“We need to be more productive. I think AI can be a game changer.”: PM Lawrence Wong at Singapore Press Club dialogue
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said that artificial intelligence (AI) can improve productivity in cities with labour shortages like Singapore, at a dialogue organised by the Singapore Press Club on June 8.
“We can harness AI well to really transform processes and operations to become far more productive. And in a city like Singapore, where we are always labour short – you talk to companies and employers, they are always looking for people, and we cannot afford to just keep importing labour,” he said.
Singapore blocks online posts targeting Indian community
Authorities have ordered social media platforms to block 14 posts that suggest that the Republic are overrun by the Indian community. Investigations showed that the content most likely originated from a platform based in China and was subsequently carried on other platforms and websites, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said in a statement on June 6.
Ministers, such as Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong and Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo, have given statements condemning the content and urging residents to be vigilant against these narratives that aim to create racial divisions.
Salaries for AI workers grow five times higher than overall growth of wages
According to recruitment firm Robert Walters Singapore, pay for AI roles has grown by five times compared to the overall growth in wages in 2025, with a growth of 15 to 25 per cent, as compared to the Ministry of Manpower’s figures of overall growth in wages of 4.9 per cent.
Additionally, the salaries of fresh graduates in the AI industry are said to be between S$70,000 and S$90,000 a year.
NParks staff among those being investigated for handling snake on Mandai trail
A National Parks Board (NParks) employee is among several people under investigation for handling a snake in a wooded area in Mandai. It is illegal to capture or displace any animals in a public park in Singapore, unless special permission is given. Videos and photos of the incident surfaced on May 31 in a public Facebook group.
Responding to queries from The Straits Times, NParks’ group director for enforcement and investigation, Jessica Kwok, on June 10 confirmed that one of its staff had been present, without identifying him. She said that he had been there in his personal capacity.
Shopee cuts hundreds of developer jobs in pivot to AI
Hundreds of developer jobs have been cut in Sea’s Shopee, with a total reduction of about 8 per cent of the developer workforce, according to people familiar with the matter. The slashes have been made as the company pivots to using more AI, following suit with its competitors.
Sea, the Singapore-headquartered operator of online retailer Shopee, is making structural shifts after chief executive Forrest Li declared that a trillion-dollar market capitalisation was possible if his company doubled down on AI, though it is unclear whether the job cuts are directly linked to this initiative.
Singapore introduces new $10,000 grant for third and subsequent children
Singapore has unveiled a new package of measures aimed at encouraging larger families amid persistently low birth rates. A key feature is the $10,000 Large Family MediSave Grant for every third and subsequent child born from Feb 18. Around 5,000 children are expected to benefit annually.
Additional support includes annual LifeSG credits and increased preschool subsidies to help offset child-raising costs. The measures build on existing schemes such as the Baby Bonus and parental leave provisions. The government hopes the enhanced support will ease financial concerns and encourage couples who desire larger families to have more children.
All Singapore households to receive $500 CDC vouchers
Households can claim the $500 from June 11 as part of ongoing efforts to cushion the impact of living costs. Half of the vouchers can be used at participating hawkers and heartland merchants, while the remainder can be spent at supermarkets.
Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong said the Government is closely monitoring economic conditions and remains prepared to provide further support if necessary. The vouchers form part of a broader package announced in Budget 2025 to help households manage expenses while supporting neighbourhood businesses and sustaining spending within local communities.
World Cup season activities at Changi Airport
Changi Airport is marking the start of the football season with a range of World Cup-themed activities designed to attract fans and visitors. The programme includes free screenings of selected matches, interactive football games, family-friendly activities, and the screening of a new football-related film.
The initiative is part of Changi Airport’s strategy to strengthen its position as both a travel hub and lifestyle destination. Organisers expect strong participation from football enthusiasts as excitement builds ahead of major international football tournaments.
Driver in fatal CTE crash allegedly impaired by etomidate
A 34-year-old man who caused one death and two injuries after allegedly driving under the influence of etomidate on the CTE will be charged on June 10. The crash resulted in the death of a motorcyclist and has drawn attention because of growing concerns over the misuse of etomidate, a sedative normally used in medical settings.
Investigations are ongoing, and the court has yet to determine the accused’s criminal liability.
Yakult Orange discontinued, fans mourn popular drink
A flavoured variation of the well-known probiotic drink, Yakult Orange, has been discontinued, disappointing many consumers who had grown attached to the product over the years. The announcement sparked nostalgic reactions online, with fans sharing memories and lamenting the loss of a favourite childhood beverage.
While the company has not indicated plans to bring the flavour back, the classic Yakult range remains available.
