Singapore tackles tariffs with bold economic strategy review; Pritam reflects on WP’s GE2025 near misses: Singapore live news

5 months ago

Singapore has launched a forward-looking Economic Strategy Review (ESR) to navigate rising global uncertainties, including US-imposed tariffs and technological disruption. Spearheaded by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, the ESR will be driven by five new committees focused on global competitiveness, technology and innovation, entrepreneurship, human capital and economic restructuring.

Each committee is co-chaired by political leaders and includes stakeholders from the private sector and unions. The review aims to build on existing strategies while embracing new approaches, especially in areas like AI and workforce transformation. Singapore’s baseline tariff with the US now stands at 10 per cent, with further levies expected. The committees will engage widely and publish a final report by mid-2026. The ESR signals Singapore’s commitment to staying agile, competitive and resilient.

Workers’ Party (WP) leader Pritam Singh opened up about the 2025 General Election (GE2025) in a candid radio interview, revealing that the party had hoped to win one or two new constituencies. Despite retaining its strongholds, WP fell short in areas like Punggol and Tampines.

Pritam blamed boundary changes for forcing a strategic pivot, including the decision not to contest Marine Parade GRC. That move led to a walkover win for the PAP and criticism from other opposition parties. Pritam praised WP’s candidates for their courage and commitment, especially the 14 newcomers. He emphasised the importance of long-term planning over short-term gains. Pritam says WP may not have tipped new seats this time, but the fight for broader representation continues. More on Pritam's GE2025 candid interview here.

Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates.

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Government launches Economic Strategy Review to tackle global shifts
Singapore launches a sweeping Economic Strategy Review with five new committees to future-proof its economy against global disruptions and rising tariffs. (Photo: Annice Lyn/Getty Images)
Singapore has kicked off a major Economic Strategy Review (ESR) to safeguard its future amid rising US tariffs, geopolitical tensions and rapid technological change. Led by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, the review will culminate in a comprehensive report by mid-2026.
Five new committees will focus on global competitiveness, technology and innovation, entrepreneurship, human capital, and economic restructuring. Each is co-chaired by political office holders and includes private sector and union representatives.
The Global Competitiveness committee aims to reinforce Singapore’s status as a trusted investment hub. The Technology and Innovation group will explore AI adoption and digital transformation.
Meanwhile, the Entrepreneurship committee will strengthen the startup ecosystem, and the Human Capital team will equip workers for career mobility and resilience. The final committee will address the social and economic fallout of restructuring.
Pritam Singh shares WP’s GE2025 lessons learned
Workers' Party Secretary-General and Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh says his party “came close” to tipping new seats in the 2025 General Election (GE2025) but boundary shifts forced a tactical rethink. REUTERS/Edgar Su
Workers’ Party (WP) chief Pritam Singh hoped to “tip one or two more constituencies” in Singapore’s May 2025 General Election (GE2025). Despite strong efforts, the party retained its seats in Aljunied GRC, Sengkang GRC and Hougang, but couldn’t break into new ground like Punggol and Tampines.
Pritam cited boundary changes as a major factor, saying the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee’s adjustments forced WP to pivot its strategy. The party had previously contested Marine Parade GRC but chose not to this time, drawing criticism from other opposition groups.
Pritam praised WP’s 26 candidates, including 14 newcomers, for their grit and character. He emphasised the uphill battle smaller parties face due to limited resources.
For Pritam and WP, the fight continues. “We came close, not close enough. But that just tells you there’s still work to do,” he said.
Read on Pritam's GE2025 reflections here.

Tue, 5 August 2025 at 2:02 am GMT-4
Hiroshima and Nagasaki: 80 years since the atomic inferno
Eighty years on, the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki remain a haunting chapter of history, marked by firestorms, radiation, and enduring trauma. (AP Photo/U.S. Air Force)
Japan marks the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which killed an estimated 140,000 and 74,000 people respectively. On 6 August 1945, the U.S. dropped “Little Boy” on Hiroshima, followed by “Fat Man” on Nagasaki three days later.
The blasts unleashed temperatures of 7,000°C, incinerating everything within a 3km radius. Survivors described charred bodies, blinding flashes, and suffocating firestorms. Many died instantly; others succumbed to radiation sickness weeks or months later.
Radiation effects included vomiting, hair loss, and long-term cancer risks. Of 50,000 studied victims, 850 developed radiation-induced cancers. Survivors, known as hibakusha, faced social stigma and health challenges for decades.
The bombings led to Japan’s surrender on 15 August, ending World War II. But for many, the trauma never ended.
Read on the hibakusha revisiting the atomic bombings here.
Tue, 5 August 2025 at 1:00 am GMT-4
Zhao Lusi quits agency amid allegations of abuse and wage theft
Chinese actress Zhao Lusi says she’s done, quitting her agency after months of illness, alleged exploitation and threats of blacklisting. (Photo: Zhao Lusi/Instagram)
Chinese actress Zhao Lusi has publicly severed ties with her management agency, Galaxy Cool Entertainment, following explosive claims of financial exploitation and emotional mistreatment. In a series of Weibo posts, Zhao accused the agency of withdrawing 2.05 million yuan ($368,000) from her studio account without consent and failing to support her during a severe health crisis.
Zhao, 26, revealed she suffered from depression, pneumonia, hearing loss, and other ailments that left her wheelchair-bound in late 2024. Despite her condition, she claimed the agency pressured her to cancel endorsements and continue working, while leaving her to shoulder the financial fallout.
She also alleged verbal and physical abuse when she couldn’t secure roles, and said attempts to terminate her contract were obstructed. “You don’t need to blacklist me – I quit,” she declared.
Galaxy Cool responded with a statement expressing “shock” and denying any breach of contract. They urged Zhao to avoid “ambiguous” online posts that could mislead the public.
Zhao reposted their statement, refuting their claims and accusing them of gaslighting.
Read on Zhao Lusi quitting her agency here.
Tue, 5 August 2025 at 12:00 am GMT-4
Tanjong Katong Road reopens after sinkhole repairs
After a week-long closure due to a sinkhole, Tanjong Katong Road South reopens, easing commutes and calming nerves. (PhotoL Kua Chee Siong)
Tanjong Katong Road South has reopened after a sinkhole swallowed a car and disrupted traffic for days. The road closure impacted thousands, with diverted buses and extended travel times.
Authorities used liquefied stabilised soil to fill the sinkhole and deployed seismic sensors to ensure ground stability. The road reopened in two phases, with full access restored by 4 August.
Residents welcomed the return of bus services and shorter commutes. Some had avoided errands altogether during the closure.
The sinkhole was linked to a failed shaft at a PUB worksite. Investigations continue, and safety remains a top priority.
Seven migrant workers who saved a woman from the sinkhole were honoured by President Tharman at the Istana’s open house on Sunday (3 August).
Charity organisation ItsRainingRaincoats will host a celebration for the heroic workers on 10 August, after raising over $72,000 for they benefit.
Read on the Tanjong Katong Road South reopening here.
Mon, 4 August 2025 at 11:05 pm GMT-4
Recent traffic incidents paint a grim picture of road safety
Singapore’s roads have seen five serious incidents in recent weeks. (Photo: Getty Images)
Singapore’s roads have turned into cautionary tales recently, with at least five separate traffic incidents leaving two dead and three injured. On 2 August, a 23-year-old passenger died after her private-hire car rear-ended a bus in Yishun. Her injured friend performed CPR, but Queenie Leong succumbed in hospital.
That same morning, a 26-year-old woman was hit while jaywalking across Bideford Road near Orchard. Dashcam footage shows her sprinting into traffic, shattering a car windshield. She survived and was hospitalised.
On 29 July, a boy dashed across a pedestrian crossing at Yio Chu Kang Road and Hougang Avenue 9 while the red man signal was showing. He collided with a taxi and fell, but got up and walked away. ComfortDelGro confirmed a police report was filed.
Just days earlier, on 23 July , a nine-year-old boy was hit by a car at Moulmein Road and Sinaran Drive. Despite an overhead bridge nearby, he ran across the road and was struck. He was taken conscious to KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
On July 18, a motorcyclist died after skidding in Bedok.
Mon, 4 August 2025 at 10:20 pm GMT-4
BlueSG’s mass retrenchment precedes major service overhaul
BlueSG retrenched a significant portion of its workforce before announcing an operational pause. (Photo: REUTERS/Edgar Su)
Before pausing its operations on 8 August, BlueSG carried out a sweeping retrenchment affecting up to 80 per cent of its employees. The move was part of a broader push to reset the business amid plans for a bold platform upgrade and fleet revamp, according to reports.
The decision left staff scrambling and customers voicing concern over the sudden disruption, especially given the company’s pivotal role in Singapore’s green mobility ecosystem. BlueSG is Singapore’s only point-to-point EV car-sharing service.
BlueSG has offered severance packages and career support, signalling hope for rehiring in the future.
Shortly after the layoffs, BlueSG announced its service suspension. Existing users will have access until 31 August. The Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) has since stepped in to assist users with refunds and account queries through its hotline (6277 5100) or website,
BlueSG's updated platform and fleet are expected to return in 2026, but for many, the layoffs mark an unsettling start to this supposed transformation.