid had been with the family for around seven years.

They felt that this length of time should have earned her more trust and flexibility from her employers.

One netizen exclaimed, “Whoa, for 7 years still never let you hold your phone… Let them know your issues. I guess 7 years is enough to gain their trust, right?”

Another said, “It’s unfair. Do not renew your contract with them. Find another employer.”

On the other hand, some netizens tried to defend the employers, suggesting that the rule might have been set because ‘maids often get distracted by their phones while working.’

One netizen expressed, “Maids tend to glue themselves to their phones even while working! Even bosses or CEOs of big companies are not on the phone 24/7!

At night, they play games loudly on their phones while the poor ah ma struggle to sleep!

Might as well not come to Singapore to work… Stay back in their own country and interact with their friends in person lah, instead of through the phone 24/7!

Now, of course, we understand they need phones, but don’t you think allocating a specific time for usage is more professional and appropriate? They’re supposed to be professionals too, you know.”

What does the Ministry of Manpower recommend?

1. Set up a phone schedule

Like any worker, domestic helpers need time to relax and connect with their family and friends back home.

So, instead of just banning phone use altogether, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) encourages employers to set up a phone schedule.

Having a set time for the helper to use her phone makes things clear and fair for everyone, which can help avoid any confusion or frustration down the line.

That said, employers should understand that sometimes things come up unexpectedly, even with a schedule.

The helper may need to make a quick call outside the agreed time—whether for an emergency or to check in with loved ones.

2. Explain why phone use needs limits

In addition, the Ministry also suggests that the employers explain to the helper that some tasks—like cooking, cleaning, caring for the children or elderly family members, and giving out medication—require full attention, and it’s better to avoid using the phone while doing these activities.

The Ministry advises, “Explain to her that using the phone in such instances can endanger your family and herself. In fact, using the phone can be dangerous even when she’s outside the home—for instance when she’s crossing the road.”

3. Talk about phone use when it gets out of hand

If employers notice the helper is spending too much time on the phone and not doing her work properly, they should bring it up politely.

They can also mention that using the phone late at night can affect her sleep, making her less safe or productive at work.

4. Remind the helper not to share any personal details on social media

Finally, it’s important to remind helpers not to share personal details or photos of the family or home without permission.

They should also avoid posting anything that could be misused, including sensitive information.

Featured image by Depositphotos (for illustration purposes only)

Singaporean says, “I don’t date diploma holders because their earning capability is limited and will be a problem with household finances”

Featured News
Relationships

Yoko Nicole

November 11, 2024

Singaporean says, “I don’t date diploma holders because their earning capability is limited and will be a problem with household finances”

SINGAPORE: Academic qualifications play a significant role in job applications, but are they also relevant in the dating scene? This question emerged recently on the r/sgdatingscene subreddit forum.

One Reddit user admitted that, at first, he didn’t think “this kind of qualification” mattered in love. He figured that personality and shared interests were more important. But as he got older, his views shifted.

Now, he feels that education makes a difference, especially considering long-term compatibility.

He explained that besides how much someone earns, things like “mindset, frequencies, and wavelength” shape how people communicate and connect.

With different education levels, couples might think differently, approach problems uniquely, and even have different communication styles.

Another user echoed this sentiment and said that, based on her personal experience, it does matter.

While in graduate school, she dated a man with a diploma, but they often clashed over finances—she prioritized saving, while he tended to spend freely.

“He seemed very willing to spend and didn’t have much savings,” she wrote.

A third user admitted, “Yes. I don’t date diploma holders because their earning capability will likely be limited and will be a problem with household finances.”

“They are all just pieces of paper; it means nothing in the dating world”

Still, a few users pushed back against this view, arguing that it’s all about compromising and adjusting your habits for your partner.

One user, who holds a diploma, shared that his fiancée has a degree.

“I would say we got some values and morale aligned + adapting to each other. Being in a relationship needs two efforts from both parties. Give and take, ar,” he said.

Another user said that rather than academic qualifications, being well-read or informed about certain topics is more important. “This will give you depth when you discuss topics with your future partner,” he wrote.

He added, “Ultimately, a degree, a master’s, a doctorate are all just pieces of paper that qualify you for higher-end jobs. Means nothing in the dating world.”

Is education an important quality to look for in a partner?

While education certainly offers a glimpse into a person’s character, most experts agree that it doesn’t paint the whole picture.

According to a student, Dominika Sokolewicz, on Medium, a writing platform where various individuals share their insights, a university degree doesn’t necessarily mean someone is “educated” in the fullest sense, as it doesn’t always correlate with wisdom, emotional intelligence, or interpersonal skills.

Therefore, instead of concentrating on their academic background, it’s more important to consider if you and your potential partner are “intellectually compatible.”

Do you share the same values? Can you discuss topics of mutual interest at the same intellectual depth?

Additionally, it’s crucial to understand why someone chooses not to pursue higher education. Did they use that period to acquire skills essential for their career?

Did they opt for self-study or gain practical experience? If so, that might be more important than holding a degree.

Another aspect to think about is their view of your educational achievements. If you choose to be with this person, will they feel threatened? Will they celebrate your achievements?

Are you sure he or she won’t be bitter if you continue advancing your career? Will that person feel intimidated?

Experts recommend that you ask yourself these questions.

Featured image by Depositphotos (for illustration purposes only)

Burmese man in Singapore shocked at ‘the amount of sacrifices’ SG’s migrant workers have to go through to survive

Featured News
Singapore News

Anna Maria Romero

November 11, 2024

Burmese man in Singapore shocked at ‘the amount of sacrifices’ SG’s migrant workers have to go through to survive

SINGAPORE: A Burmese vlogger based in Singapore posted a video on YouTube titled “What It’s REALLY Like to be a Migrant Worker in Singapore?”

The content was based on his encounters with migrant workers, some of whom he gives part-time employment in his brewery.

The vlogger, who goes by Zabu on social media, said a few times at the beginning of the video that he was uncertain whether to post it due to the sensitivity of some of the things he touched on.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJzfOLWn9cc&t=1s

One was the cramped conditions where the workers live, as Mr Zabu showed a bedroom full of bunk beds, with personal items strewn haphazardly all over the place.

“This is absolutely crazy, man,” he whispers while walking through the room. “This one room beside the toilet. Crazy,” he exclaimed.

The camera also pans to the stairway landing chock-full of shoes in piles.

Mr Zabu said that the amount the workers pay is not proportionate to how they live, although they agreed to this before coming to Singapore.

He claimed eight men are paying S$350 per person to share a room, though they are not registered at this address.

The other two, who are not Burmese nationals but come from other countries, pay S$500 each and are the registered occupants of the room.

He pointed out three other rooms in the flat in the same situation.

Mr Zabu had an opportunity to meet the landlord, whom he described as not very welcoming toward him since he was a new face after all.

Outside, he added, with a small top-off, one can live much more comfortably, though he admitted being unfamiliar with this type of arrangement and wondered if it is allowed.

The workers he spoke to cooked dinner for him, which they enjoyed in the open area outside the flat.

“Human to human, I’m learning about their life,” he said. “The amount of sacrifices they go through. But this is life; not everyone is lucky enough to live life as we want to,” he added.

He also expressed anger at whoever made the workers’ living arrangements, calculating that at 10 people per room paying a total of S$3,500, three rooms would mean the owner is earning around S$10,000 per month, he alleged.

“On the one hand, you have an agent and a landlord making a ton of money; on the other hand (you have workers in) bad (living conditions) who can’t do anything about it,” he added, feeling helpless and sad because there’s very little he can do for them.

The Independent Singapore has reached out to Mr Zabu for further comments or updates. /TISG

Bros to the rescue of Donald Trump

Opinion
Sense And Nonsense

Tan Bah Bah

November 10, 2024

When Kamala Harris was conferred the status of “brat” as early as July, Donald Trump obviously had to do something about that. He took an instinctive and transactional gamble – and won.

And the rest was both political and cultural history.

After British pop star Charli XCX appeared to endorse Harris, writing “Kamala IS Brat” in July, the US Vice-President embraced the theme popularised by the mega-hit.

Generally, the hit song celebrated girlhood/womanhood, freedom, insecurity and relationships—all of which resonated with modern females.

“Brat” is the name of Charli’s sixth album, and the singer’s tweet hit nine million shares in just four hours.

Harris seemed to be on a winning streak in the lead-up to the just concluded US presidential election.

Add to Charli XCX the endorsements of super hot pop queens like Taylor Swift and Beyonce, and suddenly, the female vote bank of Harris threatened to become the political tsunami that was going to sweep Donald Trump into the dustbin of American history.

The prospect of Gen Z-ers, millennials and other young voters turning up in full force to prevent him from returning to the White House must have jolted Trump. How was he going to counter this Brat attack?

Newsweek magazine said his son Barron came to his rescue. It was 18-year-old Barron – his only son by Melania the third wife – who suggested to his father to tap into the “bro” universe to counter Harris’ Brat threat.

The magazine went so far as to say: “Key to Trump’s victory? The young men he courted with appearances on podcasts and livestreams hosted by influencers like Joe Rogan, Theo Von, Adin Ross and the Nelk Boys.

The same young men the Democrats thought were all talk and no bite.

Exit poll data show that men aged 18-29 – a group that’s typically disengaged politically – broke for the Republicans for the first time in the last four elections, decisively choosing Trump as their next president by a whopping 13-point margin.”

The Joe Rogan Experience, where Trump practically held court, lasted three hours and was viewed by five million people. Trump was, as expected, very comfortable in this kind of what has been described as the “manosphere”, the antithesis of Harris’ Brat world.

Many of these young are not normally Republicans. In fact, Rogan, who also invited Harris for his show – but she turned it down because they could not agree on the terms – endorsed Bernie Sanders in the 2020 Democratic primary. For this election, he voted for Trump.

According to The Guardian, “Now more than ever, young men are at odds with more liberal young women.”

Initial exit polls in the presidential election showed young men preferred Trump 56% to 42% for Harris, while young women chose Harris 58% to 40% for Trump.

And here’s a crucial finding: These young men, particularly those without a college degree, have expressed feeling unfulfilled, dissatisfied with their jobs and lives, and desirous of a society and home life with traditional gender roles.

Even Trump’s son could see that this was a ready-made campaign support and voter pool all wrapped in one.

Singapore election when?

I am going to be proven wrong. But judging by what Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has said, the general election may be next year.

Top of all issues is the cost of living. The extent of the problem cannot be judged and then addressed until Donald Trump is inaugurated on Jan 20, next year.

You just have to see who will be in his Administration and hear what he says he will do.

And then PM Wong will have to come up with the appropriate budget to slay the COL dragon.

March 2025?

Tan Bah Bah is a former senior leader writer with The Straits Times. He was also managing editor of a magazine publishing company

Featured image by Depositphotos (for illustration purposes only)

Singapore, it’s time to serve! — Excitement builds for the Singapore Tennis Open at Kallang Tennis Hub

Sports

JARA CARBALLO

November 10, 2024

Singapore, it’s time to serve! — Excitement builds for the Singapore Tennis Open at Kallang Tennis Hub

SINGAPORE: Tennis fans in Singapore have something to celebrate as the Singapore Tennis Open returns to the courts from Jan 27 to Feb 2, 2025.

This will be the first Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) event held in Singapore since the WTA Finals in 2018.

According to a Women’s Tennis Association press release, this thrilling event will occur at the state-of-the-art Kallang Tennis Hub, a newly opened venue to host some of the sport’s brightest stars.

Live excitement for two days

Throughout the tournament, which features two days of qualifying matches on Jan 25 and 26 followed by a week of main-draw action, more than 60 matches will unfold on the centre court.

Players from around the world will compete for the coveted Singapore title, and fans can experience the excitement live.

One of the standout features of the tournament is the free admission to all qualifying matches, ensuring that tennis is accessible to everyone. Tickets for the main event have prices starting at just $8 for concession tickets and $44 for groups of four.

Leading the charge as co-tournament directors are Yazed Osman, Group Head of Events & Placemaking at Kallang Alive Sport Management, and Laura Ceccarelli, Chief Operations Officer of APG.

Osman expressed enthusiasm for the event, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome the return of international women’s tennis, which will not only deepen Singapore’s connection with the sport but also build a lasting legacy through extensive community engagement.”

WTA back in Singapore

Ceccarelli echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the significance of bringing back the WTA to Singapore:

“The Kallang Tennis Hub is a fantastic new facility, and it’s a dream come true to kick off our international events here.

The memories of the enthusiastic tennis fans in Singapore are something I cherish, and I’m sure the players will be just as excited to perform for you.”

The event’s vibrant logo and tagline—“Meet, Play, Love”—have been unveiled, capturing the dynamic essence of tennis.

Developed by Havas Play, the logo creatively intertwines the shape of a tennis ball with the letter “S,” symbolizing both Singapore and the sport’s agility.

In addition to the Singapore Tennis Open, the Singapore Tennis Association will also organise a regional competition.

As the countdown to the Singapore Tennis Open begins, the excitement is palpable, promising a week of high-energy tennis and community spirit that will inspire the next generation of tennis stars.

4 Singapore stocks to keep an eye on this November

Personal Finance

Mary Alavanza

November 10, 2024

4 Singapore stocks to keep an eye on this November

SINGAPORE: As the earnings season unfolds, investors are keenly watching the latest results from Singapore’s REITs and blue-chip stocks while keeping an eye on noteworthy business developments like acquisitions and partnerships.

Here are four Singapore stock investors that can keep an eye on this November, according to The Smart Investor.

1. ComfortDelGro Corporation Limited

ComfortDelGro Corporation, or CDG, is a major player in the mobility sector, operating around 40,000 vehicles, including buses, taxis, and rental vehicles.

Last week, the company announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, CityFleet Networks, will buy Addison Lee for £269.1 million (about S$460.17 million). This deal will be financed through external borrowings.

Addison Lee is the largest premium point-to-point transport operator in the UK and will help CDG strengthen its position in the premium mobility market.

The acquisition includes a fleet of 5,000 vehicles and 7,500 drivers, which will be integrated into CityFleet’s existing network of private hire and black taxi services.

CDG’s Group CEO, Mr Cheng Siak Kian, sees the acquisition as expanding the group’s premium point-to-point services using Addison Lee’s expertise while boosting CDG’s presence in the UK.

Notably, about 90% of Addison Lee’s vehicles use cleaner energy, aligning with CDG’s goals to accelerate its fleet transition.

2. Parkway Life REIT

Parkway Life, a healthcare REIT, manages a portfolio of 64 properties across Singapore, Japan, and Malaysia, with assets worth S$2.25 billion as of Sept 30, 2024.

Earlier this month, the REIT announced it would buy 11 nursing homes worth €111.2 million (S$159.48 million) in France from DomusVi Group.

DomusVi ranks Europe’s third-largest aged care operator, with over 40 years of experience.

This acquisition is a sale-and-leaseback deal, allowing DomusVi to keep operating the nursing homes on a 12-year lease.

Following this transaction, Parkway Life REIT’s portfolio will grow to 75 properties valued at roughly S$2.42 billion.

The demographics in France make this acquisition appealing, as 22% of the population is over 65 years old.

No new supply is expected in the aged care market until 2028, pending government approval, which should support strong demand.

This deal is also expected to boost the distribution per unit (DPU), with the first half of 2024 projected to rise from S$0.0754 to S$0.0768, an increase of 1.8%.

3. Sheffield Green

Sheffield Green provides human resources services for the renewable energy sector. Recently, it opened its first offshore wind training centre in Chiayi County, Taiwan.

This facility aims to equip professionals with the skills needed to meet international standards and is part of Sheffield Green’s broader expansion into the Asia-Pacific region.

Taiwan’s offshore wind industry is expected to reach 5.7 gigawatts (GW) by 2025, creating a growing need for skilled labour.

Taiwan plans to generate 20% of its electricity from renewable sources by next year, attracting around US$33 billion (S$43.47 billion) in investments and creating 20,000 new jobs.

The training centre will provide Sheffield Green with a new revenue stream and strengthen its role as a solutions provider in the offshore wind sector.

The company has also signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding with Grupo Stier XXI S.L.U to explore acquiring a training centre business in Spain, which would help it establish a training presence in Europe.

4. Sembcorp Industries Ltd

Sembcorp Industries Ltd is a leading energy and urban solutions provider. The company has an energy portfolio of 21.4 GW, including 14.6 GW of renewable energy capacity. R

ecently, Sembcorp’s subsidiary received a letter of award for a 150 MW wind-solar hybrid power project from the Solar Energy Corporation of India Ltd (SECI).

This project is part of a 600 MW bid and will be funded through a mix of internal funds and debt.

Once finished, the energy produced will be sold to SECI for 25 years, increasing Sembcorp’s global renewable capacity to 14.6 GW.

Shortly after this announcement, Sembcorp signed a joint development programme with PT PLN Energi Primer Indonesia for a green hydrogen facility in Sumatra.

This facility aims to produce 100,000 metric tonnes of green hydrogen each year, potentially becoming Southeast Asia’s largest green hydrogen initiative. /TISG

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. It should not be considered Financial or Legal Advice. Investors should conduct their own due diligence before making major financial decisions

Featured image by Depositphotos (for illustration purposes only)

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