Seven container companies’ execs, including shipping veteran Teo Siong Seng, accused of price fixing by the US
Seven executives of shipping container companies, including Singaporean shipping veteran Teo Siong Seng, have been accused by the United States of colluding to fix the prices of dry containers from November 2019 until at least January 2024.
As a result, the prices of standard shipping containers are said to have roughly doubled between 2019 and 2021, noted the US Department of Justice in a statement on May 19.
The four companies are China International Marine Containers, CXIC Group Containers, Shanghai Universal Logistics Equipment, and Singamas Container Holdings.
Meta lays off over 8,000 workers, over 100 in Singapore, due to AI-focused restructuring
Over 8,000 Meta employees globally received layoff emails in the morning hours of May 20, with more than 100 being in Singapore, according to former employees.
This restructuring was done as a result of the company’s push towards artificial intelligence. This latest round of cuts affected mainly engineering and product teams, and more layoffs could come later in 2026.
CAAS ‘actively monitoring’ fuel emergencies on flights into SG amid Middle-East conflict
The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore’s director general, Han Kok Juan, said that it is actively monitoring the number of fuel-related emergencies declared by foreign carriers, both local and foreign, on flights arriving in Singapore.
Airlines must ensure their aircraft have enough fuel to sustain longer journeys caused by routes diverting from conflict areas, and potential contingencies, he added, warning that carriers facing financial pressures from elevated fuel prices must still put safety first and sustain their expenditure on safety.
Gardenia Foods shifts bakery operations to Malaysia, retrenching 141 employees
Bread manufacturer Gardenia Foods will retrench 141 employees at its Singapore manufacturing facility after announcing on May 20 that it is shifting its bakery production to Johor Bahru.
The Pandan Loop factory will remain its headquarters, overseeing functions such as brand management, product development, daily distribution and supply chain operations.
After the exercise, Gardenia Foods will still have 250 employees in Singapore, which will remain its headquarters for key functions, said the company.
Youth under investigation over suspected scams with more than $5 million in losses
A 15-year-old is among 295 people being investigated for their suspected roles in scams with reported losses of more than $5 million, following a police crackdown in the past fortnight.
The scammers, aged between 15 and 76, are believed to be involved in more than 750 cases of scams, such as those of the e-commerce, impersonation, job, investment and rental varieties, said the police in a statement on May 21.
Snow City to close after 26 years; last day of operations on Sept 30
Singapore’s first indoor snow park, Snow City, will be melting away this year after 26 years, with its last day of operations on Sep 30.
The closure reflects the Science Centre Board’s (SCB) commitment to “keeping its offerings fresh and relevant amid shifting visitor interests and an evolving attractions landscape”, Science Centre Singapore said in a statement on May 19.
Affected staff will be supported closely, with eight full-time employees already being offered redeployment opportunities within SCB.
CDA is stepping up public health measures to prevent imported cases of Ebola after WHO warning
The Communicable Diseases Agency said that Singapore is stepping up measures following the Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda after the World Health Organisation declared it a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern”.
Health advisories on the current Ebola outbreak are now displayed at all points of entry to Singapore for incoming travellers, instructed to monitor themselves for symptoms and to seek medical attention if unwell, and outbound travellers, instructed to take necessary precautions.
Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung says risk of another pandemic crisis remains after recent Ebola outbreak news
In Geneva, an event on global pandemic preparedness and response was organised by the Communicable Diseases Agency Singapore (CDA), the Robert Koch Institute and the World Health Organisation.
Speaking at the event, Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung said that the risk of another pandemic crisis remains, especially after the recent Ebola and hantavirus infections around the world.
“These are timely reminders that infectious disease threats continue to emerge and evolve,” said Mr Ong.
Investigative report on SQ321 finds that neither the pilots nor the radar detected the severe turbulence
In its final report, The Transport Safety Investigation Bureau found that the inclement weather that led to the severe turbulence that hit Singapore Airlines flight SQ321 could not be detected by the onboard radar and visual inspection of the skies by the pilots in their immediate flight path also indicated there were no clouds.
The London-to-Singapore flight was hit in May 2024, as it flew over Myanmar, killing one British passenger from heart failure and excess fluid in the lungs, and injuring 79 others.
Singapore will undergo an assessment by UN atomic watchdog in 2027
The International Atomic Energy Agency, an United Nations atomic watchdog, will review Singapore’s readiness to make a decision on deploying nuclear energy. The first phase of the Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review will happen in 2027.
The assessment will include evaluating the country’s capabilities in 19 critical areas such as nuclear safety, radioactive waste management and emergency planning.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who announced this review, said that this does not imply a firm decision to start using nuclear energy but will help the nation explore options and its own capacity if it decides to.
