SG could face new 12.5% US tariff after forced labour trade probe
After the Office of the United States Trade Representative, a US trade agency, investigated 60 economies, Singapore was found to be one of 54 economies that have failed to impose and enforce a prohibition on imported goods made with forced labour.
As a result, the US proposed an additional 12.5 per cent tariff on economies that have failed in these categories.
The Ministry of Trade and Industry has rejected this claim and stated that there is no evidence of the Republic’s involvement in the supply chains of goods associated with forced labour to the US, and that it is not aware of any goods produced with forced labour that have been exported.
Life expectancy of locals rose to 83.9 years in 2025
According to the latest numbers from the Department of Statistics (DOS), Singaporeans are now expected to live longer, with a life expectancy of 83.9 years in 2025. Residents aged 65 in 2025 are expected to live to 86.6 years, according to DOS’s preliminary data.
Director for social sciences at A*STAR Institute for Human Development and Potential Jean Yeung said the increase in life expectancy in 2025 is modest but meaningful. “The key challenge is no longer simply extending lifespan, but extending healthy lifespan and maintaining quality of life in later years,” she said.
WP inner circle to discuss chief Pritam Singh’s suitability as leader on Jun 28
The Workers’ Party (WP) will hold a special cadres meeting with its inner circle members and ask party chief Pritam Singh to give his account on his two convictions of lying to a parliamentary committee, as well as discuss his resignation or continuance as party chief.
The meeting is scheduled for June 28 and will be chaired by Aljunied GRC MP Gerald Giam. The WP has roughly 100 cadres, who form its inner circle and elect its leadership.
Phoon Huat freezes prices of at least 100 essentials in June
Local baking supplies provider Phoon Huat is freezing prices of at least 100 daily essentials, such as flour and butter, in June to help residents cope with rising costs. Prices will also be kept stable for breakfast items, like cornflakes, as well as meal essentials such as pasta.
This initiative has been rolled out at all 19 of its RedMan and Phoon Huat stores islandwide and is exclusive to members of its RedMan Rewards loyalty programme, a free store membership.
Starting pay of local bus drivers to rise by $450 from January 2027
To encourage more locals to become bus drivers, the Government will fund a S$450 increase in monthly salaries, increasing the average monthly salary from S$3,600 to over S$4,000.
Additionally, the Land Transport Authority announced that existing bus drivers will receive a one-time pay bump to ensure fairness, boost recognition and recognise their hard work.
SJI International to move to Hougang by 2030
This move aims to support future growth and improve facilities, as the relocation will allow the school to expand its learning spaces and accommodate rising enrolment demand.
The current Thomson campus has been identified for future residential development as part of Singapore’s long-term land-use plans. School leaders said the new campus will offer enhanced educational facilities while maintaining the institution’s academic and community culture. Existing students are expected to continue their studies with minimal disruption during the transition period.
SIA retimes Japan flights due to Typhoon Jangmi
Singapore Airlines has adjusted the schedules of selected flights between Singapore and Japan after Typhoon Jangmi affected operations in parts of Japan. The airline said the changes were necessary to ensure passenger and crew safety amid adverse weather conditions.
Travellers were advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport and monitor updates from the airline. While some flights were delayed or retimed, Singapore Airlines continued operating services where conditions permitted. The airline said it would keep monitoring the situation and make further adjustments if necessary.
Endangered leopard cats in Changi to be relocated
The relocation will occur in the second half of 2026 as development projects advance in the area. Conservation authorities and wildlife experts will oversee the exercise to minimise risks to the animals and ensure suitable habitats are identified.
Leopard cats are Singapore’s last remaining wild cat species and are considered ecologically important. The relocation forms part of broader efforts to balance urban development with biodiversity conservation. Researchers will continue monitoring the animals after relocation to assess their adaptation and long-term survival in their new environments.
BTS concert tickets resold at up to five times face value
The strong demand reflects the K-pop group’s immense popularity and the eagerness of fans to secure seats. A reseller on StubHub was offering a VIP ticket by the stage for the show on Dec 20, a Sunday, at $8,896 – 23 times the original price.
However, the resale activity has sparked frustration among concertgoers who were unable to purchase tickets at official prices. Industry observers noted that ticket scalping remains a challenge for major entertainment events despite efforts by organisers and ticketing platforms to curb profiteering and unauthorised resales.
National movement launched to promote healthy digital habits
The movement aims to encourage Singaporean families to build healthier relationships with technology and encourage responsible digital use. The initiative promotes practical habits such as setting screen-time boundaries, creating device-free family moments and fostering open conversations about online behaviour.
As part of the movement, the Be Screen Smart portal also allows parents to curate content their children can access. The campaign brings together government agencies, community groups, schools and industry partners to support parents with resources and guidance.
